The Dragons Bane
Chapter 20: The Caravans

The caravan arrived at the castle shortly after we finished our supper. The hustle and bustle caused by the caravan from the western town of Two Bridges isn’t as great as that which accompanied the arrival of the caravan we came in on. This may be because the caravan is but half the size. Or it could be because our caravan brought goods from the southern cities, most of which can neither be grown nor made in the northern reaches.

But whatever the reason, we have our own reasons for going out to watch the arrival of the caravan. Turning out with many of the townsfolk to see who has arrived, we watch as they go through the same entry process as we endured.

“Do you see anybody that could be an adventurer?” asks Seldor.

“So far, I only see guards and drivers,” replies Nordok. We continue to watch along with the other townsfolk as the newcomers enter the castle along with the wagons. After a while, having not seen any potential adventurers among the newcomers, we return to the comfort of the inn.

“Well, if there are any new adventurers in town, they will surely come here to rent a room. That’s what we did,” notes Mintock.

“Aye, that be how we knew ye four were here,” says Dimlar.

“Aye, and that be why we posted the notices when we did,” adds Delgar.

“If you knew that we were adventurers, why didn’t you say something that first night when we saw the four of you eating in here?” asks Nordok.

“Because we wanted to see what type of people you were and we figured that we would give you some time to acquaint yourselves. Besides, we didn’t know if you four were planning on getting your own charter or if you were looking to join up with an existing party. And after our mishap with Howler and Elgin, we figured we had better start exercising some care as to who we accept into the party,” answers Mizdar.

“Aye, by waitin’ an’ watchin’, we figured to be tellin’ who wasn’t the type we be wantin’ to join us,” clarifies Delgar.

“Yes, and within a couple of days you four had managed to make enough friends that we knew that you would make for good companions,” adds Mizdar.

“But what if we hadn’t found your notice?” asks Mintock.

“We were only going to give you another day, at most, before we approached you,” laughs Mizdar. “We wanted to get back to the dungeons as soon as possible, so if you two hadn’t approached the dwarves in the yard when you did, we probably would have introduced ourselves that night at supper.”

“Aye, we be training at the yard that mornin’ on purpose. Hunar told us ye be lookin’ to join,” chuckles Dimlar.

“So you four basically set us up,” states Seldor.

“I wouldn’t put it that way, we were just checking you out, that’s all. Just like we will be checking on any potential new members that came in on today’s caravan from Two Bridges. And Carmoon’s caravan should be here tomorrow or the next day, at the latest. He may have some more adventurers accompanying him, as well.”

“Aye, well put, Mizdar.”

“The plain truth is that we really don’t have enough fighters to protect us. So if some happen to have come in with the caravan, we will have to check them out and ask them to join.”

“Hey, here comes someone new, and he looks like a fighter to me,” observes Nordok.

The stranger approaches the bar and seats himself. Teela, ever conscious of new arrivals and customers, quickly approaches the man from behind the bar. “What may I get for you, sir?”

“I want to rent a room for a few days.”

“Well, we have several empty rooms at the moment, they cost two silver a night or one gold for a fortnight.”

“I take one for the week, here’s a eridium, apply the change to my meals for the week.”

“The rooms are upstairs, if you would follow me please. Oh, breakfast is included in the room charge, but we stop serving at ten bells.” Teela leads the stranger upstairs to a room, returning shortly with a sour expression on her face.

Mizdar motions for her, intending to inquire of the new arrival. Teela approaches our table, still wearing the sour expression that she came down the stairs with. “I don’t like that man, he will be nothing but trouble, mark my words.”

“What don’t you like about him?”

“Well, he stuck his up nose at the room, like it wasn’t good enough for him. And he has an air about him that just doesn’t agree with me. I tell you, I just don’t like him.”

“Well, your opinion of him is good enough for me, I don’t think I will vote in favor of inviting him to join us,” states Nordok.

“And a good thing, he will be nothing but trouble for whoever is foolish enough to go adventuring with the likes of him, mark my words,” adds Teela as she leaves to answer the call of another guest.

