{"id":20706,"date":"2019-09-19T08:17:50","date_gmt":"2019-09-19T12:17:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tellest.com\/?p=20706"},"modified":"2019-11-15T08:17:49","modified_gmt":"2019-11-15T13:17:49","slug":"the-whispers-chapter-four","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/the-whispers-chapter-four\/","title":{"rendered":"The Whispers – Chapter Four"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hi there!\u00a0 Thank you for joining me for another chapter of Tellest’s newest feature, the “interactive” story, The Whispers<\/em>\u2014a story which you and readers like you are helping me tell.\u00a0 For ease of navigation, I’m going to have little mini tables of contents on these posts, so feel free to use them to jump around and discover how The Whispers<\/em> works, how you can help steer the direction of the main character’s choices, and, of course, read the story.\u00a0 I hope you enjoy taking part in this interesting new Tellest adventure!<\/p>\n

The Whispers Concept<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The Whispers – Chapter Four<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Voting Instructions<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/a>The Whispers<\/em> Concept<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Whispers is a story that takes place within the Tellest universe.\u00a0 It’s a story that is written by Michael DeAngelo, but it’s told with help from the readers.\u00a0 The Whispers follows Declan, a young man who was recently evicted from the temple where he grew up.\u00a0 When he was younger, he used to hear voices, and the clergy interpreted those voices in ways that they thought brought them closer to divinity.\u00a0 But with the whispers growing quiet, Declan was no longer needed at the temple, and he was instead shipped off to a nearby adventurers’ guild.\u00a0 The voices have recently returned in his time of need, and have offered him advice on what to do in order to survive.<\/p>\n

If you haven’t already figured it out,\u00a0you<\/em> are one of those potential whispers!\u00a0 At the end of every chapter, Declan is given a choice.\u00a0 Every reader has the chance to vote and influence Declan’s decision, as long as you’re a member of the Tellest newsletter.\u00a0 Every time you vote, your voice holds more sway as well.\u00a0 Everyone who casts their vote in earlier chapters will now have a stronger voice, and Declan will hear them a little clearer.\u00a0 So for your voice to be heard best, you should get in on this story early.\u00a0 There is another way to gain additional voting power, but that will be described in the voting instructions at the end of this post.<\/p>\n

First thing is first: you’ve got to read the story (starting with chapter one<\/a>, if you prefer).\u00a0 Then if you’re not already a member of the newsletter, go ahead and sign up!\u00a0 Tellest has awesome freebies that we give out right away at sign-up, and more that come along every few weeks.<\/p>\n

Without much further adieu, let’s continue our tale, and find out the most recent choice Declan made with the help of our Council of Whispers…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/a>Chapter Four:
\n<\/strong>One More Voice to Hear<\/strong><\/p>\n

The next whispers came on like the faint sound of a distant wind.\u00a0 As though the building offered some respite from a gale outside, he could hear them, but they were ethereal, misplaced.<\/p>\n

Declan looked to his companions then.\u00a0 Ilayeth and Tornig stared wide-eyed, as though the instructions the whispers gave him were gospel.\u00a0 They soon realized, though, that the recruit withdrew into himself, his eyes losing focus on them.<\/p>\n

As though the wind had found its way into the stable then, he could hear the strongest whispers swirling around his ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve already been harsh<\/em>,\u201d the powerful undertone spoke into his mind.\u00a0 \u201cThey will expect as much when you meet with them again.\u00a0 Throw them off their guard\u2014show a mercy they might not anticipate.\u00a0 Even an undeserved kindness can be a weapon of its own, and one not easily countered.\u00a0 But neither can you be weak.\u00a0 Prepare to make an example if you must.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Almost as soon as the breeze had entered the building, it left.\u00a0 Declan looked over his shoulder, shaking his head when he dismissed the thought of seeing one of the stall doors swaying in the wind.<\/p>\n

\u201cYe heard them again, didn\u2019t ye?\u201d Tornig asked then.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did the whispers say?\u201d Ilayeth pressed as well.<\/p>\n

