Chapter 6: A Lasting Consequence

Chapter 6: A Lasting Consequence

In this chapter, Hien, Otylia and Darius were reunited in dire circumstances. After wandering listlessly through the forest for days, Hien and Darius found themselves alone, walking through murk in a daze. When they came to Hien encountered Otylia in a pool of blood, and Darius was found later stabbed with a long dagger in his chest. It was reasoned that the stuffed bear retreived from the merchant family of sleeper agents was behind this.

Afterwards, they spent 10 days and nights trekking through unending forest. The problem was resolved after Hien used sap to glue the bear's button eyes back. It was determined that the bear was cursed. The most likely reason is that it happened to be clutched in the hands of a child slain essentially by suicide; a traumatic experience to be sure.

Later that day they met of with four men in silver scarves, who declared themselves as marshals of the region. The leader, a particularly handsome region, named them the Silver Scarves Brotherhood, protectors of the surrounding lands in the name of the Emperor.

After a brief talk, they determined that the companions should be recruited. They led them to a nearby town, and had them meet with a training instructor. Hien and the group were told to prove their prowess by fighting armed men, without being armed themselves. They demonstrated their skill without killing their foes, much to the disappointment of the recruiter. Disgusted at this behavior, they left.

Later they traveled along the road and visited a farm house. There, the lady of the house informed them that they had entered Shen lands- The Silver Scarves Brotherhood was the Shen mercenary army, and Shen Tong was the city they had left. In exchange for food, she requested their aid in consulting an oracle, and plowing the fields.

Darius was sent to see the Man of the Mountain, who knew much about his name and past. Unfortunately, the warlock did not believe in his powers, and was unsatisfied with the results. They left the farm, continuing up the road, now uncertain what to do.