They did as their boss said, and analyzed Leknor. Immediately realizing this Level 50 shapeshifter could kill them with a particularly mean blink, they calmed down and went still.
“Do you agree to come peacefully to town with Forrest and me? If so, I’ll release you.” Even though Lord Farquad wasn’t included in the question, all three agreed. I gathered up my things and put back on my loincloth and belt.
As Cheech and Chong removed themselves from Leknor’s body, their arms and chests were covered with tar, although Leknor himself was spotlessly clean. Cheech’s fist in his cheek popped out, black and sticky, but Leknor’s face remained as if nothing had ever happened. I was boggled by the mismatch between what my mind knew should be happening and what my eyes were seeing.
Leknor told them, “One of you is going to ride with that,” pointedly referring to acolytes' remains. “I don’t care who.”
Lord Farquad commanded, “Chogrin, you take her. Make sure you get all her possessions.” Then to Leknor, “What will happen to us?” As he asked that, Cheech and Chong were attempting to put back on their breeches and tunics, which wasn’t an easy task with hands covered with tar. It would be funny if I hadn’t come so close to dying.
With an involuntary snort, I thought, “No, it is funny.”
Yes.
“Hey, how did Rint know to tell Ronkel we needed help?”
With the likelihood that acolyte was part of the Priestess cult, I decided we were in peril. On the off chance Rint might be in range, I tried using my telepathy for the first time. She heard me! I told her what was going on and that we needed help.
“Please form a party with Ronkel and Rint.”
R.I: Hello, Forrest I am very happy you are okay!
R: I also. Interface, Rint says you can talk to her telepathically. We were over seven miles away when she said you needed help. What kind of telepathy is that?
I: It is a new skill I received during Forrest’s sixdays. I know little about it except that it lets me communicate with any sapient interface. I assume there is a maximum range, but I do not know what it is.
FR: I’m really glad it was long enough!
R: We can experiment later.
R.I: I am curious also. Interface, do you have to start the conversation, or can I?
I: Let us find out. Try saying something.
I: Every chance he gets.
R.I:
FR: What? Are you guys talking about me? That’s not polite.
I: Yes. It is not.
R.I: I am sorry, Forrest. I asked the first thing I thought of. Nothing bad.
R: We probably should focus on getting these criminals to town.
“Excuse the delay in my answer, Lord Rose. Forrest and I were discussing matters in our party interface.” Cheech and Chong had managed to don their apparel. “I must ask if any of you are members of the Thieves Guild.” They all stated that they were not. “Then I have no say as to the disposition of your case. There is a contingent of the duchy’s guard ahead. My plan is to turn you over to them.”
I added, “The Mayor will wish to speak with them as well.”
“I was not excluding him, Forrest. Unless the Mayor is on campus, we shall encounter the guard first.” || At this stage we should avoid revealing the presence of Wraiths, however. No need for these to know more than necessary.
|| Okay.
Leknor told us, “You four take the mounts. I’ll be my own mount.” During the next several seconds, the boy transformed into a magnificent mare, still named Leknor. We all started to get upon the saddled horses, with Cheech first handling acolyte’s body up to Chong. The latter didn’t seem particularly comfortable, but he didn’t have much choice.
Acolyte’s mount, Swagger, was cautious and nervous as I approached. Before attempting to ride him, I slowly walked close to the front of his face and let him sniff at the back of my right hand while introducing myself. Unfortunately I didn’t have any carrots or sugar cubes to give, nor even any water. I did, however, have a peach in my pouch. Not knowing if horses liked peaches, I took it out, broke it in half and pulled out the pit. He was quick to eat both halves. After a moment, he rubbed my hand with his head, accepting me. I then mounted him with no problem.
“You might be worth something after all, boy,” Lord Farquad said. “That horse doesn’t like many people. Only acolyte could get near him.” I replied with a grin that maybe he just likes peaches.
FR: Is he trying to be nice? That almost sounded respectful.
R: Nice, yes. Respectful, no. He still considers you a ‘boy’, but now one worthy of polishing his boots and caring for his falcon.
FR: How do you know he has a falcon?
R: I don’t know, but he is the type. Sexy stallion, by the way. If he is in the mood later, we may get it on.
FR: I, uh, didn’t need to know that.
R:
R.I: It might be fun. Do you know I feel everything Ronkel does?
I: We are aware. Enjoy.
“Interface, do you feel it when I am -”
Yes.
“You said you don’t have a sex drive.”
That does not mean I will not enjoy where I might be driven.
