Waking from a safe nights rest, Jardel prepared his mount for departure. He talked to everyone while enjoying his breakfast "Well, I assume our only plausible choice is to continue down the road through Vain. I surely reject the possibility of meeting dark elves. These foes are truely the most dificult to deal with - cunning, intelligent, evil, and well organized. Not to forget poisen and plenty of spell casting. We can be fortunate to have escaped our first encounter unscathed. We should make haste and let time - and daylight - be our ally. Let us hear more choices and decide upon a common path." Feeling much better the next morning after being healed Humus approached Da Ghiri and Jardel. "Again, thank you both for the healing." Rubbing his jaw he added, "That ogre sure threw a mean punch. We all need to be at our peak to meet the remaining challenges that are ahead." Then to the entire party, "It appears that there isn't a better way to the cave than the one that we are currently taking. I say we should press on the route we are on now - unless anyone else has any better ideas. We should leave here as soon as possible - evil waits for no one. Also, to promote harmony and to maybe keep us from each other's throats, I have a proposition. The next one to lash out, verbally or otherwise, buys dinner for all when we reach Vain. What say the rest of you ?" Humus then got Valor ready for the ride ahead. The little halfling piled back up onto his pony and merrily whistled a tune. Looking at Da Ghiri with a funny face, Culdat moved into line with the others. Da Ghiri chuckled at Culdats funny face then mounted his own horse and prepared to move out. Kothas quietly motioned for his guards to gather their supplies and horses. Sulking around, he appeared to be both hungover and depressed. He clumsily threw his pack on his horse and leapt up with practiced ease. He headed to the fore of the group, his soldiers soon followed suit and surrounded the group again. The villagers waved as the group left, a few of the ladies followed along giggling and blowing kisses through the air at their favorite ‘Hero’ and throwing flowers at them as they left. The crisp morning air was heavy with the overnight dew, but storm clouds hovered ominously in the distance. The road to Vain was uneventfull except for the occasional merchant heading south toward Valmour. They passed by without even looking at the group, as if in fear. Rain began to fall lightly near dusk. The lights from Vain were seen a little ways down the road. The sun began its ritual descent beyond the horizon, as rain fell. Horses and heroes drenched wet from the rain made a slight stench as they reached the gates to Vain. A huge city it was, walled against invaders by large 60' high stone walls covered in manned battlements. The only way to pass the city was to go through it, or take a long trek around, probably a few miles. As the group approached the front gates, they were hailed by two well armed guards wearing a light blue pullover tunic with a yellow canary on the front covering their heavy chainmail. Long swords hung confidently from their belts. Looking up, one could see many crossbows and long bows standing still. A guard walked in front of the group, hand on sword and eyes narrowed in suspicion, "State yer business, er go back from whence you came." Looking closer at Kothas, his hand and eyes relaxed, "Kothas, friend, how are you, please come in, there are many dangers out this night," he motioned to the other guards to relax, "I see you've still got ole Winston in yer ranks, hehe, can he finally use that sword ?" he shouted jokingly. He lead the group inside the gatehouse, out of the rain. "It's good to see you Kothas, what sends you out this far north on a night like this ?" Kothas answered "I'm affraid we're on kings business and we cant speak of our travels nor the reasons my friend. Do you have a place we could stay for the night ?" The guard looked at Kothas with a look of understanding, "Ahhh, kings business, didnt see ya." he joked, "We do indeed have a place to stay, and for you and the king, it's on the house. Just head down the main road through town 'til ya find the 'Suds 'n Sleep' and ask fer Marian, she kinda keen on me ya know, and tell 'er that Jendal sent ya," he spoke winking at Kothas.
