The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial

[Carlo-One]

Despite gaining much knowledge of the surrounding countryside, the three found no tracks or other signs of the portal exit. As they headed back to the village, suddenly a panting, running guardsman came into view and headed to meet them. At first they were concerned his appearance meant Tagreth had somehow escaped, but the guardsman – after catching his breath somewhat – denied that and insisted instead that they needed to find Captain Calen, saying he wasn’t sure what the captain was going to do with the prisoner. Shanni was all for going back at a leisurely pace, given what was likely to happen to the Fire Knives leader, but Dermot pointed out that a summary execution would make Calen a murderer himself. The three adventurers then took off at a run themselves, leaving the out-of-shape guard to walk back to the village on his own.

After Dermot, Shanni and a puffing Darrow (in that order) arrived at the barracks, they found Aerikoth and Mayor Haman Amraphel there, but none of Baron Pahar’s soldiers. The mayor was at a loss and suggested that a search was in order, saying he would warn the villagers to be on the lookout. Aerikoth suggested other possibilities besides Calen going to execute the prisoner, such as the guards having departed to escort him to Turnton, or perhaps even having been bribed by Tagreth to set him free.

While Shanni was impatient to get moving immediately, the wizard calmly suggested that Dermot should first try to find evidence of their departure, an idea seconded by Darrow. Dermot welcomed the wizard back, then started cursing as the rain began again. He said he wished he knew the guard captain better, explaining that if he were a practical man, he would just take the Lord out to the forest for execution, but if he were a sentimental one, he would do it at the manor, thought the ranger. The group then began casting about for any visible tracks, Shanni and Aerikoth being the first ones to spot a group of bootprints in the mud, heading west along the road out of town.

They moved as rapidly as they could to the western outskirts of the village and saw Calen and his squad lined up in an open space past the Winnfall farm. Tagreth was on his knees in front of the guard captain, who had a naked sword in his hand. Calen looked up as Dermot yelled from a distance to attract his attention, asking what was the meaning of this. The guard captain remained silent as they approached. Once they finally reached him, he replied, “Justice. That is the meaning.”

 

[Carlo-One]

Dermot told Calen that he was a watchman, not a judge...nor a headsman. This earned a curt retort from Calen that his skills would suffice. Darrow then raised the question of whether Baron Pahar would back the guard captain’s decision. As Shanni regarded the bound Tagreth thoughtfully, Calen replied that the Baron gave great latitude to his commanders, looking upwards as the skies darkened.

Dermot made the additional point that Tagreth was on his way to swing, so there was no need for the guard captain to wet his sword like this. Calen, with more heat, accused the adventurers of not understanding what the loss of his men through cold murder meant, and said that Tagreth deserved no less. Calm as ever, Aerikoth then asked if he could speak before Calen took any action. The wizard stated that he understood a great deal and asked Calen to consider the fact that Tagreth had harmed a great many, beyond his two men. Did the guard captain intend to rob all the others of the justice they deserved, by continuing with his actions?

At this point Garens Winnfall came out of his house, to see what was going on. Shanni explained that Captain Calen was about to murder Tagreth, although she couldn’t say she blamed him much. Desperate, the Fire Knives leader appealed first to Garens, saying that he did not deserve to be slaughtered on the farmer’s land, then broadened his appeal to all those listening, claiming he did not deserve this fate. In response, Calen looked down at his prisoner and told him to shut up.

Dermot argued that it wasn’t about what Tagreth deserved, but what about Tallwell deserved: fairness, openness, a place where people aren’t taken from their cells and beheaded in the wild. The ranger pointed out that the villagers would never see the guard captain in the same way afterwards. Darrow, perhaps trying to be helpful, told them that however humans treated their judgements was on them; if Tagreth were a dwarf, he’d be left naked in the deep delves for the umber hulks to have some fun...after a proper trial, though.

Throughout the exchange, the farmer Garens had remained silent, looking down at the headstone which stood next to him. As Calen put his sword to the prisoner’s throat, though, the farmer asked if he might say a word to the guard captain. Without moving his sword from Tagreth’s throat, Calen briefly indicated to Garens that he might speak.

