A Night with Glethad - Part I

Glethad says, "No inventory tonight."

Glethad says, "I was merely updating my...notes, if you will."

Glethad says, "A time line, really."

You slowly say, "A time line."

You say, "Of what, if I may ask."

Glethad says, "Grishom Stone."

Glethad nods to you.

Glethad says, "No, but yes, it is loud."

Speaking to Glethad, Rowmi suggests, "Perhaps somewhere more quiet."

Glethad asks, "Shall we?"

Curator Glethad just went southeast.

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Neelin says, "So what brings you around this evening?"

Speaking deeply to Neelin, Lancecile says, "I suspect to wrangle the last of the artifacts."

Speaking softly to Glethad, Skydream says, "I have a few pieces of stone left over from when he crumbled, Curator."

Cryheart says, "Several folks too bits and pieces of him."

Greganth says, "Most who did, died shortly after as a result."

Glethad says, "We need a good place to go."

Glethad says, "Yes, Stone's baths."

Glethad just went over and threw himself down on the chair.

Glethad says, "One moment..."

Glethad asks, "I find it is perhaps best to study the past, to be prepared for the future, yes?"

Speaking amusedly to Glethad, Cruxophim asks, "As true as anything, I suppose.  Have you learned something new of the past?"

Glethad says, "I have not, specifically."

Glethad says, "Merely trying to figure out our enemy."

Glethad says, "Well, I have a suspicion."

Glethad says, "Based on some of the items collected from Stone."

Glethad says, "What if..."

Glethad asks, "He was trying to thwart the Shadows?"

Jiarine asks, "And was caught up instead?"

Jiarine murmurs, "Stranger things have happened."

Glethad says, "I suppose before I recount a long tale..."

Glethad asks, "Mayhaps there are questions?"

Glethad asks, "Where shall we begin?"

Glethad asks, "Before the shadows?"

Glethad says, "Grishom was a nobleman in the capitol of Mestanir."

Tyiara looks rather relaxed.

Glethad says, "His father, was Sebasation Stone."

Glethad says, "They both belonged to a secret magical order called the Arcane Eyes."

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Demyse says, "Rumored. Never proven."

Glethad says, "Among the Eyes, were other nobles by day, dark summoners and necromancers by night....among them, Elithain Cross."

Glethad peers quizzically at Demyse.The tingling sensation and sense of security leaves Rhayveign.

Glethad says, "It's written in his own journal, fool."

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Demyse says, "People don't believe half of what he wrote."

Glethad says, "Perhaps if you were not so busy riding his comet tail to defeat, you'd read."

Glethad says, "The Arcane Eyes practiced their magic in secret, because of strict imperial mandates."

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Demyse says, "I'd read this book. It speaks of many things never proven and many believed him a mad man anyhow."

Glethad says, "You see, in the Turamzzyrian Empire, magic is very controlled. All who wield magic are required to register with the Hall of Mages."

Speaking to Glethad, Rowmi asks, "All?"

Speaking to Rowmi, Kippe says, "All."

Glethad says, "All."

Glethad frowns at Kippe.

Glethad says, "You stole my suspenseful "all"."

Rowmi interestedly says, "Fascinating."

Glethad chuckles.

Speaking wryly to Glethad, Kippe says, "My apologies."

Glethad says, "The Arcane Eyes however, they worshipped Koar."

Glethad says, "Which is very common in the Empire, and of course fitting, being rumored to be the Last Drake."

Glethad says, "But Grishom's father began to believe otherwise, subscribing to a theory that the Arkati were merely glorified servants, and that there lied power beyond them."

Glethad says, "Elithain Cross labeled Grishom's father a heretic. Unrest broke within the ranks of the Arcane Eyes."

Glethad says, "The order began to splinter, some beginning to be pulled towards Stone's fathers idealogy."

Speaking quietly to Neelin, Demyse says, "These Mages, there is no Arcane Eyes. More a split between the Hall of Mages."

Glethad says, "Tonight, we speak truths Demyse."

