Chapter 5 - Citadel of the Dragons -------------------------------

The small caravan arrived at the Citadel, an impressive stone structure complete with high, crenellated walls, and towering ramparts. A large, white banner bearing the symbol of a purple dragon, nearly two stories in height, hung above the portcullis entrance. The two flanking circular parapets contained the banners of the Kingdom of Cormyr. The tall flags wavered gently in the chill, winter breeze. Aliana stared in awe of the enormous architecture before them. Two guards wearing polished chain mail armor under a white tabard, resembling the banner flying above their heads, stood unflinching at attention. The guards held ornate, ceremonial spears with matching banners, attached near the spear head. The caravan came to a halt in front of the guards, who continued to look forward as they spoke in commanding tone, "State thy business."

Emanus scampered down from the cart and up to the guards. "We got some equipment that belongs to ye that we found in the Storm Horns."

Aliana lowered herself and walked up to the guards, speaking somewhat nervously to the rigid soldiers, "And...umm...I had some questions I wanted to ask. About a tavern and a half-orc I'm seeking. And I was wondering if ye knew the whereabouts of a tavern called 'The Shining Blade'?" The young lady removed a parchment with a drawing of a half-orc person and presents it to the guards.

The guard turned his head slightly to view the portrait, without moving from his stance. He returned to facing forward once again as he replied, "Ye should ask Sir Egern inside about this person ye seek. The tavern is just down the street." The guard then began to shout, causing his helmet to bobble, "Captain of the Watch. Requesting guard for inspection. Visitors request escort to Sir Egern's chambers, and an escort to the Armory." Almost immediately a third guard arrived, with similar dress, though not as polished and without a spear. The guard opened the canvas coverings of the wagons and sifted through the equipment. The young knight completed his survey and reported as he walked by, "arms and armor inside." The gate guard replied, "Very well." A minute later two teen boys wearing white tunics bearing the Purple Dragon symbol arrived and escorted the merchants to the armory, and lead Aliana and Velarus to the chambers of Sir Egern.

A middle age, grey-haired man with a short, cropped beard sat behind a dark oak desk writing in a book with a quill pen. He straightened his exquisite silver robe, with an embroidered symbol of the Purple Dragon, as he sat up stiffly in his chair. He glanced at the two visitors, as the squire walked up to the desk. "Sir, two visitors, Aliana and Velarus, seek audience with ye about an orc."

The man rose regally to his feet, and strolled toward the visitors. "An Orc, eh. Please be seated." He pointed to a large wooden bench with plush purple cushions. The ranger and the mage sat down and Aliana smiled hesitantly to the aged knight. She removed her rolled up parchment from her robe and presented it to the knight. "Yes, Sir Egern. I was trying to locate a person who looks like this."

The grey haired man examined the drawing carefully, as he scratched his beard with his free hand. "Hmm.Yes. What was his name.. Throg. Thrac..."

Aliana's eyes grew wide. "Ye recognize him, then?"

"Oh, yes. What do ye want with this gentleman, pray tell?" the old knight inquired.

The young lady slumped back in her seat, and her face turned slightly pale. She exhaled heavily and forced herself to speak. "He broke into my home and killed my father. I would like to ask him.. why."

Sir Egern seemed shocked at this statement and looked over the young lady for a few moments. "I must be thinking of the wrong orc." He looked over the picture again for nearly a minute.

"Ye can't tell very well from the drawing, but his armor was green, with a lion emblazoned on it.", she added helpfully.

The knight fell silent for several moments before speaking up again, "So ye claim this orc murdered thy father?"

"Well... I didn't actually see him do it, but I know he was in our tower and attacked me. And when I woke up, my father was dead."

The grey haired man let out a long sigh. "I know this man well. Thou dost seem sincere lady." He paused and shifted his eyes toward her again. "Dost thou have any evidence to support thy claims? And who.. was thy father?"