The group ventured on down the main road, past a variety of shops and wealthy homes. Just past a blacksmith, a sign with a drunk falling into a bed, surrounded by the yellow lettered words, "Suds 'n Sleep" loomed in the rain. A stable boy was standing under the awning ready for travelers. He walked up and took the reigns of the horses and lead them to the stable next door. Walking in, one saw a portly, bald man behind a very busy bar serving out glass after glass of ale, spirits, wine, you name it, it was being served. The crowd was large, but quiet, save for a group of armed humans standing in the center of the room, very drunk. A red robed individual sat in a shadowy corner sipping wine and reading a night-blue leather bound book. The rest of the crowd appeared to be locals. "What ken I git ya ?" shouted the bald bartender trying to yell over the rowdy humans. Just then, one of the armed humans slurred, "Wada you lookin' at ?" he shouted at the group. A large man, with a belly to match his muscles slumped towards the group. "You some kinda soldiers, er what ?" he asked, looking at Kethas and Culdat when he said 'er what'. Jardel walked up to the bar and fumbled with one of his pouches, where he slammed 1 gp on the counter. With a loud friendly voice, "Well met barkeeper ! How about a trollscorcher for a weary traveller here." "Ahhh, spirits it is !" the barkeep shouted and swiped the gold almost blindingly. Returning with the mug he set it down in front of Jardel. Leaning back against the counter he took a swig from his mug and looked into the milling crowd. He then turned back to the barkeeper, "Well good man, tis my first time in the glorious city of Vain. My friends and I, even a certain Kothas, are on a monumental religous pilgrimage. You know how demanding dieties can be at times. My name is Jardel Jar’axel and I am devout follower to Heimdall. Word has it that the Northlands have been overrun by evil monsters. Have you any knowledge of a man named Rakart Flagg ? We are seeking him and his minions. Tis the judgement of the King that he is guilty of horrendous crimes to the crown - and some serious repentence is in store for him ! In your profession you hear much - please speak." With that Jardel dexteriously flung another gp onto the counter. At the mention of Rakart Flagg, the keeper went solemn, "Speak not his name here, it would likely conjure him from the depths of Hell ! I have indeed heard of him, he is a terrible lot, he and his followers. He has been through here searching for recruits. He found little here !" he exclaimed as his chest puffed out with pride, "Though some were not as lucky, some were mamed before he left, with only a look from that man did he create people to wither before our eyes, to lose limbs on the streets while their families watched in horror. Nay, I don’t want that mans wrath here again. As far as Kothas is concerned, he probably is looking for Marian, she is in the kitchen, I will go fetch her." he said as he waddled for the kitchen, shaking his head and giving the sign of the evil eye up to the sky. Getting right up in the drunk's face, Humus scowled, "Listen friend, we've been patrolling for drow elves for the past several days and we are not in the mood to have you bothering us while we rest some. If you want to make some friendly, polite conversation fine - we might even buy you a drink. But otherwise, stay out of our business." The drunk was waiting for someone to take the bait and smiled at Humus. "And don't you even think of slurring my two friends over there" Humus continued looking over to Kethas and Culdat. Then gesturing towards Kethas, "That one took care of the last drow raiding party that we came across - practically by himself. When he was done, there were only two left - and they were running home for their mommies as fast as their legs could carry them." The little halfling shrugged and slid away from the threat before him. He moved away casually into the crowd towards a man in robes in the corner, fingering his drawn dagger. Upon reaching the strangers side he quietly plopped himself up onto the table and smiled "Want to dice ?" "I have little time for games little one, maybe another time," the stranger whispered, "I don’t want to seem rude, but I am here in desperation and am not much in the mind for games." he continued as he pulled his hood back, revealing a drow face, one which the party had come to recognize, "Do not frett my appearance, I am a refugee from my people, I do not wish to live their ways" he added, sipping from a fruity smelling wine.
The drunken brute got in Humus face and prepared to shove him. Da Ghiri rose from his table and made his way slowly towards the drunken man. When he reached him, the little priest murmured something which almost sounded like an apology then and with almost blinding speed struck him in the side with two fingers extended and very rigid. The mans face became clenched in extreme pain. Dropping to his knees, he shouted curses at the priest and continued to groan in pain. He fell to the floor eventually, evidently from both the strike aswell as the alcohol. His friends faces became slack with disbelief and the were instantly silenced, giving the group looks of fear. "It is oonly temporary, even now it shoould be wearing off. We have no quarrel with yoou, and yoou have returned rudeeness for my friends courteoous request that yoou behave civilly or stay oout of oour business. Now, please, leeave us in peace." Kethas thanked Humus, "You know, Humus, it wasn't really anything. I just caused them to run away. It's not like I changed the gravitational constant of the universe, or anything. Although, ... if I were to add a particle here, here, and here" ponitng to several parts of his body "I believe that his surface area would be significantly decreased." He ordered a pint of mead here. "The service here must be pretty good if it takes THIS long to get a drink." Humus groaned, and made a silent prayer to any god that was listening for help. Then with a penetrating look at Kethas to keep their mission a secret, Humus addressed the mage, "You are too modest. Of course you caused the LAST TWO to run away. I've never seen a drow run that fast. Now let us see why this fellow so rudely interrupted us. And let us talk about our LAST encounter with the drow later."