Glethad says, "If you have come here as a once servant of Grishom to be self serving, there is the exit."

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Demyse corrects, "Lord Ta'Mori."

.

Glethad says, "Demyse."

Speaking to Glethad, Riend says, "Forgive him, that is a rather hard concept for him to grasp."

Glethad says, "Lord is befitting one of respect."

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Demyse says, "Get back to your tale. But it is Lord Ta'Mori."

Glethad says, "Yes, sorry."

Glethad says, "So friction grew between the two schools of thought."

Glethad asks, "Grishom's father believed that as once the Arkati served the Drakes, why too should we be forever servants?"

Speaking to Glethad, Bogenshutze asks, "He was human?"

Glethad nods at Bogenshutze.

Glethad says, "Was, yes."

Glethad says, "I am dragging, I am sorry...allow me to move through this quicker."

Glethad says, "Sebasation was a powerful mage, as powerful as Cross was."

Glethad says, "What he became was hardly human."

Glethad says, "So Elithain used his daughter, Madelyne, also within the Eyes, to seduce the impressionable Grishom."

Glethad says, "Heart of the son, key to the father....enough to let both of their guards down."

Glethad says, "Grishom was led on for awhile, as his love with Madelyne bloomed, at least in his eyes."

Glethad says, "The Arcane Eyes still bickered and fought...not much unlike the people of this town...."

Glethad gazes in wonder at his surroundings.

Sebasation in his garden."

Glethad says, "A garden of sirenflowers."

Speaking quietly to Cruxophim, Neelin says, "I am enjoying this story very much."

Greganth tilts his head up.

Kippe smiles quietly to himself.

Anru says, "That explains the flowers."

Glethad says, "Grishom witnessed the betrayel too late, rushed to confront Madelyne, they struggled, and he ripped the dagger from her hands, driving it into her stomach."

Glethad says, "One, this explains the ghostly callings of a Siren's Song."

Glethad says, "Which we will visit later."

Glethad says, "Secondly, it explains his fascination with abdomen wounds."

Glethad says, "The remaking of the first ritual, if you will."

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Riend says, "It also explained his interest in green-eyed women with black hair, they all looked like her."

Glethad says, "The political arguments and bickering of the Arcane Eyes escalated quickly, almost spilling into the streets, as both factions turned on each other."

Glethad nods at Riend.

Glethad says, "Mestanir was about to become an arena of magical warfare."

Glethad says, "Except, another war came to their door that very same eve."

Glethad says, "Hochstib."

Glethad says, "The man baron attacked Mestanir, bringing his Mandis Crystals in time."

Glethad says, "This subdued many of the secret magical cults within Mestanir, leading to their eventual downfall and occupation."

Glethad says, "The Jantalarian invasion drove the Arcane Eyes out of Mestanir, and scattering to all corners of Elanthia."

Speaking softly to Glethad, Cruxophim says, "Such as, it would seem, these parts."

Glethad says, "It was believed in the chaos, Grishom Stone was killed, as he had disappeared."

Glethad says, "We later learn, through his own words..."

Glethad says, "And I believe even through visions of many....some even here perhaps."

Ravashaak asks, "The ship and the attack by the krolvin?"

Glethad nods.

Glethad says, "He escaped Mestanir, made for the western coast, and gained boarding on a ship."

Aoife seems to lose some internal strength.

Glethad says, "The ship was later attacked by krolvin, and Grishom was deeply wounded in the stomach...."

Glethad says, "Ironic, really."

Glethad says, "He was tossed overboard, seen as unfit by the krol."

Demyse quietly says, "Or destiny."

Sabran says, "Karma."

Glethad nods at Demyse.

Glethad says, "That much, we perhaps agree on."

Glethad says, "Struggling to survive in the cold arctic waters, not far to the north of here..."

Glethad says, "He grasped to the final fragments of life, knowing he would likely die. He called out, begging for help, for anything to answer him..."

Glethad says, "And that, ladies and gentlemen and Demyse, is when the Shadows answered."

Glethad asks, "Now, questions on any of that?"

