Chapter 18

Once again, we were ushered into the Jarl's Castle by the Grim-faced Erik, though this time, there was a lot more activity as we were led through the various halls and rooms toward our meeting. Castle Staff were rushing this way and that, preparing a welcoming feast for the Jarl and his men as they were due to return from hunting the Corsairs later today. The great hall was being set up with trestle tables, barrels of mead, ale, and wine were being tapped, and the kitchens were busily preparing all sorts of roasted meats, mashed tubers, and boiled vegetables.

None of that was for us, however. No, we had to report back to Magnus Ullrsson with the results of our investigation. Thankfully, we were able to take each of the separate pieces of evidence we found in the Temple Complex and composite a whole string of events with which to present Magnus Ullrsson the means to remove Wavemistress Aud and her Umberlants from Jannathstaad and Tearheim Island as a whole.

Erik led us through the chaos of the preparations, dodging servants, stewards, and cooks, and up into a different room than the armory where we had met Magnus Ullrsson the last time. Instead, we were going to meet with him in the Castle's small but well-stocked Library. As Erik left us in here to go fetch the Prince, who was currently overseeing some of the preparations for his father's return, I perused the shelves.

The Books here were clearly rounded out with looted tomes, judging from all the volumes in varying languages aside from the Illuskan or Common that was spoken on Jannathstaad, the Chondathan spoken along the Sword Coast, or the Waelan Spoken by the Ffolk. There were others written in the Turmic spoken by Cormyr, Sembia, the Vilhon Reach, the Dragon Coast, and Elsewhere, some in the Damaran spoken in Rashemen, Thay, Thesk, Impultur, and Elsewhere, some in the Alzhedo spoken in Calimshan, Chult, Al-Qadim, and Elsewhere, and even some written in non-human languages like Dwarven, Elven, Jotun, and Jaanti.

"Look at all these. How many trade ships do you think they raided to amass this collection?" I questioned.

"You think that's how they got them?" Queried Janessa.

"How else? I doubt the Jarls here could have gotten A Treatise on Narfell Runes by Baastat Thalamarn any other way." Responded Selima.

"Nor would they care to. Narfell anything is bad for business, doubly so when the study comes from a Red Wizard of Thay." I scoffed.

"Is that bad?" Asked Shavariel.

"Narfell was known for demon-binding, and the Red Wizards of Thay carry on some of Narfell's traditions." Answered Selima.

"Yeah, real bad magic, the kind that makes everyone else in the region wary of the Thayans. Not to mention the whole magically enforced slavery thing." Added Janessa.

"I see. Perhaps you ought to put that tome back, then?" Mused Shavariel.

"It's not the only rare, seemingly incongruent tome in here. Look at this." I pointed out, grabbing another tome off the shelves.

"Politics of the City of Brass by Sefer al-Raq?" Questioned Selima.

"That does seem a bit out of the Bailiwick of the Jarls of Jannathsaad, doesn't it?" Queried Janessa.

"Indeed, though a thought has occurred to me. Perhaps we might wish to take some time to study these tomes. It could help enhance our understanding of various subjects." Offered Shavariel.

"Do we have time for that?" I asked.

"No, you do not." Came Magnus Ullrsson's voice from the doorway.

We turned to see the Prince of Tearheim enter the library looking a bit more put-upon than he had been at our last meeting. Clearly, the preparations for the return of his Father's Scouting Party were taking a toll on him. He gestured over to the small reading table in the center of the library before taking a seat at it. We followed him, standing for lack of chairs and also due to propriety.

"Tell me you found something. Time grows short, my father returns this afternoon and if you have nothing, then our window will have passed." Intoned Magnus Ullrsson.

"We found something, all right." Nodded Janessa.

"Evidence of a larger conspiracy throughout the Archipelago, plus links to the Zhentarim." I added, beginning to pull evidence out of my bag of holding.

"That's not the worst part. The worst part is what the Zhentarim have shipped the Temple." Insisted Shavariel.

"Smokepowder, over a dozen barrels of it. Enough to breach all the defenses of this castle if they need to attack it by force." Concurred Selima.

"This is grave news. A moment friends, allow me to read this evidence you have collected." Frowned Magnus Ullrsson.

"Of course." I agreed.

And so, for several, long, minutes, we stood in silence while Magnus Ullrsson scanned the various documents and bits of correspondence we had pilfered from the Umberlant Temple Complex. It was sort of awkward, but I didn't dare do anything to break the Prince of Tearheim's concentration. I even ruled out playing any music, just in case it distracted Magnus Ullrsson and made him have to start reading over again. We needed him to have a full and complete grasp of the situation if we were going to have any shot at defeating the Umberlants here, after all.

