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[howandwhy99]

Darius paused. “There is another subject I wanted to bring up before everyone else gives a report. I have written three letters to be opened upon the event of my death. They are identical. They should help you in case I am ever lost in battle.” He handed out two wax sealed letters: one to Kayla and one to Brother Ben. “The third of these is in the hands of Elion. I trust you all will keep them safe.”

“There is one last thing. I am almost done. Igor came to me this past week and told me something very troubling. Go ahead Igor.” Igor shuffled closer to the circle. He seemed to recite the words from memory. He said that the portion of the books he had found in Zelligar’s study below were all gone. He thought they must have been stolen. With Darius’s encouragement, Igor tried to recall if they were lost at Xavier or while in Keep Margrave when Dalin was healed by Father Hedrick. But he could not remember. Everyone else swore to keep a sharp eye out and to try and find who could have stolen the books. Given what Kayla had found in the ones she carried, they were highly valuable for the information within. Word would be passed on to Elion and the army sergeants. Darius declared he would award one platinum piece for the books’ discovery.

Following announcements the others reported what they had learned over the past two weeks. Most of them had been too busy to hear much talk, but a few rumors were heard. Mirel had the least to report. Ben passed on what Brother Thom had told him of the ‘old way’ of hiding treasure. In ancient times hidden passages or doors were fashioned to hide things behind. He also reported Elves being the best at finding these doors even though they could not see in the dark. Ben wondered aloud whether Elves started the ‘old way’ to begin with. Other news regarded what was on everyone’s minds of late; the strange weather they were experiencing. Kayla guessed it might be someone working with the Giant or maybe even the dryad. Whatever the cause, it seemed unnatural and the men above were losing spirit. The group decided to hold a celebration party. The nominal reason would be for Brother Ben’s return, but the real purpose was to boost the morale of the outpost.

“We do have that cask of ale we found below,” said Dram. “That would certainly raise spirits.” Dram winked at his own joke and the others smiled. “And I have several decks of cards and dice for games,” said Dalin. Brother Ben winced at this. “We should hold what activities we can inside” he said. “I think the rain is a big part of it problem.” The others nodded in agreement. Igor spoke up in that strange voice of his. “We could play skin the cat. Do you know that game Dalin?” Igor’s lazy eye wheeled in its socket. “Uhh…. well I was thinking more along the lines of poker, but we can let the men decide.” The planning of the party stretched late into the evening.

After heading back up the well, Kayla requested the guards be reposted. Brother Ben went up to check on the infirmary and saw the three Gresslam brothers. Each was soundly asleep on the floor next to a full bed. Ben listened to all who were awake and had grievances. Though complaints varied, Ben’s eyes saw true in the candlelight. Very little was physically wrong with these soldiers. Ben stretched out near the medicine cabinet. It had been a very long day and now that he was back at Xavier he expected even longer ones to come.