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Story Hour
"Out of the Frying Pan" - Book I: Gathering Wood (reprise)
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<blockquote data-quote="el-remmen" data-source="post: 22119" data-attributes="member: 11"><p><strong>Session #2 (part I)</strong></p><p></p><p></p><p>As Jana, Kazrack and Beorth left the New Cemetery of Verdun, having not found the woman that they began to refer to as “the witch”, Malcolm made ready to leave the Slim Stiletto. As he left Deet of Ptah reminded him to visit the Council of Conscription at the Temple of Ra and get his conscription deferment stamped or else it would not be worth much. Annoyed at the bureaucracy of civilization the bard of the Dubh Moors decided he had get that done with before searching for his friend. </p><p></p><p>So, Malcolm mac Duligh left the Slim Stiletto and made his way through the crowded smelly streets of the Residential District towards the Temple District and the Temple of Ra, keeping an eye open for his friend Jeremy Northrop. Little did he know that he walked right past the place his Neergaardian friend was staying as he made his way up the street to the gate into the other district – The Green Griffon Inn & Tavern. </p><p></p><p>At the temple Malcolm waited for good long time, preferring the floor to the stone benches of the waiting room. He waited until it was about to be his turn and then took his spot next to the door the conscriptees were called into to meet the council. </p><p></p><p>“So, what post do you think you’ll get?” the young olive-skinned lad to his left asked him. (15)</p><p></p><p>“I’m not going,” Malcolm said flatly. </p><p></p><p>“What do you mean, you’re not going?” </p><p></p><p>“I found a way out de bloody war. I’m not going. I’m going on special mission instead.” Malcolm said through his accent. </p><p></p><p>“A special mission? How?” </p><p></p><p>“Get yourself to the Slim Stiletto, and find yerself this fat man that will getcha out of it to go clear some land and settle it. That way you don’t have to go to the war.” </p><p></p><p>The young man was astonished. “You get land and settle it and don’t have to go to the war? That’s great, I’m gonna tell my brother. We’re shepherds. We could go and settle some land and raise some goats and sheep. Thanks!” </p><p></p><p>With that the boy stood and ran out of the temple to secure his deferment before the day was over and he was required to report to the council. At that same moment Malcolm was called in to see the council, and in few minutes he was walking back out into the Verdunian heat, with a stamped deferment, anxious to shove it in the face of the first guard that stopped him and asked to see his papers. </p><p></p><p>In the meantime, the others made their way into the market to see if the “witch” Lalena was selling her wares and could be confronted, but she was nowhere to be found. The trio asked around, but the seller of gnomish wares could not help them (though he offered good deals on gnomish torches which they refused). The baskert-weaver could only tell them that the old woman did not come every day and that she lived in a shack in the Port District (16) amid the warehouses. Jana, Kazrack and Beorth decided that they would search the Port District and made their way there, but leaving the marketplace/Temple district were stopped by guards. They were questioned as to their business “running around the city with weapons drawn and heavily armored.” Beorth and the dwarf tried to explain, but the guard would have nothing to do with it, instead he sent them to see the Captain of the Guard at one of the gates to the Noble District. </p><p></p><p>The Captain seemed very busy and annoyed with the would-be do-gooders, but the presence of the Warden of the Monastery of Anubis made him more willing to be helpful. </p><p></p><p>“Well, I have to dedicate too many of men to search out conscription-dodgers and don’t have time for something that would be the province of the Monks of Anubis anyway. I give you the authority to check it out, just don’t go running around the city with weapons drawn, and if you find this “witch” bring her in for questioning.” </p><p></p><p>“How do I sheathe a halberd?” the pole-arm wielding dwarf asked. </p><p></p><p>“Put a sack over the blade,” the Captain replied. </p><p></p><p>And so the trio left once again on their interrupted investigation, pausing only to gain a hastily written note of authority from the Captain of the Guard and to stop in the market and buy a sack for the blade of Kazrack’s halberd. </p><p></p><p>Jeremy Northrop feeling his pouch of silver being a little light and realizing that five days was a little longer than the three days he was given to report for conscription and it was time to leave town tried to get the rest of the money he paid for his inn stay up front back. The inn-keep was having none of it. </p><p></p><p>“You paid the weekly rate. No refunds. Anyway, you’ve already stayed five days, so you come out ahead.” </p><p></p><p>Resigning himself to having lost out on a few coppers, and not being too confident in his ability to do math, he figured he’d check the Dwarf Wall for news that might lead to a way out of the “Heart of Aquerra”. At the gate into the Temple District, he was stopped by some guards. </p><p></p><p>“Conscription papers,” the guard asked. </p><p></p><p>“Um. . . I don’t have any. I just got into town,” Jeremy replied </p><p></p><p>“Don’t you know you have three days to report to the Council of Conscription?” </p><p>“Three days? Thanks for letting me know. . .” </p><p></p><p>“When did you get in town?” </p><p></p><p>Jeremy paused, “Uh, a couple of days ago.” </p><p>“A couple of days, so you have to report by today.” </p><p></p><p>“Three days from when I was told?” Jeremy asked hopefully. </p><p></p><p>“Three days from when you arrive. I am in a generous mood, however,” the guard said. “You have until the end of today. If I were you I’d go to the Temple of Ra right now.” </p><p></p><p>Now it was not only the heat of Keent that was making the Neergaardian sweat. </p><p></p><p>At that same moment, Malcolm arrived at the same gate on his way into the Residential District to search the inns and taverns of Verdun for his friend, who unbeknownst to him was only a few feet away. Of course the Wallbrookian bard was stopped as well and happily showed his deferment papers. Of course the guard could not read and had to bring the papers over to his sergeant who was talking with Jeremy </p><p></p><p>Jeremy had heard the familiar voice of his friend, but made no move to get his attention. </p><p>“What’s your name and where ya staying?” the guard asked the blonde-haired warrior. </p><p></p><p>“Uh, James Freebooter, and at the uh, Green Griffon,” Jeremy half-lied. “And I’m gonna go to the Temple of Ra right now and get this all taken care of.” </p><p></p><p>They are interrupted. . . “Oh, uh. . . It says he is exempt from the war because he is going on some mission.” </p><p></p><p>The guard returned Malcolm’s papers to him and sent him on his way and Jeremy moved to follow his friend. </p><p></p><p>“The Temple of Ra is the other way,” the guard said. </p><p></p><p>“Oh, uh. I forgot something at the inn I was staying at. My father’s old ring. I really don’t know how I forgot it, but it is really important to me and I have to get it.” </p><p></p><p>The guard eyed him suspiciously, but finally sighed and said, “Okay, go ahead. But you have `til the end of the day. I have your name down and I know where you’re staying.” </p><p></p><p>Malcolm walked down the main thoroughfare out of the Temple District and decided to stop at every tavern he saw and ask for his friend. Coincidentally, the first tavern he happened upon was the Green Griffon. </p><p></p><p>Despite the fact that the inn-keep had had a conversation with Jeremy that very morning he maintained he had never seen the man Malcolm was describing. But while this conversation was happening, Jeremy stepped into the inn and attempted to sneak up behind his old friend. . . but the inn-keeper gave him away. The two would-be heroes greeted each other happily. </p><p>“What are you doing here?” Jeremy asked. </p><p></p><p>“Ya sed if ah wahs evah in Verdoon-e, to look ya up.,” Malcolm replied. </p><p></p><p>“Hmmm, I guess I did, but I only got here a few days ago myself and the guards won’t stop harassing me. I overheard you at the gate say something about not having to go to the war. How is that?” </p><p></p><p>“Les hav a drink and ahll explahn is all to ya. . . “ </p><p>------------ </p><p>Not all that too far away, Jana, Kazrack and Beorth were entering the Port District, but rather than being stopped by city guards as usual, it was they who