Caladan took a deep beath."This is one of the things you miss when you are living in a forest, a good place to enjoy the company of some good friends and some ale." He tied his peace knot over his two-handed sword and rearranged his clothes. He brushed the dust from his pants and boots and walked over to the bar. He pulled a couple of coins from his pouch and tossed them to the innkeeper "Please good sir lets have some ale." He looked around in the room while tasting his drink and he spotted the red robed person in the corner. "Innkeeper, you wouldn't have a chessboard, would ya ? I havn't played the game in years and I think I may have found a person who might be a player too, if you would please bring us the board." Caladan walked over to the red robed person and bowed, "May laughter and sweet water fill thy future good sir, I'm Caladan Thalagon and who might you be ? I couldn't happen to notice you when my friends and I entered this place, I am willing to bet that you are a fellow wizard ... erhm that would be I used to be a fellow wizard too. Anyways would you like to join me in a game of chess, if this place has a board that is. I haven't played a game in years and I would like to see if I still remember the game. We could play for the honor or to make things really interesting ... let us say a gold piece. What say you ?" Caladan seated himself next to the drow elfs table and took another drink of his ale. Kethas whispered to Jardel standing at at the bar, "Jardel, would you care to have that sword identified ? I have a spell in waiting, and I wondered if you wanted to know it's true potential. Seeing as the weapon is obviously enchanted, perhaps the true enchantment could also be determined. Think about it." "Kethas, good idea, perhaps later tonight we can take a close look at my sword, although Caladan should be able to tell me more since it has been in his possession.You should cast your spell on the new two-handed sword, the sharp one." Kethas then returned to sipping his mead. Kethas walked over to Caladan who had seated himself at the table. "Would you care to play a game of chess against me my old friend ? I promise that I won't avert your eyes with my Light spell again. I'll play a fair game. Try me ? I'll meet your 1 gold piece fee." Caladan smiled at Kethas, " No I believe you wouldn't try the light spell again, this time you would probably use a cantrip to move the pieces around the board again. But if this good sir is interested in playing I would like a game against him, he looks like he has the intelligence needed to play a game of chess ... without cheating !" Having left his shield, helmet and gauntlets with Aistlin in the stables, Jardel patted the pommel of his new elven long sword reassuringly. Since entering the inn, his eyes darted through the place, taking in the different people. With an uneasy feeling he aqknowledged the racautious loud drunken men. Listening to Humus superb mastery of lingual expression with regard to Kethas feat, Jardel rubbed his beard.
Talthan, feeling a bit uncomfortable in this mass of humanity also boldly walked up to the drow stranger and gruffly spoke, "might I sit here ?" while he attempted to hail the waitress for a drink or two. The drow wizard nodded at everyone sitting at his table, "Well, it seems that everyone wants to play games tonight, I guess I will indulge everyone, though, little halfling, you would have to teach me a game of dice, I have never played before." Leaning forward, he examined the chessboard set before him by a barmaid. "I will be black, white always moves first." As everyone watched in horror at his drowish looks, he shook his head, "I am not one of the evildoers of the Drow kingdom, I chose to leave when a man by the name of Rakart Flagg came to speak with our head of wizardry, Mordi Obsidius, and spoke with him of following Asmodeus. He was skeptical at first as our first religious choice is Lolth, but Asmodues is much more powerfull than Lolth, and we feared his power. So Mordi chose to follow Flagg for the time being, always looking to conquer his leaders he is. He thinks he will be able to outmatch Rakart and seize control of the throne under Asmodeus and bring Lolth and Asmodeus together as one mighty nation, but I fear Mordi is nowhere near the match for Flagg, as you have heard from the barkeep. I have read a little on Flagg and know this is an eternal, immortal man. He was imprisoned in Hell many centuries ago with Asmodeus, but has somehow managed to find his way out and bring Asmodeus with him. Asmodeus isn’t able to come to this plane yet, as he hasn’t gained enough power yet, but his followers grow daily, feeding his power. I haven’t seen one of power like Flaggs in my lifetime, nor have I read of one in the past. I am nearly 700 years old, and I do not know of any more powerful today or yesteryears before. I know you people are good, I felt you when you walked in. I have seen a group in my dreams capable of defeating the devil, I am wondering if this dream was of you. There were some who went on to defeat him, and there were some who sacrificed themselves for the greater good, some of you don’t make it in my dream. I have always been known for my prophesies back in the Mountaindark where I hail from. Heed my words brave heroes, take caution at every step, for Asmodeus will find your weaknesses and use them against you." Another barmaid returned with another round of drinks, as Kothas and his soldiers took seat at adjoining tables and ordered as well. Seeing the barmaid, Kothas shouted, "Marian, you devilish girl, come say hi to your old friend." She finished setting the drinks down and ran to Kothas, "Uncle, it is good to see you. Did Jendal tell you of us ?" she asked innocently, "Yes, I heard about it, he'd better take good care of you. Especially now," he said his face dropping into saddness, "Your grandparents have been murdered, by Flaggs people," he looked up at her, her face shimmering in tears, "Grandma and pa ? Dead ? That bastard !" she shouted through tear stricken vocal chords. "You make him pay uncle Kothas, you make him pay," she sobbed. "There, there Marian, that is why I'm here. I have pledged my life to these good people who sit around us to rid the world of Flagg. Now,"he said wiping tears fro her eyes with a giant thumb, "why don’t you go get us another round and tell that chubby barkeep to give us our rooms for free, or else Ogre-Slayer here," he motioned to Humus, "will have to have a word with him. He killed the ogre responsible for killing them personally, all by himself, that is how good these guys are." he said as he gently shoved her towards the bar. Looking back through eyes of dried tears, "Thank you, for the revenge on my grandparents, the rooms and drinks are on the house tonight, I'll see to it !" she exclaimed as she headed for the kitchen.
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