(OOC: Quick fact check!--We've had a few adventures in this city before (and I ran them, so I've got the fact check under control):
The Academy is not 5 blocks to the north--it is in the midst of ruins of the Old City to the southeast of the city proper, and down vertically, as the New City has built up on top of the remains of the old, at least in the places where it spans. The Academy refused to move with the city as the coastline subtly shifted, partially because ancient wards and guardians could not be moved from the premises
@Hulgyr--before I could do that, we already had four, and I didn't want to kick someone out or something.)
*As Zaeryl instructed, the remaining 9000 gold is sent to Eternity, who receives it.*
"Very well. Let us spend the time we need here to prepare and then be on our way--the geas will be quite unpleasant if we do not," Zaeryl tells his new companions after the patrons are gone, "We have at most a little less than three weeks starting from today during which we must defend the fortress," he explains further, "Since the geas was intentionally open-ended 'protect the fortress', it lasts for a number of days proportional to the power of the caster. And we may wish to stay even after the geas fades if more danger ensues."