Brunvoldt's meeting with the First-Priestess-of-Vanth, Lady Sibila, began well. Brunvoldt reported on what he had found at the Giant camp and then elaborated on what he thought it meant for the Templemount region. Lady Sibila was in complete agreement - there would need to be further investigation. They were discussing the nest steps, when there was a knock on the door and Lady Sibila's secretary entered without waiting for permission. The expression on his face gave reason for his impoliteness, though. All the colour had drained from it and his shock was evident. Wordlessly he moved to the desk and handed a rook-delivered note to Lady Sibila. He withdrew and closed the door behind him.
Lady Sibila read the note. And then re-read it. As she did, the shock became evident on her face. After a moment, in which the Lady visibly collected herself, she looked up at Brunvoldt, her face unreadable once more - she was in control again.
"Brunvoldt," she began. "The Broken are attacking Portwater. They have emerged from under the Lighthouse and attacked the village. Ser Taylah writes that after the initial attack the Wardens were able to push the Broken back and have barricaded the Lighthouse. The Wardens have all been mustered and they are holding the line for now."
"My Lady, I will leave immediately and render what aid I can to Ser Taylah and the people," stated Brunvoldt, beginning to rise.
"Of course you will Brunvoldt," the Lady replied, "but not immediately. First we must discharge your existing vow, vow this new Task and to do that we must determine what that task shall be." At Brunvoldt's nod of agreement, she continued. "I will send a rook to Ser Taylah and Captain-Warden Selva." She was thinking aloud now, almost ignoring Brunvoldt's presence. "Yes, we shall dispatch the Charuns to resolve this. You and Ser Taylah shall investigate how this has occurred and gather what information you can for the Chief-Charun."
Her eyes refocussed on Brunvoldt and she said to him, "Discharge your vow and allow Holy Vanth to lift it - or not."
Drawing his sword, Brunvoldt knelt, held the blade in his right hand and spoke the words, "I swear upon the Iron of my Faith and the Iron of this Holy Sword, that I have investigated the Giant tribe and reported my findings."
Returning and reporting to Lady Sibila is another
Reach a Milestone: dangerous vow "I will investigate the Giant tribe and report my findings", progress now 8/10
Fulfill Your Vow: progress 8 vs. 6 & 2 => strong hit => 2 ticks on Quests Legacy track
Also, seeing this moment of weakness in Lady Sibila and (apparently) ingoring it is an opportunity to
Develop Your Relationship: with Lady Sibila, mark progress per rank => formidable, prog. 2/10
Brunvoldt felt the vow's weight lift from him, and Lady Sibila murmured, "Holy Vanth concurs."
"Now you will vow to journey to Portwater and investigate the Broken attack through the Lighthouse," she told Brunvoldt.
Brunvoldt still holding his sword and kneeling, spoke his vow. "I swear upon the Iron of my Faith and the Iron of this Holy Sword, that I will journey to Portwater and investigate the attack by the Broken through the Lighthouse."
Swear an Iron Vow: "I will journey to Portwater and investigate the attack by the Broken through the Lighthouse", formidable; +Heart, +1 connection with Lady Sibila; 6 +3 +1 vs. 6 & 3 => strong hit
Brunvoldt felt the weight of the Holy Vow settle upon him and sat in the chair again.
"Now," began Lady Sibila, "Time is important with this situation, so ride to Portwater. The Charuns should be leaving soon after you, but they will be slower due to their numbers and, of course, be walking due to the lack of bison that can be ridden. I think there is nothing else to be said here. If anything else comes up I will send a message to await you at Portwater." She stood, so Brunvoldt did as well. "Good luck, Sentinel-of-the-Faith, help Ser Taylah and the people of Portwater the best that you can."
"I will my Lady," replied Brunvoldt and bowing, he left her to respond to the crisis as best she could.
Brunvoldt went to the stables first and arranged for the riding bison, Scar, to be made ready, while he returned to his quarters to pack. That done he returned to the stable and stowed his gear on Scar. Magnus and Scar sniffed at each other and seemed to swiftly reach an accomodation, which was good news - the last thing that Brunvoldt needed was for the animals to be at odds. With difficulty, for he had never been an accomplished rider, Brunvoldt climbed into the saddle and left Templemount once more.
Set a Course: +Supply; 3 +5 vs. 8 & 1 => weak hit => arrive, suffer move -2
Lose Momentum: -2 momentum, now +8
Despite his inexpert riding, Brunvoldt made good time, but when he reached the Portwater ferry, he found it was on the Portwater side. Taking the baton, he struck the iron triangle that hung from a post at the jetty three times. One of the Temple-Mystics from Templemount had enchanted the triangle hung here and its twin that hung on the other side. If either were struck three times, than both would ring, alerting the ferry should it be on the wrong side of the crossing. The triangle where the ferry was was struck three times in response so that the prospective passenger knew the ferry was on its way - a very useful magic.
When the answering ring came, Brunvoldt settled down to wait for the ferry, wondering what he would find at Portwater ...
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