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Story Hour
Steel Dragon's "Tales of Orea"
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<blockquote data-quote="steeldragons" data-source="post: 5702645" data-attributes="member: 92511"><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria followed the captain’s manservant through the crowded corridors. What was his name again? Tohmas, Tumnes, Tihmos, something like that but the name escaped Alaria as she wove through the halls. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Messengers and officers of Bridgetower’s constantly increasing compliment of soldiers moved to and fro. The entire keep bustled all day while the clanging and smoke billowing from the smithy continued all night.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Coerraine had shared at one of their meals, one of the few calm casual moments they’d had in the past week, the ‘Tower’s barracks were full to bursting with over 200 guardsmen having arrived over the past several days.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">They came to the office of Captain Rynthis and the servant knocked on the oaken door.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Come.” Came the gravely baritone voice from beyond the door.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The servant opened the door for the magess, but did not enter and closed the door as soon as she had entered.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Ah, good. Thank you for coming so promptly, Alaria. I have something for you, but first things first.” The Captain remarked, barely acknowledging the wizard before moving over to the side table that held the array of bottles and goblets and decanters of liquors.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">With a wave of his hand, the sideboard swung out into the room. Rynthis stepped up to the stone wall behind the table and tapped lightly three times as he spoke.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“<em>Venta norx</em>.” <<em>mage spell: Knock</em>> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria felt a warming pride within her as she recognized the incantation she’d only completed adding to her spellbook a couple of days earlier.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">There was a momentary flicker of a rune upon the area of stone wall. Alaria recognized the sigil also as a protective trap. As the symbol faded from view, the stones of the wall sank back into the wall, one by one, and turned aside until a doorway was completely formed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“This way please.” Rynthis said casually. He extended an arm and stood aside, obviously intended to let Alaria enter first.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The chamber she found herself in was not overly large, perhaps twenty by twenty feet. A series of braziers lining the chamber burst into flame as she entered lighting the room with a flickering golden light. The only other item in the room was a mirror, the largest Alaria had ever seen, easily ten feet across.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">As Rynthis entered and passed Alaria to near the mirror, the surface shifted from reflecting the magical firelight to a swirling fog of grey and blue.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“We’re here, my lady.” Rynthis said to the mirror.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">In a moment, the swirling fog parted to reveal the very clear image of Rhea in all of her shimmering emerald glory. The room Rhea was in was still somewhat foggy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Images coalesced and then became hazy and other areas of the image beyond Rhea reformed. There was a table. Then a bookshelf...a high backed chair. Nothing except Rhea remained clear for very long, but there was the definite sense of a “room” she was standing in which Alaria could definitely tell was not her cottage in Welford.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Thank you, Captain. Greetings, again, Magess Alaria. It does my heart good to see you well. News of your battle and subsequent ailment found its way even to the Vale. I trust you are fully recouped?” Rhea spoke.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“I am, Rhea. You honor me with your concern. It is good to see you again, as well.” Alaria responded.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“I am afraid there is little time for pleasantries but I have some news that is most important for you to have.” Rhea began seriously.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“As to your dark wizard…I have conferred with members of my order, my contacts in R’Hath, the Alkari Fellowship, and even a friend at the Sanctemus Nekri <<em>autho/DMr note: the Sanctemus Nekri=the Academy of Necromancy in R’Hath</em>>…none have ever heard of this ‘Tresahd’. Now, again, that is not to say it is not his name. But my intuition is that it may be a cover…a pseudonym.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“That said, my own attempts at scrying and divining the wizard’s whereabouts have met with almost complete failure. He is, no doubt, very powerful, Alaria. You must take care.” Rhea’s tone shifted to one of concern.</span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“I understand, Rhea. I thank you for your efforts and counsel.” Alaria managed to reply before the seeress continued.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Now, regarding the Ihs Repahl. My associates and I have reason to believe it holds a power much greater than the mystic gifts we uncovered at the tolarium.” Rhea said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“’Much greater’ in what way, Rhea?” Alaria’s brow furrowed at this rather ominous sounding news.