Session 9: Emberil

### ***"Trust no bitch."***

Normally, I try to begin my journal entries with thoughtful excerpts from great thinkers and philosophers from my mother's homeland. Today, I write my own. How many times must I touch the flame until I accept its only intention is to consume my flesh.

...

Twenty gold each to bring Shmendrick to the Templar's Gate held by the Hooded Lanterns (HL). Useless wizard. We were well met by a small party of them, including one of my contacts from the city, Ansem Silvermane, a captain of the HL. I would never forget his face, how could I after he is one of the few reasons I am still alive. I did not expect to be received so warmly by him since it has been some time since our paths last crossed. Ansem was joined by Seth Striga, a brooding man, who acknowledged us with nothing but a curt nod. Ansem informed us that his sister, Petra, is currently distressed because her girlfriend has disappeared, another member of the HL.

The girlfriend, Sarah, is described as a young woman who matches the description of the picture I found in the locket, back in the ratling's nest underneath the mill. She was last seen southeast of the city, generally where the Queensmen hang out. Obviously, nowhere near where we found the locket (inside the hag/not hag's mouth). They figure she was ambushed and perhaps even killed while on patrol. They were simply scouting and have yet to return, it's been weeks. I had shown Ansem the illustration, but not the locket that contained it, saying I found it in the sewers--my gut was to be as nondescript as I could. I don't know why. This place is waring on me. Ansem was not so subtle that his sister would like the picture, I alluded that I would reunite her with the picture myself if I ran into her. I used to fancy Ansem, and now I can't give up a drawing of his sister and her "lost girlfriend"? Perhaps it's because this "lost girlfriend" possibly died because I punched a hole through her body, and was mixed up in some sick cult dealings. I'm so confused.

Ansem took to Ivasar, whose druidic order he respects. I asked him if he knows about this Lacretia and her cult, the Order of the Fallen Flame. All he knows is they sent a scouting party and found nothing untoward, but he shudders to think what would happen if these people were led into the city with a dark purpose. He says there is nothing on that side of the city but evil, he has no idea how she plans to get through the killer delirium fog. The more I find out about this cult the less I seem to know.

...trust no bitch.

Ansem invited us to the Templar's Gate any time for entry--simply mention his name. But alas, my companions and I must finish our business at the Blind Gate. We must determine what is happening with this excommunicated highflame keeper who is being bankrolled by Caspian coin.

Our arrival at the cult's camp was met with exultation. We brought much-needed food and supplies. Altair met us with a smile. I immediately noticed that the camp has many more guards posted around compared to three days prior but many others have gone elsewhere. As Altair's team is taking inventory of the supply wagons, we hear a high-pitched scream coming from none other than little Anna who can't contain her excitement at seeing little Viter. She bursts through the crowd and leaps into his short, chubby little arms.

Viter entertains her with his rog--wizard tricks. He attracts a group of children, all under the age of 6 (perfect audience for him). He puts on a show and the children obviously fall for it, and him. He's quickly becoming a folk hero, dubbing himself the Wee Wizard and his group of children, the Weezards. A cult within a cult. At least he isn't likely to get them killed. I mean, I doubt it.

More importantly, I inquire after Lacretia, and Altair informs us that she shared a vision with the group and that she needs warriors to meet with her privately. Apparently, she saw a vision in the flame, it showed her a path forward and those brave enough to walk with her or follow her must go to her.

I honestly can't with this elf.

We go to the Blind Gate's tower where she assumes residence. We are welcomed by the guard, thanks to Altair. We are seated at a table and given some dried pork while we're to await Lacretia's presence. I nudge Viter to sleuth around and see what he can gather in the other litany of rooms nearby. Unfortunately he doesn't find out much, other than they're hoarding food in the gate.

Lacretia finally shows up. We ask after her vision and she informs us that the light will grant power to those who can't protect themselves by way of the warriors who have taken up her cause. The light sees them fit for power. I ask her how and her response was beyond insulting. Truly, I pity any who share a bloodline with this creature. She told me that she has reservations about where my heart lies. Like I'm the crazy person who won't blindly follow a fallen deserter of the Eternal Flame. She says because I have doubt, she can not share her secrets. Apparently, my request for evidence because I refuse to once again be made gullible is precisely why she won't give me answers. Makes sense if you're a cult leader.

I mention the gold of Caspia, and given my family's status, I have every right to know. I practically own this cult. While she says it didn't come out of my family's coffers, she's simply been given favour. I push to let her know that I am aware it's coming from the Highflame Keeper of Caspia. Her response, further incredulity.

She says my will alone won't get me far. The flame has shown Lacretia how to purify delirium, which is what is being used to imbue her warriors with power. "Holy light and might." Great, she's making an army--what could possibly go wrong? This is what she is relying on to go into the city with, these untrained mass of warriors--who look like peasants with swords--this is her grand plan. Again, she won't tell me how she purified the delirium because we are not aligned. How am I the untrustworthy one. She could save this city if she can purify delirium and empower people with it.

I inform her that if we both have the best interests and safety of the people at heart, than we should be in alignment. She managed to snake her way out. Such a smooth talker.

I look forward to the day that I get to silence her. Alas, Sigrun is interested in Lacretia.

She is obviously hiding something. I will unravel this mystery, but I am still processing what happened in the oak tree. I can't shake my past failures. What if I try to help these people and only further lead them to ruin? What if Lacretia is right? What if my will truly isn't enough?

Viter, at some point, re-entered the room. Lacretia asks him to stay behind to speak with him alone. How dare she try to manipulate my childhood friend. Only I have that right.

Viter returns to us and immediately shares what she said. She completely appealed to his ego and sense of heroism. I wish I understood her scheme so I could take her down or at least reveal it to the people so they have all the information necessary to really choose. I know they're desperate, but there is no cause for them to seek out danger or death. The innocents don't deserve such a fate. They're safer here in the camp, outside the gates. If we could arrange food and supply, perhaps they won't need her anymore. Perhaps they wouldn't care about journeying into the city's centre.

...

We entered the Blind Gate, heading toward the Piss Pot where the Jonas Brothers said we could find them. We head past the Bug Bear bouncers (I honestly, cannot even). Viter takes up with Tommy, from the village, behind the bar whose wife owns the place. His thick accent and poor appearance are noble in comparison to the aptly named Piss Pot's interior. The Jonas Brothers play on stage. I've never been in such a lowly bar. I believe it's time to drown my sorrows in the warm, flavourless ale. I decide to sit with a Gnoll. Why not? Bug Bear bouncers. A Gnoll drinking companion. My ancestors must be ashamed of me. Drinking the worst ale, in the worst tavern, in the worst city in all the lands. I'm a "sour face" anyway. I might as well.

The Gnoll and I at least understand each other.

Suddenly, some redhead shorty enters the bar and has a conversation with my companions. Blah blah locket, blah blah Petra. Something something she has a buyer. Queensmen? Do business?

I like this Gnoll. He gets it.