The Chronicles of Mystria: Times of Sorrow I

[United World Order]

Jeremiah kept looking around and around and left the city of Sardoc and headed off into the woods with his fellow companions as they began trecking the woods

[Crystal Spires]

" And if the dwarf does not stop pointing his wepon at me this will not end well."

"This is Gundral Ironfist. He's royalty, and it would do best to address him with proper respect Knight Commander. Commanding a prince thusly will cause an international incident, and especially when he's here to extradite Mr. Nascent for crimes he willingly committed in this Prince's homeland. Jabrill Nascent has committed crimes against Caltris, Mordovia, and Terradin. Our sentence, while merciful was at High Priestess Yorla's suggestion, and so Caltris's sentence has been carried out but she and I have no Jurisdiction over Terradin nor its affiliates, and now that this has been declared in the name of friendship with our dwarven neighbors. A granted extradition a small price to pay for peace between two nations don't you agree? Moreover you do desire to know how to use the relics don't you?" Maven asked with a smile. "Stand aside Knight Commander, and I will tell you."

"Arvok..." Jabrill looked at Arvok with tired eyes.

[Crystal Spires]

Jeremiah kept looking around and around and left the city of Sardoc and headed off into the woods with his fellow companions as they began trecking the woods

Jeremiah found the body of a boy whose throat had been slit on the road discarded. There are carriage tracks in the ground leading eastward.

[United World Order]

Jeremiah kept looking around and around and left the city of Sardoc and headed off into the woods with his fellow companions as they began trecking the woods

Jeremiah found the body of a boy whose throat had been slit on the road discarded. There are carriage tracks in the ground leading eastward.

Jeremiah looked at the body and felt his pusle seeing there was none he closed the boys eyes and stood up and saw Carriage tracks leading east as he and his team followed knowing justice was soon to be dealt

[Democratic Eurasia]

"No. Maven you seem to fail to understand. He is serving his sentence. A commuted death sentence. His,er, highess may wish to extradite him, but legally he cannot. Not until the first sentence has been served. Then we add that that sentence is being served under my tutleage. I am an acting Templar of Nenya, sworn to act as Jabrill's guardian. In both senses. So- no. Now tell me what we need to know to save the world, and get your people moving on the Grimoire. Stop playing me for a fool. Your Highness, if you want to work a seperate deal out regarding Jabrill then speak to me later. At the moment my prisoner is legally occupied. And out the weapon down. I am Knight-Commander of the Order of Serion. Threatening me means threatening the Order. And come the think of it, the Nenyan Church too. I can raise more international incidents than you can."

[Crystal Spires]

Jeremiah looked at the body and felt his pusle seeing there was none he closed the boys eyes and stood up and saw Carriage tracks leading east as he and his team followed knowing justice was soon to be dealt

The tracks led to a small town. The town was not even on any major maps. The people looked worn and exhausted and they seemed to be farmhands working the Shaei fruit trees. The overwhelming smell of Sweet Shaei fruits seemed to waft through the air. A few aidworkers from the High Council seemed to be in the middle of the town distributing medicine and food. At the very least, it seemed like the town was kept in contact with Caltris. There seemed to be something off though. There was so few people of appropriate age that were working the fields. Either they were too young, or they were too old. Jeremiah watched an old man carrying a bag of Shaei fruits. They looked like coconut sized peaches.

[Yesopalitha]

Outside the City of Caltris

Nirdasil read the Lucante Griomoire and was contemplating her fate when she heard a noise behind her.

She turned around, blade in hand, but relaxed when she realized that it was just Tarahal.

"My Lady, sorry for disturbing you... That was not my intention," Tarahal spoke.

"It's all right... I'm just... Jumpy..." Nirdasil admitted. Then she turned and looked at him. "Tarahal... Who am I?"

"You are the Leader of the Unbidden, My Lady," Tarahal stated automatically.

"I know that. It's just... Before I was transformed... I had no problem killing things. Hurting them. Causing people pain. But now... things are different. God, I really did kill all those people before! I killed the Shinzu! I... I turned thousands of people into Vampires and Unbidden... And then I killed over one hundred thousand Unbidden! I just wanted them to all die! What... What was I... and why is that this bugs me now? I am so confused..." Nirdasil admitted.