“I don’t know how I feel about this.”
Forrest, I am part of you. If it helps, think of me as a smarter big toe. I am not going to play your wingman in romantic exploits, or suggest positions that please me. If you enjoy something, so will I. That is all there is to it.
…
Forrest?
“Yes?”
No furries.
!!!
His dry delivery of the completely absurd cracked me up, and everyone was staring. After a few seconds I regained my normal calm. “I just had a stray thought that has nothing to do with today. My tension from the past half hour must have released suddenly.” Swagger chose that moment to nod and neigh, perhaps in approval of my good humor.
Our ride to campus was uneventful, with the horses traveling at a walk. Lord Farquad attempted to gain more information about the village and events last Tuesday, but the guildmaster and I had decided to let others decide what to tell them. I turned away his queries, not rudely but certainly not friendly. Just minutes ago he made the decision to watch me be raped and killed; ‘not rude’ was a lot more then he deserved.. Cheech and Chong rode morosely and silently, not at all happy with the situation, but realizing they could do absolutely nothing about it. Well, maybe try to run, I’m sure at least one of them considered it, but quite possibly die if they tried. They did not speak at all. A silent, beautiful, Level 50, mare can be quite intimidating.
----------------------------------------
My Dad the Mayor was acting decidedly less so. He, Mom, Uncle Ralf, Lenyet Birch, and several guardsmen and other adults were standing outside the campus gate speaking with Asha Yon and his family. A pup posse was also there to greet them – Arrjee, Carrie, Rina, Norrus Loruste, Mols and Kenna Smithson, and Wherda Zurrz. The three Yon kids were probably whelmed at the situation, but I’m sure they felt welcomed.
R: I take it these people were expected?
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FR: Yes. Asha Yon is an old friend of Mom’s, and his family is moving to Cottages.
I: Just a few more steps and they’ll be there.
Dad had to sort out this unexpected troupe I was with. I am sure seeing Chogrin with a dead body and ‘Leknor’ as a Level 50 horse clued him in that something was up. He looked between me and Leknor, obviously seeking an explanation.
R: You tell him. It was your adventure.
Everyone got quiet, also curious what might be going on with this new group of people. “Uh, Dad, Mayor, these three men are criminals. They were going to kill me. Well, the lady was going to first, but she mentioned the Priestess and died within seconds. Leknor arrived in time to prevent anything really bad from happening, though. We might want to discuss the details elsewhere.”
“Son, are you accusing Lord Farkwun Rose of a crime?”
“Absolutely. He was the one who gave the order to kill me.”
|| Do I have to justify his arrest or something because he is royalty?
|| Yes. Add your father to the party. He may be Listening, but he can’t speak mentally.
FR: Dad, this is bullshit. He would have had them rape and kill me.
BS: I know, Son. But if we don’t do this right, royal immunity will free him. We need two witnesses.
While Dad and I were talking, the mare transformed into a distinguished, 56-year old female human form, still named Leknor, but still basically Ronkel’s normal information revealed via Analyze.
R: Mayor, with the Priestess involved it may not be wise to reveal the presence of Skolturi Wraiths here. Please accept this visage as myself. Perhaps we should head to a more private location.
“Mayor, I, as Thieves Guildmaster, also attest to The Lord’s criminality.”
Feeling more confident, Farquad blew it. “Morpher, you weren’t there and didn’t hear anything.”
“Mayor Silverstone,” she stated formally, “the Lord has just confessed to a spoken criminal act. Whether I observed it or not is now immaterial. I did observe him allowing his men to get ready to rape Forrest.” Dad asked me if that was true, and I responded yes.
“There is certainly enough here for me to detain all three of you gentlemen. Dismount, please. Leknor and Lenyet Birch, would you accompany our guard Ralf Rollee as he leads these men to the town jail?” They agreed, and Uncle Ralf approached Chogrin and relieved him of acolyte’s body. One of the Duchy’s guardsmen took it from him. The six walked into town.
I had dismounted also and asked another of the guardsmen if there was room in their stables for the four new horses. Fortunately there was, and two of the guardsmen began leading the horses onto campus. Swagger looked at me as if I were abandoning him. “It’s alright, boy. They’re going to feed and take care of you, and give you a place to sleep. I will see you later this evening.” Whether it was my tone or the actual words, he was mollified and went along peacefully.
Mom hugged me tight and said, “I’m sorry for what almost happened to you Forrest. You seem to have made another friend.”
