Lathkiera Morlund, Defender of Justice
Saying their thanks to the Concierge, the three (Milo, Ceely and Yvandel) step out onto the street, seeing it for the first time in the light of day. Many of the buildings that had seemed cold and closed up as they had passed in the night were now fronted by colourful awnings and the street was fairly busy with people about their business.
Milo leads the three of them away from Baldiver's - heading in the opposite direction from the way they had arrived the night before.
After a few minutes, the group can see ahead of them what looks like a large gatehouse and the city walls.
Just
before it however, on the left hand corner is a large fortress like building
- at least as large as Baldiver's if not larger. A set of steps leads up
to the front doors, on which are clearly marked two symbols. A pair of torches
in sconces either side of the doors remain unnecessarily alight in the daylight,
protected from the elements by a sizeable porch. The temple is clearly dedicated
to Torm and Tyr and further symbols appear elsewhere on the stonework of
the building itself, though as is the case with most temples to Torm/Tyr
- they are not overly ornate or embellished.
Although the doors are closed, it is clear that they are not locked or barred - since they are slightly ajar. There is a faint sound of a choir singing from inside.
Ceely followed silently. getting outside into the open air seemed to wake her up fully, back to her normal self. She studies the buildings as they walk, taking note of their path so they could return to the inn later. Once at the front door she looks at Milo. "Remind me, about these gods"
Milo looked around, as if checking they weren't being followed, and led Ceely and Yv to the doors. Going inside he said, “Tyr is the Faerûnian deity of Law and Justice in Abeir-Toril. His symbol is the scales of justice. His dogma is primarily concerned with the punishment of wrong-doers, and the general furthering of Law and Good in the world. It would be truly good if we found some of his knights, or even a Hammer of his here. The belief in justice through benevolent force, or at least armed vigilance, is the reason for Tyr’s existence it is said by his priests. ”
“This is Torm's Temple. Torm is the god of duty, loyalty, obedience, and those who face danger to further the cause of good. He, along with Ilmater, serve Tyr as the Triad. All are forces for good in the world. The symbol on the right of the door is one used by the Triad. The one on the left indicates it is a temple of Torm.”
“Torm was the most faithful of warriors in life, renowned for obeying all the commands of his king regardless of personal danger. He remains a great fighter, serving as the wararm of Tyr. It was he that slew Bane, and his sacrifice was rewarded by Ao.”
“Worshippers and priests of all three do the will of this Triad willingly. That is why last night I was so pleased to have found this place. With luck we will be able to arrange a suitable rebuke for this painbringer. ”
With the explanations over, Milo looked around to see who was available to him. He found his hand already pulling out his holy symbol to be openly displayed. He felt safe here.
Entering the temple, the pair can hear the singing more clearly. A choir - mainly of male voices are singing a hymn - from the words it is clearly a hymn of remembrance and reverence. Moving through an entrance foyer, Ceely and Milo step into the main hall. Large columns support a vaulted ceiling from which large candelabras hang, though the light omitted from them appears to have been magically generated rather than actually using candles any more.
In the middle of the large hall, rows of pews are occupied by a reasonably large congregation - probably upwards of fifty people or so, all with their backs to the entrance. Along the sides of the hall are alcoves containing statues of lions and armoured men together with carved sarcophagi, probably honouring heroes from days gone by. Shields marked with coats of arms also hang on the wall.
At the far end of the temple - there is a raised area. A small group of what looks like armoured men stand singing, facing the congregation with a single figure conducting them.
For several minutes, the pair stand in silence, not wishing to disturb the worship and waiting for the hymn to stop. As the hymn comes to an end, there is a fair clanking of armour as the choir move back to seats and sit down noisily. The choirmaster turns and address the congregation and Ceely and Milo can see that it is a woman.
"Reveal the truth, punish the guilty, right the wrong, and be always true and just in your actions" intones the woman, her voice carrying clearly to the rear of the temple where Milo and Ceely stand.
"Justice and Duty" respond the congregation as a clearly standard response.