"Did you not read the Griomoire, My Lady?" Tarahal answered, "You are now two-fifths Bidden and three-fifths Unbidden. Also, Vampires and Werewolves are more Bidden than they'd like to believe. You have a conscience now, a sense of moral right and wrong. A heart, and feelings that come with it. This is the consequence."

"God! I... I turned you from a White Knight into a Vampire... Made you do things! Ah! I'm an evil person! The blood of hundreds of thousands is on my hands! I deserve death!" Nirasil screamed, and took out a knife. "I hope you forgive me by my own death," she said, and moved her hand to stab herself in the neck.

Tarahal grabbed her wrist, causing the knife to fall to the floor.

"Killing yourself won't do you any good, My Lady. The fact is that the Unbidden need a Leader. Sure, you may have abused them in the past, but we need you. A Leader of our people. One that will help us secure a Homeland... For our prosperity. You're no good to us dead. It is true that this conscience stuff wasn't planned. But perhaps it is best that it has happened," Tarahal said, looking at her, "The Unbidden still need you."

"But... How will you ever forgive me?" Nirdasil asked, her face in tears, "I mean... How will anyone believe me? We are Unbidden, Tarahal. Misunderstood, hunted, killed. No one wants anything to do with us. And I have hurt you more than I ever knew... I don't deserve to live."

"Perhaps you do not. But live you must for your people. The Cowl of Mourning is now in the Fox-Beastling's hands. I gave it to him..." Tarahal admitted.

"What? Why?" Nirdasil asked, "Why would you do that?"

"Because they say that the Cowl can make anything that is corrupt clean. This is the truth, My Lady. Most of the Unbidden have been neglected by the Bidden so long that they have become what they are rumored to be. Cruel. Cursed. But I have always remained a bit pure in the inside.. And now you have a conscience yourself. I plan to go back and be cured of this Corruption... And to serve the Bidden once more," Tarahal said, "You can come with me... I'm sure they'll cure you too."

"No, Tarahal... It is true that you deserve such... And I am glad that you will become what you once were. However... I cannot do so. I have nothing that I once was. One must have been corrupted in order to be made clean. If one was born corrupt... Then there is nothing to cleanse. Besides, I attacked them... To escape. They have no reason to mistrust you. Go, and be cleansed, be free. Just promise me something," she insisted.

"What is it, My Lady?" Tarahal asked.

"Tell them.. Who the Unbidden really are... Why we are the way we are... That all we really want is a Homeland... No more death. No more evil. No more pain... Tell them," Nirdasil begged.

"I will, My Lady," Tarahal promised, "I swear. What will you do from this point on?"

"I have sent one to see if he can gather the Relics without hurting anyone by sneaking around them. Maybe he will... I do not know any idea of how to get the Bidden to recognize us without getting the Relics myself. If I must hurt in order to do so, I must. I owe the Unbidden that much," she replied, sorrow in her eyes, "It is a harsh life... But I deserve it. I suppose I will need to gather the rest of the Unbidden... But do not resort to force if at all necessary... Maybe negotiate while looking for the Relics."

Tarahal looked at her, "It isn't an easy life, living the way you and I do. But do know that every moment we live, every action we take, we are helping our own cause... And we are doing what is good, what is right. Stay safe. The Unbidden need you... And really, Mystria needs you, for without you, things would be a lot worse among the Unbidden and the Bidden. Stay safe, My Lady, and may Zaiden protect you."

"Tarahal?" Nirdasil said, tears streaming down her face, "I think sometimes that if I had had a father, I wish that he had been like you."

"You honor me, My Lady. Even after I am turned free from the Corruption, I will not forget you. This I promise," and with those words, Tarahal left, and turned back to the City.

Nirdasil watched him leave, and sighed. The woman who had once been the thing called The Unnamed One felt her eyes sting as the tears continued to fall.

If this is the way I have to live, then so be it... As long as we get to have a Homeland...

