Marcus' Mission
While Gaváio was holding Callas as she cried he thought, I don't believe it. Galvin is too sensible to rashly abandon Callas and our mission over something like this. I think he intended to come back, but got waylaid. After seeing that Callas was safely ensconced with her familiar and that her guards were alertly stationed outside the stable, Gaváio went directly to Gaius and asked him to check the Madrid gate, and see where it last was used to go to. Gaius checked and said nobody had used the gate since last the party used it to return from Riyor's realm. Gaváio looked very soberly at Gaius, and asked him to swear that this answer was true, and not part of any deception. Gaius answered that it was true. Gaváio quickly proceeded to the quarters of Marcus, the Hierophant Druid.
"Hello, Marcus. I know we are both men of action and few words, so I will cut to the chase. I also know you want what you think is best. So what do you want, short of Callas stepping down?" asked Gaváio.
Marcus raised one graying eyebrow. "I respect your plain speech, Sir Knight. I feel that whatever the name, I still serve my god, and since Epona has taken on these aspects, it is she that I serve. I want my order to be treated with the same respect in the order as those who worshipped with the name of Epona from the beginning. That is really all. I really just don't see how a girl as young as Callas, no matter how nice she may be, can understand--or have the life experience to lead us."
"This can be done, I do not think Callas will have a problem with that. It seems fair. If I advise her so, I think she will reinstate you all when the time is right. I believe that Epona knows what she is doing and she personally chose Callas for this position. We should Trust in Her. No matter what Callas age is, I think you will find she has good wisdom, and she has been selected for this mission for a reason. Once this crisis is over, and the gods and we, hopefully survive, then we can worry about future politics of the order. For now, let's just hope there is a god and followers to make up an order."
Marcus replied, "In times of war, I would follow a war leader, and that seems to be you. I will take your orders, and if your order is to be loyal to this Headmistress, I will do it. You are at least old enough to know your way around, and I feel better that she takes counsel from you."
"Thank you for that. I have a matter of some concern to me at the moment. Second Galvin is missing. He left of his own accord last night, and I believe meant to return this morning, but did not. He's a ranger as well as a priest, and I think wanted to go out of the city to think, you know how that is. Can you find him for me? If he is gone of his own will then so be it, do not pressure him to return, but caution him to be careful as a ferret. If not... I need to know. I would not have the Headmistress distracted by this matter at this time. Once we find something out, I will then bring it up as soon as may be. Will you undertake this, or assign some trusted from your order to do so?" asked Gaváio.
"Galvin is no weakling, and our enemies are not to be discounted lightly. I will take this on myself. Tell me from where he left, and give me a sample of his scent." Marcus responded.
An hour later, Marcus returned to Gaváio with a preliminary report. "He walked out of the temple directly toward the gate, but he never made it there. There was a scuffle in the dirt, with a large booted man. The man transformed into a dragon, and flew off with him. There was blood on the ground of both man and dragon, but not enough spilled to be fatal. I believe the type of dragon would be blue."
"Curse it! Nikodemus. Even you cannot track a flying creature." Gaváio grumbled, his brows drawn together.
"I can. I have learned a few tricks in my day. I will track him. I can speak with all the creatures that fly, I can become a dragon myself if needs must. I will leave now, if you like." Marcus stated.
"All right. Here's set of rods that will allow you to transport through gates. You know how they operate, should the search lead to them? Good, this set was an old companion's who turned to the other side. She no longer needs them..." Gaváio frowned down at the pouch he'd taken from Idelle's body. "So ugly is war. Rescue Galvin if you can. If you cannot, let me know where he is being held. Please send the messenger to me privately. We don't have the luxury to rescue him ourselves just yet. If he is dead, please see if you can bring back a portion of his body. We may not be able to resurrect it, but we must try. I leave for Cartmage within the hour."
"Good dealing with you, Gaváio, I think this will all work out well in the end." Marcus declared heartily, shaking Gaváio's offered hand.
Gaváio sighed, then squared his shoulders. "I sure as hell hope so!"
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