Session 46 - True Souls and False Fire

Picture from here: https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/celestial-phenomena-16th-century-germany/

Why Beltran the Watcher wants magic and Aida's plan to lure Nisus to his doom.

After the wounded tended and the dead gathered, Kiah and her party found themselves in Fire Bridge's Great Hall. Aida Whitewing sat and listened to her wardens' report. Once they were done, she closed her eyes and let out a shuddering breath. She then regarded Song Hood warmly, "Thank you for your counsel not to go to war. If we had sent a warband to Red Hope, Axe Brook would have seized our lands."

She stood, strode forward, and held Kiah's hands, "Though our cities are far apart, know that I consider you a sister."

"I am most glad," Kiah responded.

"Sister or no," she added, "I am sworn to help you get revenge on Nisus Rat Tooth. Wresting your family sword from him will be difficult. Red Hope is on guard, and they have proof against my illusions, but I will try again if you ask it."

Overseer Fire Bridge considered this for a long moment. Suddenly, she smiled, "Leave the sword for now. I think it will be much more fruitful to bring Nisus to us."

When Aida announced her plan, Kiah was dumbfounded, Tia laughed, and Morter cheered.

[Sorjurne: Strong Hit with Match]

While the beginning stages of her plan were being enacted, Aida instructed that Kiah and her companions rest. They visited the healing baths and were refreshed. They were given a generous supper and slept in a place of honor in the Great Hall.

Early the next morning, Kiah approached Beltran. He stood on the parapets keeping an eye out across the havens.

"Excuse me", Song Hood addressed. "I'd like to ask you something."

The grey-cloaked man let in a breath, "This is about my request?"

"Yes," Kiah answered, "I'm close to a decision, but first, I'd like to know why you'd like to know magic."

The Watcher blushed and admitted, "You might consider it odd, but it is important to me."

"I would hear it," the bright woman invited.

Beltran stared across the field and into the past, "I'm not fully as I appear. I-I can't grow a beard, and I would like to."

Song Hood's eyes widened, and she caught his meaning, "My illusions don't last, I'm afraid, and I have no power to change you."

Beltrand nodded sadly, "I see."

The bright woman touched his shoulder and said kindly, "However, that is not to say that magic doesn't exist. If you'd like, I can open the path for you; in time, you may find the spell you seek."

The Watcher's expression immediately brightened.

[Swear Iron Vow: Weak Hit]

Kiah held her black iron whale-killer amulet and swore 'On this iron I swear, I will teach you a spell that may help you find your own magic."

"Thank you," Beltran sobbed, "this means more than you can ever imagine."

"It won't be easy," Kiah warned, "but I'm sure we'll manage."

Soon after Kiah secured a place for herself in the back of the Great Hall. She made a sacred circle in the dirt and poured expensive wine into it, singing a soft song to her patron goddess, Leucia Nighdottir.

[Secure Advantage: Strong Hit]

In that shadowed corner, Song Hood felt the Nightdotter's presence.

Closing her eyes, she breathed in magic.

[Invoke: Strong Hit]

Her soul filled with power.

In the meantime, the people of Fire Bridge built bonfires strategically in the four corners of the city. Kiah's party helped gather wood and leaves that would result in plenty of smoke. While they did so, Kiah walked widdershins around the interior of the walls, singing songs to Bayara Doom Axe, praising her cunning, inviting her to watch the battle to come.

Before the sun reached its zenith, the people lit the fires, and smoke filled the sky.

[Compel: Strong Hit - Burned Essence]

The fires kept burning all through the day and well into the night. Anyone on watch would think the city had been burned.

A clear invitation to Nusis Rat Tooth and, with luck, a lure to his doom.