Declan let a calm wash over him and nodded as he considered what the whispers conveyed to him.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps we\u2019ve been thinking about this the wrong way.\u201d\u00a0 When they sent quizzical looks his way, he waved them off.\u00a0 \u201cYou both talked about wrenching the truth from the goblin or the gnoll.\u00a0 You spoke about torturing them,\u201d he said, pointing toward Tornig.\u00a0 \u201cBut that\u2019s what they came here for\u2014they were prepared for whatever nasty end would befall them if things went wrong.\u00a0 And of course, we\u2019ve already played our hand.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t have to save the goblin when he was bleeding out.\u00a0 Now he knows we put a value on life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tornig crossed his arms over his chest. \u00a0\u201cSo, what are ye getting at lad?\u00a0 Ye plan on waltzing up ta one of them and asking them pretty please until they feel sorry for us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot exactly.\u00a0 But maybe it\u2019ll be easier to pry their lips open if there isn\u2019t a piece of metal fusing it shut.\u00a0 Perhaps we can make a trade and make their arrangement a little less awful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDeclan\u2026\u201d Ilayeth began.<\/p>\n

\u201cYe mean to make nice with the bastards, and we\u2019ve got a few of our own in the guild house that may never wake again,\u201d Tornig growled, every word rising in volume.<\/p>\n

\u201cSettle yourself,\u201d the half-elf maiden warned.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll give away our plan.\u201d\u00a0 She sighed and leaned against the wooden barrier separating the next stall.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t say I like this either, but we\u2019re putting our faith in the voices he hears.\u00a0 Perhaps it is time to let them help us decide on our next course of action.\u00a0 After all, I\u2019ve not earned so much as a complete sentence from either of our two\u2026guests.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBah,\u201d Tornig said after alternating glances between his two companions.\u00a0 \u201cLad, ye told me that the little birdies chirping in yer ear didn\u2019t always give you the best advice.\u00a0 Are ye sure it\u2019s the best time to be listening to them?\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t get more dangerous than this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Declan shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI feel like trusting them is what kept me alive.\u00a0 The whispers were the ones who told me to pick up the staff,\u201d he said, raising the magical weapon into the air.\u00a0 \u201cIf I didn\u2019t have this, I don\u2019t know that I would have been able to fend off the goblin while he was putting the rest of the guild house to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tornig grumbled but bowed his head before finally shifting into a nod.\u00a0 \u201cAlright.\u00a0 If it wasn\u2019t for the birdies, maybe I wouldn\u2019ta woked up from me little surprise rest in there.\u00a0 We\u2019re lettin\u2019 ye take the lead here, boy.\u00a0 What\u2019s the plan?\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Declan turned about, looking past the raised walls of the pens along the southern side of the stable.\u00a0 \u201cIlayeth and I will head down and meet with the goblin.\u00a0 We spent a considerable amount of time with him compared to the gnoll.\u00a0 And in a lot of ways, we\u2019ve already negotiated with him.\u00a0 He still has his life, thanks to us.\u00a0 Perhaps that gives us a way in to begin our discussions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilayeth snickered then, despite her fatigue and the dire straits that the guild was in.\u00a0 \u201cWhile I have the utmost respect for you and your whispers, it seems they don\u2019t always know everything.\u00a0 The goblin is down this way,\u201d she gestured toward the other side of the building.<\/p>\n

Staring at her as though a great secret had just been discovered, Declan waved his hands then.\u00a0 \u201cWhat they offer is more like advice anyway,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what will I be doing while the two of ye are off making friends?\u201d Tornig wondered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou came here looking to flex your muscles or show off your axe a little bit,\u201d Declan said.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps you can go and visit the gnoll and see if he responds to someone with a little more grit\u2014and what he might assume is the willingness to use it.\u00a0 You could also let him know that whichever one of the two of them gives us information first might still be of use to us.\u00a0 The other would just prove there\u2019s no hope for cooperation in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tornig tilted his head to the side, observing the lad a little closer.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s a smart one.\u00a0 Ye sure he isn\u2019t an old half-elf like you?\u201d he asked Ilayeth.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe they just rounded his ears down a little bit to hide the truth about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Declan smiled, taking the strange statement as a compliment, as Declan intended it.\u00a0 Before he could bask in the praise of his new friends, though, Ilayeth nudged him toward the gate of the pen.<\/p>\n

All their merriment seemed to wash away as they stepped into the long corridor before the stalls.\u00a0 The guards on either end of the building nodded their acknowledgements as a more seasoned member of the guild neared their side of the stable.<\/p>\n

When Ilayeth and Declan arrived there, the guard, a man taller than either of them with striking blond hair that fell past his shoulders, leaned over and opened the way for the maiden.<\/p>\n

