The Curse of Calamus

[Angelus]

Nathan

As he stood back and watched everyone eat Nathan wondered why he wasn't hungry. He hadn't eaten anything since last night but yet he wasn't hungry. He walked outside, hoping that the fresh air would do him good but stopped in his tracks when he saw the elves that were standing there talking with Pennidar.

He wanted to walk up to the group and ask what was going on but he knew that if he did he might be killed. That was something he wanted to avoid, not that he was a coward but he just didn't want to be killed by elves at this particular point in time.

He turned and walked away as quietly as he could away from the elves and Pennidar, hoping they didn't know he was there. He walked to another part of the woods and sat down on a stump then drew his sword and looked down the length of it, wondering when he would have to use it again.

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard-Still Walking....

Richard wondered why it was that it was becoming more an more complicated to leave this morning. Nothing held him back, but the sheer amount of people going up to him...elves, dwarf, and now the giant. Well, at least the giant had food. He smiled and said 'thank you', at least he had gratitude.

He took his share of meat, and hungrily tore into it. He stopped, looking back at the yelling dwarf. Hell, Richard was onlt about five feet away. He wasn't moving that fast. The little bother was acting like he had a horse or something.

He shook his head. If anything, it was more trouble to try and leave then to bother staying. Who cares if they were all ungrateful? He'd go with the elven lands with them, get pointed to the next chaotic human city, and continue on his way. It would be a mere matter of not moving while the others went on.

Sighing, he wandered back to the old man and the elves. He looked at everyone, and threw his hands in the air. "Are you people mad!? There are orcs returning, you know. We should be preparing to leave, getting ready to move out as soon as possible! Don't tell me you people aren't taking this seriously!"

He sighed, shaking his head. He was traveling with fools. A good deal of fools. They know the orcs are coming back, and yet they're acting like its a picnic. The orcs would outnumber and kill them all if they were still here when they got back, and these people were acting like it was a game of some sort. Even the wizard looked calm and ready to sit down and wait. Fools, the lot of them were. Fools with death wishes. And he was trapped with them.

He groaned with the knowledge of what he'd gotten himself into, and he didn't like it.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Outside the house

Richard was irritated again, Pennindar noted, but he needed to remain focused on the elves. Much had unraveled this morning. It seemed Richard and the dwarf Uwef were getting to be on better terms, and that was good, but the group had grown silent besides that, and silence was often a bad trait among strangers. He had to remind himself of that. They were strangers, not friends, but they would need to become that, to gain trust for one another before things got too hard to survive without it.
For now, the elves required his attention. Elves were often knowledgeable of their general living areas, very attentive while not often involved.
"You should come with us to Broolin," Briomen repeated. "you'll be much safer there, at least for the time being. We must discuss your next move. Perhaps we may help. In the meantime, at least we can protect you from the threat of the orcs."
Pennindar nodded. "Yes, I'm certain that is best. Allow us to eat before we leave, however. We are nearly spent. Surely, the orcs will wait until nightfall?"
Briomen nodded. "Certainly. We should have plenty of time."
Pennindar looked to the giant, hoping he wouldn't mind the elves eating of the venison as well.
"You are welcome to join us," he said. "Certainly we would enjoy the company."
"We thank you," Briomen replied. "But we have already eaten."
He ate, doing so quickly, then readied his things to go, telling the others, "Whenever you're ready..."

 

[poohlive]

Sebulba packed up the salt. Inside the meat, it would turn it into a nice jerky, but at least it wouldn't spoil. The juiciness gone, replaced by a saltiness.
Still, it wasn't that bad.
He had grabbed a huge knapsack from the recently deceased from the house. He stuffed as much meast as possible into one, and then another. Two huge sacks filled with meat. That would be at least a week's worth of meals for their trip.
He easily slid them both on his back, making sure they wouldn't fall. Then, he grabbed his battle axe. Instead of sheathing it, he decided to use it as a walking stick.
There, completely ready. As soon as the others were, they would settle out.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

