Skrag thought he would go crazy before they got to the Honorblade. It wasn’t that anything particularly unusual happened as they made their way north towards the desert- just the opposite, in fact. Each day was the same as they walked along- the same empty plains, the same sun, the same meals. Worse, none of them ever had anything to say. Neither Septimus nor Doli was very talkative, and Skrag wasn’t either. Even if they did want to talk, Skrag didn’t imagine any of them would. Septimus seemed to consider himself above his companions in some way and every time he looked at them, Skrag imagined a look of disdain behind his gleaming gold mask. He even ate and slept apart from the two of them, as if he didn’t trust them. Doli, on the other hand, jumped whenever Septimus looked at him, as if the sorcerer was going to call down lightning at any minute. At the same time, Skrag could tell that Doli didn’t like him either. He wasn’t surprised, really- dwarves were known for having a vendetta against goblins. In fact, Skrag had experienced it firsthand before when he had stayed in the Dwarven Citadel with Zargan, Korin, and Cloventail. He, too, tried most nights to sleep as far away from Skrag as possible. Thus, the half-breed spent most nights staring at the stars, alone. He wished Zargan was there, or Hithrol, or Terra. She was still off looking for the Falkrions. Skrag hoped she was okay. She was the one he missed more than any other. But, of course, no one was there, and he continued to live in near-silence day after day. With all of that, Skrag was desperate for someone- anyone- to talk to, even if just for a fleeting second. Still, he never expected that person would be Skirj.
-last edited on Jun 22, 2017 22:17:36 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jun 22, 2017 22:17:00 GMT
Chapter 205
One night, just after the group had passed into the desert, Skrag found himself unable to sleep. It might have been the rough sand, or the biting wind, or even the surprising cold, but whatever it was it persisted well past midnight. Eventually, he decided to get a drink of water from one of the huge water skins Septimus had purchased at a tiny town on the border between the desert and the plains. As he approached the area where the packs were piled up- Septimus thought it best to keep all the supplies together and away from any of the members of the group- he heard a shuffling sound behind him. He turned around to see Skirj standing there dressed in finer clothes than Skrag had ever seen him wear before and with Marrzak’s crown perched on his head. The half-breed drew his sword, but Skirj went to his knees, holding out his empty palms, “Please. I just want to talk.”
Skrag hesitated for a minute, but eventually nodded, “Then talk.” He didn’t sheathe his sword.
Skirj stood up, “Thank you. I think I’m starting to go crazy. I haven’t had a real conversation in so long.”
“Me… me neither,” said Skrag, still suspicious of his adoptive brother’s motives.
Skirj took off his crown, “This thing is so powerful. I don’t know how anyone could wear it for long without going mad with power. I guess maybe no one has. I usually keep it in a pocket dimension so I don’t have to touch it.”
Skrag frowned, “A what?”
“Like this,” said Skirj. He stretched out his empty hand and drew an orange line in the air with his finger. It stretched into a hole in the air about as big around as Skrag’s head. Skirj dropped his crown into it and it closed. “Much better.”
“What do you want, Skirj.”
Skirj held out his empty palms, “I told you. I need to talk to someone.”
-last edited on Jun 23, 2017 18:20:56 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jun 23, 2017 18:20:15 GMT
Chapter 206
“I’m not sure really,” replied Skirj, “But who else is there? Besides, I need to apologize. I’m sorry that I hurt you. When Marrzak summoned me, I was filled with this sort of intense rage. It was uncontrollable. I think it was a side-effect of being smashed. But before that, there was no rage to blame. It was all me, and I’m sorry.”
Skrag grunted, “You never seemed sorry before.”
“I never thought about it before. I was… power-hungry is the word I would use, I think. It’s funny. Before I got the crown I was always searching for power, for the next step up. It’s how my father raised me. But then I attained that power, a power beyond that of most beings, and I realized that it’s meaningless. Power won’t make you happy. It won’t help the people who need to be helped or change the things that need to be changed. My father always hungered for power, like I used to, and it got him nowhere. I should have seen that before.”
“What do you mean?” asked Skrag, “He was the Warlord. He got away with smashing the Chief and framing me.”
