Episode 20: Chapter 2

The flames leapt into the dark mid afternoon sky. Sparks drifted like fireflies against the dim twilight. Above the crackle of the flames was the sound of panicked shouting as townsfolk appeared from all around. Some came just to stare at the spectacle of the growing inferno, perversely enjoying the warmth given off by the tragedy that befallen the town. Others were vigorously shovelling snow or trying to find buckets for dousing nearby roofs and to stop the fire from spreading and engulfing the whole town. 

Amidst the chaos there was a moment of absolute silence and the world seemed to turn in slow motion for Shayde as she knelt on the frozen ground hunched over the body of her lost former love Captain Skath, a single tear running down her face. Then suddenly the snap back to reality came as Grom's thick hand gently grabbed her shoulder.

"Come now lass, let's get the body away from the fire", and with that the 4 of them dragged the bodies of Captain Skath and speaker Maxidilnarr away from the burning remains of the Luskan Arms. As they got a hundred yards or so away from the building the inevitable happened as the roof and upper floors now completely engulfed in flames imploded inwards sending up masses of smoke and embers. 

Tor turned and marched back towards the scene. The light of the inferno casting long shadows of her huge frame. There in the glow she took up "Ravasin's Frost Staff", turned her face to the sky and began to speak the incantation that would call forth a storm of sleet and hail and wind directly over the burning tavern. Dark thick swirling  bulbous clouds formed and a deluge of rain, sleet and ice poured onto the burning remains. Instantly a thunderous hissing sound erupted and clouds of thick black steam and ash spewed forth like a volcano, but within seconds the intensity of the fire had been cooled to merely glowing embers, the charred skeleton of the insides now visible through the gaping openings where doors and windows had once been. 

Shayde looked at Aldrick, the deep sadness on her face melting like the ice around the fire, resetting in her usual stern expression. " Although he is dead, the liar can still reveal his secrets to us", exclaimed Shayde as she withdrew the "Locket of Lost Lovers" from her pack and placed it back around her neck. "With this we can ask him 5 questions". 

"Yes, do it" said Aldrick. "Ask him about this white witch and any other members of the brotherhood", Aldrick said, his voice taking on a deep thoughtful tone. "And see if he knows the whereabouts of this ship that bought Dzaan here, there could be clues on board.......and if he can tell us where the lost spire is.....".

And so Shayde took hold of the amulet and laid a hand on the still warm corpse of the now former speaker Maxidilnarr and uttered the words to "Speak with the Dead". Maxidilnarr's body jerked up into a sitting position, a faint blue glow emanating from his dead eyes and so as Shayde asked her questions it answered in a cold rasping voice. The amulet was also now suddenly warm to the touch and had the same faint blue glow.

Q) Where did Avarice go? 

A) Back to the Keep........

Q) Where is Dzaan's ship?

A) Whaling Station........

Q) Can you name anyone who has found the lost spire?

A) Dzaan........

Q) Tell us the names of any other Zhentarim Conspirators?

A) Shandar........

Q) Who are other members of the Arcane Brotherhood in Icewindale?

A) Nass........Vellynne...

As the last word was said the light in it's eyes and mouth faded and the body fell back to the cold snow covered ground. The amulet was now as cold as Maxidilnarr's body.

With their questions answered our heroes checked Maxidilnarr's body for any other information he may have had on him. They found a large pouch of coins, a beautifully cut pristine diamond, 2 ornate daggers carved with winged serpent motifs across the handle and pommel and a document detailing confirmation that shipments of goods from Luskan would continue on a monthly basis originating from the Host Tower of the Arcane. 

Shayde handed the docket to Aldrick, "This is unusual for the Zhentarim to work for others, but not unheard of........It looks like Maxidilnarr was trying to use the power of the brotherhood to grow his influence here in the North". 

"We should try to locate someone who can take care of the bodies, and make sure they know to give Skath a heroes funeral. I don't care what they do with that piece of shit!" Announced Shayde as Tor and Grom rejoined the group. 

