After Rhialla's and Bhalur's speeches, the crowd falls silent.
Then Ancrym the Smith stands up and raises his mug. "To Greven!"
"To a new beginning!" another yells.
Soon everyone cheers.
Greven sends both Rhialla and Bhalur a big warm smile and sits down.
" all that sappy rot and if ya spill my brew i've a beatin' for each of you ready to go. This is the best damn liquor I've ever made if I do say so meh self. So worry over the nature of your Ban and if he is the right man after the feast. For tonight we dine in celebration of a great sorrow thwarted. with that said in a booming baritone voice the dwarf then examines the Dhampir' with a cold eye. Voice low enough that only the new lord could hear without straining. " You must break clocks when you pass them because that was possibly the worst example of timing I ever did see."
Rhialla pays Bhalur a respectful nod as she returns to where she started. She grabs Magnes's shoulder as he glowers, "Do not worry Magnus, your brew will not go to waste. Greven's timing may have had the people nonplussed, but from the looks of it, some may argue his timing was never better." Rhialla says smiling.
Rhialla continues past Magnes grabbing herself a flagon of Magnes's brew, and moves into the crowd to enjoy in the song and dance or make some if the revelry is lacking.
Kevroth stands quiet and listens to Rhialla and Bhalur sway the opinions of the whole crowd with their words, a little awestruck by the skill with which they weave their wills into their words. Once it is over, Kevroth catches their eyes and raises a mug in salute, his eyes shining as he meets Rhialla's gaze.
Drinking water and time to time sip his beverage Bhalur sits there and watches over the festivities. Grapping some meat and feeding it to Shaer as he goes over the basic vocabulary of draconic he has learned now for a while. Festivies like these were not really his thing but it was like the humans and elves liked them.
There were a lot of differences compared to Bhakiris although drinking and eating was still playing big role in both of them guess some things are universal everywhere
Having heard it from others about the plan of helping Greven to regain his place, Blackrock Castle, back with the intention of cleaning tunnels, securing them and sealing others if necessary as well searching working or big veins of ores, gold or anything that might make it worth while. This is bigger hassle than I thought. Why cant it ever be simple with these humans. Old good fashioned strenght-competition or test from the nature should help but no, always gold, politics, um was it backstabbing, no end as Bhalur sighs in a tired voice
At least there is still things to be done and we do have to secure some help for these people. This village will prosper and attract more people to live here as well secure the place. Might as well request some shrine for Dragon Matron as a thanks and lodging for Bhakiris. That could help with trading hmm
Say Koiji, found anything interesting from that book we got from Darkendeep? We would need more lightsources as we venture there again and I do know that for you and Kevroth it is problematic without light
Koija was sipping from his drink while watching the festivities pass by.
He looked at Bhalur when he mentioned Agalar's grimoir. "It was the false priest's spellbook. It held several spells I did not know yet, but from what I could tell, nothing that would help with light. However, my own repertoire should be able to help us out for the time being."
Abalday, Ambran 8th, 1247 DE
You wake up the next day in the Green Drake.
When the others come down for breakfast, they find Kevroth already up with his musket entirely disassembled and with a collection of strange tools he is happily fabricating new parts and repairing others. Interspersed among the pieces is his breakfast.
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As Bhalur walks down for the breakfast he greets Kevroth and sits on chair. the food approaches his table and being placed in front of him Bhalur begins to eat with happy expression while Shaer takes off and curiously fly to Kevroth and attentively watches him working on his musket.
Kevroth smiles at Shaer, taking a moment to offer her a bit of sausage, "Good morning Shaer. And good morning to you also, Bhalur."
Party
Magnes spends most of the party with a drink in his hand, he occasionally joins in on particularly raucous drinking songs. The Dhouvarr eventually explains that his brew for the night had come to him as an inspiration of an older event. He'd dreamed of a tavern that had once been in the area, t'was a tribute to a great drink that he'd made.
Next day
Mao. Says the cat sitting on his chest almost considering if snacking on his face bits was worth the trouble the dwarf would bring.
"Ger'rof ya flea ridden rug..." The dwarf says sleepily as he looks at the cat in annoyance. And then receives a paw to the head.
"Aye, I'm awake ya great mound of fuzzy fat. Now get off me."
Mao says the cat as it stands on his barrel chest wriggles once and leaps to the rooms window pushing the latch open with his face.
