Searching... - Galliban Tyren and Barrett

[Finodborn]

"Barrett, there's some people I'd like to introduce to you." Barret had got to know the healer pretty well, as she'd been overwhelming her with care. Several priests and healers had visited to examine his body and soul and to bring special ailments, but she had been responsible for day to day care, and she'd done a good job, nearly never leaving his side.

***

Galliban hadn't been properly introduced to the stern looking men. Only yesterday she'd been called with her mentor, Helen. Early this day, she had called her into her office again. She'd said: "This is Thean. He's a Prism of Illuminatus, one of the highest ranks a paladin can obtain. He's very experienced, and the dreamed example for any novice. He'll guide you as long as we can miss him." The tall man with his wrinkly face but still all black hair had simply nodded, and hadn't said a single word while the two had walked to the healer's bay. There was only the metallic sound of the different pieces of his impressive plate armor. By his side hung a broadsword of incredible size, in a gem-embedded sheath.

She herself had only been given a chain mail and a short sword, as there had been no time yet to find the optimal weaponry for her.

***

"Some people of your order have asked us to make sure nothing happens to you, as we have reasons to believe that there might be some who wish you ill. These two paladins have been assigned to assure your protection. Their names are Galliban Tyren and Thean Salantor. I've been told you share some interests with Galliban, who's still in training. Both of them are from the order of Illuminatus. Today, I'm going to dismiss you from my care. You should stay in the company of at least one of them until we have made sure you are not under direct threat. I'll go get some salves for you to take with you. You can gather your belongings in the mean while, and then, off you go!"

[Barrett]

Barrett had suspected his time under the watchful eye of the healer was nearing its end. Although she was kind enough and the room was quite pleasant, he was chomping at the proverbial bit to get out again. The days abed had given him time to think on all that had happened to him. He had also begun to formulate some vague plans on how to continue. But he needed information and, fascinating as the garden view was, it was no substitute for being able to get around the isle and gain access to the library or various other places he wanted to visit.

So his enthusiasm at finding himself under the watch of the paladins was somewhat less than overwhelming.

So much for freedom to explore. How could my order want "nothing to happen" to me? How am I supposed to learn? And two of them? That's just overdoing it.
He realized that introductions were being made and set aside his doubts long enough to manage a polite smile of greeting to the paladins.

"Mistress Tyren, Master Salantor. I am called Barrett. Barrett Threespan to be thorough, but I rarely use the family name. May the light of your god shine favorably upon you. I have cause to thank you myself since your coming also marks my first taste of freedom to move about again."

He frowned slightly for a flicker.
"Of course I cannot imagine why I would need protecting. The old sorcerer had easy enough access to me just after the ritual and didn't seem too weakened by it."

He stopped and gave each of his new escorts a measuring look to try and see what he could of their personalities and physical carriage.
Yes, both have that "stamp of the paladin" about them. Well, hopefully that means neither of them is connected with Hattark's secret society.
Still, nothing could damp the excitement at being back on his feet again.

OOC: Howdy Galliban! Hope it's okay for me to jump in like this.

[Galliban Tyren]

Galliban had been very impressed by Thean. His stature coupled with the mighty broadsword at his side and the plate armor that covered him made him the perfect picture of a paladin. He seemed content with only a nod for pleasantries, but Galliban did not mind. She simply returned his nod with a nod of her own.

As the pair walked to the healing bay, Galliban's mind was occupied with trying to get used to the feel of wearing armor. At least this experience would prepare her for the weight of plate armor.

When they reached the healing bay, they were greeted by the young disciple of Aurelius that they had been sent to protect. Galliban returned his polite smile with a similar, albeit smaller, one and took a moment to look him over. He was noticibly larger than herself, but he appeared to be of similar age. His appearence seemed decidedly human and unextraordinary. Galliban did, however, pay particular attention to Barrett's size. It seemed odd to her that this young man, who seemed physically capable of becoming a warrior, was a follower of Aurelius.