This seems to mark the end of the service, and the congreation stand and start to make their way out, past Milo and Ceely. Some look suspiciously at the pair, whilst a few seem to recognise Milo's holy symbol and smile, nodding respectfully. There is little conversation however as the large throng slowly file out of the temple. Many of them are also armoured and even dressed in the same uniform as the Stone Shields.
Ceely watches the ceremony, actually enjoying the singing. The choirmaster's words make sense to Ceely. "Reveal the truth, punish the guilty, right the wrong, and be always true and just in your actions" Ceely commits this to memory. When the congregation walks slowly past them, Ceely simply nods respectfully to them as they filter out. "What next?" she whispers to Milo.
Milo smiles at her, and says to both her and Yv, "I suggest we talk to the choirmistress, and see if their dogma of "Reveal the truth" will hold true again this painbringer. I suspect they will be able to help us in what might be going on in the city that is not common knowledge in the taverns. One thing though, no mention of Ssessebil and his friends, or for that matter our little problem with the sigils."
Moving forward, Milo makes to intercept the choirmistress.
"My name is Milo Davidson, a priest and follower of Ilmater, and a traveller with my friends. This is Ceely, and Yvandel. I would like to speak of a truth that needs uncovering. Have you time for us?"
As
the three get closer, they can see that the woman has a stern, hard face,
though by no means unattractive, framed with curly dark hair, large earrings
and a holy symbol on her forehead like a metal headband - almost a piece
of stylised head armour.
She turns at their approach, a sheaf of papers in her hand. Her frown turns into a fairly pleasant smile as she recognises Milo's holy symbol and as he introduces himself, she extends her hand to shake his.
"I am Lathkiera Morlund, Defender of Justice" she introduces herself in return, "and I will always make time for a fellow priest of the Triad."
She pauses, glancing down at Milo's forearm, his hand still clasped in hers and his wrist protruding from his sleeve slightly as he had extended his hand to shake hers. The sigil of Gwath squirmed on the back of Milo's wrist, just peeking out. Realising what she might be looking at, Milo retracts his arm.
The high priestess returns her gaze to Milo's eyes, the smile still on her face, though a slight hint of puzzlement narrowed her eyes. "So, what truths do you need to uncover?" she asks.
Milo saw the looks towards his arm, and thought that he should have listened to his own warning. Perhaps Lathkiera knew what the markings were, or perhaps even recognised Gwath's mark some how. That was something they could consider later.
Holding his hand on his sleeve, over where the sigils were, he said, "This is something for later perhaps. Lets say it is a burden I carry so others don't." With that Milo looked around and said, "Would it be possible to talk somewhere less public? I have need of help and advice from you, which I'd not like to be made general knowledge at the moment."
The austere woman inclines her head slighty in acceptance of Milo's explanation, before gesturing with the sheaf of papers. "Um, there is something I need to sort out right now - can I ask you to wait a short while - then we can talk in a private room..."
Milo smiles and says, "Of course Defender. It will give me a moment to contemplate within your temple." With that, Milo bows and heads off towards a set of pews and offers them for Ceely and Yv.
Checking those close by, he says quietly to Ceely and Yv, "Watch who she speaks to in this room, I will be praying a little until she returns."
Although Milo has no reason to suspect her, he is wondering who the hymn of rememberence was for. Was it in praise and tribute to Torm, or perhaps there had been a loss to the temple recently. Bowing his head, he began a prayer to Ilmater to let his mind focus on what he had to ask of this temple.
The Defender of Justice turns away from the three, moving to gather up the remaining papers. Stepping into the apse, she spends a few moments speaking quietly in hushed tones to a few of the choir-knights who had been singing earlier. One of them seems to thank her, shaking her hand passionately, before one of the others leads the man away towards the exit. It is pretty clear that the man is quite emotional about something.
As Milo prays, Ceely and Yvandel sit in the pews looking around the temple, observing what is going on. A few other people pause to speak to Defender of Justice Morlund, if only to greet or accept a blessing of some sort, before continuing to exit the temple. After a few minutes the temple is nearly empty, with just a few stragglers - a couple sitting in pews in silent prayer, another intently studying one of the sarcophagi in a side alcove. A couple of young men dressed in white robes appear and start to sweep the floor.