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Demyse corrects, "Lord Ta'Mori."

Speaking thoughtfully to Glethad, Cruxophim says, "That seems a recurring theme."

Jiarine asks, "Do you know what the shadow was?"

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Neelin asks, "Why did nothing but the Shadows answer? Why did the Light not answer? Were the Shadows opportunistic? Had evil already found root in him?"

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Cruxophim muses, "The Shadow seems to connect to those in dire straights, perhaps they are inadvertantly reaching back."

Cryheart says, "That answers a question for my Order."

Speaking quietly to Neelin, Demyse says, "Good doesn't hear prayers to clearly when the wicked are eagerly listening."

Maags says, "All evil is opportunistic."

Glethad asks, "Which question was that?"

Balantine quietly asks, "Some of Grisholm's items seem to have a connection with Charl, is there a relation with the shadow there?"

Glethad shrugs at Neelin.

Speaking to Glethad, Puptilian asks, "Even though some of us know the name, can you please give name to the shadow?"

Glethad says, "We cannot deny the power of the Arkati."

Cryheart says, "A long time ago, during Grishom's time....a Shadow showed itself to us during a meeting at the Holding....."

Glethad asks, "But if we are to believe these Shadows hold more power, then why wouldn't its voice be the loudest?"

Speaking casually to Balantine, Cruxophim says, "If this force is beyond the Arkati, it would make sense that it would be attached to neither or all."

Cryheart says, "And indicated it owed us thanks for the past."

Cryheart nods at Glethad.

Glethad says, "It is my own personal opinion, that the Arkati are as frightened as some of us are."

Savaard says, "If the shadows held more power than the Arkati then they wouldn't be the shadows."

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Neelin asks, "Some of the Arkati we worship today are evil. Sorry, but they are. Everyone knows it, some revel in it. Perhaps this Shadow, as wont as it is to be called that, is just an Arkati nobody has named, in the spectrum of the darkness?"

Glethad nods at Cryheart.

Idnak just came through a brass archway.

Idnak just went through a pair of dark oak double doors.

Glethad says, "That brings us to the next part."

Glethad nods at Cryheart.

Glethad says, "Well, almost."

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Demyse says, "Have to remember as well, Light was born from Darkness. Only natural it believed to be more powerful. But here lies my question. The focus lies on Stone.. which lies in stone. The threat which con all but few lies out there. That threat named "Cross". What more can you tell us of him."

Glethad says, "Based on the visions of many, and the retelling of Grishom in his own journals..."

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Demyse repeats, "What more can you speak of Cross. Not the man in Stone."

Glethad says, "The voice answered, and he fell into darkness. He awoke on a beach, white sands, and the ground was covered in red veins."

Glethad says, "The veins came alive, like tiny tendrils...and burrowed into Grishom's skin."

Speaking curiously to Glethad, Cruxophim asks, "And this is his own recounting, via his personal journals?"

Glethad says, "And in visions retold by some."

Glethad says, "The island, this living...blood island, gave him immortality."

Jiarine asks, "How do you know he is truly dead?"

Glethad exclaims, "So eager for the end!"

Glethad nods.

Glethad says, "I will explain."

Demyse quietly asks, "Why do you believe he even is dead?"

Glethad says, "And then we debate if he truly is."

Jara grins.

Glethad says, "Many here went to that island."

Glethad says, "And helped destroy it."

Glethad says, "Grishom spent a number of years on the island, bonding to it...learning from it, growing from it."

Glethad says, "He believed he was more powerful than the Arkati, or could be."

Glethad says, "That he could create life."

Glethad says, "And that to do so, would be the greatest feat of all."

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Demyse says, "He had, which was stolen by Cross."

Glethad says, "I suppose no one informed him mothers do it all of the time..."

Jiarine asks, "Do you know where the island came from?"

Glethad says, "Yes, we're getting there."

Glethad nods at Demyse.

Speaking curiously to Glethad, Cruxophim asks, "True.  Were his golems an early, crude attempt?   A primitive first-try, as it were?"

