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Message: <blockquote data-quote="el-remmen" data-source="post: 1467" data-attributes="member: 11">Session #17Days became weeks and weeks passed into a month and more of time. The party continued to do the things there were doing. Kazrack was nearly done his dwarven runic alphabet. Ratchis recovered and continued with his intense prayers to Nephthys, expanding the spell repertoire he had access to. Beorth also supplicated Anubis for days on end, until he too found that he could channel his faith and the divine will of his god to have spell-like effects.Jana kept to herself, walking in the nearby woods or spending days locked in her room with Chance (who still spent more time gambling with gnomes than with the rest of the companions). Jeremy continued helping the gnome with their “big people fighting” training sessions, and helping in the nursery.The snow spilled from the sky like a million exploded down pillows, and some days, Martin stayed with Socher and Briandel, for it was just too hard to get back through the snow to the guest quarters. He learned a couple of new spells in this time as well, trading them for ones he had. Ratchis helped to dig trails from entrance to entrance, but Chance, Jeremy and Jana had snowball fights against groups of gnomes who had dug bunkers in the deepest snowdrifts.Overall, despite the occasional impatience waiting for the Interim Chief and the tension between Jana and Ratchis, they were fun days of games, talks, good food and parties in the public house.One morning in deep winter, Kazrack woke up extra early to grab a bite to eat before what he felt would be one his last days of training. He had already channeled the powers of the dwarven gods to cast some simple spells – and he felt closer to casting the spell of curing and the spell that would temporarily enchant his weapon. The snow was nearly four feet deep outside.Cornelius came into the common room from a door leading to another hall of rooms.“How did you get here?” Kazrack asked. As far as he knew the door buried under tons of snow was the only way in and out of this place.“Through the door,” said Cornelius, putting water on to boil.“That door?” Kazrack pointed down the entrance hall to the door that led outside.“Course not! I used the other door.”“What other door?” the dwarf asked quizzically.“Oh, I can’t tell you about that that door!” Cornelius said with a sly smile.Everyone else soon was waking up for First Meal, which young Cornelius began to prepare.“You must store a lot of food and resources for weather like this,” Kazrack commented.“Yes, we do,” said Cornelius with a smile. “Some people are ants and some are crickets.”“I like that story except for the end,” Jeremy said.“What’s wrong with the end?” Cornelius asked.“Well, I liked that cricket…”“Yeah, everyone does,” said Cornelius. “The ants take him in and give him food and take care of him all winter.”“Oh you must be talking about a different story,” said Jeremy. “The way humans tell it, the cricket dies.”“What?!” Cornelius spat out his porridge. “That is just stupid. That sounds like a typical human way to look at things: `Hoard what you have. Don’t share with others. We don’t care of other people die.’”He fetched a rag to clean up his mess, obviously upset.“Who told you that is a human attitude?” Martin asked.“No one had to tell me, that is just how it is,” Cornelius said. “That doesn’t mean we can’t be friends because what does it cost someone to be friendly? It is nice to be nice.”“Yes, it certainly is,” said Beorth.The day passed as many had, and evening came to find the party in the public house drinking ale and crunching on roasted beetles, which filled the bowls in the center of the tables. Ratchis stood outside the door looking in, while the other crammed inside where it was warmer.The music was loud and the singing boisterous. It seemed to the party that these gnomes never had any lack of energy for partying. Every night was as raucous and enthusiastic as the last.Suddenly, Captain Fistandlus burst in and the crowd immediately cheered. It was not often that he graced the public house with his presence in recent months.He raise his hands in the air, “Quiet down everyone! I have an announcement!”Melting snow dripped off his gray fur cloak and hat, and a puddle collected as he spoke, “the Interim chief is back!”The cheer of “Yay!” punctuated by a few low “Boos” came out of the crowd of gnomes. A gnome handed the captain a frothing mug of ale and he raised it in the air.