“What’s in a Name? Part II” - A Tale of Heroes - Scene 48: Karendle

Karendle wrapped her cloak more tightly around her, against the chill of the morning, while she sat on the bench. She grabbed her pouch and opened it up. They said the blue one would be for communication, and that I should only use it if I caught a wizard. I did that. Still, she felt a bit nervous. She wasn’t sure how it worked.

In the early morning shadows, she stepped toward the docks, toward some crates stacked close together. She looked for a spot that would give her a little cover. She wriggled herself in between a couple of the crates, and reached into the pouch. The first draw brought out the red gem, but the second fetched the blue. She held it in her hands and focused her concentration on it.

It did nothing, but feel cold and smooth in her hands.

She frowned, and furrowed her brows more, as she closed her eyes and concentrated more.

Still, it did nothing.

She let out a sigh of exasperation, and held back the temptation to step out and fling the stone into the river. Instead, she just held it, and looked at it in frustration. How do you make this thing work? The flame one and the capture one worked just fine!

She turned it in her hand, looking at the facets carved into the sapphire. She looked at the angles, as they seemed to sparkle in the dim light. The blue hue grew deeper as she stared into it, and suddenly she realized the glimmer wasn’t a reflection, but a light shining from within the stone. It became lighter and brighter as her eyes grew wider with excitement.

“What’s going on?” She was startled by the voice and lurched to hide the glowing stone. She looked out beyond the crates and saw no one near. Was that voice in my head?

“Yes, it is.” It was a man’s voice, sounding very clear, as if it were close to her, but she knew she wasn’t hearing it.

Uh... Hello?

“You have my attention. I’m awake. It’s early, so I’m hoping you’re telling me good news.”

She smiled, proud to be able to deliver just that. Yes! I caught one! I was trailing one who had tried to steal a chicken, and I caught another one instead. He’s actually one of the wizard’s guild.

“Oh! Well. That’s an interesting twist.” There was a pause, and in the silence, she wondered if the communication was still flowing. She looked at the stone. It was glowing. “How did you find him?”

Oh, it was easy, actually. He and his friend were trying to catch another mage that was also on the barge! They said something about trying to take her home. For some reason they were all in trouble and had to sail out of town fast. I don’t know what was going on, but I traveled with them to this small town upriver. I’m going to get passage back to Twynne Rivers and bring you this guy right away.

“Ok. That’s a good plan. When you get here, contact us again.”

“Thissraelle!” Karendle called out, as she suddenly remembered the name. Then, just as suddenly, she huddled back against the crates to hide.

“What?”

Thissraelle. That was the name of the wizard that the one I caught was chasing. I traveled upriver with her and the others.

“What? Did you say her name was Thissraelle? Is she an elf, by any chance?”

Yes. Do you know her?

“Are you still with her?”

No, she’s back at the inn with the others.

The man’s voice took on a new intensity, almost an excitement. “Here’s a change in your plans: Follow her. Capture her. She is your next target.”

Karendle was taken aback for a moment. OK, sure! She must be pretty important, then, right?

“You don’t need to worry about that. Just bring her in with the other one, and we’ll pay you well. Very well.”

Sure. I’ll do that. No problem.  With that, the glow dimmed. She sat for a moment, thinking about Thissraelle, and wondering why she would be so critical to capture. Finally, she shrugged and stepped away from the crates, walking briskly back toward the inn.

She swore quietly under her breath. I STILL forgot to ask them their names!

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This continues the story of the heroes in Wynne, in Twynne Rivers, in the world of The Hero's Tale, Family Friendly RPGs. Here's more info on The Hero's Tale, and family friendly RPGing.


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