Randomness

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

Solomon crossed his arms as his gaze shifted to Veronica. His silence was enough to answer Veronica’s question. The realization of Chounan’s death and the circumstances around it had garnered a variety of reactions. Unfortunately, circumstances didn’t give any of them much time to grieve let alone process his fate. Furthermore, there was no time to retrieve his body for a proper burial. He was now left with the remainder of the survivors, left to be counted among those they had lost.

“Alright, the horse it is.” said Solomon, he excused himself from Jazdia and moved to where Reinhold was holding the two newly acquired steeds. Since he was told to take the drivers seat, he traded hold of the reins with him. Solomon was able to swing himself over the back of the steed with some difficulty expected of a man of his age. The drapes of his garments covering most of the saddle. He patted the side of the horse’s neck. The horse was gray almost blue. Though Solomon could tell it had been treated though Cedar’s generous magic, it was obvious how close to death the beast was. Once he was settled, he turned his head one way, and then another.

“Petra, if could, keep with the carriage. With your range, you may better assist any direction trouble may appear.” said Solomon. Petra was hovering nearby, but didn’t participate in the conversation. Though she knew of Chounan’s demise, she didn’t know of the circumstances. To her, it didn’t matter. As soon as Solomon’s conversation ended with Jazdia, so did her interest in the matter. She looked at Solomon, sighed, and then slowly flew towards the carriage. She paused a moment as she watched the bear climb up the side of it. It shook and tilted with his weight, but thankfully didn’t tip over.

“Are you comfortable, bear?” she asked, finally approaching the carriage in full. Her spectral head was at the same level as Cedar’s allowing them to look at each other face to face. Or rather, face to ghostly face. Petra’s physical body was more level with the window of the carriage, letting her otherwise perfectly preserved face be in view. For probably the first time Petra smiled, though it was obviously coy. She found amusement in the travel arrangements that had to be made for the party.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

Solomon could tell based on the various reactions from Jazdia that she didn’t agree with many of Solomon’s theories. In part, he couldn’t blame her. There were intricate subtleties that Solomon was not attuned to. Likewise, Jazdia’s last comment lacked the sort of incite that Solomon could recognize. Though dead men told no tales, Solomon could listen beyond such silence. Though none could hear, the dead spoke volumes.

“We are alike in that regard.” said Solomon, “Life is precious and should be preserved.”

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

“I see. He spoke of an internal demon, it could have been this harbored regret.” said Solomon, “Though, I am in agreement with you. For a man of his skill and accomplishments, I wouldn’t have expected him to be affected as such. Or at least not enough to act as he did. One wonders if the Delving maid had somehow influenced his thoughts, if the Delvings are as cunning as you say.”

Solomon paused in thought. All he knew were stories about the house of Delving. This was the first he ever encountered them throughout their entire lives. Capable as they were at such young ages, anything could be possible.

“Then again, from all I’ve heard, he may have finally fell victim to his own emotional turmoil. He may have been suffering from internal conflict this entire time, and we failed to notice in our ignorance.”

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

Though Solomon spent some time with his attempt at saving Chounan, it appeared that the party had not left past the city gate. Despite having all the necessary pieces for departure, none of it was ensembled. Kaito was hooking together the ropes and straps from the carriage to the horses, and Jazdia was riding in circles. Solomon noticed Cedar leaving for another part of town, Reinhold tailing him. It looked as though the old hunter had new life instilled into him, which was comforting to see.

As the shadow quickly approached the carriage, a black formless mass rose from the ground as though it were growing from the earth. Solomon stepped out of it, not worried about potential gazes from bystanders be it of Silas’ men or the townsfolk should any be around. The shadow Solomon stepped from collapsed back into the earth, merging into the natural shade of Solomon’s form cast by the lowering rays of the sun.

“I’ve done all I could. I cannot tell you his reasons, I do not understand them myself. As it stands, I do not believe Chounan will be returning to us.” said Solomon. He then properly faced Jazdia, “I would ask how you’ve come across such knowledge, but I know some of your ways. I assume you informed the others then?”

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

“I understand.” said Solomon briefly before he briskly exited the ruined dining hall. As he did so, he could hear the shuffled movement of the others as they collected their belongs. Packs shifted and armaments rattled as they left the keep one by one. Solomon knew that he might require a little more time than that what Matilda had expected. He couldn’t blame her though, Solomon’s words made it sound as though Chounan still stood among the living. Solomon also knew, otherwise. The only reason he would be able to hear the words of the samurai is if he had fallen.

