Sighing, I replied, “Thorain, they were taking orphans to Furyondy when Brotherhood agents attacked them. The woman is a priestess of Pelor. You have to help. Please keep your voice down. People don’t react well when the Brotherhood is mentioned.”
“They created those filthy abominations, the Derro. I won’t do it.”
I saw a hand rise behind Thorain and strike him at the base of the neck. He pitched forward and his helm fell over his eyes. Behind him stood a familiar, dwarven female.
“Thorain, you fat, good for nothing oaf, get in there and help them! I was downstairs helping that lovely, little half-elf Kylie with those precious children. They told me their whole story. Those two injured people protected them. Now get in there and help them or so help me, I will make your life hotter than Moradin’s forge for a hundred years!”
Thorain righted his helmet and gave a dejected look.
“Yes dear, I’ll start right now,” he said, entering Alran’s room.
Still reeling from the surprise, I smiled and said, “Lady Ironheart, I did not realize that you were accompanying your husband to Greysmere. I’d like to say thank you for your help.”
Lady Ironheart with a beaming smile grabbed my arm and walked me downstairs.
“Fallon, do you really think I would let Thorain cross five countries unsupervised? Besides, when I heard of your plan for dinner here, I couldn’t resist seeing you. You are my favorite human after all.” She gave me a wink and grabbed my buttocks firmly.
Clearing my throat and blushing, I gave a half-hearted “Thank you” and looked for someone to save me.
She gave me a look of amusement and said, “My cousin Urusala stills talks about you. You made a very big impression on her.”
“Tell her I said hello the next time you see her,” I said wishing I could cast a blink spell. Luckily for me, two of the young orphans came bounding around the corner.
“Auntie Haltha, can you tell us another story about the rock castle you live in?”
I mumbled an excuse, gave a quick bow and bounded up the stairs.
Thorain had just finished using his powers on Alran and looked up.
“The poison was strong but I cured him. He’ll sleep for a day or so but he’ll be ok. The same goes for the woman. You owe me three more dinners after this.”
He exited. I looked at Alran who rested peacefully, and then reached for my pipe. I sat down in a chair, lit my pipe, and closed my eyes. And waited.
Morning came early. The Pilgrim’s stirring woke me.
He opened his eyes and hoarsely said, “Madylene.”
I leaned over and said, “Everybody’s safe and you’re among friends here.”
I gave him some water and said, “It’s not too often one has the opportunity to meet a member of the Scarlet Brotherhood; alive that is. Why were your own people attacking you?”
“I’m not a member anymore. I’ve chosen a different path. Those men were Shokeen, enforcers of Suel law. They underestimated my abilities and weren’t prepared for Madylene. They won’t make the same mistake again. You should let Madylene and I go. It isn’t safe for you to help. Forgive me, I should at least thank you for your help. What is your name?”
I put out my pipe and said, “My name is Fallon, a Ranger to some and a sage to others.”
Alran smiled. “I’ve heard of you before but I imagined you as much older.”
“I hear that a lot. Impressions can be deceiving. Enough about me. I think you have an interesting tale to tell.”
Alran began to talk, hesitantly at first but gradually freer. A great burden appeared to lift from his shoulders as he talked.
His parents were wizards in the service of the Brotherhood. At an early age, he had shown considerable aptitude and was accepted into the Brotherhood’s monastic program. By the age of seven, he never saw his parents again and the Brotherhood became his family. He worked very hard and at nineteen had been chosen to leave Tilvanot Peninsula and go to Nyrond. There he was to organize a safe house for Brotherhood agents in the city of Woodwych. He did so and remained to provide information on the region. He built himself a cover as a young merchant who was building food importation/exportation business. This enabled him to travel around western Nyrond, the Urnst’s and Greyhawk without fear. Through his contacts, he became fairly successful in his business dealings. This influence and money brought him much praise from his Brotherhood handlers.
The outbreak of the Greyhawk wars brought considerable turmoil to his operations. Many of his informers and contacts were lost as armies crossed back and forth and conscripted at will. Most of his warehouses were pillaged with little compensation. Rather than pack up his operations, he simply reorganized and rebuilt in 585. In order to gain influence and access to many local officials, Alran made it a point to contribute to many charities in Woodwych. One of these charities was the Pelorite Orphanage.
In early 588, a new priestess was assigned to Woodwych. This young woman was Madylene Millner of Furyondy. She was 23 years old with auburn hair and green eyes. She was very pretty and quite popular with her congregation. Alran had never met anyone like her and quickly became smitten. He began to donate more and more to the orphanage in an effort to see her. The Brotherhood became concerned when the amount of revenue and information from Alran declined. A Kesh was sent and instructed Alran to change his activities. He reduced his contributions and made less contact with the Pelorite church. He was afraid that action might be taken against Madylene so he avoided all contact with her. He missed her but at least, she was safe.
A few weeks later, a startling vision awoke Alran from his sleep. A tall, breath-taking woman, dressed in bright shimmering armor, spoke in a captivating, melodious voice. She asked Alran if he was happy. He responded no. Then she asked him what could be done to change his situation. Alran replied there was nothing because his path was already chosen. The woman smiled and told Alran that his fate was his to decide, he just had to choose. She then asked him to think about what he most wanted and then say a prayer to the powers of light for it. Alran did as she asked and with that the warrior maiden smiled and then disappeared in a burst of light.
Alran awoke wondering if it was a dream. He looked at his nightstand and saw a small, gold symbol of Mayaheine on a chain. He put it on and felt weak and woozy. The amulet glowed brightly and burst into a light that was absorbed into his chest. He blacked out again. A knock on the door awoke him.
He got off the floor and opened the door. Before him stood Madylene with a concerned look upon her face. She smiled and asked if she could come in. Without hesitation, he bode her entry. She told him that she had grown concerned about him because she had seen him in a while. Alran, unsure of what to say, told her the truth.
He told her of his feelings, his background and of the visitations. Taken aback, she too shared her feelings. She was in love with him but was afraid to tell him for fear of scaring him off. She had awaked this morning with an urge to see him. So she took a chance and visited him to tell him her feelings. They both looked at each other and realized that a greater power had intervened on their behalf. They reached for each other and shared their first embrace. With that, they knew they were soul mates and would never be apart again.
They kept their love a secret, lest a member of the Brotherhood spy upon them. Alran secretly visited the church of Pelor and gave thanks to Mayaheine. He also began to think of a way to escape his handlers. He managed to keep appearances up for a few months but his masters became suspicious. His information lacked content and quality. Other agents were contacted and their suspicions grew when they learned of his renewed Pelorite contacts. An inquisitor was to be sent and make judgment on Alran. Luckily, Alran too had some friends in the Order and they sent him a warning.
Madylene and Alran made preparations to leave Woodwych. They knew a hasty departure would raise suspicion. They needed a reason to leave. Madylene had previously made arrangements to take a group of orphans to her family’s mill. Alran could be their escort.

Changes of the Heart: Part IV