Re: The Test of the Faithful - 1
Batruss says, "The problem with the so-called 'Test of the Faithful' is that no one really knows what it is. This upper cave network was called something that translates from Ancient Allevian to 'The Bravost Basilica' or something like that. Brovost was an ancient sect, long since defunct. The Test of the Faithful was what they used to travel from the upper basilica here to the lower cave levels, several thousand feet below us. These caves have probably remained undisturbed for centuries. That is, until Ashe sent both us and you here, to arrive coincidentally -- or not so coincidentally -- at the same time. The Bat and the Hatt--"
"Hatt and the Batt," Fingas corrects.
Batruss rolls his eyes, "--Hatt and the Batt have not worked with anyone else since the herpes misprint incident."
"Reputations do mean something, you know," Fingas adds.
"Yes," Batruss says, "and, well, to be honest, we were purloined and our reputations tarnished by those miscreants. We vowed to only work alone since then."
"I don't care about the treasures so much," Fingas says, "but my reputation cannot tarnished."
"So those other 'heroes,'" and he says this last word with disgust, "now can only tarnish our reputations from beyond the grave. They were thieves and liars. We do not give trust easily now."
"And we don't share in glory anymore," Fingas adds. "Sorry, but that's just the way it is. You don't become immortalized in the annals of time when you are just part of a large party. It's worth the extra risk."
To Kahan, Batruss says, "As to help with the Test of the Faithful, I do not know what it is, but I have a feeling we are about to find out. We may not need any help at all."
Fingas offers, "Hey, give us a one hour headstart and I'll draw you a rough map of the area. Since you're new here, you might want something like that."