Turn 8 - Days 49 to 72 - Tidjit

Unknowing of this, of course, the company pressed on to Okerdik.  The town was suffering from its trade routes being cut off, and the animals that Drake's Seven did manage to herd into the city were most welcome.

Godric was immediately received by the Town Council, and took his companions along with him.

"The Alderman of Tidjit says this to you in reply to your question", began the diminutive Ranger, before anyone else could speak.  "The time has indeed come".

His companions' puzzled looks became open stares as a finely dressed, lithe woman stepped out into the council chamber, and bowed low to Godric.

"Then we give, into your care, the Daughter of Sisyn", toned the mayor, solemnly.

"My time of learning here is done", said the priestess.  "I am ready to serve Tidjit.  And to once again see my father", she smiled.

 

The company were at first dismayed to learn that they must leave almost immediately.  When they walked down into Okerdik, less so.  The town had been hit hard; sustenance was poor and trade was dreadful.  The locals were taciturn and unforthcoming.  Even the places of learning were closed, their tenants dead, dispersed, or fighting.

 

Hence on the day after their arrival, the company once again set forth.  Twenty days walk back to the north, at least they knew the way.  They stopped by Ash's grave to tidy it up a little, and pay their respects.  The Daughter of Sisyn, whose name was Seraphina, sang a haunting melody that brought peace to their hearts.  It would, she told them, light the fallen warrior's way on the Path.

On the tenth day they were overtaken by a soldier galloping along the trail.  He had not treated his mount well.  He brought news of a plague that had struck Okerdik, which made everyone guiltily glad they had left so quickly.  Godric offered the soldier to share in their meagre campfire, but Seraphina stayed his arm as the soldier made to dismount.  "Begone, scion of the Ruin Within", she hissed, and the soldier paled at that, reined in his horse, and galloped off.  Krik had understood something in the undertones, as he brought the soldier down with an arrow in the back.  Rolling the body over they found a letter, from a conspirator in Okerdik to a rebel lord.  "The poison is spreading", it said.  Kehar tended to the horse, removed its burdens, and offered it to join them on the road until they reached good grazing.

The road was long, but uneventful.  Whether by luck or by the presence of the Daughter of Sisyn, the wind was but a mere breeze, and not even too cold as long as nose and mouth remained covered.  The closer they drew to Tidjit, the greater a stir was caused by her presence among the company, and Godric began to worry that news might spread to the wrong ears.

Nonetheless, they reached Tidjit unharmed, and boy, were there celebrations !  They went on for two whole days.  During which the Story of Godric's Seven was told many times, in many ways, and seeing how the shaman so carefully memorised it, seemed to pass in to Tidjit lore.  Whatever exactly it was they had done, it had been worth doing.

In what was apparently a very special favour, since awestruck silence followed her act, the Daughter of Sisyn laid hands upon Partho and completed his healing.  To everyone's relief.  It had been a hard time without the chipmunk's magicks !