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Message: <blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 4653145" data-attributes="member: 3285">Unpaid Debts: Part 4 – The Citadel of StormsAs they climbed ever higher into the mountain, they passed many scenic and impressive natural formations.  The road passed by precipitous drops and crevasses.  Eventually, they reached a bend in the road that abutted a great gorge that rent the earth.  Sebastian studied the ground.  “The tracks seem to have disappeared here.” He stood up, exasperated.  “I’m sorry, I’m not an expert tracker.”“We’re on the right path,” said Beldin.  “We might have better luck at the Citadel of Storms.”The Citadel of Storms stood in an unlikely position for such an august fortification.  Though unassailable due to its position in the heights of the Paerthian Peaks, its strategic value was of dubious merit.  Towering into the sky, the fortress commanded the only path to it.  Archery, artillery, spell casting platforms and sluices for boiling substances were certain to imperil an attacking army.They were welcomed as representatives of the Duke of Moratavia and escorted into an inner chamber.  A handful of Blades of Hurrian, four in all, met them there.  “What have you found on the path?” asked the eldest and obvious authority, Divelo Norvitecus.  “Is Precision in your care?”“Not yet,” said Sebastian.  “We found some tracks but lost them near the gorge.”“Interesting.  When the Arch-Prelate’s guard was overdue, we sent Claduius here to seek out signs of their passage.  He was a scout in the legions before he joined us here.”“Great.” Kham addressed Claudius. “You’re coming with us.” “It is done.  Tomorrow, Claudius will go with you to see if he can find the trail of those who took Precision. But for tonight, let us dine tighter.  I apologize that the meals here are not as extravagant as you may be accustomed in the homes of princes and generals, but we fare well nonetheless.”True to his word, they were provided with a hearty if simple fare in the keep’s great hall.  Monks surrounded them, asking them news of the outside world.Kham peered at one of the monks.  “I know you…”It was Oderic val’Tensen, the disgraced former Vicar of the Knights of Saint Lambertus.  “I was blinded from Hurrian’s will by my hatred of all things Nerothian and Cancer.”  He avoided looking at Sebastian.  “Hopefully, I will not be deaf when I am tested again.”“Hopefully,” added Beldin, “our enemies will not be silent.”</blockquote>

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