Tidings and Omens

JP with Winteroak and Omni

Berus pondered her questions and had received vague words and whispers from up north.

"The Odsier were dealt a great defeat but still live." He started. "Most are now gathered in the Summer pastures of the Odsier range." For the first time in living memory they have been able to follow the herds in their annual migration." He paused considering what that would be for the survivors. "Yes they survived despite great loss but I feel that is only the beggining. Winter will bring starvation and death in scores bigger than those killed in battle with your people."

There was some relief in his ill tidings and it physically manifested into her posture.

“Their leader, Daaul, said they had enemies everywhere... if that is the case I can only hope they are resourceful enough to find a way to continue safely on. They are a nomadic people, survival is in their blood.“

She thought about Greyriver Company. They were in a similar position, herself more than the others… would she survive as a nomad? As a refugee, ever own the run? Sure she was raised amongst a similar people who had survivalists among them, but there was much more security in that lifestyle. They weren’t turned away at every town and city.

Voah thought this must be what it was like living as a sorcerer at the end of the Noctua Inquisition. Hiding like an insect under a rock, shuffling from one dark place to the next. Her thoughts turned back to the present.

“So then you must be one of these… bonecasters? The blood of Erewhon?” she asked the boy shaman.

"In a way. But I'm not a full blooded Odsier." He replied. "The Blood of Erewhon refers to all those gifted. Not just Bonecasters." He replied pausing looking at the stars. 'You are heading to the eye of the storm next. You will have a big decision to make. One that will affect all those around you."

Maybe the effects of the cactus spirit were kicking in but she chuckled somewhat sardonically at the vague omen. She stopped and looked down at him and smiled, shaking her head.

“Is that so? Can you be a bit more insightful?”

"The Sand Horde rises to swallow the City of Stone, buffeted by Koshnem Gloomwielder and his Voice of Winter." He said looking up into her eyes. "The city is doomed but it will not stop the tide of your people crossing the Ocean. Now that the way is open they will continue to come." He said as a matter of fact.

"I have seen you in the shadow of the city, grim and gray, outlined in flame and smoke. At the center of the battle, a bloody sword in your shaking hands." He paused.

"Who will stand against the Horde? The Arbiter or this new person you are becoming? Who will your people need the most?"