Blake - Turn 265

Listening with great interest to the vision Marus speaks of, Blake declares, "We must obey L'denon's wish. Let us seek this structure within Morngorl forest."

In the morning after a breakfast which consists of smoked ham and eggs, the group head out to make a tour of the various taverns and inns. They chat with the locals and hear that a number of fishermen are claiming to have captured a mermaiden that they are going to start showing for money.

On the subject of the Morngorl forest, it is within the Net and Anchor that they get their best lead. A man called Gorben tells them that he believes it is the forest that dominates the lands of Lord Rofric who resides in Blackwood Keep far to the North.

Eventually the impressively dressed Falcons walk into the 'Dark Damsel'. Blake heads for the bar and introduces himself as Blake of the Falcon's of Blake.

The young innkeeper Belgorion greets him with a smile but when Blake asks if he is any relation to Belgarion, he blusters that he has never heard of him.

"I only ask," says Blake, "as he was an adventurer with whom I once travelled. F'norian if I remember. Evil though that God may be, he knows his own mind and plays an important role in all affairs of the world!"

"Blake... I've heard of you," says a man in armour, getting up from his table. "Follower of L'denon if my information is correct. I am Regnak of a group of friends called Scholar's Walk."

"Greetings Regnak," says Blake, "you wouldn't happen to know anything of Morngorl Forest would you?"

Explaining that he needs to get to Morngorl Forest, Blake goes on to tell Regnak, "Something is happening there though I don't know what. Do you know of anyone who would be able to guide us there or give any help?"

"I'm afraid I don't," replies the chieftain of Scholar's Walk.

Blake goes on to ask about his group and Regnak tells him that they are a group of adventurers who have been exploring lands far to the North.

Elluvello pipes up before anyone can stop her and asks, "Are you mages? Do you know anything about spells or spell scroll paper and ink?"

Regnak smiles as if remembering something and replies, "Yes, some of my friends are mages and do possess spell scroll and ink."

Marus is standing back from the main conversation and observes Regnak and Belgorion. Using his skill he is able to discern that Regnak appears to have allegiance to A'stall whilst Belgorion appears to be hiding something, but what he is unable to tell.

"He certainly is not a F'norian," Marus whispers to Blake.

Voll and Delvina eventually manage to track down the fishermen who it is said have a captured mermaiden. There are four of them and their spokesman is one Rodin Vench who says that for 2 guilders a piece, Voll and Delvina can see their prize.

Going down to breakfast, Regnak heads over to a table where Blake and his friends are discussing plans. "Here you are," he says handing over a hastily scrawled map, "Morgath Forest or whatever you call it. I'm pretty sure it is North North East of here. About 150 miles by my reckoning. It lies by Castle Thernwood which could be a good place if it's magic you seek. Word is, there's an alchemist there and if you give him a nice present, he may look kindly on you. I wish you a good journey."

As Regnak leaves the inn, Blake turns to Marus and announces, "One thing we need now is money. We have surplus mules and cargo to sell. Let us go to market!"

Elluvello goes with the two of them and casts Favour to enable them to get a price for the six mules, one unit of leather goods, two units of leather and two units of cloth. The best price they are eventually offered is 64 guilders.

Marus and the mage then head out around the town in search of any libraries or the likes.

Considering the size of Sarem and the attitude of the locals to reading and writing, they do not hold out much hope but they do manage to learn that in the Mayor's Civic Building is believed to be a collection of tomes in the Town Records Office.

Eventually the party go back to Rodin Vench, Elluvello's Favour getting him to accept 3 guilders for just Blake and herself.

The two of them are taken into a locked shed by the dockside in the centre of which is a large barrel. It measures some six feet in diameter and jutting out of the top of it is naked young woman, her hands tied and a very unhappy look upon her face.

Straggly blond hair hangs about her face and as Elluvello memorises the location, Blake steps forwards to the girl.

"I am your friend," he whispers to her, "and want to help you. One of your kindred once asked me about the child of Manoo. I could not help then, but would like to make up for it now."

"Free me please," she begs Blake, "I cannot survive like this!"

"We shall get you out of this abominable place," Blake whispers to the water maiden.

Turning to Rodin Vench, Blake tells him, "I'll buy her off you for 15 guilders."

Rodin laughs and says, "I wouldn't sell her for ten times that, we can make a fortune getting people to pay to see her. We might even make a tour of the Lords and you never know... we might even get an audience with the King!"

"Like this," points out Blake, "she will surely die and will then be worthless to you. Please sir have pity on this creature. Let us buy her from you and set her free."

"You want her for yourself don't you," growls Rodin, "well get out, the viewing is over!"

"May K'nor have pity on your soul," comments Blake as he leaves.

Discreetly watching the place at a distance, Voll spots Rodin leave and lock-up.

Elluvello casts Chameleon upon Blake and then casts Blink to take the two of them in an instant to the spot within the shed.

Whilst Blake stands guard, Elluvello explains to the mermaiden that they have come to rescue her and asks her to hold her hand.

She grasps her palm as Elluvello begins the 'blink' chant and Blake then joins the circle.

In an instant, the three are 'transported' into their room at the Brewer's Mug and Blake cuts the mermaiden free from her bonds.

The mermaiden lies on Blake's bed and begs for water, Blake sending Elluvello down for a large jug. Not only has she the need to drink water, but she has to keep her tail very wet to stop it drying out.

"Must get me back into the lake," she pleads, "I beg you!"

"This tavern must have a bath," declares Blake to the others, "find one quickly!"

Once Voll and Delvina return carrying a large wooden tub between them, Blake has them set it on the floor and carries the mermaiden into it.

The two fighters then start to ferry in jugs of water to pour over the mermaiden, Marus keeping a close eye on her incase his powers are needed.

Blake discusses the problem with Elluvello who reckons that she knows a part of the lakeside they could go to.

Once everyone is ready, the mage casts Blink and transports them in an instant to a part of the shore to the North side of the town where sits the skeletal remains of an fishing boat.

"I am sorry for the way you have been treated," explains Blake, "Land dwellers view your kind with wonder and awe, and we sometimes act unwisely. Please forgive us and consul your people to avoid land dwellers boats."

He carries her into the water and she touches his cheek with the words, "You are a most kind land walker. My name is Cherlais and I must repay your kindness."

"We are the Falcons of Blake, announces Blake, "servants of L'denon. May L'denon protect you and your kind."

Cherlais starts to swim away before turning back and says, "Wait here and I will return with a gift!"

Over two hours have passed and Marus is about to suggest that they go when there is the sound of splashing and Cherlais can be seen once more.

She indicates for Blake to join her in the water and when he does she swims up and puts a chain of linked shells around his neck. Attached to the chain is a conch shell which she points to and says, "Blow this into the water when you aid and help will come your way."

Kissing him on the lips, she then dives back into the water just leaving ripples on the surface.