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Message: <blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 4603652" data-attributes="member: 3285">Hidden Greed: Part 1a – The Village of SaeberThe village of Saeber lay at the bottom of a verdant valley.  A large collection of two and three-story buildings crammed the village area, while small outlying edifices showed signs of steady expansion and growth. The village’s ten-foot high wooden walls clashed against the serene greenery.  Village folk milled all around, patching holes and filling ditches left by explosions.“Explosions?” Kham looked around.  “They’re using blackpowder?”The village showed signs of tumult.  People in the streets rushed by in throngs, headed to the village square. The square was a mess of people yelling and screaming at everyone and everything.  Three middle-aged men stood on a makeshift podium. After they spoke for a few moments, the three leaders of Saeber identified themselves.  There was Drafnah, who had a worried look on his face; Lonnek, an older but keenly aware man; and Vanos, a stern-looking fellow with a strong voice.“Everyone,” he shouted.  “Please, be silent, we are awaiting the reports!” After a few loud bangs of a mallet, the village folk fell into silence.Runners arrived with various scrolls, which Lonnek read quickly.“There are no casualties and, as before, Saeber has suffered no significant damage!”  Lonnek looked around.  “I urge you to all go back to your homes and remain calm.”He was greeted by shouts of, “No way!” and “We’re not going to just sit here and wait to be slaughtered!” A tall, ebony-skinned man dressed in rich clothing approached the podium brusquely.  “We should form a strike force immediately!” he demanded in a loud voice.  “We have to attack the ss’ressen before they have a chance to destroy our homes!  You have been delaying the inevitable while we risk our lives every day that passes!”Kham slapped his forehead.  “I don’t believe it.”“Is the Altherian a friend of yours?” asked Ilmarė.“You could say that. That’s Pallas.”“Who are you tell us what to do?” Lonnek asked the Altherian, irritated. “My people have been dealing with these monsters for generations,” said Pallas. “The only language they understand is brute force!”“Reinforcements are on their way,” replied Lonnek.  He looked as if he had dealt with Pallas before.  “They should be here in a few days’ time.”They argued back and forth some more.“The ss’ressen are ruthless!” He caught Kham’s eye.  “And here is my cousin, Kham val’Abebi, the foremost authority on the lizard threat.  Kham, tell them how dangerous they are?”Kham blinked.  “Err…yes, they are! And your village is no match for them.”  He walked over to Pallas and grabbed him by the shoulder.  “We Altherians should have a conference and let you know the best strategy to deal with them.”“Yes!” said Pallas.  “Excellent idea!”  He turned to face Kham. “Meet me back at my house tomorrow morning.  You can’t miss it.”Ilmarė rolled her eyes.  “Yep, they’re related.”</blockquote>

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