stopped a guard and asked if he knew where Lalena the herb-woman lived. After asking them, who they were and what they were doing and Beorth showing him the letter from the Captain of the Guard (and the guard pretending to read it) he directed them to a shack just beyond the Brine Plaza. (17) He also declined to accompany them saying that he was forbidden to leave his post at the gate. </p><p></p><p>The trio made their way to the Brine Plaza to find it overflowing with beggars and the infirmed, along with the stench and excrement of so many people cramped in such a small area. A pair of guards stood at each end of the plaza, watching over the ne’er-do-wells . </p><p></p><p>“Alms for the poor,” said some. </p><p></p><p>“Help me, I’ve got the Blue Wasting Disease,’ said others. </p><p></p><p>Taken aback by the overwhelming misery, the party trudge on at Jana’s insistence. </p><p>“This is just like home,” she said. “Don’t give anything to any of them or we’ll have to give something to each of them.” </p><p></p><p>As they emerged from one end of the plaza, where the street formed a cul de sac they found the dilapidated shack. Kazrack also found that a young bare-foot boy in barely more than rags had followed them out the crowd and stood silently by them. </p><p></p><p>Beorth knocked on the door to have the force of his knock alone make it swing open with a creak. There was only a small round window across from the door to light the cramped dusty shack. The place appeared empty, but a squawk and a flutter brought their attention to a crow sitting on a perch by an unlit lantern. </p><p></p><p>“Nobody’s home!” it chirped. </p><p></p><p>Jana and Beorth decided to search the place, while Kazrack remained outside to keep and eye out and watch the boy whom he was suspicious of. </p><p></p><p>--- </p><p></p><p>On their way to the Slim Stiletto to have Jeremy sign up with Crumb to go to Derome-Delem and the Kingdom of Gothanius Malcolm told the tale of the thane of yore (when all the Equin people (18) lived as they should (as they still do in the Dubh Moors)) who had to gather a band to slay a dragon with scales like platinum and that was as big a mountain. It was such a rousing tale, that when they arrived Jeremy barely read the contract (since he could also barely read) before signing it. The old friends ate and drank some more and then headed back to the Temple District to get the Neergaardian’s deferment papers stamped by the Council of Conscription. </p><p></p><p>--- </p><p></p><p>Jana and Beorth looked around the dark and dusty shack. They found a hanging piece of smoked ham and a mobile made of skulls from a rat’s down to a human’s. There was a large table with a variety of herbs and other ingredients one might find a local healer or apothecary to have. There was also a large wooden chest and a metal footlocker along with a bunk. As Jana studied the table’s ingredients more closely, Beorth opened the footlocker and rummaged through it –finding nothing by some changes of clothes and a blanket. </p><p></p><p>The paladin of Anubis moved on to the wooden chest at the foot of the bed, while Jana double-checked him at the footlocker. She found jewelry (a ring, a necklace and some ear-rings) amid the folds in the clothes, while in the chest Beorth found a smaller wooden box. Opening it, inside he found a set of what seemed to be finger bones. This unsettled the two of them. The crow fluttered around and squawked and repeated “Nobody’s Home” a few times. </p><p></p><p>Being unable to judge the value of the jewelry, Beorth brought it outside to Kazrack, who was getting nowhere trying to talk to the boy. </p><p></p><p>“Go away, boy,” the dwarf said as Beorth handed him the jewelry, but the boy simply stood just out of reach. </p><p></p><p>“This is pretty good quality. Not the best, but good for human craftsmanship,” he said after a few minutes. As he looked up from the jewelry, something caught his eye and he looked across the plaza to the form of a haggard woman walking towards the shack. She saw the door open and the dwarf and paladin standing there and ducked down a side-street. </p><p></p><p>Gaining the others’ attention, Kazrack explained what he saw. Jana and Beorth moved to go find her, and in that same instant the crow took flight and glided out of the door and out over the nearby buildings – roughly in the direction Kazrack had seen the woman go. Jana and Beorth hustled through the plaza, past the begging horde to find the old woman, leaving Kazrack behind to guard the hut. </p><p></p><p>At the street they looked around, and could not see her – so they wandered down the street. In a few minutes they saw two large men headed in their direction. Looking closely they saw that they had billyclubs. </p><p></p><p>“Have you seen Lalena?” asked Jana. </p><p></p><p>“Who wants to know?” one of them asked. </p><p></p><p>“Well, we are looking to find her because we think she might be desecrating graves and eating the flesh of the departed,” Beorth said, with the straight-face of a man with nothing to hide. </p><p></p><p>The men looked taken aback for a second, but soon regained their composure. </p><p></p><p>“We don’t know or care about any of that, but anyone that messes with Lalena, messes with us.” And with that they approached aggressively. </p><p>-- </p><p>Malcolm and Jeremy happily left the Temple of Ra and entered back into the Residential District. </p><p>“Let’s go somewhere and celebrate!” said Jeremy, “We’re gonna fight a dragon!” </p><p></p><p>“Well, between you and mai, if thar's reely a dragon there, ah'm roonin'," Malcolm replied. "Ainway, let's goo bahck to thah Slim Stilletto, it's free.” </p><p></p><p>“I want to try somewhere different,” and so with that the two friends wandered until the found the “The Cockatrice Tavern”. </p><p></p><p>The place smelled of brine and was packed with swarthy Herman-lander sailor types drinking hard liquor and swearing like the sailors they were. </p><p></p><p>The friends debated for a second on what to order. </p><p></p><p>“Get us a bottle,” Malcolm said, Jeremy asked the barkeep for a bottle of wine. The barkeep smirked and pulled out a bottle of something he called “Verdun’s Piss”, a sparkling golden-yellow wine. </p><p>“Piss?” asked Jeremy. </p><p></p><p>“Yah, Verdun’s Piss. The best we got. What not pansy enough for you?” the barkeep asked. “That’ll be 8 copper pieces.” </p><p></p><p>“What’s taking you so long? Malcolm asked looking for an empty table. </p><p></p><p>“The only wine they got is called ‘Piss’,” Jeremy said, paying the coins and grabbing the bottle. </p><p>“Well, who told ya ta get wine?” </p><p></p><p>“You did.” </p><p></p><p>“I said, “Get us a bottle.’ It coulda been anything.” </p><p></p><p>“The two of you sound like an old married couple,” a fellow in a stained sail-cloth shirt at a nearby table said. </p><p></p><p>Malcolm turned. </p><p></p><p>“I wonder which one is the wife,” the man said standing. “Oh, it must be you since you’re the one wearing a skirt.” He pointed at the bard’s kilt. The tavern erupted in laughter. </p><p></p><p>“Oh, yeah, well ya wanna be doing something about it ya bloody git?” </p><p></p><p>“A girl in a skirt is gonna fight me?” the man asked motioning to Malcolm and winking at his friends at the table. </p><p></p><p>“Are ya daft, man, luke at thees” Malcolm flexed the biceps of his well-muscled arms. </p><p>“Hey, fellas. There is no reason to fight. Let’s just have a drink and enjoy ourselves,” Jeremy interjected. </p><p></p><p>“Ach, I dun wanna fight.” </p><p></p><p>And with that Malcolm made to turn away, but turned back around suddenly slamming his fist into the sailor’s chin. </p><p></p><p>The tavern was filled with the sound of men yelling and the scraping of chairs being pushed back, and soon Jeremy was pulled into the fray, smashing the full bottle of Verdun’s Piss over someone’s head. In less than a minute, the original aggressor and his two friends lie unconscious on the tavern floor, and beer and wine was spilled all about. Jeremy was faced off against a stringy fellow who had pulled a knife, and Malcolm was turning to help him, when a yell from the barkeep got everyone’s attention. </p><p></p><p>Sagrow the barkeep was leaning across the bar with a cocked heavy crossbow. </p><p></p><p>“Everybody just calm down,” he said. “Anyone moves to keep fighting and I start shooting, and I don’t take sides, so you can consider yourselves all dead.” </p><p></p><p>The knife-toting sailor backed off and raised his hands up in a gesture of peace. </p><p></p><p>“Now, you two,” the barkeep said, referring to Malcolm and Jeremy. “You ain’t got no friends here, so if I were you I’d get the hell out.” </p><p></p><p>“I thought you said you don’t take