Father Terjon, an Elder of the Church is seen as Althiof walks in. Father Calmert doesn't look like he is around. Elder Terjon is currently talking to one of the acolytes. When Althiof steps in the acolyte stands and bids his farewells to Terjon.

Terjon looks over to the Dwarf, without standing his motions the dwarf over. "What can St. Cuthbert do for you?" the Elder asks. When questioned about Father Calmert Terjon responds. "The Father is in private prayer, due to the events that have happened as of late. He communes with St. Cuthbert." says the Elder. "How can I assist you?" he asks.

Weather Update

The Weather suddenly takes a worse turn. Hail starts pinging the roofs and structures outside. The wind starts blowing so far that people outside need to brace themselves. Shutters are flung off windows, and doors are forced open from the wind, and need barred from the window. The wing starts howling louder and louder, the rain comes down more heavy as small flooding starts near the creek. The hail starts damaging those that are ouside in it and not under something. Its easy to fine overhead cover to protect yourself wherever you are. Lightning flashes become more frequent and the thunderous echo groans louder.

"I'm Althiöf.  Do you mind if we take a seat on a pew?"

Well, the dwarf took a seat, anyway, on one of the pews.

Not only tired from the rapid pace of travelling about, he was also weary from the town drama.  His left hand briefly rubbed his forehead, then slid down to his chin, where it rubbed both his chin and his beard.

His voice illustrated the strain on his thoughts, "I was hoping to speak with Father Calmert, but if he is busy, perhaps you will listen and offer some guidance to this poor soul."

"Of course, please take a seat and tell me what is on your mind." Terjon says. "You seem to be holding something worrisome in your mind, maybe St. Cuthbert can help you talk through your thoughts." he says.

The weight of his weariness was audible in his voice, "I was attending service the other night, and so much happened that night that I just can't explain.  Why would an acolyte of St. Cutherbert kill a pet bear, and with a dagger of all things.  I'm not used to seeing those of the priestly sort use daggers."

"And why would they hang the bear?  This is not the kind of thing I'd be looking for in a church or god.  I may be new in Hommlet, but I have a home here, which I was planning on taking a permanent residence in."

"And, after killing the bear, Father Calmert went out with other priestly folk, weapons in hand, ready for war.  Why would a priest and leader in the community act like this?  It makes me fearful to live here."

Terjon speaks plainly and well spoken for a man of his age. "Many of the followers that have converted from the Old Faith, to St. Cuthbert, were not Priests before their conversion. Many of them had talents elsewhere before they allowed St. Cuthbert in their hearts and minds. Acolyte Jayden before he was a Priest, dabbled in unscrupulous activities. He likely learned the usage of a dagger during that time in his life. Brother Calmert has taken an extra displeasure in the Old Faith, having been sent here by the Order of the Chapeaux, a group within the Hierarchy of the Church. One that which I am not fond of, being a Billet. While Father Calmert prefers to convert new people to the Faith, I try and keep the ones we already have. So many times we are at odds with one another." he says. "Brother Jayden will suffer the consequences of his actions, and stripped of his title within the church. Its very likely that he wont face any punishments by the law though, since the murder of the bear doesn't fall under any of the laws written in Hommlet." he adds. "As for the Hanging of the bear, we asked Brother Jayden why, and he said that it was to for show, to be a statement towards the Druids of the Old Faith, he said something about symbology within the usage of the tree and the animal. I honestly do not think that Brother Jayden was in the right state of mind when this happened, I do not defend his actions, what he did was vile and against' everything that St. Cuthbert teaches. But I also do not believe that his actions were not his own." he says. "Like I mentioned, Father Calmert comes from the Order of the Chapeaux which are sometimes even violent in their pursuit to convert people, war comes second nature to him, he doesn't just wear that armor for show." he says.

"What about the conspirators that Brother Jayden was working with.  At the time of the killing and hanging, there were numerous tracks around the bear, those that helped kill and heft the bear up to hang it?  Were the others part of the this church too?"

"Do you see things like this often in Hommlet?  I really wanted to plant some roots here.  I'v e begun earning coin, and spreading it around by buying the goods and services of your townfolk.  I'm sure a share of it will find it's way here in donations and tithes.  I'd really like to be able to stay here, but only if it's safe."

"Its never gotten this bad, mostly its just graffitti on our church, sometimes an outburst during our sermons, but never has it comes to violence. Brother Jayden refuses to tell us who else engaged in this. We have our suspicions and will be utilizing Cannon's Y'dey's to find out when she returns from Verbobonc." he says.

"You seem like a man of honor and conscience.  Can I take you into my confidence?  Would you keep it from everyone else?"

"St. Cuthbert believes in the confessional, so yes, I am also bound by the Church to confidence. What is it that you want to say?" he asks.

The dwarf slowly glanced about, observing whether anyone might be watching or listening.  He kept quiet enough to not be overheard.

"I confess that I have become quite suspicious of some of the folk and goings-on here in Hommlet."

"I believe that there are one or some at work trying to cause strife within the village, by turning one against the other.  Like the incident the other night with the bear, but there are others, and I have only been in town a few days.  Magic might be involved to influence thoughts and actions, but I have not been able to verify this yet.  It could be just that there are bad people influencing others by word and deed, such as those that worked with Jayden the other night."