“Yes, Mom. Carry a peach with you wherever you go.”
Arrjee commented, “He is more than a peach friend, Forrest. I can tell. He is a friend, friend, and I am jealous.”
“You don’t have to worry. Leknor the mare and he might have a thing going on later.”
“NOooo – really?” asked Carrie.
Mom and I laughed. “That’s what she said. And you have to admit, he is a nice looking stud!”
Dad focused us with a quiet cough. Then loud enough to be heard by the remaining group, “Asha Yon, would you like to introduce Forrest to your family?”
“Certainly, Barrie. I was waiting for an appropriate moment. Thank you for providing it.” He nodded at Dad and me. “First, let me say I am sorry to hear of your difficulties after I left and am very glad you are well. Forrest Rhodes, this is my wife Tiyana Yon. She has been working at a lumber mill, but we don’t yet know what she will be doing in Cottages. The boys are twins, Rodan and Narod. And the only good-looking one among us is my daughter, Selia.” She blushed and partially hid behind her Mom. “Family, meet Forrest Rhodes. You already met his Mom, Rhetta and his brother, Arrjee. He is the fourth of us to help the Water Elementals and earn a river stone.”
I said hi and asked them all to call me Forrest. Narod asked me, “Is it true what Arrjee said? That you made up a story about Water Elementals taking your stuff for tribute? And Nature herself said it would never happen?”
Giving Arrjee a quick dirty look, “I just listed it as a possibility. I didn’t say it happened. But yes, what Arrjee told you is true. We didn’t speak to Nature, though. One of the elementals told us what she said.”
Arrjee explained, “They asked how I had a ‘new’ brother who was older than me. I told them.” He shrugged and smiled. Right then:
R: Mayor, do you want them all in one cell, or should we fill up all three?
BS: All three. This will be the first time in about a year anyone has been jailed. Did they say anything?
R: Just grumbled. I will be surprised if they ever praise Cottages as a fine tourist destination.
FR: We’ll just have to make do.
R: By the way, we had them strip off everything but their breeches. Your brother locked all their possessions in a city vault.
BS: Thank you, and thank Ralf and Lenyet for me as well.
FR: Dad, what stops them from using their skills to break out?
BS: The cells are cursed. They will not be able to use any aetherial skills, and all their attributes are capped at 8. It takes about a minute to affect them, and lasts for about 20 minutes after they leave a cell.
Damn, that could be easily misused to make slaves.
Thank your karmic choice that it is not happening. The concept is as revolting to the people here as it is to you. I doubt even Lord Rose would consider such a thing.
“He’d have me raped and killed, just not enslaved.”
Yes.
“Hurray for morality!”
FR: Useful. If he needed to, even Corval Hirsut at his Level 9 could guard them and bring them food and stuff.
I: They still have access to their learned skills, but with capped attributes those capabilities are severely limited.
FR: So puppies, but with potentially sharp teeth.
BS: I do not believe we would put Corval in that position. Forrest, we should return our focus to where we are.
|| Arrjee, sorry, party stuff. The prisoners are in jail.
|| Good.
Narod was looking at me questioningly. He might be wondering if something is wrong. “Sorry everyone, I got distracted. It is very nice to meet you all, and I’m sure we’ll be spending time together in the future.”
Norrus helpfully added, “Forrest gets distracted a lot, but he is a really nice guy.”
I don’t get distracted that often.
Between me, the party interface, group mind, and gods speaking with you mentally, I believe you do more often than most. But Norrus is correct; you are a nice guy.
I pointedly chose not to reply as it might distract me.
Asha announced, “We thank everyone for coming out to greet us. It’s time to head to our new cottage and begin making it a home.” Tiyana and the kids echoed the farewell, and they and their wagon headed into town. Most of the pup posse escorted them; only Arrjee stayed behind. After a little more friendly discussion, the adults besides Mom and Dad headed either to town or the campus.
Ronkel, no longer in a Human form, and Lenyet returned as the others were leaving. Dad suggested we all head to the campus admin building where Ronkel and I could take our time to fully describe what happened. Asiel’s Justicar capabilities would likely be useful; and they certainly would be for the prisoners.
----------------------------------------
It turns out someone doesn’t have to see the Justicar for Reveal to work, so the prisoners could be questioned without realizing there was a Wraith present. And with their intelligence and wisdom being limited to 8, it would be difficult for them to conceal attitudes and general goals from a good empath. Those guys were so screwed.
