The Viridian Guardians spent the day traveling on the road with hours passing by. Birel led the way, accompanied by his giant badger, Panader. Behind them were Jarsali and Nora, with Dayereth and Balthasar taking up the center of their marching formation. Behind him was Donall, who was followed up by Jabble, Yasira, and Valida, who played her horn loudly to raise their spirits. Olunt covered the rear, intent on keeping guard over his comrades. Dayereth always enjoyed a good road trip with his fellow adventurers as it served to boost their spirits and gave the time to talk to each other

During the hours that passed, Dayereth and Donall reminicized on their previous journeys together. At one point, Valida tried making her move on Olunt by serenading him, but as always, the paladin was ever stoic. Nora once more tried to test if Birel was really mute or if he was faking, although, as she reported, the results were "inconclusive as always." Yasira and Jabble got into a playful round of taunting on who the better fighter was until Balthasar finally interjected that he was the best fighter of the Viridian Guardians. When no one bothered to challenge his claim of being the strongest, Dayereth laughed heartily.

After many hours of traveling, with the sun setting in the distance. They neared the edge of Kryptgarden Forest, with Dayereth briefly trembling at the sight. It was a vast forest with a thick shadow looming over it, signifying the trouble that awaited them there. Tents have been set up towards the border of the treelines, with dozens of various guards with an assortment of banners set up. The sorcerer, followed by Jabble and Balthasar, made his way up to the front of the march, getting a better look at the camp and picking out a command tent.

"That's a lot of people," Dayereth commented. "An army, almost."

"What kind of job did you say this was again, Jabble?" Balthasar glanced down at the gnome.

"Valero didn't give me any details," Jabble shrugged. "Just told me that our leader was suppose to meet him and his officers tonight if we were interested in the offer. Alone, might I add."

"Not happening," Balthasar grunted. "I shall go with him."

"You don't have to worry about me, Bal," Dayereth assured his friend. "Watch over the rest of the Viridian Guardians for me, big guy. If anything happens, I can handle myself. Jabble, you're in charge. See if you can find a spot for us to make camp for the night."

"Will do!" Jabble grinned.

"If you insist," Balthasar nodded.

When Jabble started shouting out orders, Dayereth broke off from the rest of the Viridian Guardians. He headed straight for the camp, expecting to be stopped by the guards. They stood out of his way, with some even nodding in respect to him. It was clear to see that they knew of who he was. He approached the command tent to see a man with tanned olive skin, groomed hair, and standing tall in bronze armor outside. The man took a glance towards the approaching elf and smiled before walking up to greet him.

"Well met, Dayereth," the man extended his hand. "I am Valero Brokengulf. Jabble spoke much of you and your Viridian Guardians."

"Call me Day!" Dayereth shook the man's hand. "When Jabble told me we had a job, I didn't expect so many men by the forest."

"As is to be expected," Valero told him. "Long has my family kept watch over Kryptgarden, for it is home to the lair of our ancient enemy, a despicable green dragon by the name of Claugiyliamatar, or Old Gnawbones for she is usually seen with a body within her teeth. She has killed many of my family and driven the rest of us into bankruptcy. She has devoured orcish hordes and terrorized kingdoms."

"So, it's pretty personal," Dayereth commented. "I'm not sure if the Viridian Guardians can stand up to such an opponent. I mean, we'll certainly try, but we've never seen a dragon before, much less fight one."

"Worry not!" Valero chuckled. "We only intend to destroy her lair, and now is the time to do so. The Cult of the Dragon is trying to convince Old Gnawbones to become a dracolich, but I'll leave the others to explain. Come, it's time for you to meet everyone else!"

Valero led Dayereth inside the command tent, which was lit by several lanterns. Inside was a table with eight chairs, two of which, both at the ends of the tables, were empty. Seated at the other chairs were all sorts of various figures. There was a woman with auburn hair and a regal-looking dress. To her side, a dwarf covered in heavy plated armor. Next to him was an elderly half elf man with silver hair and torn clothing covered in fetishes. On the other side of the table was an elven woman with blonde hair, a bald human priest, and a halfling girl holding onto her dagger.

"This is the leader of the adventurers you spoke of?" the regal-looking woman asked.