“To the Interim Chief!” he toasted.“To his finally getting back!” Jeremy croaked into the silent moment before a roar of gnomish voices repeated the captain’s toast.The party returned to their quarters for Last Meal soon after, and found Distil serving walnut muffins, and warmed goat’s milk, while the pyramidal creature wander around the common area. As the party entered it let out a loud “Haaaaahnt! Hoornt!”Everyone sat to eat, but Martin experimented with the creature, casting an illusion of it and having it intercept the creature’s progress around the room. However, the pyramid-creature walked right through it as if it were not there.“Fascinating,” said Martin, and Thomas leapt from his shoulder to the table to grab a muffin.“Haaaaahnt! Hoornt!”The creature settled itself down on the ground, and a moment later Captain Fistandlus came in.“Captain,” Distil said. “Can I get you a muffin?”“Yes, Distil, that would be nice,” He looked at the party. “The Interim Chief is going to want to talk to you right away.”“Does that mean in a few weeks?” Ratchis asked dryly.Fistandlus Ironhammer frowned, “He’ll be ready to see you first thing tomorrow morning.”Balem, 19th of Nuiet – 564 H.E.The morning began as all other mornings had, with First Meal. Obenhammer was there, after having been gone for more than a week on “deep patrol” with Captain Fistandlus, as was Briandel and Cornelius.The party ate in silence, just hoping that today would be the day when they’d at least get some answers and have an idea when they might get to leave this place. However, First Meal came and went and lunch was coming soon before the Captain arrived, with two other soldiers and a fat gnome with hairy nostrils in a green tabard.“Are you prepared?” the Captain asked.“Yes,” Kazrack said.“Yeah, it’s about time,” Jeremy sighed.“I trust you know what behavior is expected of someone before a Chieftain?” Fistandlus looked each one of the eye.The group nodded and said, yes. Jana called to her familiar, who had remained clinging to the warm stone chimney for weeks now. It did not want to come, so she allowed it to remain behind.They were led outside, and up steep step made of flat rocks meandering up the side of an adjacent hill. Through a large set of doors, and down a bricked corridor, which was decorated with the profiles of gnomes. At the end of the hall, a circular room had stair leading up along with several set of doors going off in all directions. The party was let through one set of door, through what appeared to be a sitting room of some kind, and into a huge room with a high ceiling.The scent of burning incense filled the dim room, which had earthen floor, but was strewn with large pillows. Seven of these pillows were positions in front of a cushioned dais, upon which was a mound of pillows. Two braziers provided light and warmth, and the incense smoke could be seen wafting from them. On the dais was also a low table holding some glasses and a bottle of wine in a bucket of snow. The walls were hung with think burgundy curtains, except the rear wall which was bare stone and had a staircase going up to darkened split level of the room.A burly gnome of usual height (nearly four feet) stood from the mound of pillows and stepped forward. He has whitish-green hair, and bright green eyes. He had an impressive nose with a hairy mole on it. He smiled broadly.“Welcome,” he said friendly. “It is good to meet you finally. I have heard much about you all since last night. I trust your stay has been pleasant?”“But long,” said Jeremy and Martin elbowed him.“The only thing greater than our hosts’ hospitality is the size of our hosts’ proboscises,” Kazrack said, returning the Interim Chieftain’s smile.“Ah, a flatterer,” the Interim Chief said, and then turned to Captain Ironhammer. “Captain, you may leave us. Everything will be fine.”“Yes, Interim Chieftain,” said the Captain and he left with his two soldiers. The gnome with the hairy nostrils bowed to the Interim Chieftain, as he walked out and closed the door behind him.“Please sit,” the Interim Chief said to the party, and they each took a pillow. “I will stand, if you do not mind, so I can look you in the face as we talk. It will make both our necks much more comfortable in the long run, don’t you think?”He giggled, and party politely smiled.