Plans and Ideas

JP with mdman and Cindy

Sister Locust had spent the past few hours with Amastan. They had focused on the needs of the women in the Horde.

The two had wandered the Horde, checking on the woman. It was important to Islana that everyone's needs were met as best as possible.

They had returned to the Sister's tent about an hour before Ch’Truta would arrive back and were going over what they had found out, and deciding what issues were the most pressing and what issues could feasibly be addressed. The conversation went on for sometime, and was just beginning to finish up when Ch’Truta's arrival was announced.

A guard allowed Ch’Truta entrance to the Sister's tent. Amastan was standing when he arrived. "Good evening, Ch’Truta." Then she turned to the leader. "Sister Locust, I will take my leave now."

The Sister nodded, "Yes, have a good evening."

"You as well Sister, and you Ch’Truta." Amastan said, she bowed to Sister Locust before taking her leave.

Once she was gone, Islana wrapped her arms around Ch’Truta, "I missed you.”

Ch’Truta held Islana tight up against him, lifting her off her feet. He was so elated that he could hold it in no longer.

“The Twins!” he exclaimed. “I have received a vision from them! They approve!”

He passionately kissed her. Gently, he placed her back on her feet after the kiss.

Islana smiled excitedly at the news. After the kiss, and being put back on the ground she put her hands together. "That's wonderful news." The Sisters couldn’t interfere now, could they?

"We have a longer stay, in two days time. We should do the ceremony then." Islana exclaimed. "I need just a moment."

She was quiet for several moments, with her eyes closed, the the Sister kissed the sleeves of her robe. One sleeve with the symbol for Viher, the other for Yther. She opened her eyes and her smile returned. "I had to thank The Twins for their blessing.”

“As you should,” Ch’Truta rejoiced.

All the weight fell from his shoulders as he rejoiced in the Twins declaration. He’d like to see the Sisters buck up against the gods. They’d certainly would require the Sisters to assent to the Twins’ ruling.

Ch’Truta gazed into the pools of emeralds that were Islana’s eyes. “Should we celebrate with some wine?”

"That sounds perfect. And dinner, I was waiting for you but we could have it brought now." Islana responded.

Her emerald eyes sparkled even more with how excited and happy she was. "I hope Shalia can meet with us at that stop. Maybe, she can be there for the ceremony."

Islana hadn't gone into much detail about the Shalia Nix, just that Shalia was gifted with winter and she had helped save Islana, and became like a mentor to her.

“Of course,” Ch’Truta agreed.

He sat to be served, becoming accustomed to his position at dining. He hadn’t realized it until Islana mentioned food, but Ch’Truta was very hungry. He felt as if he could down an entire hart. In the spirit of celebrating, Ch’Truta could most likely share an entire container of wine. The festive mood was upon him.

He looked upon Islana, eyes full of love for only her. “Who is Shalia? Is she leading more to the horde?”

The food was brought in and served to then with a bottle of wine.

"Shalia Nix. She is the advisor to Koshmen, the leader if the Odoine but she is more much than that. Shalia is gifted, she has the gift of winter. Can freeze things with a touch, for example. Her ability is quite powerful." There was something in Islana’s voice expressing there was more to this story.

"When I, and the friend I was with, Hunter, were being chased by Malacost, we ran into a man named Strahn. He acted like he wanted to help us but really he was part of the cult that tried to sacrifice me. He sold us to an Odoine village. I do not know what happened to Hunter, last I saw he was chained in the village. Practically on his death bed. The men were going to likely use me as a breeder. Shalia found me there and bought me. As her slave, at the time, but in doing that she rescued me.

As we got to know each other, she became a mentor. I should explain, Shalia is also originally from Helias, like me. She was the first Helian gifted one I personally had met. She became a mentor of sorts to me. It was because of her I was truly able to embrace my gift. I consider her to be a very good friend.”

For Ch’Truta, the wonders never ceased. Two Helians were being used by the gods of Arcadia to drive Helians off the continent. He was glad Islana was one of them.

“At least we know magik is alive and well with Helians,” Ch’Truta mused. “Why do they not all embrace it?”

"Yes, but rare. They do not embrace it because, it is very difficult to embrace something you have been taught your whole life to fear. Even I took a long time to admit what I could do was magik. My father taught me it was something to hide. I, as a child, used to think he was embarrassed by me. I now just think he was trying to save me. The Inquisition really are the most powerful in Helias. We have Kings of each land but, I think the Inquisition could kill a King if they had, what they believe to be good cause." Islana knew it might be difficult to explain, being Ch’Truta came from a land which embraced what most Helians fear..

