The Dragons Bane

The next morning dawns bright and clear. After an early breakfast we are off to our respective guilds for more training and a check of the boards for notices concerning adventuring parties seeking fresh meat. We have agreed to meet for our midday meal back at the Blood Moon.

The parchment posted at each of the guilds went as follows:

Adventurers Wanted

Existing Party of Legitimate Adventurers

Seeking New Members for the Coming

Summer Season

Adventuring at the Ruins of Myth Dranor

Beginners are Welcome,

But Experienced Adventurers are

Preferred

Contacts:

Mizdar at the Mages guild

Clandistra at the Temple of the

Tree

Delgar or Dimlar

at the Fighters Training

Grounds

Clernon, after reading the notice, inquires about Clandistra only to discover that she is currently unavailable. He leaves a message on the board by her notice and asks one of his fellow priests if a disciple can let her know he wishes an audience with her. His prayers and church activities keep him busy until midday, when he hurriedly goes to meet the others.

Mintock finds the notice intriguing, as he met a fellow named Mizdar the previous day who was perfecting a second degree Freeze Person spell. His target, a young acolyte, was not entirely happy to be frozen in place again and again as he dodged about in one of the practice rooms.

The part of the notice about experienced adventurers preferred begins to make since to him, if the highest level of mage in the party is working on a second degree Freeze Person spell. Well, at least we will all be on a par with each other, if not immediately, then within two or three trips to the dungeons.

Mintock leaves a note by the notice and then goes to his own practice room to follow Mida’s instructions from the previous day until it is time to meet the others for the midday meal.

Nordok and Seldor don some practice armor, choose their practice swords, and are getting ready to find a section of the practice yard to warm up. Hunar, who is about to participate in a drill on spear handling with a squad of the castle’s guard, yells over to the pair. “That notice is on the board, over by the rack of bows.”

The two find the notice on the board and, upon reading the notice, approach Plenar as he re-stacks the unused spears. “Who are Delgar and Dimlar?”

“They are those two dwarves over in the corner banging on each other with hammers.”

Nordok and Seldor move to within a respectable distance and observe the pair for a while. The two dwarves, displaying the stamina well known for their race, continue to hammer away at each other for another 15 minutes before stopping. Turning toward the two watching fighters, one of the dwarves displays his displeasure in a rather gruff manner. “An’ what can we be doin’ for ye two? Do ye perchance wish to learn the hammer, or are ye just gawkin’ because ye never be seein’ a dwarf before?”

“Our apologies, we didn’t mean to stare, we merely wish to inquire regarding your notice for adventurers,” returns Seldor.

“Well, then, grab ye weapons an’ let us see what ye be made of!” says one of the dwarves as they both pair off waiting for the two to get their weapons at the ready.

Seldor and Nordok position themselves and their long swords, and then nod their heads, signifying that they are ready. The dwarves, being higher-level fighters, handily win the first match, just to show what they are made of.

During the second match, the dwarves take it easy on the two humans, intending to find out how good they are and what their limits are. They resist delivering any blows that could cause them to win the match and instead allow the match to continue until the humans succeed in delivering the blows needed for them to win the match.

After the second match, Nordok expresses his surprise at the tenacity of the dwarves and the difficulty he experienced trying to hit his smaller opponent. “You two are very good with those hammers.”

“Aye, an’ ye ability with a sword be fair. We welcome ye to our party, dependin’ on the approval of the other members. Ye can meet them later, over dinner if ye like. Blood Moon, six bells.” Which is about the best compliment anybody can get from a dwarf.

“By an’ by, I be Dimlar an’ this be me brother Delgar.”

“And I’m Seldor and this is Nordok. We’ll see you then.” With that, the two retreat to await Maximar’s appraisal of their skill and what he determines should be their practice, leaving the dwarves to continue banging away at each other with their hammers.

Later, Nordok and Seldor, having just sat down with Mintock to await the arrival of Clernon at the Blood Moon, can hardly contain their excitement. “We have great news,” says Seldor.

“Yes, we found a notice from an existing party looking for more adventurers. We met two of them already. Remember the two dwarves we saw the first night we were here? Their names are Dimlar and Delgar.”

“And, they have already accepted the two of us, if their two friends agree.”

“And were their two friends perchance named Mizdar and Clandistra?”