sides. . .” Malcolm protested. </p><p></p><p>“I’m not taking sides. I’m just telling it like it is. Now leave.” </p><p></p><p>As the two companions moved to leave Jeremy turned to the barkeep, “About the bottle of Piss, since we did not get to drink it, you think perhaps we could…” </p><p></p><p>“No refunds! Get out!” Sagrow roared. </p><p></p><p>With looks of disgust they took their leave and decided to go back to the Slim Stiletto. </p><p>“Hav ah toldja how mooch ah hate thees place?” Malcolm said. </p><p></p><p>--- </p><p></p><p>The two thugs came forward – one immediately grabbing Jana and putting her into a neck twisting headlock. Beorth defended himself with his quarterstaff, but took a bad blow to the head. Hoping to avoid injuring the thug too badly, he tried to trip him again and again, but the deft thug kept leaping to avoid the ankle-aimed blows, or would catch his balance even when the staff caught his foot. Jana pulled away from her foe, who took a swing at her with his club and missed. Canting arcane words, she motioned at him with her hands and a look of great fear came over him and he fled. </p><p></p><p>Beorth and the other continued to struggle – Beorth getting the bad end of the deal, as he tried hard to not hurt his attacker. Jana attempted her spell twice more, but the thug’s will was too strong. Finally, fearing for his own life, Beorth let loose with a resounding crack across the foe’s chin. There was sickening snap and the man fell, his head twisted at an odd angle. </p><p></p><p>“I have to help him,” said a slightly shocked Beorth. </p><p></p><p>Jana pulled on his arm. “We are obviously in someone’s turf. We need to get out of here!” she said. </p><p></p><p>“He’s hurt,” the paladin said leaning forward. </p><p></p><p>“He’s dead, and we will be too if we stay here too long.” She began to run back to the shack. </p><p>“Anubis guard your soul,” Beorth said, and took off after the young woman. </p><p></p><p>Going back through the plaza, the beggars kept back from the bloody and grim-faced holy warrior. At the shack, Jana and Beorth explained to Kazrack what had happened. The girl continued to insist that they leave this place as soon as possible. She seemed highly perturbed and restless. So, the three of them left, Kazrack grabbing the young boy by the arm and pulling him along. The boy’s whimper was the first sound he made. </p><p></p><p>They stopped by one of the guards at the entrance to the plaza and explained about “the witch” and asked that they keep an eye out for her. </p><p></p><p>“Oh, and this kid is some beggar or works for her or something,” Kazrack said to the guard showing him the boy. </p><p></p><p>The guard cuffed the boy, “Get back in there.” The boy ran back into the crowded plaza. </p><p>While the dwarf talked with the guard both Beorth and Jana noticed a crow perched up on a roof, cocking its head and looking down at them. </p><p></p><p>“Let’s go,” Jana repeated nervously. </p><p></p><p>As they made their way back to the Monastery of Anubis, Kazrack explained a little to the other two about the contract, Crumb and the trip to Derome-Delem. </p><p>--- </p><p>At the Slim Stiletto , Malcolm and Jeremy were eating and drinking even more. The other members of “Crumb’s Boys” were now awake and enjoying the free food and drink. The young man that Malcolm had met on line at the Council of Conscription approached. </p><p></p><p>“Hey, how are you doing?” he said. “I just wanted to thank you again, and I did not catch your name…” </p><p></p><p>And so, Malcolm and Jeremy met Frank and his brother Gwar, two shepherd’s sons from the vicinity of Zootsburg. (19) Jeremy soon met Chance as well and the two of them began a dangerous dart game (called Cricket), with shots of Foul Spirits for whoever failed to hit a required mark. </p><p></p><p>After some time Jana, Kazrack and Beorth arrived at the Slim Stiletto as well. At the monastery, Beorth had called for Anubis’ aid and partially healed himself of the club wounds. Afterwards, he had read the contract aloud to Kazrack, while Kazrack quickly copied a version into the Dwerv Script of dwarves. Jana also seemed strangely interested in the deal, despite not needing any excuse to not go to war aside from her gender. </p><p></p><p>Jeremy already had his head leaning on the table from too much drink and not being so great at darts, despite natural skill, when compared to Chance’s incredible luck. </p><p></p><p>“You have to thank Bes, is all,” said Chance. (20) </p><p></p><p>Kazrack immediately laid into Deet with a bunch of questions, but Deet refused to answer saying that Crumb would be back for lunch soon enough and would answer any questions. </p><p></p><p>And soon enough, Crumb did arrive to a loud “It’s Crumb!” and hoots and cheers by the now nearly one score young men hanging out in the inn’s common room. Crumb ordered three pints of dark ale, and ordered one for Kazrack as well, as he sat down with his priestly assistant, the dwarf and the dwarf’s two new companions. </p><p></p><p>“I see, my dear dwarf that you have brought a friend with you to sign up,” Boris E. Crumb III began. </p><p>“Four copper pieces a day is not enough to risk your life for,” the dwarf began. </p><p>“That is just for personal expenses. All travel, room and board is paid for for the entirety of the trip,” the fat man said pounding down a pint in two gulps. </p><p></p><p>“Very well. The contract says a land grant. How much land is this exactly?” </p><p></p><p>“It says it depends on your skills,” Crumb shoved a piece of food the barkeep served into his mouth. </p><p>“Who will determine what skills I have, you? And how?” the dwarf asked. </p><p></p><p>“The Crown of Gothanius will determine, not I. And based on what you tell them, of course.” </p><p>“Very well. I will sign up with you,” Kazrack concluded. </p><p></p><p>“Are you sure it is a good idea to sign up a dwarf, sir?” Deet of Ptah interjected. </p><p></p><p>“Oh, Deet, it won’t be a problem,” Crumb replied </p><p></p><p>“But, don’t you think – I mean, aren’t you afraid. . .” </p><p></p><p>“I said, it won’t be a problem, Deet,” Crumb said curtly. </p><p></p><p>Kazrack turned to Deet. “Why do you think it might be a problem for a dwarf to come along, Deet? </p><p>Crumb answered for the priest. “Oh, he is just worried that once you get to your homeland and see your kin, you’ll forget the contract and abandon us. However, I know that the dwarves are honorable people and would not give their word lightly, and would be bound by a contract. Right, Deet?” </p><p></p><p>“Yes,” the priest answered. </p><p></p><p>“Yes, that is true,” the dwarf concurred, and signed the contract. </p><p></p><p>“And how about you, my dear sir? Need a way out of the war?” Crumb asked Beorth. </p><p></p><p>“I already have one,” he said, but added with a mumble – “but I need a way out of the country.” </p><p></p><p>“I am worried that such a contract might interfere with my duties to Anubis,” the holy warrior said to Crumb. </p><p></p><p>“I can assure that Derome-Delem is crawling with the animated corpses of soldiers who’s only spark is the foul desire for vengeance upon the living. There would be plenty of opportunity to accomplish both this mission and your duty to your god.” </p><p></p><p>“But what about the land grant? How would the people of Gothanius feel about my wanting to establish a monastery there?” </p><p></p><p>“The people of Gothanius are decedents of Herman-landers and as such are Ra-fearing folk as you and I. I am sure they would love for such a monastery to be established and it would do them much honor,” the fat man slurped down another thick dark ale, and reached for the third. </p><p></p><p>“That is well and good, but I must think on this action. I must pray and reflect,” Beorth said in his typical quiet manner. </p><p></p><p>“Well, do not take too long. There are only three spots left before we have 25, and when we do we will be leaving soon after.” </p><p></p><p>“Actually, I was wondering if you had a healer for this mission,” Jana quietly asked. </p><p></p><p>Crumb acted as if this were the first time he saw her. </p><p></p><p>“Oh, my dear lady. Why do you know of one?” </p><p></p><p>“I am a healer,” she said. </p><p></p><p>“My dear young lady, a young woman such as yourself traveling with two dozen young men. It would not be right, plus think of the logistical problems. But then again, I could use someone to assist Deet if things get difficult on the road. Hmmmm…” </p><p></p><p>“I will guard and watch her,” Kazrack said. “I am a dwarf and have no puerile interest in a human girl.” </p><p></p><p>“Well, it is another warm body and fulfills the quota. Deet, another contract!” </p><p></p><p>And with that Jana signed on as well. </p><p></p><p>“Only