{"id":21678,"date":"2020-02-19T07:38:15","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T12:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tellest.com\/?p=21678"},"modified":"2020-06-02T10:23:15","modified_gmt":"2020-06-02T14:23:15","slug":"the-whispers-chapter-seven","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/the-whispers-chapter-seven\/","title":{"rendered":"The Whispers – Chapter Seven"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello there!\u00a0 Thank you for joining me for another chapter of Tellest\u2019s newest feature, the \u201cinteractive\u201d story,\u00a0The Whispers<\/em>\u2014a story which you and readers like you are helping me tell.\u00a0 For ease of navigation, I\u2019m going to have little mini tables of contents on these posts, so feel free to use them to jump around and discover how\u00a0The Whispers<\/em>\u00a0works, how you can help steer the direction of the main character\u2019s 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 \u2013 Chapter Seven<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/a>The Whispers<\/em>\u00a0Concept<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Whispers is a story that takes place within the Tellest universe.\u00a0 It\u2019s a story that is written by Michael DeAngelo, but it\u2019s 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\u2019 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\u2019t already figured it out,\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0are 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\u2019s decision, as long as you\u2019re 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\u2019ve got to read the story (starting with\u00a0chapter one<\/a>, if you prefer).\u00a0 Then if you\u2019re 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\u2019s continue our tale, and find out the most recent choice Declan made with the help of our Council of Whispers\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/a>Chapter Seven:
\n<\/strong>An Unexpected Path<\/strong><\/p>\n

All at once, it was as though the waves that crashed upon the shores of his mind were silenced.\u00a0 He closed his eyes, imagining that the tide had drawn away from him, but he knew not whether they pooled together as a tremendous tidal force, or if they were gone for good.\u00a0 Were the whispers withdrawing from him like they had during his time at the temple?<\/p>\n

For a long while it was silent.\u00a0 Declan looked to his allies, who waited for a sign of what they should do.\u00a0 But no indication came to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re ye waiting for?\u201d Tornig asked.\u00a0 \u201cGet yer canaries ta sing, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were,\u201d Declan said.\u00a0 \u201cBut now they\u2019ve stopped.\u00a0 Perhaps the road ahead isn\u2019t clear enough for even them to know the right direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you heard them before,\u201d Gorik whispered.\u00a0 \u201cYou said they were saying everything all at once. \u00a0Do you remember their suggestions?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps this choice is one we must make on our own,\u201d Ilayeth suggested.<\/p>\n

As she spoke, distant voices seemed to carry on the wind, and Declan knew that he hadn\u2019t been abandoned by those he had come to know for so long.\u00a0 While the number of voices had dwindled, he felt some comfort in having those most familiar to him sharing their wisdom.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need the wagon,\u201d <\/em>one of the whispers called out to him.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s not much time.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoing anything at this hour will be fruitless,\u201d <\/em>the other disembodied voice reasoned.\u00a0 \u201cFind a place to camp.\u00a0 Fresh eyes will see hidden dangers more easily.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Declan wondered if the other whispers would fall in line between either of those voices, but it seemed they had all been swept away.\u00a0 Perhaps they knew that those two paths were the steadiest, and the rest of the council of whispers bowed to the wisdom of the two that spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout the wagon, you\u2019ll arrive at Fespar Temple too late.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith the wagon, you\u2019ll not hold yourself accountable to your fatigue,<\/em>\u201d the second voice argued, its tone more commanding and certain.\u00a0 \u201cArriving safely is paramount to arriving quickly.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

An evening gust of wind blew past the lonely road then, and Declan likened it to the first whisper conceding to the rationale of the other.\u00a0 Neither voice continued their discourse, and as Declan\u2019s focus faded from those he couldn\u2019t see, his attention shifted again to the trio of companions he traveled with.\u00a0 He knew that they understood he had heard the whispers once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Tornig asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard them,\u201d Declan confirmed.\u00a0 \u201cIt seems they hadn\u2019t all left me after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gorik arched an eyebrow then.\u00a0 \u201cIt looked like you were able to concentrate a little better than you normally do\u2014and perhaps for a little longer than you usually do as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis time it was different,\u201d Declan said.\u00a0 \u201cAll the other voices were quiet, as though they were waiting for the rationale of the wisest ones.\u00a0 I heard two voices.\u00a0 Both have become dependable advisors over these troublesome times.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen what good advice did they give?\u201d Ilayeth wondered.<\/p>\n