"Ow." says the dhouvarr, twinned claw marks from the cats powered ascent on his chest. Grabbing a set of clothes the dwarf swiftly changes into simple pants and a string bound shirt before heading down to the breakfast table.
The dhouvarr in question seems surlier than most days as he thunks onto a wooden bench. "Sausage, toasted bread an' eggs cooked in tha' meats grease on tha' menu?" The brewmaster asks before turning to look at the others in the room.
"Seems most of you are awake, you enjoy the feast?"
A sweet humming proceeds a smiling Rhialla just before she enters the dining hall of the Green Drake Inn. She is already dressed and might have been confused to be ready to leave had her backpack not been the only thing missing.
"Good morning!" she almost sings, "What a terrific evening! How are all of you doing?"
"I suppose we should meet with Greven today to discuss the particular plans for securing Dhalkalar's mines, yes?"
Magnes looks up to the perky female and seems ready to say something but shrugs. "Found the cat." Magnes says as he pulls his shirt to the side revealing one set of claw marks.
"Night was good though, couple of toughs called me out on meh' drinkin' skills so tha' distraction was amusin'. apparently you managed to pull blackrose's ass out of the fire quick enough that the town decided to change their mind about him. Fer how long I wonder, but I doubt they'll care if he can bring them coin enough to return the money to the town."
Magnes then looks to the barman and back to the paladin
"I expect we will, he's gonna need to get some of the village miners to come with us. I've lived with tha' stone but tha' don' make me a proper digger. "
"I thought prospecting was a long term plan. I imagined we would be securing the mines as best as we are able, not serving as guards to laborers. If that is what Greven needs I will be glad to help until he is able to develop a security force made up of his people, but even then our efforts would be better served training the guards, do you not agree?"
"Depending on what we find down there, trouble is that unless we collapse the tunnels leading us removin' beasts from the Darkendeep is just going to mean other ones come to fill in tha' empty space. Regardless talking to Greven is the next step ta' see what he wants to do with his land. That and to iron out a contract, no offense meant to him but a share in the mine is worth nothin' without papers to prove it twenty years down the line."
"True, and that is assuming there is anything worth mining at all. You know Magnes, talking about 20 years from now is awfully optimistic sounding of you" Rhialla laughs teasingly.
Rhialla turns to head away saying, "I need to go to the Anvil and look into arranging for some proper equipment. I came to you with promises that I was handy with a bow, and here I have not even used mine since leaving the Great Gallery."
"After I see to that, I will seek out Greven and arrange for a gathering to discuss the future of the town and ourselves."
In the darkness, a rider in a black full plate armor with a full helm with large horns riding on a horse with burning eyes and mane, spurting fire from its nostrils, crosses the old stone bridge to the fortress of Fal Galath.
"Open the gate!" he bellows in a deep, threatening voice to one of the hobgoblin guards.
The gate is opened and the rider rides into the courtyard. A grey-skinned man in black robes with shining yellow eyes, large horns and a tail, holding a black staff, comes down the stairs followed by two urak warriors.
The rider dismounts and walks toward the three.
"Zelvenom Saphalath?" the rider asks.
"Indeed," the man with the staff answers grinningly. "You must be the legendary Varlagan Stross. Black Varlagan."
"I am Varlagan." the rider answers. "Your proposition is most interesting, Messer Saphalath. I am ready to hear more of your plan."
"Aye, laugh all you want. Go buy your things and I'll see you there."
Greven and Calisia comes down into the main room of the Green Drake soon after you. They both bid you good morning and sit near you to have breakfast.
Kevroth glances up for a moment as people come to join him at the table. He pauses in his work long enough to move some of the disassembled musket out of the way so more people can sit, "Good morning, everyone. Let me just move this.." He seems very focused on his task.
"I was just wondering where the two of you had been off to last night." Rhialla greets Greven and Calisia. "Would you prefer to eat before we discuss the future of Dalkalar? We are very eager to get started."
The young couple blushes at Rhialla's first remark. When she suggests discussing the future of Dalkalar, Greven is quick to say: "No, no. Let's talk. I was thinking I would accompany you down into the Darkendeep today, and that we secure the area under the castle. How does that sound?"
"We are six strong as it is, why accompany us into such a dark and violent place?"
"I like the idea of having earned whatever might be down there, and maybe it will garner some respect from the locals."
