20 // Zero // Kept Escape

The Flame draws closer to a reunion within Fey Haven with Templeton entering from the west and Fert, Smurk, and Scraat entering from the east. At the center is Chappy, his world unraveling rapidly.

Templeton

In a sudden flash of divination, Chester Swiftwind halts the escort. He warns Templeton that Red Caps lie just ahead. He appears to have visions of branching futures flickering through his mind. Sensing opportunity, Templeton quickly surveys the surroundings and commits to a bold maneuver -- he'll enter the building and move through the space, knowing a door on the far side could grant the element of surprise.

He bursts through and finds only a portion of what the vision foretold. Three battle-wounded Red Caps stand within… and a small harengon girl, unseen in Chester’s prophecy. Without hesitation, Templeton seizes the advantage, swiftly dispatching the wounded Red Caps before they can react.

He urges the girl to flee to safety, then completes the escort to Fey Haven. Known to the guards stationed outside, they're ushered inside, sealing a narrow victory won between foresight and instinct.

Fert, Scraat and Smurk

Fert remains beneath the raised portcullis, his shattered body holding the impossible. Drawing inward, he anchors himself in faith, strength renewed by belief alone. Prisoners stream past him in awe. Those who once doubted him in the depths of the Kept now silenced by his sacrifice.

From above, Scraat drops into the courtyard, keenly aware that Onyx Order guards are moments from rounding the corner. With no time to spare, he scatters ball bearings across the stone and sprints for the gatling ballista. Overhead, Smurk shouts for him to run for the gate. Scraat acts on direction just as Onyx Order soldiers hit the slick stone behind him, slipping and crashing in pursuit.

Smurk, raging after witnessing Fert crushed beneath the portcullis, unleashes what little magic he has left, cutting down two guards. Then he sees it: Fert rising, lifting the gate once more followed by Scraat setting his trap. Clarity pierces Smurk’s fury. He dives on his carpet, screaming for Scraat to escape.

With the final charges of his Force Cube, Smurk wedges arcane force between ground and gate, freeing Fert from the crushing weight.

As the last prisoners clear the threshold, Fert collapses. Scraat drags him beyond the walls that prohibit spellcasting. Magic surges through Fert’s body as he whispers the words and completes the somatic motions to repair his body -- bone twisting back into place and flesh knitting, leaving only scars. Fert rises beside Scraat just as Smurk descends to join them.

Behind them, the force fall disappears, slamming the portcullis down. Their escape sealed.

Chappy

Plans coalesce in Chappy’s mind as the mob charges him. He knows he must act now or be swallowed by the chaos. A plan forms in an instant:

1. Tackle Gimble.

2. Take his form and tumble

3. Turn the tumble into confusion.

From there, anything is possible. Perhaps turn the mob on Gimble. Or, vanish entirely. He'll cross that bridge when moment arises. Now was the time to act.

Chappy loads his legs to launch. His footing slips, and body slams down face first. Panic. He scrambles to try again, determination turning into desperation.

And slips again. Surreal.

Flopping.

Flailing.

Failing.

As the crowd closes in, fate offers no disguise or cunning tricks for the changeling bard.

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