She stopped short of entering the pen, or the visible part of the corridor before the swinging gate.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps I should have a moment with him to let him know what\u2019s to come,\u201d Ilayeth whispered as she turned toward Declan.\u00a0 \u201cIf we\u2019re trying to ease his anxiety, surprising him with you may not be in our best intentions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed,\u201d the recruit said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll wait to hear my name.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilayeth, blowing out a silent sigh, proceeded onward, tapping the guard on the shoulder as an expression of her gratitude.<\/p>\n

The tall, blond guard shifted and sidled away from his post until he sat halfway out of the prisoner\u2019s line of sight.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re Declan, right?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 He had a softer voice than Declan expected.\u00a0 Likewise, he didn\u2019t expect the man to lean over and extend his hand.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m Jace.\u00a0 As I understand it, thanks to you all I had was a quick nap instead of something far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad that I could do all I did,\u201d Declan replied, returning the kindness and shaking the fellow\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cTruth be told, it was all practically by reflex.\u00a0 If it wasn\u2019t for the staff I picked up in the basement, I don\u2019t know that we\u2019d all be standing here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jace shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cAll I know is that when I went down, I thought it was for good.\u00a0 My brother is at the Grey Arches with the guild leader, and without him here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother is another member of the guild?\u201d Declan asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat he is.\u00a0 He\u2019s one of the more popular clerics, and he paved the way for my arriving here several years ago.\u00a0 When my eyes fluttered open, I thought he had returned, but I was told that it was our newest recruit that saved my life, and for that, you have my appreciation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not to say that everything is fine without Nico,\u201d Jace went on.\u00a0 \u201cSome of us weren\u2019t just faced with a forced slumber.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid if my brother doesn\u2019t return from the expedition soon, we may lose more than we\u2019re prepared for.\u201d\u00a0 He waved his hands then.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve still done us a great service, and on your first day here no less.\u00a0 It appears they were right to send for you, whether or not you had some help from an ancient treasure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDeclan,\u201d they both heard then.<\/p>\n

Jace moved back to his spot against the northern wall of the corridor, nodding to his new guild mate when he arrived there.<\/p>\n

Declan hesitated for only a moment before he joined Ilayeth in the last stall of the stable, allowing his gaze to arrive upon the prisoner when he passed the swinging gate.\u00a0 The goblin, already worn down it seemed, kept his focus on the straw-covered ground.<\/p>\n

Free from his watchful gaze, Declan spent a moment being observant instead.<\/p>\n

The goblin stood against the wall, his arms held up by a chain that wrapped over one of the building\u2019s broad crossbeams.\u00a0 Not content that his bonds would restrict him from using his magic it seemed, thick, fingerless gloves were affixed to his hands as well.\u00a0 And as though that wasn\u2019t enough, a band of similar material was clasped over his mouth, only a small strip of flesh separating it from his nostrils.\u00a0 It took some effort to remain standing, Declan surmised, for a sheen of perspiration marred the goblin\u2019s brow then.\u00a0 He seemed to rely more on the chain holding him up than his feet.<\/p>\n

Seeing enough, Declan blew out a quick sigh and tapped his new staff against the ground of the pen, casting out a burst of dry topsoil in every direction.<\/p>\n

The action caught the goblin\u2019s attention, and he looked up.\u00a0 His eyes grew wide at the sight of the staff, and wider still at the sight of the man who resisted his magic in the guild house.\u00a0 He stood taller than, easing up the tension of the chains.\u00a0 Whether it was deliberate or not, his visage of hopelessness changed to one of determination.<\/p>\n

Or perhaps it was curiosity or respect, the recent arrival surmised.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou remember Declan, don\u2019t you?\u201d Ilayeth asked.\u00a0 The goblin sent a sideways glance her way for but a moment before he returned his focus to Declan.\u00a0 \u201cHe turned the tide inside the guild house, in more ways than one,\u201d the maiden went on.\u00a0 \u201cYou were defeated because of him.\u00a0 But it\u2019s also thanks to him that you\u2019re still alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t envy you for the pain or discomfort you\u2019re in,\u201d Declan said.\u00a0 \u201cBut then, we were attacked, so you can\u2019t quite blame us.\u00a0 The thing is, you\u2019re doing us little good hanging here from the ceiling.\u201d\u00a0 He looked to Ilayeth then, who urged him on with a subtle nod.\u00a0 \u201cThere are two ways that we can fix that though.\u00a0 I think each one of us here in this pen would regret if we had to end your life, but if we feel that\u2019s the only way to protect ourselves, we will.\u201d<\/p>\n