"Aye, this is Dayereth Hanali of the Viridian Guardians," Valero introduced and moved towards his seat.

"I prefer to go by Day!" He took his seat at the other end of the table.

"Of course," Valero nodded. "With us is Lady Dala Silmerhelve, my house's benefactor, Drom of the Order of the Gauntlet, Hendle of the Emerald Enclave, Lilith of the Zhentarim, Zalaren of the Lord's Alliance, and Windle of the Harpers. We have all come together to handle the Cult of the Dragon and Old Gnawbones."

"Good to meet you all!" Dayereth smiled. "So, what's the job?"

"To destroy Claugiyliamatar's lair, we have laid out three paths for your band of adventurers," Dala explained. "The first is to intercept stolen wagons before they could arrive at the keep and learn of the cult's leadership's location."

"The Zhentarim has a spy by the name of Yalek with the caravan," Lilith, the halfling, revealed. "He has information that could aid the group in the assault of the stronghold."

"The Zartuss Hobgoblins, the dragon's minions, have collected many supplies already," Zalaren, the priest, joined in. "If we wish to retrieve those supplies, the alarm cannot be sounded."

"It is imperative that the largest building, the barracks, is destroyed," Hendle, the elderly half-elf added. "Only then can Kryptgarden begin the process of returning back to normal."

"That sounds like it will be enough to deal with the stronghold," Dayereth nodded. "What else could we do that requires splitting up the Viridian Guardians?"

"The Zartuss Hobgoblins outnumber our forces with the Cult of the Dragon reinforcing them," Valero reported. "It may be a risk, but Hendle believes that we can convince King Witchthorn, a local fey lord within Kryptgarden, to aid us."

"It is risky, seeing as how Kryptgarden has corrupted the fey within," Hendle sighed out. "I would prefer that they were not killed. That would serve a better chance of convincing the king."

"It is imperative that King Witchthorn joins us instead of Old Gnawbones," Windle, the elven woman, told them. "No matter what that cost may be."

"And while yer at it, make sure that th' horn isn't sounded," Drom the dwarf bluntly said. "Better te keep th' element o' surprise as long as we can."

"This group will also have to deal with the Zartuss' siege weaponry," Zalaren added. "Such powerful weapons could turn the battle against us."

"It sounds like half of that can be done in the forest, and the other half in the stronghold," Dayereth noted. "I guess Witchthorn can get this group into the stronghold itself. And the third group?"

"They will be chasing rumors which could turn the tide of the battle," Dala explained. "We have received word of a possible meeting between the Red Wizards of Thay, which could make the upcoming battle even more tougher. The third group is to interrupt the meeting, determine the mage's origins, and remove them from the stronghold."

"The Red Wizards have knowledge that could be valuable," Windle commented with a grin. "If you can, please secure their spell tomes for us to study."

"They are also necromancers who could be defilin' th' dead we speak," Drom noted grimly. "Let th' dead have their peace if ye can."

"Truth be told, I think there may be more at stake here," Lilith brought up. "Try to capture a cultist if you can. We may be able to find out what the cult's true plans are."

"As payment, the Viridian Guardians will be able to keep any treasures they come across," Valero finished. "We ask much of you, but will you agree to aid us."

Dayereth thought it over and realized that the collective alliance was asking much of the Viridian Guardians. They were asking so much that he was having a hard time keeping it all remembered. All he registered was that there was a lot of danger ranging from hobgoblins to fey creatures to necromancers. The sorcerer would not rather have his family fight against such threats for it could mean that they could suffer pain.

Yet, Dayereth reminded himself that this was their shot at the big leagues. There were more powerful adventuring groups out there, and if the Viridian Guardians were going to end up on their level, they needed to take these risks. The sorcerer was certain that they would emerge from the upcoming battles unscathe and earn more treasure to their treasury and stock to their name. They already came this far and it was time to continue on their path.

"The Viridian Guardians will drive out Old Gnawbones from Kryptgarden Forest!" Dayereth declared. "I just need to let the others know."

"Make haste," Valero nodded. "In the morning, the battle begins."


A/N: I have two announcements to make. The first, the one I forgot to make with the first chapter, is that updates will take place on Fridays. However, that won't matter, for my second announcement, I will be taking a break from writing until April 13.

Until next time.