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“That is not important as of now. I apologize for being cryptic, Alaria. But we believe it is better, for your own safety, that I not share that with you at this time. The less you know, the less others seeking the orb may find out through you.” Rhea apologized.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria did not like this answer at all, but she nodded a reluctant understanding.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“It is <em>imperative</em>, Magess Alaria, that you do not allow the orb to fall out of your possession.” Rhea’s shift in tone became entirely serious. Almost dire, Alaria thought.</span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“If the evil forces moving through the land, this ‘Tresahd’ or anyone else, get their hands on the Ihs Repahl the consequences could spell disaster for the realms. I would counsel you to bring it to the security of the Vale with all speed.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria did not like the sound of that at all. “My apologies, Rhea, but we have an errand of great urgency that must be undertaken first. But I swear, by Manat’s star, that we will bring you the orb..er…Ihs Repahl at my first opportunity.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Rhea nodded as if in understanding. “That is all I ask.” The green-gowned woman replied.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Take this.” Rhea tossed a small glittering item.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">In a flash, a gem flew through the mirror into the chamber where she and Rynthis stood.</span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The captain caught it and handed it to Alaria. It was a perfectly smooth emerald in the shaped of a teardrop.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Keep it with you at all times. My companions and I are soon to be heading west and I am not certain when I shall be able to converse with you again. But that gem will allow me to find you telepathically over great distances and contact you thus. I wish you safe journeys and continued good health on your quest. May the gods grant we meet again soon. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Thank you, Captain. I leave you to return to your business.” Rhea concluded.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Before Alaria could make any reply, the swirls of blue-grey fog seemed to pour in from the gilded frame, obscuring the mirror’s surface. A moment later, the mirror dimmed and again only reflected the golden flickers of the braziers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria placed the emerald teardrop into one of her side pouches and followed Rynthis back into the office.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“You have friends in higher places than I knew, Magess. I had no idea you were acquainted with the Steel Dragons.” Rynthis said amicably.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“The Steel Dragons, captain?” Alaria asked.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“They are the Dragonmage-apparent’s inner circle. They are a highly-skilled and diverse company of heroes led by the Lordmage’s two sons. If the Steel Dragons are indeed to ride again, then we are facing a darker tide than I suspected.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“You confuse me, Captain Rynthis. Forgive my ignorance. I thought the Lordmage was the Dragonmage?” Alaria questioned.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Of course. Forgive me.” Rynthis smiled. “You’ve become such fixtures in your short time here, I forget you are not actually from Daenfrii, yourself.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Our illustrious Lordmage, Arganor, has ruled Daefrii these…fifteen years past, now. Make no mistake, he is a wizard of surpassing talent and a just and beneficent ruler…but he is not of the Dragonwing line. Arganor is widower of the last Dragonmagess.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“The princes were only very young when their mother met her unfortunate end.” Rynthis sadly added, almost as if to himself moreso than Alaria. His focus returned to the magess as he continued.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“It is their son, Montor, who is next to inherit the mantle and become our next <em>true </em>‘Dragonmage’…though, he has yet to take on that title and fulfill his destiny. So, Arganor continues to rule until such time as Prince Montor takes up the Staff of Wyr and claims the throne.” Rynthis explained.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria thanked the captain before adding, “You said you had something for me, Captain Rynthis?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Ah, yes.” Rynthis said as he shuffled through the immense stacks of papers littering his desk. “I understand you and your company have decided to undertake the raising of your fallen warrior.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“That is correct. By your leave, we will be parting from Bridgetower on the morrow to seek out some necessary…um…necessities for the ritual.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The captain nodded in understanding as he continued to shuffle. “I believe I may have something that will help. I have a mission for you…Ah! Here it is.” He pulled a closed scroll from the other parchments. It was sealed with a large golden wax seal and bright blue ribbon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“A mission, my lord?” Alaria was concerned. They did not have time to waste on errands for the captain. The time limit for raising Braddok was now only seventeen days away. She was immediately conflicted with thoughts of duty and fairness for all of the assistance and hospitality Bridgetower had showed them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Yes. There’s been a disturbance in Shafton. It’s a small mining village just north and east of here, well within Daefrii’s borders so travel should be swift and safe.” Seeing no interruption or disagreement from Alaria, Rynthis continued.