The Willowsbrook Chronicles - Chapter 24: Confrontation
The sounds of wood creaking and waves crashing brought the Innkeeper out of his sleep. The cloudy haze lifted as Gunther looked around. He remembered what had happened before he’d gone into that dream-like state. Shame welled up in him as he slumped on the bed he was on.
Gods, I can’t believe I didn’t see what was happening to me. By Cinya, I am a fool! The big Innkeeper thought, angry at himself.
“So Terrel’s awake?” a new voice that had an aristocratic air about it Inquired.
The voice sounded like it was approaching his room. “Aye Captain, Leopold has retired to his quarters, that spell he used took a lot out of him.” Another voice that had the air of someone from a more common upbringing answered.
“He may be a spry old man. But even the youngest and most powerful of Solarin’s priests would get tired after using that spell.” The voice of the one called Captain noted.
“What about the Innkeeper, I swear if he’s still wantin’ to hurt Terrel I’ll…”
“Hold Ivar, hold. Terrel and Leopold made it clear Kosarr and Celina used that damned Slow Fury spell. Twas not his fault.” The voice of the captain reminded the other man.
There was a sigh of resignation. “Aye, aye, you’re right. And Terrel has nay e’er been one to lie to us.”
“Exactly Ivar, which is why tis important that we give this man a chance. Especially if we’re going to be able to solve that problem we have on this ship.”
Problem, Gunther thought, intrigued by the conversation.
“By Solarin’s good graces Captain, you’re right again. That idiot’s cooking is driving the rest of us crazy. Plus, his attitude, I swear I’m a hair’s length away from making him walk the plank myself.”
The door to Gunther’s room opened. What entered, were two men the big man had only heard of in tales from the bards. The first was a man with greying blonde hair, his beard and mustache looking well-trimmed. The man wore a suit of well-polished steel armor, blue in color, with the sun symbol of Solarin on the chest plate.
The man also carried a formidable looking Two-handed sword on his back. The man, despite his age, was very muscular, which spoke of heavy amounts of exercise.
With him, was a leaner looking man, dressed in chainmail and wearing a leather helm. The rugged red-skinned man had two wicked looking scimitars sheathed on his belt. Gunther gulped and cleared his throat. “Um…Captain William Jordan and First mate Ivar Corrick I presume?"
The paladin of Solarin nodded his confirmation. “You assume correct Gunther Willowsbrook, Terrel told us about what you’d been through. A good thing too, because Ivar and the crew were quite furious. Terrel is well remembered among this lot.”
Gunther chuckled. “Yeah, Master Healer Marshan and Terrel explained things to me in that dream state I was in. I…must apologize for what happened, I couldn’t control myself.”
The second-in-command of the Sea Hawk raised a hand. “Hold Innkeeper, hold. I will admit, I was ready to make ye walk the plank.
But, thanks to the Captain, I’ve learned to be a good judge uh’ people. Tis pretty obvious you’re sorry about what’s happened. Not what I expected, but not unwelcome.”
Gunther felt a bit of weight lift from him. “If there’s any way I can make it up to you, I’ll do it. But I need help saving my friends.”
“Fear not Goodman Willowsbrook," The Sea Hawk captain assured. "We’ll help you save your friends. We have our own unfinished business with Kosarr and that witch of his. But know this, we help you, you must agree to help us.”
Gunther nodded, “Anything I can do, but what task is it that I can help with. I’m…not exactly a hero type.”
The first mate of the Sea Hawk looked relieved. “By Solarin’s good graces, thank ye’ for agreeing to this! If we have to keep listening to that whiny horse’s arse much longer, I’ll do something I'll regret.”
Gunther’s face furrowed. “You see,” the paladin explained. “It has to do with a problem we have in the kitchen, something I know you specialize in.”
“Now that is something I can indeed help with,” Gunther answered, face brightening.
“Ah, there you two are,” A new voice called as leather boots clacked on the wooden floor outside.
A brunette woman with cream colored skin, in form-fitting leather attire entered. Gunther’s mouth dropped open. “Gods,” he gasped, recognizing the Half-elf female. “Kyra Moonwisp, the Shadow Minx Sorceress and Rogue extraordinaire.”
The first mate of the Sea Hawk smirked. “There you are lass. I thought you’d be busy with one of your experiments.”
The beautiful woman shook her head. “Are you daft? With all the commotion aboard the ship since Terrel got back, I’ve not been able to concentrate.”
