He looks over quizzically, "Uhh, she's big, but hasn't bit me yet. So that's good. How about your gelding?"
"He looks like he a needsa carrot" she rides over to the three eyed dwarf (Klothar).
"Scuseame, you know where we's getting some carrots?"
The king looks to the alchemist. "Well we have quite a group already, is there anything speical you can aid us with?" He looks at you hopefully.
As he says this he reaches into a pouch near his leg and digs for a moment, then pulls out a carrot and tosses it to Belvica. "Actually her name is Delvina, and she's a feisty one. He looks at Duran and Firbell's choices, "You have Maidel, and Heit. They'll do very well. They are the foals of the queen's favorite stallion."
"Heit? You and I are going to get along just fine."
"Anything special?" Klothar sputters, "Why I command the very science of alchemy! I can create alchemical items, as well as bombs!"
Firbell looks genuinely confused, eaves-dropping on the Kings conversation, "How does one command science anyways? I always hear people say they command this and that, and I never understand."
Sturgiss looks up at the great beast. Of course he had seen one before. You don't travel as far as he had without encountering a few, but he never imagined he'd have to ride one. Still..."Hey". "Can someone give me a lift". "This armor is a bit too stiff to allow me to hop up".
"Hello Delvinia, me's Belvica, we will be having much fun, yeah? HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Belvica then gives Delvinia the carrot and then pets her.
Then she looks at Firbell and Klothar and says... "Apparently you mightnt couldnt command carrots, HAHAHAHAHAH!"
She then rides over to the barefooted Dwarf and gives him her hand "Hope this helps, HAHAHAHA!!!!
Firbell looks at Belvica, an injured look on his face, "I bet I could command carrots! What about you? ...Zebras?"
If Belvica is having trouble getting Sturgiss into the saddle he'll ride over and try to help.
Between Firbell and Belvica you manage to get Sturgiss up on a brown horse with a graying mane. The king identifies him as "Duster".
The king then looks to Klothar, "Alchemy, that's a dangerous science. But I was a fair hand at potionmaking when I was a younger dwarf." He smiles as if fondly recalling a memory and then chuckles to himself. "Ahh, I suppose if no one else from the entourage objects to you, we will make a place for you." He motions to one of the guards who runs off and returns shortly with another horse.
Klothar looks at the horse with deep suspicion but clambers on regardless.
"Excellent! Shall we be off then?"
"Zebras fun to ride, fast... you no command zebra, you break zebra but is ok cuz they forget fast and are then unbroke, command, odd word be...HAHAHAHAHA"
Belvica moves her horse to gate, "City boring no trees. Me takes the point" as she unslings her shortbow and knocks an arrow, while holding the reigns in around her shoulder.
Firbell tries valiantly to keep his eyes at the appropriate level as Belvica moves past to take point, but his voice still squeaks, " guard the rear!"
He and Gidma move to the back and signal their readiness, Firbell suddenly very concerned about clearing the phlegm from his throat.
Klothar shakes his head at the two of them before checking his various bits and pieces.
"Mister King, wheres we goins? your exaltednessses?"
You ride through the streets of the city and as you make your way, dozens come out waving both farewells and laments at the king's departure. The king simply nods as he passes, and you can see that he is somewhat preoccupied.
Belvica's question stirs him and he turns to you, 'I'm sorry what was that? Ooh...yes. We are heading to the Wall, far to the south. It will be several days travel to get there." He looks solemn for a moment, then speaks again, "Tell me more about yourselves, and this blue magic you saw...?"
Firbell perks up as his preoccupied King addresses them. He starts with an awkward bow from the saddle, "Well I'm Firbell, your Kingship, a humble druid of the Stoneskin clan. I've got an incredible undercommon garden at my home, with some species you only see once or twice in a lifetime! I hope they're getting on alright without me. I don't get out much, but me and Gidma here were walking near our home when this blue light appeared." He takes several moments to describe the experience, the voice in his head, and the words it used, how it mentioned "Arkan" by name.
