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Steel Dragon's "Tales of Orea"
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<blockquote data-quote="steeldragons" data-source="post: 5741338" data-attributes="member: 92511"><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">That night, Alaria was roused by a very apologetic page-boy. It was Rynthis’ manservant. Alaria realized through sleep=filled eyes that she recognized the young man. Captain Rynthis was requesting her presence in his office.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“What is the hour?” alaria said sleepily as she grabbed her traveling cloak to wrap around the sleeping gown she’d taken from the armoire in the chamber she’d been assigned.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Just passed midnight, mistress. The captain said it was urgent.” The youth replied.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">She followed the candle baring youth through the tower halls to Rynthis’ office where the large oaken doors stood ajar.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Rynthis sat at his desk engrossed in the parchment in his hand. The desk top was covered with papers. The chamber lit by scores of candles that burned low, nearly spent. He lifted his dark circled eyes from the parchment and smiled weakly.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Thank you, Timothy.” He said. The exhaustion was evident in his voice. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“My apologies for summoning you at so late an hour, Alaria. But we’ve received word from the front that I thought you needed to hear.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Not at all, my lord. What can I do for you?” Alaria said as she took the seat offered by the captain.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“The battle at Miralosta’s southern edge goes harder than expected.” The captain began. “They have breached the wood and make their way, albeit slowly, to Ayla Nirai.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“It seems, by the reports, there are several Endoren priests among the enemy. Goblins and orcs and ogres that are felled and not utterly destroyed have been seen again in the battles. Brought to unnatural life. The elvish sorcerers are being bested by other arcane-casters of obvious power and dark intent.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“There is one, in particular…the report describes him as bearded and swathed in black robes with a dragon skull upon his head. He is able to wreak much destruction, even from his position at the rear of the advance. He rides upon a war-chariot pulled by two black mastiffs, the size of oxen, with tongues and eyes that lick with flame.” Rynthis looked at Alaria.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The expression on her face was all of the confirmation he needed, but he posed the question anyway.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Is this the dark wizard which you encountered?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“It is Tresahd. It must be.” Alaria nodded. Concern crossed her face as she thought about the mage who had been keeping her under surveillance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Two separate strike forces attempting to assassinate him were utterly thwarted and decimated. No survivors.” The captain added.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“I am sorry to hear, my lord. But I am not certain how I can help you?” Alaria said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“The newest report, and the reason I’ve called you here, is that the elves noted the wizard, who they’ve dubbed ‘the Black Drake’, breaking from the line and moving east. The concern is he is on his way here…or more distressing, he seeks to enter Daenfrii directly from the wood, behind us. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Do you have any insight or knowledge of this mage’s ability? Anything that might give us an edge to counteract his magics? We know he has delivered terrible attacks with fire…and, allegedly, the conjuring of some small demons…but little else”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“You know as well as I, my lord. If he is conjuring fires, he may well be capable of the Fireball spell. The small spell of Burning Hands, which I myself am capable of…perhaps he can conjure a Wall of Fire?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“I am sorry, but we did not engage Tresahd when we encountered him on Dragonbone Isle.” Nor did we slay his blasted hellhounds, Alaria thought to herself. Perhaps, she reasoned, it was time to listen to Coerraine regarding the slaying of evil creatures when they were found instead of letting them be. Another, horrid memory came to Alaria’s mind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Captain Rynthis, does the report say anything about him wielding a staff? A staff with a large red gemstone?” Alaria silently prayed to Manat that they did not. She very much hoped the dark mage did not hold the Fire Staff of Nator and/or the Fehs Repahl.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“They say nothing of a staff, no. Why?” the captain questioned.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria waved away the inquiry. “Just a thought. It is not important. Something Rhea once told me.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The captain, tired though he was, managed a chuckle. “Little the Emerald Lady says is ‘unimportant’. But, I will trust you in this since the reports mention no red stones.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“I can tell you, if it is indeed Tresahd, that he is capable of the conjuring of shadow snakes.” Alaria noted, hoping this information would help.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Rynthis placed a hand on his bearded chin and rubbed. “Shadow snakes, you say? That is something, at least….Do you know what variety?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“I am sorry, I do not. Other than Rhea said they were the least of their kind…used for observation, I believe. I fear I am not versed in much of conjuration…nor the use of shade magics.” Alaria quirked a half grin at the obvious fact she would not know about the dabblings of such evil sorcery.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Rynthis nodded and “hmm’d.” The seneschal was lost in thought and missed Alaria’s attempted humor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Well, if he is making for Bridgetower, what do you suspect of his purpose?” the captain offered.