I agreed to allow Asiel to enhance my recounting of events. “Forrest Rhodes, describe your encounter with the four travelers.” || Reveal
The clarity and logical progression I was able to use in explaining my encounter surprised me, but I guess it shouldn’t have. My intelligence and wisdom were temporarily being boosted by 10 each. I realized while describing acolyte why I was positive she was about to kill me. It was my wisdom threshold, integrating my perception with my logic. The progression of my emotions was harder to describe. They knew about my low charisma and the effect that had on my temperament. Explaining Jacques’ stubbornness thing was not so easy, though. Under the circumstances, I thought I had kept my cool, never directly insulting anyone. Well, okay, the Priestess, but she wasn’t actually there. What could have happened with Jacques’ stubbornness, though, would have gotten me killed instantly. Suddenly the room faded.
“Hello, everyone. This is Jacques Liedestrar again. We really should stop meeting like this. (Earth joke.) Forrest is finding it awkward to describe a flaw of mine, one he is not really in control of either. I must say he did quite well today. I wryly referred to ‘FSG’ as my superpower. It was an acronym I made up to use for myself – a Foolhardy, Stubborn, Grandstand. There were occasional situations in my life where the smart play would be to go with the flow, accept an insult, see an acquaintance be degraded, or ignore someone demanding a privilege they had not earned. I could be outnumbered, outranked, or just plain out of my depth. When FSG kicked in, none of that would matter. The current situation was unacceptable. I. Would. Not. Accept. It – consequences be damned, I would fight with dirty stares, open disrespect, words, and even fists. There would be no deescalation until I either lost, won, or, occasionally, regained control of myself.”
“Forrest barely realized it, but he was tempering my FSG from the moment he heard the mercenary call him a ‘half-breed’. It reset when that woman died, and he was fine until he realized they were going to kill him, raping him first. It tried to trigger again, but he held it somehow, even allowing himself to be stripped. He was, however, seconds away from a full-FSG, suicidal fight. Is it suicide if you are going to die anyway? The point is, he was able to keep himself contained and alive until Ronkel arrived. Tell him he did better than I would have done.”
"Did I black out?"
Yes, and Jacques blacked in.
“Minor gods!”
I asked the obvious question, “What happened?”
Arrjee was quick to respond, “Well, Jacques thinks you did very well in controlling his ‘FSG’.
“Crap, you know about that now.”
Arrjee raised his voice, “Forrest, brother, you almost died. Twice! You’re worried we know about that FSG thing? He got up and hugged me in my chair. He whispered, “I’m glad you have FSG; it helps make you you-er. But I’m glad you controlled it this afternoon.” I returned his hug with one arm and said I planned on becoming the me-eist I can be.
He sat back down. Dad asked me if there was anything else to tell them. I mentioned that the mercenaries planned on stealing my stuff, realizing that some of it was valuable. “Oh, yeah, the mercenaries didn’t look right as they tried to attack pup Leknor. Like, an arm of theirs would get stuck against his body, but not quite. The geometry and angles were just off, and my mind couldn’t comprehend what was actually happening.”
“I will explain.” Ronkel stood up and moved to an area of the floor where we could all easily see him. “Sometimes I like to be creative with my skills.”
At that she transformed into a vaguely black humanoid figure about six feet tall. “I have shapeshifted into a tar elemental. They are a rare sentient species that rarely leaves the dungeons. If something touches me, it will stick, and I can control how stuck it is.”
“Forrest, however, did not see the elemental. He saw instead a young hybrid pup.” The visage appeared of the young Leknor, and from the floor to his height of about four and a half feet, that’s what I saw, with the top of the elemental awkwardly still there above him. “Now I am disguised, using the Ki Prestidigitator skill. As you can see, this toy is not yet complete.”
The remaining visible portion of the elemental disappeared, leaving only the pup Leknor. “And adding a sufficient level of stealth up top, this is all you see. What confused Forrest’s eyes is that, physically, I am the tar elemental you first saw. But as you see, what he saw is not that. As the mercenaries got stuck, they were stuck to a real position of the elemental, but the Disguise skill was not allowing his eyes to see that body.”
I grumbled. “That’s cheating! You are using three skills so you can be something else, twice at the same time.” She smiled.
“Oh,” I remembered. “They were still full of tar last time I saw them. Did they ever wash it off?”
“Yes,” she answered. “When it dries it can be flaked off in pieces. By the time we got to the jail they had done that and used Clean to get rid of any remaining tar dust. Clean wouldn’t work while the tar was still sticky, because it has an aetherial component.”