On to Broolin

And they left, carrying their items and following the elves and Briomen through the woods. As they traveled, Pennindar stayed close to Briomen, trying to engage in conversation of how his people were as a whole, if they were concerned greatly yet over current matters and intended to move or if they intended to stay and fight for a while longer, or possibly to the end. Briomen spoke proudly of his people and the oncoming darkness, but did not answer except in indefinites.
He did say, however, that this tribe in particular believed that there would soon be no hiding from the evil, and that moving would only be to give up the fortresses they had made already in Broolin. That seemed his opinion though.
They traveled on seldom traveled paths through the woods, walking up and down great hills and through a long pasture, then coming into thick woods again, these thicker than those they'd already traveled. Pennindar noticed, with pleasure, that they were still headed North. Better not to backtrack, he thought, and now they weren't.
When they reached the city, he stood in awe at its glory. Seldom did he see a city that captured his attention so, but this one certainly did, not because of its particular beauty, for all elvin cities held that glow of unexplainable peacefulness about them, but because it appeared at once from the trees, hidden entirely until yo reached its gates.
"Here we are," said Briomen, stopping before the large gate and looking to the old man. Pennindar nodded.
"It is splendid, Briomen," the man replied.
The gates, large and made chiefly of wood, though thick stalks of it that were almost definitely once tree trunks, opened slowly to allow them entrance.
"Come, Briomen, and bring the prisoners," a voice shouted to them.
They moved forward, watching and elf move toward them, this one showing more age than those with them, but still fairly youthful overall. Pennindar guessed him one of the wise here, one of their elvin council.
"i bring no prisoners," Briomen shouted to him, "But friends."
"Friends?" The elf returned.
"I bring Pennindar the Wise, and his party of travelers, on a mission to fight the Great Evil."
"Ah," the elf returned, intrigued. "Bring them to the council at once."
Briomen nodded.
And so they went before the council, to a building which sat high in the trees, looking out on the city below, made of similar buildings arranged at various points on the trunks of trees, bridges that appeared less than sturdy spaning from one to the next, and below most of it, the bottom layer of the city, a wooden floor held together by vine and elf-made rope, all over a large lagoon that could be heard below at any height. In the distance, from where they stood, they could see several falls sprinkling water down from above, where cliffs rose to the same heights as the trees and poured small streams of gathered rainwater from above.
"Beautiful," Talbot whispered, watching the water fall and the young elves play in it below as the others talked with the elvin Council of Broolin.
"Pennindar," one of the council said, "You come here to the sanctuary of Broolin with this group having set forth on a mission to bring an end to the Great Evil. Is this so?"
Pennindar bowed slightly. "It is."
"And who is this among you? These are all your companions?"
Pennindar thought for a moment. "I dare not say all, but all for this current time, yes."
"I would ask what these men and women will do for your cause, but you will no doubt answer wise and possibly persuasive answers, regardless of whether he yo speak of has some use."
"Perhaps," Pennindar suggested, "They might speak for themselves, Friends?"
The seven of the council, all older but none looking old, nowhere near their true ages, looked among themselves, then whispered slightly, then the one replied.
"Let them speak. few must stand out and tell us what good they can do this venture, for we grow greatly curious of your companions and this great cause. Let them step forth and give us description of thier skills, one at a time."
Pennindar nodded curtly, then walked over to where his companions stood lined together.
"Go one at a time, and tell them what you can do to help end this evil. They donot test us, mind you, but only speak out of curiousity. They wish to know us better, to feel safer in their own right knowing that we have takne the quest upon us. That is all. Please, do be polite. Whoever wishes to go first, may."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

And following the pack

Barriste moved quickly up the slope, trusting his companions, should they choose to follow, to keep up on their own. When he reached the top of the hill, he glanced back. The barbarian was making his way clumsily up behind him, but the dwarves had fallen slightly behind, especially the fat one. He'd overestimated the size of his steps it seemed. He crouched down and waited for them to catch up. By his estimation, they would probably meet up with Penindar and his crew in two days time, should the old wizard get that far. He guessed they would, or perhaps he hoped more than guessed.
He waited, watching the two little guys fight to catch up.
"Once they get here," he told the barbarian, "We'll continue on."

 

[bobo_daclown]

Uwef:

Unbelievable. First, I have to follow the long-legged elves through the forest and now I have to live with them. Perhaps I should have followed Richard, not to dissuade him, but to join him.

The council of elves finally asks what good we can do. Looking around, I notice that nobody wants to be first to speak. And, being the rudest of my companions, I take the chance to spend time boasting:

without the accent
I am Uwef, son of Uwag, son of Uwu, great miner and warrior of the underground caverns. As a master miner and a formidable weaponeer, I am by far an asset to this group. Though I am a dwarf, and thus you must shun me, I am more sturdy then the mighty quartz.

My father's father once said, "..."

The elf interrupts me, insisting that others must also speak before the council. I never did expect these heathens to allow me to speak before them.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Avidity and Hanker:

"Goodness, Avidity, could you tell that chap to slow down a bit. These hills are no place for a dwarf to climb."