"I ask that you keep this in mind, when you go about your daily business.  I have a feeling that it's only going to get worse."

"Thank you Althiöf, I too think that something is amiss in Hommlet. Things lately haven't felt the same, something is stirring." he says.

During your conversation with Terjon, you hear the thunder outside start to pick up and become louder. Suddenly a crashing sound comes from above, you already know what happened, lightning has struck the Abby, you can smell the charred wood and burning coming from upstairs, a haze is already forming in the air. Terjon shocked at the surprise, almost falls over off the bench he is sitting on. Father Calmert comes rushing out of the sideroom. "What happened!" he calls out. Elder Terjon picks himself up off the ground and shakes his head. "Upstairs." he says. The two then rush towards the other sideroom, leaving the door open where Althiöf can see them ascend a staircase.

Just as he is about to say something, the sudden Boom surprised him completely.

He rushed to follow them upstairs.

You follow them upstairs to the living quarters. They rush down the hall to the room where the smoke is coming from. Father Calmert quickly opens the door and looks inside, to see half of the room in flames, a large hole, its edges aflame is allowing rain inside the room. Lightning has struck the ceiling and went through the roof, striking Brother Jayden, his body lays in bed charred, and unrecognizable only the soft prayer of Terjon when he sees the body, tells Althiöf that this was Brother Jayden. Father Calmert and Terjon uses some of the heavy blankets to put out the fires. Brother Jayden is clearly dead.

The rain starts to let up, and the thunder recedes.

'This was no accident,' Althiöf thought to himself. 'More like divine retribution...or some really good aim.'

The dwarf rushed to assist with putting out any fires.  "I know people like to say lightning won't strike the same place twice, but we should get out of this room."  As he went to help move the body out of the room as well, he slyly took a good look at it for any clues.

Father Calmert and Elder Terjon use one of the blankets to wrap up the corpse of Brother Jayden and carry him from the room, shutting the door behind them. They carry him downstairs and into the main hall, they rest his body on one of the pews, and Elder Terjon sits and rests himself. Father Calmert is beat red with anger. It looks as if he is about to explode.

To know one in particular, the dwarf stated, "This is a circle of violence that won't end well."

"I can see that he thinks the druid-folk are behind this.  If so, he already put one hole in the roof of the abbey.  If he did that, and your 'side' kills someone else, he might destroy the entire building...maybe even during a service."

"This kind of escalation won't be good for anyone."

Finally, he addressed the one with the red face.  "Father Calmert, I beg you to slow down and consider these things.  Finding a way to peace and reconciliation would be the epitome of wisdom, and likely a great sermon to your flock."

Father Calmert takes a moment of silence, and listens to the dwarfs words. "How are we to have peace, Brother Jayden was going to receive punishment for his actions. But this, this was murder, they can hide behind the fact that it was a accident, that it was the weather, but I know better." he scoffs. "I know Jaroo and his kind, they can control the aspects of nature, they did this, they brought this down." he says.

"Father Calmert, please, listen to Althiöf, he only wants to help, Calm yourself, we do not know that the Druids are behind this. We should have the matter investigated first, let Burne and Rufus handle this." Terjon says, not knowing that Althiöf had been commissioned as a deputy.

"How do any countries come to peace after having endured war?  Because wiser and calmer heads prevailed."

"Even good races like dwarves and elves have warred in centuries past.  That does not mean that the war had to continue until the extermination of one side.  When the wiser folk came together, a way to peace was found."

"Sure, each side suffered lost lives, and there was lamentation.  But continuing war, just for war's sake, can only lead to more bloodshed and death."

"What would Canoness Y'dey say after returning from Verbobonc, when she learned that rash actions led to more battle and the complete destruction of the abbey?"

"On the other hand, what would she say about the one who found a way to peace, who showed the villagers not only the might, but the restraint and wisdom of St. Cuthbert and his church?  Would this not lead to more villagers joining the church, and seeing the druids as barbaric?"

Father Calmert nods at the wise words of Althiöf and Terjon. "I shall pray to St. Cuthbert to see what he suggests, and allow the day to pass before I make any decisions." he says. He shouts for the other church Acolytes, they comes from the different rooms and from the staircase. Father Calmert looks to them. "No retaliation against those of the Old Faith, please patch up the roof in Brother Jayden's room, and prepare his body, we shall bury him once these waters dry. Place the body below and preserve the corpse with the divine powers of St. Cuthbert." he says.

Terjon nods in respect to Althiöf and leans down towards him and whispers. "Thank you." he says.

As Calmert was shouting to the acolytes, and his attention taken for the moment, the dwarf responded quietly to Terjon.  "I'll let you know if I find anything important.  Please do the same."

An idea suddenly came to Althiöf, but it was not a convenient time to open the discussion, so he made his way to leave.  "I go with sadness in my heart, but also with a measure of hope.  May St. Cuthbert be with you all."

With that, the dwarf made his way to the streets.

Terjon gives a slight smile as Althiöf praises St. Cuthbert.

=========END OF SCENE===========