I suppose that he is a blow against stereotypes.

"May the book of the Thinker always remain open to you," Galliban replied in the Human tongue, her elvish accent remaining rather discernable. She did not know if the young man even spoke Elvish, but it was a good oppurtunity to practice her Human besides. "I cannot claim to know all of the circumstances surrounding your need for protection. I am here only to perform the task that was assigned to me." she finished, digging deeply into her limited Human vocabulary, after Barrett finished speaking. The young half-elf extended a delicate-looking hand.

[Barrett]

Barrett accepted the achadiel's hand with a shy, delicate touch. The gesture seemed at odds with her armor and the imposing weapon. The young man searched his memory and could never recall having seen an elf in chain mail before. Of course most of those he had encountered were either wealthy merchants or nature types on pilgrimage to the Abbey.

"Namaste, Galliban Tyren," he greeted her in elven, "I hope I be no burden to thee."
His accent was quite choppy and it was uncertain whether or not he meant to compare himself to a sack of mushrooms, but the smile in his eyes was genuine.

He switched back to the human tongue to include everyone and to spare Galliban his poor vocabulary.
"So am I to return to the dormitories or be housed elsewhere? The last master of that place was unfortunately a member of the cult. I would hope he has been replaced."

Barrett shivered a little, the memory of Allard's fatherly presence overlapping the foul ritual in his mind.

[Finodborn]

OOC: for practical matters, I propose any Elvish spoken to be between "" and italic, and all Human between "" and not in italic. Off course, you are free to add "he added in his terrible Elvish" or something like that, but this way it will stay clear. Please note that a basic skill in language only allows you to make simple sentences. Any attempts at more complex phrases might result in misunderstandings... Possibly with horrible consequences! *Gets a grip and slaps himself*

IC:
Thean spoke for the first time, his voice deep and masculine, as could be expected. He put his magnificent white cape on his lap in order to avoid messing it up while he sat down on a chair. "Allard is one of those who has been killed. Another housemaster has been installed already. You are free to choose where you would like to stay, unfortunately our order can't house you anymore. There is a guesthouse in the village, but it's hard to say whether you'll be more safe there than in the central dormitories. Do as you see fit."

[Barrett]

"A guesthouse eh? That is good to know. But I was rather fond of the garden at the dormitories and of my cozy room - I do hope they haven't given it to someone else in my absence. Which brings me to another question or questions. First, have the events of a few days ago been made common knowledge? Second, is my participation in all of this known and if so by whom? Third, are there ongoing plans to anticipate Hattark's next plot? And of course, is his part in all of this been made public?"

As he spoke, Barrett busied himself while waiting for the healer to bring the salves and officially instruct him to leave. He fiddled about with his possessions, checking to see if all was in order. He was particularly searching for his writing kit, which he wasn't sure had survived the explosion that had injured him. It might have to be replaced.

The combination of words and action seemed to put him in good spirits. A certain frenetic energy had entered his manner. It was, perhaps, a bit reminiscent of Asran.

[Galliban Tyren]

Galliban stood in silence as Barrett asked his questions. She was nearly as clueless as he was, so she certainly couldn't answer.

Galliban guessed that the events that had taken place had not been made common knowledge. Even she did not know all the details about what happened, so she doubted that anyone who was not somehow involved would know anything about it. What would be the point of alarming people?

[Finodborn]

The giant man looked at Barrett for a while with an undefinable expression on his face. perhaps he wasn't all too happy with this new task, perhaps it was personal dislike, maybe he was simply a moody man. "The recent happenings are not of such nature that we are very proud about them. You will understand that we do not spread the news as were it a jolly tiding, then. However, there were many people involved, and at least all members of clergy who have a high position in any of the orders involved know about it.

