Zhym wrote:"Not all members of the Brotherhood are averse to violence," answers Elethil in his usual slow, steady tones. "We steadfastly oppose the use of harmful magics, of course. Such acts lead down a dark path to ruin from which few ever return. Non-magical violence, however, is left to each person's own conscience. As you saw a few minutes ago, I have no moral difficulties applying cold steel to a problem when appropriate."
He turns away and strides across the small chamber, turning back when he reaches the other side. "I cannot countenance the taking of innocent life," he declares. "Not only would it be wrong to do so, but such an act could play into Fenrin's hands. For example, it might allow him lawfully to capture us and brand us criminals or enemies of the crown. No, if we are to defeat darkness, it cannot be with acts of darkness. It must be with light."
"The true god has many followers, and not all of them work in the light. We carry out his will by means that others cannot or will not perform. But we are to work together, not argue, so I will not say who or what is right and wrong. If extreme measures will not be tolerated by our allies then my men will show restraint. As to the plans for catching and stopping Fenrin, how would you like to proceed?"
Dufonte does not fail to notice the overwhelming aura of exhaustion from both Elithil and Rand. After going over some calculations in his head, he nods and says in a slightly softer tone.
"No matter what we plan, if our group does not have the stamina and or alertness to pull it off, it will be all for not and Fenrin will have his way. If you have no where to go, I know of a place that will take us in. Some good friends of mine own a tavern not too far from here. They can take you two in and you can think things over a meal upon awakening. Does that sound suitable? This would also give me time to find some of men, to figure out how many are still loyal."
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Hal and the guard is surprised to see such a passage in the kitchen, even Benagal himself raises an eyebrow weakly. They do not question Deceidon though as he seems to know the path well and is sure of his choice, an insurance hard to obtain when following a man blindly.
The network is indeed vast as the sewers seem to stretch endlessly in the darkness. The skittering of rodents echo in the tunnels, the drip drops of water and splashing of footsteps. Twice, the group stops, paranoia of those above who might hear guiding the group's movement rate. But sure enough, after a half hour's time of running and tight navigation, the glow of warmth appears just ahead. Deceidon arrives at a ladder bolted into the wall. slivers of light appear through a wooden hatch up above. Deceidon raps against the wood in an odd way and waits for a brief moment. He raps again, and then after another moment of silence, a rap is heard in return.
The exchange is brief and the hatch opens. Deceidon motions for the king to go first and then waits till he is the last one before climbing up. You find yourselves in another storeroom, dimly lit at that, but the smells of a crackling fireplace can be found nearby. You are greeted by man of average appearance dressed with an apron and sporting a stylized moustache. He looks as if he could be a family member of Deceidon's, a father perhaps. He looks towards Deceidon and then towards the king. He nods in silence, a look of astonishment on his face.
"I will set up the good room right away, but... does the good king need healing?" The man is alarmed by the king's condition, never mind the fact that the king is now before him in the middle of the night. 'Is this really the king?' the voice seems to say.
The man's wife joins him and greets everyone with great courtesy.
"We have rooms for you all and plenty of food and drink if you need it. I assume you are all acquainted with our Deceidon here?"
