You soon acquit yourselves of Kreed Manor and return to the Consortium Offices where Commander Odeber has ensconced her detachment from the Diamond Regiment. When you turn over the ledgers, she wastes no time in laying them upon the table in the commandeered board room and poring them.
Her eyes widen, her shoulders stiffen, and she wears an expression akin to having seen a vision of Iomedae herself.
"Seal that door!" she commands the soldier just outside the room, a corporal's chevrons upon his blue uniform jacket. "Make sure no one disturbs us."
Once the door is closed, she takes a deep breath to steady herself. She slaps her palm atop the open page.
"You cannot imagine the providence you have just delivered to Andoran," she says, almost breathless. "These are Kreed's real business accounts. Not the doctored or cooked books he had the magistrate and scribes prepare to deceive us and the People's Council. These are the evidence of his dirty dealings that we've spent years searching for."
She stabs at a particular line on the page, her finger striking like a dagger.
"Here! It documents a clandestine sale of darkwood to clients in Isger. A vassal of the Infernal Empire, and we have documented proof that Kreed and the Consortium was doing business with them! Never mind being a violation of the law and their contract with the government - this is outright treason!"
”Are we in danger?” Ulark asked. ”If this was known by his associates, and word has gotten out that we have the books, what are the chances that the consortium will allow this information to get out?” He wondered, for the first time, if enough soldiers were brought.
"I am glad that we could assist in such a manner. Regardless of danger, we continue to be ready to serve. The Consortium must not be allowed to escape justice."
"Lying would be a dishonor to the both of us. Yes, the Consortium will have knives out for all of us. Like a cornered animal, they will fight savagely to protect their ill-gotten gains.
"And you are correct. We do this for the good of all Andoran, not just the workers in the Vale who toil beneath the Consortium's heel. What's more, we do not abandon those who serve Andoran. The Diamond Regiment will protect you from reprisal."
"The longer they have to rally the more dangerous this could be. If we have any ideas on how we can assist your agent-" Inconnu nods towards Micheo "-it would be for everyones best interest if we did so. Some might try to flee with their wealth while others will react with violence as you've said. Perhaps the ledgers might direct us towards key figures that will be more important to strike at first."
"Agreed, Inconnu. We should strike swiftly and decisively and not cede the initiative to these criminals."
The commander looks across the other documents, maps, and other evidence collected in the board room. She seems to reach a decision.
"The sword stroke that will ultimately fell the Consortium will come from the People's Council, the voice of Andoran's people. We need to get these ledgers to Almas. With this damning evidence, the Council can pass a resolution call for the arrest of the Consortium's directors and a closure of their corrupt business."
She closes the cover on the ledger she was browsing, then thinks better and reopens it to continue reading.
"I should like to send these immediately, lest the Consortium have time to unleash their leg breakers and hired killers. However, I must do my due diligence and read over these thoroughly to confirm their contents."
She looks up and affixes her eyes upon Micheo.
"Corporal, you and your companions should prepare yourself for a journey south, to the capital," she declares. "For this task, I trust both your character and capabilities most among those at my command. In addition to these ledgers, I will entrust you to deliver other evidence we have turned up in our investigation.
"Additionally, I will send two letters along with you: one recommending that Corporal Barbulcus' field commission not only be officiated but promoted to sergeant for his service, and another requesting an official pardon for Mister Ulark."
Ulark nodded. ”You are most kind. I think that I can speak for all of us when I say that we will do all in our power to not let you down.”
"We will do our utmost to deliver these safely, Corporal."
"We should take the time to rest, be as fresh as possible when the ledgers are ready."
"A good idea, Inconnu."
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The commander merely offers the hint of a smile at Micheo's slip of the tongue, confusing his rank for hers.
"I'll procure basic supplies for you from the quartermaster...ahem, that is to say, the local general store," the commander corrects herself, forgetting that she is not in Adamas anymore, "so you won't have to worry about trail meals or fresh canteens. If you have loved ones here in the town, I will not forbid you from sharing parting words with them, but I would advise you not to mention where you are going or why."
"Thank you, commamder. I shall remain here until we are all ready to depart."