Skrag expected Skirj to be shocked by that information, but he wasn’t. He simply shook his head, “No he didn’t. A few months after you ran away, his crimes were discovered. He was banished, just like you. I don’t know what happened to him, but I doubt he’s even alive anymore. After that, my mother and I were outcasts, much like you were. I went from being on top, a clear candidate for Warlord or even Chief in the not-too-distant future to being on bottom, ridiculed as the son of the traitor, a stain on the tribe. I devoted myself to regaining what I had lost at all costs. I was ruthless and angry, determined only to have power. In a lot of ways, I became my father. Ironically, my chance only arrived because of you.”
Once again, Skrag was forced to ask, “What do you mean?”
-last edited on Jun 25, 2017 21:00:54 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jun 25, 2017 21:00:21 GMT
Chapter 207
“You must remember when you fought that sorcerer- Thoran- and his dragon in the mountains.” Skrag nodded. “Well, I remember it too. I was there, leading the goblins in the fight. Our Warlord, Korst, had been smashed, along with many of our people, and I was the only one willing to step up and lead us. That’s why they made me Warlord in the end. But I wouldn’t have survived that battle without you. You and your friends saved us. If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here now. Thank you.”
Skrag was taken aback, “You’re welcome.”
Skirj nodded, “Now, for the real reason I came here.”
“That wasn’t it?”
“There are more important things to do now than repair old wounds, as much as they may need reparation. As I understand it, the world is about to end and you’re going to stop it using those Honorblade things.”
Skrag nodded, once again surprised at the turn the conversation had taken, “How did you know?”
“With the crown, I can access vast amounts of information, especially the important stuff, which this is. Now, the Honorblades can also destroy my crown.” Skrag took a step back, afraid at what might be next. “I need you to promise me that you will destroy it, no matter what I say, no matter what anyone says. It must be destroyed. Do you understand?”
“I do. I promise it will be done.” Skrag smiled, finally able to trust his one-time enemy.
“Excellent. I must go now.” Skirj reopened his pocket dimension and reached inside.
“Wait,” said Skrag, “Can’t you help us find the Honorblades?”
Skirj shook his head, “You already have one all-powerful sorcerer. You don’t need another. Besides, someone needs to hold off the souls until you get there.”
Skrag grabbed his arm, “The others told me what happened to Doli. You can’t do this alone.”
“Don’t worry about me, brother. You need to save the world.” In a flash of orange light, he was gone. Skrag did not sleep at all that night, but when he rose in the morning it was with renewed vigor.
-last edited on Jun 26, 2017 22:31:02 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jun 26, 2017 22:30:42 GMT
Chapter 208
Hithrol’s group had decided to go west until they reached the river that ran through the mountains, and then follow that north as far as they could. It was a well-known fact that giants lived in the mountains. As the sun rose on the second day, however, they realized they were ill-equipped to undertake such a journey. They had some food, but likely not enough to reach their destination, and surviving in the mountains required such things as heavy blankets of which they had none. One option was to visit the City on the River, but that would add at least a day to the trip and there was no time to lose. Hithrol knew there was a settlement on the other side of the river- in fact, he had once lived nearby it- but finding a crossing point could take nearly as long as taking the detour to the City. And so, when they happened upon a small house by the bank of the river, they decided to knock on the door.
To their surprise, the door did not open. Instead, a slot, a little below eye-level, slid open and a crossbow was pointed at them. A female voice spoke, “Slavers are not welcome here. Leave before I decide to take action.”
The three of them took a step back. “We’re not slavers,” said Hithrol, “Merely travelers looking to inquire about where supplies might be found nearby.”
The crossbow did not move, “Then why do you carry such weapons and armor?”
Hithrol drew his sword and dropped it on the ground, motioning for the others to do likewise, “The nature of our travels is quite dangerous. Besides, if there are slavers about, it would be in our best interest to be well-equipped against them.”
A male voice chimed in from inside the house, “I’ve never known orcs to be involved with slavers.”
“All right,” said the woman with the crossbow, “You may come in. But leave your weapons outside.” Slowly, the crossbow was lowered and the slot closed. The door opened just wide enough for one of them to fit in at a time.
-last edited on Jun 27, 2017 16:33:07 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jun 27, 2017 16:32:45 GMT
Chapter 209
Hithrol came in first, followed closely by Irya. Gyr, who had considerably more weapons to dispose of, took a little longer.