[United World Order]

Jeremiah looked at the body and felt his pusle seeing there was none he closed the boys eyes and stood up and saw Carriage tracks leading east as he and his team followed knowing justice was soon to be dealt

The tracks led to a small town. The town was not even on any major maps. The people looked worn and exhausted and they seemed to be farmhands working the Shaei fruit trees. The overwhelming smell of Sweet Shaei fruits seemed to waft through the air. A few aidworkers from the High Council seemed to be in the middle of the town distributing medicine and food. At the very least, it seemed like the town was kept in contact with Caltris. There seemed to be something off though. There was so few people of appropriate age that were working the fields. Either they were too young, or they were too old. Jeremiah watched an old man carrying a bag of Shaei fruits. They looked like coconut sized peaches.

Jeremiah and his team started to walk through the town seeing the tracks were gone they started to look around for any signs of the killers

[Crystal Spires]

"And come the think of it, the Nenyan Church too. I can raise more international incidents than you can."

"Well what will you say to his Highness's people who desire him to undergo his trial in Terradin?" Maven said with a smile.

Was this another test? Maven seemed to be very much like he had before. He seemed to be watching Jabrill this time instead of Arvok. Arvok also noticed Maven's hand upon his cane.

"Every sentient being is responsible for their own words, thoughts, and actions and are obligated by law not to willingly commit harm to another sentient being with greed, hatred, or ignorance as a motivation." Words he quoted from the hymns to Fornt. "Do you believe yourself to be above the law, Jabrill Nascent?"

Jabrill sighed and shook his head. "I don't."

[Crystal Spires]

Jeremiah and his team started to walk through the town seeing the tracks were gone they started to look around for any signs of the killers

There seemed to be little sign of the killers, but there were plenty of Traders picking up the Shaei fruits, an old man sadly sat on a bench exhausted from the day's work. The cold also began to raise bumps on everyone's skin.

[Democratic Eurasia]

"Good. And that's why he's serving hs sentence now. What do I say to the dwarves? I don't say anything more than I've already said. Sorry, but your request cannot be accomodated. I am genuinely said for this conflict of interests. Please put your weapon away. Also I ask him this: What do you know about the Cloak and the Harp? Particularly their whereabouts, powers and how to use them. Any information could be vital. Maven, we don't have time for tests and games."

[United World Order]

Jeremiah and his team started to walk through the town seeing the tracks were gone they started to look around for any signs of the killers

There seemed to be little sign of the killers, but there were plenty of Traders picking up the Shaei fruits, an old man sadly sat on a bench exhausted from the day's work. The cold also began to raise bumps on everyone's skin.

Jeremiah went over to the old man and offered him a drink of water from his pouch of water with a smile

[Austington]

Fisk Black pondered over the scene rapidly unfolding in front of him. 'Did I just hear that guy right?' he questioned himself, knowing his ears don't deceive him. He, with his excellent memory, locked that bit of information away for later use. 'Well this changes the plan a bit, I could get alot more out of this guy. Hmm.' He shrugged and pickpocketed the Barmaid's pouch while she was focused on the commotion. He slides out of his seat and moves a tad bit closer to the crowd that are rapily forming around the men.

[Crystal Spires]

"Maven, we don't have time for tests and games."

"It is said that the Cowl of Mourning is said to be able to remove all impurities of taint, corruption, and stains of evil upon the wearer, it was kissed by Goddess Nenya, and it can only be activated by a true adherent in the faith with a noble heart. They must sing the Dirge of Mourning with a selfless heart, and then the Cloak will cure whomever is wearing it." Maven said as he looked at Arvok. "There we go, all and well?" Maven said as he tapped his rod.

[Crystal Spires]

Jeremiah went over to the old man and offered him a drink of water from his pouch of water with a smile

The man gratefully accepted the pouch of water and looked at Jeremiah. "You aren't from around here stranger. What brings you to Taelisven?"

[League of Emberg]

Gundral growled ans returned his pistol to his belt "This slight will not be forgotten Knight. You may keep the scum but let it be known once he has completed your fools errand he will come and accept punishment for his crimes." he glared at the knight and walked back to his table.

[Crystal Spires]

Jabrill took a deep breath and sighed in relief and watched as the very angry dwarf lowered the gun.

That almost...I almost... That High Chancellor BASTARD.

"Your Highness." He said while bowing to the Dwarf, "I do vow to serve my sentence after I do the task I am sworn to do. I can't just give up now when I'm so close, I hope you'll find it in your heart to be patient." Jabrill said

I won't likely even get a trial in Terradin. I'll be lynched, not that it matters. That's assuming I can even get the Flower.