After about five minutes, Magnus Ullrsson pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a weary sigh. He massaged his forehead as if he had a migraine for a moment, then gazed back up at us. His gaze bored straight through us as if looking into our souls as he spoke next.

"And you swear on your lives that this is all true?" He demanded.

"I do." I affirmed.

"We saw the smokepowder with our own eyes." Added Janessa.

"We also pilfered those documents from the office and quarters of Wavemistress Aud and several other ranking members of the Temple. If they're lies, then it would be because they were decoys, in which case the game is already up." Insisted Shavariel.

"If they're decoys, they're good enough to fool a Glyphscribe of Deneir. That's no mean feat." Concurred Selima.

"I believe you. That presents us with something of a problem, however. This much Smokepowder being in play bodes ill for our attempt to arrest the Umberlants. They could very well blow the stash and take out a large section of the Harbor in doing so. I don't have to tell you that the Harbor is our life here in Jannathstaad. Without it, we can't do half the activities we need to survive." Sighed Magnus Ullrsson.

"What if we struck first?" I questioned.

"I'm not sure I follow." Responded Magnus Ullrsson.

"Think about it. We have the lay of the land of the Temple Complex, we could hit them first ahead of any response you and your father could organize. If we can neutralize the Smokepowder ahead of your main assault on the temple, that issue would be solved." I explained.

"A small strike team would have an easier time of neutralizing the Smokepowder compared to a larger attack force." Affirmed Shavariel.

"Can that be done?" Queried Magnus Ullrsson.

"What, neutralizing the smokepowder?" Asked Janessa.

"Yes, I am given to understand that it is difficult to tinker with alchemical items without causing them to explode. Explosions are what we're trying to avoid if you'll recall." Nodded Magnus Ullrsson.

"In most cases, you'd be right, but Smokepowder can be rendered inert with water." Informed Janessa.

"Water which I can conjure handily." Added Selima.

"All while the rest of us defend you. It can be done." Intoned Shavariel.

"I see. It seems the best course of action. How much water can you conjure, though?" Questioned Magnus Ullrsson.

"Sixteen Gallons per casting of my Cantrip. It will be enough, Deneir will provide." Shrugged Selima.

"Then I will approve this small strike force on the condition that you take my man Erik with you. As my representative, he will ensure that this task gets done, even should complications arise." Commanded Magnus Ullrsson.

"Do you doubt our ability to get this done?" Queried Shavariel.

"Yeah, what gives? Haven't we proven ourselves yet?" Asked Janessa.

"I don't see that we have much of a choice here. It's the best way to avoid large casualties in the upcoming operation. If we have to take the Prince's Retainer along with us to get the plan approved, then that's what has to happen." Argued Selima.

"Agreed. Besides, think of it like having extra backup in case things go wrong." I concurred.

"Excellent, prepare yourselves. We just received a message from my Father. He will be returning in two hours' time. I suggest you make whatever preparations you need. I will instruct Erik that some of the Castle's Armories and Stores are open to you within reason. Tymora be with you." Nodded Magnus Ullrsson.

Then he left, sending Erik back in to guide us over to one of the Castle's smaller Armories. Not the Royal Armory we had previously met with Magnus Ullrsson in, but one for the Retainers of the Jarl and Prince of Jannathsdaad Castle. Janessa was immediately drawn to a case of scrolls that had Luiric Writing on it, and a similarly Luiric inscribed pouch. Meanwhile, Shavariel, Selima, and I grabbed a number of Potions of Cure Critical Wounds. Interestingly, Erik made a beeline for Janessa, looming over her as she studied the Luiric writing.

"Can you read those?" He questioned.

"I'm a Halfling. It's Luiric, of course, I can read these." Huffed Janessa.

"If you can figure out what they are, they're yours. None of the Guards could understand any of that writing and they've just been sitting here because no one wants to use something they don't know the identity of." Admitted Erik.

"Well, this is a scroll case with scrolls inside for Greater Invisibility, Mass Darkvision, Resonating Bolt, Amanuensis, Hideous Laughter, Ray of Ice, Grease, and Jet of Steam. Meanwhile, these are slingstones that have been enchanted with an icy burst enchantment." Informed Janessa.

"I am not familiar with such magics." Frowned Erik.

"Well, I am, good thing they're mine now." Smirked Janessa.