Eventually, Lathkiera Morlund escapes from her congregation and disappears through a door near the rear of the temple, reappearing some 15 minutes later, dressed slightly differently, minus her heavy armour and instead wearing a more simple white robe. She is however still wearing the holy symbol of Tyr on her forehead, the combination of sword and the scales that represent justice prominently displayed.
"Sorry for making you wait" Lathkiera apologises as she approaches. "Perhaps you'd like to follow me, and we can speak more privately."
Moving to the back of the temple, she leads the three through a doorway to a room where there are is a small shrine and a number of clothes pegs and armour stands. A suit of armour that she was wearing earlier gleams on one of the stands. Passing through another doorway on the far side she steps across a corridor that leads off to two other doors, before opening another and stepping into a quiet and comfortable looking office. There are a number of wooden chains with plain cushions on them to one side and a desk on the other. A middle-aged man dressed in simple white robes is already in there, just in the process of pouring some tea from a nicely glazed teapot into several teacups.
Lathkiera gestures towards three chairs placed in a small semi-circle on one side of the desk, indicating that the three should sit. She moves around the desk and sits in a leather bound chair on the other side.
Having poured the tea, the man offers each of the three a cup and saucer and then steps towards the door, turning to face the room. "Thank you Samuel" says Lathkiera, nodding to the older looking man.
"So - how can I help you?" says Lathkiera after a moment, sipping on her own tea.
Milo takes a moment to enjoy the aroma and taste of the tea, trying to identify any herbs or flavourings. It felt good to have a potential burden about to be released. Putting the tea down gently, he pulls out a rolled paper from inside his travelling clothes and contemplates it a little, before looking up at Lathkiera.
"Defender, before I hand this map over, can I ask a little about the temple here, its followers among the Shields, and from the castle? After that I will describe the two reasons I have come to see you. At that point I'd ask you to cast what spells you wish to prove who I am, and then we need to discuss what to do." Milo placed the map in his hands and looked over to Ceely and Yv.
"Can you tell me what has been happening in the city over the last six months. Anything that seems out of place, or a danger to the people. Also I'd like to know the numbers of your order here, and whether there are any of your Knights in the vicinity. I fear you may have need of them. Then can you tell me what has been happening up at the castle. Whether you have followers within its walls. I am also intrigued to know who was being remembered in the service today? Has someone of importance died recently?"
Picking up the tea again, Milo adds,"I know that this is a one way conversation at the moment, but I assure you it is the best way for me to gain an understanding of the danger I have feared." With that, Milo sits back and begins to drink his tea again.
Lathkiera frowns as Milo requests all sorts of information. "I'm not sure it is appropriate that I give you that sort of information" she interrupts the priest of the Ilmater. "Painbearer you maybe, but resident you are not, and the information you request could well be seen as critical to the defence of the city." She leans forward, her elbows on the desk and her hands clasped.
"I think perhaps you should tell me what help you need, and then I can deem whether or not it would be appropriate to answer your questions..."
Milo nodded, and put the cup down again. "Will you allow me to cast a Zone of Truth within your temple. You can then ask me anything when my story has been told. My friends hear know of a little of what I fear, and will be subject to the effects of the spell as well as myself. I accept that willingly if you will listen and then answer my questions."
Turning to Yv and Ceely he says, "Do not resist the spells please, for I need the Defender to hear the truth of it as you are aware."
The woman smiles slightly. "There is no need for that - there is a blessing on the temple as a whole such that only truths can be spoken by those in it." She gestures for Milo to continue. "Speak on" she says.
Milo tries to say, "Ceely is the most hated person I know", to prove it works, and then continues with his question to Lathkiera.
"I'm sorry for my concerns, especially when within a temple of the Triad. But there is a threat to this city, and the region, that needs to be dealt with. I have to be careful of who I trust until I know they share a similar vision to that of the Triad."
Handing the map over, he says, "Within the confines of that map lies the location of a Temple to Loviatar. Now you can understand my concerns. I am here to ask for any help you have available in getting me and my friends to that location so I can ensure it does not bring such pain to this city and its people. That is why I wanted to know the strength of your order here, and what support you might have in the castle."
