The Eternal Wanderer maneuvered closer to the castle on New Glorin. Lord Monitor told them to follow the lake under the castle. There was a waterdock under the structure 'large enough to hold the Spelljammer itself!' Hall had literally hundreds of questions to ask Lord Monitor, but the Magi told him 'All in good time.'
As the ship made its way to the docks, the crew had a good chance to look over the Flow Island of New Glorin. Indeed, there were deer and other small game- type animals from many worlds foraging through the woods. Crystal, using her helm-enhanced vision, thought she saw a ranger within the woods, looking up as the ship passed overhead.
The castle before them appeared to be constructed from slabs of concrete and granite, with bas-relief and precious metal works covering the structure. Crystal took the Wanderer around the back, to the lake that went underneath the castle. The lake, a fisherman delight, was stocked with many freshwater game fish. It went under a natural overhang to a dock in the distance.
"One could forget you're in the Phlogiston," Blaise commented. "I wonder if Monitor would consider selling it?"
Inside the cave, there were other spelljamming ships resting in berths. One, a whaleship, was getting some minor repair work by halfling and gnomish crews. Behind the berths were repair bays and more weapon emplacements. Standing on the shore were two humans, waving the Wanderer to land in a center berth. Crystal guided the ship down gently, softly, to a perfect water landing.
"Mooring crews, secure the ship," Blaise said, as Kath, Karamon and the Brightscale sisters exited the portal to attach ropes used to keep the mighty ship in place. Hall stood from the captain's chair and, along with Blaise and Belieth, joined Crystal and Meridian on the muster deck.
Outside, the dock mates were assisting the Wanderer's crew in tying the ship down. Off in the distance, about 100 yards away, a solitary figure dressed in sliver and black could be seen floating down a shimmering column of light to the dock area. He took long, proud strides to reach the ship. Hall and the others moved down off the ship just as Lord Monitor approached them. Once they were on solid footing, Lord Monitor embraced Hall in welcome.
"Hall!" Lord Monitor said, releasing the bard, "it's so good to see you again! You're looking well." Before Hall could speak (something he was dying to do), Monitor moved on to greet the others. "You must be Belieth, Hall's wife. It is a pleasure to finally meet you! Hall told me so much about you. And Blaise Pascal, a delight to finally meet you as well. How are things with the CONORG? Meridian, you old squaker, still not speaking more than five words at a time? I know-"
"ENOUGH!" Hall yelled. All turned to look at the bard, especially Monitor, who seemed shocked. "Monitor, why in the name of the seven hells have you brought us here? What is this place? What is going on?"
"Hall, Hall, Hall," Lord Monitor replied, placing one arm around the Bard's shoulder. He began to lead him off to the glowing tube. "I'll explain everything soon, but first, where's that samurai of yours."
Crystal began to cry once more. Belieth put her arm around Crystal's shoulder, while Meridian lowered his head. When he spoke, Hall's voice was but a whisper.
"He's dead, Monitor."
None gathered could see behind the visor which permanently attached to Monitor's face, so they couldn't tell if he showed any emotion at Hall's announcement.
"When and how long ago?"
"Back when we were entering the flow to travel to Omnispace, about four days back."
Lord Monitor looked toward the Wanderer for a second. Turning to face some of the dock hands, he motioned to them first then to the ship. The hands knew his silent instructions, and started toward the ship.
"Inform the crew that you'll be staying here for a few days," Lord Monitor told Hall. "There are many things we must talk about. For now, my men are going to take Onestar to my garden."
"NO!" Hall yelled, pushing away from Lord Monitor. "Why? Tell me that? Hasn't he suffered enough? What do you want with him?"
"All in good time, Hall."
"That's not going to work this time, Monitor. I want to know right now what's going on. What is this place? Why did you leave Omnispace? You're not going to pull any of those usual tricks you pulled on Onestar and me years back, telling us only certain things when you felt it was necessary! I've had it up to here with your omnipotent attitude, mister! I want to know now what's going on!"
Lord Monitor looked at Hall for a moment, his eyes behind the visor glowing slightly.
"All right, Hall," Monitor finally replied, his arms folded across his chest. "You're going to learn everything you want to know, as well as some things you don't want to hear, but first tell your crew that they are my guests, and that my assistants are bringing Onestar to me. No arguments, bard."
Monitor didn't wait for a reply, instead turning on his heels and headed back for the glowing tube. Hall just stood there, watching him leave, while four dockhands carried a covered form from the Wanderer. As they made their way to the other end of the dock, an elderly elf dressed in browns and greens approached. Belieth took Crystal back to the Wanderer, to help her compose and to inform the crew, while Meridian waited with Hall. As the elderly elf approached, Meridian's eyes widened. The Kenku let out a long, soft whistle.
"Hearth," Meridian said softly as the elf stepped in front of them. Meridian bowed slightly.
"Boy, let me tell you," Hearth addressed Hall, "I've known Monitor for a damn long time. You're the first person in several centuries to stand up to him, y'know that?"
"Someone has to," Hall replied. "I'm sorry, sir, we haven't been introduced. My name is-"
"Your name is Hall-ee-mor Dargass, first officer of the Eternal Wanderer." Hearth said, bowing slightly. "Ain't too many who travel the starlanes haven't heard of you. Meridian, how you doing?"
"Well, sir." Meridian replied.
"You know each other?" Hall asked Meridian.
"Minister Daran Hearth. Lord Monitor's Closest Friend. Ranger."
"I think that's the most I've ever heard him say at one time," Hall replied, bowing toward Hearth. "He must really respect you."
"That bird's been known to talk your ear off, if he has a mind to it. Don't let him fool you, son. He keeps things short and sweet simply as a front. People think a bird-man's got a bird-brain, so he likes to act tough."
"No act," Meridian replied, a slight smile across his beak.
"Sir?" Hall addressed Hearth, "What's going on here? Why did Lord Monitor leave the council and why did he come here?"
"Monitor's right," Hearth replied. The pair began to walk to the glowing tube. "You do ask too damn many questions. Listen, take it easy on him, will ya son? That man's having the toughest time in his life. It's not easy to give up your home, y'know?"
"What?"
"Just remember, he may be a magi, and he may be immortal, but he's also a man. He's susceptible like anyone else. He has feelings. He may look tough, but just because he covers his eyes don't mean he can't cry." Hearth stopped and shook Hall's hand, then walked back the way he came. Hall tried to follow, but was stopped by Meridian.
"Let him go," the Kenku suggested.
"How does he know Monitor so well?"
"Adventurers know many things," Meridian replied.
Hall just watched Hearth walk away, thinking about what Meridian said.
