The things we found in the back hall will prove useful but I am worried about that book. Tenedos seems to have a taste for magic objects regardless of their origin or nature.
I wish we could have made it back to Freeport unnoticed but given Groehls nature and the fact that I was a walking beacon of light we had little chance at that. Along the way we ran into a black robe who shared a bit of news with us. Seems that Thelasira is dead. She was killed on walkers key early today. Whats worse is a mojority of black robes suspect us. I quickly asked how we could have been responsible if we were coming from Hobbes End in the South could have killed here earlier in the day in the northern most end of the Islands. The black robe seemed sastified with this and said he would pass on our words. Can this get worse.
We headed straight for atrios and his shrine. He graciously removed the shining effect of my failed scroll. We told him what happened and shared the news of Thelesiras death. In truth I feel a bit bad about her dying. I would never say I liked the bitch but you had to respect her.
We retired to the inn to rest and I wanted to go through the scrolls. The message from Brunis is confusing as always but it seems to point towards Citadel. Perhaps we may be able to return home. The others were records from the cult save for a few strange messages refering to them having capture a female and tearing secrets from her mind. Also they said Attazar would be arriving on the island. At this point Grizzlegast had some talking to do.
Seems Attazar served Urchagall the same time as our goblin friend. What Grizzlegast told us next normally would have come as a shock if we hadnt have been facing aberrations for the last few months. Attazar is a beholder. A race of abberrations. I dont know much about them but I intend to learn. I truly hate that species. Attazars origin was dark and vile...totally fitting his character I assume. If we face him we will need every skill and trick we have.
We talked for a while and the idea that Arcelia was the most likely victim that they spoke of in the scrolls was unanimous. It was about this time I realized Tenedos had slipped out while we werent paying attention. I had a bad feeling and decided to seek him out he did after all have that book with him. The door to his room was locked. Gim had come with me and was knocking to see if anyone was in there. Gambolt answered and said Tenedos was in there as well. With Gambolt present we didnt need to worry about what was happening now. We can always ask the little gnome later.
Hunter had come out offering to open the door by force but we thought better of it and returned to the others. I said I wanted to talk to Atrios and we headed for his shrine. I thought that those crates that Arcelia was so careful about would have something to help us. We had to convince Atrios it was for the greated good being opening them would be bending his orders rules about their client properties. He said he would meet with us in the morning.
Fine by me time for some dinner.
Dinner was good but what was better was Gambolt came down without Tenedos. This gave me the chance I needed. Gambolt told us about Tenedos studying the book. Everyone was not happy about this for the book was obviously of dark magic but we agreed not to take any overt actions yet. I didnt want to because I thought his studying of the book may help us in the day to come. Ill take any advantage I can get to kill these things and Tenedos read the book of his own free will Im just hoping his new gained knowledge is of use to us. If at anytime he seems to be changed in a manner that appears for the worst for him then Ill intervene but not yet.
The next day Atrios waited in the main room with a feast fit for nobles. I cant remember a time that I have eaten so well. Sorry Gims mother but this food was incredible. After we ate Atrios showed us a map that had been among Arcelias things. It showed the locations the orders had been searching Walkers Key for the entrance to the aboleths lair. Most spots were marked off but a few were left. We decided to set out immediately. There was no time to waste. We may finally bring an end to these monsters...at least for Baratoria. I looked at each one of my companions. Groehl determined to seek Throrns glory in defeating these powerful enemies. Gim ready to destroy the vile unnatural creatures with Kano by his side. Hunter silent and attentive some glint of anger in his eyes...perhaps he hates these monstrosities as much as I. Tenedos withdrawn and distracted...the book may be taking a toll on him but I think he will not fail when the time comes.
Now it is time to head out. To our glory or deaths this will be a battle to remember. |
