What Lies Beneath

Session 10 - What Lies Beneath

The battle begins with the King's Hand attempting to fight the mysterious construct. However, the creature is much more powerful than they expected, easily slashing through their defenses and proving a potentially fatal encounter. However, Via recognizes that the Falkrest symbol beneath them was responding to their blood. Each member began to purposefully harm themselves and trace their blood on the symbol, resulting in the construct ending the fight.

The construct introduces himself as a being named Hero, and tests each of the children and recognizes that their blood is of the Falkrest lineage. He was a construction from Landor, created to guard the several hidden relics that House Falkrest had under their control. They were all immensely powerful, but came at great cost. The heirs leave shortly after.

Via goes to Xanthe, opening up about her vision where she saw a being controlling Xanthe and sitting in the throne in her place. Xanthe assures Via that her vision will not come true, hurting Via's feelings and reminding her that Talon doesn't think highly of her visions. Upset, Via leaves.

The heirs discuss the festival, approving all of Xanthe's plans along with adding a few additions. Afterwards, the details of saving Edwinn's family are discussed, the group creating a plan to make sure Edwinn's family would receive an escort during their travels. Marik also mentions finding a spot where a skilled marksman could take down the messenger birds. He and Cailynn agree to go check it out.

Xanthe and Via speak again, Xanthe working to repair her relationship with Via after feeling how her actions caused great strain on it. While perhaps not fully healed, the two part better than they started.

Marik, Cailynn and Karth set out to investigate the spot, eventually finding a lone agent with two wolves as his companions. After a successful sneak attack, they are able to finish the fight and stop the wolves from attacking.

Karth recognizes the man as Kester Blackthorn, a former member of the Ederian Watch, who was dishonorably dismissed after an innocent life was taken. His disdain for royals and the heirs are apparent, but after Cailynn speaks with him and promises that his wolves would go free, he agrees to turn over all information and agrees to testify against the man who hired him, Damien Thrynn.

Karth escorts Kester to the prison, with Kester trying to turn Karth against the heirs by pointing out how selfish they were and how little they cared about those deemed beneath them. Karth doesn't respond, seemingly troubled by his words.

The heirs meet again and prepare to make their way to Faithspire. However, Xanthe goes to visit Kester first, and they have a veiled conversation about who holds Kester's leash and what orders he would follow now. Seeming to hint at more but not confirming anything, Kester screams into the darkness as Xanthe leaves him alone in his cell.