The house had only two rooms- a sitting room with a small kitchen and a bedroom. The woman who had held the crossbow was young, barely full-grown, and had blonde hair. More surprising was the man who had spoken up earlier. Like the woman he was young, but he was clearly full-grown, which made it odd that he was merely four-and-a-half feet tall. He had curly brown hair and a pleasant smile. “Welcome,” he said.
Hithrol bowed his head, “We thank you for your hospitality. I understand how frightening it can be to live in constant fear of slavers. I grew up not too far from here.”
“Both of us were once slaves. We have experienced it firsthand,” said the man, earning a warning glance from the woman. He shrugged it off.
The woman spoke, “You say you need supplies?”
Hithrol nodded, “We are in need of warmer clothing for our journey north.”
“If I may ask, why do you wish to go there?” asked Baj, “It’s a dangerous place, and generally unwelcoming towards humans.”
Hithrol looked at his companions before replying, “It has to do with events of grave concern to the world. We are looking for giants.”
The man began to laugh loudly. The woman joined him, although more quietly. Irya glared at them, “Why do you laugh?”
The man glanced at the woman, “They have no weapons. We might as well tell them.” The woman nodded. Hithrol, Irya, and Gyr each took a step back in fear of what was to come. The man stood, “You’ve come to the right place. I am a giant.”
Irya and Gyr looked at him incredulously, but Hithrol simply smiled, “You don’t happen to be named Baj by any chance, do you?”
-last edited on Jun 28, 2017 22:22:53 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jun 28, 2017 22:22:19 GMT
Chapter 210
The woman pointed her crossbow at him, “How do you know his name?”
“It’s not what you think,” said Hithrol, raising his hands over his head, “I am a friend of Skrag. I suppose you are Elisa?”
She lowered the crossbow slightly, “A friend of Skrag, you say?”
Hithrol nodded, “We’re on a mission to save the world.” He drew Scalblas, looking at Baj, “When you lived with the other giants, did you ever see a sword like this?”
Baj shook his head, but Elisa gasped, “I recognize that rune. If you’re looking for an Honorblade, that can only mean… the Well.”
“How do you know this?” asked Irya.
“I am Other.” If that was news to Baj, his face did not show it. Hithrol suspected she had told him long ago.
Irya frowned, “As am I. But I do not recognize you. Surely, you must have come to the mortal realm recently.”
Elisa shook her head, “It was six years ago.”
“But that is-,” it was Irya’s turn to gasp, “You are the one who was lost, who came here accidentally?”
“I am,” said Elisa.
“Reunions are all well and good,” said Gyr, speaking for the first time since they had arrived at the house, “But there is no time to waste. We must go.”
Baj held out his arm, “Wait. We will give you what supplies we can. And I think I may know where you need to go.”
“You do?” asked Hithrol.
“I have a general idea. I once knew a giant who was from a clan of giants called the Whiteblade clan. If the sword you seek looks like the one you carry, they may have it. All I know about them is they live far to the north.”
Hithrol laughed, “I think you may be right. Thank you.”
Soon, Hithrol, Irya, and Gyr had most of the supplies they needed to complete their journey. With a friendly farewell to Baj and Elisa, they were off.
-last edited on Jul 1, 2017 17:59:27 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jul 1, 2017 17:59:03 GMT
Chapter 211
The next day, Zargan and Olifin were awoken by Darkaraz. He entered their cave just after sunrise and gently shook his son awake. As the two reunited, Olifin too awoke and Zargan introduced his friend to his father. When they finished conversing, Darkaraz said, “When you’re ready, Kalkuzar is waiting.” He flew away.
Zargan and Olifin ate a quick breakfast and flew to Kalkuzar’s cave. A small green dragon guarded the entrance, but he let them pass. They found Kalkuzar sitting on a pile of treasures, a few of which he had gathered himself, but most of which were gifts from friends or visiting leaders. The golden dragon’s booming voice called out, “WELCOME, ZARGAN, OLIFIN. I TRUST YOU HAVE BEEN WELL?”
Zargan nodded, “Much has happened since we last crossed paths. But we will have to discuss that another time. Right now, the world is in grave danger and we need your help to stop it.”
“WHAT KIND OF DANGER?”
“The Well has been found. Its powers have been released. We need the Honorblades to close it before it is too late.” Zargan looked at him expectantly.
Kalkuzar nodded, “YOU KNOW, THEN, THAT I HAVE POSSESSION OF ONE, GIFTED TO ME ONE SEVEN HUNDRED YEARS AGO?”