The farmer gestured to the adventurers, saying that these folk had delivered the village from tyranny, more than once. Looking down at the grave marker again, Garens also declared that no one had paid a higher price than he, mentioning the name of Aratae, his son who had been murdered at Hallton’s order. He then looked back at the guard captain and stated simply that he knew what justice was, and this was not it.

Calen, who had been impassive until then, blanched in response, the farmer’s words hitting home. Shanni verbally prodded Calen again as well, asking if he was better than his prisoner. Calen’s sword dropped slowly as he struggled for a response, while Dermot’s eyes flickered as he looked around the circle of guards’ helmets, to see if they would intervene in some fashion. Darrow reminded the guard captain that sometimes shortcuts weren’t shortcuts.

Finding his voice, Calen bitterly asked what they would have him do, then, as Tagreth’s kind never paid the price for their crimes. (The guard captain throughout these chronicles has shown a keen understanding of how the world in reality works, while doing his best to uphold his values and his duties. This time is no exception. --R) Darrow replied that the Baron would give the man his moment to speak, and do it right and proper. Calen nodded slowly at Darrow’s words and Dermot quickly followed up, telling Calen that he should accompany the adventurers to Turnton when they delivered him, to speak for the dead men. Regaining his composure, the guard captain acknowledged that they were right and justice would be served, as Helm would want it to be. Aside, Shanni nodded to Aerikoth and told the wizard that it might be an idea to get the prisoner there fast.

 

[Carlo-One]

Aerikoth indicated that he would be able to take Tagreth and one other, preferably Captain Calen, with him immediately to Baron Pahar, if that was desired. Before any transfer occurred, though, they decided to get out of the falling rain and return to the barracks, Calen tugging harshly on Tagreth's bindings as they went. Along the way, Aerikoth let his companions know that he had left word with the watch of Westgate about their prisoner. Watch Commander Meynn was unfortunately unavailable, so the wizard had left word with his aide to meet the next morning. Aerikoth remarked that Lord Tagreth's crimes were not just committed in Tallwell, and was sure there were those in the city that would have an interest in him. (A careful read of these chronicles indicates that Aerikoth must have teleported to Westgate from the forest cave where he was studying his magical texts, after his companions had decided to bring Tagreth back to Tallwell and place him into Calen's custody at the earliest possible moment. From what is described below, the wizard seems to have made the rounds of those in the city who might have an interest in the prisoner. --C)

As Calen threw their prisoner to the floor, Darrow – ignoring the groans coming from Tagreth – wondered who else would be interested. Aerikoth mentioned that he had attempted to see Losifan Urdo at the Mercenaries Guild, but was told that he had left the guild for family business. The wizard was sure Lord Urdo would like to handle any situation with the man that had orchestrated an attempt on life of the the current Croamarkh's, his father. Darrow thoughtfully expressed an interest in getting what he thought would be a bigger payoff from Urdo for their captive. Shanni pointed out that Urdo should owe them one anyway, and the dwarf said he would be good with delivering Tagreth to Baron Pahar, if that was the consensus.

Although Aerikoth professed personal indifference to the outcome, he further observed there were others beyond just Urdo and Pahar if all facts were presented. The wizard noted the likely interest of the Sembian Embassy in Westgate, as one of their ambassadors had been assassinated by the Fire Knives, and of course that of the Watch of Westgate. Shanni, impatient as ever, said that the politics of it didn’t matter, they could all queue up to kick the stool out, so they should just take him to Pahar.

Captain Calen ordered his men to barracks for the evening and queried the four adventurers if they wished to depart that evening or in the morning. Darrow replied that they needed a minute and Calen said to take their time for deliberating. Shanni offered to just flip a coin to decide between Pahar and Urdo, but Aerikoth calmly asked the guard captain what his preferred option for travel was. As Calen pondered, Shanni took out her coin, but paused before flicking it into the air, waiting for the response. Calen then said it would be good for his men to see Turnton again, not just himself, so he would prefer to take half of his men and march there in the morning. Polite and respectful, the guard captain then withdrew to let the adventurers finish their discussion.