“I am Mozek Steamwind, Interim Chief for the Garvan Gnomes until our true chief, Grallick Goldfist returns from his mission for our people,” he said.“Now, I know you probably have a lot you want to ask me about, but I have a lot I want to tell you that just might answer your questions,” Mozek said. “And of course, I have some questions for all of you. I have tried to learn something about each one of by talking to some of my people since last night. They seem to really like you, and tell me you were all very appreciative and nice and entertaining.”He looked at each of them. “But I know more of the outside world than many of my people. They are sheltered and comfortable, and it is my job to keep them that way – but we both know that is harder than it sounds – Especially with the human of Gothanius encroaching on our territory and looking to expand into what they call Greenreed Valley. However, the responses of some my hurtle us towards conflict, which would be unfortunate for all sides involved.”“Um, Lord Steamwind,” Martin said meekly. “I am sorry to interrupt, but what is it that you want to happen?”“I want peace between our people and the humans, and any other race… except kobolds,” Mozek replied.“Well, it seems to me that our coming here and talking to you is good fortune for everyone then,” said Kazrack. “Martin represents the King of Gothanius and we are his companions, perhaps he can arrange for you and the king to talk, in order to make some agreement over the dispensation of Greenreed Valley.”“Your intelligence and wisdom evident Mr. Delver,: the Interim Chieftain said with a smile.“I’m told that I have a great deal of mind, Lord Steamwind. My greatest difficulty lies in making that up,” Kazrack responded, and Mozek laughed.“Unfortunately, what our people’s position shall be on the Kingdom of Gothanius is not in my hands, but in that of our true Chieftain,” said Mozek. “I am only a temporary leader, and do not have the authority to make such long term decisions.”The Interim Chief paused and looked them all over one more time. He paced back and forth as if in deep thought and then he spoke again.“Mr. Delver, I admire your recent immersion into piety and the service of the Dwarven Pantheon. The dwarves are a wise and venerable people, steeped in rich customs and traditions. You make your clan and your people proud,” Mozek said, looking right at the dwarf. “However, I do find it strange that you are working for the crown of Gothanius, for they are no friends of the dwarven people – But perhaps you seek to change that. As I said, you are wise.”“And Mr. The Green, the esteemed representative of the Academy of Wizardry, Watch-Mage. In find your presence here most curious; such a remote part of the world,” Mozek continued.“All places in Aquerra are of interest to the Academy,” said Martin.“Oh, I am sure they are,” Mozek replied. “So, what was your mission in being sent here?”“I was sent as a temporary replacement for Tom the Silver, the former Watch-Mage of Gothanius, and have been assigned by the King of Gothanius to help oversee the hunt for the dragon that has plagued these lands in the last year.”“Oh yes…the dragon,” said Mozek. “So that is the only business the Academy has here?”“Yes,” said Martin. “As far as I know.”“Oh,” Mozek stopped his pacing and walked over to the table by his mound of pillows, grabbing s few more blocks of incense, and he tossed one each into the braziers. “So, you would be surprised to learn that there is another Watch-Mage in the area?”“Most certainly,” said Martin, wondering what the Interim Chieftain could mean.“So, you are telling me that the Academy does not seek to interfere with how this area in ruled and who lives here?” Mozek asked.“Not in anyway aside from hoping that people are well-treated and that peace is kept and magic is not abused,” Martin explained.“Because you know that can look bad,” Mozek said. ”Some foreign organization sticking their nose in someone else’s business, could make things messier than they already are.”“Lord Steamwind, I assure you that the I serve the Academy in no other vein but to avoid such ‘messes’ and to help facilitate peace and happiness between all people.”“Ms. Jana, no surname that I can find out,” he turned to the girl. “Jana of Westron then? Is that not how humans name themselves sometimes?”“Yes,” Jana replied politely.