two spaces left, my friend,” Crumb said, picking at the meat on his plate. “At this rate they’ll be gone by the end of the day and then where will you be?” </p><p></p><p>The paladin of Anubis sighed, and as he reached for a contract to sign, the door to the inn burst open. </p><p></p><p>---- </p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, Malcolm had been carrying the drunken and unconscious Jeremy upstairs over his shoulder. He met a doughy pale young man with sandy brown hair and bad skin halfway up, who offered to help him. The boy introduced himself as Kamir and offered to help Malcolm or his friends with anything at all. </p><p></p><p>“I help out around here,” he said. “You going to go fight the dragon? Me too. If you need anything at all let me know.” </p><p></p><p>The two of them got Jeremy out of his clothes and into a room. </p><p></p><p>-- </p><p></p><p>“Ha Ha!” said the man who tumbled deftly into the common room of the Slim Stiletto. He wore a puffy-collared shirt, deep blue pantaloons, a large hat with a long feather, and had a well-groomed goatee; a rapier hung loosely from his belt, which also had a basket-hilted maine-gauche tucked into it. </p><p></p><p>“Is this the place that is contracting for heroes?” the man said in thickly accented voice. “I have come to prove my mettle – that I, Garcon, am the greatest of swordsmen and hero, let none say otherwise or fear my wrath and my blade.” </p><p></p><p>He took long strides into the tavern. “Where do I sign? Ah!” He snatched a pen and contract from Deet and quickly scrawled his name without even looking. “I only regret that I shall outshine you all and you will have no chance to prove your own heroism, however little it may be.” </p><p></p><p>He sat at the table with Crumb and the others and clapped his hands. “Barkeep, some wine, and please Mr. Dwarf,” he looked at Kazrack. “Please bathe, your odor it offends the senses.” Pulling a bottle of perfume he sprayed some in the dwarf’s general direction. </p><p></p><p>The fop looked at Jana, "Ah, and such a lovely young woman. I pledge my sword and honor to guard this precious flower." </p><p></p><p>"Uh, yeah. . . " Jana said. </p><p>“You sure do talk a lot,” Kazrack said. </p><p></p><p>“When you are as great as I, you must speak often for what other voice is so pleasing to an ear as delicate as mine?” </p><p></p><p>“I wish you were great at being quiet,” the dwarf added. </p><p></p><p>“Quiet? My good sir, I can be as silent as the hawk upon the wing, gliding down for the kill. So silent, so unnoticed, that even the sun forgets to cast my shadow.” </p><p></p><p>“Prove it.” And with that the flowery man closed his mouth, but sprayed some more perfume Kazrack’s way for good measure. </p><p></p><p>Eventually, Garcon moved along to prove his skill at darts, and Deet and Crumb left the table to discuss business. The three companions were left alone to discuss what to do about “the witch” and considered waiting for her that night to return to the cemetery and perhaps catch her in the act of digging up graves. </p><p></p><p>By this time this time Malcolm had come back downstairs and overheard what they were talking about. </p><p></p><p>“Witch? You be huntin’ a witch? Thas dangerous. Need someone ta come wit’cha?” </p><p>In a few moments it was agreed that they would meet at Monastery of Anubis at sundown and then walk from there out to the new cemetery together. Malcolm would be coning with them. “Witches be cavortin’ wit’ demons and da like, ul be needin’ someone wit’ a sword.” </p><p></p><p>It was then that Crumb made his announcement. </p><p></p><p>“As you all know, we received the twenty-fifth of our number today and so will be leaving for Derome-Delem and Gothanius soon. We are going on a good and sturdy cog called the Sea Cow, and will be going by a western route to avoid the Black Sea and the Black Island Navy. (21) We’ll be making one stop in on our way out of Herman Land, and after that it is about a six-day journey over the open sea to Derome-Delem. I am going to make the final arrangements now, and we will be most likely be leaving the morning after tomorrow, but be ready to leave soon. Thank you all for joining up with me and you will not soon regret it when you are enjoying the fruits of the labors before you.” </p><p></p><p>The young men applauded, and Deet and Crumb left. </p><p></p><p>In the meantime, Kazrack went to tell his father and family what had happened. And Beorth returned to the monastery. Jana remained behind at the inn, where Kamir showed her to her room. Soon after, Malcolm had Kamir draw him a bath and shave his beard and cut his hair. Kamir was happy to help. </p><p></p><p>At sundown, the four met up and got to the gate only to find out that once they left they would not be allowed back into the city until the gates re-opened at just before dawn, and that anyone without a conscription deferment was no longer being allowed to leave the city. Unfortunately, Kazrack had forgotten to get his papers stamped. </p><p></p><p>The four rushed to the temple of Ra to find it closed. After knocking, and getting the public contact, they had to explain the danger of the witch and what she was doing. The young priest, Briar Tulp, promised them they could return in the morning before the services and he would get an elder priest to stamp it. He also implied that perhaps the Church of Ra should become involved in the investigation since the monks of Anubis were absent. </p><p></p><p>Beorth returned to the Monastery to continue with his preparations to leave, but Jana, Malcolm and Kazrack returned to the Slim Stiletto to talk and have another drink. </p><p></p><p>At the tavern only the barkeep and three dark-haired figured were awake. Of the three, two talked softly, but the tallest and broadest of them was loud and a bit foul-mouthed. </p><p></p><p>The three companions ignored them, and sat to tell each other a bit about themselves. </p><p></p><p>Malcolm ordered a round of ales and some shots of foul spirits. Just as Malcolm was to raise his mug to say a word, Kazarack threw back his shot and followed up with a chase of dark ale. </p><p></p><p>“Ah guess tha dwarves don toost,” Malcolm said with annoyance. </p><p></p><p>Kazrack hemmed and hawed. </p><p></p><p>“Thas ookay, ah'm use to people bein' rood,” the skald added. “To new advenchus!” </p><p>He clinked his mug against Jana’s. </p><p></p><p>“To hunting dragons, or whatever,” she said. </p><p></p><p>“Do you think there is really a dragon?” Kazrack asked, trying to get into the conversation. </p><p>“Ahv sed it b'fore an ahll say it agen, if ah see a dragun, ah'm rooning,” Malcolm said. </p><p></p><p>“I know I can’t move all that quickly, but dragons can probably move pretty fast,” Kazrack said. </p><p>“Ah doon haf to roon fahster than the dragon, ah joss haf ta roon fahster than yoo!” Malcolm laughed, and Jana joined him, but Kazrack did not quite see the humor. </p><p></p><p>They were interrupted by Boris E. Crumb who returned to the tavern and told them that the Sea Cow would be leaving earlier than expected - the next afternoon. He planned to make the official announcement in the morning but figured that he might as well tell them now.</p><p> </p><p>Upon hearing this, Kazrack excused himself for the night, and Malcolm asked the innkeep, where Kamir stayed. </p><p></p><p>“In a shack out by the outhouse,” the old man answered. </p><p></p><p>The barbaric bard found him out there sleeping and woke him. </p><p></p><p>“Kamir! I need you to wake me up two hours before dawn. Can you do that?” </p><p></p><p>“Um, sure,” the doughy-boy answered bleary-eyed. “I guess I’m gonna have to stay up all night to do it though.” </p><p></p><p>“Okay,” said Malcolm, not giving it a second thought. </p><p></p><p>“Do you have anything for me to do in the meantime, to help me stay awake?” Kamir asked. </p><p></p><p>“Sure, oil this for me,” Malcolm handed the boy his bastard sword and went off to bed. </p><p></p><p>--- </p><p></p><p>At the Delver home, Kazrack’s father was still awake. He sat in the common area reading quietly from a stone tablet. </p><p></p><p>“What are you doing up so late father?” Kazrack asked. </p><p></p><p>“Oh, just going over a prayer for travelers.” </p><p></p><p>“Thank you father. It turns out I will be leaving earlier than expected. Tomorrow afternoon. I have business to take care of in the morning and might be gone all day so I’m not sure if I’ll see you.” </p><p></p><p>“Then I’m glad I saw you. Here are the papers of introduction your uncle drafted to seek trade opportunities with our kin when you get a chance. And also,” his father paused. “I wanted to give you this.” </p><p></p><p>He pulled a fine gold chain upon which was a simple gold band. </p><p></p><p>“This is the ring I gave your mother when we were married. I want you to have it to use when you find the woman who will be your wife.” </p><p></p><p>Kazrack was speechless with emotion. They hugged and then adjourned to bed.