Previously, the heroes discovered that Falka had found the Book of Woe in the library of the Newport vault. While searching for the books Neamhan found an interesting text burnt on a piece of bark, Chakuq found a compelling book made of horse hide, and Luca discovered the spellbook of Maltorius, Blackstar’s archnemesis who the staff wanted to vanquish in return for his obedience. When the heroes returned to the Careless Wanderer they found that Ser Croy was waiting for them bearing an invitation, and they were visited by Epidemius, in the disguise of father Devon, once again.
Seventh Day, Second Ride, Autumn Twilight, 1262
(Silvermoon is waning, Bloodmoon is in low sanction, Darkmoon is waxing)
Epidemius sat at the same table as the heroes, cloaked in the disguise of father Devon, as he had done before. It was clear that he was aware the heroes had found and retrieved the Book of Woe, and he was willing to trade with them in order to reacquire it. It did not take long for Quentin to realise that he was dreaming, and soon after the other heroes realised the same; he was once again utilising Pazuzu’s dreamweb to visit them.
Epidemius promised the heroes many things in return for the book; one boon, one question, a promise to not influence the material plane, and to not use the Book of Woe on any mortal. He repeatedly mentioned that the only thing that mattered was “the great desolation” in which everything was consumed, and that demons were his “only adversary.” Luca entertained the idea of striking a deal, emboldened by his recent success in outwitting a minor fiend, but Quentin and Neamhan opposed that musing immediately.
Frustrated, Epidemius stated that waiting for his return on Second Day, Third Ride, Autumn Twilight, 1262 would only bring about hundreds of deaths and ultimately accomplish nothing. Chakuq suppressed his very real fear and walked Epidemius to the door, saw him out, and closed the door behind him.
Once Epidemius had left, Quentin immediately challenged Luca about his willingness to negotiate with the fiend, but the young warlock claimed only to want to keep Epidemius talking in order to gain more information. Chakuq shared a saying from his people that roughly translated to Epidemius being the equivalent of spoiled food; his words were corrupted and offered nothing.
Venting her frustration, Neamhan questioned why the gods would ignore the prayers of their followers and not interfere. Quentin claimed that the gods did intervene in mortal matters, and that his being in Kingsport was a sign of their intervention. Quentin claimed that a small part of the gods could be found in everyone, and they exercised their will through them. Neamhan rejected that idea, and asserted that her magic was her own and not fuelled by the divine.
Neamhan was the first to awaken and found that Ser Croy was asleep in a big chair close to one of the hearths. Epidemius’ dream had already taken them when Quentin had sent the old knight upstairs to sleep in his room it seemed. Lauryn was already awake and preparing the tavern for the day, and Neamhan decided to help out.
Around dawn, all except Emrys woke up. Astrid strolled in, covered in snow, fresh from a trip up the river, ready for breakfast. The banquet that was being organised in Quentin’s honour came up, as did Dame Pauline’s investigations into Quentin’s background. When Quentin suggested that Dame Pauline might only be loyal to his lord father rather than to him, Astrid tried to divorce him of that notion.
“I hope Heimdall graced you with a big cock, Quentin, because he certainly was not generous when he gave you brains.”
– Astrid Sigurðardóttir
By the time that Emrys finally awoke at ninth bell, everyone joined him in his room to discuss the plan to deal with Epidemius. Falka joined for that conversation. Neamhan explained to the others that she was possibly able to bind Epidemius to the mortal plane. Luca suggested that her attempt could be boosted by using one of the lyrium crystals that the heroes still had. Neamhan picked a blue crystal, which would help abjuration magic, and she was keen to grab a dark violet one.
The topic of names came up when Luca suggested knowing Epidemius’ true name would give the heroes power over him. The heroes had learned that Epidemius used to go by the name Epidemiel, before he fell from grace, but they were sceptical that it might actually be his true name. Luca stated that a true name was bestowed upon a being upon drawing its first breath, and that it could not be changed once given. Without that name it was beyond the abilities of the heroes to summon Epidemius.