It did not take long to find Chounan. His figured sat hunched over his own sword, blood dripping from the blade, soaking into the fabric of his trousers. Viscous flow of deep red pools around his face, his eyes closed, almost relaxed as though the pain he just endured meant nothing. It was a strange sight to behold. As Solomon looked over the scene, it was obvious what had happened. It wasn’t an antagonistic ploy, Chounan had decided to do this to himself. Solomon could not fathom why. What regrets could he have to have committed such an act here and now?

Solomon regained his composure as he took several steps forward, dropping to his knees once he reached chounan’s body. He repositioned the samurai, carefully holding the blade to prevent further damage. Though Solomon arrived as quickly as he could, Chounan had already lost so much blood. To further the dire in the situation, Solomon’s supplies were low. He resorted to using the samurai’s own kimono to help with some of the bandaging. Carefully, Solomon removed the blade and sewed the man together again. Though time was ticking, Solomon worked as diligently as he could. He needed to stop further blood loss. When he was finally done, Solomon’s sleeves were soaked in blood. The samurai lay on his back similarly so. The blade that committed the act lay across the room.

When all was said and done, Chounan was still lifeless upon the cold stone floor. If Cedar were here, he could take over and fully heal the stitches. Perhaps then the samurai could have a better chance. As it were, it would take a miracle. One that Solomon could not provide. It irked the necromancer to know that not only was this death preventable, but that Chounan had committed it himself. To make it worse, Solomon lacked the skill and power he needed to circumvent this death.

“You may have chosen this path for your honor...” said Solomon softly. For the moment where Solomon started to treat the wound, Chounan protested from beyond his grave. However, Solomon refused to listen. He did not know of the foreign ways Chounan attempted to explain, and did not care to. However, now that Solomon had expended all he could, it was left to him. “I will not offer you undeath. I do not understand your motivations, but if you find your path unclear, perhaps you may find a way to draw breath once again.”

Solomon slowly stood back up, his hands resting on his own knees for support. Even after all Solomon had done, Chounan lay peacefully upon the ground. Given the best of Solomon’s efforts, Chounan’s body lay stitched and bandaged. One way or another, the choice of life was within the hands of the samurai. Solomon removed the canteen, using the remaining swallows of water to wash his hands of the blood, though his sleeves started to stiffen as the blood coagulated.

Solomon returned to the dining hall. Petra and the shadow that was once above the keep were waiting. There were signs of others, but none could be seen. Even the surface where Reinhold layed was empty.

“They left.” said Petra.

“I know.” replied Solomon somberly. He sighed and turned his head enough that it cracked audibly. “Let us catch up with them. I’ve done all I can.” Solomon then focused as his body turned black as though he were nothing by a silhouette, his figure becoming nondescript. Without any further conversation form either Petra or the shadow, the shadow began to also become nondescript. It enveloped Solomon, their two forms merging into a levitating black mass. Petra finally left from her place near the stairwell and walked out of the keep like the party had done before her. The formless shadow collapsed into the ground, zipping in a straight line out of the keep towards the city gate, where the others would either be near, or not too far past. Petra cast flight on herself, and took to the air just enough to fly in a straight line the same direction. Solomon would arrive with the others first, but Petra would not be too far behind.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

Chounan was taking an arguably deserved nap. The other’s were still in the cellar. He could sense his shadow was still with the prince and Cedar. Solomon wondered what might be holding them. I could predict some distrust, especially from the prince. Though Solomon introduced them earlier, they could still present an air of maliciousness the prince could be wary to. Perhaps they knew of the admiral’s visit. Given the encounters Solomon had heard of those involved in the Delving family, and the encounter he had with them earlier, that was also a possibility. There was a nonzero chance the Admiral had nefarious plans involving the prince. On one hand, Cedar would want to keep them apart, on the other jazdia and Matilda had an understanding of how to go about the admiral’s proposal. It was time to bring everyone to the same page.

Since Yvonne was in and out of being sober and Reinhold was still unconscious, Solomon found that he had more time on his hands. It felt uncomfortable. Though the encounter with admiral Silas was only just minutes ago, it felt like ages. Something nefarious could happen and with everyone separated as they are, he waited to see whether Silas would keep to his word or betray them as they were divided. Perhaps he was thinking too much into it.