"We've barely returned and we're off again. My first words will be another parting... hardly charming."
”That is...understandable, my friend. Hopefully all will see that your sacrifice will be worth it for the safety and prosperity of all who live here.”
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There are two routes that would lead you from Falcon's Hollow to Almas, the Andoran capital along the Inner Sea coast.
The first is a land route, passing across the Darkmoon Plain, through Olfden and on to Oregent; from there, you could travel by boat down the Arthrosh River to the Andoshen River, which would lead right to Almas.
The second route is to follow the River Foam, through the Wolfrun Hills, until it meets the Andoshen. This is a much wilder path, taking you away from civilization and regions patrolled by the Diamond Regiment. However, it would allow you to bypass Oregent, the home base of the Lumber Consortium, which would also be quite dangerous considering the evidence you will be transporting.
However, there is a location among the hills you’ve always wanted to visit. You’ve heard of a peculiar, isolated inn called Wolfhead that sits among the western hills. If nothing else, it could be a stopping point if you take that route.
That isn’t to say that the land route is without its hazards. Darkmoon Plain remains quite geologically active. In fact, you recall from the times you’ve passed through Oregent that bells adorn almost every rooftop and spire in the city, warning residents of tremors. On the open road, meanwhile, travelers have to watch out for geysers and mudpots.
And of course, the Consortium may have agents on the lookout for you on the road and in the city.
The first is the Wolfrun Rapids, one of the major causes of lost timber (and loggers) when floating logs down the river. This is a 3-mile stretch of whitewater rapids that begins just before the base of the Wolfrun Hills and continues on nearly until the Foam dumps into the Andoshen. Over the years, Kreed had dispatched multiple efforts to smooth out the rapids to prevent the loss of logs - and profits. However, frequent landslides dump rocks and earth back into the river, preserving the rapids and ensuring their shape changes every few months.
The Wolfrun Hills themselves are the second hazard. Wolf howls are heard frequently among the ragged hills, and local spook stories around the cutyards claim the hills are rife with werewolves and their murderous druid allies. What's more, the Wolfrun Hills are said to be the home of Claw-eye, a particularly dangerous tatzlwyrm who purportedly dines upon wolves and the hunters who brave the area.
"I'd suggest we go by the Wolfrun Hills. I have heard of ah isolated inn called Wolfhead that sits among the western hills. There will be plenty of hazards but consortium agents will have to contend with those too if they try to track us down."
”We could. They’d never see it coming. The consortium wouldn’t send any men that way. The rapids alone are treacherous, many a logger as well as log have been lost on them. So water travel is out. And the hills are filled with, well, wolves. Stories say that there are werewolves, evil Druids, and a tatzlwyrm named ‘Claw-eye’ who prey on travelers. I don’t know if any of that is true, but it is enough to make any local avoid the place. And I’d rather deal with stories than assassins.”
"The Wolfrun Hills have another reason to recommend them. A shrine to Saranrae is reputed to stand amid them. It would make a place of safety for us should we go there."
Given the chance to reflect upon the stories he learned from his order, Micheo recalls that the site is called the Grotto of St. Elth.
A young Sarenite cleric named Elth Hammerson accompanied the first human expedition to pacify Darkmoon Vale some six centuries ago during the height of the Chelish Empire. On the site where the shrine now stands, young Elth faced down a powerful chimera to give wounded members of the expedition the chance to escape. The church of Sarenrae posthumously elevated Elth to sainthood for his sacrifice.
Purportedly, the spirit of St. Elth appears at the shrine, which stands over his interred body, on the anniversary of his death.
Micheo shares what he knows of the Grotto of St. Elth.
"I think thats our best bet then. More secluded means we wont have to be getting as paranoid about every other traveller on the road."
The anniversary of St. Elth's sacrifice and death is not an officially recognized holiday, so Micheo has difficulty recalling the exact day. However, he knows that it falls in Desnus, making the late spring date nearly two months away.
In the morning, you convene again at the Consortium Offices. Commander Odeber has an array of supplies ready for you, should you need to sure up your own stock: common but sturdy military packs, soldier bedrolls, wooden mess kits, freshly filled copper canteens, and many days worth of hard tack, jerky, and dried fruit.