</p><p></p><p>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p></p><p></p><p>(15) The people of the Kingdom of Herman Land tend to be olive-skinned, with dark hair and either brown or green eyes.</p><p></p><p>(16) The City of Verdun is made up of walls in nearly concentric circles which make up its various districts. These are: Port District, Residential District, Temple/Market District, Noble District and the Palace District (in the center).</p><p></p><p>(17) All beggars were forced into the Brine Plaza soon after the conscription effort began, when it was discovered that young men were trying to hide among their ranks to get out of the war. Now the number of beggars allowed out of the Plaza is carefully monitored.</p><p></p><p>(18) The people of Wallbrook, though part of the Kingdom of Herman Land, are ethnically different, called the Equin peoples. They tend to be tall and fair or red-haired and fair-skinned.</p><p></p><p>(19) Zootsburg is an agricultural center in the western part of Herman Land, that faces the “Inner Ways” (the waterways between the kingdom’s many little islands).</p><p></p><p>(20) Bes is the god of luck.</p><p></p><p>(21) The Black Navy is widely regarded as the best and most dangerous, next to the elven naval forces of Tempestas.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="el-remmen, post: 22119, member: 11"] [b]Session #2 (part I)[/b] As Jana, Kazrack and Beorth left the New Cemetery of Verdun, having not found the woman that they began to refer to as “the witch”, Malcolm made ready to leave the Slim Stiletto. As he left Deet of Ptah reminded him to visit the Council of Conscription at the Temple of Ra and get his conscription deferment stamped or else it would not be worth much. Annoyed at the bureaucracy of civilization the bard of the Dubh Moors decided he had get that done with before searching for his friend. So, Malcolm mac Duligh left the Slim Stiletto and made his way through the crowded smelly streets of the Residential District towards the Temple District and the Temple of Ra, keeping an eye open for his friend Jeremy Northrop. Little did he know that he walked right past the place his Neergaardian friend was staying as he made his way up the street to the gate into the other district – The Green Griffon Inn & Tavern. At the temple Malcolm waited for good long time, preferring the floor to the stone benches of the waiting room. He waited until it was about to be his turn and then took his spot next to the door the conscriptees were called into to meet the council. “So, what post do you think you’ll get?” the young olive-skinned lad to his left asked him. (15) “I’m not going,” Malcolm said flatly. “What do you mean, you’re not going?” “I found a way out de bloody war. I’m not going. I’m going on special mission instead.” Malcolm said through his accent. “A special mission? How?” “Get yourself to the Slim Stiletto, and find yerself this fat man that will getcha out of it to go clear some land and settle it. That way you don’t have to go to the war.” The young man was astonished. “You get land and settle it and don’t have to go to the war? That’s great, I’m gonna tell my brother. We’re shepherds. We could go and settle some land and raise some goats and sheep. Thanks!” With that the boy stood and ran out of the temple to secure his deferment before the day was over and he was required to report to the council. At that same moment Malcolm was called in to see the council, and in few minutes he was walking back out into the Verdunian heat, with a stamped deferment, anxious to shove it in the face of the first guard that stopped him and asked to see his papers. In the meantime, the others made their way into the market to see if the “witch” Lalena was selling her wares and could be confronted, but she was nowhere to be found. The trio asked around, but the seller of gnomish wares could not help them (though he offered good deals on gnomish torches which they refused). The baskert-weaver could only tell them that the old woman did not come every day and that she lived in a shack in the Port District (16) amid the warehouses. Jana, Kazrack and Beorth decided that they would search the Port District and made their way there, but leaving the marketplace/Temple district were stopped by guards. They were questioned as to their business “running around the city with weapons drawn and heavily armored.” Beorth and the dwarf tried to explain, but the guard would have nothing to do with it, instead he sent them to see the Captain of the Guard at one of the gates to the Noble District. The Captain seemed very busy and annoyed with the would-be do-gooders, but the presence of the Warden of the Monastery of Anubis made him more willing to be helpful. “Well, I have to dedicate too many of men to search out conscription-dodgers and don’t have time for something that would be the province of the Monks of Anubis anyway. I give you the authority to check it out, just don’t go running around the city with weapons drawn, and if you find this “witch” bring her in for questioning.” “How do I sheathe a halberd?” the pole-arm wielding dwarf asked. “Put a sack over the blade,” the Captain replied. And so the trio left once again on their interrupted investigation, pausing only to gain a hastily written note of authority from the Captain of the Guard and to stop in the market and buy a sack for the blade of Kazrack’s halberd. Jeremy Northrop feeling his pouch of silver being a little light and realizing that five days was a little longer than the three days he was given to report for conscription and it was time to leave town tried to get the rest of the money he paid for his inn stay up front back. The inn-keep was having none of it. “You paid the weekly rate. No refunds. Anyway, you’ve already stayed five days, so you come out ahead.” Resigning himself to having lost out on a few coppers, and not being too confident in his ability to do math, he figured he’d check the Dwarf Wall for news that might lead to a way out of the “Heart of Aquerra”. At the gate into the Temple District, he was stopped by some guards. “Conscription papers,” the guard asked. “Um. . . I don’t have any. I just got into town,” Jeremy replied “Don’t you know you have three days to report to the Council of Conscription?” “Three days? Thanks for letting me know. . .” “When did you get in town?” Jeremy paused, “Uh, a couple of days ago.” “A couple of days, so you have to report by today.” “Three days from when I was told?” Jeremy asked hopefully. “Three days from when you arrive. I am in a generous mood, however,” the guard said. “You have until the end of today. If I were you I’d go to the Temple of Ra right now.” Now it was not only the heat of Keent that was making the Neergaardian sweat. At that same moment, Malcolm arrived at the same gate on his way into the Residential District to search the inns and taverns of Verdun for his friend, who unbeknownst to him was only a few feet away. Of course the Wallbrookian bard was stopped as well and happily showed his deferment papers. Of course the guard could not read and had to bring the papers over to his sergeant who was talking with Jeremy Jeremy had heard the familiar voice of his friend, but made no move to get his attention. “What’s your name and where ya staying?” the guard asked the blonde-haired warrior. “Uh, James Freebooter, and at the uh, Green Griffon,” Jeremy half-lied. “And I’m gonna go to the Temple of Ra right now and get this all taken care of.” They are interrupted. . . “Oh, uh. . . It says he is exempt from the war because he is going on some mission.” The guard returned Malcolm’s papers to him and sent him on his way and Jeremy moved to follow his friend. “The Temple of Ra is the other way,” the guard said. “Oh, uh. I forgot something at the inn I was staying at. My father’s old ring. I really don’t know how I forgot it, but it is really important to me and I have to get it.” The guard eyed him suspiciously, but finally sighed and said, “Okay, go ahead. But you have `til the end of the day. I have your name down and I know where you’re staying.” Malcolm walked down the main thoroughfare out of the Temple District and decided to stop at every tavern he saw and ask for his friend. Coincidentally, the first tavern he happened upon was the Green Griffon. Despite the fact that the inn-keep had had a conversation with Jeremy that very morning he maintained he had never seen the man Malcolm was describing. But while this conversation