"Indeed, my cousin, we should dig a tunnel. It would save time.

"Master Barriste! Master Barriste!" The two men at the top of the hill could not hear Avidity calling with his huffed breath.

Onward, the two dwarves trudged until they finally reached the top of the hill. Looking northward, in the same direction as the small group is heading, Hanker notices something far in the distance.

"Master Barriste," Hanker complains, "I do believe that over there is an elfish village of sorts."

"Indeed, we should avoid it at all costs. After all," Avidity moans, "elves are little devils."

 

[Darklord]

Jurax

He merely nodded at Bar... oh forget it, the guy, and said "You led, me follows, we waits, and ten go wheres?" While he waited with the guy for the two shorts people. He rolled his shoulders then started to swing Gorefiend around while the dwarves and the guy talked about what was going to happen next.

 

[Darklord]

Jurax

He merely nodded at Bar... oh forget it, the guy, and said "You led, me follows, we waits, and ten go wheres?" While he waited with the guy for the two shorts people. He rolled his shoulders then started to swing Gorefiend around trying to loosen somewhat stiff and unused muscels while the dwarves and the guy talked about what was going to happen next.

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard

He chuckled at the dwarf, and the elves as theey strove to understand him. Richard swept forth next, whether to improve the party's credibility or embarass them further. He reached up, and took his hat from his head. Holding it against his chest, he bowed deeply to them, and straightened himself again.

"Hello, and thanks to or stunning and most merciful elven hosts. I am Richard, the Silver-Tongued. And as for what I may bring to this rag-tag appearing group, is not for me to say. For, having never met these people until the night before last, I am not yet sure if I am to travel with them. The question is not if I am worthy of the group, but more of whether they need my services. For example: just last night, I give advice to help fortify the ranshacked house we were in, and then left to meet our foes. Singlehandedly, I turned a large group of orcs, who would no doubt have killed this poor group, and sent them running in fear. And when I return from a hazardous play, for if they had suspected that I had tricked them, I would be dead, to find not only my advice ignored, but not one word of thanks from the bunch! I am as stealthful and quick as the wind, and yet I find that they are so good in their skills, they had no need of me to turn back the horde. Perhaps, in stead, I should stay with the beautiful people of this grand city, and leave the adventures to them? So, sad to say, I am lacking in the ability to take many numbers on in face-to-face battle."

He stepped back with another bow, returning his hat to its perch. There. That either explained fully his purpose, or left him a way out. Either way, it was not his to worry about. He had been swept up in this, surrounded by strangers and fools.

 

[Firesprite]

Kyleen

Silent till now, Kyleen stepped forward from among the group, with a sideways glance toward Richard..

I am Kyleen Swordsworthy, a warrior and weilder of the fabled singing sword, Sharp. I am pledged to travel with this group, as protection and as a huntress. In this mission we hunt those who seek to turn the world we knew into a dark and evil place. I stand for those who are weak, I fight for those opressed, I live for those who have died. I will remember and keep their names so they may be honoured when light comes again. Those who stand with me today shall also be honoured in song and story, for what we seek to do will live on in Legend. Already I know the song of Richard the Brave, feared by the Orcs as Lord Death, lives in a new song Sharp sings. These songs will be sung for generations, as Sharp is passed down my family line. For me, I am content to be part of the effort to change the world, and will stay the course no matter what we confront. I will not hide from duty to mankind.

Stepping back, Kyleen waited for the responses of the others.

 

[poohlive]

Sebulba was interested in picking his nose. A worthy task among giants. Their noses were kept clean, as long with other parts of their body. No, they didn't shave or bathe or even bother smelling pretty, but they did keep the important parts clean. That was all the matters.
It was like this that he realizes most eyes had descended upon him. He glanced back to the others, confused, had they really expected him to talk?
The eyes spoke yes, they did.
Shrugging his shoulders he moved up a few steps.
"My..." he coughed aloud, the sound was like two rocks crashing against each other, "My name is Sebulba, I'm with them."
He nodded, fine with that he had said. Nothing fancy, just to show his loyalty and worthiness to the cause. He wouldn't be here if he didn't want evil eliminated.
Words didn't amuse him. He had said just as much as anyone else. Their name, and their worthiness to the cause.
Stepping back, he began to make tiny circles in the ground below, hoping their eyes had adverted away. Being judged among so many creatures was quite embarrassing. A whole new feeling for Sebulba.
He didn't like it.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Odd...