It is not them we fear, though. We are rather sure that those wo died at the ritual must have had many more followers. We have, for example, unravelled an ingenious coding system in the great library they have employed on a large scale to communicate. It is hard to tell how much they know, about you specifically.

We are not sure at all that this Hattark character has any new plans on the Isle. He's being searched, but not found. His residence has been burned to the ground, most probably by sorcerous means. As we understood your master, however, he was not really the central figure of this... dark movement. Although he had substantial power in it, Asran believed he only manipulated the organization for his own ends. He even claimed that this man is not essentially evil, but that is a bridge too far for me. I have learned to recognize evil.

As said, there are quite a few people who know the full story. No way to hide it, in fact, with his outrageous house just outside the village going up in flames."

Barrett found all his belongings neatly stashed away in a chest next to his bed. At that point, the healer entered with a big jar of salve. "Ah. I see you are ready to go, Barrett. Very good." She gave him a spontaneous hug. Then she took his chin between two fingers, turning his head left and right. "Yup, I've done a pretty good job, I see."

"Thean, see you soon, brother. And you too, perhaps, Galliban, for I've received word that you might be a new pupil of me in the near future. Well, off you go then!"

[Barrett]

A jolly tiding! Does he think I imagine I have been to some marvelous party then?!

“So the event is hush-hush. That comes as little surprise. Still I hope some official statement has been made, otherwise, well, rumors have a way of feeding off of themselves until they have grown into something unmanageable. “Not essentially evil” eh? That’s a bit of a stretch even for me. It does seem likely that he took advantage of corruption that already existed. Yes, yes that makes sense... I‘d be very surprised if a search turned him up. He seems the type who is only likely to be found when he chooses to be.”

Considering it, Barrett saw part of Asran’s meaning. Hattark saw himself as beyond good and evil and was actually trying to “enlighten” others- or at least Barrett- to some new precept of “chaos.” Chances are he did not originate the summoning plot so much as he accelerated it. So many priesthoods had been involved. Barrett found it unlikely that the order of Illuminatus was free from corruption. With such strongly opinionated beliefs and rigid strictures they might easily be manipulated by someone as skilled as the sorcerer.
I have learned to recognize evil. Indeed. That seems a dangerous attitude. Especially here on the isle where evil must hide behind good in order to exist at all. And our opponent makes no such distinction: he might use good as well as evil if it suits him.

Barrett was a bit taken aback by the healer’s hug, but returned it reflexively.
“A good job indeed, for which I and my mother and any number of young ladies back on Dort will be eternally in your debt.”
He gave her a rather exaggerated wink.

Barrett then turned to Thean, whom he’d inwardly dubbed the Reluctant Righteous Giant.
“My good sir, I am afraid you’ll have to lead the way out as I have no recollection at all of coming here. To the dormitories then, to reclaim my quarters if possible. Oh, I do hope none have claimed that room. Unless of course there’s something with a larger window available...”

He chattered on as they walked with rather more energy and volume than was his habit. He was rather unconsciously mimicking Asran’s technique of distraction, hoping to draw attention from the fact that he had an escort. If there was to be unwanted attention focused on him, he figured it wisest to exert some level of control over it. That way he stood a better chance of going unnoticed when he wanted to later. If his comings and goings were associated with noise and the two paladins, then all he might need later to go unnoticed would be a more silent manner, lack of his guardians and/or a slightly changed appearance. Or so he hoped.

[Galliban Tyren]

Galliban listened to the conversation between Thean and Barrett. It seemed to her that Barrett needed to spend a little more time worrying about himself and not concern himself so much with how the situation was being handled. It was not his role to involve himself in the handling of the whole mess, but rather his role was to stay alive and continue his training. The young human did not seem to fully appreciate the fact that if Hattark and his cronies caught up with him while he was unguarded, he would have very little means of protecting himself.

Galliban then heard the healer speak, and she turned to her.