Milo sighed as he remembered the time in Silverymoon. Sitting back, he put his fingers together as if the framework of a buildings roof, and began the tale of how he had come by the map.
"We were in Silverymoon, following signs we were not sure about at that time, and resting up whilst we could. Ceely and I had been in an Inn, and when I left I was approached by a woman begging me for my help. I followed her, rather reluctantly at first, and we made our way to her house. On the way I could get out from her that her son was in great pain, and that my help was desperately needed. It was. When I arrived the young man was in great pain, with a fever and the look of posion about his body. Alongside the man were many worried people, chanting the "Easing of the Suffering". It was obvious they followed Ilmater. Not that that would have made a difference to my intentions for helping the young man."
Leaning forward to take another sip of the tea, he cleared his throat and continued. "Through the chaos, I worked out what had happened as I started to do my best to minister to the young man. Thinking that he would make his life as an adventurer, the young man had ignored his mother's advice, and travelled with a group of other hot headed friends out of Silverymoon, and headed into the Nether Mountains. They had been following this very map that had been sold to them by what his mother is convinced is an evil con man! Instead, they had stumbled into a secret temple to one of the dark goddesses - Loviatar! As you can imagine, my hackkles rose at this. As all know, the one power to which Ilmater is most opposed is the Maiden of Pain."
"I was informed that all of the young man's friends had been killed, but he alone had managed to escape somehow. Not before being bitten by a snake headed whip though. He had stumbled his way from the temple, and somehow made his way back to Silverymoon Pass, where he was luckily found by one of his uncles on a caravan from this city. He was delirious from the poison and wracked with pain. His uncle had brought him back to Silverymoon only two days earlier, and his family had started to take care of him. When the woman had heard that one of Ilmater's priests was in Silverymoon was in the city, she had sought me out."
"I took away his pain to allow him to sleep, through spell and my herbal knowledge, and then went about removing the poison and the corruption that came with it. I found out that the family had a shrine to Ilmater, and to distract them from the worry, and to aid the young mans health, I lead them in a few of the rituals and prayers of the church. The next day I returned with more herbs, and found him more comfortable, but still with poison coursing through him. Praying to Ilmater at the shrine, I spent the day in aiding him, and thankfully he finally awoke as the sun set. I was able to get his story, and took the map with the intention of asking my friends to aid me in destroying it."
Milo leant forward again, his story told, and looked over at the Defender. "Lathkiera, I know that the whip described is one of the weapons used by the followers of the Maiden on Pain. The poison was one designed to wrack the body in as much pain as possible, for as long as possible. I have no doubt in my mind that the story of how he got the wound is true. If circumstances allow, I intend to lead my friends into the mountains where the map leads us, and destroy it. I would like any support you might have available, even if that is simply your blessing. As a follower of one of the Triad, I thought you needed to know of that threat, as well as a more pressing one for your city."
Yvandel sprays his tea suddenly as he has a coughing fit. It takes a minute or so for him to recover himself, but when he does, he looks a little incredulously at Milo. "So when exactly were you going to mention all this to the rest of the Unknowns?" demands Yvandel, his face still red. "I mean, it's been nearly two months since we were in Silverymoon! And how does this connect to that dream Lucretia supposedly had the other day?" he demands, forgetting the presence of the Defender of Justice in the room.
Milo looks a little sheepish as he realises that his friends had no idea he had had this in the back of his mind since they had left Silverymoon all those days ago. "Lets just say that Luc's dream brought it back to my attention. It was only a thought, but now may be absolutely necessary", he said to Yv, looking over to see what Ceely might be about to say.
Milo leant forward again, his story told, and looked over at the Defender. "Lathkiera, I know that the whip described is one of the weapons used by the followers of the Maiden on Pain. The poison ...."
Ceely sips the tea as she listens to Milo's story. Her eyes widen as he speaks about things he's kept not only from the Unknowns, but also from her. She fought the urge to throw her tea at him,for once again keeping secrets. She bit the inside of her lip to keep from letting Lathkiera see just how annoyed she was.