It seemed the Elvin Council was impressed indeed. Odd, thought Pennindar, considering Richard had managed to whine about not getting enough thank-you's (although the old wizard was certain the man had a right to this discontent) and giant had displayed his uncanny ability to fit one large finger into one large nostril, a trait he apparently felt the Council would be quite impressed by. Oh, well. They had spoken their piece, a few of them had, and the elf who led the meeting thus far, raised one hand to stay them and stood slowly, smiling.
"We are pleased to make your acquaintances," the elf said, glancing over to Briomen, who stood to one side, waiting patiently, and nodded to him. Briomen nodded back, politely.
"The council will speak for a moment in private, then return to speak with you again. I assume you have the patience in our journey to wait an hour or so?"
"Of course," Pennindar returned, nodding and smiling. He wondered if they could truly spare the time, but knew that the elves were often generous in their willingness to help, and didn't want to discourage any favor they may have gained.
THe council stood and exited the room, walking single file.
When they had gone, Pennindar was met with Briomen, who smiled and said, "I believe they were impressed with your companions, Pennindar. Help may indeed be on the way, as we speak."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

And the other four...

Once the little guys had reached the top of the slope, Barriste stood, ready to continue. They began mumbling something about an elvin village and how they wished to avoid it. Barriste paid little attention. He had other things on his mind, like finding the old wizard and joining him on his way. He had no time for elvin villages.
"Don't worry," he replied. "I'm headed North, past the village. My friend should be headed in that direction as well, if he's still alive. I'm not sure where you three intend to be, but I must continue in that direction, as with haste. I do thank you for your help in escaping the dungeon, however. ANd I wish you luck in your journeys."
He looked at the sword he held, the piece of junk he'd taken from the Orc guard, discouraged. Oh, well. Better than nothing.
"If any of you are heading North, I wouldn't mind the company, but mind I'm in a hurry," he said, starting off.

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard....the Brave?

Finally, he let out the laughter building inside him. Throwing his head back, he let out the lioud, mirthful laughter, After a few minutes, he wiped a few tears from his eyes, and looked to Kyleen.

"Richard...'the brave'? Oh, that is funny. Well, seeing as how we have a whole hour, I don't suppose anyone would happen to know how to find a bed in this city, hmm?"

 

[bobo_daclown]

Avidity and Hanker:

"Well, good sir," Avidity salutes Barriste, "it has been a pleasure."

"Indeed," Hanker interrupts, "a pleasure to be in your fine company. We thank you for your help down in the dungeon, but..."

"What my mouthy cousin is trying to tell you is that we are off to find wealth in a city east of here. We wish you good travels from the Dwarvish peoples. From myself, Avidity son of Aweg son of Uwu..."

"And from me, Hanker son of Huwug son of Uwu. The blood of quartz runs cold and there you shall find us. Until we meet again."

With that, the dwarves bow low and manage their way down the hill headed eastward, deeper into the forest. After all, these two dwarfs have a visit to pay a traitor and a business deal to attend to.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Uwef:

We form a line and exit the arena--the council apparently appeased. Once outside, Richard starts laughing hysterically and I decide to take my leave. Following one of the arial boardwalks, I mutter to myself that elves always have to build thing up in the air. Why couldn't they just plant their feet like civilized peoples?

Finally gaining some courage, I start to prance across the thin catwalk. Unfortunately, my courage and my skill are less than equal. Turning sharply to avoid the tree, my left foot catches between two planks. Somehow, in a second's time, I am hanging by my toes and looking down at the water some distance away. Gulping hard, I try to call out, but my normally gruff voice is replaced by short squeaks. Finally spotting Richard talking to the others, I wave my hands trying to get his attention. That is my downfall.

The violent shaking of my upper body dislodges my foot from between the planks. Cursing the elves and their damndable skyfortresses, I smack into the water. Thrashing around, I finally make it to the surface and eventually to one of the trees. Angry and soggy, I yell upward, "Coul somon gif me a hand?!"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Comedy at its best, and a few thoughtful words