Janessa then spent the rest of her prep time memorizing the spells in the scroll case. Meanwhile, Shavariel, Selima, and I perused the remainder of the armory. There wasn't much here that was going to be as good or better than what we already had, but I managed to grab a few Corrosive Crossbow Bolts for the Secret Crossbow, while Shavariel and Selima grabbed a ranged weapon, as both of them lacked the option. In Shavariel's case, it was a Precise Darkwood Longbow Plus One that seemed to be of Elven Make, along with a few Thundering Arrows. In Selima's case, that was a Light Crossbow of Human-Bane Plus One and a few Shock Bolts. Of course, Erik was quick to remind us that any weapons we grabbed or potions and ammunition we didn't use would need to be returned to the Armory.

"What about Janessa's stuff?" I queried.

"That is a special case. No one else could use those. That is not the case with those weapons, potions, and ammunition." Answered Erik.

"Did you not think that maybe adding that caveat isn't the best move for keeping your allies happy?" Asked Shavariel.

"Take it up with the Prince." Grunted Erik.

"Perhaps we will once this is over." Nodded Selima.

Erik simply shrugged and went back to his own preparations. I didn't see some of what he grabbed, but I did notice he picked a Darkwood Composite Longbow Three of Sonic Burst Plus Two that he was currently stringing, along with a quiver of Arrows of Human Bane. When he was done with that, he selected a pair of Greater Bracers of Archery, a Cloak of Resistance Plus Three, and a Helmet of Darkvision as well. Idly, I wondered how successful the Jarl and his Retainers were at raiding if this was the sort of stuff to be found in the Retainer's Armory, but put it out of my mind for the time being.

After all, while I might not like raiding, it was a major way of life for some Northmen, especially those with lots of martial training and not a whole lot else to fall back on. Given how I was working with Magnus Ullrsson to effectively raid the Temple of Umberlee, it would be fairly hypocritical of me to complain now, after all. Still, I noticed that most of the stuff in here was of Plus Two or less in power. A telltale sign that the more powerful stuff I'd briefly glimpsed in the Royal Armory was reserved for the Jarl and Prince alone.

Eventually, however, we were all geared up and ready to head out. The only issue was timing. We still had roughly an hour before Jarl Finehair returned, which meant we had a good half an hour before we had to head out. Fortunately, Magnus Ullrsson had treated us to a taste of his hospitality, allowing us to grab food and ale from the kitchens. As we were sitting down to eat, I figured that was damned considerate of him. He could have sent us to a Tavern in town like the Tipsy Pseudodragon to wait the rest of the time out.

I tore into a roasted chicken leg with glee, even as Shavariel picked at some smoked kippers, Selima ate from a bowl of Fiddlehead Soup, and Janessa grabbed bread, honey, butter, and a wedge of Vilksmaarg Cheese. Next to me, Erik also tore into his food, though he had slices of roasted pork he was folding in half and stuffing into his mouth. Janessa looked at both of us with a look of disgusted intrigue on her face as she buttered a slice of bread. I paused in my eating, swallowing the chicken in my mouth before addressing her.

"What?" I questioned.

"Where does it all go? I know there's no fat on you." Queried Janessa.

"Forget the Halfling, she doesn't understand our ways." Grunted Erik between bites.

"Is it a Northman thing?" Asked Shavariel.

"I've known a few, they all tend to be somewhat. . .enthusiastic about food." Affirmed Selima.

"It's a cultural thing. Our Homeland is a collection of mountainous, freezing-cold, rocks in the Northern Sea of Swords. There's not a lot of arable land there, which is one reason we sent out ships to conquer and raid." I explained.

"Aye, we've long ago learned that when food is scarce like that, it's best to eat swiftly, lest someone see your food and decide to take it for their own." Added Erik.

"Surely it's not that bad?" Questioned Janessa.

"Not these days, no. Between the conquests of parts of the Moonshaes, colonization of other islands, raids, and trade, we're a lot more food secure than we used to be as a people. Old Habits die hard, though. Even on a cultural level." I informed.

"It's certainly a sight." Intoned Selima.

"A disgusting sight." Sniffed Shavariel.

"You are from under the sea, yes? Have you not seen sharks feed? This is hardly something like that." Scoffed Erik.

I winced at that, as Shavariel's gaze hardened. Erik may not have known Shavariel's history with Sharks and Sahuagin, but he was treading on dangerous ground mentioning it. Thankfully, Shavariel seemed to keep her cool, taking a sip from a horn of ale instead of yelling or leaping across the table to slap Erik one. Unfortunately, that seemed to ruin the mood for any further conversation, even Erik sensing the shift in vibes at the table, and we finished our meal in silence. Once we had, we made our final checks to see that we had everything we needed.