The wizard specified that would take perhaps a long day of travel overland to reach Turnton, if that option were chosen. Darrow favored the simpler choice of just whisking their prisoner there, as the dwarf put it. Shanni said she thought that marching back and forth would take too much time, while there was Darrow’s brewery to set up, an innocent expression on her face. Although the petite rogue likely was just looking for an excuse to get out of the trip, the dwarf perked up and said she had a point.

Calen returned and asked if they had reached a decision. Darrow told him that Aerikoth would transport the prisoner and him directly to Turnton, with which the guard captain concurred. He asked only that it be in the morning, since he needed to organize his men before departing. The wizard acknowledged Calen’s wishes and the guard captain said goodbye to the adventurers as Shanni herded them in the direction of the inn for food and drink.

At Kablin’s Inn they ran into the mayor, who was relived to hear that the matter had been sorted and the garrison returned to the barracks. Haman left to go check in with Captain Calen as the others, hungry and thirsty from the day’s efforts, dug into the local inn fare with gusto. The four talked with animation about House Cormaeril’s involvement with Baron Hallton in Tallwell, the past conflict with Baron Pahar, and prospects for gaining some leverage with the players in Westgate.

As they finished their meal, Aerikoth stated that in the morning he would go to the Watch Tower in Westgate to see Commander Meynn, if he was available. The wizard would then return to Tallwell to teleport Calen and their prisoner Tagreth to Pahar and leave him in the Baron’s hands. Dermot expressed the desire that gods willing, that would be that. Aerikoth replied that, in all candor, somehow he was dubious of that. (As I have commented previously, the wizard's words often prove prescient. --R)

 

[Carlo-One]

Shanni, begging tiredness, went upstairs to her room. Aerikoth indicated he would depart for the evening, leaving the remaining inn chamber to Darrow and Dermot. In response to a question from Darrow, the wizard briefly reviewed for them how matters stood in Westgate, including the fact that no one appeared to be searching for them after the Castle Cormaeril assault. The castle itself was under control of the Watch, as were the Cormaeril nobles, who were being held due to the information about an assassination attempt on the Croamarkh previously delivered by the adventurers to Losifan Urdo. Aerikoth’s two companions wished him safe travels and Darrow called for another pint before going to bed.

The night passed and Ches 26 dawned. Shanni, Darrow and Dermot gathered in the common room of Kablin’s Inn, having to be content with porridge in the morning. The innkeeper had mentioned hearing some strange noises in the night, but Shanni eventually determined that it was just Darrow’s snores. After finishing their simple meal, they headed over to the barracks to see about Tagreth.

Guard Captain Calen saluted the three as they entered, ordering one of his men to watch the bound prisoner while he spoke with their guests. A few moments later, Aerikoth joined them, brushing the rain from his robes. The wizard confirmed that he had seen Watch Commander Meynn in Westgate, who had found the information on Tagreth’s capture valuable. Aerikoth noted that Meynn planned to speak about it with House Thalavar, which was an ally of Baron Pahar.

The wizard indicated to Calen that he was ready and the guard captain in response barked an order and jerked the rope binding Tagreth, forcing the prisoner to his feet. Shanni begged off going to Turnton along with them, somewhat redundantly, as Aerikoth was only capable of bringing along two others with him via teleport. Calen became slightly confused when Aerikoth asked him where they should appear, but then understood the wizard meant where exactly in Turnton.

After some thought, the guard captain chose the Temple of Helm, saying it would be fitting; Dermot and Shanni agreed. Aerikoth said he had spent a significant time within Turnton and suggested that a safer place would be just outside the temple, as the wizard had found the devoted of Helm fairly unforgiving with his magical skill used in such a way. Calen nodded at that and then asked what he needed to do. Aerikoth explained that he needed to be in physical contact with Lord Tagreth, or he would not be transported with them. Calen did not find this a problem, taking a firm grip of Tagreth's bound arms, then waiting with a deep breath as the wizard placed a hand on his arm in turn, speaking an intense word of power.

