Hjalgrimm suggests they do not wait around for lunch, but leave a note that they had business to attend to. Weyliri goes to courtesan business. The party packs up and prepares to leave. Christina thanks them for all they did to help her, especially to rid her and all of Ternua of the curse of her mother. She offers thema all free service, lodging, and food if they pass through again. Weyliri returns, and they depart.
The group rides north. As they pass the Clapping Bull, Tenktovie pontificates about what a fine establishment it was before the fire. The proprietor, Harfourd the Trierzi, was a fine gentleman, a retired adventurer. He told grand stories about the heads of creatures he had mounted in the hall.
The journey from Ternua to Thay takes only half a day. The road for this segment is quite nice and smooth. The party passes through seven villages along the way: Abbel (fortified manor), Ulben (Hundred Moot manor), Erone (Peonian Abbey), Hask (manor), Zutlin (fortified manor), Nilo (fortified manor), and Nustane (fortified manor).
Hjalgrimm halts the team and pulls them off of the road. They ride toward the treeline. They park the wagon so they can meet on the other side, shielded from the road. Hjalgrimm says "After last night, I feel the need for us to have a discussion." He opens the Bag of Holding and pulls out four bodies and heads. The group recognizes the head of the Laranian. Hjalgrimm begins casting a spell, chanting. Weyliri lets the group know that it is a Zone of Truth.
Hjalgrimm explains that he and Askelon were summoned to the graveyard by the Embalmer. He asked the pair to engage in a ritual with him, but it became apparent that he was not a cleric of Morgath, they sacrificed the Embalmer as part of the ritual. They then sacrificed the girl and the boy. When they sacrificed the Laranian there was an explosion."
Hjalgrimm asked Rook about why he is fey and not human. Rook said he believed he was Human until he was told recently that he is Fey. Tenktovie offered that fey come in many varieties, but humans born of fey are often shape shifters.
Hjalgrimm tells them all that he changed from Cleric to full Paladin at the time of the sacrifice. He is now a Knight of the Shadow.
Hjalgrimm asked Tenktovie if he intends to stay with the group after Tashal. He said yes, if they'll have him. Tenktovie expressed that he too deeply despises the Laranians.
Hjalgrimm asked Faelon if he was trustworthy of Faelon's blades. Faelon agreed he was.
Hjalgrimm then explains that he is going to cast Find Steed. While he casting, Tenktovie pulls out a leather-bound book. Rook asks what he has there, and Tenktovie tells him that he is taking notes for research. Minutes later the group spies something approaching from the south across the fields. It is black, and as large as pony, but runs like a dog. As it nears, they can see that it in fact is a dog, a large black mastiff. It wears a crude saddle and bridle. Hjalgrimm names the dog Brutus, and declares "We will share tales together."
Tenktovie records the coming of Brutus in his journal.
The party returns to the road, heading north.
As they approach Tashal they are impressed by it massive size. It is walled, with the walls easily 25 to 30 feet high and punctuated by towers. It looks to be bigger than any city they’ve seen. They can see the castle on the northwest corner of the city. As they approach Tashal, they pass through the village of Lyryn outside the Ternua Gate. They marvel at the large amphitheater to the east of the village, and note that there are distinct Sindarin elements in its architecture. There are lots of folks on the road and the side streets, including children that should at them for "a show."
As they roll up to the Ternua Gate they receive the typical questions about cargo and are admonished to pay any appropriate taxes. When they declare they have nothing to declare, a guard checks the wagon and clears them to enter the city. The gate is large and impressive, with huge, thick, iron-bound doors and marks in the ground that indicate a portcullis is used here.
Inside Tashal the group immediately notices the sign for The Spurs on the two-story building to the right. The notice the imposing Laranian Temple right in front of them. To the left is an impressive compound with a townhouse that looks almost like a small castle itself. There is a huge coat of arms on the walls on each side of the large wooden gate denoting this as Balim House, of Clan Dariune. It is the residence of Sir Troda Dariune, Earl of Balim, at least when he is here in Tashal. The coat of arms is a blue shield with a resting white stag.