" Because a proper lord doesn't beg for things, and asks of his people only what he would do himself , a rare thing these days. The people of this town respect us but we are still outsiders, having him follow us down will mean it is his word and ours when we say the area is safe to explore."
The dwarf rumbles around a flagon of mead.
" On that we are going to need to discuss a contract for all this, and some of the towns prospectors and seasoned miners will need to follow after us. Born to the stone I might be but I'm no digger meh self. Rhavenna has also brought the question of how long you expect to need us for establishing the mine."
Kevroth glances sheepishly at the pieces of the musket, then back up to the others, "This will take most of the day to finish. I am sorry. I didn't think we would be hoping back our right away."
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Do not worry about that Kevroth. It is better that we are good prepared and that means each of us. You are doing it right dont worry as Bhalur pats Kevroths back.
Turning his gaze toward Gaven I understand that and can respect but we can not really assure your survivality down there as we venture. We can do our best but there will always be something unexpected and unknown factors. The further note, as Magnes already said and defined is the securing and keeping the place clean.
In the worst case scenario, the tunnels keep going and going and we need to somehow seal them completely off. Finding gold or other important veins might also takee a lot of time since we do might have to venture quite deep and who knows what dangers lies there.
Pondering for a moment as he remembers something Maybe you could also get someone with knowledge regarding herbs? We found a big patch of mushrooms and who knows what else might still popout, that grows only in darkness. That might also be a good gold source
Koija had been silently eating his breakfast. When Kevroth noted the time he needed to spend on his gun, Koija looked up and addressed the group.
"If we are unable to explore today, due to Kevroth working on his firearm, I could study some of the spells we found and write them into my own spellbook."
"I have trained with the monks of the Brotherhood of the Sun, remember. I am a descent fighter, and without weapons at that. There's a difference between being just one fighter and being swarmed by morlocks, and fighting side by side with people such as you. I promise you I can hold my own. Now about the contract, I am not an expert in such matters. How do you suppose we write it? And how much are you expecting for helping me?"
"A fair enough question Lord Greven, but first perhaps you can set us straight on what we are all working with. Is your claim to Blackrose recognized by any authority other than your own and do you have more than your word to proove it? We are eager to serve, but we must know whom exactly we are serving. Some of us are concerned that your betrothed's father may destroy you before you have the means to defend yourself, and the consequences of your death would be detrimental to any good we do here." Rhialla speaks as she ushers Greven to the party's table to discuss the issues at hand.
"We will likely need Lady Calisia to speak as well if we want an idea as to what her father wants in the first place. If you two want to fight him for your right to sty here then we will need to know exactly the sort of weaknesses he might have for us to exploit. Shame ah lack means to speak wit' him directly from here buh tha' investigator who found out your hiding spot in the first place was also tha' first one I encountered to root fer ya. Shame we can't contact 'em, he digs dirt by the cart."
Greven and Calisia joins you at your table.
"All I have as proof of my claim is my name and the deed to the castle." Greven says. "I thought that would be enough."
I am not so familiar with the customs or habits of your kind or humans anyway, since as many stars there is in the sky, you humans also create these strange rules to dictate what belongs to whom.
Sighing at the predicament It would be easier if you people were just doing contest of strenght or having a clear definition who is the "chief". Usually they are born like this or those with power take what belongs to them or in case of bhakiris, Nature & Dru'uth shows us the right way.
Greven and Calisia joins you at your table.
"All I have as proof of my claim is my name and the deed to the castle." Greven says. "I thought that would be enough."
"Respectfully, it would be enough for what Greven? Proof of birthright and deed alone, is not worth anything if you have not made yourself known to the noble classes. Your land is ruled by King Griffonheart or his hand until you have stood before them and shown them you exist. Hoping rumor of your return would reach them and they would hand over matters of state to you, sight unseen, is too overly optimistic, even for me."
"Greven, we are eager to serve, but until you have lawfully established your position, you may have the right to rule, but no one outside of this room will respect it. You must put your house in order Greven, before you can succeed Dalkalar and it's peaple, you must succeed your father."
Rhialla looks to the others of her party, "That being said I am still open to the task of securing the mine for the people of Dalkalar. I think 33% of a share in profits secured from the mine in the future sounds fair as well as supplies and equipment for the task up front."