 

[Carlo-One]

After Aerikoth and the two men accompanying him disappeared, Darrow, Dermot and Shanni did some more searching in the vicinity of Tallwell for a potential site for the dwarf’s brewery, while keeping an eye out for portal signs or potential sites for the Beast’s buried treasure. They met a lumberjack named Fallir and his dog Growler, who cornered a razorback boar in the forest for them. Having found a suitable location nearby with running water and road access, Darrow negotiated with Fallir to have a brewery building constructed there, which the lumberjack promised they could do in a tenday.

Aerikoth returned magically to Tallwell around midday, surprising Darrow by suddenly appearing in front of the dwarf, who was drinking alone in the inn. The wizard related how Baron Pahar had taken charge of Tagreth and would keep him imprisoned in Turnton, pending a decision on his disposition. An emissary of House Thalavar in Westgate planned to journey there, to confer with their ally Pahar and see if Tagreth had any useful information. Aerikoth said he had been allowed to speak to the prisoner and would return to do so again, at the request of the Baron. The two discussed the situation with Tagreth for a time, then Darrow departed to see about the delivery of his brewery supplies to the work site.

In the early afternoon, a cheery-looking Dermot and somewhat desperate-looking Shanni arrived to join Aerikoth at Kablin’s Inn, having just spent the last two hours examining the flora around Tallwell. Shanni perked up quickly as the innkeeper brought around drink and some select cuts of meat, thanks to one of the woodsmen who had had come by to sell a large haunch of venison. Kablin mentioned how more of the loggers were coming into town and business was up, in part thanks to Darrow’s project. After the innkeeper departed, the three adventurers discussed their plans.

Aerikoth had no interest in staying longer in the village, while Dermot and Shanni acknowledged that their hopes of finding the Castle Cormaeril portal exit and the Beast’s hidden treasure so far had come to nought. They discussed possibilities in Starmantle, Reddansyr and Teziir. Regarding Westgate, Aerikoth reminded the others that they had planned to stay away for a time following the assault on the castle, but with the Cormaeril nobles all locked up, reprisals seemed unlikely now. The wizard also informed them, as he had with Darrow, that Tagreth had shared the information that House Vhammos was deeply tied to the Night Masks; this was relevant, as Shanni had been freed from the hold of a ship at the Vhammos docks.

The petite rogue by this point had finished her meal and mumbled something about going off to search for herbs and whatnot, as Darrow came in the door. Dermot carved off some venison for the dwarf, who came in grumbling about the weather. Between the dwarf and the ranger, they finished off the haunch, as the three companions caught up on their plans, without coming to a final decision.

 

[Carlo-One]

By the time the sun began to set, Shanni had returned and Aerikoth had locked himself in one of the inn rooms, in order not to be disturbed while studying his magic. A meager supper of flavored broth was served in the common room to Darrow, Dermot and Shanni by the Kablins. The lack of available food highlighted the village’s penury, although both the innkeeper and his wife seemed optimistic about the prospects for future trade and local hunting, now that the manticores were gone from the woods. The three adventurers decided they should supplement the inn’s food stores, so Dermot lead a hunt into the countryside, despite the ever-present rain.

They first returned to the area where the local woodsman’s dog had cornered a boar and found its companion, which wounded Shanni in the leg with a charge before being killed. She soon healed, however, after Darrow lent her his ring of regeneration, and watched with interest as the ranger and the dwarf set to skinning the boar and storing its meat in their packs. Dermot heard some activity off to the northwest and suggested Shanni check it out, while they finished with the boar.

The petite rogue soon returned with a description of lots of huge rabbits in the forest, which Darrow thought would be good eating. The three moved toward where she had the rabbits and were surprised when they came leaping and bounding towards the adventurers, huge teeth exposed. A flurry of axe and sword work soon cut down the animals, however, leaving Darrow breathing heavily but grinning along with Shanni as they exchanged fluffy bunny jokes. The smiles soon turned to swearing, however, as the three set to dragging as many rabbit carcasses as they could handle back to Kablin’s Inn.