“It is less than appropriate to summon a creature of the Nine Hells to a place that has given you succor, don’t you think?”Jana sis not reply, but her eyes opened widely, all of her companions turned to look at her.Finally, she found her voice, “I have not knowingly summoned any creature of the Nine Hells as you call it.”“Come now, Ms. Jana,” Mozek said. “I am not so naive. I am only very curious as why you would do such a thing here. Why here? What is your connection to such creatures?”“I have no connection to any creatures of the Nine Hells,” said Jana. “And anything that was summoned, no matter where it was from, cannot be summoned again.”“Why not?”“Because the means to summon it is destroyed,” replied Jana.“Oh, good,’ said Mozek his face turning from stern to a smile in less than a second. “I find it worrisome that someone would summon such a creature here.”He turned suddenly to Ratchis.“Mr. Ratchis, in times of old our fathers were taught that you could not trust humans, except for Friars of Nephthys.”Ratchis smiled.“Did they not help to keep that human kingdom of conquering the surface of Derome-Delem not too long ago? It was during my grandfather’s and father’s time,” Mozek said.“Yes, the church of Nephthys decreed that the invasion by the Kingdom of Herman Land was an unjust war, and Friars were given leave to do what they could to stop it,” Ratchis explained. “But that was several hundred years ago.”“Not too long ago to a gnome or dwarf, or an elf,” Mozek said. “And yet, one must wonder if those who would trun their backs on their own people are trustworthy at all…”“A Friar of Nephthys has no obligation to any king or borders, but only to his own conscience and to his goddess, and even that he takes on willingly. We can be trusted to always fight for freedom,” Ratchis said, with pride. “I for one would give my life to defend the freedom of Greenreed Valley, especially if I felt the people of Gothanisu would exploit and pose a danger to those who still dwell in it or near it.”“I know you would,” said Mozek with a smile. He walked over and placed a calloused hand on the half-orc’s shoulder. “You are a credit to your kind.”The Interim Chief walked back up to the dais and now turned to Beorth.“Mr. Sakhemet,” Mozek said. ‘It seems strange that you would be here and not in Rhondria…” (25)Beorth simply waited.“That poor nation of humans living within the shadow of the Broken Land Verdaise,” Mozek stopped and thought.“Then again, it is perhaps wise to not be there, for what else but your own death would you find there – that place cannot be overcome by one man, nor by a hundred,”“If that is so perhaps I will find my peace there one day,” Beorth said softly.“Nobody who dies there finds peace, Mr. Sakhemet,” Mozek said, in a serious tone.“Ignoring a problem does not make it go away,” Kazrack said. ‘I too want to help do something about that land of undead, but that is not germane we need to discuss Greenreed Valley.”“Yes, we do,” said Mozek. “But we also need to discuss you and your companions, Mr. Delver. Don’t you think I deserve to know something about you? You were found in the area inhabited by suspected traitors to our people, and trespassing in the land we guard. We have treated you well and given you all you could ask for. I only ask this slight indulgence in return. Impatience gains us nothing.”“Master Chance,” Mozek continued, plopping down on a pillow. “My people spoke very highly of you. They said you were an excellent player of games of chance and skill, and they you gamble with a knack they’d never seen before.”“Ya blokes aren’t sa bahd yasleves,” said Chance through a laugh. “A coople ahve tams Ah thought they was gunn layv meh with na trousers!”Mozek laughed and grabbed his belly. Jeremy, Jana and Marin laughed too.“Oh, you are something, Mr. Chance,” Mozek said, standing up and looking to Jeremy. “You, Mr. Northrop are a strange one. There is not much I could find.”“Well, how did you do your finding? I’ve been among your people for a while no and I’ve been pretty open around them,” the Neergaardian replied.“You’re pretty clever aren’t you?” Mozek said slyly.“I do my best,” Jeremy responded.“Well, we need to discuss ways to avoid having your people and the Kingdom of Gothanius come into conflict,” Kazrack insisted, in his usual relentless manner.“Oh, I yes, I want peace, but I have to wonder if the Crown of Gothanius even cares if we are here. If the knowledge of our existence would slow them in the slightest. They basically wiped out the Fir-Hragre orcs, and while we are not orcs (no offense Mr. Ratchis), I think that is just how they deal with anything that gets in their way.”