Maran 9-13, 653 DR. Discussion of Rallēa’s disappearance is overheard, prompting a chase through Zembra. The pursuit ends in a dark back street and an unexpected horned host.

Continued from Gardens of Adjàdâr.

Sūdor, 9 Maran 653

When morning came to Zembra…

That evening Vorén returned through the night clad streets to the inn where his companions were staying. Outside the front door he stopped and viewed the injured warrior and his hewn armor, marveling at the way the moonlight passed through him to the wall. The sentry’s tentacles wavered slightly with breath. Vorén said a few words, but the sentry did not respond.

Returning to the room, Nassir was asked to leave as they discussed what each had learned of Rallēa’s disappearance. As they talked about their experiences, someone heard a noise from the door. Rushing toward the door they could hear footsteps along the outside balcony and down the stairs to the common room. By the time the door could be opened, Nassir’s shape could be seen in the common room below racing outside. The pursuit continued into the covered streets of the town, weaving through the crowds of people. Finally Nassir, cornered in an alley dodged through a dark doorway. As the group converged in the alley, a large horned shape emerged from the building. The Brū charged the group but was quickly killed. Zuroolly and Ferveo had a long conversation with Nassir who remained in the shadowed chamber. Nassir revealed that the group will not be permitted to leave Zembra alive and made mention of the Zin Vìræl. When asked about the group, he only answered that Vorén should know more. Meanwhile, Vorén climbed the building, crossed the roof and climbed into the building from the other side. Dropping down into the chamber Vorén attacked and the rest rushed in to dispatch Nassir.

Group looked for a boat to Maràdaç. Shifty boatman at docks offered them a bargain-price but explained that the ship is leaving soon (at night). Group decided against going with shifty guys. That night, arrangements are made with an old man with a fruit barge that is heading downriver. The group climb onto the barge and spend the rest of the night hidden among the crates. By morning an immense woman is seen, mostly heard, arguing with the little old man about not needing or wanting passengers. Both the old man and woman disappear into a small barge house before the raft creaks away from the pier and starts away down the river. Their arguments continued as the raft was caught by the current and steered right along the north shore. Ferveo felt warm vibrations through the timbers and noticed that the raft moved without oars, poles, or sails. As Zembra grew farther and farther away, the yelling from the barge house grew louder.

Virínor, 13 Maran 653

Days passed upon the river.

Continued in Barge to Marádaç.

• Ferveo Cælestis
• Talôr Dal-Vorenen
• Silda of Wurm
• Zuroolly Hicubaba
• Bargemaster
• Bargemaster’s Wife
• Kerōzam
• Nassir: killed

Played: 09 Nov 2001