We lingered around the Siren’s Roost to try and wait, but without word of when he planned to return, we left word where we were heading and a few hours later went to the Temple of the Five to seek information.
We met a curious young man just outside who sought an audience with Vallus and had been told that if he could bring someone of deep wisdom or incredible beauty that she would grant him some time. He seemed infatuated with the queen and asked Braz, for his deep wisdom, and Calliope, for her beauty, to come with him to present to Vallus.
In truth, he may have things backwards- watching Calliope over the past few weeks as she worked to shore up the defenses of Estoria, or piece together the memories lost to her from centuries past, she is much brighter than perhaps she lets people see.
Also, without being rude to my companions, but none of them have the flanks or magnificent tail to be true beauties, if such vanity is what appeals.
Vallus of course is a canny ruler. By the time the young man had extolled the virtues of my friends and their many accomplishments his infatuation had completely transferred to them. He even offered a betrothal ring to Calliope to accept him, whilst the rest of us were left smiling at our bard’s discomfort with the situation.
As they hashed out a polite refusal, I approached the high priest and discussed what had brought me here. The madness that had affected my squirrel friend, keeping him trapped in his animal form instead of the gnome we knew him to be was a madness beyond my ability to cure. The good priest however, was able to restore him to his wits with an incantation and with a loud thump, the gnome hit the floor, looking terrified at us all around him.
Herkus, as he introduced himself, was a gnome of the Oldwoods Circle. He had been poisoned after confronting Demetria in the mossy temple and his sanity taken from him in the mushrooms of the grove. He pledged his thanks and a promise of service to us for freeing him.
As we were discussing his next steps to return, Helikaon caught up with us, angrily shouting at Vallus for the injustice he had seen in the city- Minotaurs being beaten and driven, or used in one sided battles that would effectively spell their sacrifice.
Vallus did not condone the violence that was being done and bid us to do what we could to restore the law to the city if we uncovered what was going on.
Slaves, sacrifices and kidnappings. So much for civilised life.