"Ahh what sort of garden is that? You wouldn't by chance happen to grow any drydils? If cooked just right they are most delicious."
He listens to more of your story and when you get to the part about the magic that drew you there he looks puzzled. "And you said you spoke to Davryn when you arrived? What did he think of this?"
Sturgiss puffs out his chest at the King's question, nearly losing his balance from his unfamiliar perch. Still this was better than walking barefoot.
I'm Sturgiss Fauxbeard, last surviving member of Clan Cinderstone, and devout priest of Angradd". "Say...if I'm the last surviving member of the clan...I guess that makes me a king as well". "If a shoe-less one". Sturgiss then breaks into a fit of laughter at his own joke.
Belvica turns to the king "I am Belvica Insareba of the Expanse, I am a mix of Mbeke and Tarulu dwarf from the jungle midway between Kibwe and Nagisa. I have been traveling for many a moon, I have heard of a great Dwarven stronghold up north, so I made my way here through desert and mountain and such."
She regales the king with some escapades on her trip but finally gets to point:
"Just earlier today, I sake admittance to your city, when I spakes to two guards and this blue mark appearered behind thems and toldah me to seek you out personally. Firbell and I told Davryn of this and he said that because I encountered it in front of others is especially important. He told us to come back and that is why we wents to sees him"
"Klothar Banndyrson, child of this fine Kel and alchemist extraordinaire," Klothar states with a flourish, "As a practitioner of the noble science, I will of. Purse be of great assistance in this quest. And I have a few alchemical... tricks which could turn the tide of battle. Of course, we will need to locate an alchemical lab; mine is somewhat bulkier than can easily be transported by horse."
Arken looks to Sturgiss, "A pair of kings ought to outwit any foe we shall encounter, pleased to have you aboard."
As Belvica explains her view of the magic and her story the king strokes his beard thoughtfully, "Most interesting, did you find anything out when you went to see him a second time?"
And finally turning to Klothar he remarks, "Extraordinaire you say? High praise, where is your laboratory now?"
"Nope, he wasn't home"
"This reminds me" Duran turns to Sturgiss. "Scribble a list of what you need, other than boots, I send for the items right away, so you get them in time before we leave the city gates."
As you approach the gates of the great city you see a group of about 10 guards standing in front of the gate. The lead guard holds out his hand in a motion for the group to stop. The king looks angry and speaks loudly, "What do you think you're doing? Get out of our way!"
Duran senses that the king is truly in rush, and realizes it is strange they would be stopped, so something important must have happened.
He steps forward. "Good dwarves, what is the reason of blocking our way? We are in a hurry and the good king also wishes to pass swiftly."
Duran looks at the guards, he hopes he sees the man he sent for the equipment to be among them, or to arrive soon. Being at the gates meant Sturgiss would have to leave without proper footwear if they don't get it here.
""+
Arken looks to Sturgiss, "A pair of kings ought to outwit any foe we shall encounter, pleased to have you aboard."
"A fine king I make". "If this steed decides to do what I say, then I will have one subject". "So a king without subjects, or a sole, is but a lone adventurer". "I'll leave the Kingly stuff to you".
Sturgiss is jolted out of his soliloquy by the action ahead. What could this be that would dare to halt their king.
Sense Motive - on the speaking guard
Belvica turns and says "Maybe they want some carrots, too? HAHAHAHA!!!"
Sense Motive
The guards look at your strange group... "Your highness...we cannot let you leave. There is more here at stake than you realize."
The king continues a glaring stare at the lead guard who speaks. "I have explained to you that I am leaving. This must be done. You will not stop me." He begins to move his horse toward the guards in his way.
Duran realizes that this could end in a fight, and he wants to avoid it.
The gentle smile from his face disappears, and a stern and grim look appears, one worthy to a commander and heir to a Great House. "Know your place dwarf! That is your king you are addressing, and I am Duran Daemric Davadar from House Davadar and also a Stonelord! Asking from or suggesting to the king is one thing, blocking his way and ignoring his orders is an other."