was happening, Jeremy stepped into the inn and attempted to sneak up behind his old friend. . . but the inn-keeper gave him away. The two would-be heroes greeted each other happily. “What are you doing here?” Jeremy asked. “Ya sed if ah wahs evah in Verdoon-e, to look ya up.,” Malcolm replied. “Hmmm, I guess I did, but I only got here a few days ago myself and the guards won’t stop harassing me. I overheard you at the gate say something about not having to go to the war. How is that?” “Les hav a drink and ahll explahn is all to ya. . . “ ------------ Not all that too far away, Jana, Kazrack and Beorth were entering the Port District, but rather than being stopped by city guards as usual, it was they who stopped a guard and asked if he knew where Lalena the herb-woman lived. After asking them, who they were and what they were doing and Beorth showing him the letter from the Captain of the Guard (and the guard pretending to read it) he directed them to a shack just beyond the Brine Plaza. (17) He also declined to accompany them saying that he was forbidden to leave his post at the gate. The trio made their way to the Brine Plaza to find it overflowing with beggars and the infirmed, along with the stench and excrement of so many people cramped in such a small area. A pair of guards stood at each end of the plaza, watching over the ne’er-do-wells . “Alms for the poor,” said some. “Help me, I’ve got the Blue Wasting Disease,’ said others. Taken aback by the overwhelming misery, the party trudge on at Jana’s insistence. “This is just like home,” she said. “Don’t give anything to any of them or we’ll have to give something to each of them.” As they emerged from one end of the plaza, where the street formed a cul de sac they found the dilapidated shack. Kazrack also found that a young bare-foot boy in barely more than rags had followed them out the crowd and stood silently by them. Beorth knocked on the door to have the force of his knock alone make it swing open with a creak. There was only a small round window across from the door to light the cramped dusty shack. The place appeared empty, but a squawk and a flutter brought their attention to a crow sitting on a perch by an unlit lantern. “Nobody’s home!” it chirped. Jana and Beorth decided to search the place, while Kazrack remained outside to keep and eye out and watch the boy whom he was suspicious of. --- On their way to the Slim Stiletto to have Jeremy sign up with Crumb to go to Derome-Delem and the Kingdom of Gothanius Malcolm told the tale of the thane of yore (when all the Equin people (18) lived as they should (as they still do in the Dubh Moors)) who had to gather a band to slay a dragon with scales like platinum and that was as big a mountain. It was such a rousing tale, that when they arrived Jeremy barely read the contract (since he could also barely read) before signing it. The old friends ate and drank some more and then headed back to the Temple District to get the Neergaardian’s deferment papers stamped by the Council of Conscription. --- Jana and Beorth looked around the dark and dusty shack. They found a hanging piece of smoked ham and a mobile made of skulls from a rat’s down to a human’s. There was a large table with a variety of herbs and other ingredients one might find a local healer or apothecary to have. There was also a large wooden chest and a metal footlocker along with a bunk. As Jana studied the table’s ingredients more closely, Beorth opened the footlocker and rummaged through it –finding nothing by some changes of clothes and a blanket. The paladin of Anubis moved on to the wooden chest at the foot of the bed, while Jana double-checked him at the footlocker. She found jewelry (a ring, a necklace and some ear-rings) amid the folds in the clothes, while in the chest Beorth found a smaller wooden box. Opening it, inside he found a set of what seemed to be finger bones. This unsettled the two of them. The crow fluttered around and squawked and repeated “Nobody’s Home” a few times. Being unable to judge the value of the jewelry, Beorth brought it outside to Kazrack, who was getting nowhere trying to talk to the boy. “Go away, boy,” the dwarf said as Beorth handed him the jewelry, but the boy simply stood just out of reach. “This is pretty good quality. Not the best, but good for human craftsmanship,” he said after a few minutes. As he looked up from the jewelry, something caught his eye and he looked across the plaza to the form of a haggard woman walking towards the shack. She saw the door open and the dwarf and paladin standing there and ducked down a side-street. Gaining the others’ attention, Kazrack explained what he saw. Jana and Beorth moved to go find her, and in that same instant the crow took flight and glided out of the door and out over the nearby buildings – roughly in the direction Kazrack had seen the woman go. Jana and Beorth hustled through the plaza, past the begging horde to find the old woman, leaving Kazrack behind to guard the hut. At the street they looked around, and could not see her – so they wandered down the street. In a few minutes they saw two large men headed in their direction. Looking closely they saw that they had billyclubs. “Have you seen Lalena?” asked Jana. “Who wants to know?” one of them asked. “Well, we are looking to find her because we think she might be desecrating graves and eating the flesh of the departed,” Beorth said, with the straight-face of a man with nothing to hide. The men looked taken aback for a second, but soon regained their composure. “We don’t know or care about any of that, but anyone that messes with Lalena, messes with us.” And with that they approached aggressively. -- Malcolm and Jeremy happily left the Temple of Ra and entered back into the Residential District. “Let’s go somewhere and celebrate!” said Jeremy, “We’re gonna fight a dragon!” “Well, between you and mai, if thar's reely a dragon there, ah'm roonin'," Malcolm replied. "Ainway, let's goo bahck to thah Slim Stilletto, it's free.” “I want to try somewhere different,” and so with that the two friends wandered until the found the “The Cockatrice Tavern”. The place smelled of brine and was packed with swarthy Herman-lander sailor types drinking hard liquor and swearing like the sailors they were. The friends debated for a second on what to order. “Get us a bottle,” Malcolm said, Jeremy asked the barkeep for a bottle of wine. The barkeep smirked and pulled out a bottle of something he called “Verdun’s Piss”, a sparkling golden-yellow wine. “Piss?” asked Jeremy. “Yah, Verdun’s Piss. The best we got. What not pansy enough for you?” the barkeep asked. “That’ll be 8 copper pieces.” “What’s taking you so long? Malcolm asked looking for an empty table. “The only wine they got is called ‘Piss’,” Jeremy said, paying the coins and grabbing the bottle. “Well, who told ya ta get wine?” “You did.” “I said, “Get us a bottle.’ It coulda been anything.” “The two of you sound like an old married couple,” a fellow in a stained sail-cloth shirt at a nearby table said. Malcolm turned. “I wonder which one is the wife,” the man said standing. “Oh, it must be you since you’re the one wearing a skirt.” He pointed at the bard’s kilt. The tavern erupted in laughter. “Oh, yeah, well ya wanna be doing something about it ya bloody git?” “A girl in a skirt is gonna fight me?” the man asked motioning to Malcolm and winking at his friends at the table. “Are ya daft, man, luke at thees” Malcolm flexed the biceps of his well-muscled arms. “Hey, fellas. There is no reason to fight. Let’s just have a drink and enjoy ourselves,” Jeremy interjected. “Ach, I dun wanna fight.” And with that Malcolm made to turn away, but turned back around suddenly slamming his fist into the sailor’s chin. The tavern was filled with the sound of men yelling and the scraping of chairs being pushed back, and soon Jeremy was pulled into the fray, smashing the full bottle of Verdun’s Piss over someone’s head. In less than a minute, the original aggressor and his two friends lie unconscious on the tavern floor, and beer and wine was spilled all about. Jeremy was faced off against a stringy fellow who had pulled a knife, and Malcolm was turning to help him, when a yell from the barkeep got everyone’s attention. Sagrow the barkeep was leaning across the bar with a cocked heavy crossbow. “Everybody just calm down,” he said. “Anyone moves to keep fighting and I start shooting, and I don’t take sides, so you can consider yourselves all dead.” The knife-toting sailor backed off and raised his hands up in a gesture of peace. “Now, you two,” the barkeep said, referring to Malcolm and Jeremy. “You ain’t got no friends here, so if I were you I’d get the hell out.” “I thought you said you don’t take