Zargan nodded, “They gave us a riddle. It was not hard to find the solution.”
“THEN TAKE IT.” Kalkuzar dug through his treasures for a short while, before withdrawing a white-bladed sword and tossing it at their feet. Olifin picked it up. He and Zargan bowed and began to leave.
Suddenly, in a flash of orange light, Skirj appeared before them, wearing the Crown. They immediately prepared to fight him, but he held up his hands, “Wait. I pose no danger. I wish to help. I have already discussed this with Skrag. There is very little time remaining. The Honorblades must be brought to the Well as soon as possible. Thus, you must retrieve your riders and fly them to the castle. Skrag is in the desert, east and a little north. Hithrol is near a village, not too far from here. That is all the information I can give you. You must hurry.” And then he was gone.
Olifin looked at Zargan, “Should we trust him?”
“I’m not sure we have another choice.” Olifin nodded, and then they were gone, leaving a slightly confused Kalkuzar alone in his cave.
-last edited on Jul 2, 2017 12:28:03 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jul 2, 2017 12:27:41 GMT
Chapter 212
When they reached the Towers, a thin man in a gray cloak was waiting for them. His pale green eyes seemed to pierce their very souls. When they drew close enough, Graylin nodded to him, “Master Isenthorne. It was good of you to greet us. How did you know we were coming?”
Isenthorne returned her nod before replying, “It is good to see you, Graylin. I’ve been watching your progress since you and Septimus embarked on your quest. It seemed pertinent given the apparent gravity of your task.”
“Indeed it was,” said Graylin, “Then you know why we have returned here?”
Isenthorne nodded, “It is unfortunate that events took such a drastic turn for the worse, but I trust that you and Septimus have it in hand.”
“I believe so, but there is little time to waste,” Graylin walked forward, moving around Isenthorne.
“Of course,” Isenthorne nodded in her direction as she made her way to the Towers, “Should I have someone escort your companions to a place where they can rest.”
Graylin stopped and turned around, “That would be excellent, but I must ask Leinad to transfer the Honorblade to me first.” Leinad nodded and walked over to her, placing the weapon in her hand before walking back.
Instead of using the Tower of Material Manipulation or the Tower of Energetic Manipulation, as would be usual for such a spell, Graylin chose to go to the Tower of Temporal Manipulation. It attracted far fewer visitors and therefore would be ideal for such a sensitive and important task. The only other person in her chosen workroom was a man who called himself Wisdom. Graylin had seen him several times before but had never really struck up a conversation with him. Despite his friendly demeanor, there was just something about him that was off-putting, and his strange appearance- light purple hair and dark blue eyes coupled with sparkling silver robes- didn’t help.
-last edited on Jul 4, 2017 21:53:35 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jul 4, 2017 21:53:15 GMT
Chapter 213
Link, Leinad, and Harrox were escorted to a comfortable dormitory by Syldar, a friendly red-haired elf in green robes. It only had two beds, but Syldar said he’d bring another if they chose to spend the night. While they waited for Graylin, they struck up a conversation with Syldar. He was interested in their quest- apparently there had been much discussion about it in the Towers- so they told the story, from the old tavern where they met to finding the Well, and then why they came to the Towers.
Syldar stopped them while they were describing their companions, “You say one of them was a half-goblin with a green dragon? He wouldn’t happen to be called Skrag would he?”
Link nodded, “In fact he would.”
“Imagine that,” said Syldar with a smile, “I knew him years ago. He’s doing well then? Perhaps I should try to get in touch.” He trailed off for a second, but then picked back up again, “I’m sorry for interrupting. Do continue.”
Continue they did. When they reached their arrival at the Dragon Castle, a blonde man in pale blue robes came in. Syldar introduced him as Jarios, his roommate, and asked them to continue with the story once again.
After the story was over, Syldar and Jarios invited them on a miniature tour of the Towers. They eagerly accepted. The tour started in the main tower, where they were, and stopped at the Towers of Material Manipulations, Energetic Manipulation, and Temporal Manipulation. They skipped the Tower of Alchemy.
Along the way, Syldar and Jarios introduced them to several other inhabitants of the Towers. Among them were Leidiriv, a quiet half-elf with a dangerous glint in his eyes and Jerico, an older man with a kind smile.