"After spending an evening with a very good book," Commander Odeber says with a smile, handing the ledgers back to you, "I discovered that these pages contain even more of the Consortium's dirty secrets than I imagined."
She gestures towards the heap of supplies.
"Even between our own stores and that of the local dry goods, it was difficult to scrounge up enough food for your journey. There should be enough to last you ten days, but you'll have to resupply along the way. Even as the crow flies, it is nearly 500 miles to Almas."
”It is humbling to be entrusted such a task. We should depart immediately and with as little fanfare as possible. We need the consortium to be off of us for as long as possible.”
Micheo seeks out Kitani.
"I can only imagine, Commander. Thank you for the provisions."
At Ulark and Inconnu's suggestion, you eschew the ferry crossing and begin your march on the town's side of the river.
You skirt the river banks as it leads you into the Wolfrun Hills, whose uneven rises begin almost immediately after you slip past the stockade. Likewise, no sooner have you set foot among that rougher terrain, but the River Foam on your right follows suit and begins to wear the choppy white froth of rapids.
The hills loom larger ahead of you. They are grass-covered rises capped with copses of pine and fir. Periodically, they drop down into rocky grottos only to in turn rise again, with basalt cliffs overlooking the river below. As you press further on, the leeward side of the hills, swaddled in long grass, grows bedecked with scrub oak and prickly shrubs.
Kitani perks up as you enter the market, noticing your approach straight away.
"A knight in shining armor," she says with a broad smile that pierces the dusty market. "Such a fine way to start the day."
She sets aside her work and rises from her stool to greet you. Behind her, the other two seamstresses exchange knowing glances and their own, coy smiles.
"I had a premonition that we would meet again today. I usually don't put faith in such things, but today I remained hopeful."
Micheo smiles broadly at the sight of Kitani, and approaches close.
"My friends and I have been busy. Things will get better in Falcon's Hollow. I have to go with them for a while longer but I intend to return and remain. I would see you again then, Kitani."
Micheo comments:
"We are doing good work, friends. The Consortium's deathly grip on Falcon's Hollow is weakened and soon, we shall strike them a fatal blow. Until then, viligance and determination will be paramount."
"Even so we all know how dangerous a wounded beast can be... they'll find out one way or another and try to foil us." Inconnu considered the talking wolves, fey and undead priest they had encountered in the wilds around Falcons Hollow before and knew there was no way they could anticipate the threats ahead.
"Then again, I believe I can trust a promise from a knight." She leans in closer, her face beaming. "Return safe and swift, and I will make my own promise: a hero's proper reward."
She punctuates the suggestion with a wink from one of her emerald eyes.
Getting lost among the trackless hills is a genuine danger for hunters, trappers, and casual travelers. However, Dugan's acumen with such rough terrain, owing to his upbringing among the wildfolk, aided by Ulark's familiarity with the region thanks to his work as a logger, ensures that you do not lose your way, or worse, stumble into some natural hazard.
You follow the river for many miles beyond the comparative safety of Falcon's Hollow. On your left, to the north, through thick stands of trees and between hilltop rises, you catch glimpses the jagged scar left by the Rending that divides the Wolfrun Hills in twain.
Your thoughts are interrupted, however. Dugan is focused upon sussing out the safest trail along the river's course - a difficult task, as you are separated from the whitewater on your right by cliffs and crags - so he does not notice the tremors. The rest of the party, though, feels tremors in the ground.
At first Inconnu and Ulark suspect it may be a tremor, as the region remains geologically active. Unfortunately, it becomes clear that it is something else. Something very large is approaching from the direction of a wooded hilltop just behind you.
Ulark immediately began looking for a place in which they could hide. If none was readily available, then he made ready for a likely fight.
”This is NOT good.”
Micheo responds with a warm smile of his own.
"A fine incentive to return, hale and in good heart! I must be away, but you shall be in my thoughts, Kitani."
"Aye."
Micheo attempts to help Ulark find a suitable spot.
Dugan keeps an eye out for an ambush as he ambles towards the family's dwelling
Dugan shakes off whatever had been hanging over him at Ulark's warning.