"Indeed. Good day to you." Galliban replied with a nod before she turned and followed Thean and Barrett out of the healing bay. So she was to learn the art of healing? The thought had crossed her mind before. It would seem a useful skill on the battlefield.

As they went along, Galliban mostly tuned out Barrett's chattering. More important things had cast a shadow upon her mind.

[Finodborn]

"We have no means to make official statements. The heads of the orders to as they see fit." From Thean's tone, it was clear he did not appreciate Barrett's tone and manners. Later, when Barrett had turned his back, he exchanged a look of mutual understanding with Galliban. The healer obviously did like Barrett's ways and laughed aloud. "Well have work with him, Galliban, muttered Reluctant Righteous Giant between his teeth."

"Actually, it would be wiser to choose a room without a window." Without further explanation, the broad man stood up and brought them to the dormitories in the main street, opposite to the library.

The chair of Allard had been replaced by a little desk. Behind it was the new Housemaster. It was a rather fat man with red curly hair. He wore the robe of a priest of Demeia. "How may I help you?"

[Galliban Tyren]

Galliban gave a nod of agreement when Thean answered Barrett's question. Even though Galliban had only been on the Isle for a day, she was of the understanding that each priest and paladin of the various orders had his or her place, from the most inexperienced acolyte to the most powerful high priest. Perhaps it was because the cult of Aurelius was more decentralized than other orders that Barrett had not fully grasped this concept. Galliban could not say, as she did not know much of the other orders on the Isle.

When Thean later exchanged a look of mutual understanding and spoke briefly to Galliban of Barrett, Galliban gave another silent nod of agreement. She was glad that Thean had finally addressed her personally.

As they reached the dormitories, Galliban spotted the priest who seemed to be acting as the new Housemaster. She recognized him as belonging to the cult of Demeia by the colors of his robe. The half-elf thought that most clergy of Demeia were female, and found it odd that this man was serving in such a position. She did not think that there was anything wrong with it of course, she just found it a little out of the ordinary.

[Barrett]

No official statements. It seemed to Barrett that such a lack of open communication benefited the secrecy of the cultists more than anything else. He caught Thean's rebuke but chose to pretend he had not. No use arguing openly with his protectors.
"And there was such a lovely little desk in that room. That brings to mind- I have yet to write my mother to let her know I’ve arrived safely. She will have something to say about such an oversight I am afraid..."

As he chattered on he considered the silence of his younger warder. No doubt she was holding her tongue in the presence of a superior. Perhaps he would be able to get more out of her if they were left alone.

Thean's warning about the window had been part of Barrett's own considerations. RRG obviously thought a window would be one more entry point to have to defend from attack. However, Barrett considered a small window relatively harmless if it could be securely shuttered. And of course, a larger window would be desirable as a possible means of escape, be it from attackers or from his guardians. Already Barrett suspected he might have need to sneak away from Thean should his quest for knowledge not meet with the older paladin's approval.
"But the garden view cheers me so and it will be safer to view from above than risk exposure in the open yard. Not that this garden compares at all to that which I was pleased to convalesce near..."

The sight of a new Housemaster was not a surprise. Nevertheless, Barrett allowed a moment's confusion to play across his features. If this person did not know of Barrett's involvement with recent events then it was in the young man's interests to keep it so.
"What a well-appointed desk! Although I admit the finery of the bentwood chair was also a welcome sight. Good tide to you, Father. My name is Barrett. I was staying here but had to leave due to an unfortunate injury. The healer has turned me back out and I was wondering if there were a room available. My old room had a lovely little desk and window overlooking the garden. Of course I realize that it's probably been reassigned by now. I will be happy with any accommodation you can find.”

He thought briefly of mentioning an allergy to dust and requesting a room with a window but decided that it would be pushing both the Housemaster’s courtesy and Thean’s attitude too far.

[Finodborn]

Thean's mouth fell open. He cursed something in Elvish, not quite understandable for Barrett. Paladins are, as all warriors, marked by the scars of battles, where they learn a fair bit more of cursing than the average member of clergy.

