Yaro joins the Magyar in front of the statue of Stribog. Being Rus he knows well that Stribog is a god of the winds, what better god for an archer to select?

Still waiting on a few, no rush, this is the end of this chapter anyway so I will have to do the xp round up and what not. But to get things moving...

Miroslav stands from where he was kneeling before the statue of Perun. He holds his axe in hand and gives a slight smile as he backs away.

Dyanna stands and backs away from the statue of Mokosh. She wears a slight smile and a thin rope is in her hand where there was none before. She coils the rope around her left arm.

There is something different about her, not so much in her look but how she is carrying herself. Perhaps it is from being touched by the divine or maybe something even more.

"I regret I must decline. I thank you for the offer."

Some part of Sir Jean wondered what the gift would have been but his faith decreed that he not kneel before pagan gods.

A'kos rolls his eyes and says to the Frank.

"My sword's been named by such pagan gods," he says.  "Of certain, the voice that named it seemed real enough to me and my faith in the four winds has grown stronger this day!  I wonder, then, that your Christ hasn't come in lieu of such an offer to offer his blessing upon your blade!"

Cuivi stands before the Great central statue, "Taevataat, arrayed for war? Dark times indeed aproach, I will keep faith with you."

Jean smiles almost shamefaced.

"Though perhaps unintended you make a good point my friend. Though I cannot pray to these you worship here still must I offer a prayer of thanks to my God."

Jean moved a short distance away from the statues and knelt. Taking the crucifix from around his neck he held it to his forehead, head bowed, hand resting on Coffin Nail, and offered up a prayer of thanks for the many blessings he had received in his life. He then renewed the vows by which he had lived his entire adult life aloud.

"I will cheerfully render my Noble service.

I will defend anyone given into my charge unto death.

I will dedicate my courage and enterprise in obedience to rule.

I will respect all of my peers and equals and honor all those above my station as they deserve.

I will command obedience and respect from all those beneath and heap scorn on those who are lowly and ignoble.

My military prowess will be exercised in service to my lord.

I will show courtesy to all ladies and courage to all enemies.

War is the flowering of chivalry and Battle is the test of manhood.

Combat is glory and personal glory is to be sought in battle.

Death to all who oppose my cause.

Death before dishonor.

This Oath I make In Gods name...Amen"

Finished he stood, returned the crux to inside his tunic, and sheathed Clou.

As Cuivi stands before the statue of Perun, there is a small rumble of thunder in the distance.

Sviatoslav watches Sir Jean. When the man is finished thanking his god, the knyaz steps forward. He takes from his left hand ring finger a ring of reddish metal. "I respect your devotion to your god sir knight. Please accept this token from me. I know of your infernal enemy, this should help keep back the flames should you meet again." he place the ring in your hand.

Sviatoslav looks at both Jaleh and Balthazar, neither of which has made a move towards any of the statues.

"Thank you your Majesty."

"Hmph," notes A'kos sourly.  "The mage must be flitting about the city like a bluebottle fly over a corpse as per his custom."

Noticing Sviatoslav looking at her whileshe was trying to make up her mind, Jaleh quickly stepped over in front of the regal-looking Mokosh then turned back around to face Sviatoslav again. "Just stand in front or what are we to do?"

As his comrades are having their moments with the Gods, Rus and otherwise, Loukas returns. He has always had a certain confidence, but there is something different now. When he returns he moves not only with greater grace and and smooth alacrity, but more focus. It isn't as if  he appears to be concentrating or anything like that, though. Rather it is that there are no unnecessary movements -- everything goes where everything needs to be and it is as if he does not even unsettle the air as he moves. Other than this it is possible to note a sprig of mistletoe tucked behind his ear, which he probably didn't have before going down to visit the statue of Veles.

There is a wry grin on his face when he enters the square. Glancing around to see where everyone is, with a wink -- yes, a wink -- at A'Kos, "If Balthazar is floating about, may the Gods bless him. I only hope he manages to land where there is no one with a monstrous hand to smash him, as something tells me that we are going to need him in the coming days."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:01, Mon 25 Apr 2011.

Sviatoslav starts to speak to Jaleh but stops when he looks at the statue of Moskosh. He turns away and looks at the approaching monk of Veles.


Jaleh's attention is held by the statue for only a moment and where there was nothing before, a rope is now in her hands.

Jaleh was outright surprised by what happened. Bending to pick up and coil the rope for carrying, Jaleh knelt down briefly to offer a prayer of gratitude to the goddess. She then stood and turned to look at Sviatoslav in case he was still wanting to say something.

Sorry - been busy.  I have a new nephew, but he's in the ICU.

Anyway, Balthazar says, "Well, I'm Christian, but eh, what the heck."  He bows before the statue of Simargl.

The statue of Simargl gives off a faint humming sound as Balthazar kneels down in front of it.

"You just ruined my opinion of you, Hedonite!" chuckles A'kos as he inspects his sword.

"I hear that a lot.  Say, do you think it's a bad idea to pay respect to another statue as well?"

With that comment Loukas laughs, "Well, with that question you have restored my opinion of you, Hedonite! 'More, more, more!', eh? Paying respects to another god would not be looked upon negatively, but expecting something directly out of it as you have just received might be dangerous."

A'kos nods agreement, his grin broad.

"Of certain as well, allow me to escape this chamber before introducing yourself to the next in line for fear of stray thunderbolts from the sky!"

If Balthazar does indeed wish to kneel before another statue he finds that there is no, connection beyond his knees and the ground.

After a huge feast, Sviatoslav gives you leave to return back to your homes in Khorsun. Life is calm in Khorsun, the pechenegs have thankfully not been a factor since their defeat and Dobrynya has been making headway in controlling the city. The Eastern Romans have also not been a factor but many in the city think that it is just a matter of time.

OK this is the official end of the story arc. I will have the new arc started by the middle of next week. If there are loose ends to tie up with this story, then please continue to post on this thread and get them finished up. I will be working on xp rewards over the next few days and doling them out after that.

As stated before, Balthazar wants to try using locate object in conjunction with fly and invisibility to try to see if the badguys that got away are still in the city.  That of course depends upon whether anyone can come up with a unique object held by any one of them.

We also question the captives, such as the lady magic-user.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:08, Mon 25 Apr 2011.

Unfortunately Balthazar come up empty with his search. Even though items of possession were provided, it seems that the villains have left the city and the surrounding area. Perhaps whisked away via magic or so it would seem.

As for the woman...Sviatoslav seems to have some sort of prior history with her and does not allow her to be questioned. She is taken into custody at his order immediately. You learn as the days go by that her name is Marinka. Later after fully healed as you prepare to leave for home you hear rumor that the Knyaz has taken Marinka as a consort.