Glethad says, "I know very little of the island. We believe it...was a manifestation of the Shadow's powers, a foothold if you will."

Glethad says, "His first attempt was Mirayam. I will get there shortly."

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Neelin asks, "Is the island able to be travelled to, in these days?"

Demyse quietly says, "No."

Ravashaak says, "It was destroyed."

Glethad says, "The island is destroyed, many in this room barely escaped it as it broke apart."

Glethad says, "I have found a few musings in Grishom's writings."

Glethad says, "As to the birth of the island."

Glethad says, "But vague details, he might have been....a bit delusional when writing."

Glethad says, "It is possible the birth of the island holds some ties to the Faendryl."

Glethad says, "That is really all I can gleam at this point."

Glethad says, "Perhaps it is useless to pursue further, since the island is gone."

Glethad says, "So years went by, and Grishom did in fact return to Mestanir."

Glethad says, "His return was made possible by some here."

Glethad says, "Heroes who helped to destroy the Mandis Crystal in Mestanir, which helped to weaken and eventually defeat the Jantalarian occupation."

Glethad says, "With the magic nullifying crystals gone, the underground slowly returned to Mestanir."

Glethad says, "That is when Grishom returned, and with him came some of his old followers, and some new."

Glethad says, "Grishom spent another few years in Mestanir, building his new life, building the new face of the Arcane Eyes."

Glethad says, "He had discovered a ritual, left unfinished by his father, to transfer life into an urnon golem, creating a devastating and loyal weapon."

Greganth says, "Loyal."

Glethad says, "His thoughts, not mine."

Glethad says, "He acquired a large supply of urnon, which we believe came from Juramis' father, but many of those details remain unclear, but also not entirely important."

Glethad says, "Grishom seduced women, many, many of them over the years, getting them to the brink of love, and then stabbing them in their stomachs."

Glethad says, "With the rune dagger from before."."

Glethad says, "Because this dagger, held power, and with it, the blade could trap souls."

Glethad says, "Their spirits, their essense...their power."

Glethad says, "It is believed that the reinactment of such seduction and then betrayel fueled his powers and the coming ritual."

Glethad says, "Cross still possesses the dagger."

Glethad says, "So Grishom sacrificed over a hundred women we believe, to perform his ritual.".

Glethad says, "With his summoners present, Grishom made the last sacrifice he needed, and channeled the blade's power into a large slab of urnon."

Glethad says, "It was, in theory, successful, as the golem took on the form of a woman. But hardly loyal."

Glethad says, "The golem killed two summoners and escaped."

Wintersylph softly asks, "Aleastra and nysorm?"

Glethad says, "No."

Glethad says, "I have no names for the ones killed."

Glethad says, "So the urnon golem escaped, and little is known of her journey, until a woman named Mirayam showed up in Allace."

Glethad says, "It turns out, this woman claimed to lack any memory of her past."

Glethad says, "So she was taken in by an elderly couple, who took care of her for two years."

Glethad says, "Local priests and healers were unable to help her memory loss."

Glethad says, "She eventually set off to travel, and came to Wehnimer's Landing."

Greganth pours himself a snifter of dark cherry brandy.

Wintersylph nods at Glethad.

Sareyna nods at Glethad.

Alafaya takes a drink from her oak-aged red icewine.

Glethad says, "Mirayam once held my role, as a curator of the museum."

Speaking curiously to Glethad, Cruxophim asks, "And... no one knew or suspected -- or was able to ascertain -- the truth of this woman?"

Glethad says, "She made a few fast friends in town."

Glethad nods at Cruxophim.

Glethad says, "Correct."

Glethad says, "At the same time, she was being tracked."

Glethad says, "By Albright, Grishom's right hand man."

Glethad says, "Albright employed a tracker to hunt down Mirayam, the orc named Thrayzar."

Glethad says, "Mirayam, for all intents and purposes, appeared human."

Glethad says, "She even kept a journal, which is on display in the museum."

Glethad says, "She displayed...human emotions."

Glethad says, "So he was indeed successful, but not with the results he wanted."