“Yes, come to think of it, how did you know?” asks Nordok.

“The same notice was posted in the tower. I met Mizdar yesterday, but only briefly. I left a note by the notice for him to contact me.”

“How much do you want to bet Clernon comes bearing the same news?” asks Seldor.

“Well, I guess we are about to find out, because here he comes now.”

“Sorry I’m late, but I was busy. I did, however, find a notice at the church from an existing party looking for new members. Unfortunately, I was unable to contact the cleric whose name was listed as a contact. How did the rest of you make out?”

“Was the cleric named Clandistra, by any chance?” asks Seldor.

“How did you know?”

“We all found the same notice, and Nordok and I met with the two fighters named Dimlar and Delgar.”

“And what did you think of them?”

“You can see for yourself at dinner tonight. They are coming to meet with the two of us, so we might as well all meet them.”

“Well then, let’s eat and then it’s off to staff practice.”

“You two don’t mind if Seldor and I come and watch, do you?”

“I doubt we could stop you two from coming to see us get our butts whipped by this Maximar you told us so much about.”

“That’s true, we wouldn’t miss this show for all the world!” exclaims Nordok.

And so, after lunch, the four of us go to the fighters training grounds where we spy Maximar preparing for the afternoon session. Seldor points to the hardened veteran, “that is Maximar. You two have fun, we’ll be watching from over here, while we practice with our short bows.”

The cleric and the mage proceed to that part of the practice yard containing the staves and, incidentally, Maximar. Mintock begins to examine the various staves, looking for one that fits his hand and is of the appropriate length. Clernon, after a brief check on the types and sizes of armor available, joins Mintock in a search for the right staff.

Maximar, watching the two carefully as they pick through the available staves, finally approaches the pair. “I take it you two are my afternoon appointments. You must be Mintock, the mage. And, if that holy symbol is any indication, you must be Clernon.”

“Yes, that’s us. Glad to meet you,” replies Mintock.

“Well, we shall see just how glad you two really are after I’m done with you. Mage, you’re up first. I understand that the staff is your only weapon, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Clernon, go find yourself some practice armor and get suited up. Plenar! Come help the cleric get his armor on!”

Maximar heads over to one of the arenas, followed by Mintock. “Ready?” asks Maximar.

Mintock nods, and the two begin circling and jabbing at each other. Since neither have armor on, the battle rages fast and furious, but it is Maximar who finally strikes the first blow. He steps back for a second to allow Mintock to recover, then the two resume battling. After a few moments, Maximar lands yet another blow. This time, he stops the battle and offers some advice to Mintock. This continues for about 20 minutes, and then Maximar calls a halt.

“I’ve seen what I need to see. I’ll set up a practice schedule and regime for you that will take about one hour a day. I’ll arrange some partners to battle with you for an additional half an hour each day. Stop by tomorrow one hour after the midday meal prepared to work.”

“Ok, I’ll see you then, and thanks,” replies Mintock, obviously impressed with Maximar’s skill and glad of the opportunity to learn from him, not to mention the chance to escape with only a few bruises.

“Clernon, are you ready?” asks Maximar.

“Yes, but aren’t you going to wear armor?”

“No, in fact the only reason I had you put armor on is because you normally wear armor in battle, and yonder mage does not.” The two go through the same regime of battle as Maximar and Mintock.

Afterwards, Maximar asks, “is the staff your only weapon as well?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Well, you will report along with your companion tomorrow. You need a slightly different practice regime, but otherwise you will fight the same opponents, at least for now.”

“Ok, I’ll see you then.” With that, Maximar goes off to check on some of the other people practicing various weapons.

Mintock, who stayed to watch Clernon, offers to assist him out of his armor. Seldor and Nordok come over while they are shedding Clernon’s practice armor. “Here, we’ll help with that.”

“What, looking for bruises?”

“Not us,” reply the two, with an air of innocence that belies their response.

“Well, at least you two know how to put this armor back where it belongs.”

“I, for one, don’t have much in the way of bruises,” boasts Mintock.

“Me neither. It must be that you two are soft or easily bruised or something.”

“Ha, twenty minutes of practice and you two think you got the same treatment as we got in three hours? And from what we’ve seen, he went easy on you to boot.”