Then Matilda returned. Following her was the prince and Cedar. It looked as though Solomon’s bear friend had succeeded at disguising the prince, but he wasn’t sure how effective it would be now that the admiral was involved. Jazdia was notably absent, and the look on Matilda’s face expressed just how aware of it she was. Her furrowed eyebrows as she glanced the room didn’t seem to offer any relief. Matilda asked of the samurai, and only then did Solomon also notice he was no longer present.

“That is a good question.” said Solomon, bewildered how it appeared no one noticed the samurai’s departure. He chuckled. The samurai seemed exhausted, but evidently not enough to sneak off as he did. Solomon’s demeanor then darkened. He turned to face Matilda. Something happened, and Solomon needed to act fast to try and rectify it. A new voice among the spirits of the dead rose among the choir, one of honor and regret. Was it Silas’ men? Another entity yet to have revealed itself? It felt unlikely, but with only one of his shadows watching the keep, it wouldn’t be impossible.

“I think I know where he could have gone. I’ll go ahead and retrieve him. With his speed and my shadows, we should catch up once you depart.” said Solomon. He didn’t want to incite potential panic, especially from the prince. Cedar might be of help, but given how close he was to the prince, it could be too risky. “I should be with back with you before you leave the city limits.”

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

The shadow tried different methods of communicating. The prince seemed to understand, but Cedar was annoyingly cautious. To be fair, there were a lot of unknowns that suddenly appeared, and many of them were more capable than the party. Once the soft glow of the enchanted arrow approached the shadow’s form, it slowly faded as it ducked down into the shade cast by the prince’s figure. No longer seen, whatever happened next depended on how Matilda and Jazdia was to react to Cedar’s pet plan.

Upstairs, Solomon had not much else to say. Jazdia was not as willing to forgive and forget as she had led the group to believe. Still through, Solomon hoped his words would still carry some weight on the mind of Silas. If war was to break out between Meche and Kindeance, or even just enough of a dispute to dethrone the king, there would be consequences. Whatever Silas’ father had planned for his lordship, his rule, for the country, he may enjoy the initial victory, but the long term may lead the family distraught. Hopefully, Silas would now consider his plans more carefully.

“Well now, Petra. You can return to the earth or adventure with us a bit more. I’ll allow you this choice. Just know, that I expect your further cooperation should the need arise.” said Solomon. Jazdia and Matilda had entered the cellar, Silas’ company had left to help the townsfolk, and Chounan was conversing with Yvonne. This gave Solomon an opportunity to organize. He already had finished with his possessions, so a roll call was now in order. He knew for sure that Bartholomew, August, Violet, and his various skeletons and shadows had been destroyed. Their souls, the means in which they could rise again were at rest, perfectly persevered, bound between the pages of the large death tome strapped safely with Solomon. What remained was Petra, and several shadows.

“I do not like you.” said Petra coldly. She turned her head to face Solomon, but otherwise did not move from her spot by the stairwell. Likewise, her arms remained cross and her face was still frowning.

“And yet you trusted me with your being.” replied Solomon, interrupting the half spectral and bodied mage. She rolled her eyes.

“That isn’t important anymore. I…” she gave a pause, finally letting her arms fall to her sides. “I want to remain out here. I might not be able to feel the warmth of the sun, but I still wish to bask in the light even if it should burn me.”

“Very well.” Solomon looked about the room again. He expected the other’s to have come back from the cellar by now. He was curious as to what was holding them. He then turned back to Petra.

“Speaking of light.” Solomon spoke softly to himself. With a few imperceptible words from his mouth, he called for the other four shadows still at Pesti. Since they had some time for the moment, they should arrive before the party’s next departure. At full speed, the shadows could easily cover the distance between to two towns in the matter of minutes. Solomon expected a brief update on the state of Pesti, the mercenary group that was there, and any other potential call to action the town might have made. Since none of them had come to give warning, he didn’t expect anything worrying, but an update may shed some light on Silas’ motivation.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

It was still too soon to see how truthful Silas was with his motivations and plans. And knowing now the maid character is another of the Delving family, something still felt off. One person from the family could make sense, but another with Kirsten was convenient. The Delving family had a lot of power among the noble houses, and slowly it seemed to be dismantling. First there was Aaron’s demotion, and not Silas’ deflection. Perhaps it was time to give the admiral the benefit of the doubt.