Glethad asks, "I suppose you should one hundred women, and expect their vessel to obey, no?"

Glethad says, "So Thrayzar tracked Mirayam to Wehnimer's Landing, and informed Albright of her general location."

Glethad says, "But, because of her chaotic nature, she was not easily located by their magical means."

Glethad says, "Thrayzar was able to successfully follow the urnon from time to time, which is why Walkar now uses him to chase Cross' daughter."

Glethad says, "Albright came to the town, demanding the people turn over Mirayam."

Glethad says, "The town refuses, and work to protect and hide Mirayam."

Glethad says, "So Albright launches a weekly assault of golems, and other summoned creatures."

Glethad says, "The town is divided on whether they should suffer for a stranger."

Glethad says, "The town continued to push back, and the conflict merely escalated."

Glethad says, "Albright then summoned red portals above town and its environs."

Glethad says, "Over the days, they began to expand, threatening to engulf the entire area, and they would be stopped, if Mirayam was handed over."

Glethad says, "However, Mirayam had gone missing, which complicated everyone's plans."

Glethad says, "In the end, Thrayzar turned on the summoners, learning of their true nature, found Mirayam himself and protected her."

Glethad says, "She then came out of hiding, and she had...changed. Finally coming to some revelations of her true origins."

Glethad says, "Her eyes kept shifting colors, her body would form spikes, lumps...and reshape."

Glethad says, "When a heavy attack came on the town, she stood with the defenders, vaporizing creatures with a point of her finger."

Glethad says, "An ambush occured around this same time, as Albright was lured into a presumed hand off."

Glethad says, "Thinking the town meant to hand over Mirayam."

Glethad says, "In fact, it was a ruse, and Albright was killed."

Demyse quietly says, "Albright was slaughtered under a banner of truce, agree upon be Knights, Hero's and Defenders. Upon his arrival to speak on civil manners to come to and end to the foolishness, the locals murdered him."

Glethad says, "His death did not stop the portals, but merely seemed to hasten their expansion."

Glethad glances at Demyse.

Speaking to Demyse, Greganth says, "Hope the bad guys learned something from that."

Speaking quietly to Glethad, Demyse says, "You spoke this is a gathering of truth."

Glethad says, "So Mirayam knew she had no choice, and she had to do what she could to protect the town, and the people who protected her."

Glethad says, "Sacrificing parts of her own power, she was led by the defenders to each portal, channeling her will and closing them."

Glethad says, "The final portal's closing caused her to become fully unstable and shatter into shards of urnon."

Glethad says, "A statue of her was put up as a memorial outside of Thrak's Inn weeks later."

.

Glethad says, "A few shards were left behind, and grabbed by some defenders present."

Glethad says, "They remained in the possession of some today, although the names are not all known."

Glethad asks, "Now, questions so far?"

Glethad says, "The hour is late, so I will continue for now, but know we may need to revisit some of the rest tomorrow."

Neelin quietly asks, "All I want to know, is can the shards be reassembled and this golem reanimated?"

Glethad says, "It was tried, yes, and that is coming."

Wintersylph softly asks, "When Stone went back to the Arcane Eye to finish the ritual, was Elithian a  member then?"

Glethad says, "No."

Glethad says, "Elithain Cross was far off in seclusion."

Glethad says, "Grishom's Arcane Eyes were...very different, from the old ones."

Glethad says, "They should have chosen a new name, less confusing."

Savaard asks, "Where is Cross these days?"

Glethad shrugs.

Glethad says, "Perhaps in this room."

Glethad asks, "Shall I proceed?"

Neelin nods at Glethad.

Cruxophim no longer appears to be listening intently.

Aoife asks, "And say again what happened to Grishom Stone's father in all this, please?"

Glethad says, "It cannot be comforting to know your life came at the loss of a thousand."

Glethad says, "Grishom's father was murdered by Madelyne Cross."

Glethad says, "Grishom Stone soon showed up in Wehnimer's Landing, using his role as a wealthy and influential merchant."