“Aye, that I did, but then they aren’t supposed to be professional fighters, either,” says Maximar, coming up behind Seldor and Nordok.

“Now, if you two don’t stop heckling them two, I’m going to show the two of you some real bruising. Finish helping Clernon stow that armor and then the four of you get. Others are waiting to practice.”

“Yes, sir!” And the four of them quickly finish and depart.

“What should we do now?” asks Nordok.

“This is the first free moment we’ve had while the sun is shining. What say we go explore the market in the courtyard?” suggests Mintock.

“That sounds like a good idea. And we can check on Carmoon and the caravan, as well. I think they are leaving in the morning,” returns Clernon.

Seldor and Nordok, each having forgotten the imminent departure of the caravan, are also eager to check on their friends in the caravan as well as avail themselves of the opportunity to explore the market.

The market is crowded with vendors and customers, many of which can be overheard haggling over the prices. The imminent departure of the caravan has the vendors scrambling to sell as much as they can. They want to send as much money as possible back with the caravan for certain southern goods not available here in the north. And the customers, aware of the vendor’s dilemma, are haggling for lower prices than they normally would. But, to be fair, they are also spending more than they normally would.

Nordok, remembering that knife he saw on the first day, tries to steer the party by the knife vendor, but Clernon, well aware of Nordok’s intent, says, “We can check out the knife tent after we see to our friends in the caravan. Besides, as darkness approaches, and with it, closing time, the prices will go down. I promise.” And Nordok’s initial disappointment evaporates at the prospect of saving some money by waiting till later.

Carmoon is busy organizing the loading of the wagons with the food for the trip and the goods that will be making the return journey. Killian, assisting him by inspecting all the wagons and equipment, is also very busy. Both, however, spare the four adventurers a few moments.

“We can’t talk for long, at least not right now. Later, at the party, make sure you four come and see me. We leave with the rising of the sun, come morning,” says Carmoon.

“Party?” question Seldor and Nordok at the same time, a sparkle in their eyes.

“Yes, Lord Muldoon sponsors a farewell party the night before the caravan leaves, at least during the winter months when there are only a few caravans. Didn’t anyone tell you?” asks Killian.

“It’s at the castle, the main hall, in fact. His way of saying thanks for making the trip up here in the winter months. As you four came up with us, it is important for you to be there,” states Carmoon.

“Yes, we’ll see you at eight bells, that’s when the party starts,” says Killian.

“We’ve got to get back to work, so we’ll see you four later, ok?”

“Yes, indeed, we’ll see you at the party!”

“Well, fancy that, a party!” says Mintock.

“And me, without a thing to wear!”

“Well, Nordok, no time for knives now, we have clothes to buy,” teases Clernon, as the four begin to walk through the market.

“Besides, I doubt you would be allowed to wear your shiny new knife to the party anyway,” adds Seldor.

Nordok, this time being careful not to alert the rest as to his intentions, has been leading them back toward the knife vendor, who just happened to overhear Seldor’s remark. “Not true, my liege, not true. Many are the guests, and many are the protections, both real and arcane. Weapons are allowed because it is impossible to disarm a mage of his or her spells, and thus it is only fair that the rest be allowed to carry their weapons. Also, there is an enchantment laid over the hall. Any who attacks another finds themselves locked in the dungeon in the blink of an eye. It is said that even to argue too loudly may set off the magic that sends one to the dungeon. It is in this way that the Lord’s parties are sure to be fun for all.”

“Well, I guess you have to buy the knife now, Nordok, especially after this gentleman just gave us so much free advice and knowledge,” laughs Clernon.

“Yes, indeed. Of course, what we really need to know is who in this market has the best clothes for the occasion? Can you tell us that, my good man?” asks Mintock.

“Yes, indeed, but first I must finish my sale of a knife to this fine man. Then, I will not only tell you, but my son will take you there!” At this, the five of us all burst into laughter, since all know the merchant is pretending to hold back further knowledge until Nordok buys the knife that has caught his eye. After pretending to haggle over the price for a few moments, Nordok proudly shows off his new knife to the rest of us.

“And now, to complete the bargain, my son here will lead you four to the clothier’s tent, where I am sure you will find everything you desire so that you will look your best at tonight’s party. Off with you, boy, and hurry back, we still have to fetch your mother and the rest, as well as ready ourselves for tonight!”

