As the two gruff men tried to hold back the tears Dram recounted what he had learned from the prisoners outside. His father confirmed the story. He also knew of much larger and hairier goblins in the tunnels below ground. They had arrived after the town was taken over. He also explained how the Skunraker Brothers were working with the goblins and had previously paid off the mayor and sheriff to allow the creatures into Hamfast. Then he cursed them for joining with the goblins after the creatures took over. With grim determination Dram pulled out his coin pouch and counted out the debt his father still owed. He left the pouch on a table in the room. Dram’s father said he had finished the armor he had been working on so long. But the buyer had never come to collect. Dram moved to leave, but his father refused to go. “I have to collect the armor. I can’t go without it.” Knowing how stubborn his father could be Dram gave in. He scouted outside first and then followed his dad to the Hammersmith family forge.
See background for full story
Motioning to help, the two strained with all their might and shifted the large forge anvil to one side. In a small compartment below Dram’s father pulled out a light metal box. In it was a fine mesh of chainmail armor made of something like burnished silver. He asked Dram to put the armor on. It was now his gift to his son. Dram took off his leathers and put on the chain. He gleamed like young warrior-king. The armor was incredibly light and did not scratch him at all. His father explained that it was deceptively tough and would keep him safe. Dram pulled his leather armor back on over it and could hardly feel the fine chainmail underneath. It was difficult to tell he even had it on. At last they left to join the others and escape.
Darius had asked the prisoners to prepare for travel. But Dalin waited to open the pen door as long as he could to give Dram some time. The lock was made from steel, but the gate and pen walls were made of wood and easy enough to cut. When they finally saw Dram running toward them with his father Dalin cut open the door and started leading the prisoners out in single file. Shouts rang out from the adjoining house. Three men ran outside and straight into the awaiting Pax and Ormond. It was the sheriff and two of his lackeys. None were armed. “Not a word or you will all die” Pax threatened. The three snapped shut their mouths. Dram ran back to the sheriff’s house while the team tied up their ‘new’ prisoners. Dalin led the freed men out of town. Darius tore off some of the sheriff’s clothing and gagged him and his deputees. When Dram returned he tossed a large pouch of coins in the constable’s lap. “The debt is paid. Gil Hammersmith is free.”
The five heroes counted themselves lucky as they mounted up and escorted the escapees north. The pace was very slow. Dram introduced his father, Gil Hammersmith, to his friends. After an hour Darius ordered the men to keep heading north until they reached Outpost Bear. He hastily scribed a note and handed it to Sam to give to the outpost commander. He told them to seek out Father Ben once they arrived at the Keep. Dram’s father decided to ride south with his son and they made a makeshift saddle for him on a packhorse. Feeling confident they turned toward Holmfaust and the rest of the team.
And yet another word from our sponsors
