A Troubled Reunion

 Score: 3 – Nothing Happens.

As Gyneth and Lyonesse made their way back to Marlock City, they passed through the same shantytown the mage and wayfarer had passed through in the prior weeks. The blind woman recognized the smells and sounds of people complaining about General Marlock's injustice. The warrior, too wounded and fatigued to speak her mind, leaned on Lyonesse as she silently questioned what was wrong with the refugees. Why were they waiting for someone to rescue them instead of making the changes they wanted to see? Though her companion wasn't a mind reader, Lyonesse could sense Gyneth’s discontent with the people who had started anew. In their own way, they formed a town that likely wouldn’t appear on a map without proper leadership to claim land and enforce taxes. They would keep feeling displaced and unheard.

As they arrived at the gates of Sokara’s great metropolis, Lyonesse felt a strange sensation tingling through the air just off the road. She clutched at Gyneth, who, after so many days of traveling from the shore, still clung to the mage for support. Whispering into her companion’s ear, the mage said, “I sense a portal opening!” When she could pinpoint the direction the portal would open, the blind mage yanked her warrior companion out of the way. Just in time for Trystan to step in where Gyneth once stood.

The taller man blinked and rubbed his eyes as he adjusted to the shift from walking through a dark, electrifying realm to the cool daylight washing over the entrance to Marlock City. Then a familiar voice called his name, and he turned toward the two women. What timing! “Miss Dewin!” Trystan exclaimed before the Gyneth’s condition registered in his mind. “What happened?!” Lyonesse didn’t bother to ask how the young wayfarer had managed to teleport to their side. Her mentor, Oliphard the Wizardly, had taught her about the Gates of the World and the teleportation power imbued in them. The warrior, however, wasn't feeling as knowledgeable, and her head was still swimming from being hastily maneuvered out of the way. “T-Trystan?” Gyneth murmured before slumping over. Lyonesse struggled under the other woman’s weight.

Their male companion quickly took Gyneth’s other arm and pulled it over his shoulder, letting the blind mage regain some composure as she explained what happened at Shadar Tor. “You were able to read the ancient runes?” He sounded astonished by what Lyonesse had learned, and amazed by the strength and skill that let Gyneth survive the ordeal with the Repulsive Ones. “I take it you haven’t been back to return the golden net then?” Trystan asked as they continued into the city and headed towards the Three Rings Tavern. “I would not have dared force her to travel so far without proper time to rest and heal,” the blind mage insisted. “Let’s get her to the tavern and rent a room. We’ll send word to Ysolt and Hector, so they can meet with us and discuss our plans. We’ll be sure to return that net to the proper temple,” he said reassuringly.

Yet still, the reunion of traveling companions would not be as hoped. When Ysolt arrived with someone, the charming Cedric, the patrons around the tavern cheered for their favorite bard to tell them a tall tale. As he did so, the priestess explained what happened to Hector. Trystan grew silent in thought, not entirely surprised that the rogue found himself enslaved once more. Lyonesse sensed the rage boiling within the otherwise outwardly calm devotee of the goddess Maka. “We’ll get him back,” Trystan said, unsure exactly how.