Lathkiera's eyebrows rise as she watches Yvandel's reaction to Milo's description of his plans. A slight frown creases her forehead. "It seems perhaps that before you ask for my help, you should perhaps be asking for help from your own companions" she says with gentle rebuke.
"However, I do thank you for the warning. Those who worship the Lady of Pain are, for the most part simply sick masochistic individuals who do themselves more damage than others, but some of them - those who are more fervent in their worship - enjoy inflicting pain on others. Like other worshippers of the dark gods, these people tend to promote chaos and disorder - all things that we in Sundabar oppose vigorously." She shrugs briefly, looking unconcerned. Waving the map briefly, she continues. "I suspect that those behind this are few in number and poorly organised - since I have heard of no stories of Loviatian atrocities here in Sundabar, and the mountains are hard places to scratch a living without coming into the city." She gestures towards the silent man standing near the doorway. "Samuel, can you please get this copied - it may be useful in the future if Painbearer Davidson here fails in his mission."
The man steps forward and takes the map, nodding briefly before exiting the room. "He will be quick I am sure" assures Lathkiera.
She hesitates, then turns her attention back to Milo. "With regards to my help - I am sure the church here would be happy to sponsor your mission," she glances sideways at Yvandel and Ceely, "once you have gained the agreement of your companions of course!"
She leans back in her chair and steeples her fingers. "You mentioned a second, more pressing threat to the city?" she prompts. "Is it this one perhaps, that is behind your questions about the city's defences?" she asks.
Milo already regretted that he hadn't discussed the map with Ceely during their chat the night before, but it wasn't until he wsa in bed, and considering his options, that he decided that the Unknowns were perhaps the best placed to sort out the temple found on the map. If the sigils allowed him to, he intended to lead the others as far as the temple, and do a service to the world as a whole. Now he knew he had made a mistake in not at least warning Ceely and Yv of his intentions. Perhaps he would get a chance to redeem himself later, before he spoke to the other Unknowns. He knew Luc would go with him, and that there would be some who would happily say no.
Turning back to the problem in hand, Milo took a deep breath, "Defender, there exists a threat to this city. From the inside. At the top. One linked to the threat posed by the temple. There is a disciole of Laviator in a position of power, not very far away from us. Before you ask, let me say that this information comes from one of my party, via a connection with an intelligent apirit." Milo stopped, as he understood what he was actually saying. How could he explain what Luc was carrying without putting him in danger.
"That doesn't quite sound right does it. Ummm. Lets say that my friend had a dream. A very powerful one, unlike any he had had before, where he was told that a key member of the Castle staff was in fact a disciple of the Maiden of Pain. He gave me the details yesterday, and I've been struggling since to understand what to do. When I saw your temple last night on a walk, I was heartened to know that I had allies in the city that could determine the truth of the revelation. I for one do not know if the voice he heard was true, but with your help I hope to find out."
"If necessary I will allow my friend to tell his own story within your temple. For now I'd like to hear what has been happening in the city. Who has the ear of the lord."
The Defender of Justice remains silent for a few moments, frowning as she listens to Milo outline the perceived threat. "That sounds like a very serious allegation to lay at someone's door" Lathkiera replies after a moment. "But you were right to come here - dreams are often used by the Gods as a way to pass on information."
"And often used by decievers to make people think they follow a gods will. I have no idea what Lu... my friend was talking with, although I doubt it would be considered a god. He would be best placed to answer any questions on that line. As for me, I think it rather convenient. As if someone is leading me to make two and two equal six!" Milo trusted Luc, for all his faults, but there was no telling if the amulet he "wore" was really a thing worth trusting.
Lathkiera hesitates before continuing. "As for who has the ear of the Lord - I assume by that you mean Helm Dwarf-friend, the political leader of this city - well he has many advisers, none of whom, as far as I know, have ever given rise to suspicion of such dark things as that which you speak." Her frown deepens. "You said you only heard the details yesterday - are there any further details you have not yet shared?" she asks.