“Normally, I would accuse you of letting your mother-in-law interfere with your judgment. But I’ve known Teela for over a year, and I have never seen her act this way towards anyone before.”

“Aye, she be havin’ a fit over this one, me thinks he bears watchin’,” adds Delgar.

Just then, Hunar and two other guards come in to the common room for some beers. Spotting us, they come and sit at the next table. “How are all of you tonight?”

“Oh, not too bad, Hunar. But we were hoping some more adventurers would have come in with the caravan today.”

“Well, Seldor, maybe Carmoon will have some with him, when he shows up. He should be here either tomorrow or the next day.”

“Yes. I am looking forward to seeing Killian and Carmoon again.”

“Me too!”

It seems all of us are looking forward to the return of Carmoon’s caravan.

The dark stranger chooses that moment to come down the stairs. Entering the common room, he moves to a table in the corner, choosing to sit with his back to the wall.

“Hunar, do you know that man over there, the one that just came down?” asks Seldor.

“No, I don’t believe I have ever seen him before. He must have just come in on the caravan. How about you, Dunbar?”

“No, can’t say that I do. But if he came in on the caravan, I didn’t see him. And I thought I saw everyone that came in.”

“Well, maybe he’s one of the guards from the caravan. But just to be sure, tomorrow I’ll check with the inquisitor that passed everyone in.”

“Aye, that be a good idea. There be somethin’ bout a man who sits wit his back ta the wall that be tellin’ me he ain’t no caravan guard,” states Delgar.

The sound of trumpets about midmorning interrupts our morning training sessions, alerting everyone that Carmoon’s caravan has just been sighted entering the valley. The squad of guards, quickly but professionally assembling in the courtyard, soon departs to meet them.

Carmoon’s caravan arrives in the later part of the afternoon, with many of the townsfolk eagerly awaiting them. Standing by one of the booths in the bazaar, we have a good view of the caravan and the people seeking entry into the castle. There are at least four more wagons with Carmoon’s caravan this trip.

“Well, it seems Carmoon did very well on the last trip, he seems to have added a few wagons since his last trip,” observes Mizdar.

“Aye, I be seein’ five brand new wagons,” clarifies Delgar.

“And I’ll bet those four fighters standing together outside the inquisitor’s room are adventurers,” says Seldor.

“And here comes another one,” notes Nordok.

“Aye, but I be wonderin’ why he not be joinin’ the others,” observes Dimlar.

After a few minutes, there are obviously quite a few new adventurers in town.

“What do you think, Mizdar? Should we approach any of them yet?” asks Nordok.

“No, I think we will observe them first. However, we can put our notices back up in the guilds. Although something tells me we will find several of the newcomers unsatisfactory. There seems to be a rift between some of them already, and that’s just from traveling up here together on the caravan.”

“Aye, me thinks they not be gettin’ along too well on the trip ta the dungeon, either.”

“Yes, Delgar, I think you are right. That means we had better pick from one group or the other. We don’t want any added problems when we go to the dungeon, that’s for sure.”

“Aye.”

We are enjoying some of Freedar’s best steaks when Killian and Carmoon finally come into the tavern. Spying us, they immediately come over to our table and greet us. “I’m glad to see that all of you are still alive and well.”

“Yes indeed, it is good to see the lot of you in one piece,” adds Killian.

“We saw the extra wagons you came in with, so we assume you made the trip up without any problems,” returns Mizdar.

“I don’t know if I’d agree with that,” says Carmoon with a sigh.

“Yes, I only wish this trip went as smoothly as the last,” agrees Killian.

“Was there a problem, then?” asks Mintock.

“Yes, we took along too many passengers. The would-be adventures that signed on couldn’t get along. I had to break up too many fights this trip. And it made the rest of us miserable, to boot.”

“Well, Killian, since we may be wanting to invite three or four new fighters to join us, how about filling us in on them?” asks Mizdar.

“Aye, but first ye be needin’ a drink, me thinks,” adds Delgar. He motions for Teela to bring two beers for our guests.