The exhausted adventurers, partly covered in rabbit blood, deposited their loads at the inn and were bemused when Kablin welcomed them enthusiastically, calling to his wife to come see the rabbits. The innkeeper explained that they had used to roam in packs in the woods before the manticores came, as Yasia enthused about various recipes. The three companions said that the rabbit meat would be all theirs, for the price of three baths.

 

[Carlo-One]

Next morning on Ches 27, the adventurers awoke relatively clean and rested, leading Darrow to seriously question whether they actually had fought a bunch of giant rabbits the day before, or if he had overdone the bedtime ale. Dermot assured him that was actually a thing that had happened. The dwarf nodded, then wondered if they would be having rabbit for breakfast, as they headed downstairs.

They found Kablin mopping the floor, which was still slick with rabbit blood. He nonetheless greeted them cheerily enough, as Dermot apologized again for the mess. The innkeeper mentioned that Shanni had been up earlier, taking some bread and heading out quickly. Although he was evidently curious about what she was up to, Kablin did not ask further about it, saying he would fetch them some brown bread for breakfast.

Shortly afterward Aerikoth joined them, apparently having finished studying his spells. Darrow and Dermot discussed with the wizard plans to return to Westgate, which could be done either on foot or via teleportation. Darrow thought they had a good chance at finding work at the Mercenaries Guild, even without Losifan Urdo there. Aerikoth in turn speculated that Losifan might wish their assistance in any case, noting that their efforts against Cormaeril had not been sanctioned by the guild.

As the other three were finishing their meal, Shanni arrived back at the inn, complaining that it was raining – again. Darrow tweaked her about searching for treasure, but in response the petite rogue tossed a note down on the table for them to read. It said for them to come pay their respects at the Winnfall farm and they would talk, but had no signature. Darrow said it seemed like they had a date, while Shanni pointed out that it may mean for them to meet at the grave, rather than the farmhouse.

Aerikoth then asked the obvious question, where she had obtained the note, and was told in the hollowed-out tree out by the logging camp. The wizard observed that he was unaware of such a tree, then asked when she had found the note. Drawing out the explanation further, the petite rogue innocently stated that she had just gone for a walk the previous day and dropped it off, then checked back that morning. The wizard further questioned, staring at her, what she had dropped off, being told in return that it had been a note and a gold coin, suggesting to whomever was using the hollow that they should meet. The wizard found this intriguing, but did not inquire further. (Here we have an apparently deliberate reveal of Shanni's extracurricular activities in Tallwell away from her companions. I cannot believe that she simply randomly put a note and a coin into a local tree hollow, in the hopes that someone - who? - would respond. What is her game? --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

As Kablin cleared the rough-hewn inn table, he inquired if the adventurers would be taking the road out that day. Dermot replied that it looked like they would be, one way or the other. The innkeeper said he and his wife had been right proud to have them there, which earned a smile and a return compliment from Darrow as the dwarf headed upstairs to put on his armor.

Aerikoth unblinkingly watched Kablin finish up and depart, and a now-armored Darrow arrive, before inquiring about the smell of raw meat. The wizard asked if his three companions had provided the inn with game, which Dermot acknowledged and Darrow elaborated on by describing the big rabbits they had slain. Aerikoth expressed his doubts as to the actual threat posed by them, only to be contradicted by all three, Darrow saying that goblins could have ridden them as mounts and Shanni likening them to boars.

After departing the inn, the four discussed how they wanted to do the meet at the site mentioned in the note. Dermot suddenly remembered he had meant to bring up the fact he had taken a couple of trinkets off Lord Tagreth Cormaeril, including a ring of invisibility. They agreed to have Darrow use the ring, since Aerikoth had his own magic and Dermot and Shanni were adept at sneaking. Once they all were hidden from casual sight, they made their way to the grave at village’s western outskirts.