“I’ve been around long enough to know what you’re attempting to do. You should know such plans never work. The dark stains left behind will forever mark the family, and will eventually tear it down. Either by the people it rules, or the people who ruled over it. I commend your attempts to right the wrongs in your own way. However, it may be time to separate yourself form them. You will lose the power of your family name, but your decisions here forward may reward you with favor yet. I do not wish for you to misplace your motivations if you truly wish to seek an end to the deceit.”

Down within the tunnels connecting the cellar, the shadow began to stir. Cedar and the prince were enacting some kind of odd plan. Solomon had passed the order to turn the two back. For it was both Jazdia and Matilda that wished it so. As the two were searching for paper, the prince wrestled with the sticky glue that bound a paper label to one of the bottles. The shadow that was watching over them suddenly revealed itself, growing from the ground. It created a wall of blackness separating Cedar and the prince from everyone else attempting to break through the blockade. A startled yelp echoed as one of the peasants was caught by surprise, and several others clambered away. The shadow ignored the confused and frightened murmurs of the citizens as it returned to its humanoid shape.

The shadow was still for only a moment, making sure it had grabbed the attention of the bear and heir duo. It did the equivalent of puffing it’s chest to look like it was blocking the way forward and then pointed back towards the cellar beneath the keep. It did so multiple times, directing them to head back to the others.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

“Er, yes, but…” Solomon paused before he continued with his lack of response. Silas had let on about how much he knew which was a dangerous amount, but up until now, there wasn’t much concrete proof. Yet, Jazdia thought it appropriate to reveal what Silas could only speculate. In some parts, it made sense. Silas was meticulous. His position as admiral was not done for the sake of nepotism. He had genuine strength and skill to back up his position. Yet, it also gave the party less time to come up with counter measures. Solomon was not pleased about the situation as it was developing, but he kept that part to himself.

As of now, Solomon was aware that the prince and Cedar were still in the cellar. Or at least, where still in the underground area connected to it. It sounded like others were there as well, seeking shelter from the earlier storm. Beyond a disguise, Solomon wasn’t sure what he was doing, but it looked to be as Jazdia said. Cedar was taking the prince out the back.

“Ahem.” Solomon coughed, “I didn’t think my sentry much to report. As of now, there haven’t been any surprises.”

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

A lot of admiral Silas’ words did not match with what the party already knew. If the admiral was privy with the prince’s whereabouts, then he would have known he should have been at the royal forest. Being this far north was very suspicious. Even had the admiral investigated the royal forest and the nearby villages, it would have taken more than the day to arrive here. Similarly, the king wished to keep the kidnapping as secret as possible. For what possible reason would the admiral to have men stations at Pesti for one? And two, why would those men be aware of anything involving the prince? It all pointed to the admiral being in league with those who kidnapped the royal heir to begin with.

Rather than call him out, Matilda attempted to push misinformation. The group was after the assassins, not the prince. Solomon remained silent, watching the dialog unfold, yet still keeping an eye on Silas. Hidden beneath the mask, Solomon spoke softly that only the dead would hear. One shadow was to keep watch in case of more new arrivals, much to Chounan’s suggestion earlier. The other was to join Cedar and the prince below, acting as another set of eyes for them. That shadow would remain hidden from view even from them, only revealing itself to warn them of upcoming trouble. Petra crosser her arms again, both her spectral and corporeal halves. She remained silent. Unless Silas’s party had their own magical means of detecting the shadows much like Asevor, they would remain hidden, impossible to see. Otherwise, the admiral would have already known they were there.

Then Jazdia revealed the hand. Solomon did not know what angle she was playing, but for the moment, both sides were at am impasse. It looked as though Silas was attempting to prevent further acts of treason, moving in a way to get what he wanted in a means that couldn’t bring him further distress. Unlike that of his brother and the situation involving the Black Serpent Guild. To accompany the group, it sounded like a rouse. The admiral was not without guile. It was difficult to tell, but there lay the possibility Silas would strike should be accompany the party regardless of the route taken.

Solomon expected Silas was waiting for the prince to be presented. Whether he kept his word until he was ready to involuntarily relieve the prince from the party, or took advantage of the group now.