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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Seravin" data-source="post: 1720058" data-attributes="member: 6783">At Sword House AgainThe forges of the Sword House ran hot the first week Kellron arrived back in Corlean.  The paladin watched the priest-smith pray over his sword as they reworked the metal of the blade with both hammer and faith.  The forge room was hot and smoky and the air was acrid with the smells of oil, soot, and sweat.  Still, the feverant and loud prayers of the smiths cut through the oppressive heat and flickering light of the flames to raise the spirits of everyone in the room.Any other blade would have been ruined by this treatment, but this was an enchanted fire-blade and the forge flames were required to keep the sword ignited whilst the priests re-worked the temper of the magics in the metal.  When they finished, Kellron’s fire-blade would ignite automatically when drawn by a member of the faith; which would have made the last two months easier.Kellron’s mind drifted away with the rhythmic chanting, wondering how Kestral and Jallarzi were doing.  Both women had promised to look around and see if it might be possible to purchase a pair of enchanted boots that would increase his speed; similar to what Ashimar had been wearing, but more permanent.  Kellron expected that the pair of boots would have to be commissioned, but with their newfound wealth that wasn’t a problem.Kellron allowed himself a self-satisfied grin, despite the revelation of the bandit attack against his new inn and the implication that it had been paid for, things were now going well.  No permanent harm had been done to the inn and Joe, his bouncer, was now fully recovered thanks to Colonel Megara’s faith.Speaking of which…  Thought Kellron.Nodding farewell to the priest-smiths, though they paid him no heed, Kellron left the forge for his appointment with Colonel Megara.  It was finally time that he settled other matters he had left too long unattended.-----“Enter.”  Called out Colonel Megara at the knock on the door.  When Kellron entered she smiled warmly and stood to greet him, though strictly speaking protocol didn’t require either.  She returned Kellron’s crisp salute with one of her own and motioned for him to sit.“So is all going well, Captain Kellron?”  She asked“Quite well.”  Affirmed Kellron.  “It’s been good to have some time off.”“I’m sure.  Ashimar’s stories have been making the full rounds.  The older officer’s smile disappeared, and for a moment she looked her full forty-odd years.  “Your previous report interested General Vorun greatly.  He asked that I pass along his respects; unfortunately he is currently meeting with the Duke right now.  He wants you to know that we will provide any aid that we can though.”Kellron smiled.  “Thank you very much.  The church has been more than helpful and I appreciate it.  However, I asked for this meeting not for my current mission, but for myself.”“Oh?”  Colonel Megara looked interested; she hadn’t expected a personal request from the paladin. Kellron paused, collecting his thoughts making sure he really wanted to go forward.; he was about to ask for a lot of responsibility.  Steeling himself, he stated his intent straight out.  “I’d like to re-man Broken Spire Keep as a base of operations and a forward defense point.  Any support the church could give would be appreciated.”Colonel Megara pursed her lips in thought.  This was a surprise, but she was an organizer by nature and a good judge of character; her lineage all but demanded it.  “How many men?”“As many as you can spare, but I think fifteen to twenty would be good a good start.  The keep is small and isolated and needs work to make it fully liveable.  Given the bandit attacks, it is my hope that this guard contingent will help protect the County of Haranshire while my friends and I explore the tunnels below.”“I see.  So you’d like some guards and some skilled craftsmen I take it?”“I think so; it would certainly improve the men’s morale to have a more liveable place.”Megara nodded, agreeing with the paladin.  “You realize the problem with your request is that the church does not own Broken Spire.  The keep and lands belong to Count Parlfray.”“I know, but I was hoping the church could help me persuade the good Count to sell or lease the lands.  The keep has been abandonded for decades now, so he’s obviously not using it.”Colonel Megara mulled it over.  There were still questions to ask, but General Vorun, Scion of the Victorious Dragons and head of her order, had apparently already anticipated something like this.  “There are still details to work out, but General Vorun gave me presumptive leave to assign as many men as I deemed to necessary to you if you required it.”  The colonel smiled.  “He told me you would almost certainly ask for the, though I suspect he thought you would be taking them with you.”Kellron shook his head in negation.  “I thought of it, but the surface is what is really vulnerable.  Haranshire could use more protection, especially if there are people striking out at our friends while we’re away.”“Very well.  We’ll start with two squads; we can go over the rosters later.  What I can not do is make Count Parlfray give over the Keep to you, no matter the cause.“Can you give me a letter of recommendation?”“That I can do.”  Affirmed the colonel as she stood.  The paladin quickly followed suit and took the colonel’s outstretched hand.  “Captain Kellron, would you care to adjourn with me and my aide and you can go over our rosters while I write up a quick letter to the Count.”“I would like that very much, Colonel.”With that the two officers left the colonel’s office.</blockquote>

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