A/N: The world of Exile (Avernum) is still the property of Jeff Vogel and Spiderweb Software, not me. Following this bit of fun, I promise to return to the game unharmed the following persons: King Micah, Patrick, Hathwisa, and Captain Rabin and places: the Castle and Patrick's Tower. Please review—tell me what you think. Part III is coming soon.
The teleporter delivered Jenneke and his platoon just outside the gates of the Castle, and apparently this came as no surprise to the guards who did not react hostilely to the sudden arrival of five well-dressed individuals who had managed to by-pass the long walk from the lower cave floor.
Walking inside, down the purple carpet—which Jenneke realized was nowhere near as fine as the carpet they had seen within Garzahd's fortress, the guards they passed were silent, but all seemed to be making some sort of bow of the head in honor of the group's passage.
Before Jenneke could speak, the guard outside the door of King Micah's throne room rapped on the door, and there was a click, and the door was opened.
Entering, they moved forward and knelt, barely having time to touch knee to floor before King Micah was gesturing for them to rise.
"It is done, your majesty," said Jenneke. "We have slain Garzahd. The great enemy of Avernum is no more."
"I am aware of that. Soon after you performed the deed, our wizards detected the absence of his foul presence. I wish there was something I could do to reward you properly for this act," said King Micah, who looked as though a tiny bit of the weight of worry had been lifted from him. "I think the best reward I can give you is to dedicate all I know and all I am to the defeat of our great enemy. But there is a small token of my regard I can share with you."
"We would be happy with any such token, sire," said Jenneke.
"Of course, our great enemy—Empire has been dealt several savage blows. And now, thanks to your help, and with courage and skill, we may defeat them. It will be a long road, but we are all eager to travel it," said Micah. "Still, thanks to you, there is hope for Avernum. Truly, you are the equals of the heroes who saved us years ago. I, and Avernum, thank you."
"It is our privilege to serve Avernum, sire," said Jenneke.
"Be that as it may," said Micah, "I have been informed that you, perhaps, would wish to lay down the burdens of dangerous service ... and for a good reason. I am promoting you, Jenneke, to the rank of captain. You and your wife will be escorted to Patrick's Tower, where you will relieve Captain Rabin and deliver to him his new orders."
Wondering just how much King Micah had been informed, Jenneke said, "Thank you, sire."
"Thissa, you may now take the rank of sergeant, and will proceed to Camp Samuels to collect your new platoon in the service of Avernum," said Micah. "Likewise, Nigel, you will be training our new recruits in another location. You will be reporting to Anaximander. And Brother Michael, you will be serving the church in Dharmon."
"Thank you, sire," said Michael.
Thissa and Nigel gave their thanks to Micah as well, and they were led into the feasting hall, where they sat with King Micah and ate a fine dinner with those guards who were off duty and all other Castle workers who had a chance to join—Almarian wine, lizard steaks, the finest foods of Avernum.
As the revelry drew to a close, knowing that the fight had to begin again in the morning, they said their farewells, and Jenneke and Adrianna watched Thissa, Nigel and Michael heading off to their new assignments before donning armor once more.
Jenneke looked at the orders—he was to take these fifty men with him to Patrick's Tower and deliver the orders to Captain Rabin, who was to take the fifty men to the front while Jenneke and Adrianna were to remain behind, in charge of the meager garrison about Patrick's Tower.
"Old man will be quite happy about this," said Jenneke. "Just hope that Patrick and Hathwisa don't mind."
"We'll manage," said Adrianna, looking in wonder still at the purple clothes that she had been given.
"And I don't mind it if we sit the rest of the war out," said Jenneke, giving her a kiss. "Damn, but we better get these soldiers a move on, so we can get there."
Struggling with the more formal protocols of the carefully drilled troops, Jenneke greeted them and gave the order to begin the trek down to Patrick's Tower. The journey was uneventful, as rumors were that Empire raids had tailed off to nothing at all in the aftermath of Garzahd's demise.
Arriving in the grotto, the troops remained on the grounds outside the tower, while Jenneke and Adrianna stepped into the tower.
Hathwisa was embroidering in the courtyard as they entered, and she greeted them warmly.
"Good day, mistress," said Jenneke. "I just have a bit of business to conclude with Captain Rabin here."
"I have heard," said Hathwisa.
"It won't be a problem, will it?" said Adrianna.
"Not at all," said Hathwisa. "I have seen to it that quarters have been arranged. I will show you to them once the military matter is dealt with."
Jenneke said, "Great. If you'll excuse me, ma'am."
"And please," said Hathwisa, "we'll be living under one roof—I don't need the formality. Just call me Hathwisa."
"Yes, ma—uh, Hathwisa," said Jenneke, and then he rapped sharply on Captain Rabin's door with his gauntleted hand.
"Enter," said Captain Rabin.
"Captain Rabin," said Jenneke, "I am here from the Castle with orders. You stand relieved from your duty at the tower here, and your new orders."
Captain Rabin took the orders, scanned through them, and a grin broke across his grizzled face.
"Your troops are outside, ready for you to take command," said Jenneke.
"Thank you," said Captain Rabin. "I shall clear this office for you immediately."
"Thank you," replied Jenneke, and he stepped back to the courtyard, where his wife and Hathwisa were sitting.
"Well, Dree," he said, "it's almost all settled. Can't believe the old man's so happy about probably getting himself killed."
"Feeling useful is something valuable," said Patrick, entering the courtyard. "I heard from his majesty that you will be staying here."
"Yes, sir," said Jenneke.
"I will want to talk to you further about the vahnatai," said Patrick, "there are so many things to know, and you may be Avernum's experts on our brothers below."
Jenneke nodded, not really wanting to talk about vahnatai and war ... at present he just wanted to get out of the armor, and settle into what seemed like a peaceful retirement. By the first candlemark of the next day, Captain Rabin left the tower, leading his fifty men out to the front, and the residents of the tower returned to their research and academic pursuits to aid Avernum against the Empire and to improve life in the caves.