[United World Order]

Jeremiah went over to the old man and offered him a drink of water from his pouch of water with a smile

The man gratefully accepted the pouch of water and looked at Jeremiah. "You aren't from around here stranger. What brings you to Taelisven?"

"Im here with several others to track down a killer of a child, Do you know by anychance a carriage comming by here?" Jeremiah asked nicely

[Democratic Eurasia]

Arvok paused and looked at the dwarf,
"Your Highness, no slight was intended. But thank you for your understanding. Your decision allows a vital mission to continue, sir. Perhaps, you would like to contribute? The treefolk Cherry will need to again work to recover the Grimoire. You clearly have a level of trust from the High Chancellor- perhaps if you began to assemble a team with her to recover it we could meet with success quickly." he turned to the High Chancellor, "And thank you, sir. But please, do continue. What can you tell me about the Harp? And not just its powers- where should our search start?"

[Crystal Spires]

"Im here with several others to track down a killer of a child, Do you know by anychance a carriage comming by here?" Jeremiah asked nicely

"Carriage comes by every week. Brings in supplies and tools to take care of the Shaei fruit trees." The old man leaned over and looked at Jeremiah with tears in his eyes. "So there was a child who was killed? Such things are unspeakable crimes." The old man said as he coughed from weakness. "There's no one who will believe us. There are people being kidnapped from small towns, and even though they have sent domestic defense forces and uncorruptibles, and even Knights of Serion, no one believes us."

[United World Order]

"Im here with several others to track down a killer of a child, Do you know by anychance a carriage comming by here?" Jeremiah asked nicely

"Carriage comes by every week. Brings in supplies and tools to take care of the Shaei fruit trees." The old man leaned over and looked at Jeremiah with tears in his eyes. "So there was a child who was killed? Such things are unspeakable crimes." The old man said as he coughed from weakness. "There's no one who will believe us. There are people being kidnapped from small towns, and even though they have sent domestic defense forces and uncorruptibles, and even Knights of Serion, no one believes us."

"And who are the people behind these acts and where are they located?" Jeremiah asked

[Crystal Spires]

"And thank you, sir. But please, do continue. What can you tell me about the Harp? And not just its powers- where should our search start?"

"You should start your search in where it was last seen in the far mountains in the valleys of the dwarf kingdom when it went missing." Maven said to Arvok with a laugh. "So you see... you really don't have much of a choice seeker. Heading to Terradin to face your crimes is an inevitability." He said to Jabrill. "Unless Lord Gundral appeals to his father which is most doubtful." Maven said as he crossed his arms. "The Spectral Harp is said to be blessed by Goddess Enwe with the power of magic, so whomever would listen to it's enchanted melody would be at the total mercy and command of the player. It is the most dangerous of all relics."

[Crystal Spires]

"And who are the people behind these acts and where are they located?" Jeremiah asked

"I don't rightly know Milord, but I think that they've come from the West. I don't know for what reason they come. I heard Madame Lucine talk about slavers, but she runs the nearby pub to the north. You could try asking her."

[United World Order]

"And who are the people behind these acts and where are they located?" Jeremiah asked

"I don't rightly know Milord, but I think that they've come from the West. I don't know for what reason they come. I heard Madame Lucine talk about slavers, but she runs the nearby pub to the north. You could try asking her."

"Thank you for your help" Jeremiah said as he went to the nearby pub to the north and entered it seeing Madame Lucine, He went up to her and smiled, "Hello, My name is Jeremiah and im looking for information on some slavers that receantly killed a child" Jeremiah said

[Crystal Spires]

"Thank you for your help" Jeremiah said as he went to the nearby pub to the north and entered it seeing Madame Lucine, He went up to her and smiled, "Hello, My name is Jeremiah and im looking for information on some slavers that receantly killed a child" Jeremiah said

"I'm sorry I don't know what you're talking about." Madame Lucine said nervously as she went into the back room of her pub.

Who is this stranger? He's asking about the dead child, is he perhaps another slaver?

"I'm sorry we're closed!" Madame Lucine said to Jeremiah