After taking up their positions in view of the site, they saw the two ox drivers, Hal and Lally, having a conversation about getting ready for the road. Lally went inside the nearby farmhouse as Hal finished cinching up his ox in the pasture, apparently inured to the constant rain. Darrow, as had been previously decided, was the first to initiate contact, surprising Hal as he appeared seemingly from nowhere. The dwarf gave a friendly greeting and confirmed to Hal that the adventurers would be leaving soon too. Some small talk about Darrow’s brewery plans occupied them for a while.

Shanni, evidently losing patience, showed herself and approached Hal, inquiring with a pointed look if he were there to pay his respects, echoing the language used in the note she had found. He said aye, paying them before heading back to Westgate, and the petite rogue said she was there to do the same. They then bantered about business opportunities in Tallwell and taking the road to Westgate, which Hal indicated he would do after waiting for the rain to let up a bit. Darrow said that he would prefer to do the same, although it wasn’t up to him, then excused himself, as did Shanni, citing the need to get out of the rain. Hal wished them fair travels and Shanni reciprocated.

Darrow and Shanni met up with Dermot and Aerikoth, who were puzzled and underwhelmed by the results of the meeting. Aerikoth speculated that one of the drovers might have known Aratae in the past and wished to pay his respects, if they were from the village and knew the Winnfalls. He also pointed out that it was likely they were illiterate, given their occupation, implying that the note was note from them. Shanni just continued cursing the rain, while making it known that she had been put out by Darrow’s forthright approach to the conversation. This made the dwarf grumble, as she refused to explain further, saying she had been intrigued but was bored now. (It seems that the dwarf was unaccustomed to the requirements for clandestine-type meetings, unlike the "petite rogue" - but then again, if that is what Shanni truly was expecting, why did she bring Darrow and the others along in the first place? I have to think there was more to this incident than is reflected in the chronicles. --R)

With nothing keeping them in town, the four set out across the countryside. By the time they had reached the neighboring village of Glees, it had stopped raining, to Dermot and Shanni’s delight, but the petite rogue started complaining again when the skies opened up as they reached the Turnton/Glees crossroads, as did Darrow. From there, they walked the rest of the way to Westgate, arriving as the sun was setting.

Being in the large city again apparently made them lose their bearings, as they took the long way to the Gatreach Inn, although were able to pick up some additional rumors in the streets. Inside, Jandrico Swift and his new half-orc employee Barzog welcomed them back, Barzog leaving with a cheery wave to his friends from Starmantle. The four adventurers then caught Jandrico up on the results of their travels and were also informed by the innkeeper that the nearly-rebuilt Gatereach guest house was available for them to occupy, if they wished. (A generous and noble gesture by Jandrico, considering that the previous one had been burned down in order to get at the party's possessions. Of course, the Cormaerils were the original culprits and by this point were no longer a threat, but it still must have given some pause to the innkeeper in his considerations. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

Chapter X: An Ancient Evil​

Message from the Past​

On the morning of Ches 28, the company trickled into the Gatereach’s back room for breakfast, Darrow being the first despite his late night “research” for his brewery business. The dwarf confessed to not really liking most of the ales he sampled, neither did he have any luck finding a brewer who was looking for work. In reply, Jandrico Swift thoughtfully tapped a finger on the bar, saying he might know someone who would be looking for a change of venue, and that had the required skills. Darrow described the virtues of the quiet location of Tallwell and agreed to meet with the man, if Jandrico could set something up for that evening.

Aerikoth arrived at this point and confirmed to Shanni that he had stayed at his Westgate home the previous night. In response to the wizard’s question about their own doings, Darrow mentioned he had gone out for a wee bit of research, as the dwarf put it, while Dermot had slept in. Shanni said she went for a walk to get some air before dinner, but then had stayed in for the night. As the four dug into Goruna the cook’s fresh griddlecakes, they discussed the uptick in street activity that Darrow and Aerikoth had noticed, the wizard relaying what his raven familiar Zeluth had observed the night before.

As the adventurers were finishing their meal, Jandrico took the opportunity to raise the matter of the guest house in more detail, mentioning that it should be completed by the following month and inquiring about their interest in renting it at 400 gold per month, for the group. The innkeeper hoped it would be worth their consideration and retired to the kitchen, to allow them to discuss the matter. In response to a question form Dermot about what the guest house was like before, Aerikoth said that before it burned down, the guesthouse had been a quality place to stay, as each member of the company had a separate room and there was a central meeting area.