The woman walked over to the Innkeeper. “Fear not Gunther Willowsbrook,” she assured. “I need to test something.”
She extended her right hand, palm facing the big man. The hand began to glow, and Gunther felt a strange power moving over him as the woman hummed. Finally, she pulled her hand away and smiled.
“Good, good, Marshan’s spell worked, the Slow Fury spell is gone! Thank the Gods overconfidence has always been one of Kosarr and Celina’s weaknesses.”
“Indeed Kyra,” the Captain of the Sea Hawk agreed, then looked at his first mate. “Well, what are you waiting for man, free our guest. We’ll need him to lead us to his Inn.”
“Aye Captain.” The First mate confirmed.
And for the first time, Gunther noticed the ropes that tied him to the bed he was on.
“Apologies Goodman Willowsbrook," Kyra explained, a sheepish smile crawling on to her face. "We needed to do this in case the attempt to save you from the Slow Fury spell failed.”
Gunther grimaced. “Believe me milady, I understand completely. Why could I not see what was happening? And I still feel guilty over what happened with Terrel.”
The sunburnt second-in-command of the Sea Hawk untied the big man’s bonds. Gunther got to his feet, stretched his arms, then massaged his wrists and ankles.
“Thank you honored paladin. Now, if you’ll help me get my inn back, I’ll help with whatever this problem you’re having is.”
“Ivar, please tell me he’s going to help us deal with that idiot?” Kyra asked.
The man nodded, a big toothy grin of anticipation spreading on his face. The Half-Elf Sorceress sighed. “Praise Solarin and the other Gods of Light, that one was irritating me to no end.”
Okay, what have I wandered into, Gunther wondered?
From down the hall, they heard the sound of a man coming towards the room. Terrel entered. “Hail all, I see Gunther is awake.”
The Innkeeper walked towards the priest. To everyone’s surprise, save Terrel, he clasped hands with him.
“I owe you an apology, you’re not the Terrel Antonius I remember. You've changed, and for the better.”
“Brother," Terrel responded. "Let us bury these past grievances once and for all. Let's bring justice to Kosarr, Celina, and their lot.”
“Indeed,” Gunther agreed, before his face furrowed. “But how, I’m not exactly a military strategist.”
Terrel smirked. “Leave that to me my friends, I know how to get Kosarr to come out of hiding.”
“You do realize,” The big man pointed out. “He’ll have some of his goons, even that witch of his, for a backup plan in case something goes wrong.”
“Oh, but my dear Goodman Willowsbrook,” he heard Kyra Moonwisp comment. He turned to see a mischievous smile on her lips.
“That's why we’re going to have some backup plans of our own.”
The paladin nodded. “Fear not, we will save your friends, and we’ll use the hubris of Kosarr and Celina to do so.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” The Innkeeper asked.
“He means we’re about to put into motion an idea we conceived when I was still part of this ship's crew.” The priest explained.
Gunther, Emelia and her Druids, along with Terrel, approached the Inn. “It's good to see you back in your right frame of mind.” The High Druidess noted.
The big man rubbed the back of his head and flashed a toothy if sheepish smile. “Um…yes, I didn’t realize I was having a magic spell put on me.”
Then his look turned serious. “Still, I’m sorry you had to see that.”
“Don’t fear High Druidess,” Terrel assured the older woman. “He's free of the Slow Fury spell now.”
“Good to know, be careful. We couldn’t detect that Celina woman’s power until now. She is no doubt crafty and dangerous.”
Terrel smirked like a cat. “I know, and that’s exactly what I’m hoping for.”
Emelia looked at Gunther who shrugged.
“I don’t know the specifics of this plan either. But after seeing all that I have with Terrel, I can say I trust him. This is not the bully that I used to know, this is a priest of Mallastra with us.”
They stopped a short distance from the Inn, and the man of faith stepped forward, the Shepherd staff at the ready.
“Kosarr,” he called out.
“I know you’re in there, if anything has happened to Gunther’s friends, you'll answer to me! Come out and face me you coward, or are you hiding behind your renegade sorceress wench? Face a man of Mallastra, you whiny cowering simpleton!”
Several moments passed, as voices murmured from within. The only warning anyone had, was the sounds of bows letting loose. The reformed bully used his Shepherd staff to swat away the arrows like they were flies.