“Yes, please have a seat and join us for dinner and drinks, on us, of course.”

“After this trip, we could use a few good drinks and a chance to unload some of our troubles,” agrees Carmoon, as he and Killian each take a seat at the table.

Teela, exercising her unerring ability to know when she should leave her patrons alone, quietly sets the drinks on the table and leaves.

“So, Killian, what happened to cause so much trouble?” asks Mizdar.

“Well, the first week went by without incident. But then I noticed that some of the fighters seemed to be ganging up together, four in particular. They were trying to pressure the others into joining them, but the others weren’t into being bullied. That’s when the fighting started. And it seemed to never end. The other three refused to be bullied by the four and that was that. I don’t blame them, but I do blame the four. They have a definite evil inclination about them that naturally conflicted with the other three, who are basically a good bunch at heart.”

“Well, I guess that explains why they were standing in two separate groups after they entered the castle,” observes Mizdar.

“Aye, an’ from the sound of it, we be not wantin’ the four troublemakers ta be ajoinin’ us,” comments Delgar.

“That be fer sure,” agrees Dimlar, accompanied by nods of agreement all around.

“No, I wouldn’t recommend them,” agrees Killian.

“But would you recommend the other three?” asks Mizdar.

“Yes, I would. Like I said, they are basically a good bunch. Their fighting skill is only average, but I doubt they would cause you any trouble. Their names are Wiltock, Nilios, and Fifer. The names of the ones you want to watch out for are Filos, Ratiok, Morbin, and Slator. And to save you some trouble, I suggest that you don’t post your usual notice on the bulletin boards. If I were you, I would quietly approach the three and ask them, if that is your intention. In fact, I’ll gladly introduce you.”

“That may be the wiser course of action, since we really don’t want any dealings with the other four, from the sounds of them,” Mizdar concurs.

“And we can avoid that other fellow that rubbed Teela the wrong way, as well,” adds Nordok.

“Aye, ’tis the best solution for all, me thinks,” agrees Delgar, amid nods from the others.

“What other fellow would that be?” inquires Carmoon.

“A fighter came in on the caravan from Two Bridges. He really managed to rub Teela the wrong way when he came here for a room last night,” replies Seldor.

“That’s unusual. Teela normally can get along with anyone. What did he do that set her off?” asks Killian. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“Oh, he just insulted the quality of the room and the service, like he was royalty, or something,” replies Nordok with a roll of his eyes.

“That will do it,” says Carmoon with a chuckle.

“But on a more serious note, some of his actions have caused us to decide that he isn’t the type we want to have in our party,” states Mizdar.

“Such as?” asks Killian.

“Well, besides his haughty airs, we noticed that always he sits with his back to a wall,” says Mintock.

“And he hasn’t even tried to make friends with anyone,” adds Clernon. “In fact, he seems to be determined to piss off everyone he meets.”

“Of course, we don’t know even who he is, yet. But it seems safe to say that we can do without someone like him,” says Mizdar.

“Aye, an’ me thinks there be something fishy bout the man. Nobody saw him come in with the caravan, not even any of the guards,” says Dimlar.

“That sounds very suspicious. I hope you alerted someone?” ask Carmoon.

“Yes, Hunar is checking into him. He will probably be joining us later. I’m sure he will share whatever he found out about our mysterious stranger with the bad manners.”

Reassured by Mizdar’s reply, Carmoon turns the conversation to other matters, and the next couple of hours seem the fly as everyone shares their recent experiences.

Hunar enters the Blood Moon with the anticipation of getting drunk with the Dragons Bane and his good friends Carmoon and Killian. He also knows that they will be eager to hear the information he has about their mysterious stranger. He is therefore not disappointed when he finds all of them sitting together and quite drunk already.

“Carmoon, Killian, how are my good friends doing tonight? I hope you had a good trip up here?”

“We are doing just fine. This is just what the doctor ordered after a trip from hell like this one turned into.”

“Oh, Killian, it wasn’t that bad. We just had a few problems with some of our guests, that’s all,” corrects Carmoon.

“I noticed the new arrivals giving each other the evil eye,” laughs Hunar.