Ch’Truta shook his head in understanding what Islana was saying. He took a sip of the wine as he thought.

“I see the land and people working together in magik,” he said. “There is more power in that than a person working alone. I have found that the very poisons that bring death in the swamp can also be sed to heal. Most would not see that as magik, but it fits my thought of the land and people working together.”

He returned his thoughts of his vision from the twins. “In fact, the same plant that helped you sleep last evening also aided me in receiving the vision from the Twins.”

"Using plants for medicine is considered medicine with the Helians not magik therefore that is allowed. Using them to contact the Gods or get visions is considered magik. " Islana explained.

"The Inquisition wants to eliminate all magik, everywhere. They have not been successful in Helias. I believe others who are gifted fled to Arcadia, they are hiding their true selves much like I did.

What, in my mind, makes all of this worse is there are rumors the Arbitrators with in the Inquisition might have some powers themselves, though I have never seen that. In my mind it makes them hypocrites that they can have those abilities but others cannot.”

Ch’Truta took in all that Islana spoke. He thought it over in his mind, recalling what the spirits had shown him. They would bring change if not stopped. They would make all of Arcadia like them. There would be no room for Arcadia’s gods. They all would be forced to follow the Pillars of Helias or choose certain death.

“They wish to turn Arcadia into another Helias,” Ch’Truta suggested. “I have foreseen the changes they would bring. Thee would be no more broods. No worship of Uctilo’rhu. None of the Twins. There would be no seeking the gods of Arcadia for direction. Our beliefs would be stifled.”

Islana nodded, she had been unaware of this vision but nothing about it surprised her. "Yes, it is the way they are. The ones in power anyway."

She paused, "My father used to tell me about how there used to be a King in Helias who had abilities, I believe his name was ...Torkas. Supposedly, this King wiped out an entire region of a Kingdom. It's, at least, part of the reason why they hate magik users. Unfortunately, my father's stories about such matters were always said in a drunken state, in order to scare me. They were missing a lot of details and possibly highly exaggerated.”

“One person does not demonstrate the attitude of all with gifts,” Ch’Truta offered. “Those that I have known, are using theirs to better the life of those around them. The heal, restore, protect, and seal for protection.”

It is true that if one person used their gifts to destroy and rise themselves in power, it would be a disgrace. These gifts were given for service of others, not ruling over others.

"Yes. It sometimes feels like they want all to suffer for the actions of the one." The young leader said. "I know, or knew an Arbitrator." Islana had no idea if Voah was still an Arbitrator. "She was not evil or bad but someone who firmly believed in what she was doing. However, the higher ups on the Inquisition might be evil. I have heard stories of the man they call the red-eyed devil, who is now in charge of the Inquisition in Arcadia. He sounds evil."

Islana ate some food and drank some wine before continuing. "I do believe that the Inquisition wants to rule all of Arcadia. If that happens, the bloodshed from the upcoming war will seem small in comparison. They will just round up entire groups and kill them. They like to hang people in the center of towns so everyone can watch the witches be murdered by them." It might sanctioned murder by the powers that be of the Helians but, in Islana’s mind, it was still murder.

Ch’Truta intently listened to every word Islana spoke as he enjoyed the meal. It was as if he was reliving the vision the swamp spirits had given him of the overwhelming change coming to Still Valley if the newcomers were not stopped. He foresaw death and destruction in the name of progress and civilization. He saw the spirit of the land being squelched, the land being strangled until it breathed its last breath.

A frown appeared upon his face. The horde could not let that happen. They must be victorious at all cost.

“Shalia?” Ch’Truta probed. “How many will she add to our number?”

"It is just a guess, but I would think the Odoine will bring at least 1,000." Islana paused. "Maybe, more. I will know more after the meeting with Shalia."

Islana drank some more wine, then continued. "The Horde alone greatly outnumbers the Helians. The Helians have technology whereas we have magik. Both sides believe in their own, and will fight to the death for their side." The Sister knew this was not going to be an easy fight.

“Something else they have is defenses,” Ch’Truta added. “Do we have anything or anybody that can check for traps and take out defenses?”