Upon seeing the falling shape of the dwarf, Pennindar is tickled. WHen he rises to the surface of the water, clearly irritated. He laughed out loud then, watching the small creature wave his arms and shout for help.
He stepped forward, reaching his hands out palms up and wiggled his fingertips as though he were a child intending to imitate the falling rain. The dwarf slowly rose into the air, water pouring from his clothes at first, but gradually the thickness of it lessening. When he was at their height, floating over the wooden railing and onto the wooden walkway, the water was dripping, doing so heavily, but only dripping still.
He set the dwarf down as easily as he could, then lowered his hands to his sides.
"Well, Uwef of Fewux, you are certainly full of surprises," he chuckled, goodnaturedly.
Briomen, still smiling, turned to Richard. "There are several rooms nearby, reserved for guests. DaSanda can show you there if you wish to rest."
He glanced to a female elf who stood near the door. Another stood on the opposite side, as though they were there to guard the place. She steps forward, leaving the other to stand alone.
She nods politely to Briomen, then turns to Richard. She's quite lovely, her hair long and dark, her face the kind of fair only an elf's can be. SHe smiles sweetly.
"I would gladly take you to rest, sir," she states.
SHe walks ahead of him, saying over her shoulder, "If you would just follow me..."
As the two begin to walk away, Pennindar raises a solitary finger to Briomen, suggesting he wished a moment of peace, and he followed Richard until they were a few yards away, wanting to create the illusion of privacy, if not privacy itself.
"Richard," he says, "stopping next to the man. "I see from your speech a moment ago that you feel you have not been appreciated, and I can see your reasoning is both fair and just. I am of the Wise, but that makes me no less a fool at times than you or any one else may be at times. I see the question in your eyes, that while you feel this is a worthy cause, admit it to yourself or not, you still struggle to leave us, to go your own way. You have done well, and have proven a viable ally and friend. I wish to keep you as one."
He looked the man over, wondering if his words were finding a home in his mind somewhere.
"While I respect and am grateful for your help thus far, and I wish to keep you with us, I cannot make you change your mind, or make you stay any more than you could make me do things against my will. And if I could, it is not in my heart to do so. Such control over another is not natural. I can only ask this of you. Consider the cause and what it means to the world, and what your world will become if this fails. The life of a thief is not one I know, but it cannot be one out of touch of the rest of the world, from the rest of humanity. When this all ends, what life and world will you have remaining? What will be left to gain in a world that has no good to offer and serves no purpose except to hurt and harm?"
He paused again, looking over at the others, even scanning the little wet dwarf as he frowned over his dripping clothes.
"I believe they have made a choice to continue on, and I think highly of them as well as you. But you too must make the decision to stay and fight, to help us find the end. It is an evil that will affect the entire world if it succeeds, and that makes it the world's affair, and all the world's responsibility to fight. Going along will be a great sacrifice, but what will you sacrifice if you donot try?"
He thought for a moment longer, looking the man in the eyes. But no more words came.
"Perhaps that is all I have to say. Words to sleep on perhaps," he smiled humbly. "Rest well, Richard. May sleep bring spleasant dreams. And those dreams bring you closer to the man who lives inside."
He nodded then and went over to Briomen, who smiled and said, "There is something else I wish to show you, while time allows it."
"I would love to see it, Briomen," the old man replied.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Copplen rests at last in peace

"The life of a thief is not alway a pleasant one. Many of them hold their consciences high, unable to shed the guilt of stealing from their minds. I believe this man who has fallen bore much guilt as such," Briomen explained, as they walked. "Some of those with us when we found you brought the man along. I belive you and your companions were aware as you walked away without concerning yourselves with him."
Pennindar had noticed, as he believed they all had.
THey stopped walking when the man's body came into view.
"He looks much more at peace now, having shed the shames and guilts of this mortal world. His deeds done and his future in the past," the elf said.
"Indeed he does," Pennindar agreed, looking upon the man's face, seeing that some of the age lines had even relaxed from his face. Copplen looked years younger than he had last night, while alive, and even different than he had that morning, or perhaps it was just the magic of this grand city working on Pennindar's own mind.
"He will rest well here," Briomen added. "As few mortals will ever get the chance to. You may speak to hima final time before the burial, if you wish. The others will have been informed by now of the same."
Pennindar nodded. "you and your folk have been far too hospitable, Briomen. We are greatly in your debt."
"The honor is ours," Briomen returned, then turned and walked away , leaving him alone with Copplen for the last time.
After a moment of thought, Pennindar looked to the old man who had passed and said, "May the spirit rest well within you, or in the heavens, or wherever they may rest at last, old friend. For you have done well. You will be fondly remembered, by another old man at very least."
He turned then, and started back toward the where Council would meet them.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Uwef:

Although grateful to be back on the catwalk system, I storm off angrily and wet. Looking around for someplace dry and somewhere to hang my clothes, I note a small elf-child playing on a branch above. Boychick, please help me find some fresh clothing and a towel.

He took me to a room with a warm heat source in the corner. I happily remove my clothing and bask in the soft amber glow that reflects off of my necklace charm. What an odd similarity.