Then we headed out for the Temple, moving under the cover of Janessa's Invisibility spells, we headed for the Umberlant Temple Complex over the patch of hills separating them from the Harbor of Jannathstaad, once more, pausing to disarm the various traps on the underground chamber entrance. Unfortunately, as we made our way down into the Underground Chamber, the murmur of voices could be heard, even from our position up the stairs.

"You need to move soon. The Prince is aware of your plot. Even now he plans to rally his father and their retainers to storm your temple." Insisted a Soft Male Voice.

"How do you know this?" Demanded a Louder Male Voice.

"I am Mist of the Zhentarim." Answered the Softer Male Voice.

"That doesn't answer my question." Grumbled the Louder Male Voice.

"Yes, it does." Retorted the Softer Male Voice.

"Enough bickering. If this information is correct, we need to act swiftly, before the Whelp can speak to his father. I would have liked to have had more time to work on things my way, but needs must." Commanded a Haughty Female Voice.

As we rounded the landing, got to the bottom of the stairs, and stepped out into the Underground Chamber, we spotted four people who stood out. The First and second were Wavemistress Aud and Bjorn Shankspar of the Temple, but the other two were unknown to me by sight. The First of these Unknown Two was, a small, wiry, fair-skinned, Human male while the other was a larger, male Half-Orc with light green skin and corded muscles. I had to surmise that these two were agents of the Zhentarim and I peered at them to see if I could suss out their equipment and capabilities.

The Human wore leather armor that was heavily enchanted, but I could only make out the main Plus Three enhancement of. He also wore a pair of Boots of Speed, a pair of Gloves of Dexterity Plus Two, a pair of Bracers I couldn't identify, a Ring of Protection Plus Three, an Amulet of Natural Armor Plus Three, a Cloak of Resistance Plus Three, a Hood I couldn't Identify, and a matched pair of blades, a scimitar and a dagger, of which, I could only tell that both were Plus Three and Keen. He was clearly an Assassin or Rogue of some kind.

His Partner was clearly the front-line fighter of the two, judging by the large, magical, greataxe he held in both hands and the magical chainmail armor he wore. I couldn't quite make out the enchantments on either of those aside from both being Plus Three, but I was able to identify the Ring of Protection Plus Three, Cloak of Resistance Plus Three, Amulet of Natural Armor Plus Three, Boots of Striding Plus Two, and Belt of Giant Strength Plus Two he wore.

Unfortunately, that was all I had time to figure out before, somehow, Wavemistress Aud began to move, muttering under her breath as she did so. I thought for a moment that she was just muttering about how her allies were apparently bickering, but then she got within ten feet of us and I realized she was praying to Umberlee to wash away the scales from her eyes. Too late did I start to move, as she reached out with her Holy Symbol clutched in her hand, and a wave of power blasted across the ten feet between us and her, stripping us of Janessa's invisibility spell using an Enlarged Spell of Invisibility Purge.

"We are not alone, it seems you were correct, Mist. The Whelp does know of our plans." Sneered Wavemistress Aud.

"I told you. Gnarl, are you ready to fight?" Smirked the Human Rogue, Mist.

"Always." Grunted the Half-Orc, Gnarl.

"Quit bantering and let's kill these interlopers, then we can deal with the Whelp." Scowled Bjorn Shankspar.

Everyone drew weapons and sized each other up. I stared over at Bjorn Shankspar for a few moments, staring down the Blackguard of Umberlee in the hopes of gleaning some level of insight into his capabilities. Unfortunately, the moment didn't last nearly long enough for that. Gnarl the Half-Orc let out a loud bellow of rage and charged at Erik from the side, beginning combat.

And all there was time left for was to fight. . .

XXXX

AN: All right, so here we get the meeting with Magnus Ullrsson, a bit of character interaction, and the start of kicking the Umberlant Church off of Jannathstaad. Shame that the operation was almost immediately foiled by the arrival of Zhentarim Agents. Now, Robar and Company are going to not only have to deal with the two Zhentarim Agents, Wavemistress Aud, and Bjorn Shankspar, but also they will have to fight their way back through the lines to reach friendly forces once the main assault kicks off.

Something notable about the Zhentarim here is that Mist is a canon Zhentarim Assassin from the Ruins of Zhentil Keep Boxed Set. He's fairly high up in the Zhentarim Black Network, which means that the Zhentarim are putting some pretty decent stock in this collaboration with the Umberlants in the Jannath's Tears Archipelago. With the Iron Crisis of the Iron Throne kicking off at the same time, you can expect a lot more intrigue to be going on in the area as compared to canon.

At any rate, the next chapter will include the fight with the Zhentarim Envoys, Wavemistress Aud, and Bjorn Shankspar.

Stay tuned. . .