Standing a little way off, staring at the smoking ruin of the tavern was a middle aged man. As the party approached and called out to him he turned and they recognized him as Owenn Tarsenel the owner of the now ruined inn. As Aldrick explained his version of events to Owenn it became clear that he had no love for the former speaker who had all but taken over his establishment. But he agreed that Skath was a good man, and that if it hadn't been for Maxidilnarr's ego he was sure things would have been different. 

"Will you rebuild?" Enquired Aldrick. "It's what we do, but the damage is great and everything I have is lost in the fire!" Replied Owenn it a dejected, deeply depressed tone. "There may not be any point to it if this blasted neverending winter continues!", the bitterness all to present in Owenn's voice. "The Frost Maiden has had her share tonight, that is for sure!" 

Taking pity on Owenn, Shayde took the exquisite diamond from beneath her winter clothing and placed it firmly into Owenn's hand, "Here" she said, "This should help with the rebuilding!". Owenn stared mouth wide open at the fist sized gem in his hand before staring at Shayde. "I....I......I can't believe it, er......I can't thank you enough........you will always be welcome here in Targos if ever I can help you again my lady".  And with that exchange Owenn went to find some other townsfolk to take the bodies of the fallen to the town hall and prepare the funeral pyres.

Grom looked at the others. "Well things have certainly got interesting haven't they! I think it's time we got a move on. I'll fetch the sleds". And with that out heroes made their preparations to leave town and head back to Bryn Shandar. The journey was quick, around an hour along the frozen road. As they approached they spotted a group of half a dozen people near the Northgate. As they slowed to stop the leader of the group removed her face covering and was instantly recognizable as Speaker Duvessa Shane. They had been alerted to the huge billowing cloud of smoke that was visible on the horizon and had summoned the leader of the towns militia Sheriff Markham Southwell in case of an imminent attack. 

The party explained the events that had transpired in Targos and of the demise of Speaker Maxidilnarr. Thanking them for the news Speaker Shane called on those nearby that she would call a council of the ten towns and that arrangements must be made. Messengers would be sent out to all the other towns that the council would be held in three days time. 

Aldrick enquired with Speaker Shane about the location of whaling stations to which she readily obliged by marking the location on his map. Speaking further it was imparted that the ship they were seeking named "The Dark Duchess" was frozen in the iceflows a day or twos journey to the west of the Angajuk whaling station. Asked if the party would be staying in town for the council Aldrick explained that they were seeking friends at the Temple of Amaunator and that they had business with Thane Brand Icearm in the Dwarven Valley but if their business was concluded in time they would return to Bryn Shandar before setting off on further investigations. 

Aldrick, Shayde, Grom and Tor bid farewell to Speaker Shane and Sheriff Southwell and set off for the House of the Morning Lord on the North East side of Bryn Shandar. They were greeted happily by Nemeia who explained Halfdan was inside, deep in Prayer. Shayde and Nemeia exchanged information on recent events as they all entered the hall of the temple and out of the harsh cold. Braziers burned brightly illuminating the interior. Banners hung from the rafters and tapestries adorned the walls depicting the God of the Sun. 

Nemeia introduced the rest of the party to a rock gnome named Copper Knobberknocker. Copper is dressed in a fuzzy suit that makes him look like a teddy bear.  Copper explained to them about a friend named Macreadus, who is conducting experiments at an old cabin in the wilderness north of Lonelywood. Macreadus has not been to town for supplies and Copper is growing more concerned that something has happened. He is trying to build a device that could end the Frostmaiden’s eternal winter and return summer to Icewind Dale. This fascinated Tor much like the bee keeping in Goodmead. Goliath's do not do such things. They are still very much a hunter gatherer society with leaders chosen by fighting prowess and strength. Tor with her connection to nature and her will to see an end to winter expressed a strong desire to look into this matter. 

To be continued..............

And so this is where Chapter 2 starts for our adventurers as they now have a number of new locations to explore in the wider reaches of Icewindale outside of the Ten Towns. Enemies have been defeated and alliances have been forged throughout the Ten Towns but threats loom from without as well as from within! The head has been cut off the (flying) snake but will another rise to take it's place? What of the Dueragar.......An attack is imminent but when and how? And now new names of members of the arcane brotherhood. Is it one name or two?