Along the way, the young boy talks about the coming party. “My pa will be throwing knives tonight! He is the best knife-thrower there is in these parts!”

“Really, and what other entertainments will there be tonight?” asks Mintock.

“Oh, there will be all sorts of things, everyone here does something. Of course, the best part is at the end, when all the great mages compete in the fireworks contest. Well, here is where you can get the best clothes anywhere.”

“Thank you, now run along back to your father, and tell him we said thank you,” says Clernon, handing the boy a few copper pieces and eliciting a big grin from the boy in return.

It is almost suppertime before everyone is satisfied with their new clothes. Everyone except Seldor decide to go back to the rooms to put the new clothes away until after supper. “I have to check on the horses, but I’ll join you shortly,” says Seldor.

Seldor’s check of the horses and their gear reveals that the young child called Boy has been true to his word. Everything is in order, and the leather harnesses have been well oiled. Just then, Boy comes running into the stables and flings himself into a pile of hay in the back corner, oblivious to Seldor’s presence. Seldor hears sobs coming from the pile of hay concealing Boy.

Unsure of what he should do, Seldor approaches the corner. “Boy,” he says softly.

“Who... Who’s there?” sobs Boy, unable to stop crying.

“It’s me, Seldor. I have come to check on the horses and gear. And I wanted to pay you, you have done a very good job.”

“Re..Really?”

“Yes, now why don’t you come out and tell me what is bothering you so much?”

“I want to go to the party, but the other kids were teasing me cause I don’t have good clothes. And Smitty said I couldn’t go, neither, cause I have no good clothes.”

“Is that all? Come on, there are plenty of good clothes to be had in the market.”

“But I can’t, I don’t have enough money.”

“Well, I just bought myself some clothes for tonight and the man told me if I come back tonight he would only charge me half. And since you are only half my size, if I buy some clothes for you they will only cost half of half what he normally charges. And since I owe you for taking care of the horses and gear, I bet you will have just enough money to buy some good clothes so you can go to the party tonight.”

“Re..Really?” hiccups Boy, still sobbing somewhat.

“Yep, so let’s go get you some clothes before the clothier closes his tent for the night. Come on, step lively now!” The two of them leave the stables and hurry to the clothier tent.

The vendor is just starting to close up, but, spying Seldor still holding the parcels containing his clothes, and then Boy, he stops and addresses the two as they hurry over. “Come back so soon? Weren’t the clothes satisfactory for your needs?”

“Oh, the clothes are fine. In fact, I haven’t had the chance to try them on. I just came back for some more clothes. I brought you another customer, and he too needs good clothes so he can go to the party tonight.” The clothier is quick to catch Seldor’s wink and his hand signal indicating that he will actually be covering the cost of the clothes.

“Well, let me see, I may have just the set of clothes that will fit the young man. Come this way, young sir.” And the clothier, well aware of who Boy is, as well as Boy’s past and present hardships, decides to treat the boy right, especially if someone else is paying. “I think this will look very good on you. You will be the envy of all your friends.”

“I don’t have any friends.”

“Well, when the other children see you in these clothes, maybe you will make some friends, eh?”

And Boy, being given the royal treatment for the first time in his life, is sure that he is the luckiest person in the whole world.

After the clothier has finished outfitting Boy from head to toe, Boy, pulling out the money he made from Seldor, counts the small amount of copper pieces. He then asks how much the clothes cost. “Well, since you are my last customer of the day, and since business has been real good today, I will only charge you two copper for everything.”

“Really?”

“Yes, but that is a special price just for today, mind you.”

Boy, nodding his understanding, hands over the two copper pieces.

“Now, you run along and get cleaned up real good for the party tonight, I expect to see you there,” orders Seldor.

“Ok!” replies an enthusiastic Boy, as he rushes off to do as Seldor asked.

“Now, what do I owe you for the clothes?”

“One silver will do. It is a pleasure to see the boy smiling and happy, for a change.”

Seldor hands the clothier a silver piece. “Thanks for going along with everything. The kid looked like he needed a little special attention.”

“Yes, I’ve no doubt he does.”

Seldor, a little confused over the comment, decides to let it rest. Besides, he is now late for dinner.