The goblin shifted uneasily at that statement.\u00a0 The guild members studied him to see if he believed that sentiment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe also can\u2019t just let you go,\u201d Declan continued, \u201cnot without some token of cooperation or assistance.\u201d\u00a0 He sighed then and looked to Ilayeth once more.\u00a0 \u201cRemove that magic gag we\u2019ve placed on him.\u00a0 This one-sided conversation is beginning to trouble me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut his magic,\u201d the maiden returned.\u00a0 \u201cWe know that he intones to focus his spells.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he knows that we outnumber him,\u201d Declan pressed.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re three to one, just here.\u00a0 And if he should manage to step outside the stable, another dozen of our friends would be eager to cut him down if any harm came to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilayeth sent a fierce stare at the recruit, considering whether to invoke her rank and deny him his plan.\u00a0 After a moment, she shifted her focus to the goblin, and raised her hand.\u00a0 The metal band across his mouth glowed red for a split second and then fell from his mouth.\u00a0 Freedom from that gag had him wincing from the unexpected pain.<\/p>\n

Declan watched as the magical metal slab fell from the prisoner\u2019s face.\u00a0 Before it hit the ground, however, it burned even brighter than before, until it fizzled away like parchment in a fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere,\u201d Declan said when the goblin looked up at him once more.\u00a0 \u201cNow you can speak, and we can listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even being liberated from the gag, the goblin sealed his lips and locked his jaw.\u00a0 His gaze alternated between the two casters before him, only sometimes shifting to the warrior who stood sentinel in the corridor.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s start with something simple,\u201d Declan said.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is your name?\u201d\u00a0 When he was met with only silence, he laughed and took a step back, so that he could lean against the taller back wall of the pen.\u00a0 \u201cYou already know my name, but I\u2019ll give it to you again.\u00a0 I\u2019m Declan.\u00a0 And in case you didn\u2019t know, this is Ilayeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe already know your associate\u2019s name: Ignark.\u00a0 One of our other companions is talking to him now, trying to gleam some idea of why we were attacked as well.\u00a0 He\u2019s been a little bit more cooperative, but I suppose that\u2019s just because he\u2019s a fellow who doesn\u2019t mind hearing himself speak.\u201d<\/p>\n

The goblin\u2019s brow furrowed, and he looked to his side, where no one stood, as though he could try to hear what he could of his friend on the other side of the building.<\/p>\n

Ilayeth stepped forward and caught his focus then.\u00a0 \u201cWe only need one of you to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGorik,\u201d the goblin interrupted her.<\/p>\n

In that moment, neither Ilayeth or Declan could determine whether the word was said with disdain, indifference or a touch of vulnerability.<\/p>\n

\u201cGorik?\u201d Declan wondered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is my name,\u201d the weary goblin said.\u00a0 \u201cNow we all know one another.\u201d<\/p>\n

Declan nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s a great start.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe now you can give me a little more slack on these chains,\u201d Gorik said. \u00a0The statement wasn\u2019t said with any signs of resentment, and he sighed for good measure, as though he already knew his chances were lacking.\u00a0 \u201cJust enough for me to sit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDepending on how our conversation goes, that might not be important,\u201d Declan replied.<\/p>\n

Their conversational dance had the goblin on his toes more than the chain did.\u00a0 Unfortunately for Gorik, he had not mastered the art of concealing his concerns.<\/p>\n

Declan waved away any notion of harm.\u00a0 \u201cIt would be more comfortable inside the guild hall, I assure you.\u00a0 There\u2019s no sense in you being bound out here.\u00a0 If you give us the information we need, you\u2019d be in our company\u2014not our prisoner.\u201d\u00a0 When he saw Ilayeth\u2019s heated scowl, he raised his hands to placate her.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s not to say that you would have free reign of the building.\u00a0 We\u2019d still have guards watching over you.\u00a0 You attacked us and we need to make sure such a thing doesn\u2019t happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t supposed to be like that,\u201d Gorik muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?\u201d Ilayeth asked.\u00a0 \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gorik shook his head then, realizing he had already said much more than he would have wanted to.\u00a0 When he looked up at Declan again, he saw the face of someone who offered empathy, as though he could see him as more than just a monster or a ruthless killer.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou say we attacked you, but it was not meant to be like this,\u201d Gorik said, looking straight at the man before him, and not at the maiden who asked him to clarify.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s true, we were planning on coming here and causing problems for you, but we never sought to hurt anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was you that was putting people to sleep,\u201d Declan reasoned.<\/p>\n

