The sun set as we escorted Vern Powell to the Shardlight ordinate precinct. He warned us that time was running out for Bishop Theodore Calvers. We attempted to formulate a plan, but fatigue dulled our collective sharpness; it has been three long, unrelenting days. Moreover, Yedan-Neric has grown progressively more withdrawn and physically unwell over the days. Since none of us were familiar with the precinct or their defenses, I offered the best improvisation I could devise under the constraints, but I needed more time or more information. Preferably both.
Upon arrival, Mazarin and Charles accompanied Vern through the initial intake process. I remained at the entrance with Yedan and Sal. Mazarin contacted me telepathically: something was going wrong. I attempted to create a distraction, but I must acknowledge a shortcoming. Theatrics and deception are not weapons I wield with confidence.
The precinct erupted in violence shortly after. A skirmish broke out within the intake chamber. Yedan walked through walls and attacked with shadows. An unexpected development. I engaged with one of the guards: dagger-trained, fast, and deliberate. For once, it was not a beast or corrupted wretch but a fighter with discipline and form. I landed several clean strikes before he pierced my side; a moment later, Mazarin incapacitated him with a table.
We escaped with both Vern and Theodore. Marrion met us at the edge of Vellum Heights, where we handed the bishop off to a healer. She was relieved and appeared grateful. I continue to find it disarming how transparently her emotions read on her face.
Vern provided a full account. His involvement in the smuggling the mindflayer tadpoles began three quarters ago. Contacted by an operative tied to The Sanctiforge, he facilitated their acquisition and transfer. Since their viability away from the psychic network was weak, they were infected with vampirism by a Drakemire artificer, allowing them to be sustained on blood during transport at the cost of being more feral, but less predictable and more fragile.
He used dead drops scattered across the Shardlight District, many surrounding Elvire’s sacred well. Approximately 80 tadpoles in total. Charles suggested scheduling another drop to observe who came to the next pick up. Vern declined as his incentive, coin, was gone and he wanted to get out of the business. It appears that without a supplier, the network is at least partially stalled.
Marrion voiced the question we all must consider: what does Elvire plan to do with a force of mindflayers? She reminded us that our original assignment is, by all formal measure, complete. She asked us to consider remaining to pursue Elvire further, offering to requisition supplies through the Ledgerman. Although she tried to seem indifferent about our decision, a part of me suspected she wanted us to stay.
NOTE: Third-hand accounts suggest Marrion and Yedan-Neric held a private exchange regarding his history. She mentioned multiple dates of birth, discrepancies in personal timelines, and the mark on his hand that no one would discuss. Marrion reportedly referenced The Sixth House and posed the question of whether Yedan recognized the name Samita. He responded by asking if she was alive. Her answer, if any, was not heard.
The wound from the precinct guard began to throb and an uneasy lightness crept into my limbs. Charles insisted I tend to it with more care and requested I make use of his first aid skills and supplies. He did not seem to understand that injury is not something I fear, nor is it something I soothe. Within my House, wounds are reminders of failure. In the absence of formal Pruning, the pain must linger. It is the method by which correction is made permanent. I explained this to him, plainly and without defensiveness. Charles disagreed, audibly. To me though, it feels correct.
NOTE: Charles and Yedan were seen ascending a nearby plateau to map the surrounding area. Though full details remain unclear, Yedan reportedly invited Charles to call him “Nery,” a name once used by former companions. What could be overheard suggested a mutual detachment from both the Empire and the Founder. Yedan is said to have voiced quiet confidence in the trustworthiness of their new group.
Despite every complication, we completed the mission. Calvers is safe. Marrion is satisfied. We did not burn the precinct down. That qualifies as success.
Tonight, I run my sword forms, not in preparation, but as reflection. I shift my footwork to mimic the dagger fighter’s angles. I replay my own errors in sequence. The wound stiffens my movement. It reminds me. Through fire and steel, through death and rebirth.
Only purity remains.
People
Current Places
- The Sanctiforge
- The Shardlight District
- Vellum Heights
Recap Video
https://youtu.be/jxAU8bzi44A?si=WTc6cw__EL32Sa5S
“Welcome back, old friend… It took far longer than expected, but I believe we have won our freedom.”