The party pulls in to the gate to the yard for The Spurs. Hjalgrimm tells them all that this is the place they are to stay while in Tashal. They are covered for five days of lodging and food. Hjalgrimm telepathically gives the passphrase of "Tunnel Rat" to Tenktovie. Hjalgrimm explains that their host here is Ardail Falesh. Rook tells the group that that Ardail Falesh is the lieutenant of the Lia Kavair, with his older brother Halime the Master of the guild. The party hands the horses and wagon over to stable boys and head in to the inn.
Inside they find only one pair of patrons, sitting near the window to the far left. There is a large round table near the bar to the right, and a male Human is standing between the table and bar, grinning at them. Tenktovie makes a strange speech, including the term Tunnel Rat, and Ardail laughs at the effort. He tells the group to have a seat, he will have drinks all around. Ardail then lets the other patrons that the tavern is closed for the next hour, and tells them their drinks are already covered. They leave.
Ardail tells the group that they were expected many days ago, and he assumed they had been waylaid. He is happy that they've arrived safely. He tells them that their lodging and food is covered, with double occupancy rooms. Of course, upgrades can be purchased. All in the group choose to purchase upgrades. Ardail thinks for a moment, and declares that he does not have that many rooms. Weyliri asks if he is one short, and he answers two. She tells him that she will be staying at her temple while in Tashal, so he need not count her in his tally. Hjalgrimm looks at Rhyna inquisitively, and she grins and nods. He tells Ardail that they'll be sharing a room, so that should cover it. He tells them that it will be a gold per person per room per night for the upgrades.
Ardail then tells them that if they need to know where things are in Tashal they can ask him. Tenktovie tells the group that he has them covered as well. Ardail looks at the priest, nods, and says "But of course." Ardail then tells them that there are certain establishments that will give the group discounts if they mention that Ardail is their host. They are Christopoulos Trading Corporation Trade Goods, Floating World of Three Heavens, Galopea's Feast, Glass Fantastique, and The Gaming Den.
The party are shown to their rooms to put their goods away as needed. Rook selects the room with a balcony on the northeast corner. Hjalgrimm and Rhyna pay extra for a suite. After they have lunch and drinks, they decide to go shopping. They decide that the first spot will be a jeweler. Tenktovie tells them of their best choices, and with Haldana Jewelers being the closest, they head in that direction.
As they pass through the Haldana district they notice some very wealthy residences belonging to Clan Curo (the Earl of Neph), to the Lady Cheselyne Hosath (the king's niece and prominent society matron), and to Clan Indama (Baron of Geda and Sherrif of Neph). Tenktovie points out the sign for the Chantry of Arcane Lore, with the sign of the Guild of Arcane Lore displayed, just down the street. The party turns into a smaller dirt street to find Haldana Jewelers.
Haldana Jewelers is quite obviously targeted to the very wealthy. The fine glass cabinets and display cases dazzle the eye with jewelry and decorations that are noticeably high quality and expensive. One of those "If you have to ask, you cannot afford it" places. Hjalgrimm engages the proprietors, and older Human couple. He explains that he is interested in selling some gems and jewelry, and possibly purchasing an item or two. The woman retrieves a loupe and examines the goods Hjalgrimm presents, and makes an offer. The Dwarf accepts and the exchange is made. While this is going on, Rook has covertly activate his Wand of Detect Magic and indicated two items to the party. They ask about a particular ring and a large ovoid pearly white spindle. The man behind the counter complements them on their fine eye for quality. He tells them that the ring is enchanted with the ability to allow the wearer to see through walls. It's cost is 360 platinum. When Faelon asks about the spindle, the woman retrieves it from the case and declares that it would make a fine jewel to mount on a necklace, perhaps for a young woman? Faelon asks how much, and after she examines it under the loupe, she declares that she could let it go for 22 gold coins. Faelon produces 22 gold in exchange for the gem, and pockets the gem away safely.
The party thanks the proprietors and leaves the shop.