“Ah,” he observed. “Is that your response, hide behind Celina and your thugs? You're even more pathetic than when you tried to kill me all those years ago. And you should know, Gunther is here with me, and he has something he wishes to say, you warthog-faced buffoon!”
Gunther stepped forward.
“I see not much has changed about you Kosarr, still relying on others to do your dirty work! Your Slow Fury spell is gone, Terrel and myself are still very much alive. What do you say we end this feud once and for all?”
The big man felt a strange force tug at his mind, and then heard a woman’s shriek of pain. Gunther smirked.
“Trying to have your wench Celina use the Slow Fury spell again? Sorry, this time I’m protected thanks to a little something from the Druids. You got me once, but not again. Now release my friends, and give me back my Inn!”
The door to the Inn opened. Naomi, Quigsley, Connor and his family, were all shoved out. “I don’t have to do anything!" The voice of Kosarr taunted.
“I’ve got human shields to protect me. Take one step forward, and my men will kill everyone here. And we'll start with the barmaid and the Illusionist. Now you and yours back off Antonius!”
“So, hiding behind your prisoners as well?" the priest noted.
He shook his head in a disapproving fashion. "You are more of a coward than I remember. Too frightened to face me one last time to settle this!”
“What do you think I am, stupid?” the former terror of Faith Lane retorted.
“I know when someone’s trying to lure me out! Well I know your tricks Antonius, and it ain’t workin’. I’ll stay where I am, and the rest of you can’t do anything to me.”
Gunther thought to himself, I hope you know what you’re doing Terrel.
The priest of Mallastra closed his eyes. The Innkeeper heard him mutter something under his breath. Then he opened his eyes.
His cat-like smile returned as he commented, “Actually, you and yours have already stepped into the trap,” before he shouted, “Now!”
From all around, came the sounds of swords unsheathing and struggling. Gunther’s eyes widened in surprise. He’d known the crew of the Sea Hawk were good on both the sea and land, but this…
The big man turned to see a knife going for Quigsley’s throat. Then all the hostages vanished, leaving behind a stunned and befuddled Morgan Kosarr. A look of sheer apoplexy swept over the man. Terrel stepped forward. “Well Morgan, you seem to have lost your advantage.”
The man pulled out a nasty looking steel sword from his belt. “I will have my vengeance!” he roared.
The former Faith Lane terror charged the priest. Was that what I was like when I was in the grip of that Slow Fury spell, Gunther thought to himself.
The Gang leader swung his sword, but the Mallastra priest’s shepherd staff deflected the blow. The priest lifted his right foot as he swung his hooked staff at his former boss. The fiend managed to leap out of reach of the staff blow.
But, with practiced skill, Terrel brought the flat of the hook round. The move caught the former Gang leader in the face. The blow sent him stumbling back.
“He has very precise control with his Shepherd Staff.” Emelia noted.
The priest brought the hook end round towards his former leader. Kosarr shook his head, his nose bleeding a bit. Rage was building up inside the man, the innkeeper noted. Yet, as he looked on Terrel, he saw the priest's rage, but it was more controlled.
He’s channeling it, Gunther realized. He still hates Kosarr, but he’s taking that anger and channeling it into his skill with the Shepherd staff. Like I take my anger and channel it into my cooking.
Kosarr rushed the reformed bully again, sword raised as he let out a roar. The Mallastra priest leapt out of the way. Then he swung the staff so the hook swept the thug's legs. The momentum sent his opponent sprawling on to his back. The priest again readied his staff.
“You’re caught up in your hatred of Gunther and me. Mallastra’s teachings state that anger and hatred destroy the body, mind, and spirit.”
“Save your sermons runt!” the man growled.
The gang leader scrambled to his feet. He launched a series of thrusts at the priest, who dodged them, even though he was only using one leg. Kosarr tried to sweep that leg out from under him. But the priest leapt over the sweep as the flat of the hook caught the thug in the stomach.
The man dropped his sword as he stumbled backwards gasping and coughing. The priest readied his staff. “It’s over Morgan,” he snapped. “You’ve lost, surrender now and save yourself further humiliation.”
A wall of flame shot between the two combatants. Innkeeper and Druids leapt back from the heat of the flames, as the wall circled around Terrel. “You haven’t forgotten about me darling,” a female voice chimed in mock sweetness.
The woman Celina stepped out of the woods. She glared at Gunther and the rest. “Very clever of you to put that protection from my Slow Fury spell on yourself Willowsbrook. Oh well, it matters not. You’ll not harm my beloved, and you’ll all soon be dead anyway.”
