Chapter 1
I stood upon the terrace, and watched the activities below me winding down with the day. It was almost sundown, and the caravan merchants were securely stowing their remaining wares for travel. Shortly, I knew they would be headed for the inn. It seems that Sal at the bar would enjoy one more prosperous evening before the wagons left in the morning. I noted the other permanent merchants exit their shops, locking up for the evening. Business had been brisk for both the caravans and shops with more and more settlers arriving. A few small villages had cropped up within the keep's lands, created from the refugees fleeing the shadows of the mere. The villagers needed a new start, and wanted their homes built close to someone who could protect them. The lands of this keep, as of late, were chosen. The bandits that once plagued the outer lands had been routed, and the cobblestone roads repaired. There was fair enough merchant trade and caravans to generate stable revenue in either goods or crops. The word had spread that the captain of this keep was once as common as they themselves. Now, she was nobility, doing amazing deeds, and had a great destiny to fulfill. It gave those fleeing the poisonous, creeping shadow the confidence to begin their lives again. Those same words, and thoughts of destiny gave me cold chills.
I noticed one of the guards walking the outer walls lifting his collars before blowing the warmth of his breath onto his clasped hands. The wind had picked up from the slight breeze of this afternoon, and had turned chilly. The banners of Nasher and the Nine snapped smartly upon the towers rising above the ramparts where the guard strolled. There was the crispness of fall in the air. I didn't think it would be long before the overcast dreariness of winter set in. Tomorrow, I'll remember to wear the wool tunic.
For the past month, I have come to this place every night at sunset, and remain here until the second gate watch arrives at midnight. I feel more secure, standing watch here myself, until the fresh shift of guards enters the towers. I understand soldiers, and I understand men. I have been a soldier too long, and have lead too many men not to know their minds. The relative quiet of the last few weeks had placed them into an almost comfortable lull. A routine. I know that at this hour, the current guard will be growing weary after a long day of the watch. Their thoughts would be set on the hot meal, the mug of ale, and the family waiting for them when their relief arrived. I couldn't blame the guards for that. That's where my mind would be, if I had such a thing to return to.
My small balcony has all but been forgotten in the renovations of the keep. Our preparations for war did not afford time or expense for repairing such esthetic luxuries. It was little more than decoration in the original castle design, a place for the current master to sit and reflect upon his holdings. One could imagine those noble-bred captains of the past looking out, glass of wine in hand, basking in all that was theirs. The placement afforded a good view of the gates and encompassing farmlands. The Lord of the Keep would be secure in that they observed their domain relatively unnoticed. The small stone wall surrounding the balcony largely shielded anyone from the eyes of the peasants and merchants on the grounds. The wall was in disrepair now, bits of stone and mortar littered the cobbled floor. The original, ornately carved sterling railing still remained atop the wall. The rail carried no lingering shine of its past glory, and was now covered in the black patina silver acquires with time.
As I found it, my terrace contained only a small stone bench. It was wide and stable, and extremely heavy. Any other pieces that might have accompanied it must have been destroyed in War. Since then, the keep had been left in its ruined state, the vegetation taking over, and the walls crumbling with the passing of the seasons. She's done remarkably well with the renovations. The outer walls had been her first priority for repair. We needed defenses first and foremost. Eventually, the other bits and pieces came together – the rebuilding of the merchant shops, inner rooms of the keep and the rebuilding of the surrounding roads. I could see the red rays of the sun reflecting off the large symbol of Tyr at the temple she had constructed. The captain had advised she had the church reconstructed to reflect the keep's dedication to the ideals of justice and good. It would prove to be a good morale builder for the troops, and the citizens that lived here. I cannot argue her logic in this. I do feel my devotions and my...difficulties…in returning to my Deity's temple in Neverwinter may have played a part in her choice to rebuild as well. On two levels, the sight of it always warms my heart.
My evenings here on this balcony were my attempts to keep her safe. It was just precaution. I knew that the final battle could come at any time. From my perch here, I could see any signs of trouble coming for miles. Likely further than the tired guards could. I could be on the foregrounds in minutes, should undead armies arrive via the gates. I could also be weapon ready at her chamber door in seconds, if she had need of me.