“You seem to be implying that Gothanius knows about this community,” Martin commented.“Oh, they most assuredly do,” replied Mozek.“I thought this was a secret community,” Jeremy said.“A secret to the majority of the people of Gothanius? Yes. To the Crown of Gothanius? This I doubt.”“Anyway, I assume you do not want to stay here forever,” Mozek paused. “I assume you have obligations to investigate this…dragon…”He paced back and forth twice and then spoke again, “But what if there were a way we could help each other? What if I helped you achieve your obligation and you helped me achieve mine, which are really nearly the same thing, peace?”The party waited expectantly for the Interim Chief to continue, his face melted down from bright and friendly smile to one of grave concern and almost sadness.“Grallick Goldfist, our Chief, has been gone, I am sure you know,” Mozek continued. “And perhaps you have heard that he has gone to seek the help of the elves that live near the human town of Ogre’s Bluff – advice on what to do about the encroaching humans. But he is a mischief-maker, but goes to far and perverts the ways of Garl Glittergold. I am afraid that he wants an excuse to fight the humans.”“He wants war?” Martin asked.“He wants war,” Mozek replied. “And he has said he will get the elves help in the conflict by any means necessary, and I am afraid that if he cannot convince the elves, he will use illusions and deceit to make an attack on the elves and make it seem as if humans had done it.”“This guy tahcks a lutt, dunn he?’ Chance yawned quietly in Jana’s ear. She shushed him with a wink.“Furthermore,” Mozek had not stopped talking, “Evidence suggests that the dragon you hunt does not even exist at all – but is a work of spellcraft. You see, the Chief took the Master Illusionist, Crededal with him.”“The dragon isn’t real?” Ratchis asked.“No, it is not,” said Mozek. Martin let out a low breath.“So, here is my proposition,” Mozek continued. “I will allow you to go, instead of making you wait for Grallick to return as I probably should, but your investigation of the dragon would take you to him, and then you could stop him from his plans to spur on a war, and I would be free to be named full chief and negotiate peace and compromise with the humans.”There was a long pause.“How did you become Interim Chief? Did Grallick choose you?” asked Kazrack.“He chose my father, but he passed away unfortunately and he assigned the position to me until Chief returns,” Mozek explained, the look of sadness never leaving his face.“Why not simply tell your people?” asked Martin.“My people are innocent. They are naive about their chieftain and would fail to believe that he was capable of such a thing, or their spirit would be broken if they did. It is in their own best interest not to know, especially if it is unavoidable and does come to war, then their morale would be low.”“So what are we to do?” Beorth raised his hand as he had done as a child to Monks of Anubis when he sought o interrupt their lessons with a question. “Are we to bring him back, alive for judgment, or to kill him outright?”Mozek was taken aback and his mouth fell open a bit and seemed flustered as he answered, “Uh, if it can be done without killing I would prefer it. Unfortunately, he is still technically the chieftain, and while the people might turn against their leader, it is unlikely.”“There is no way in the Nine Hells I am going to go kill your chief for you!” Ratchis suddenly announced with great vigor.Mozek smiled and let out a tittering laugh, “Something must be done and I do not see much alternative. My father was the chieftain’s most trusted advisor, and I overheard many conversations I was never meant to hear, and I know that Grallick’s idea of good mischief is one where the most people are hurt. His family suffered much during what humans call the Mountain Wars.”  (26)“Can you offer us, before we do anything, any evidence that you not just trying to become chieftain by any means necessary?” Ratchis asked.“I can give no evidence, except my word,” said Mozek.“But will not you people be angered? Would not this action lead to war?” Beorth asked.