Tolð 12-15, 652 DR: Following the massacre in Cænden, Alcèrra gives rites to those that had fallen and prepares them in the marshy graveyard. The priestess is arrested by the Merchant Guard of Wesridge for sumptuous impropriety for a person of her class. A Roðite priest educates the local magistrate about Drāūn, and Alcèrra’s right to wear the armor of her faith.

Continued from The Cænden Massacre.

Bærídor, 12 Tolð 652

After a long night, Alcèrra finishes praying over the dead of Cænden. That morning the Mourners’ Guild arrives in town and after speaking with Selne, begin disposing-of and burying the dead. The dead thieves are bound to sacks of wet clay and tossed into the deepes. Jak talks to the youth of the town, and says that he will teach them how to use spears to defend themselves. Neculus, Mourner Guildmaster of Wesridge, waits in the Fiery Wench Tavern to speak with Alcèrra, who comes but does not announce herself. After Neculus leaves, Alcèrra ventures to the graveyard, and carves the symbol of Drāūn onto all the wooden markers that the Mourners erected.

Virídor, 13 Tolð 652

The next morning, after a long night of standing sentry, Jak returns home, bathes, and heads toward the farm of the widow Rumm to see Dadra. Mishara stands guard at the north bridge making a bow from a piece of swamp wood. Alcèrra offers extra prayers at the graveyard for her holy day.

Palídor, 14 Tolð 652

The next day Mishara meets with some young women and asks whether they would like to learn how to use bows. One young woman, Peatracya Culdur, shows special interest and leaves abruptly in the afternoon.

Alcèrra travels to Wesridge and finds a graveyard, but is arrested by the Merchant Guard for wearing armor in public, without the Lord’s approval. She is imprisoned at the Guard post until trial can be arranged the next day. She sends a messenger to inform her friends of her situation. The messenger meets Mishara at north bridge, who tells the gossipy lad that “Jak the Red” killed fifty men not twenty.

Alídor, 15 Tolð 652

The next day, Mishara and Jak visit Alcèrra in jail. A judge and priest arrive, but after speaking with Alcèrra the priest leaves the post for sometime, telling the judge that this trial cannot continue until he returns. The priest returns later in the day with an older priest who stands beside the judge during the trial. Alcèrra is brought from her cell in chains, and chained while standing to the courtyard beheading stump. The older priest is quick to take control of the proceedings and begins questioning Alcèrra in an ancient tongue to which she responds in an old prayer. The priest, Tallasar, orders that she be let go. He explains to the judge that hers is not a forbidden faith, and that Drāūn is indeed a Dekàlan god, and its followers thereby entitled to all privileges granted lawful priests. The judge is further ordered to prepare a writ for Alcèrra so that she may wear her cult’s armor in public without further harassment. Afterward, Tallasar explains to Alcèrra that it was once customary for visiting priests to visit the patron god’s temple upon arriving in another’s city. He asked Alcèrra to visit Kyrm Oryroð at her earliest convenience, to which she agreed.

Continued in The Iron Fortress.

Characters

• Alcèrra Nàdrelan
• Jak of Cænden
• Kaithah Argentale
• Mishara Mythdaras
• Dadra Rumm
• Gelda Rumm
• Neculus
• Peatracya Culdur
• Selne Tawll
• Tallasar

Played: 08 Feb 1997