Declan held out his hands, almost as though he were a scale, weighing their words against one another.\u00a0 \u201cThey couldn\u2019t agree.\u00a0 It was almost as though they quarreled amongst themselves.\u00a0 But in the end, one of them\u2014the one that seemed most familiar to me\u2014happened to have the strongest voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d Tornig grumbled, folding his arms over his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should make camp,\u201d Declan said.\u00a0 \u201cWith luck, the bandits are doing the same, and we\u2019ll arrive at Fespar Temple in the morning with enough time to help sure up its defenses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have to give some bad news to the merchants,\u201d Ilayeth said.\u00a0 \u201cBut at least now we won\u2019t have to explain our peculiar ally,\u201d she considered, tilting her head toward Gorik.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go and let them know that they should try and make their way off the road tonight.\u00a0 Their wagon is going to be a little unsteady for a while longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMayhaps they\u2019d want to join us while we camp,\u201d Tornig said.\u00a0 \u201cWho knows, maybe they even have some good ale they\u2019d be about sharing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps but be ready for them to not be in such a giving mood once we tell them we won\u2019t be going with them this night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey did seem awful set on getting a move on,\u201d the dwarf agreed.\u00a0 \u201cThough I wouldn\u2019t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a bum cart either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Declan clapped Gorik on the shoulder then.\u00a0 \u201cWait here or head off into the grass and help us find someplace safe to start a fire.\u00a0 Once we\u2019re done with the merchants, we\u2019ll see if we can\u2019t find some way to get some shut eye.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gorik clenched his jaw, unsure that standing there while his companions walked off again was a good idea.\u00a0 Still, if Declan spoke, it was with the whispers as a conduit.\u00a0 The whispers were responsible for keeping him alive, and he was not about to second guess them.<\/p>\n

Spinning about to catch up with his other allies, Declan ran down the gentle sloping path, and Skanlon, the heavier-set fellow, looked eager to have them back.\u00a0 He walked to the side of the cart, lingering by where the wheel must have fallen off the axle rod.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s been a slight change of plans,\u201d Ilayeth said.\u00a0 \u201cWe can\u2019t be riding with you\u2014not this late at night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Skanlon said.\u00a0 His tone dripped with a bit more than disappointment, and as he spoke, Declan realized that he didn\u2019t see the other merchant, Jordy, anywhere in sight.\u00a0 \u201cBut you said you\u2019d help us get back on the road in exchange for a ride.\u00a0 You can\u2019t get a ride without our cart being repaired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome to camp with us,\u201d Tornig said.\u00a0 \u201cBut a few of us are flagging already, and we have to be at our best in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Skanlon shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cWe can\u2019t be leaving the cart here overnight.\u00a0 It sticks out like a broken thumb.\u00a0 It\u2019ll be easy loot for highwaymen, and if we\u2019re anywhere nearby when they show up\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they show up,\u201d Ilayeth corrected.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014there\u2019s no way we could hold our own,\u201d Skanlon finished.\u00a0 \u201cPlease.\u00a0 At least help me get the wheel onto the cart once more.\u00a0 I can\u2019t do it myself.\u00a0 My back isn\u2019t what it used to be.\u00a0 If you do this for us, we\u2019ll make camp with you, if it suits you.\u00a0 In the morning, we\u2019ll get right back to our accord.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a bargain,\u201d Ilayeth said.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get you moving so we can get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

She and Tornig moved along, heading to the side of the carriage.\u00a0 Without any light to lead their way, they huddled close against the vehicle.<\/p>\n