Gorik nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the explosions that went off in the guild hall?\u201d Declan wondered aloud.<\/p>\n

\u201cIgnark and I didn\u2019t even know they were coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were they?\u201d Ilayeth asked.<\/p>\n

With a shrug, Gorik looked at the ground.\u00a0 \u201cThey were some\u2026some kind of concoction.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t even tell us she\u2019d made them.\u00a0 And when we neared the door to the building, she\u2026\u201d\u00a0 His words trailed off as he remembered the events that occurred earlier that day.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is \u2018she\u2019?\u201d Declan pressed.<\/p>\n

Gorik looked up and swallowed away the tension that built in his throat.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve already said far too much.\u00a0 It\u2019s not my\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine,\u201d Declan went on.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s focus on what you do want to tell us.\u00a0 Are you saying it was a mistake that the guild hall was attacked?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the way that it was,\u201d the goblin insisted.\u00a0 \u201cIt was only meant to be a distraction\u2014something to buy us time.\u00a0 But now I wonder if\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Before he could reflect further into his worries about the attack on the guild hall, everyone in the stable could hear the frantic footfalls of someone approaching the building.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d they heard from outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cIlayeth!\u201d a frantic voice called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t just go in\u2014and there you go,\u201d Orn conceded.<\/p>\n

Declan watched as Ilayeth hurried from her spot in the pen and stepped past the swinging gate.\u00a0 Even Jace wore a worried appearance then, wondering what foul news was brought their way.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmilie?\u201d Ilayeth said.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

His curiosity wrenching him away from the high wall of the enclosure, Declan spun about and leaned over the wooden post that led to the corridor.\u00a0 There, just a few feet farther down, he saw the harried woman who rushed into the stable without any concern for tact or discretion.<\/p>\n

The woman was only about Declan\u2019s age\u2014perhaps even younger.\u00a0 He wondered if perhaps she too could have been an elf, but with her auburn hair pulled into a long braid that fell over her shoulder, it left her ears uncovered, and he could see their rounded tops.\u00a0 Her cheeks were flush, and she had tears in her eyes, and it seemed that it was all Ilayeth could do not to pull her into an embrace.<\/p>\n

\u201cYaro isn\u2019t doing well,\u201d she whimpered.\u00a0 \u201cWithout any help, Robert says he won\u2019t last into the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jace heaved a heavy sigh and leaned against the wall beside him.\u00a0 \u201cIf only Nico was here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Declan could feel the whispers then before he could hear them in the farthest parts of his mind.\u00a0 The hairs on his arm rose up, and he couldn\u2019t dismiss the chill that seemed to swirl around him.\u00a0 He closed his eyes, hoping to hear what guidance he could muster from the disembodied voices.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf a cleric is what you need, there is one not far from you,<\/em>\u201d a mischievous whisper crept into the pen.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know you cannot put your trust in hopes.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe guild was attacked.\u00a0 That cannot be forgotten.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone needs aid,<\/em>\u201d another stern whisper pressed.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve begun to hold some sway here in the guild, even after so short a time.\u00a0 Will you dare to ask for help that you cannot give?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Declan let the murmurs roll over each other one after another in his mind.\u00a0 After a moment of lingering there, he looked over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

Just as Gorik had seen it in him, Declan wondered if he could detect a hint of empathy on the goblin\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Continue with Chapter Five<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/a>Voting Has Ended for This Period<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once more, Declan has a choice to make that you will influence, and it could end up producing very different results.\u00a0 Will he choose a darker path, the whispers directing him to torture the prisoners, or will he choose, with your help, to take a more benevolent route?\u00a0 As always, your voice, along with the other voices that make up the Council of Whispers will help determine the flow of this tale.<\/del><\/p>\n

You have until the 28th of this month to safely join the Tellest Newsletter<\/a> in time to cast your vote.\u00a0 I’ll be sending out newsletter emails to my readers, with the choice to torture or negotiate with the invaders.\u00a0 Then, starting September 1st, I’ll tally up the votes and see how the whispers influenced Declan.<\/del><\/p>\n

Remember, there are two ways for you to accumulate voting power in The Whispers:<\/del><\/p>\n