She looks back to Greven if the others in her party do not protest the request, "You agree to this, and send word to the capital that the rightful ruler of Dalkalar has returned and requests an official to make your rule lawful and you have a deal."
Magnes takes off his feathered hat and looks to the half- vampire monk
"I'd have asked fer a bit more than what our warrior of love an'justice did but I won't disagree. I mean on acounta' this bein' tha third task we'll be doin' fer ya an' countin' tha fact that we get you recognized an' my chance to get Lord Galtroban's money while givin' him nothin' is a swiftly dwindling opportunity."
With that he scratches at his head and shrugs to Rhialla
"Though I get the feeling we are going to need to do this scouting of the under-castle first. Going to need a different plan entirely if your catle has nothin' but dust under it."
Koija followed the conversation for a while before commenting again.
"So if I get it right, we plan to secure the caverns underneath while a missive is sent to the ruler of Arglondar proclaiming the rightful owner of Blackrose castle and Dalkalar has returned and wishes to be instated as such. Sounds good to me. Fairly certain that when this news reaches Lord Galtroban he will send some new people to deal with you though." Koija said pointing in Greven's direction. "But I guess we'll have to cross that bridge when it presents itself."
Koija then glanced at Kevroth's gun laid out in pieces. "I'd prefer exploring the darkendeep when it is actually daytime in the world above. In our current situation, that would mean tomorrow morning as I'd rather have Kevroth and his gun at our side. Should give you all enough time to iron out the details of the contract and I will be able to study the books we found in more detail."
Kevroth looks up from his work, and smiles at Greven, "It would be unwise of Galtroban to send any more agents against you. Not conducive to the likelihood of their long life."
"Fair enough, we save tha' delvin fer tommorrow an' get the paperwork outta tha' way today. Think the king would be more likely to listen to a missive if it is prefaced with a report abou' how that fort's been cleared out an' tha opening below destroyed?" The Dhouvarr asks as wheels turn in his mind before turning over to the young lady at the table.
"Though I realize tha' we are basin' all this on knowledge ah politikin' from differnt places. Lady Galtroban, ye care to speak on the ins an outs of yer cities upper crust?"
|
The next day, sabrik left. Leaving only a note to announce his sudden disappearance
Dear Friends,
It comes to me with much grief to announce my departing. I have been requested by the order of the beast to return. I do wish I could have stayed, but events have turned against us all.
May your swords stay sharp, and your hearts stay true
With regards,
Sabrik
After a few days, the area of the Darkendeep beneath Castle Blackrose was secured.
Gold was found beneath Castle Blackrose, and after a couple of weeks the tunnels leading deeper into the Darkendeep had been sealed up and a mine was up and running.
After a week or so Koija had departed for the city of Galdor to seek out the mages of the Blue Dragon Society, and study with them.
The rest of the party went back to Bhelskar, the City of Swords, capital of Arglondar, with Greven and Calisia to formally address King Gothrund, and settle things with Calisia's father, Lord Aerdwin.
Greven Blackrose was officially recognized as Ban of Dalkalar and King Gothrund summoned Lord Aerdwin and convinced him to give his blessing to Greven and his daughter and to pay the adventurers their due reward, the 5000 derim that had been promised to them for bringing back Lady Calisia safely.
With a contigency of arglondaran soldiers given to them by King Gothrund, Greven and Calisia went back to Dalkalar.
The adventurers decided to stay in Bhelskar and enjoy a bit of well-earned leisure after their endeavors...
Vodensday, Thaal 5th, 1247 DE
Ambran had ended and Thaal had come and with it the preparations for the Thaal Festival, a celebration of the return of summer.
After a couple of weeks where the adventurers had done separate things, they had gathered at the Brass Dragon Inn to discuss their next move.
Still relaxing after the long journey and sitting near the fire, enjoying the warmth as Bhalur scratched Shaers head and slowly thinking his next steps. Others were sitting nearby but unfortunately Koiji had decided to separate from them to study with Blue Dragon Society.
Sighing when he had not advanced so far with his dragonic language, although he could understand bits here and there. Turning his head towards Magnes and others as they were sitting nearby "Well, what are all of you planning to do? Not sure about myself but I guess I will see what this festival is all about and maybe see if I can do something. I was thinking maybe something to promote Dragon Matron or maybe gather food for orphans." and closed his eyes.
"I have already spent a lot of time in this city with different temples and feel like I should move but wanted to talk with all of you first"