Declan started to follow them, but the distant sound of whispers kept him rooted there for a moment.\u00a0 It sounded as though all of them\u2014every single voice he\u2019d ever heard in the back of his mind\u2014scurried around in his skull like a thousand tiny rats, scratching at the bones as though they were trying to break free.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t make sense of what they said, but just as quickly as they\u2019d arrived, they\u2019d vanished again.\u00a0 Declan shook his head and moved on.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is this?\u201d Tornig asked.\u00a0 The question wasn\u2019t posed with curiosity, but with shocked anger.<\/p>\n

Declan held up his staff, and, as if it knew he and his friends needed light, the ringed headpiece began to glow.\u00a0 It did not take long for Declan to realize that it would be difficult to place the wheel back on the cart.<\/p>\n

It was already there.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s wrong,\u201d Ilayeth cautioned.\u00a0 When she looked up, she knew her warning came too late.<\/p>\n

Skanlon, the merchant who seemed more the leader, had his cloak wrapped tightly around his face, covering his nose and his mouth.\u00a0 It still left his eyes visible, though, and she saw the emotions dancing in them, reflected by the light of Declan\u2019s staff.\u00a0 She saw fear there, but also eagerness and greed.<\/p>\n

A spark danced to life in her palm as she held it up toward him.<\/p>\n

The merchant\u2019s ally was quicker than she could have expected.\u00a0 Jordy rose up from within the bed of the carriage, a glass vial seeming to glow brighter with its violet contents than the flame Ilayeth called upon.<\/p>\n

The combination of orange and purple illuminated Jordy\u2019s face.\u00a0 The would-be do-gooders saw that his face no longer showed, instead covered by a mask with a long proboscis curving out of it.<\/p>\n

Tornig only studied the strange mask for a moment before he leaped up and swiped at the man with his axe.\u00a0 Jordy\u2019s movements were swift and wiry, and as he leaned out of the way, he cast the vial he held down to the ground beside the carriage.<\/p>\n

The concoction announced its landing with a cacophonous rupture of glass, but all at once, the substance within erupted into a wide and thick plume of smoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cYe think I won\u2019t be able ta see ye in this fog?\u201d Tornig asked.\u00a0 He swept one of his legs over the railing, before the expanding gas engulfed him.\u00a0 The dwarf coughed and waved his hands away to dissipate the purple smoke, but he could not push it away.<\/p>\n

Behind him, he heard one of his companions as they sputtered to the ground.\u00a0 Declan still stood, but Tornig couldn\u2019t see the flame in Ilayeth\u2019s hand\u2014nor the half-elf herself\u2014any longer.<\/p>\n

Declan held his breath and lunged forward, swinging out with the magical staff.\u00a0 Either Skanlon moved deceptively quick despite his portly physique, or the violet mist already took its toll on Declan, it seemed.\u00a0 The faux merchant dodged the wizard staff with ease, focused more on keeping the cloak tight around his face than meeting the duped guild members in combat.<\/p>\n

Out of the corner of his eye, Declan watched as Tornig tumbled from the wagon, disappearing into the cloud of smoke.\u00a0 Though his own eyes watered, he could see that Skanlon and Jordy didn\u2019t suffer any of the same effects.<\/p>\n

Declan gagged as he fought off the volatile effects of the concoction.\u00a0 He knew that he could never hope to defeat the two in his debilitating state.\u00a0 While the smoke overwhelmed him, there was no hope to outmaneuver the two conmen.<\/p>\n

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Declan knew that the whispers would be there, ready to advise him.\u00a0 As his knees buckled and he stumbled backward, he understood that they could never counsel him quickly enough.<\/p>\n

By instinct or reflex, Declan thrust the hilt of his staff to the ground to lean on.\u00a0 Though he could feel his energy draining from his body, he looked to the circular headpiece, recalling its power.\u00a0 The light faded from the ring, but it was replaced with a mighty burst of wind that shot forth out of both sides of the ring.<\/p>\n

All at once, the smoke swept low and far, and as it spread, it dissipated into the air.\u00a0 Declan fell to his knees, still clinging onto the staff as though his life depended on it.\u00a0 Through blurred vision, he saw that Tornig and Ilayeth had already succumbed to the powers of the bandit\u2019s concoction.\u00a0 He knew that he wouldn\u2019t be far behind.<\/p>\n