Glethad says, "He even was in the election for Mayor, against the former interim mayor Chambelli, and Walkar, Barnom and Tykel."

Glethad says, "During this time, plagues and bandits ravaged the town."

Glethad says, "Bandits hired by Grishom, and plagues brought on by Raznel, his witch."

Glethad says, "Tykel soon dropped out of the election, as the merchant guild openly backed Grishom."

Glethad says, "Grishom himself dropped out of the election, as we learned Chambelli blackmailed him, as she had learned some of his darker secrets."

Glethad says, "In time, the defenders rooted out Raznel and, discovering she was a more of a plague than human, used an onslaught of undisease to finally kill her off."

Greganth asks, "Wasnt their suspiscion that CHambeli was a summner, or supprted them, herself?".

Glethad says, "Soon, yes."

Glethad nods at Greganth.

Glethad says, "She crossed Grishom, by blackmailing him."

Glethad says, "Not really knowing who he truly was really."

Glethad says, "She brought his wrath upon her."

Glethad says, "The town plague was gone, Raznel was killed, and Grishom suffered a soft defeat."

Glethad says, "Walkar was elected mayor."

Glethad says, "I did not realize how long this tale really was...so I'm glad to have the company to suffer with me."

Glethad chuckles.

Glethad says, "I am not finished, yet."

Glethad smiles.

Greganth says, "Not even close."

Glethad says, "Losing the election, Chambeli decided to leave town for awhile, sail to visit her old home in Brisker's Cove."

Glethad says, "That is the point, to clear up questions, and perhaps understand our enemy more."

Glethad asks, "Chaos is his tool, no?"

Glethad says, "Let us take it from him."

Dasmik's group just came through a brass archway.

The shimmering aura fades from around Dasmik.

The faint blue glow fades from around Dasmik's hands.

Sarvia grins at Glethad.

Glethad says, "Chambeli's ship was later reported to be lost at sea, her body not recovered."

Glethad says, "Walkar, now mayor, pardoned Thrayzar for his original involvement with the Albright, and his....sad murder of some militia men who tried to hurt him."

Glethad says, "Grishom also secretly led to Chambeli being framed, and officials located evidence in her home that made them believe she was in fact Albright's master."

Glethad says, "Which helped to take the focus off of who Albright's leader might be, if the officials felt they found her already."

Glethad says, "Now, during this time..."

Glethad says, "Despite the official and political ploys and ruses..."

Glethad says, "Many began to question Grishom."

Glethad says, "And his motives, and what he might be hiding."

Glethad says, "One of the loudest voices, was Mayor Walkar."

Glethad says, "Grishom was seen around town with a woman named Odilia, an elven cartographer from Illistim."

Glethad says, "With dark hair and green eyes, mind you."

Glethad says, "Grishom and Odilia were seen together in attendance at the Silvergate Gala, in 5110."

Glethad says, "Days later, her screams brought defenders and guards to her, as she stood bleeding in the street, clutching a stomach wound and claiming Grishom stabbed her."

Glethad says, "Walkar had all he needed, and arrested Grishom."

Glethad says, "Days later, a corpse was discovered in Ta'Illistim."

The powerful look leaves Aizaraii.

Tyiara softly says, "Screams setup."

Glethad says, "It was a trap."

Glethad nods at Draccor.

Draccor nods.

Glethad says, "The body discovered in Ta'Illistim was Odilia, proving that the woman in the Landing was an imposter."

Glethad says, "Grishom Stone was set free from jail, and Walkar was humilated before his peers, the council and the guild."

Glethad says, "It was Stone's plan to prove Walkar weak and unstable, while building local protection for himself."

Glethad says, "A group of the Sapphire Guard came to Wehnimer's to escort the imposter Odilia back to Illistim, to be investigated in the murder of a local cartographer."

Glethad asks, "While en route to Ta'Illistim, the convoy was destroyed by fire...appearing to have come from the sky. Sound familiar?"

Glethad says, "The soldiers were found blackened and dead, and Odilia was missing."

Glethad says, "I would guess fire raining clouds."