sides. . .” Malcolm protested. “I’m not taking sides. I’m just telling it like it is. Now leave.” As the two companions moved to leave Jeremy turned to the barkeep, “About the bottle of Piss, since we did not get to drink it, you think perhaps we could…” “No refunds! Get out!” Sagrow roared. With looks of disgust they took their leave and decided to go back to the Slim Stiletto. “Hav ah toldja how mooch ah hate thees place?” Malcolm said. --- The two thugs came forward – one immediately grabbing Jana and putting her into a neck twisting headlock. Beorth defended himself with his quarterstaff, but took a bad blow to the head. Hoping to avoid injuring the thug too badly, he tried to trip him again and again, but the deft thug kept leaping to avoid the ankle-aimed blows, or would catch his balance even when the staff caught his foot. Jana pulled away from her foe, who took a swing at her with his club and missed. Canting arcane words, she motioned at him with her hands and a look of great fear came over him and he fled. Beorth and the other continued to struggle – Beorth getting the bad end of the deal, as he tried hard to not hurt his attacker. Jana attempted her spell twice more, but the thug’s will was too strong. Finally, fearing for his own life, Beorth let loose with a resounding crack across the foe’s chin. There was sickening snap and the man fell, his head twisted at an odd angle. “I have to help him,” said a slightly shocked Beorth. Jana pulled on his arm. “We are obviously in someone’s turf. We need to get out of here!” she said. “He’s hurt,” the paladin said leaning forward. “He’s dead, and we will be too if we stay here too long.” She began to run back to the shack. “Anubis guard your soul,” Beorth said, and took off after the young woman. Going back through the plaza, the beggars kept back from the bloody and grim-faced holy warrior. At the shack, Jana and Beorth explained to Kazrack what had happened. The girl continued to insist that they leave this place as soon as possible. She seemed highly perturbed and restless. So, the three of them left, Kazrack grabbing the young boy by the arm and pulling him along. The boy’s whimper was the first sound he made. They stopped by one of the guards at the entrance to the plaza and explained about “the witch” and asked that they keep an eye out for her. “Oh, and this kid is some beggar or works for her or something,” Kazrack said to the guard showing him the boy. The guard cuffed the boy, “Get back in there.” The boy ran back into the crowded plaza. While the dwarf talked with the guard both Beorth and Jana noticed a crow perched up on a roof, cocking its head and looking down at them. “Let’s go,” Jana repeated nervously. As they made their way back to the Monastery of Anubis, Kazrack explained a little to the other two about the contract, Crumb and the trip to Derome-Delem. --- At the Slim Stiletto , Malcolm and Jeremy were eating and drinking even more. The other members of “Crumb’s Boys” were now awake and enjoying the free food and drink. The young man that Malcolm had met on line at the Council of Conscription approached. “Hey, how are you doing?” he said. “I just wanted to thank you again, and I did not catch your name…” And so, Malcolm and Jeremy met Frank and his brother Gwar, two shepherd’s sons from the vicinity of Zootsburg. (19) Jeremy soon met Chance as well and the two of them began a dangerous dart game (called Cricket), with shots of Foul Spirits for whoever failed to hit a required mark. After some time Jana, Kazrack and Beorth arrived at the Slim Stiletto as well. At the monastery, Beorth had called for Anubis’ aid and partially healed himself of the club wounds. Afterwards, he had read the contract aloud to Kazrack, while Kazrack quickly copied a version into the Dwerv Script of dwarves. Jana also seemed strangely interested in the deal, despite not needing any excuse to not go to war aside from her gender. Jeremy already had his head leaning on the table from too much drink and not being so great at darts, despite natural skill, when compared to Chance’s incredible luck. “You have to thank Bes, is all,” said Chance. (20) Kazrack immediately laid into Deet with a bunch of questions, but Deet refused to answer saying that Crumb would be back for lunch soon enough and would answer any questions. And soon enough, Crumb did arrive to a loud “It’s Crumb!” and hoots and cheers by the now nearly one score young men hanging out in the inn’s common room. Crumb ordered three pints of dark ale, and ordered one for Kazrack as well, as he sat down with his priestly assistant, the dwarf and the dwarf’s two new companions. “I see, my dear dwarf that you have brought a friend with you to sign up,” Boris E. Crumb III began. “Four copper pieces a day is not enough to risk your life for,” the dwarf began. “That is just for personal expenses. All travel, room and board is paid for for the entirety of the trip,” the fat man said pounding down a pint in two gulps. “Very well. The contract says a land grant. How much land is this exactly?” “It says it depends on your skills,” Crumb shoved a piece of food the barkeep served into his mouth. “Who will determine what skills I have, you? And how?” the dwarf asked. “The Crown of Gothanius will determine, not I. And based on what you tell them, of course.” “Very well. I will sign up with you,” Kazrack concluded. “Are you sure it is a good idea to sign up a dwarf, sir?” Deet of Ptah interjected. “Oh, Deet, it won’t be a problem,” Crumb replied “But, don’t you think – I mean, aren’t you afraid. . .” “I said, it won’t be a problem, Deet,” Crumb said curtly. Kazrack turned to Deet. “Why do you think it might be a problem for a dwarf to come along, Deet? Crumb answered for the priest. “Oh, he is just worried that once you get to your homeland and see your kin, you’ll forget the contract and abandon us. However, I know that the dwarves are honorable people and would not give their word lightly, and would be bound by a contract. Right, Deet?” “Yes,” the priest answered. “Yes, that is true,” the dwarf concurred, and signed the contract. “And how about you, my dear sir? Need a way out of the war?” Crumb asked Beorth. “I already have one,” he said, but added with a mumble – “but I need a way out of the country.” “I am worried that such a contract might interfere with my duties to Anubis,” the holy warrior said to Crumb. “I can assure that Derome-Delem is crawling with the animated corpses of soldiers who’s only spark is the foul desire for vengeance upon the living. There would be plenty of opportunity to accomplish both this mission and your duty to your god.” “But what about the land grant? How would the people of Gothanius feel about my wanting to establish a monastery there?” “The people of Gothanius are decedents of Herman-landers and as such are Ra-fearing folk as you and I. I am sure they would love for such a monastery to be established and it would do them much honor,” the fat man slurped down another thick dark ale, and reached for the third. “That is well and good, but I must think on this action. I must pray and reflect,” Beorth said in his typical quiet manner. “Well, do not take too long. There are only three spots left before we have 25, and when we do we will be leaving soon after.” “Actually, I was wondering if you had a healer for this mission,” Jana quietly asked. Crumb acted as if this were the first time he saw her. “Oh, my dear lady. Why do you know of one?” “I am a healer,” she said. “My dear young lady, a young woman such as yourself traveling with two dozen young men. It would not be right, plus think of the logistical problems. But then again, I could use someone to assist Deet if things get difficult on the road. Hmmmm…” “I will guard and watch her,” Kazrack said. “I am a dwarf and have no puerile interest in a human girl.” “Well, it is another warm body and fulfills the quota. Deet, another contract!” And with that Jana signed on as well. “Only two spaces left, my friend,” Crumb said, picking at the meat on his plate. “At this rate they’ll be gone by the end of the day and then where will you be?” The paladin of Anubis sighed, and as he reached for a contract to sign, the door to the inn burst open. ---- Meanwhile, Malcolm had been carrying the drunken and unconscious Jeremy upstairs over his shoulder. He met a doughy pale young man with sandy brown hair and bad skin halfway up, who offered to help him. The boy introduced himself as Kamir and offered to help Malcolm or his friends with anything at all. “I help out around here,” he said. “You going to go fight the dragon? Me too. If you need anything at all let me know.” The two of them got Jeremy out of his clothes and into a room. -- “Ha Ha!” said the man who tumbled