Skanlon pulled the cloak from his face.\u00a0 With no further danger imposed by the scattered smoke, he did not need to keep his wicked gaze from those who would have lent an unneeded hand.<\/p>\n

The false merchant took several steps forth and planted his boot in the center of Declan\u2019s chest.\u00a0 The lad fell back, splayed onto the dirty road.<\/p>\n

Before the staff could teeter, Skanlon grabbed hold of it.\u00a0 \u201cThis is a fancy little toy.\u00a0 Perhaps it can be even more than that in the hands of someone who really knew how to use it,\u201d he said.\u00a0 He gently leaned it against the carriage, knowing that his partner would move it into the bed of the wagon.\u00a0 \u201cIn any case, you\u2019ve shown me that it\u2019s more than just a wizard\u2019s torch, so I\u2019ll have to thank you for that.\u00a0 And where there\u2019s one bit of treasure, usually there\u2019s more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSkanlon, don\u2019t you think\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Demonstrating his place among their hierarchy, Skanlon held up his hand to quell any of Jordy\u2019s distracting thoughts, even though his words were already trailing off.\u00a0 Skanlon tried to kick Tornig over, but the dwarf\u2019s heft made it impossible.\u00a0 Growling, the bandit bent down and spun him over with his hands.<\/p>\n

He tried to stifle a gasp, but in the silence of the night, it seemed to echo on for some time.\u00a0 \u201cJordy, look.\u00a0 They\u2019re Adventurers of Eladia.\u00a0 We just attacked the best-known guild in the country.\u201d<\/p>\n

His cohort didn\u2019t offer much in the way of support\u2014or reproach\u2014and Skanlon growled as he plucked Tornig\u2019s axe off the ground. \u00a0After he rose back up, he stood there, looming over the fallen trio.\u00a0 The crescent head of the axe caught a glimmer of starlight, and he took that as his own message from fate.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we can\u2019t let them live,\u201d Skanlon said.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ve seen us and our carriage, and they know what we\u2019re about.\u00a0 Even if we let bygones be bygones, I don\u2019t know that they would.\u00a0 Get down and help me do what needs to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again though, Jordy said nothing, even as his companion grabbed hold of the axe in both hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell come on!\u201d Skanlon yelled then.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not going to do this all myself!\u201d\u00a0 He turned to admonish the weaselly fellow, but he soon learned that Jordy couldn\u2019t have responded if he wanted to.\u00a0 The man was draped over the back rail of the carriage, his arms dangling limp before him.\u00a0 \u201cJordy?\u201d Skanlon asked.<\/p>\n

No warning, no whisper, not even a snore escaped from his cohort.\u00a0 But Skanlon heard more than he needed to know that danger was still present around him.\u00a0 The quick footsteps made certain of that.<\/p>\n

When he turned about and saw the green skin of a goblin in the twilight, a fearful cry ripped from his lips.\u00a0 Surprised by the unexpected assailant, he didn\u2019t see that Gorik held a length of chain in his hand.<\/p>\n

Skanlon held up the axe above his head and hurled it forth.<\/p>\n

Gorik dipped out of the way, fierce determination etched on his face.\u00a0 \u201cNot again,\u201d he insisted as the axe thudded into the ground behind him.<\/p>\n

With the distance closing between them, Gorik twisted to his side, and spun about, throwing the chain forth.<\/p>\n

Of all the things Skanlon expected to see at the end of the chain, a leather-bound tome was not one of them.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have long to consider that before it struck him against the side of the face.<\/p>\n

Amongst the darkness, it was like the stars had fallen from the heavens, for light danced about his vision.\u00a0 Though he was struck hard, he remained standing, determined to shake the sparks from his sight.<\/p>\n

Gorik pulled back on his grimoire as he drew near, and as Skanlon planted his feet once more, the goblin wrapped the chain around his knuckles.<\/p>\n

