(YBA) Drax in Wicht's Lair

[Wicht]

After a long wait, one of the red robed sentries returns and with a hissed, "Follow me!" he leads Drax through another series of counfusing turns, doors and corridors. Drax is not sure but they might be walking in circles. But the lack of features on the walls makes it impossible to tell. Finally, they enter through a large set of double doors into a massive throne room. Two lines of courtiers form a pathway to the throne. As Drax observes them, Drax sees the courtiers are very strange. Men and women alike stand motionless in fancy clothes. Each wears a wig and their faces are concealed with ceramic masks of smiling faces. Each one clutches their hands behind their back.

As Drax is marched down the greeting line he can make out the one on the throne. It is a strange looking man, tall and thin, wearing a mask of a smiling face.

"Approach peasant," says a high pitched voice with an tone of amusement, "I am the Bard! I have been told you wish to be paid to be a loyal subject to my throne. Is this true?"

 

[Dalamar]

"And the thruth it is what has been told to you. I thought I could be of assistance."

 

[Wicht]

The other laughs. The sound of the strange laughter does not reassure Drax.

Finally the cackling stops and Drax is told, "I find honesty refreshing. I do not know how useful you can be but know this. There is an imposter in my city claiming to be me. He is an ancient enemy. If you can bring him to me I will see that you are richly rewarded."

 

[Dalamar]

Drax nods.
"This imposter, does he have any special powers or skills that might be good for me to know?"

 

[Wicht]

"He is a WEAKLING!!! He poses no threat. I merely wish to see him out of the way in the same way I would a fly or a mosquito."

 

[Dalamar]

"I see. Now, if you allow me to leave, I'd like to go after this imposter of yours."
Drax makes a small bow at the bard.

 

[Wicht]

There is a long pause.

Then the strange figure on the throne says, "Very well, Guards, give the man an escort."

Two of the red robed guards are soon at Drax's side and they lead him out a side door of the room and then through many twists and turns and empty hallways. Finally they lead Drax out of the front door of the castle and escort him to the fountain.

"Get out," hisses one of them at Drax.

 

[Dalamar]

Drax, ignoring the guard, straightens his sword belt in no hurry before leaving.
He walks along the road the circles the lake, going to see if he could find a place to gather some information.

 

[Wicht]

The road past the lake circles around counterclockwise to the lake, passing several houses on the right as it circles. After having walked over halfway around the lake, Drax sees that the path heads down towards a well populated area of the cavernous city. There around the base of one of the pillars, there seems to be some sort of walled market.

 

[Dalamar]

Drax, having nothing better to do, heads to the market.