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“I fear, my lord, that he may well be after me.” Alaria said plainly.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Well yes, you…or rather that orb of yours?” the captain posed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria nodded. “Yes, the orb, specifically. It is…if I may posit…there was something we heard in our travels before arriving here…but, what do you know about Sharzaak?” Alaria said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Sharzaak? Ah yes, Stenthil told me of his discoveries. Do you really think the goblin army is after the Eye of Arinane?” Rynthis said somewhat skeptically. The idea of the goblin army stabbing so far into the elf kingdom was still quite unlikely to his military mind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“If Stenthil’s supposition of the Repahlentim is correct, my lord. I do, in fact, fear that may it be so. If this orb I carry is the Wind Soul…which Tresahd seems very eager to keep an arcane eye on…and the rantings of a goblin captive we once had are to be believed…it may well be that Tresahd is seeking to bring about the raising of the ancient wyrm.” Alaria was fearful to even suggest such a thing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The captain’s face became grim as he spoke. “The presence of the priests of the Plague Mistress may well be indication this is correct.” He paused in thought once more. “I can not even imagine the power required to bring about such a feat. Repahlentim or no…but, at this stage, I suspect it cannot be dismissed.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“I, too, had hoped for some other explanation. But the evidence that seems to reveal itself to me leads to little other conclusion.” Alaria replied. She realized it was time to share her fears with the rest of the company. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Thank you, Alaria. I have kept you long enough. I will relay your…<em>our </em>concerns to the Vale tomorrow and see what might be done.” Captain Rynthis said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“How long do you plan to remain in Bridgetower, Magess?” the captain asked as Alaria rose to take her leave.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“We are under a deadline, my lord. I do not wish to remain more than tomorrow.” Alaria said. Especially is Tresahd is heading this way, she admitted to herself. She knew it was now even more imperative that she get the Ihs Repahl into the safekeeping of the Vale of the Dragonmage.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Well, as I hope you know, you are welcome to stay as long as you wish. You are blocked from Tresahd’s serpents here. And, of course, we will do all in our power to keep you and that orb safe.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Though, admittedly, the barrier enchantments of Dragonwing Keep are the greatest in the outer realms.” He added.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Good night to you, Magess.” The captain said before Alaria could reply.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Good night to you, Captain. I am sure the Lady Elhianne would bid me send you to your chambers for a needed rest.” Alaria replied with a smirk.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Rynthis smiled. “Indeed she would, Magess. You are quite correct. Soon, I promise.”</span></p><p><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 following day, the companions broke fast together and discussed their options and Alaria’s meeting with the Bridgetower captain. Festus was not with them, being put about his duties as a Bridgetower guard.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“We’re still a couple of thousand short for the raising.” Noted Duor. “I say we go dragon horde hunting.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">None expected anything less from the greedy rogue.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“If Tresahd is heading this way, shouldn’t we get the orb to the Keep, as Rhea instructed?” questioned Haelan between mouthfuls of porridge and ham.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Coerraine concurred. “The Vale is only two days travel, is it not? The wizard is mortal, even if his demon-beasts are not. He will need to stop for rest and we are easily a day closer than he.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Fen spoke up about something that had been troubling him since they’d left the Laklans. “With this news of the undead priests among the enemy, I am concerned for the community at Welford Downs. They were experiencing some strange goings on when we left, nearly a month ago. And then there was a presence of the Plague Mistress in Shafton. Can it be coincidence?” the druid posed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Several of the companions nodded their agreement that it very well may not be coincidence.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Erevan posed that perhaps their abilities would be useful, and more of their fee to the Desriite temple to be made, in the defense of his homeland.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“There’s coin t’be made in war, point-ear, make no mistake.” The dwarf agreed. But continued, “Unfortunately, none o’ that money is on the front lines. And what is...fer mercenaries and the lot...waits til the <em>end</em> of the war to see.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“But will there be money to be made in the Vale?” asked Haelan innocently as he grabbed a hunk of bread to wipe the bowl of his porridge. He did not notice the scowl from Duor at being countered.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Our good Hilltender has a point.” Fen said. "It seems the Vale of the Dragonmage may be the place least in need of protection for ten leagues."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria finally spoke up. “We will think on it. For now, we all have duties to attend today and make ready to leave on the morrow. I am prone to wish to continue to the Vale with all speed, as I told Rhea we would. Not to mention, with Tresahd heading this way, it is likely the safest place for us to be.” Alaria proposed. She was a bit surprised how cowardly the last statement sounded. But it was true…and pragmatic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“We shall take a vote at supper, tonight. Til then,” Alaria rose from her seat with a final swig of tea, “you may find me in the library with Master Stenthil. Good day to you all.