deftly into the common room of the Slim Stiletto. He wore a puffy-collared shirt, deep blue pantaloons, a large hat with a long feather, and had a well-groomed goatee; a rapier hung loosely from his belt, which also had a basket-hilted maine-gauche tucked into it. “Is this the place that is contracting for heroes?” the man said in thickly accented voice. “I have come to prove my mettle – that I, Garcon, am the greatest of swordsmen and hero, let none say otherwise or fear my wrath and my blade.” He took long strides into the tavern. “Where do I sign? Ah!” He snatched a pen and contract from Deet and quickly scrawled his name without even looking. “I only regret that I shall outshine you all and you will have no chance to prove your own heroism, however little it may be.” He sat at the table with Crumb and the others and clapped his hands. “Barkeep, some wine, and please Mr. Dwarf,” he looked at Kazrack. “Please bathe, your odor it offends the senses.” Pulling a bottle of perfume he sprayed some in the dwarf’s general direction. The fop looked at Jana, "Ah, and such a lovely young woman. I pledge my sword and honor to guard this precious flower." "Uh, yeah. . . " Jana said. “You sure do talk a lot,” Kazrack said. “When you are as great as I, you must speak often for what other voice is so pleasing to an ear as delicate as mine?” “I wish you were great at being quiet,” the dwarf added. “Quiet? My good sir, I can be as silent as the hawk upon the wing, gliding down for the kill. So silent, so unnoticed, that even the sun forgets to cast my shadow.” “Prove it.” And with that the flowery man closed his mouth, but sprayed some more perfume Kazrack’s way for good measure. Eventually, Garcon moved along to prove his skill at darts, and Deet and Crumb left the table to discuss business. The three companions were left alone to discuss what to do about “the witch” and considered waiting for her that night to return to the cemetery and perhaps catch her in the act of digging up graves. By this time this time Malcolm had come back downstairs and overheard what they were talking about. “Witch? You be huntin’ a witch? Thas dangerous. Need someone ta come wit’cha?” In a few moments it was agreed that they would meet at Monastery of Anubis at sundown and then walk from there out to the new cemetery together. Malcolm would be coning with them. “Witches be cavortin’ wit’ demons and da like, ul be needin’ someone wit’ a sword.” It was then that Crumb made his announcement. “As you all know, we received the twenty-fifth of our number today and so will be leaving for Derome-Delem and Gothanius soon. We are going on a good and sturdy cog called the Sea Cow, and will be going by a western route to avoid the Black Sea and the Black Island Navy. (21) We’ll be making one stop in on our way out of Herman Land, and after that it is about a six-day journey over the open sea to Derome-Delem. I am going to make the final arrangements now, and we will be most likely be leaving the morning after tomorrow, but be ready to leave soon. Thank you all for joining up with me and you will not soon regret it when you are enjoying the fruits of the labors before you.” The young men applauded, and Deet and Crumb left. In the meantime, Kazrack went to tell his father and family what had happened. And Beorth returned to the monastery. Jana remained behind at the inn, where Kamir showed her to her room. Soon after, Malcolm had Kamir draw him a bath and shave his beard and cut his hair. Kamir was happy to help. At sundown, the four met up and got to the gate only to find out that once they left they would not be allowed back into the city until the gates re-opened at just before dawn, and that anyone without a conscription deferment was no longer being allowed to leave the city. Unfortunately, Kazrack had forgotten to get his papers stamped. The four rushed to the temple of Ra to find it closed. After knocking, and getting the public contact, they had to explain the danger of the witch and what she was doing. The young priest, Briar Tulp, promised them they could return in the morning before the services and he would get an elder priest to stamp it. He also implied that perhaps the Church of Ra should become involved in the investigation since the monks of Anubis were absent. Beorth returned to the Monastery to continue with his preparations to leave, but Jana, Malcolm and Kazrack returned to the Slim Stiletto to talk and have another drink. At the tavern only the barkeep and three dark-haired figured were awake. Of the three, two talked softly, but the tallest and broadest of them was loud and a bit foul-mouthed. The three companions ignored them, and sat to tell each other a bit about themselves. Malcolm ordered a round of ales and some shots of foul spirits. Just as Malcolm was to raise his mug to say a word, Kazarack threw back his shot and followed up with a chase of dark ale. “Ah guess tha dwarves don toost,” Malcolm said with annoyance. Kazrack hemmed and hawed. “Thas ookay, ah'm use to people bein' rood,” the skald added. “To new advenchus!” He clinked his mug against Jana’s. “To hunting dragons, or whatever,” she said. “Do you think there is really a dragon?” Kazrack asked, trying to get into the conversation. “Ahv sed it b'fore an ahll say it agen, if ah see a dragun, ah'm rooning,” Malcolm said. “I know I can’t move all that quickly, but dragons can probably move pretty fast,” Kazrack said. “Ah doon haf to roon fahster than the dragon, ah joss haf ta roon fahster than yoo!” Malcolm laughed, and Jana joined him, but Kazrack did not quite see the humor. They were interrupted by Boris E. Crumb who returned to the tavern and told them that the Sea Cow would be leaving earlier than expected - the next afternoon. He planned to make the official announcement in the morning but figured that he might as well tell them now. Upon hearing this, Kazrack excused himself for the night, and Malcolm asked the innkeep, where Kamir stayed. “In a shack out by the outhouse,” the old man answered. The barbaric bard found him out there sleeping and woke him. “Kamir! I need you to wake me up two hours before dawn. Can you do that?” “Um, sure,” the doughy-boy answered bleary-eyed. “I guess I’m gonna have to stay up all night to do it though.” “Okay,” said Malcolm, not giving it a second thought. “Do you have anything for me to do in the meantime, to help me stay awake?” Kamir asked. “Sure, oil this for me,” Malcolm handed the boy his bastard sword and went off to bed. --- At the Delver home, Kazrack’s father was still awake. He sat in the common area reading quietly from a stone tablet. “What are you doing up so late father?” Kazrack asked. “Oh, just going over a prayer for travelers.” “Thank you father. It turns out I will be leaving earlier than expected. Tomorrow afternoon. I have business to take care of in the morning and might be gone all day so I’m not sure if I’ll see you.” “Then I’m glad I saw you. Here are the papers of introduction your uncle drafted to seek trade opportunities with our kin when you get a chance. And also,” his father paused. “I wanted to give you this.” He pulled a fine gold chain upon which was a simple gold band. “This is the ring I gave your mother when we were married. I want you to have it to use when you find the woman who will be your wife.” Kazrack was speechless with emotion. They hugged and then adjourned to bed. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Notes:[/b] (15) The people of the Kingdom of Herman Land tend to be olive-skinned, with dark hair and either brown or green eyes. (16) The City of Verdun is made up of walls in nearly concentric circles which make up its various districts. These are: Port District, Residential District, Temple/Market District, Noble District and the Palace District (in the center). (17) All beggars were forced into the Brine Plaza soon after the conscription effort began, when it was discovered that young men were trying to hide among their ranks to get out of the war. Now the number of beggars allowed out of the Plaza is carefully monitored. (18) The people of Wallbrook, though part of the Kingdom of Herman Land, are ethnically different, called the Equin peoples. They tend to be tall and fair or red-haired and fair-skinned. (19) Zootsburg is an agricultural center in the western part of Herman Land, that faces the “Inner Ways” (the waterways between the kingdom’s many little islands). (20) Bes is the god of luck. (21) The Black Navy is widely regarded as the best and most dangerous, next to the elven naval forces of Tempestas. [/QUOTE]
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"Out of the Frying Pan" - Book I: Gathering Wood (reprise)
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