Patrol 4: Storm & Calm

Another Round

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So, you've returned again. Good to see you, my friend. Pull up a chair. Did you come for another marvelous drink, brewed perfectly by our wonderful barkeep over there? Or maybe you're just bored of sitting alone in your room and wanted some company? Perhaps you just need a break from the everyday hubbub of life.

Ah. You've come to hear the rest of the story of Elite Enforcer Vania Nahalora. Well, I shan't keep you waiting. Don't forget to get a drink, or even a snack, if you like. The special today is Red Ansel Ale and a wonderfully savory boar stew. Homemade bread with fresh butter and honey on the side, of course.

There are plenty of seats here, by the fire. Enjoy the warmth of the hearth while I quickly retune my strings...

I'm sure you recall, in the previous tales, Vania and company have gone through many trials. From the devious Lord Du l'Tagne, to a serial killer hunting Marked tydring. There was that strange fellow, Sylvern, whose wife and son were abducted; they didn't find them in time to save Lineia from being murdered in some strange arcane ritual. And, of course, there was the Dark Eaters, that shadowy organization that corrupted all ranks of society in an attempt to gain power from a demon... And there's always the threat of the gang in the slums striking out from the shadows, though Nanda claims to not hurt anyone that doesn't deserve it.

There's also the possibility of Eddin returning to the front lines at Hursa, and T'kanna is facing the prospect of choosing a suitor from a set of five her mother has arranged, despite the fact that there's someone else she'd rather marry. So, things are uneasy in the Buccareth household.

Of course, things aren't perfect for Vania, either. She's begun succumbing to the Mark, which means she has random bouts of uncontrolled violence. Marked people suffer from those in increasing frequency and duration until they finally never return from their madness or are killed. Derry has said he believes Vania's episodes will be few and far between, allowing her to try to live a normal life. But, is he right? And, knowing the fate awaiting her, does she dare risk finding out?

At the end of the previous tale, Vania and Eddin had just finished their Dark Eaters case after capturing the traitorous Rand'din and had been given a few days off to rest and recover from the ordeal.

Now, if everyone is settled, the tale shall begin. The final tale of Vania Nahalora, Storm Fighter.