"I don't think you quite understand the situation here, novice. The order of Illuminatus is so generous to provide two paladins for your protection, and you are nagging about the potential loss of delightful garden views. I've already personally killed quite a few of the cultists that were trying to put a demon in you, and only two nights ago, I killed an assassin in our garden who was messing at your window. Now stop being a dandy, and get your commons sense working. If you don't, you shall loose the few allies you have at current. The man obviously new how to look threatening. Despite what one might expect, he was able to look even bigger than he was in normal conditions.

The priest of Demeia wasn't aware of the preceding. "Oh, you are..." he browsed through his registers... "Barrett? Your room is till at you disposal, young man. Though I must say you haven't been doing a good job on your chores lately."

[Galliban Tyren]

Galliban flinched slightly when she heard Thean curse. This was not because Thean had offended her with his language, though Galliban herself typically did not curse, but rather because she was sure that Barrett was about to get chewed out.

Alas, her suspicions were proven correct within a moment. Galliban looked on in silence as Thean finally let out some of his frustrations with the situation. She could not say that Barrett had not been poking around for the verbal volley he received, however blind to that fact the young man may have been. She could not blame the elder paladin for being harsh, as it seemed that Thean's many years as a warrior had made him a little... testy. However, Galliban still had to agree with Thean's statements. In any case, it was not her place to criticize Thean's choice of words, nor their validity or his motivation for speaking them

[Barrett]

Thean’s threats were a warning that perhaps his acting job was a bit too convincing. Was the RRG really prepared to label him a complete idiot? Barrett had sudden doubts about a guardian whose experience did not allow him to see through such a simple ruse. He shrugged off Thean’s comments for the time being, preferring to speak openly only in private.

Chores! The word brought to mind how blindly trusting Barrett had been of the old housemaster. How had he failed to note that he was the only one assigned so much work?

“Thank you, housemaster. I dare say Friar Allard ran me rather ragged with chores for several days straight before my accident. I regret that my stay for a few days at the healer’s at the temple of Illuminatus has interfered with my regular regimen. Since the healer says I am fit to return to my duties, I will try to take up a more regular schedule.”

Barrett shouldered his burden and led the way to his room. He paused before the door.
“Prudence leads me to request you to make sure the room is secure before I enter.”
It was an interrogative and there was naught but deference to Thean’s position as escort in his voice.

Once inside, he set his belongings down and checked to make sure all was in order in the room. He even checked at the window to make sure no one lingered below it to listen in to his conversations.

Barrett took a moment to shrug off his carefree facade from earlier. He knew that there was no cause to blame the paladins for his predicament. Still a hint of his frustration crept into Barrett’s voice as he addressed the giant.
“I would appreciate it if you did not bandy about words such as ‘demon’ and ‘cultist’ and ‘assassin’ out in the open like that. With your tongue I don’t wonder that the order has no need to make an official announcement. Furthermore I am well aware of both my rank and inexperience with these matters. Were I fully vested in my order then there would be no need for your generosity. But I will not become wiser in experience by sitting locked away in some secure broom closet somewhere.”

Barrett forced himself to a calm, rational tone.

"Thean, I am quite appreciative of the generosity of your order. I am sure that there is great need for your services elsewhere in this trying time and, frankly, I feel rather guilty to be keeping you from other duties. I don’t suppose I need to point out to someone of your experience that you will not be around to guard me for the rest of my days. Therefore it is only sensible for me to try to draw attention away from the fact that I, a mere novice of a completely different order, am being escorted about by not one but two paladins of Illuminatus. I understand that I am in danger. But your presence is like a great signpost saying Target here! So I chatter and pray that it is my chattering that they notice and not my escort. That said, I am prepared to listen to any suggestions you have as to how to conduct my business and life in a manner that might ensure I both fulfill my duties and survive to continue doing so.”