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“A message came from the village elders, almost two weeks ago, that the mine had been suddenly overrun with kobolds. Kobolds in the South March! Can you imagine?” Rynthis asked in the rhetorical way Alaria had found common among the people of Bridgetower.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“I sent a small squad to go handle it, but they have not returned. Nor has there been any word from Shafton since they were dispatched. With all of the chaos around and the increasing forces arriving every day, I doubt anyone else has noticed, but I do not like the feel of it.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“My lord, we really must…” Alaria attempted to interject politely. She was not successful.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“There have not been kobolds in the eastern hills in over a decade. I’ve also received reports that the barbarians are haranguing the northern borders…Plus this goblin army in the south.” The captain began to sound somewhat defeated. “It just doesn’t feel right.” Rynthis repeated distractedly.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">He continued undeterred. “With everything going on, I do not have men to spare to follow up, but my duty as Captain of the South March is quite clear and with war looming around us, I cannot allow the mine’s production to be stifled. We have only perhaps a month or two more before the snows move in from the north and we will be wintered.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“I will offer 200 gold to each of your company toward your cause upon your successful routing of the vermin and, gods’ willing, your safe return. Can I count on your company? Shafton is only a day’s ride. You will, of course, be entitled to any other riches you find along the way…barring the actual mine’s ore which belong to his lordship, you understand.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Yes, certainly, my lord.” Alaria paused a moment to think, 200 gold each would certainly be a nice beginning to their quest. “I am afraid though, we have no mounts. How long would it take on foot?” Alaria offered tentatively. She hoped the captain’s generosity would not fall short of a few horses.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“I have already dispatched Festus to secure you mounts. The stables of Bridgetower are needed for our troops. But he is resourceful and will be awaiting your arrival at the Wyern’s Wing tomorrow. I have assigned him to be your guide and aid you in anyway possible.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria was not so pleased at the captain’s presumption that they would accept his offer, but was more concerned by his ending news.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Festus, my lord? The satyr?” Alaria said displeased, somewhat obviously.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Indeed. You will find him a capable ranger and willing warrior, if needs be. His knowledge and skill of the South March will be most helpful and ensure you the most direct route with all speed.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria did not respond.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“So we are agreed?” the captain finally said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria, somewhat snapped out of her own mental mechanizations, “Oh, yes! Yes, I’m sorry. We will meet him tomorrow and take care of your kobold troubles.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Excellent. Then you will need this.” He finally handed her the rolled and sealed parchment.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“My lord?” Alaria asked as she took the scroll. She noted the dragon holding a diamond seal of Daenfrii pressed into the golden wax.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“It is within my power, as well as my privilege and honor, to offer your company an official charter. It carries the weight of the seneschal of Bridgetower as vested by the authority of the Lordmage himself. It will permit you the baring of arms and use of magic in our just cause. Any official within Daenfrii who does not honor this charter should be brought to my immediate attention.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Captain Rynthis, your generosity truly knows no bounds. I do not know what to say.” Alaria gushed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Of course, any company charter requires the band and leader be named. I do hope you will not mind the presumption, but the Hilltender seemed to indicate you had all decided on “the Stormriders” as your group’s name. I took the liberty of using your name as the charter’s official leader.” Rynthis grinned.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“The Stormriders’ will be fine, my lord. Though I will have a talk with Haelan as to just how officially decided that was. You have my, all of our, thanks.” She grinned back.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Very good. I look forward to your return and report. Hopefully within the week. You have my, and indeed all of Bridgetower’s thanks as well, Magess Alaria Staver.” Rynthis said as he resumed shuffling about the papers on his desk.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Timothy?” Rynthis called loudly. The door opened almost immediately and the young manservant poked his head in. Without looking up from his desk, Rynthis commanded, “Find me Lieutenant Goren.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Good day to you then, Captain.” Alaria nodded a goodbye that the captain did not see and took her leave.