“He would be far from home, and it would be many years before he was deemed truly gone and the cause of his disappearance investigated. In the meantime, I would use my position as Chieftain to prevent war. I think that in a year’s time if the chieftain does not return I could present my proposal to be full chieftain to the people.”“I will go an find your chieftain and talk to him and make my decision based on that. At least that way you’ll have chance, which you will not if you expect us to go kill you chieftain,” Ratchis said in his usual gruff tone.“We are not assassins, Master Steamwind,” Martin said.“You must understand that the chieftain needs to be stopped,” Mozek said emphatically. “Talking to him is too dangerous. He has ways to cloud the minds of others.”“I am willing to seek out this gnome,” Ratchis repeated. “And Nephthys will keep my mind from being clouded.” “This is most unfortunate,” said Mozek, he stepped over to the brazier on the right and crushed a block of incense and crumbled it into the flame. “I really wanted to give you a chance to help. For example, Kazrack, I figured your loyalties would lie with the people of the earth and not with humans, but this course of action will only lead to the humans having the excuse they need to wipe us out. When this is all done, are you going to marry a human princess?”“There are mot of us than there are princesses anyway,” Kazrack said.“Oh, and the girl will marry one, or the half-orc?” Mozek’s smile just got wider and wider. ”Okay, then we come back in a circle then… The other way you can help me. Mr. The Green is the one with that tidbit, I think.”Mozek paused and looked straight at Martin, “What is a second Watch-Mage doing in Gothanius? Where does the Academy stand in all of this?”“I have already told you. The Academy has no other goal but peace,” Martin said.“Oh, and tell me of what race are most of the alumni of the Academy of Wizardry?” Mozek asked.Martin paused, “Human.”“And you are saying that they will not side with Gothanius, that they are not seeking to have influence here, to use its resources for its own agenda?”“What agenda? What resources? And what Watch-Mage? I do not know what you are talking about,” Martin said.“I do not believe you, Mr. The Green,” Mozek said, through gritted teeth. “I do not believe it is coincidence that you both are here. I do not believe that you do not know what is really going on, and why this place is important. I do not believe the Academy of Wizardry really cares about some backwater kingdom in the wilds of Derome-Delem. You will tell me what the Academy really hopes to do. You will tell me about the other Watch-Mage.”“Martin?” Thomas’ voice sounded soft and weak. Suddenly, the squirrel’s body stiffened and fell like dead weight in Martin’s hood.“Thomas!” Martin said aloud.“Ugh, Ah dun fell sa well,” Chance said, doubling over and holding his stomach.“Poison!” Martin cried, as he felt his own muscles begin to stiffen, and felt his lips and tongue gain the tingling sensation of numbness.The whole party began to feel the effects of some toxic entering in their systems. They moved to stand, but found their bodies did not obey their thoughts. Only Ratchis was not overcome.“The incense,” Jana croaked.“You…can’t…do…this… to…us, we’re human,” Jeremy said with great difficulty.“Give up!” Mozek cried, his smile taking a cruel turn. He suddenly seemed to grow in stature, and his green eyes shone brightly and unnaturally; his skin took on a textured look almost like a scaly green hide. Two small green horns emerged from the top his head, and his fingernails turned into long black talons. “Don’t you know what you are facing now? Don’t you know that this bigger than all of you.”Ratchis leapt up and charged at Mozek slamming his big hammy fists into the gnome’s face, but Mozek just smiled, ignoring the powerful blows as if they had never happened and casually drawing a handful of colorful powder from a belt pouch and spoke an arcane word. A spray of rainbow colors washed over Ratchis and he fell backward stunned.Mozek just laughed. Ratchis shook it off and charged the gnomes again, hoping to tackle him, but the gnome tightened his hands in fists like stone, and sent one into the large man’s gut, making him double over and miss his own blow. He felt as if his stomach had been ruptured, the Interim Chief’s strength was like nothing he had ever encountered.Ratchis stepped back and called to his goddess, “Nephthys, please heal my wounds so that I may defeat this fiend and save my friends!” He felt the divine healing power of his goddess fill him, but again he felt another hard blow, this one on his chin. Ratchis tried again, punching Mozek twice more in the neck and face, but there was no apparent effect. It was as if Ratchis were punching a stone wall.And the stone wall struck back, plunging his fist into Ratchis’ crotch. The half-orc let out a yelp and doubled over incapacitated, waves of pain flowing up and down his body.