And at last Barrett’s demeanor became that of a slightly frightened but attentive student.

[Finodborn]

The housemaster felt a bit uncomfortable at the mentioning of Allard. "I'm sure you'll do fine," he said finally.

As they arrived at the room, Thean addressed Galliban. "You go first. What do you think you should check in a situation like this, Galliban?." Thean growled at Barrett's remark and opened the door for Galliban, checking first whether there was nobody inside. Then, he let her enter, following her closely, after looking down the hallway. He observed her meticulously. It was a small room with a bed, a desk with a jug on it and a tiny room.

At the same time, that paladin kept an eye on Barrett. As he was addressed, he turned to the young lad. "Demon and cultist are words that are used quite often these days. Not speaking of it would in fact be perhaps more remarkable than speaking about it. If you think the matter is so well-covered up, you're making a mistake. This is an Isle full of priests with mystical abilities, some oracles and a few mages. The entering of a demon in our world is something that doesn't go unnoticed. Furthermore, the housemaster knows, I suspect."

Thean listened carefully to Barrett's explanation of his behavior. "Perhaps what you say makes some sense" the man sighed reluctantly. "However, as long as you have two paladins in glittering armor next to you, a low profile is not an option. And as there is no other way than for you to have two paladins next to you for the time being, there is no possibility to have that low profile -for now. Which, I must say, I actually like, because I've been told that you are quite the nosy boy, and this way you'll have a hard time being nosy. Suits me."

[Galliban Tyren]

Galliban cautiously entered the room when Thean allowed her to do so. The room was small enough, so Galliban reasoned that there would not be many places where an assassin could hide himself. She looked around the room, from corner to corner, then looked under the bed. It was the window that concerned her most, a fact that was made apparent by her constant glances toward it.

By the time Galliban was sure that the room was safe for the time being, Barrett was already getting himself settled. She still remained silent when Barrett resumed speaking, an activity of which the young acolyte seemed all too fond. She just managed to stifle an exasperated sigh. It seemed to her that Barrett would not quite understand the danger he was in until he was actually attacked by an assassin. She also was of the mind that if Barrett was truly appreciative of the lengths that the temple of Illuminatus, he would keep quiet and do as he was told. Still, Galliban's frustrations remained unexpressed.

When Thean made his reply, Galliban could not help but give a small chuckle. She could not agree more.

[Barrett]

"So in all actuality, I am your prisoner."
There was neither malice nor petulance apparent in his voice. It was just a simple statement of fact to be observed and go unargued.
Fools. They do not think I take the danger seriously. Let them try to fight off a demonic possession.

Barrett wondered if Thean or Galliban had any experience with demons. Sourly, he supposed that asking would be merely an attempt exercise in futility.

So he stopped speaking. He merely remained still and observed the mannerisms of his warders for a bit. Satisfied that neither of them was likely to cause him immediate harm, he stood comfortably in the center of the room and calmed himself into meditative trance. He allowed his breath and heartbeat to anchor him to his body. He slowly, methodically removed the paladins, the room's furniture and any background noises from his perceptions and concentrated on the events of the past few days and what meaning they might have for him. Coming to the isle. The frantic attempt to memorize a scroll in a strange tongue. His folly in trusting those in authority. Asran. Allard. Hattark. The cave and the ritual. The healer at the temple. And finally his present situation. He did not judge. He did not indulge in a rousing game of "what if." He simply became a spectator in his own life for a moment and considered all that had happened to him. His own behavior of late was quite puzzling to see. Normally he was not so openly rebellious to authority. then again little he had encountered since arriving at the isle could be considered normal.

Well, Thinker. You certainly have given me quite a lot to chew on. I cannot possibly complain of being bored. However with such events behind me I find it hard to try to settle in to a nice docile existence in the care of these paladins. So I will continue to look and to learn. Or to try anyway. I still think it will be a long time before I understand the true significance of all that has happened. As always I pray for your aid in interpreting events and your guidance for my eye.