“I trust it is nothing too serious, or I’m sure one of you would have notified the guards.”

“No, but just to be on the safe side, you may want to spread the word that they don’t get along too well,” comments Carmoon.

“I will. And speaking of new arrivals, I got the scoop on our mysterious stranger. The reason none of us saw him come in was because he decided to come ahead of the caravan. Seems he was too good to accompany the rest, and too impatient as well. He managed to arrive a good hour in advance of the caravan. Gave the guards some garbage about having an important message for someone at the castle that required undo haste. Of course, it turned out he was lying. The inquisitor let him off with a warning, but I doubt he appreciated it.”

“Anyway, his name is Dectron. He is the spoiled son of a rich merchant in Two Bridges. That explains his bad manners, although it doesn’t justify them. According to Ditmore, the caravan master, his father sent him here to be an adventurer. Seems he hopes that a little adventure will teach him some manners and turn him into a man, instead of the sniveling, lying, spoiled brat that he is now.”

“Well, I’ve heard that one tried before. Most of them end up dead before they wise up and fly right,” comments Mizdar.

“Aye, that’s what be happenin’ when the father fails ta educate the child properly an’ then dumps ‘em out on the world expectin’ others ta be doin’ the job for ’em,” agrees Delgar.

“Right you are, but it is still a sad day when reality catches up with them,” comments Killian.

“So, tell me about your trip up and any new news from the south,” asks Hunar, eager for some interesting gossip from the south.

Just then four young fighters come swaggering in to the tavern and take seats at the bar, their confident ‘we own the world’ attitudes a clear indication that they will probably cause trouble before the night is out.

Freedar, ever aware of everything that transpires in his establishment, and being a good judge of character, chooses that moment to come out from the kitchen carrying his biggest meat cleaver. Just as one of the four opens his mouth to speak, Freedar points at the four of them with the meat cleaver, silencing him.

“I run a clean and respectable establishment here, and since it is the only establishment in town, if you four expect to have a roof over your heads while you’re here, you will abide by my rules while under my roof. The rules are simple. Don’t bother or steal from the other guests, don’t piss off me or my help, and pay in advance. The rooms cost two silver a night each or one gold for a fortnight. That includes breakfast, but we stop serving at ten. My name is Freedar, and I don’t like troublemakers. You four still want rooms?”

Clearly intimidated by the size of Freedar and his meat cleaver, the four immediately acquire manners and nod respectfully before shelling out the coin for a week’s worth of rooms each. “My wife Teela will gladly show you to your rooms.” Scooping up the coins, Freedar returns to his duties in the kitchen while Teela shows the newcomers to their rooms. “The rooms are this way, gentlemen.”

“Well, Freedar seems to have put them in their place quickly enough,” laughs Seldor.

“Aye, that he did,” chuckles Delgar.

“Well, from what my wife has told me, Freedar was quite a fighter in his day. And from what we just saw, I think he can still hold his own.”

“That is an understatement, I happen to know that Freedar was a very formidable fighter in his day. And on those rare occasions that he shows up at the yard to practice, even Maximar accords him a high degree of respect. They used to adventure together,” Hunar informs us. This information is clearly new news to everyone present.

Three fighters choose that moment to enter the inn. Interrupting Hunar’s story, Killian invites them over to join us. “Wiltock, why don’t you and your friends come and have a seat, I want you to meet some friends of mine.” The three new arrivals look at each other before shrugging and decide to join the caravan master and his head guard and their friends.

“We really are sorry for all the trouble we caused you on the way up here, but we really can’t stomach those ...” starts Wiltock before being interrupted by Carmoon.

“Nonsense, I’ve been around the world enough to know that you three weren’t the instigators of all the trouble on this trip. That is why we invited you three to join us, just now. We want you to meet some adventurers that are looking to sign on a few more fighters, assuming you three are interested, that is?”

“Now wait a minute, Carmoon. We haven’t said we would sign them up yet. We need to get to know them a little, first,” cautions Mizdar.