“Now,” Mozek said, kicking Ratchis over on his back with the tip of his foot and turning to face Martin who was still paralyzed. “Where was I? Oh yes, the other Watch-Mage.”The gnomes still looking as if he sprung from some fiendish pit walked over to Martin, and traced his jaw-bone with one clawed finger.”Shall we start simple? What is the Watch-Mage’s name?” He asked Martin.Martin tried to shake his head.“He doesn’t know anything,” Kazrack said through his swollen lips.“I am not a fool to think that the Academy of Wizardry can be ignored, nor fool enough to believe their intentions are always benevolent. I know they want in on this, but how? To what end? What do they know? Martin, you will tell me.”“I…don’t…know,” said Martin.“Oh then who does know?” Mozek said. “Or better yet, how can I help your failing memory?”The Interim Chief walked over to Ratchis and lifted his head up and held it locked in both of his arms. “Who do I have to kill to make you talk, Martin?” Mozek asked. “Who’s death do you want on your head?”He laughed long and loud. “Probably not the half-orc,” he said, and dropped Ratchis’ head heavily to the ground. Martin tried to wince, but the muscles in his face did not obey.“Shall it be the dwarf? Or how about the girl?” Mozek walked over to Jana and caressed her cheek. “It would be a shame for such a one who might be so useful to us would have to be hurt.”He was looking straight in Jana’s eyes, but then turned back to Martin, “Because I want you to have no doubt that I will kill each and everyone of your friends if you do not tell me. Or perhaps, the Academy trains you to see your companions as expendable?”Mozek walked over to Jeremy, “How about this one? The mastermind behind the whole thing! Yes, I am not fooled, no one is as stupid as this one – No he knows more than he lets on. Is he the real power behind this group? Is he the leader? TALK!”Mozek’s scream shook the room, and Martin felt himself fading fast, all he could do is mouth, “I don’t know, please don’t…”“You can choose if you like Martin,” Mozek said. “One of them shall die, who shall it be? Or perhaps I should just cover my eyes and point at one of your friends randomly. Yes, perhaps we should just leave it to chance. . .”Mozek laughed again. “Leave it to chance, I like that, very fitting don’t you think?” He walked over to Chance and grabbed him by the head. “I love it when my puns work out.”And with that he pulled on Chance’s head with both hands and turned it abruptly to the right. There was a sickening crunch, and he continued to turn and jerk the gambler’s head until it popped off the body. Blood exploded from Chance’s headless corpse spraying the companions and the body collapsed on the pillows.“Looks like his luck has run out,” Mozek said through a laugh, and then shoved a hand into Chance’s head and scooped out the insides and shoved in his mouth.“Where I come from we feast like this every night!” he said happily, talking with his mouth full of Chance’s brains, spewing bits as he spoke that fell into Martin’s eyes, and he could not blink them away. “Ooh, I’ve missed feasting like this, but it looks like I will be eating well the next few nights thanks to you, Martin. Every night I will bring you all in front of me, and every night that you do not tell me everything about what the Academy is trying to do, another of your friends will die. It is in your hands, my friend.”Mozek chucked Chance’s head against the wall without looking, and it crumpled like a dried husk.The party continued to struggle to move, even as the darkness of unconsciousness overcame them. The poison finally finished the work it had started, and all was black.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Notes:(25) The Principality of Rhondria is one of the Little Kingdoms and border the Broken Land of Verdaise.(26) The Mountain Wars began in 409. H.E. when the Kingdom of Herman Land invaded Derome-Delem to annex it.</blockquote>

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