Shanni expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of having a room of her own, for the first time. She thought that they should be good for the gold, especially with their share of the profit from the dragon hoard due soon after the guest house would be available. Dermot considered that one hundred gold each a month would not be too bad at all, only to be corrected by Aerikoth, who saw no reason to stay there when he had his own home. The ranger then corrected the sum to one hundred and thirty four each, still considering that wouldn’t be too bad at all. Finishing his food and taking a sip of water, the wizard qualified his earlier statement, saying that even though he would not be staying at the guest house, he would be willing to assist all of them, if there was a need.

 

[Carlo-One]

As the four adventurers were coming to agreement on taking the guest house, a tired-looking man dressed in monk’s robes and carrying a staff walked into the room, announcing that he was seeking Jandrico Swift. Jandrico came out of the kitchen and identified himself, as the others looked curiously at the traveler. Looking both exhausted and relieved, he explained that he was seeking a brother of his order, pulling out a note and showing it to the innkeeper. At this point Darrow lost interest and returned to inhaling his griddlecakes.

Jandrico, while reading the note, saddened and said he was afraid that Brother Veran has passed on to his Judgment, as he believed they put it. The monk traveler indicated that this was sad news indeed, although not unexpected. He explained that it had been two months since the message from Veran had been received, with nothing further. Brother Millerjoi, the head of their order, had therefore dispatched him to determine what had happened. Shanni and Dermot appeared intrigued by the turn of events, as Jandrico looked over to Aerikoth, mentioning that the wizard had been one of Brother Veran’s companions, for a time. (It is with great anticipation that I see the Order introduced again as an actor in this drama, including the prospect of obtaining more detail on Brother Veran's legacy. It is heartening to see that they did not give up on him, despite his already having passed on to his Judgment. --C)

Aerikoth said that he could inform the traveler of what had happened to his monastic brother, first asking his name. In response, the monk gave formal greetings to Aerikoth, stating that he was Brother Vendalus, of the Order of Kelemvor in Archendale. Aerikoth rose and took up his staff, as Vendalus offered to show them the message by way of explanation, fumbling a little for it before placing it on the bar table. He explained that Brother Veran and his companions had defeated an ancient lich, yet it seemed that the task was not fully completed, when the note was scribed and sent. Vendalus also mentioned that he had other information, related to the prophecy Veran had been researching.

Darrow – managing a dignified nod to their monk guest despite the griddlecake crumbs in his beard – Dermot and Shanni all recalled hearing the story in the past. The dwarf assured Vendalus that the lich had been well and truly destroyed, noting that his lair was underneath the Ironhelm clanhome. The monk welcomed this news and noted down Darrow’s offer to have him speak with the Ironhelm dwarves. However, Vendalus still feared that he needed to seek assistance on the matter of the prophecy. (Although the dwarf is not wrong, neither is he fully correct. The matter of the lich Ashnakzeroth is not yet concluded within these pages. One should be wary of making such kinds of assumptions, however one might wish them to be true. --R)

Showing some concern for the tired-looking monk, Jandrico observed that it appeared he had been traveling for a good while. Vendalus acknowledged this, having just arrived that morn on a ship crossing the Dragonmere. The innkeeper offered to help break his fast then, and provide a room for the night should he need one. The monk was appreciative, but indicated that he could not fully rest until he found some assistance in Westgate, which he had hoped to obtain from Veran. Darrow, Dermot and Shanni expressed an interest in hearing about this, While Aerikoth finished thoroughly perusing the message.

Vendalus queried whether Veran's last message made sense to the wizard, who agreed. The monk said he therefore considered the matter of the lich to be at an end. Yet that left the matter of the prophecy that Brother Veran was originally researching, before he journeyed to Westgate. It concerned the return of a vampire king to Westgate, a resurgence of the evil of old. The Night King.