'What's not good? What's happening?' He draws Glintax and his shield.
Inconnu draws his sword and shield as he looks around trying to spot the threat and figure out how best they could deal with it.
"You're leavin' again, ain't ya?" she finally calls, unseen, from within the cottage. There is a youthful blend of bitterness and resignation in her voice.
Ulark and Inconnu quickly spot a ledge overlooking the river, well shielded by an upthrusting of granite. They guide the party towards this shelter, but there is little time to consider whether it would provide an escape route should the worst come to pass. Crouching behind the stony sanctuary, you can see the source of the rumbling come into view.
The trees atop the hill part, and a towering giant clambers into view. At least ten feet tall he stands, and he pushes aside trees as though they were but cattail reeds. Ragged furs are wrapped around his paunch and draped over his shoulders.
He scratches his bald, bulbous head dumbly and scans the ground as though looking for something, all the while muttering loudly to himself.
The giant attempts to descend the hillside but stumbles. He topples, and his large frame gouges furrows in the loose soil as he rolls down the hill. He lies where he lands, only a handful of yards away from your hiding spot.
The reek of cheap alcohol clings to him, and he moans piteously, delivering the familiar dirge of a hungover drunkard.
Micheo whispers to his companions:
"We should leave. Quietly."
Already, the edges of his vision are beginning to waver, the transient images of possible futures flickering.
”Agreed. Let’s wait first, see if it wanders off. And if not we sneak off.”
The giant lies upon his back for a spell, moaning in exaggerated agony. Finally, he pushes himself up with his thickly muscled arms, trembling with the effort. Unfortunately, he does not wander off.
Instead, he dedicates himself to haphazardly searching for something. He overturns boulders and uproots entire shrubs, bending down low in hopes of spotting his unknown prize. His attention is not yet turned in your direction, but depending on how thorough this drunken giant proves to be, it may be only a matter of time before he examines your hiding spot.
'I think he's hanging around. He's alone and we should deal with him before that changes'
Micheo nods.
"Prepare then charge."
”Wait. He hasn’t done anything wrong yet. We can’t murder him just because he is in the way. When his back is turned, let’s try and slip away.” Ulark said, aghast at the suggestion.
"It is possible that I misinterpreted his actions.", Micheo replies, suddenly feeling chastened.
"Let us try to leave then."
"Normally I might suggest keeping an eye on him but time is of the essence. At least the diamond company is in town if he wanders that way. If we do attract his attention I suggest I try to trip him with grease while we engage at range."
The hungover giant remains distracted by his search. After you bide your time and wait a few moments, he turns his broad back to you and busies himself by digging through a thick tangle of briars as though it was only a clump of yarn.
Micheo does his best to move quietly...
Dugan stops when he hears the voice call out from within the cottage. 'Yeah, my friends and I have to run another errand to save the town. Besides, I always come back, don't I?'
Dugan scoffs softly at leaving the giant alive but keeps his opinion to himself. He does his best to not make too much noise as they move.
Inconnu slips a little as dirt gives way beneath his foot and bites his tongue.
The soft clink of Dugan's mithril armor and the crunch of dirt under Inconnu's foot manages to catch the giant's attention. He slowly turns his thick neck and looks in your direction as you quietly withdraw.
There is a brief pause as though his mind needs time to catch up with his eyes, and it almost seems as though he does not register your presence. He rises from his kneeling posture quickly, but then clutches his head in agonizing regret for the sudden movement.
Although he makes no move to charge or smash you with a nearby rock or tree, he calls out to you with a hoarse, bellowing voice. Even to those unfamiliar with the giant's tongue, it sounds as though he is asking a question.
As he speaks, he holds up his broad left hand.
"You probably won't even let me come, too."
Ulark paused. ”He wants help looking for a lost wedding ring.” He translated, unsure of *how* he could speak Giant. Another mystery of his ancestry he assumed.
”A worthy goal if ever I heard one. How could we refuse? Perhaps with us being lower to the ground it will be easier to spot. I am Ulark. What is your name, so that we may know to whom we should return the ring if found?”