"There is a group called The Brotherhood. They are Ozanine, but went to the Odoine to fight with them. From what I know, that kind of job would be good for them." The young leader lowered her voice somewhat, even if they were alone, prying ears was always a concern. "They were supposed to be sent to get rid of the Red Eyed Demon who's in charge of the Inquisition in Arcadia. In their quest they might have more information on the defenses the Helians have. I only really know of the wall. It was being built the last time I was in the Stone City. It would be done by now.”

Ch’Truta wondered what would happen if this red-eyed demon were killed. He knew he himself had the ability to do this. Hopefully, this brotherhood group could get the job done.

“How soon will we know of their success?” he asked.

If they were unsuccessful, perhaps Ch’Truta would need to try. The mission of the Helians may die with this one man.

“I can kill this man,” Ch’Truta mentioned, “if they fail.”

"I am hoping to hear at the meeting. I am going to assume they likely failed if we have nothing from the Brotherhood. The problems I see for getting to the Inquisition leader - He's also known as The Purger. So, the Purger has many, many followers. Some will protect him to the death. I do not know how many are currently with him. Also, The Purger is likely at the Keep, if I were him that's where I would be. The Keep also houses the Duke, and Sir Zane who is in charge of the Military. The soldiers stay there as well. It is well guarded. I think the problem will be more getting to the Purger than killing him." Islana wasn't going to tell Ch’Truta not to attempt it but wanted to let him know it would be difficult. "I stayed in the Keep for a short while. I know the layout.”

“Can you draw it for me? If I get close enough, I’d like to try,” Ch’Truta thought aloud. “If I have the plans before I get there, I may be able to find my way to him. Of course, I couldn’t be as good as an entire brotherhood.”

Ch’Truta frown at this last thought. He was good at killing those who tried to elevate themselves in power. It was how he had aided Wurm to become the leader of the Bloodletters. Anyone who questioned Wurm or rose up against him, Ch’Truta would eliminate the threat.

“Do you believe the Purger would risk being in the battle?”

"Yes, I believe so." Her drawings weren't great but they could get the job done. Her memory however was excellent and that would probably make up for it. "Or you could get in and out easier as there is only one of you. You will need a disguise, that should make it easier."

Islana thought for a moment at the next question. "If he is like most Helians then yes. He would firmly believe in their cause and fight with them. I do not know if he was there for the slaughter against the Odiser. I have heard talk that his followers don't speak. I do not know if that is true but if so it means his followers are loyally devoted to him.”

Ch’Truta thought after His slabs spoke. If this murderer fought alongside those in the city, perhaps his best chance was to wait for him upon the field. If not, it would be difficult to get into the keep. He gazed upon the tribal markings upon his arms and legs. He would have to hide those as well.

How would he be able to get inside the city on alert without being seen? Were there any hidden entrances? A cavern?

Ch’Truta sighed as he took a sip of his wine. “Do you think his death will break their spirit?”

"No," Islana was just being honest. "The Helians are full of resolve. It is more likely it will make them want to fight harder. However, it would also send a message that the Horde is greater than their Inquisition. That we are a formidable opponent."

She did think that message was important to get across to the other side. "It would prove that the Inquisition is defeatable.”

“I will proceed in the way you wish me too,” Ch’Truta asserted, his hand reaching and holding Islana’s.

Ultimately this decision must come from her. He would rather be by her side, ensuring her safety. Going into the keep, he may be nowhere near her whenever this vision he had of the viper occurred.

Islana though for a while, holding his hand. It would send a strong message to kill The Purger but there were also so many factors to not send him. Mostly, that she didn't want him to risk himself like that for a message. There would be enough risks with the war. "I would rather have you not. If anyone speaks to you, you would be as good as dead. They would instantly know you were not Helian. Besides, I would prefer you by my side as long as possible." Islana gently squeezed his hand. "Let us hope the Brotherhood was successful.”

Ch’Truta smile as he gently squeezed Islana’s hand in return. “I like your answer. I will beseech the Twins to guide the pathway of the Brotherhood.”

It was truth. There was nowhere else Ch’Truta would rather be than by her side. She was his life; he her security.

"It will be a long trip the next two days. We should probably get some sleep soon." Islana commented as it was starting to get late.

“Then we shall get some sleep,” Ch’Truta grinned, getting up and swooping Islana from her seat. Her carried her to her, now their, cushions, gently laying her down. Joining her, he held her tight, hoping she would be able to get the rest she needed.