“We don’t want to be forced on anyone. We have had enough of that type of treatment on the way up here. So if you will excuse us..”, begins Nilios, as he and his two compatriots start to their feet.

“Relax, you three. We merely wish to be sure that we can all get along before we find out halfway to the dungeons that we can’t. It really is in the best interest of all of us that we find out before you sign up with us,” explains Mizdar.

“We can appreciate that, can’t we?” says Fifer, as the three retake their seats.

“I suppose introductions are in order,” says Killian. “These illustrious personages are collectively called The Dragons Bane. Individually, this is Delgar, Dimlar, Seldor, Nordok, Mintock, Mizdar, Clernon, and Clandistra. And these three are Wiltock, Nilios, and Fifer.”

“Well met, but as I was saying, we need to be sure that your hearts are in the right place and that we can all get along with each other before we can welcome you into our party. Fortunately, we have several days left before we plan to leave on our next trip to the dungeon. So we have the time to determine your suitability. If you three are interested, then we can start with training tomorrow, after you have introduced yourselves to Maximar at the fighter’s guild. Still interested?” asks Mizdar.

“Yes, we would be happy to train with you for a few days till we have satisfied your expectations and our own concerning you. At the very least, we will have someone to show us around the place and introduce us to the locals, right guys?” says Nilios, getting nods of agreement from his two compatriots.

“Well then, the first thing you three should do is get yourselves some rooms here and get settled in. The owner is a fellow named Freedar. And this woman approaching us now is his wife Teela. She can set you up with rooms for the week, can’t you, Teela?” says Mizdar.

“Yes, I can. If you gentlemen would step over to the bar, I will explain the charges and the house rules before showing you to your rooms.”

“We’ll see you three bright and early for breakfast in the morning then,” says Seldor.

“Till then,” replies Wiltock, as he and his two companions follow Teela over to the bar.

“Me thinks they will work out ok,” states Delgar.

“Aye, me thinks so too.”

“Yes, but will we have enough time to train them before we are ready to leave again?” wonders Mizdar out loud.

“Nay, but there be nothin’ like on the job experience. We just keep them towards the back for this trip,” Delgar suggests.

“Yes, that way they will see how we fight as a unit and then we will have the entire winter to teach them how to fight with the rest of us. Now all we need to do is make sure we can all get along reasonably well,” states Mizdar.

“Well, now that you have seemingly made up your minds, let’s get back to Maximar and Freedar,” says Killian, looking askance towards Hunar. The rest of the night we spend talking and drinking just like the old friends that we are.

The next day dawns bright and very early, typical of summertime anywhere that far north. And while we have grown used to the sun’s arrival coming earlier and earlier each day, our three potential new candidates have not. They are still used to the time of sunup as it rises in the south, which is a couple of hours or more later than up here.

“Nordok, after we have ordered breakfast, why don’t you go and wake our three friends?” asks Mizdar.

“Aye, they may as well get used to gettin’ up with the rest of us right from the start,” says Delgar.

“As soon as I get my coffee, I’ll go and wake them.”

“Maximar, we have some new recruits for you to torment,” teases Seldor, as he and the rest of us fighters enter the training grounds.

“Well, let’s have a look at them. My name is Maximar, and I run the fighter’s guild.”

“Well met, master Maximar. My name is Wiltock. And these are my friends, Nilios and Fifer. We are fighters from the southern city of Cliffhaven.”

“That’s west of Solaris, along the coast, if I’m not mistaken,” notes Maximar.

“That’s right,” replies Fifer, clearly impressed that Maximar knows where his hometown is.

“Well, for today I’ll let you work out with these ruffians, but only because I have other things to do today. But come tomorrow morning, I expect you to be here at about this time for your evaluation. Be prepared to fight, because that is what we do here. I’m sure these boys will tell you more than enough to get you ready for tomorrow. I have got to run, I’m late for a meeting at the castle. See you tomorrow, bright and early.” With that said, Maximar quickly exits, clearly intent on whatever the meeting is about.

“Well, that is surprising. I wonder what could be so important that it could cause Maximar to depart with such haste?” asks Nordok.