-last edited on Jul 5, 2017 22:34:59 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jul 5, 2017 22:32:14 GMT
Chapter 214
For the third time, Graylin ran her hands back and forth over the Honorblade, whispering the required words as she did so. A faint yellow light slowly enveloped the weapon, and when all of it was covered Graylin dropped it. But it didn’t fall. Instead, it floated a few feet above the ground.
For the third time, Graylin was forced to leap backwards to avoid getting hit by the blade as it swung wildly in all directions. Apparently, it couldn’t decide which of the other Honorblades to point to. Graylin sighed as she cut off the spell, catching the weapon by its handle before it hit the ground. It was time to do what she had promised herself she wouldn’t do.
“Um, Wisdom,” Graylin said, “Do you know where I might be able to find saltwater?”
Wisdom turned to her with a smile, “You could just make some yourself. It’s a fairly simple spell. Would you like me to show you?”
Graylin shook her head, “It has to be from the ocean. I need it for a locator spell.”
“I see. I may know someone who can help.”
Her name was Errica. She was a Mermian with pale blue skin and teal hair and she loved the sea. “I can’t wait to finish my studies,” she said as she grabbed a jar of seawater off of a high shelf, “Then I can go back to the sea.”
Graylin wondered why the Mermian had come to the Towers in the first place.
This time, Graylin poured to saltwater onto the Honorblade before commencing the spell. For extra measure, she also sprinkled some of it onto the palms of her hands. As she released the weapon she prepared herself to jump out of the way once again, but she didn’t have to. The blade pointed in only one direction. Graylin sighed with relief, sheathed the Honorblade, and left to find her companions.
-last edited on Jul 6, 2017 22:10:01 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jul 6, 2017 22:09:25 GMT
Chapter 215
As Graylin, Leinad, Link, and Harrox were leaving the Towers, they found Wisdom and Errica waiting for them. Graylin attempted to walk around them, “I’m afraid we must be off. Urgent business.”
Wisdom stepped in front of here, “Yes, I know, you’re seeking an Honorblade so you can save the world.”
Graylin pointed her staff at his throat. “How do you know that?”
“Relax,” said Wisdom, raising his hands with his palms outward, “I’m Other. Really, I’m surprised you couldn’t guess.”
Graylin didn’t lower her staff, “Then why are you stopping us.”
“You need my help. Well, actually, you need hers.” He pointed at Errica.
“No thank you,” replied Graylin, “We can handle this on our own.”
“The locator spell pointed towards the City by the Sea. Errica knows it like the back of her hand. She can get you wherever you need to go.”
Graylin shook her head, “The locator spell will point the way. We just need to follow it. There is no need for a guide.”
“Well, that’s not all she’s good for,” Wisdom said, his tone almost pleading, “You are after the Honorblade in the sea, are you not?”
Graylin nodded, her patience starting to wane.
“Show them,” Wisdom nodded towards Errica. She smiled and returned the nod. Then, with a roll of her shoulders she began to change. White fur began to sprout all over her body as she grew larger and heavier. Her face transformed into a snout and she went to all fours. Soon, where a Mermian had once stood, there was now a polar bear.
Leinad, Link, and Harrox looked impressed but Graylin remained unsmiling, “So what?”
“Errica is an expert on humanoid transformation. You need to be able to dive to the bottom of the sea. I’m sure there are spells you could use, but would it not be much easier with her help?” Wisdom grinned, knowing that he had won.
Graylin sighed, “Fine. Let’s go.” The group, now one member larger, continued on its way.
-last edited on Jul 7, 2017 17:10:15 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jul 7, 2017 17:09:55 GMT
Chapter 216
On their way into the forest, Legolie, Fingolfin, and Harrox stopped in the Elven city to gather supplies and to warn those of high status of the danger in case they failed. They stayed only a day before venturing deeper into the forest. A few days afterwards, they passed by another Elven city, but they did not stop. Not long after that, they found themselves in the older part of the forest, where they could begin searching, but day after day they found nothing.
Legolie crouched down low as she examined the odd plant. She didn’t recognize it, “Fingolfin, do you know what this is? I’ve never seen it before.”
The gray-cloaked elf peered over her shoulder, before drawing back in astonishment, “Indeed, I do. But I haven’t seen it in nearly a century. That is Dragonsbane, a powerful and unique poison. It is also incredibly rare.”