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The other companions bid their magess a good day in return and one by one set about their business. </span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="steeldragons, post: 5741338, member: 92511"] [FONT=Verdana]That night, Alaria was roused by a very apologetic page-boy. It was Rynthis’ manservant. Alaria realized through sleep=filled eyes that she recognized the young man. Captain Rynthis was requesting her presence in his office. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“What is the hour?” alaria said sleepily as she grabbed her traveling cloak to wrap around the sleeping gown she’d taken from the armoire in the chamber she’d been assigned. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Just passed midnight, mistress. The captain said it was urgent.” The youth replied. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]She followed the candle baring youth through the tower halls to Rynthis’ office where the large oaken doors stood ajar. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Rynthis sat at his desk engrossed in the parchment in his hand. The desk top was covered with papers. The chamber lit by scores of candles that burned low, nearly spent. He lifted his dark circled eyes from the parchment and smiled weakly. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Thank you, Timothy.” He said. The exhaustion was evident in his voice. “My apologies for summoning you at so late an hour, Alaria. But we’ve received word from the front that I thought you needed to hear.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Not at all, my lord. What can I do for you?” Alaria said as she took the seat offered by the captain. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“The battle at Miralosta’s southern edge goes harder than expected.” The captain began. “They have breached the wood and make their way, albeit slowly, to Ayla Nirai. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“It seems, by the reports, there are several Endoren priests among the enemy. Goblins and orcs and ogres that are felled and not utterly destroyed have been seen again in the battles. Brought to unnatural life. The elvish sorcerers are being bested by other arcane-casters of obvious power and dark intent. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“There is one, in particular…the report describes him as bearded and swathed in black robes with a dragon skull upon his head. He is able to wreak much destruction, even from his position at the rear of the advance. He rides upon a war-chariot pulled by two black mastiffs, the size of oxen, with tongues and eyes that lick with flame.” Rynthis looked at Alaria. The expression on her face was all of the confirmation he needed, but he posed the question anyway. “Is this the dark wizard which you encountered?” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“It is Tresahd. It must be.” Alaria nodded. Concern crossed her face as she thought about the mage who had been keeping her under surveillance. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Two separate strike forces attempting to assassinate him were utterly thwarted and decimated. No survivors.” The captain added. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“I am sorry to hear, my lord. But I am not certain how I can help you?” Alaria said. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“The newest report, and the reason I’ve called you here, is that the elves noted the wizard, who they’ve dubbed ‘the Black Drake’, breaking from the line and moving east. The concern is he is on his way here…or more distressing, he seeks to enter Daenfrii directly from the wood, behind us. "Do you have any insight or knowledge of this mage’s ability? Anything that might give us an edge to counteract his magics? We know he has delivered terrible attacks with fire…and, allegedly, the conjuring of some small demons…but little else” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“You know as well as I, my lord. If he is conjuring fires, he may well be capable of the Fireball spell. The small spell of Burning Hands, which I myself am capable of…perhaps he can conjure a Wall of Fire? [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“I am sorry, but we did not engage Tresahd when we encountered him on Dragonbone Isle.” Nor did we slay his blasted hellhounds, Alaria thought to herself. Perhaps, she reasoned, it was time to listen to Coerraine regarding the slaying of evil creatures when they were found instead of letting them be. Another, horrid memory came to Alaria’s mind. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Captain Rynthis, does the report say anything about him wielding a staff? A staff with a large red gemstone?” Alaria silently prayed to Manat that they did not. She very much hoped the dark mage did not hold the Fire Staff of Nator and/or the Fehs Repahl. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“They say nothing of a staff, no. Why?” the captain questioned. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria waved away the inquiry. “Just a thought. It is not important. Something Rhea once told me.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]The captain, tired though he was, managed a chuckle. “Little the Emerald Lady says is ‘unimportant’. But, I will trust you in this since the reports mention no red stones.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“I can tell you, if it is indeed Tresahd, that he is capable of the conjuring of shadow snakes.” Alaria noted, hoping this information would help. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Rynthis placed a hand on his bearded chin and rubbed. “Shadow snakes, you say? That is something, at least….Do you know what variety?” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“I am sorry, I do not. Other than Rhea said they were the least of their kind…used for observation, I believe. I fear I am not versed in much of conjuration…nor the use of shade magics.” Alaria quirked a half grin at the obvious fact she would not know about the dabblings of such evil sorcery. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Rynthis nodded and “hmm’d.” The seneschal was lost in thought and missed Alaria’s attempted humor. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Well, if he is making for Bridgetower, what do you suspect of his purpose?” the captain offered. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“I fear, my lord, that he may well be after me.” Alaria said plainly. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Well yes, you…or rather that orb of yours?” the captain posed. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria nodded. “Yes, the orb, specifically. It is…if I may posit…there was something we heard in our travels before arriving here…but, what do you know about Sharzaak?” Alaria said. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Sharzaak? Ah yes, Stenthil told me of his discoveries. Do you really think the goblin army is after the Eye of Arinane?” Rynthis said somewhat skeptically. The idea of the goblin army stabbing so far into the elf kingdom was still quite unlikely to his military mind. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“If Stenthil’s supposition of the Repahlentim is correct, my lord. I do, in fact, fear that may it be so. If this orb I carry is the Wind Soul…which Tresahd seems very eager to keep an arcane eye on…and the rantings of a goblin captive we once had are to be believed…it may well be that Tresahd is seeking to bring about the raising of the ancient wyrm.” Alaria was fearful to even suggest such a thing. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]The captain’s face became grim as he spoke. “The presence of the priests of the Plague Mistress may well be indication this is correct.” He paused in thought once more. “I can not even imagine the power required to bring about such a feat. Repahlentim or no…but, at this stage, I suspect it cannot be dismissed.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“I, too, had hoped for some other explanation. But the evidence that seems to reveal itself to me leads to little other conclusion.” Alaria replied. She realized it was time to share her fears with the rest of the company. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Thank you, Alaria. I have kept you long enough. I will relay your…[I]our [/I]concerns to the Vale tomorrow and see what might be done.” Captain Rynthis said. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“How long do you plan to remain in Bridgetower, Magess?” the captain asked as Alaria rose to take her leave. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“We are under a deadline, my lord. I do not wish to remain more than tomorrow.” Alaria said. Especially is Tresahd is heading this way, she admitted to herself. She knew it was now even more imperative that she get the Ihs Repahl into the safekeeping of the Vale of the Dragonmage. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Well, as I hope you know, you are welcome to stay as long as you wish. You are blocked from Tresahd’s serpents here. And, of course, we will do all in our power to keep you and that orb safe. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Though, admittedly, the barrier enchantments of Dragonwing Keep are the greatest in the outer realms.” He added. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Good night to you, Magess.” The captain said before Alaria could reply. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Good night to you, Captain. I am sure the Lady Elhianne would bid me send you to your chambers for a needed rest.” Alaria replied with a smirk. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Rynthis smiled. “Indeed she would, Magess. You are quite correct. Soon, I promise.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]The following day, the companions broke fast together and discussed their options and Alaria’s meeting with the Bridgetower captain. Festus was not with them, being put about his duties as a Bridgetower guard. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“We’re still a couple of thousand short for the raising.” Noted Duor. “I say we go dragon horde hunting.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]None expected anything less from the greedy rogue. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“If Tresahd is heading this way, shouldn’t we get the orb to the Keep, as Rhea instructed?” questioned Haelan between mouthfuls of porridge and ham. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Coerraine concurred. “The Vale is only two days travel, is it not? The wizard is mortal, even if his demon-beasts are not. He will need to stop for rest and we are easily a day closer than he.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Fen spoke up about something that had been troubling him since they’d left the Laklans. “With this news of the undead priests among the enemy, I am concerned for the community at Welford Downs. They were experiencing some strange goings on when we left, nearly a month ago. And then there was a presence of the Plague Mistress in Shafton. Can it be coincidence?” the druid posed. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Several of the companions nodded their agreement that it very well may not be coincidence. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Erevan posed that perhaps their abilities would be useful, and more of their fee to the Desriite temple to be made, in the defense of his homeland. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“There’s coin t’be made in war, point-ear, make no mistake.” The dwarf agreed. But continued, “Unfortunately, none o’ that money is on the front lines. And what is...fer mercenaries and the lot...waits til the [I]end[/I] of the war to see.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“But will there be money to be made in the Vale?” asked Haelan innocently as he grabbed a hunk of bread to wipe the bowl of his porridge. He did not notice the scowl from Duor at being countered. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Our good Hilltender has a point.” Fen said. "It seems the Vale of the Dragonmage may be the place least in need of protection for ten leagues." [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria finally spoke up. “We will think on it. For now, we all have duties to attend today and make ready to leave on the morrow. I am prone to wish to continue to the Vale with all speed, as I told Rhea we would. Not to mention, with Tresahd heading this way, it is likely the safest place for us to be.” Alaria proposed. She was a bit surprised how cowardly the last statement sounded. But it was true…and pragmatic. “We shall take a vote at supper, tonight. Til then,” Alaria rose from her seat with a final swig of tea, “you may find me in the library with Master Stenthil. Good day to you all.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]The other companions bid their magess a good day in return and one by one set about their business. [/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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