“’Tis be none of our business, but getting these greenhorns ready fer the dungeon is,” states Delgar.

“You’re right, as usual. Well, let’s start with where the weapons and armor are stored and go from there.”

“What did you get out of the dragon cult scum, my Lord?” asks Maximar.

“Nothing, he killed himself before we could get anything out of him. But I suspect they are up to something, I just wish I knew what.”

“Well, the Dragons Bane will be leaving for the ruins soon, why not ask them to check things out for us?”

“Yes, that is a good idea. Send for the leader of the Dragon’s Bane.”

Later that evening, as we are all sitting down for a well-deserved supper, Mizdar inquires of our evaluation of the three new fighters. “So, what do you think of these three? Are they good enough to join us, or will we be carrying their remains back from their first trip to the dungeon?”

“I think they are good enough, at least they aren’t any worse than we were on our first trip,” replies Seldor.

“Aye, they be good ’nough. I say we invite ’em ta join us,” adds Delgar.

“Aye, me too.”

“Yes, I think they will be ok,” agrees Nordok.

“Good. Then unless there are any objections from anyone else,” Mizdar inquires, pausing to give the others a chance to voice any negative opinions. Hearing none, he continues. “Welcome to the Dragons Bane. We are glad to have you.”

The three newcomers, surprised by the quickness of the decision, don’t know what to say. “Really?” “Thanks!” and “I didn’t think we would know for several days, yet,” replies Wiltock.

“Well, things have come up that have forced us to advance our schedule a little bit,” replies Mizdar, causing the rest of us to turn curious eyes toward him.

“As the legal leader of the Dragons Bane, I was called to the castle this morning for a meeting. It seems that some dragonmen have been spotted in the northern end of the valley. For some reason, this is a serious concern to the powers that be, here at the castle. Why, I don’t know. But we have been asked to scout around a little up in the northern end of the valley. They also suggested that we keep our eyes open while we are up there and to report any and all monsters that we encounter on our next trip to the dungeon.”

“That’s a rather strange request. I wonder what is up?”

“Why don’t you ask your wife?” teases Seldor.

“No, I think he should ask his mother-in-law,” counters Clernon, with a straight face. The new members, not understanding the joke, decide to refrain from laughing with the others.

“Anyway, they wanted to know how soon we were planning on leaving. It seems they want us to scout the area a little up there as soon as possible. Nothing major, just one day’s worth of searching up in the northern end of the valley. But because of this, I figured we had better advance our timetable a little. Thus the early invitation to you three.”

“So, what do the rest of you say to leaving in three or four days?” asks Mizdar.

“I think that may be pushing it a bit. When is the caravan scheduled to leave? We still have to sign these three up at the party,” cautions Clernon.

“Yes, well, the caravans are scheduled to leave two mornings from now, which means the party will be the night before. I don’t think that will hinder our plans to depart in four days from now. But my real concern is whether these three will be ready to go by then. What say you, Delgar?”

“Aye, they be as ready now as they be likely ta get. Nothin’ short of some real experience be likely ta make ’em any better ‘an they be already. That or several months workin’ with Maximar.”

“Well then, since we don’t have several months, we should plan on leavin’ on the morning of the fourth day from today.”

“I have a question,” interrupts Wiltock.

“Yes?”

“You mentioned a party and something that had to be signed before we can go to the dungeons with you. What party and what has to be signed?”

“Ah, we usually keep that part as a surprise for newcomers. In order to adventure here, you must have a charter from Lord Muldoon, and it must be signed in front of him. This signing is traditionally done at the farewell party for the caravans the night before they leave.”

“Oh, is that all? I was concerned that it was something serious.”

“Oh, it be serious, alright. The whole town be there as witnesses,” comments Dimlar.

“And since it marks you as a hero in front of everyone, you need to take it very serious indeed,” adds Mintock.

“Yes, but not as serious as the responsibility of being a hero. The penalties for failing to live up to your responsibility as defined in the contract are very serious, I’m told,” warns Nordok.