The young lady was clearly distraught at the doubt in his voice, but spoke up, "Nothing that proves conclusively that it was him. But I do know who knocked me out. And I think I've drawn a faithful likeness of that man. I did have my hand on his belt pouch when he knocked me out, and so I still have that. With a menu from a tavern here in Suzail, which is what led me here." She paused and tried to keep herself from breaking down into tears. "My father's name was Tegyr Rivenspell. We lived in a tower near Asbravn."

The elder man arched his eyebrows and replied, "Asbravn, eh? that's a long ways away."

Aliana nodded at Egern, "It took me almost three months to make my way to Suzail."

"And ye know nothing else about this orc ye seek?"

Aliana shook her head fervently. "Nothing other than what I've told thee so far."

Sir Egern handed the drawing back to Aliana. "I shall tell thee, what I know of him. He has been in our kingdom for many years, and has done nothing but good deeds."

The lady mage looked skeptical, but listened as the Purple Dragon leader continued speaking. "And now I am to believe that he is a cold-blooded murderer." The elder knight shook his head. "Quite the quagmire," he commented. The knight held his hands outward, "And what would ye have me do ma'am?"

"I know what I saw, but that's all I know. That is why I wish to question him. Assuming he doesn't knock me out again, or worse." Aliana looked torn between grief and anger. "I would just like a name, and where I might find him."

Velarus had been patiently following the conversation stood up abruptly, causing the knight to take a step backwards. "Pardon me Sir Egern, Shouldn't thee be questioning the suspect and not the victim."

"I know this orc. I'm not so sure this woman's circumstances are as they may outwardly appear. Truth is that the orc, Farc, as he is known to me, has not been in the city for at least a month."

"My father is dead. I know I didn't kill him, and I know that this orc was not supposed to be in our tower," the young lady retorted.

Egern tapped his finger on his chin as he replied, "He and his men did leave long enough ago to have traveled to Asbravn... That was nearly five months ago if my tally is correct."

Velarus paced around the room. "What does this half breed do in Suzail?"

"He is a priest I believe, or a warrior priest of Nobanion. A noble sort really."

The ranger snorted derisively at this comment, "A noble.. orc.. bah."

The elder knight spun around, causing his robes to coil around him as he returned to his desk and sat. "I'm sorry. I really can't help ye madam. Even if I could, I know not the whereabouts of Farc at the moment."

Aliana could not hide the disappointment in her soft features. "Dost thou know anyone who might have more information?" she asked, pleadingly.

Sir Egern merely shrugged once more. "Ye may try some of the Inns around town, I'm sure someone would recognize him. He was a well-to-do adventurer."

Aliana retorted angrily, "By murdering innocent people and stealing their possessions!"

"No. He is 'well-to-do' by helping the city. He and his group have performed several good deeds for us."

Velarus looked to the knight. "So he was a mercenary."

"No. He wasn't a sword for hire. He only went on missions for the kingdom that I've heard."

The ranger gazed incredulously at the knight wondering why this man seemed to favor one whose blood runs with that of our kingdom's hated enemy. "Can ye give us a name of one he has traveled with, or done business with before he left on his peaceful endeavors?" he added with scathing sarcasm.

The knight ignored the ranger's comment, but answered his actual question. "Hmm. My role is to keep tabs on nonhuman inhabitants. I don't generally keep track of others. But.. I seem to remember him having dealings with a man named.. Gedor. Yes. He met with Gedor at the Leaning Post Inn as I recall, it is over by the docks." The knight grabbed his quill and started to dip it in the vial of ink. "Now, I must get back to my log, good day to ye both."

Velarus bowed his head slightly cordially. "Thank thee for the information ye provided."

Aliana stood and curtsied to the knight. "Yes, thank thee, Sir Egren. Thou hast been most helpful."

The older knight waved his hand in acknowledgement at the gestures and continued with his writing. The two travelers exited the room and were escorted by the waiting squire out of the Citadel.

As they passed the guard house they met another guard, who informed them that two merchants left a message to bid farewell and to inform them they would be at the Nightengale if needed.

Aliana smiled faintly. "Thank thee for relaying the message." The two companions walked steadily out of the portcullis entrance and into the snow-covered streets of the capital city.