Duran places a hand on the grip of the earth breaker. "The king is willing to go to the extremes to go on this journey, are you willing to risk bloodshed and maybe even civil war by not letting us leave?" Duran readies his weapon. "Stand aside, unless you are a traitor to the crown the choice of action should be simple."
Duran didn't like his own words but they were necessary, the look in the eyes of the king made it clear this would turn into battle if he is not allowed to pass through the gates. Duran hoped to avoid bloodshed altogether by talking sense into the dwarves, but even if just a few of them step aside and decide to not fight them would be good.
The normally cheerful dwarf that is Belvica Insnareba dismounts, looks at Arkan and the guards and unleashes a loud bellow.. "I ain't goin noswheres until I know what is happinin up in Kel Mar!!!!!!! She looks around. "Why should the king not leave? I was summoned her for some purpose unknows to me. I wanna some straight answers!!!!
Persuade
Being in the point position she wedges her horse between the guards and the rest.
Firbell looks annoyed at the guard, and proceeds to try and convince them to step aside, "Treason is hardly the answer good dwarf! Perhaps you should rethink your strategy before you interfere with the Kings business. Do you know better than him what our people need? Perhaps you should be King if that's the case."
Sturgiss rides a bit closer to the King and begins to look around.
"Something smells wrong here". "That dwarf is waiting for somthing". "He's stalling for some reason". "Ware all"!
Perception
Klothar returns from collecting his cart to find the King's passage blocked.
"I thought it was the King who gave the orders?" he states. "We have important business to be about. Get out of the way so we can get started."
As your group presses forward the guards attempt to hold the line, but after some pushing they step back and move out of your way. "When I return I suggest you have some meaning for your actions!" The king hollers as you pass through the gates.
When you get about 50 yards beyond the gate you hear the sounds of shouting. If you turn to look you see that there is another group of guards that had been rushing to stop you.
You begin to trot down the road, the artificial light gleams in the darkness of the cavern. You go on for several hours like this, the still air quiet.
Klothar takes time from the menial task of driving the cart to study their surroundings while continually checking the lab affixed to the rear of the cart remains in place.
Perception
Perception
Over the din of Klothar's cart and the sound of horses hooves you don't hear much of anything. And in the dim light of the cavern you can't seem to pick up anything.
Turning to the King..."Your Majesty", with all due respect the behavior of your guards was disturbing". "Is it common for them to defy your edicts"? "It seems there may be more going on here than meets the eye". "Is there someone hoping to unseat you"?
"Cart up ahead," Klothar bellows over the din of his own vehicle, "Brightly decorated too."
Duran snickers. "He is the king! Of course there are such people!" He shakes his head. "Those of low morals always seek to remove others from power either to place themselves there or out of spite and envy."
Continuing to walk he smiles at Sturgiss. "This is part of the reason why I didn't want you to wear the colors of my House, I am here as a loyalist and friend to the king, not as a representative of House Davadar with extra guards. There will still be problems later caused by the fact that I am here but most other Houses had no one at the side of the king, but I am sure my father will be able to handle them. The only concern for us should be the safety of the king, if anything happens to him his enemies and even most trusted allies and friends will be more than vehement in blaming everything on those who were with him on the journey."
Duran turns to the king. "My king, I heard there was much opposition to your choice of action, but I admit it is more than unusual to see guards trying to stop you like this. If I may ask so, please explain what reason there may be for it. What the fear of theirs may be?"
The king looks to Sturgiss his face somewhat downtrodden."They don't mean any harm. I haven't left the palace in years. My initial guess is that they were hoping to overwhelm me with pleas to stay. But I've made my decision, I have to do this." You see just the hint of sadness in his eyes as he speaks.
He the turns to Duran, "Thank you my friend. House Davadar has been on my side in this endeavor. Your father even offered to join me himself at first."He pauses momentarily and closes his eyes. "Torag help us..."
As the cart draws closer you see it begin to slow down.
Belvica shortbow at the ready dismounts.
"Let's see who these people are!
The shortbow is in her hands with arrow between her pointer finger and middle finger but string not drawn.