“And exactly what has your wife told you about that?” inquires Seldor with a grin.

“Actually, she told me that the last time some heroes failed to live up to the terms of the contract ten farms and the families that were on them perished. The lord was so furious that he had the heroes teleported deep into the dungeons without any weapons. Needless to say, they were never heard from again.”

“Well, I guess that about sums up the seriousness of the contract. Unless there is any other business at hand, I suggest we relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.”

“All set for the party, Wiltock?” asks Seldor.

“Yes indeed.”

“Well, we have a few moments before we have to go. They let the country folk into the hall first, followed by the townsfolk, then us with the guards coming in last. Many of the country folk travel a long way to get here, and as such are allowed to enter first. It may not seem like such a big deal now, while the weather is nice, but during the winter months it can mean the difference between a lost hand or foot from frost bite.”

“Yes, during the winter months, I hear that one or two often perish trying to make it to the castle for the party,” adds Nordok, as he comes out of his room to join the others, followed by his wife.

“Then why do they come?”

“Well, they come for many reasons. They come to see what the caravan brought in, they come for the food and company, and they come to see what new heroes may have entered the land,” replies Mintock.

“Personally, I think they come mostly to relieve the boredom of the winter months,” suggests Clernon.

“I think I could suggest a safer way to relieve the boredom of being snowed in for days at a time, right, honey?” says Nordok with a wink at his wife.

Blushing, Timora responds with a playful slap. “And just why do you think there are so many newborns by the end of summer?”

“So, does it really stay dark all day in the winter?” asks Nilios.

“What you be asking these lunkheads for? Most of them have not been through even one winter up here yet. They have yet to see a day with but a few hours of light, and that but a pitiful attempt by the sun to show itself, at best. They have yet to experience the true cold of the winter here, when your leather scabbard be as hard as stone from the cold, and when the cracking of the ice can be heard for miles and miles like some strange kind of thunder. And when you have to breathe carefully through your nose after the air has had a chance to warm up a bit through your thick scarf or your lungs will freeze up and suffocate you. These are but some of the things that we endure on a daily basis every winter. It is not something everyone can get used to. Many southerners turn tail and go home after just one winter. And for those that do stay, it takes several winters before they are truly used to the hardships of the winter season.”

Mizdar and the others, just coming up the stairs, have stopped to listen to Timora’s tirade on the hardships of life during the winter months. “Now be fair, Timora. If life was really that bad during the winter, then why would anyone wish to stay up here in the northern reaches of the world?”

“There have been many a wintry night when I wondered that very same thing, Mizdar.”

Nilios, slightly sick looking, turns to Mizdar as if to ask him to confirm her words.

“Well, there are some bad times in the winter, but the same can be said of anywhere in the world. However, it is my belief that there is generally a great day to counter every bad day.”

Finding everyone’s attention focused on him, Mizdar continues. “I must admit that there are some pretty bad days up here during the winter. Timora has told the truth about what life can be like during the wintry months, but it really depends on your outlook. You may find yourself up on the castle wall about lunchtime, with the sun peeking its head up over the southern horizon, between the mountain pass, and you will be filled with wonder as it turns the whole valley into a gold covered wonderland. It can be one of the most beautiful scenes you have ever beheld, or it can be just another cold day. It all depends on your outlook.”

Feeling shamed by the mage who has spent only one winter at the castle, Timora feels obligated to defend her homeland. “He’s right, attitude is what makes the difference up here. And there are advantages to living up here. My favorite things to do in the winter are sledding and star gazing, we have the best star gazing in the whole world up here. And the northern lights often put on a great show for us, they are almost bright enough to read by. And since it is just past the summer solstice, you can see that our long, dark nights of the winter months are balanced out by the bright and beautiful days where the night is but a fleeting memory each day.”

Just then, the other four newcomers to town enter the hallway from their rooms, dressed up for the party. Slightly fearful of the rest of the Dragons Bane, they remain quiet, waiting for the hallway to clear so they may pass. Quietly glad of the interruption, Mizdar decides it is time to leave for the party.