Close to two marks were spent in silent consideration. Then , as abruptly as he'd started his meditation, it was over. Barrett went to the chest that held all of his belongings and selected his pack and a few things: his books and writing kit. Shouldering it competently, Barrett left the building and headed off into the streets of the isle. Though he walked his pace might have been more likened to a horse's light canter.

[Finodborn]

"Very well, Galliban. A few dirty tricks you have to look out for: search specifically for snare traps in rooms of this size. If there had been one, this part of the building would probably be wiped out by an explosion of some sort right now. The jug's content must be emptied in any case. Even if there's no poison in it, the water in it is probably not fresh enough to drink anymore." Thean threw the content of the jug out of the window. "You have spotted the weak point of this room, though. The window isn't very big, but big enough none the less for, say, a crossbow bolt or a smoke bomb. We shall install hatches before the night comes."

The paladin sighed at Barrett's remark. "Nay, you are not a prisoner. Prisoners, in general, can't choose to go where they want. You can. It is only in your best interest that your room is safe, for when night comes, we too shall be tired. It is thus of capital importance for you to have at least a safe place to rest. If you truly feel like a prisoner, I suggest you tell the high priest of Illuminatus. He shall be all to happy to take us back. If you want us here, it is under our terms." The man employed the tone of a school teacher, obviously annoyed.

As Barrett sunk away in meditation, Thean spoke to Galliban: "I shall go get somebody to take care of those hatches. You are officially on guard. should he leave, follow him."
One hour later, however, he arrived with a carpenter who had two big, strong wooden hatches with an iron grid as backbone. The two men installed the big things with huge bolts, and their hammers drove them in pretty quickly. Before leaving, the man checked his work ands made sure they could be opened and closed properly. "You can go get your fees at the temple of Illuminatus. Here's a letter." Thean sent the man away.

Barrett had not noticed any of this, as he was in a deep meditative state. When he finally stood up, the hardened paladin nodded to Galliban, stood up, and followed him.

[Barrett]

The hatches seemed a lot of work for a small window. Obviously the paladin took this seriously. Barrett still found it hard to imagine the cultists would bother to come after him. It made no sense. He had had almost no impact on their plans. He was a mere novice. Still, it made sense to be careful. So Barrett accepted the reality of his guard. He accepted them so that they would not be a distraction.

As he walked he kept his eyes and ears trained on the world around him looking for changes. He was looking for any sign that the world was as different from before as he now felt. He took careful notice of strangers. Did they know? Could some person on the street mean him harm?

These thoughts added speed and purpose to his steps. The walk was a long one. One that he had taken a few days ago. Then, as now, he had been seeking information. He thought of Hattark's oddly extravagant residence and wondered what he was about to find there. He was uncertain what he was looking for, but the site seemed a reasonable place to start his search for answers.

[Galliban Tyren]

Galliban listened carefully when Thean explained the dangerous points in the room and what she should be looking for in the room. She nodded to him and tried to commit his words to memory.

Galliban gave a sigh similar to that of Thean's in response to Barrett's remark. The young man had said repeatedly that he appreciated the efforts of the pair, yet he was making it clear that he did not truly appreciate them.

Galliban nodded again when Thean told her to that he was leaving to find a carpenter. She stood guard for the entire hour in silence, as to not disturb Barrett. She was glad for the armor that she wore and the long sword at her side, as they likely served as more of a deterant than she herself was.

Galliban was relieved when Thean returned with the carpenter. She watched as he went to the work of installing the hatches. When Barrett came out of his meditation and went on his way, she dutifully followed behind him and Thean. As they walked, she tried to remain as vigilant as possible, making note of her surroundings.

[Finodborn]

The streets looked as they always did, as if nothing much had happened lately. On the other hand, everybody had a suspicious quality if you looked at them for long enough. Today again it was very busy on the stairs of the great library today.