“I’ve heard of that, I think,” said Legolie, standing up and facing him.
“Many people assume it is only dangerous to dragons, but that is untrue. It instantly severs one’s tie to magic. To nonmagical creatures, it isn’t too dangerous, but it permanently makes one unable to use or be affected by magic. However, it instantly smashes magical creatures such as dragons. Wherever it is found, it is usually destroyed before anyone can use it. That is why it is so rare.” Fingolfin placed a hand on Legolie’s shoulder and pulled her away from it. He then used a small amount of magic to burn up the plant. “Let’s go.” Legolie nodded, and followed him through the trees.
Harrox stayed back, searching the area where the plant had been until he found what he had been looking for. Carefully, he picked the last bit of the Dragonsbane and stowed it in his pouch.
-last edited on Jul 9, 2017 21:02:01 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jul 9, 2017 21:01:45 GMT
Chapter 217
Even with Baj’s help, finding the giants wasn’t as easy as they had hoped. It turned out the clan was farther west than they had expected, and not as far north. But at last they found what they were looking for. They had stopped in an inn for the night to get a good night’s sleep and a warm meal and to refill on supplies at the town nearby. As they ate in the common room, they began to pick up on conversations, hoping that someone would mention giants. They had used this tactic in the one other town they had stopped in, but to no avail. This time, most of the conversations were about the Iron Wolves- apparently, they lived nearby. Hearing the talk, Irya bowed her head in memory of Ethan. But then Gyr heard someone mention giants. He turned to see who it was, and his eyes landed on two men sitting in a dark corner. He stood up and motioned for Hithrol and Irya to follow him.
When he reached the table, he cleared his throat and spoke, “I couldn’t help but overhear you talking about giants. Are there some nearby.”
One of the men stood up. He had short brown hair and a grim face, “Ya overheard, eh? Ya sure ya weren’t spyin’ on us, ‘cause if ya were, well, let’s just say we don’t take kindly to spies.”
“To tell the truth,” admitted Gyr, “We were listening to see if anyone here mentioned giants. We’re looking for some, you see. They’re called the Whiteblade clan, and they have something we want.”
The man sized them up, “Well, maybe I do know where they are. But if ya think ya can just walk in and get what ya’re looking for, ya’re wrong. Three of ya against the whole clan? Ya wouldn’t last a minute.”
“Then what do you suggest we do?”
“Tell ya what,” said the man, “I know where ya can find some people willin’ ta help ya. Follow me.”
-last edited on Jul 10, 2017 18:12:24 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jul 10, 2017 18:12:05 GMT
Chapter 218
Gyr, Hithrol, and Irya followed the two men into a dark alleyway, where they led them to a heavy door.
“Are you sure about this?” Hithrol whispered to Gyr.
Gyr shrugged, “I don’t think we have another choice. It didn’t sound like he was lying about what would happen if we just waltzed in.”
Hithrol nodded, “I guess if things turn sour we can always fight our way out. Between the three of us, we should be able to handle a few thugs.”
The short-haired man knocked on the door. A slot slid open and someone peered out. “I’ve brought customers,” said the short-haired man. The slot closed and the door opened. The short-haired man gestured towards it, “After ya.”
The room inside was sparsely lit and small. A few corridors branched off to either side. A round table sat in the middle with chairs all around. Three of the chairs were empty, but the other three held a werewolf in a dark red cloak, an unsmiling elf, and a red-bearded dwarf. The pale woman who had answered the door took her seat, leaving two empty. Hithrol assumed they belonged to the two men who had brought them there. The short-haired man looked at them, “Is tha Baron here?”
The elf nodded, “In the back.”
The short-haired man led Gyr, Hithrol, and Irya into a corridor on the far side of the room. The other man brought up the rear. His hair, though the same shade of brown as the short-haired man’s, hung down to his shoulders. Like the room, the corridor was dim and grimy. It was narrow enough that they had to walk in single-file. Soon, though it opened out into another room, the same size as the first, but with slightly better lighting. In the middle, on a large, ornately carved chair, sat a large man with a neatly trimmed beard. He was older than any of the others, except perhaps the elf. His clothing was also noticeable finer and he sat leafing through stacks of papers. Without looking up, he said, “Welcome Cottor, Neren. You say you’ve brought customers?”
