Appeal to her honor

"NO!" The angry shout escapes your mouth reflexively before you can reign in your emotions and confront the issue rationally. Glenda is the only sister you have left from your abbey, and you don't want to lose her or this journey. You see your sister draw back at your shout and you manage to calm yourself down somewhat. "Sister..." you say it softly this time. "Please don't abandon this quest. Your order needs you, the world needs you to see this through."

There are tears in Glenda's eyes, this can't be an easy decision for the poor girl. "But Sabine..." pleads the elf. "I love him...this is my chance for happiness, this is how I can put what happened in the abbey behind me!" She averts her eyes and adds, "Besides, the task is over, is it not? We are in port and all that remains is to take the sword to the abbey. Am I wrong? "

You shake your head sadly. "Glenda...the demons are still spreading out from our abbey. Doubtless we will have to march with the rest of our sisters at the behest of the Supreme War Mother. Are you so sure that Duullem is who you are called to that you would abandon us in our hour of greatest need? Not to speak of what our sisters have already sacrificed so that we could get this far." Glenda looks suitably shamed as you remind her of the fate of the sisters at White Rock Abbey. "The order needs you, Glenda...I need you. I can't do this alone, I would already be lost if you hadn't come with me." You decide this isn't the time to remind her that you were the one to save her in the first place.

Glenda says nothing for almost a minute while she looks at the floor. You open your mouth to say something when she abruptly sinks to the floor and begins sobbing. "Oh Sabine! What was I thinking! I can't leave you to do this alone!" She hiccups. "I don't know what came over me, a little grog and I was about ready to bend over and give up my vows...and I wouldn't have minded at all until you talked me back!" You take a knee next to Glenda and put an arm around her, helping her to her feet. She sniffles and wipes her tears and nose before composing herself and together you walk out onto the deck as the ship sails into port.

The harbor and docks of the great city are populated by huge merchant ships from far and wide, flying flags of nations you do not even recognize. Smaller fishing boats moor together to form a bobbing marketplace of fresh fish, seaweed, crab, and salt turtles. Morning's light is just lifting into the sky and it colors the walls and hills of the city a radiant gold. The orange clay of the many roofs forms a confusing maze of detail rising towards the great abbey and the castle that sit atop the heights. Chimney smoke and climbing vines give the sight a pastoral quality that might have escaped you if you had looked only at the bustling docks.

Captain Rakins and Duullem approach the two of you. The Captain inquires, "So...it seems you have changed your mind then, Sister Glenda?"

She meets his gaze confidently, no trace of shame or regret now that her faith in your mission and her trust in you is reaffirmed. "Yes. I confess that I let my emotions get the better of me while on this ship. I cannot and will not abandon my vows or my sisters. Thank you for the offer, but I must respectfully decline." Duullem nods somewhat regretfully at this, but does not fight her on it.

As the ship pulls in to dock, Captain Rakins cautions you about the city. "Do not get lost in that city, many do. There are many ways to lose yourself."

With a sharp nod, you reply, "I won't get lost, I will go straight to the High Abbey and continue my mission." You and Glenda step off the boat, bearing the departing gifts from the Captain. Some clothing satchels that contain a pair of navel coats for yourself and Glenda that will do a better job preserving your modesty than Lahana's gowns.

The fishermen and dockworkers glance at you as you pass them by, heading through the seedy bars and shops of the waterfront and up the gentle slopes into the city. The cobbled streets wind into alleyways and between three and four story blocks of tenements. Beyond the docks, the streets are still quiet in the early morning. Just a few shopkeepers and urchins about. You turn into an alleyway and you smell a familiar hint of brimstone.

"Can't get rid of me that easily, Fire Hair!" Cackles the imp, dancing through the air just out of reach. "How about you bend over an-" Glenda darts forward with lightning agility and slugs the imp, sending him rocketing into a pile of refuse. He lays in the filth groaning and bleeding from his crooked nose.

"Come on Sabine, lets go." You look at Glenda, impressed, before quickly following after her. As the two of you step off, you catch sight of a hooded figure gesturing to both of you from a side alley a few streets up. You and Glenda look at each other, deciding whether or not to make contact with the hooded stranger.