</span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">So, Alaria thought, Goren’s been made lieutenant. Good for him. She smiled despite herself shifting through the crowded corridors on her way back to the library to see what the wizard, Stenthil, had turned up about her or-….the Ihs Repahl. </span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="steeldragons, post: 5702645, member: 92511"] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria followed the captain’s manservant through the crowded corridors. What was his name again? Tohmas, Tumnes, Tihmos, something like that but the name escaped Alaria as she wove through the halls. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Messengers and officers of Bridgetower’s constantly increasing compliment of soldiers moved to and fro. The entire keep bustled all day while the clanging and smoke billowing from the smithy continued all night. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Coerraine had shared at one of their meals, one of the few calm casual moments they’d had in the past week, the ‘Tower’s barracks were full to bursting with over 200 guardsmen having arrived over the past several days. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]They came to the office of Captain Rynthis and the servant knocked on the oaken door. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Come.” Came the gravely baritone voice from beyond the door. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]The servant opened the door for the magess, but did not enter and closed the door as soon as she had entered. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Ah, good. Thank you for coming so promptly, Alaria. I have something for you, but first things first.” The Captain remarked, barely acknowledging the wizard before moving over to the side table that held the array of bottles and goblets and decanters of liquors. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]With a wave of his hand, the sideboard swung out into the room. Rynthis stepped up to the stone wall behind the table and tapped lightly three times as he spoke. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“[I]Venta norx[/I].” <[I]mage spell: Knock[/I]> [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria felt a warming pride within her as she recognized the incantation she’d only completed adding to her spellbook a couple of days earlier. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]There was a momentary flicker of a rune upon the area of stone wall. Alaria recognized the sigil also as a protective trap. As the symbol faded from view, the stones of the wall sank back into the wall, one by one, and turned aside until a doorway was completely formed. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“This way please.” Rynthis said casually. He extended an arm and stood aside, obviously intended to let Alaria enter first. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]The chamber she found herself in was not overly large, perhaps twenty by twenty feet. A series of braziers lining the chamber burst into flame as she entered lighting the room with a flickering golden light. The only other item in the room was a mirror, the largest Alaria had ever seen, easily ten feet across. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]As Rynthis entered and passed Alaria to near the mirror, the surface shifted from reflecting the magical firelight to a swirling fog of grey and blue. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“We’re here, my lady.” Rynthis said to the mirror. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]In a moment, the swirling fog parted to reveal the very clear image of Rhea in all of her shimmering emerald glory. The room Rhea was in was still somewhat foggy. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Images coalesced and then became hazy and other areas of the image beyond Rhea reformed. There was a table. Then a bookshelf...a high backed chair. Nothing except Rhea remained clear for very long, but there was the definite sense of a “room” she was standing in which Alaria could definitely tell was not her cottage in Welford. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Thank you, Captain. Greetings, again, Magess Alaria. It does my heart good to see you well. News of your battle and subsequent ailment found its way even to the Vale. I trust you are fully recouped?” Rhea spoke. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“I am, Rhea. You honor me with your concern. It is good to see you again, as well.” Alaria responded. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“I am afraid there is little time for pleasantries but I have some news that is most important for you to have.” Rhea began seriously. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“As to your dark wizard…I have conferred with members of my order, my contacts in R’Hath, the Alkari Fellowship, and even a friend at the Sanctemus Nekri <[I]autho/DMr note: the Sanctemus Nekri=the Academy of Necromancy in R’Hath[/I]>…none have ever heard of this ‘Tresahd’. Now, again, that is not to say it is not his name. But my intuition is that it may be a cover…a pseudonym. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“That said, my own attempts at scrying and divining the wizard’s whereabouts have met with almost complete failure. He is, no doubt, very powerful, Alaria. You must take care.” Rhea’s tone shifted to one of concern.[/FONT][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“I understand, Rhea. I thank you for your efforts and counsel.” Alaria managed to reply before the seeress continued. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Now, regarding the Ihs Repahl. My associates and I have reason to believe it holds a power much greater than the mystic gifts we uncovered at the tolarium.” Rhea said. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“’Much greater’ in what way, Rhea?” Alaria’s brow furrowed at this rather ominous sounding news. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“That is not important as of now. I apologize for being cryptic, Alaria. But we believe it is better, for your own safety, that I not share that with you at this time. The less you know, the less others seeking the orb may find out through you.” Rhea apologized. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria did not like this answer at all, but she nodded a reluctant understanding. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“It is [I]imperative[/I], Magess Alaria, that you do not allow the orb to fall out of your possession.” Rhea’s shift in tone became entirely serious. Almost dire, Alaria thought.[/FONT][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“If the evil forces moving through the land, this ‘Tresahd’ or anyone else, get their hands on the Ihs Repahl the consequences could spell disaster for the realms. I would counsel you to bring it to the security of the Vale with all speed.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria did not like the sound of that at all. “My apologies, Rhea, but we have an errand of great urgency that must be undertaken first. But I swear, by Manat’s star, that we will bring you the orb..er…Ihs Repahl at my first opportunity.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Rhea nodded as if in understanding. “That is all I ask.” The green-gowned woman replied. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Take this.” Rhea tossed a small glittering item. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]In a flash, a gem flew through the mirror into the chamber where she and Rynthis stood.[/FONT][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]The captain caught it and handed it to Alaria. It was a perfectly smooth emerald in the shaped of a teardrop. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Keep it with you at all times. My companions and I are soon to be heading west and I am not certain when I shall be able to converse with you again. But that gem will allow me to find you telepathically over great distances and contact you thus. I wish you safe journeys and continued good health on your quest. May the gods grant we meet again soon. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Thank you, Captain. I leave you to return to your business.” Rhea concluded. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Before Alaria could make any reply, the swirls of blue-grey fog seemed to pour in from the gilded frame, obscuring the mirror’s surface. A moment later, the mirror dimmed and again only reflected the golden flickers of the braziers. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria placed the emerald teardrop into one of her side pouches and followed Rynthis back into the office. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“You have friends in higher places than I knew, Magess. I had no idea you were acquainted with the Steel Dragons.” Rynthis said amicably. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“The Steel Dragons, captain?” Alaria asked. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“They are the Dragonmage-apparent’s inner circle. They are a highly-skilled and diverse company of heroes led by the Lordmage’s two sons. If the Steel Dragons are indeed to ride again, then we are facing a darker tide than I suspected.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“You confuse me, Captain Rynthis. Forgive my ignorance. I thought the Lordmage was the Dragonmage?” Alaria questioned. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Of course. Forgive me.” Rynthis smiled. “You’ve become such fixtures in your short time here, I forget you are not actually from Daenfrii, yourself. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Our illustrious Lordmage, Arganor, has ruled Daefrii these…fifteen years past, now. Make no mistake, he is a wizard of surpassing talent and a just and beneficent ruler…but he is not of the Dragonwing line. Arganor is widower of the last Dragonmagess. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“The princes were only very young when their mother met her unfortunate end.” Rynthis sadly added, almost as if to himself moreso than Alaria. His focus returned to the magess as he continued. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“It is their son, Montor, who is next to inherit the mantle and become our next [I]true [/I]‘Dragonmage’…though, he has yet to take on that title and fulfill his destiny. So, Arganor continues to rule until such time as Prince Montor takes up the Staff of Wyr and claims the throne.” Rynthis explained. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria thanked the captain before adding, “You said you had something for me, Captain Rynthis?” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Ah, yes.” Rynthis said as he shuffled through the immense stacks of papers littering his desk. “I understand you and your company have decided to undertake the raising of your fallen warrior.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“That is correct. By your leave, we will be parting from Bridgetower on the morrow to seek out some necessary…um…necessities for the ritual.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]The captain nodded in understanding as he continued to shuffle. “I believe I may have something that will help. I have a mission for you…Ah! Here it is.” He pulled a closed scroll from the other parchments. It was sealed with a large golden wax seal and bright blue ribbon. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“A mission, my lord?” Alaria was concerned. They did not have time to waste on errands for the captain. The time limit for raising Braddok was now only seventeen days away. She was immediately conflicted with thoughts of duty and fairness for all of the assistance and hospitality Bridgetower had showed them. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Yes. There’s been a disturbance in Shafton. It’s a small mining village just north and east of here, well within Daefrii’s borders so travel should be swift and safe.” Seeing no interruption or disagreement from Alaria, Rynthis continued. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“A message came from the village elders, almost two weeks ago, that the mine had been suddenly overrun with kobolds. Kobolds in the South March! Can you imagine?” Rynthis asked in the rhetorical way Alaria had found common among the people of Bridgetower. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“I sent a small squad to go handle it, but they have not returned. Nor has there been any word from Shafton since they were dispatched. With all of the chaos around and the increasing forces arriving every day, I doubt anyone else has noticed, but I do not like the feel of it.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“My lord, we really must…” Alaria attempted to interject politely. She was not successful. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“There have not been kobolds in the eastern hills in over a decade. I’ve also received reports that the barbarians are haranguing the northern borders…Plus this goblin army in the south.” The captain began to sound somewhat defeated. “It just doesn’t feel right.” Rynthis repeated distractedly. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]He continued undeterred. “With everything going on, I do not have men to spare to follow up, but my duty as Captain of the South March is quite clear and with war looming around us, I cannot allow the mine’s production to be stifled. We have only perhaps a month or two more before the snows move in from the north and we will be wintered. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“I will offer 200 gold to each of your company toward your cause upon your successful routing of the vermin and, gods’ willing, your safe return. Can I count on your company? Shafton is only a day’s ride. You will, of course, be entitled to any other riches you find along the way…barring the actual mine’s ore which belong to his lordship, you understand.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Yes, certainly, my lord.” Alaria paused a moment to think, 200 gold each would certainly be a nice beginning to their quest. “I am afraid though, we have no mounts. How long would it take on foot?” Alaria offered tentatively. She hoped the captain’s generosity would not fall short of a few horses. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“I have already dispatched Festus to secure you mounts. The stables of Bridgetower are needed for our troops. But he is resourceful and will be awaiting your arrival at the Wyern’s Wing tomorrow. I have assigned him to be your guide and aid you in anyway possible.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria was not so pleased at the captain’s presumption that they would accept his offer, but was more concerned by his ending news. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Festus, my lord? The satyr?” Alaria said displeased, somewhat obviously. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Indeed. You will find him a capable ranger and willing warrior, if needs be. His knowledge and skill of the South March will be most helpful and ensure you the most direct route with all speed.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria did not respond. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“So we are agreed?” the captain finally said. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria, somewhat snapped out of her own mental mechanizations, “Oh, yes! Yes, I’m sorry. We will meet him tomorrow and take care of your kobold troubles.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Excellent. Then you will need this.” He finally handed her the rolled and sealed parchment. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“My lord?” Alaria asked as she took the scroll. She noted the dragon holding a diamond seal of Daenfrii pressed into the golden wax. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“It is within my power, as well as my privilege and honor, to offer your company an official charter. It carries the weight of the seneschal of Bridgetower as vested by the authority of the Lordmage himself. It will permit you the baring of arms and use of magic in our just cause. Any official within Daenfrii who does not honor this charter should be brought to my immediate attention.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Captain Rynthis, your generosity truly knows no bounds. I do not know what to say.” Alaria gushed. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Of course, any company charter requires the band and leader be named. I do hope you will not mind the presumption, but the Hilltender seemed to indicate you had all decided on “the Stormriders” as your group’s name. I took the liberty of using your name as the charter’s official leader.” Rynthis grinned. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“The Stormriders’ will be fine, my lord. Though I will have a talk with Haelan as to just how officially decided that was. You have my, all of our, thanks.” She grinned back. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Very good. I look forward to your return and report. Hopefully within the week. You have my, and indeed all of Bridgetower’s thanks as well, Magess Alaria Staver.” Rynthis said as he resumed shuffling about the papers on his desk. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Timothy?” Rynthis called loudly. The door opened almost immediately and the young manservant poked his head in. Without looking up from his desk, Rynthis commanded, “Find me Lieutenant Goren.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Good day to you then, Captain.” Alaria nodded a goodbye that the captain did not see and took her leave.[/FONT][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]So, Alaria thought, Goren’s been made lieutenant. Good for him. She smiled despite herself shifting through the crowded corridors on her way back to the library to see what the wizard, Stenthil, had turned up about her or-….the Ihs Repahl. [/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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