Glethad says, "Now shortly after, in his continued influence building plans...Grishom announced a huge donation to help renovate the museum."

Glethad says, "About the only good thing he did, bias, sorry."

Glethad smiles.

Glethad says, "But of course, it was all self serving, to further entrench himself."

Glethad says, "Now, over in River's Rest, word spreads that a pirate named Thanden has found Chambeli...washed up and barely alive."

Glethad says, "The pirate intended to sell her to the Landing, for a few demands."

Glethad asks, "His demands are not fully clear to me, is there anyone who might know?"

Greganth nods at Glethad.

Greganth says, "He wanted an Imperial pardon , a new ship, and silvers."

Glethad jots down something in his tome.

Greganth says, "Walkar offered him , whats the word...."

Glethad says, "River's Rest soon fell under attack from golems, gargoyles, and even demons."

Glethad says, "Apparently Grishom was not too happy with Chambeli surviving."

Glethad says, "Meanwhile, a goblin named Stiletto came to Wehnimer's Landing, asking for the whereabouts of Thrayzar, claiming he had not heard from him for some time."

Glethad says, "Thanden traveled to Wehnimer's Landing, now enjoying his safety."

Glethad says, "Chambeli was...wild, her mind fractured and her body barely able to walk. During her escort to town by a number of defenders, Thrayzar appeared out of the shadows, ran his sword through her gut, and dragged her off."

Glethad says, "Which was a bit of a shock to many, considering Thrayzar was an ally."

Glethad says, "But he was a victim in it as well, used by Stone."

Glethad says, "Days later, Chambeli's headless body was discovered outside of Moot Hall."

Glethad says, "Grishom's secret was kept quiet once more."

Glethad says, "For now."

Glethad says, "Grishom then reveals the complete renovations of the bathhouse."

Glethad says, "Which we now know he just built over his scrying chamber."

Glethad says, "Through ghostly visitors, we then also learned that the specters of women began to haunt the townspeople."

Glethad says, "Many of them issuing vague warnings of Stone."

Glethad says, "When called out, one of the ghosts, the most frequent of the spectral visitors...named herself Madelyne Cross."

Glethad says, "Somehow, when trying to communicate more with the spirit...it came to possess...."

Glethad says, "Riend."

Glethad says, "Hmm, she was here..."

Glethad says, "I wonder what could have possessed her to leave...."

Riend just came through a brass archway.

Glethad says, "Many learned of Madelyne's story...and of Elithain Cross."

Glethad says, "In an attempt to learn more of Elithain, Walkar had Thanden captured and secretly traveled to Mestanir, to turn over the pirate, in exchange for favor and hopefully information."

Glethad says, "While Walkar was away in Mestanir, seeking knowledge on Cross and Stone, Grishom himself informed some people of his own "version" of Elithain."

Glethad says, "And that the man was suspect in murdering his father, truth...and that he had never heard of Madelyne."

Glethad says, "False."

Glethad snickers.

Glethad says, "It wasn't long before word reached town that Mestanir was under attack."

Glethad asks, "Can you guess by what?"

Sabran asks, "Bunnies?"

Neelin quietly asks, "Golems?"

Maags says, "Fire from the sky."

Glethad says, "Golems, demons, constructs..."

Glethad nods.

Glethad says, "Portals were opened between Wehnimer's Landing and Mestanir, and once again our town came to their aid, helping to fight off their enemies."

Glethad says, "That battle went on for a few weeks."

Glethad says, "Still ghostly visits occured, mostly to women, warning them to avoid Stone."

Glethad says, "Khylon, the town marshal, and old friend of Walkar, led a rescue mission in Mestanir to safely get Walkar out of there and back home."

Glethad says, "Many in Mestanir reported seeing a woman commanding some of the golems."

Glethad says, "She had black hair and green eyes. It was discovered it was Odilia, well, the imposter."

Glethad says, "Her true name? Arleasta."

Glethad says, "During this time as well, Thrayzar was discovered to have been under a thrall, controlled by Grishom."

Glethad says, "I do not know how this thrall was broken, but the orc was handed over safely."