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard

He nodded to himself, following the elf. Eventually, he was led to a room. With a mighty yawn, he dropped his hat and cloak to the ground, falling face forward onto the bed. He didn't bother to look around the room, simply arranged th pillow for maximum comfort. Turning over, he stard up at the ceiling.

"Mmm. Wise indeed. A good tongue on that one, but it will not sway me from me course." He closed his eyes with a sigh. "If only I knew what course that was. Of course I don't want the world destroyed, but if the darkness is gotten rid of, what will happen to me? The world as it is allows me to make my way. What would I do if the world got better?"

He sighed again, and let his mind drift into the wonderland of sleep.

 

[Darklord]

Jurax

Looking between the backs of the dwarves and the man, he finally decided to follow the young man headed for the north, afterall, thats where he was born wasn't it? Jogging he quickly caught up and falling into step next to him remarked "Whys wes go nort? Is... is... umm.... new horde dere?" and waited to hear the answer while the continued to stride along the path.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Barriste and the barbarian

"Perhaps," Barriste replied, "But I can't be certain, not until we get there, and that's only if we're on the same schedule as them, if he's not alone. Should they have slowed, or moved faster than expected, we may missed them altogether. I believe wondering if they are even alive will be the worst part for me, should we not meet them."
He was moving quickly, almost dancing his way up the slope, and was pleased at the barbarian's ability to follow at a similar speed, even if he did so clumsily.
They reached the top of the slope rather quickly without the two dwarves to fall behind, though he guessed they may have proven a worthy aid to them on their way.
Once at the top, they moved directly north, heading into a tightly grown forest, moving carefully betwen trees that sometimes seemed to be tied together with vines.
"So, tell me, Barbarian--what's your name again?" He asked. "What were you doing in the prison, and where are your kind? It seems odd to find you like this."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

The Elvin Council returns

Pennindar saw Briomen again in the Council's waiting room. When he saw him, the elf smiled.
"We've been waiting on you and Richard, and Uwef. The council is ready to speak. I believe the other two are asleep, or resting."
"Let them rest," Pennindar said, "They have much to concern themselves with. Will this displease the Council?"
"Not at all," the elf returned, opening the waiting room doors and letting him into the room where the others waited. The Council sat at their chairs once again.
He walked into the room and bowed his head to the Council, Briomen next to him, doing the same.
"My apologies," Pennindar explained. "I was saying good-bye t an old friend."
"It is understandable," one of the Council replied.
When Pennindar stepped back to stand next to the others, shy of Richard and Uwef, this same elf, sitting in the center of the Council and in a slightly larger chair, stood. This one had done all the speaking thus far, and the old man guessed he always did, as a chairman or head of this Council.
"I am called Kalite, and I am the head of this council," he announces. "We wish to give our deepest blessing on this group and its efforts to end the evil that is gripping the land. And to add our piece to this, we offer you Briomen, and another of our best warriors, Boguras. They will serve you until the end of this expedition, whether it be success or failure. We would like to invite you to stay the day and dine with us this evening, but i would imagine you would decline in your haste to continue."
"I'm afraid we must, but your offer is greatly inviting nonetheless," Pennindar returned.
"We will send several with you to guide you to the North border, but they must return to us then. Large groups would only make you more visible, and we too need their assistance with the sudden rising of the orcs nearby. Tell us if there is anything else we can be of assistance with."
"Actually," Pennindar began, "Perhaps there is."
He pulled the box out, removing the gloden scale and holding it out before them. "Could you shed some light on the meaning and use of this particular item, perhaps?"
The Council looked more closely at the item, eyebrows scrunching together. He walked closer, holding it out to them for better study.
"Ah," Kalite replied, almost in awe. "It is the scale of Mennock. It is based on a tale far too long to tell you now, not with the short time we are possibly faced with. But in short, the dragonfolk in the North are in great debt to humanfolk from long ago. This was given to a man after doing a dragon a great favor, and it is said that, in return for this item, that favor would be rewarded with another of equal calibur. I would be careful in asking anything of the dragons, what with them being hunted in the North as they are."
"I am obliged," Pennindar said, replacing the item in the box and tucking it away. "It is time, then that we must depart."
"Good luck to you all," Kalite said.
Pennindar bowed, then led the others out of the room.
"Briomen, could you retrieve my other companions, that we may leave at once?"
Briomen nodded. "DaSanda already wakes Richard, and the dwarf I will summon myself."
"Thank you."