They both set up their tents in silence, taking advantage of a room within the ruins that still had a roof and three walls. They didn’t return to the topic until later, by the campfire, warming up their meal.
"Whoever is behind this must be employing a necromancer who has no regard for our principles," Moira stated plainly. "I’m also almost certain this isn’t the only place where these crystals have been used. The theoretical planning, the practical inscription of runes, the trials, and errors—just for a single crystal? That’s highly unlikely," she explained firmly.
Ashan nodded seriously, staring into the fire as he replied, "People have told me that only a small number of secluded, tribal communities in the far north still follow the ways of the attached to the past seers. But there are also anti-southern sentiments lingering here and there on a smaller scale." He rubbed his chin, feeling the rough stubble growing there, and continued, "Maybe there’s a more organized movement that decided that if not enough of the living support their cause, they’ll resort to enlisting the dead." He grimaced at the thought.
"Yes, and it may be only one of the many questionable decisions they've made," she said with a sigh, tasting the stew, now hot enough, and serving it for both of them.
“I need to learn more, but if there really is a movement like that, and worse, if they actually have a necromancer or access to one’s services, I’ll need your continued help—or at least some guidance.” He looked at Moira uncertainly, aware that she’d already done them a great service here and was reluctant to ask for more.
“Ashan, listen,” she straightened and paused from eating. “Everything points to whoever’s behind this having the support of a necromancer far outside the ethical bounds we’re obligated to follow. This is a matter for your people—whether you want to align with the South or diverge—but these enchanted objects? They must be stopped, and I’ll make sure of that. Necromancy already has a poor enough reputation without this,” she said resolutely.
“That’s all I could hope for,” he replied with a relieved smile. “Let’s start tomorrow with a report to Captain Darva. Our unit is responsible for keeping order along the routes between a few towns, so it’s a good starting point to send out word and gather intel from other guard posts.”
Moira nodded as she chewed, indicating her agreement. They finished their meal in companionable silence, and, determined, they eventually turned in for the night, each to their own tent. In the morning, after packing up, they circled the area at Moira’s request, ensuring no other enchanted items were left behind. Satisfied when they found nothing, they set off for Kadrum by mid-morning, urging their horses onward without reservation.
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Later that evening, they met with Captain Darva, filling her in on the matter, omitting only unnecessary details. She agreed with Ashan’s suggestion to alert other guards about individuals or groups potentially targeting southerners and traders from southern regions. That fell well within their duties; the councils of individual towns funded the road guards to protect trade routes, while the seven largest cities loosely formed the Northern Union. Each of these larger trade hubs had smaller towns or villages under its aegis, including mining, fishing, and craft communities, and, significantly, the nomadic groups who herded large flocks over vast pastures. The towns provided a market for their goods as well as security for transactions and transit. Any major subversive actions that made people distrust the reliability of these routes could harm the whole region’s prosperity. Captain Darva assured them that, at the very least, the road guards would be on high alert, and she could discreetly warn units in other towns, though she felt they didn’t have enough evidence to bring the matter to Kadrum’s council, which could escalate it to the Union’s level.
All three remained in her office. "To convince even a single council member of an organized group planning to revive old hostilities on a large scale—serious enough to address officially—I’ll need more than just one broken crystal with strange carvings on it," she sighed. "Ashan, I’m relieving you from the main schedule. Try to find any leads in the city or surrounding area." She issued the order in a formal tone. "As for Lady Moira," she continued, pushing a coin purse toward her, "you’ve clarified and unraveled the issue you came here to solve, but I hope you’ll consider helping us get to the bottom of it. Naturally, I’ll compensate you, though my resources are…limited until I can get the council on board." She spread her hands with a rueful smile.
Moira pocketed the coin purse in an inner pocket and replied in a relaxed tone, “To be honest, I’m already involved in this mess. Besides, I’d hate for whoever is behind this to succeed. You both have my support.” She smiled slightly. “At least for now.”
"Excellent!" Captain Darva concluded, slapping her hands on her knees. "We’ll meet here every other evening to share findings and observations. Meanwhile, I wish you both a good night and productive work in the days ahead." They all rose, exchanged farewells, and left.
Ashan helped Moira find reasonably priced lodgings nearby. Amusingly, her room was on the floor above a quaint herbal remedies shop run by a kind old lady. It wasn’t particularly large, but she thought it would suffice for a few days. They agreed to meet at noon by a hot drinks stall across from her new place to plan their next steps, wished each other a good night, and went their separate ways.
Before bed, Moira studied the runes on the crystal, pondering whether any of her colleagues might have created the enchanted item. No one came to mind. But runes—a rather specific, and not the most popular, method of recording spells—were a clue nonetheless. Before sleeping, she ensured the door was securely locked, then spent two solid hours weaving protective spells. She didn’t intend to leave anything to chance, and besides, she knew she’d sleep more soundly with these safeguards in place. Tomorrow was bound to be an interesting day.