“It is time to go, we don’t want to be late, seeing as how we are some of the guests of honor.” His comment raises some eyebrows among the others, curious as to who else may be among the guests of honor.

“Will the Dragons Bane please present themselves!” At Lord Muldoon’s summons, the current members of The Dragons Bane approach the Lord’s table, followed by the soon-to-be members. The applause is deafening, their recent service to the castle and the town is still fresh in everyone’s minds.

“It is my understanding that you have three new members wanting to join your party.”

Mizdar, as our leader, responds appropriately. “Yes, my Lord.”

“Please present them so that all may know them.”

“This is Wiltock, a fighter from Cliffhaven.” At a gesture from Lord Muldoon, Wiltock signs the charter amidst applause from the peasants.

“This is Nilios, also a fighter from Cliffhaven.” Again, at a gesture from Lord Muldoon, Nilios signs the charter amidst applause from the peasants.

“And this is Fifer, another fighter from Cliffhaven.” For a third time, Lord Muldoon gestures for the adventurer to sign the charter. As he is the final new member, the applause from the peasants is even more vigorous than before.

After the applause has died down, Lord Muldoon continues. “Well met, and may the fortunes of the Mother Tree shine upon you.” Clearly indicating that we are dismissed, we retire from our position in front of the high table.

“And I have another treat for everyone tonight. It seems we have a new party to charter. Will the Avenging Swords please present themselves.” The applause is almost deafening, continuing on even after the six adventurers have made their way to the high table.

“It is my pleasure to present the following fighters. Dectron, a fighter from Two Bridges. Filos, Ratiok, Morbin, and Slator, all of whom are fighters come to join us from Varg. And, as the sixth member of their party, we have one of our very own clerics, Clarmain.” The peasants erupt in a deafening applause once more, while some of the new party members take bows before everyone.

At a gesture from Lord Muldoon, the crowd grows quiet. “Will you each approach and sign your name to the charter, with your designated leader signing first.”

Not surprising, it is Dectron who has appointed himself the leader of the Avenging Swords. Once the new adventurers have all signed the charter in front of everyone, Lord Muldoon adds his own signature to the contract, before handing it to Dectron with a flourish. As Dectron vigorously waves the charter over his head, as expected, the crowd responds with even more applause.

“Well, the Avenging Swords aren’t wasting any time, are they?” comments Nordok to Seldor the following afternoon.

“Boy told me they are planning on leaving at sunup tomorrow. He said they were bragging about getting to the dungeons ahead of us and cleaning the place out before we got there.”

“Well, they certainly are packing heavy.”

“Yes, Boy said that their leader has been trying to buy up anything and everything that he can think of that they might need for the trip.”

“I figured that he was elected leader because he has his father’s money to pay for everything from the charter to the equipment.”

“Yes, I suppose it went something like that.”

Delgar, just coming up behind the two in the courtyard, can’t help but add his opinion of the newest party. “Most of ‘em will not be a comin’ back, I’ll wager me beard on it.”

“What makes you say that?” inquires Nordok.

“Well, fer starters, they be havin’ no mage. An’ they be carryin’ too much junk. Ye be packin’ that much stuff an’ every creature in the dungeons will know where ye be.”

“Not to mention the fact that they haven’t trained together at all, from what I can see,” adds Seldor.

“That be true. When we be startin’ the Dragons Bane, we be spendin’ a month wit Maximar learnin’ ta fight together afore we dared go out adventurin’. Maximar told me they refused his offer ta train ‘em on how ta be fightin’ together.”

“Not surprising, they are an arrogant bunch, for the most part.”

“Aye, ye hit the nail squarely on the head, Seldor.”

“Was anyone up this morning to see Carmoon and Killian before they left?” asks Nordok.

“Nay, not that me knows of. We all said our good-byes at the party.”

“Well, I guess it is time to start getting our own gear together if we are going to be leaving in a couple days, as planned,” observes Seldor.

“Yes, we should. See you in a couple of hours, Delgar.”

“Aye, we all be plannin’ ta meet fer lunch an’ go over our plans fer this trip.”

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