"Right" said Thean as they left the village. "I think I know exactly where our prisoner is going, Galliban. I also know there are plenty of our men and woman there, so I think you can take a break. Night duty is on me anyway, today. If you will, go back to the temple and resume your training. I'll let Helen know when I want you back. We want to keep your sword ceremony as soon as possible, for we are in dire need of some more qualified paladins in our ranks. Off course, if you want to stay with us, by all means, do so, but I doubt whether we are going to discover exiting things today. Hence I think some lessons at the temple will be better for your training right now."

He greeted the young novice with a -for him- rather friendly nod. Apparently she had made quite a good impression on the stern man over the past few marks. As Galliban turned around, he said to Barrett: "To what once was the Öçal residence, then." He easily kept up with the pace of the young follower of Aurelius, though he was rather surprised at his display of physical energy.

When they arrived at the site, they had already seen many men and woman in similar armor and dress as Thean. Without an exception, they gave him a respectful greet, as he was a man with substantial position in the order. Not much later, they arrived at the site where the manor had been. The soil was black and scorched, and there was nothing left but a little bit of ashes. Five laborers were occupied with digging a shaft to the basement, perhaps the only remainder of the house. Armed men were al over the place,keeping a keen eye on the surroundings.

[Barrett]

Barrett was somewhat relieved when Thean released the achadhiel. He had begun to feel a bit guilty about the distance and pace he was keeping as she did not truly look comfortable in the heavy armor. Of course, that might have been merely his imagination as there had been no outward sign of complaint from the young paladin.
"Go with the light, Galliban. And thank you."
He gave her a polite nod of farewell not wanting to leave her with an entirely bad impression.

Barrett was indeed beginning to soften his opinion of his warders somewhat. He was not used to having his every move evaluated by someone else. And he supposed he was also a bit biased against what he perceived as the rigidity of their code of behavior. At least he was able to see his bias. That would allow him to set it aside and develop a more truthful evaluation of their order. Or so he hoped.

He spared a smile for Thean at his deduction of Barrett's chosen destination.
"My moves are transparent to you, then. That should certainly make me an easier person to guard."

He was not entirely relaxed toward RRG, but he was trying. As he supposed the paladin was himself trying to adapt to Barrett.
"So the area is secure..."
The young man paused, awestruck, as they came upon the site. His memory briefly overlapped the present scene of destruction. If he had doubted the reality of all that had happened, this bleak charred landscape brought everything pointedly into focus. The destruction had been thorough indeed.

Barrett doubted his decision to come here. Fire had destroyed every last piece of the structure it seemed. And the paladins had likely found and destroyed anything that the novice thinker might have found useful in the ruin. Still, Barrett felt compelled to walk through the area to view up close what remained of the grand residence.

"Has this area been cleared or was this truly all that was left after the fire?"
Barrett was incredulous. How could this be all? No stones left standing? No metal? How could mere fire have consumed it all so completely?

Barrett focused on each section of ground that he traveled. He was not certain what he was looking for or what he had hoped to find. Anything he supposed. Anything that might help him explain what had happened and what the old sorcerer had tried to do to him. He picked up a clump of ashes and let them sift slowly through his hands. He watched the pattern of ash particles moving in the air. Then he collected his wits and made a full circuit of the site trying to perceive any pattern to the destruction and whether there might be something that escaped both the devouring fire and the search of the paladins.

[Galliban Tyren]

Galliban had been walking along briskly when Thean had addressed her, still trying to adjust to the feel of the armor. She was feeling less weighted down than she had, and took that as a sign that her body was strengthening.

"If you think that is best, sir." Galliban replied to the paladin. She didn't seem to mind her new orders. She was sure that Thean and the other paladins were more than capable of protecting Barrett, and she did want to get on with her training. Galliban returned Barrett's nod, then started to make her way back to the temple.