Arrows fired at the woman, who smiled. The arrows from the woods bounced off an invisible barrier around her. the big man felt panic start to well up in him. The plan wasn’t going well, it was…
“Dreth ne Airlondas!” A familiar voice shouted in the Arcane tongue.
The woman turned in the direction of the voice. A powerful blast of wind slammed into the sorceress. The vile woman went flying, like an arrow from a ballista, to crash into a nearby tree.
The renegade spell caster fell to the ground. “Hah, ‘ow about that ya’, sadistic wench!” Quigsley’s voice taunted.
The wall of flame extinguished. Morgan Kosarr looked like the proverbial deer trapped in the gaze of the hunter. “Now you wretch,” the priest of Mallastra snapped. “We make an end to this!”
The thug drew a dagger and rushed the priest. The Mallastra follower V-stepped behind his opponent. Then he swung the Shepherd staff downwards. The hook, again, caught the legs of his opponent.
Terrel pulled his staff, and the infamous gang leader of Faith Lane tumbled to the ground, face first! The man rolled over, only to have the hook of the staff pointed at him.
“Surrender now,” Terrel commanded in a tone that was all business.
Gunther looked on in stunned disbelief. One of his most feared enemies from childhood no longer looked terrifying. Instead, he looked like a small man who'd had his disguise removed.
“I yield, I yield,” the man answered in a trembling tone.
Terrel looked around and shouted, “We’re clear!”
The Captain of the Sea Hawk and his crew emerged from the woods. Quigsley Naomi and the others did the same.
Gunther scrambled over to them. “Are you all right?” The big Innkeeper asked.
“It depends,” the woman ventured in a cautious tone. “Is it you Gunther, as in are you…”
The Innkeeper cut her off. “Yes Naomi, it’s me, I’m fine. I’m free of that Slow Fury spell that Kosarr’s girlfriend put on me.”
Quigsley’s face paled, before he slapped a hand against his face. “A Slow Fury spell, of course, that explains that crazy behavior. Bloody ‘ell, why didn’t I see this sooner?” The illusionist chided himself.
“You need not be so hard on yourself Quigsley Starshatter," Kyra Moonwisp interrupted.
The woman approached the group. “Celina was always a very cunning one, and powerful. That’s why none of the Druids or the Dryads could detect her.”
Gunther saw Naomi’s face pale in stunned disbelief, the truth of matters finally dawning on her. “Gunther, were we saved by…?"
He nodded his confirmation. They turned to see the Sorceress approach the male spell caster.
“That’s some real talent you have for a Mage Academy dropout. Are you sure you’re only an illusionist? You cast that Wind Blast scroll I gave ya’ like a true Air Master class Wizard.”
The spectacles wearing wizard rubbed the back of his head. “Kind of a surprise t’me too Miss Moonwisp.” He answered flushing a shade of deep red.
Hello, what’s this? Gunther thought taking note of the reaction.
The half-elf Sorceress chuckled. “Oh please, there’s no need for such formality here, call me Kyra.”
“All right,” he said flushing an even deeper shade of red.
“Anyway,” The big man interjected. “I’m glad you and Naomi are okay.”
The illusionist looked over his friend. “And let me tell you mate, I’m glad you’re back to your more reasonable self. You’re scary when you’re enraged.”
“Believe me my friend," Gunther assured. "Usually I don’t get that way unless there's a reason.” And then he looked at Naomi. “Let’s say we check up on Connor and his family, then check the supplies.”
Naomi nodded her agreement. “Oh, and Gunther, please, don’t ever get that angry again. I don’t want to lose that friendship.”
Gunther put an arm around the chubby woman, and gave her a frank expression. “Nothing is going to happen to our friendship Naomi, count on it!”
The big man noted Kyra nodding her approval. The three headed off to find the McElroy family.
Well, we come to the end of another story arc of the Willowsbrook Chronicles. In the next story arc it’s time for Gunther to fulfill his promise. But what is this problem the Sea Hawk crew has? And how will Gunther’s skill be able to help? You’ll have to come back next time and see.
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Previous: Chapter 24: Newfound faith
Next: Chapter 26: Gauntlet thrown down!
Story arc 1: Bad night In Ansolar
Story arc 2: The Cursed Lands
Story arc 3; Here comes the neighborhood
Story arc 4: Burying the past
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