Poking the Hornet's Nest|Talen'sul

[Kender Bard]

Priya was surrounded by her most loyal of converts, those who had been so moved by her words that they had dropped their old lives and pledged to follow her in hopes of helping to spread her message or see where this prophetess of Efil would lead them. Of course, most of them were those who had been so downtrodden and lost that it wasn't as though they had much to give up anyway.

It was night and they had all stopped to rest. In the interest of saving what little funds they had at the moment, they had taken to camping out, which was fine with the followers. Their cozy little camp was filled with the low buzz of conversation as twenty-one apostles chattered amongst themselves.

But the merriment of the camp was dampened by the sudden approach of a strange figure on a horse. Two of the men of the camp, large brawny fellows who had become self-appointed protectors of Priya and the other followers, stood warily, ready to leap to the defense of Priya's people.

The man on the horse was garbed in a light chainmail armor with a tabard of Efil hanging over his armor and clothes. Few priests wore armor or a weapon with ease. This man must be a Templar.

"I come to speak with the woman named Priya!" he called out, keeping a small distance from the camp.

[Skittlebug]

Priya had been enjoying the company of her companions. She had been surprised when the first had asked to come with her, back in Sensatia, but quickly found that the company made traveling much more pleasant. Since then she had welcomed any others who wished to follow her.

At the disturbance she frowns, getting up and dusting off her skirt. They weren't often bothered when they camped out. She makes her way to the edge of camp and puts a hand on one of the men's shoulders with a small grin, "It's all right Shandar, words won't hurt will they?" She turns to the mounted man, "I am Priya."

[Kender Bard]

"I come on behalf of the High Priestess Tahti, may she live long in Efil's light," the templar announced. "She has issued a summons to you and requests that you meet with her in Acoia to discuss the contrary preaching you have done in Efil's name."

[Skittlebug]

Priya did her best to keep her face calm, though admittedly she was suddenly a touch intimidated by the man's announcement. She had known it was probably only a matter of time, of course, but she still wasn't sure she was up to the task of going to Acoia. I will just have to trust in Efil, she reminds herself.

"I will be honoured to answer the High Priestess's summons. Thought I do hope she understands that it will take some time for me to get there." A small blessing, all the more time to prepare myself.

[Kender Bard]

"She understands," the templar replied. "I am obligated to offer my services to you in terms of protection and to ensure that you reach Acoia by the most expedient path available."

[Skittlebug]

Priya nods, and glances over her shoulder, "Is this invitation for myself alone, or will I be allowed to bring a couple of my friends with me?"

[Kender Bard]

"You may bring whomever you like, though you will be meeting the high priestess alone," the templar told her. "But your... friends... are free to follow you if they like. However, if they slow us down too much, they will have to catch up."

[Skittlebug]

"I understand, and I'll be ready to leave in the morning. You're welcome to camp out with us if you wish." She nods to the man and turns back toward the camp.

Walking back to the group she gives a small smile, "You all heard the man, I'll be leaving in the morning. If any of you want to join me I'd be glad to have you, but from the sounds of it a small group might be better."

[Kender Bard]

The templar evidently had other plans--he moved down the road a bit before dismounting, planning to keep aloof of the group but still able to keep an eye on them.

One of the followers, a young man, looked at Priya anxiously. "Is this wise? I have a bad feeling about this. I don't think you're being called to Acoia for a commendation."

[Skittlebug]

The priestess sighs and takes her seat again, "Nor do I, but I think it would be less wise to refuse. If I go, I may be able to diffuse the situation somewhat, if I don't it may be more than one templar who seeks us out next." Her mouth twists a bit, "And I'd rather only a few of you come with me, if any at all, in case the worst does happen, then there will still be some of us to continue spreading the true word of Efil."

[Kender Bard]

"You know we all want to go with you," the young man protested. "Why don't you pick from us who will accompany you?"

[Skittlebug]

Priya nods with a small sigh, "Let me think on it." With that she went to sit beside her bedroll and pray.


After an hour or so of praying and meditating, she returned to her small group, "I have decided on three, as many as I dare take. Milan, Shandar and Irenka," she looks to each as she names them, hoping that by choosing them she isn't condemning them.

[Kender Bard]

The man who spoke earlier, Milan, looked surprised. "Me? Priestess... You honor me! I'm not sure why you decided to take me with you, but I swear that I will stay by your side no matter what."

[Skittlebug]

Priya smiles fondly, "You sell yourself short Milan, you are intelligent and unafraid to speak your mind."

Irenka blinks and straightens, though she's not quite as surprised as Milan, she and Priya had grown quite close since she decided to follow the Priestess from Ronduin. She smiles and bows her head, "Thank you Priestess."

[Kender Bard]

"We leave in the morning then?" Milan reconfirmed. "With him? Or shall we stall a bit and give you another day?"