Begin Chapter II

United in purpose, you and Brighid quickly climb over the low rise. Upon reaching the top, you expect to see the object of your quest spread out before you, but unfortunately the thick morning mist is even thicker ahead of you and it's difficult to make out anything near the ground. What you do see is a massive shimmering translucent dome encompassing a large area of flat ground as well as a low hill nearby. It wouldn't look out of place in a sci-fi game. Inside the dome, the mists are even thicker and harder to see through. You can make out the top of the hill and the shadows of what you assume are buildings, but little else.

Beside you, Brighid gasps. "This is bad, very very bad." You turn to look at her, confusion showing on your face, and she elaborates, "Look closely at the mists near the wards. Do you see the way they are moving?"

You look more closely at the mist itself rather than what is inside of it, but you don't see what your friend is referring to. Then a strong breeze blows past you from the west, and you realize -- the mists are swirling around the dome clockwise, completely regardless of the wind. Then you realize that isn't actually quite right. There are actually multiple layers of mist, with each layer moving clockwise or counterclockwise in an alternating pattern. It is clearly not even a little natural and your stomach begins to knot up with apprehension.

Brighid continues, "The mists outside the wards should not be affected by anything inside the wards. Either something outside is trying to break in ... or something inside has already managed to break out, at least a little. Even worse, it is being done in a way which Mother and the other ward-holders can not detect, or there is no way she would have tricked me into escorting you here. If she knew of this, Bannagh Macht would already have been dealt with one way or another."

"So... what does that mean for us? For my quest?" You ask slowly, not liking where this is headed.

Brighid grimaces and shakes her head. "Unfortunately, the terms of the quest are clear. If you turn your back on Bannagh Macht, you will fail the quest and I will be compelled to kill you. Brigantia's flames claim that bitch Anwn, I know it was her who insisted on that. She hates anyone not of the tribe and cares more for her damned wolves than any of the rest of us." She audibly grinds her teeth in anger and frustration. "We have ****, I am sorry to say. We must enter Bannagh Macht, find the root of the evil within, and burn it to ashes." She starts to walk down the hill, but stops when you call out to her to wait.

"You're wrong, Brighid. I don't have a choice, that is true. For me, it's either enter that city down there and probably die or fail the quest and definitely die. You, on the other hand, do. This is my quest, Brighid, not yours. Your mother even told you that you were not to shoulder my burdens and implied that you do not need to help me now that I am here. Please, I beg of you, turn away, go back to the village, and warn the Council of what is happening here. No, listen to me!" You command her forcefully as she shakes her head in protest. "This is bigger than you or me. You know that is true. I have to go and face my fate, but if we both die down there then your people will remain unaware of the threat on their border for who knows how much longer. You need to go back and warn them. You're the only one who can."

You inhale deeply and close your eyes, then open them again and give Brighid a reassuring smile. "Besides, I have a trick up my sleeve that you don't know about. I know you told me to swear no oaths to you, but I'm going to have to ask forgiveness. I swear to you, Brighid, this is good-bye for now, not good-bye forever. You will see me again, I promise. And not as a creepy zombie, either. Go on, now. You know in your heart that I'm right." Tears are streaming from the centaur's eyes as she shakes her head in denial. You tell her again, voice gentle now, "Go, Brighid. And tell Roark that I did as he asked."

Brighid stares at you for long moments and you fear that she will refuse to leave you, but then with a strangled cry she rears up on her hind legs, whirls in place, and leaps into a full gallop back towards the south. You examine the prompts which pop into your mind, then dismiss them and turn back to face the swirling mists of the forbidden city.

Congratulations! You have reached level 2 in Persuasion.

Let it be known!
By refusing Brighid Fireheart's assistance on your quest, which would undoubtedly have been of great personal benefit to you, and instead convincing her to warn her people, you have manifested an aspect of your Alignment. Your Alignment has shifted to Altruistic (+1). All beings with a similar Alignment will view you and your actions more favorably, and all beings with an opposed Alignment will view you and your actions less favorably. Always remember, your actions reveal the truth of your heart.

Know this: You have sworn an oath to Brighid Fireheart that she will see you alive again. Always remember, words have power.

Congratulations! Your relationship with Brighid Fireheart has advanced from Friendly to Trusted.
She now views you as someone she can rely on through even the worst of life's troubles.