Glethad says, "I am told, you might know."

Greganth nods at Glethad.

Glethad says, "It is rumored you brokered his release."

Glethad says, "Among other rumor."

Glethad coughs.

Glethad says, "Rumors."

Greganth says, "In a manner, we discussed options, and Thrayzar was rreturned to us."

Glethad says, "How...vague."

Speaking to Glethad, Greganth says, "You know how rumors can be."

Glethad says, "Tonight is a night of truths."

Glethad nods at Greganth.

Glethad asks, "How did you get the orc released?"

Greganth says, "Well, as it turned out.. what Stone requested was peace n quiet...."

Greganth says, "Many had become very vocal in raising questions of him, and his true place in things."

Greganth says, "He would relase the orc, and cease aggressions against the town, if several forces stood down from openly attacking him. The trolls came after..."

Glethad says, "So he bought your silence."

Glethad nods at Greganth.

Glethad says, "Thank you."

Greganth says, "He named The Drakes Vangaurd, The Silver Gryphons, I held no sway in either, so we... discussed the options."

Glethad says, "With the thrall gone, and Hendorian and Vornavian forces arriving in Mestanir to help, victory was closing in."

Glethad says, "Odilia, or, Arleasta, was tracked by Thrayzar and the defenders to the Landing barracks, where she was eventually killed."

Glethad asks, "Her corpse was consumed by shadows. Familiar?"

Glethad says, "Shadowy flames, if you will."

Glethad says, "She left behind a few burnt parchments, which were letters written to her by Nysorm."

Glethad says, "Her lover, who had been in Grishom's camp, but he had learned the truth of the man."

Glethad says, "And his...darkness."

Glethad says, "Nysorm's letters had warned her, but it was too late."

Glethad says, "Nysorm was also said to have been dragging dead bodies to safety, during the Mestanir conflict."

Glethad says, "But none had met him just yet."

Glethad says, "After Arleasta's demise, the portals to Mestanir closed. The invasions stopped, and Mestanir was free to heal."

Glethad says, "Thrayzar left again, to return to his people, afraid that his involvement might bring attention to his nemesis, Drangell."

Glethad says, "Who, in a troll form, was currently locked away in a fiery prison."

Glethad says, "In an attempt to help free Riend...from Madelyne's possession..."

Glethad says, "Grishom offered to take some of her blood, to help concoct a potion to cure her."

Speaking to Glethad, Riend says, "You could really skip this part... if you liked."

Glethad says, "It did not work, and now we believe caused some blood golems to be loosed on the town."

Glethad says, "Tonight is a night of truths."

Glethad says, "Not convenient tales."

Glethad says, "True victory will not come from judgment, but of understanding."

Glethad says, "We are full of mistakes."

Glethad says, "We must embrace them."

Glethad says, "Or the enemy will reuse them."

Glethad says, "Madelyne the ghost, was hardly happy the blood was given."

Glethad says, "Which we now know, gave Grishom more power over her later on, but that is for tomorrow."

Glethad says, "Lastly..."

Glethad says, "Mayor Walkar honored a few defenders publically, thanking Greganth, Seomanthe, Fremie, Cyrroc, Karibeth, Soullslayur, Allanano, Svardin and Riend for their roles in the ongoing struggle."

Glethad says, "He also, for all the good it did, exiled Demyse, Maetriks, Anru and Shalaora for their love of the summoner's power."

Glethad says, "He also honored the Silver Gryphons, the Drakes, the Dreadnaughts, and the Order the Azure Sun."

Glethad says, "However, during the battle in Mestanir, Grishom helped fund weapons for the knights in Mestanir, and supplied ballista ammo for our towers."

Glethad says, "So of course, at the end of the conflict, Baron Chydenar honored Grishom...naming him a Hero of Mestanir."

Glethad says, "A title he took every opportunity to remind his enemies of."

Glethad says, "He fooled everyoe, even Barons."

Glethad says, "And that my friends, is where we end tonight."

Glethad says, "I will return tomorrow eve to finish more."