Beloc walks over and shakes Sypher's hand. "Well done. Were you able to identify the illness? Perhaps there is something we can do for others similarly affected."

"Aye, we hae mair indeed. Seven tae be exact".

"It is definitely consumption.  The monks of the order referred to it as Phthisis, though I'm sure the mainland has its own name."  Sypher turns to Darernarra.  "Who is overseeing these seven?  Are they quarantined?"

"Aye, they're quarantined. In that hame ower thare, three doors doon th' wey " she says, pointing a short distance down the road Sypher and the two dwarves just walked down.

"Darius, do you have any spells that can aid with food?  If so, we need to set up a place to feed these folks.  While you work, teach Shiaran what you can so she can help.  Beloc, I need you to be in charge of resource management for our group, but work with them to find out about threats and where they normally get food from.  We need to take that back and re-enforce in the short term."  He turns to the king.  "I will see to your ill.  We were not actually headed to the capital.  We came here and were going to move on to complete the next leg of our mission which is further north.  We just needed to connect with you first and then ask permission to continue to use the tunnels as a means of faster transit.  If our mission succeeds, this war ends."

Sypher looks around at the few weary dwarves.  "We will, however, need to get word to the capital about this situation and consolidate as we can.  We are stronger together, King Drowsbane.  I will do whatever I can to ensure the safety of your people.  For now, I must see to the other ill, by your-"

He pauses for a moment, "pardon me a moment, please."  Sypher turns to Rebort.  "Rebort, where is your...maker physically stationed?"

R.E.B.O.R.T. turns to Sypher. "Are you referring to D'Won? Technically, I am the maker, he is but my proxy. However, more to your point, now that the box of ice and Em'Owon are complete, he is clearing the workbench in the Badger and currently without a task."

"Lad, Ah dunna knoo exac'ly where ye think th' lo road runs, bu' we haev noo roads tha' goo north. Th' oonly ways ye can goo down 'e're ar' west t' under th' capitol, or back east the way ye came. Unless ye plan t' goo down into th' underdark"

Sypher addresses the king first after holding his chin and his elbow with the other hand for a moment of contemplation.  "I will have to gather more information before I make a decision then.  The underdark might well be beyond our abilities, but..."  He waves away his thoughts.  "I need to see to these ill.  Rebort, will you accompany me, please?"

He turns back to the king.  "By your leave?"

Thadrumir nods to Sypher.

R.E.B.O.R.T. nods. "Of course."

While Sypher and Rebort walk to where the sick are quarantined, Sypher broaches a difficult subject.  "Rebort, are you aware of the names Warren Ewes and Charles Riddick?"

"Yes, of course. Their names are literally part of my designation."

"Where are they?"

"They are dead." R.E.B.O.R.T. states flatly.

A somewhat familiar british voice chimes in as the docent in R.E.B.O.RT's chest pulses. "My dear boy, still working on that human touch, I see. True, nonetheless, my partner and I have since passed on, but not before transferring our consciousnesses into docents. I, Dr. Warren Ewes, was transferred into the one Rebort is wearing. I haven't the foggiest where Charles ended up."

"I see.  Well, that answers all my other questions for this train of thought."  Sypher is silent until he reaches the doors into the quarantine ward.  He turns to Rebort with a look of curiosity.  "Rebort, are you aware of Dr. Ewes speaking right now?"

"Yes. The docent keeps his consciousness separate from mine which makes one aware of the other at all times."

"Forgive me if I am prying with all these questions.  Sometimes my curiosity echoes that of Shiaran's."  He smiles at the warforged.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Thu 08 Mar 2018.

R.E.B.O.R.T. responds with an enthusiasm that might be construed as interest. "Questions are the lifeblood of innovation and enlightenment. Without them, we would not know what answers to seek. If no one sought those answers, then one such as myself would not exist."

He looks over to Sypher. "Do not be afraid to ask questions."

"Thank you, my friend."

He opens the door and heads inside, holding the door for Rebort to follow.  Once inside, he sees the beds with the sick.  In silence, Sypher walks from bed to bed looking down at the seven figures lying there.

Then he comes to the youngest, a small child that to his eyes looks no more than eight.  Sypher collapses to his knees, tears streaming down his face.  "Oh Father.  Help me."

Though he continues to kneel, hands folded and heads down, Sypher is silent.


After some time in silence, Sypher clenches his fist and strikes the covers near the footboard once.  He looks as if he is in great pain.  A powerful sob erupts from him and his chest heaves, his shoulders shake as he weeps.

R.E.B.O.R.T. looms behind Sypher, towering over the tragic scene. "You do not know them, yet you are saddened?"

Sypher does not rise, but keeps his head on his left forearm.  "Yes."  He sniffles hard then lets out a huge breath.

The youngest child rolls over on her cot, looking at Sypher. With one eye open, she manages a weak smile, and an even weaker "Thank ye", before settling back into her pillow. It isn't apparent that anyone's symptoms have left them the way they did the king, but the smile that's still on the child's lips as she sleeps lets Sypher know he has brought some deal of physical and spiritual comfort to the room. No dwarf stirs or coughs at the time.

Sypher gently takes the child's hand and holds it.  "Thank you, Father.  With all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Thank you."

The paladin rises and wipes his eyes on his tunic.  He releases the child's hand and moves to each of the patients.  "Rebort, my prayer has been answered in the affirmative.  Iehovah has brought them through the worst of it.  They are still likely contagious as their bodies continue to fight the remnants of the disease, so only you or I will be safe in this room.  Will you report to the others that I believe the worst is past?  I will stay in here and monitor them.  Only you may re-enter this room until I say otherwise.  Please politely convey this to the king and make sure that he understands that I insist this prohibition includes him."

Before Rebort responds.  "And Rebort?  Thank you as well."

R.E.B.O.R.T. stands there silently processing. "I do not understand, why do you thank me? I did not contribute to their physical state."

Ewes interrupts for a moment to shed light on the warforges confusion. "I believe he means to imply your moral support and witness to the event serves to strengthen his connection to the divine. You will learn, in time, that the emotional support of fellowship can do amazing things."

The construct nods. "It has been recorded. I will relay your message to the others." With that, R.E.B.O.R.T. turns to leave the paladin with his patients.

Meanwhile, back at with the others, Beloc is rapidly taking stock of the dwarves equipment, rations, and able-bodied resources.

"Darius, let me know if I can assist with the food storage. A handful of goodberries can go a long way with a very small amount of resources."