There is really nothing much Ceely can do besides listen to the discussion at hand. She wondered what other secrets Milo was keeping from her. It hurt her deeply, though she didn't let her features show it, that already since his promise last night, he already was not being completely truthful. He had time before coming here to tell her of the map and such.
"The name of the suspected Loviatar follower. One that I had hoped would be identified by you. Now it seems the Maidens cover is very good indeed." Milo said as he leant forward to whisper the next bit. "I have been told that she disguises herself as a man. He calls himself Naip Grinber! A coincidence, that that can be arranged to say Pain Bringer! Either someone very sure of themselves, or someone being set up."
"Either way, I would prefer to know that information confirming this comes from your sources, rather than me. That is the second reason for coming to see you today."
"Naip Grinber?" repeats Lathkiera, a frown on her face as she tries to reverse the spelling in her head. "Grinber is a common surname around here" she says slowly. "Samuel's surname is Grinber for example!" she adds.
She continues to frown in thought. "Do you mean Naipian Grinber perchance?" she inquires after a moment. "He works closely with Helm Dwarf-friend. Perhaps he is the person you have dreamt about - though I have to say, I have met this man on many occasions and he has never given any hints at being anything beyond what he says he is!" She seems very sceptical about the validity of the information Milo has been given.
Milo looked over to Yv and Ceely as Lathkiera identified the surname of the man now holding the map. That it was a common name was something that could be explained, but with the intrigue brought about by the voice heard by Luc, Milo was inclined to believe little, and trust only those he knew.
"Naipian Grinber could indeed be the one. The name I was given was Naip, but it seems to fit." Milo considers the difference as he sits back in his chair.
"As to whether he is really a Maiden of Pain, I was hoping that you would be best placed to investigate that. I would go wandering into a place I do not know, and with perhaps a belief in guilt without reason. For that reason I think that you and your order would be able to declare one way or the other whether there is indeed a threat to this city. I would abide by your declaration on the matter, for the Triad stands for justice for all."
"I can arrange for you and the dreamer to meet here later, if you would like to start your path of truth at that point."
Lathkiera leans back in her chair, thinking. "Hmmmm, you were wise to come here - allegations such as those you state are not ones that could be bandied about without absolute knowledge about their truth - and such an, um investigation, to ascertain such truth would have to be very discrete."
Milo nodded and said, "I am hardly wise. More cautious, shall we say. I tend not to jump to conclusions."
She seems to come to some decision. "I will personally investigate, by means of a true seeing spell, before this goes any further. I have business at the Master's Hall this afternoon. I would expect to encounter Naipian during this time, so I expect by this evening I'll know the truth of things."
Milo frowned a little as he thought. "If she, or he, has simply disguised herself, without magic, a True Seeing would not detect it. A casting of something to compliment it, such as knowing her penchant for evil, would be a possible inclusion. As your aura would glow with goodness, hers should glow with evil. If he or she is a Maiden as the dream foretold of course"
She leans forward again, her face stern. "You being a Painbearer of Illmater, and the fact that you have chosen to come to me with this, means that should this allegation prove unfounded, then this will go no further. Had any other raised this and then it proved unfounded, then I am sure steps would be taken to prosecute those responsible for defamation of character!" She glances at Ceely and Yvandel before looking back to Milo. "It is your responsibility Painbearer Davidson to ensure that your companions do not spread such a rumour either!"
Ceely raised an eyebrow slightly at the woman's statement that Milo was responsible for the group. The Unknowns were not exactly always on the same page, so to speak.
Milo nodded fervently, "I will ensure that once I have spoken to them, my colleagues will not pass on anything that would bring themselves into a postion where they would be proscecuted. I cannot be 100% sure they haven't been a little indiscreet up to that point, but none are seeking to answer the question, having left that in my hands as a Painbearer."
"You are welcome to return here this evening, at the seventh bell for evening prayers - I will speak with you then and let you know what I have discovered."
As Milo stood up to take his leave, he went to shake her hand, and said, "I will see you at evening prayers, and will have an answer as to whether my colleagues are willing to follow me to the temple in the hills, to find out about that particular clue. Until then, thank you for the tea and your time Defender. May Ilmater aid you in his way."