Skanlon\u2019s vision returned to him just in time to see his foe\u2019s fist racing toward him.<\/p>\n

With a sickening thud, the chain dug into his skull.\u00a0 Skanlon was unconscious on the ground before he realized he\u2019d been struck.<\/p>\n

Just beside where he fell, Declan struggled to keep aware.\u00a0 He focused as best he could on Gorik, who hurried to the back of the carriage.<\/p>\n

The goblin leapt up, grappling at a latch that kept the railing in place.\u00a0 After a few moments, it relented, and the gate swung down, tossing the other unconscious bandit to the dirt in a heap.<\/p>\n

Gorik was back among his strange companions a few moments later, helping them to sit up, or rolling them to their back.<\/p>\n

\u201cDeclan,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cDeclan, can you stand?\u201d<\/p>\n

He found that he barely had the strength to respond to Gorik, let alone to do what he was asked.\u00a0 Still, he rolled to his side, pushing against the ground with all his might.\u00a0 After what felt like an hour, he sat upon his knees, straining to take in a deep breath.<\/p>\n

Gorik was there in front of him, lifting Ilayeth off the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could have really used your help,\u201d the goblin said.\u00a0 \u201cBut that smoke did a number on all three of you. \u00a0If you can, get over to the carriage.\u00a0 After I get them in, I\u2019ll help you up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Time seemed to race by Declan, as he watched Gorik bring Ilayeth to the carriage, and gently place her in the wagon bed.\u00a0 He returned for Tornig then as well, all before Declan could climb to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up,\u201d Gorik said.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know how much longer they\u2019ll be oblivious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Declan grabbed hold of the wagon with one reaching hand, and his staff, leaning against the carriage with the other.\u00a0 Despite his protesting muscles, he clambered to an upright position, though the fear of tumbling right back down to the dirt had not left him.<\/p>\n

His goblin ally withdrew from the wagon, and came back with Tornig\u2019s axe, placing it beside the weary dwarf.\u00a0 No longer exercising any patience, he plucked the staff from Declan\u2019s hand, and shifted him over to stand before the opened gate of the wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, wait,\u201d Declan protested, and even his words felt foreign to him.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t get up there like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust brace yourself,\u201d Gorik said as he slid the staff into place along one of the side rails.\u00a0 He put a hand beneath Declan\u2019s rump and against his shoulder then, bending at the knees for leverage.\u00a0 \u201cOne, two, three,\u201d he spoke as he pushed Declan up into the carriage.<\/p>\n

Slamming into the floorboards, Declan let fly a muffled grunt.\u00a0 His arms wobbled as he fought to rise again, but all he could muster was a shuffling of his body into a more comfortable position.\u00a0 He watched as Gorik raced to the front of the carriage and leapt up to the driver\u2019s seat.<\/p>\n

Declan heard the reins snap, and he felt the wheels move beneath the cart.\u00a0 He fought past the urge to vomit as he sensed the momentum and rolled to his back.<\/p>\n

Looking at the stars, which seemed to spin in the sky, he knew just how lucky they were.<\/p>\n

Not so far away, Gorik whispered something to him, but it was lost in Declan\u2019s fading senses.<\/p>\n

Instead, the otherworldly voices that called out to him took up precedence in his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t fall asleep, Declan<\/em>,\u201d one voice warned him.\u00a0 \u201cGorik will need you.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuccumb to your weariness. \u00a0You were flagging before.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be useless at the temple if you cannot find some reprieve.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Still under the effects of the purple smoke, Declan didn\u2019t know if would have a choice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

Voting has ended for this period.<\/p>\n

This month Declan has a new choice to make, which you can influence.\u00a0 We’re back to the tried and true “this choice” versus “that choice” style this month, and it’s a very simple choice this time around.<\/del><\/p>\n

You have until the 28th of this month to safely\u00a0join the Tellest Newsletter<\/a> in time to cast your vote.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be sending out newsletter emails to my readers, and this time around, you\u2019ll be asked to give Declan direction without the choices being laid out for you.\u00a0 Then, on March 1st, I\u2019ll interpret 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