Chapter 18: The Marble Tower

Even so early in the morning, the streets of Astor were bustling with activity. Most of which was, unfortunately, guards and workmen attempting to clean up and fix the mess caused by last night's attack. They worked with a dogged determination, clearing up debris and repairing important buildings. Most of the dead had already been cleared away last night it seemed, obviously a task that had been given priority over all else.

The group trudged behind Denrick as he led the way through the streets towards the Duke. "It is good to see that you made it with minor injuries Denrick." Na'ish spoke softly as he walked alongside the guard. Denrick smiled back to him, "And I have you to thank for that. Might have been trampled by that thing." he started, as Alistair interrupted with "Greg!", and earned a slap from Indira for his comment. "...that thing, had it not been for you. Also, you freeing me and allowing me to run to spread word and get aid may have saved many others as well. It's why they gave me these" he finished, while gesturing to his armour.

Garrick was quick to catch on, "They promoted you?" he asked, to which Denrick nodded. "Aye, they did. Said I showed "exemplary determination and drive in the face of adversity". Though between you and me, they really needed someone to take Captain Glenford's place sharpish…" He gained a melancholic look briefly, before brightening up. "We're having a celebration at the Mermaid Inn tonight, you should come!"

Not necessarily wanting to, but not seeing how they could avoid it as they were staying there currently, they each gave polite nods. Except Varus, who simply scoffed. It was at this point that they reached the central marketplace, where the battle with "Greg" had taken place.

The courtyard had definitely seen better days. The central monument that had fallen had been gathered up into a haphazard pile. Wood splinters were scattered everywhere from the market stalls and crates that had been smashed. And in the centre, still lying where he had fallen, was the huge figure of "Greg". Seems his large size had made removing him quickly an impossibility. Still, the market was by far the busiest of all, with many traders sifting through the debris in an attempt to salvage what they could, with new stalls being constructed to get business back in order as soon as possible.

As they wandered through and across to the other side, Indira paused at the corpse of Greg. Looking down, she sighed and then stared up at the bright sky above her. She was shaken out of her thoughts by a nudge to her side. Turning, she saw Alistair had approached her. The others had paused a little way off, with Varus tapping his foot impatiently but Garrick giving her a look of understanding. "You ok?" Alistair asked worriedly.

She gave a slight nod. "Yeah, just regretting getting Flutter so hurt" she replied. Alistair looked confused for a moment. "Flutter? Oh, you mean your dragon?" She nodded, "Yes. She will recover, but it will take some time…and I hate the fact that the first time I called upon her was to fight. Next time I summon her, it will be to truly get to know her." Unsure what to say, Alistair simply allowed her a moment to think. After a few minutes, she nodded once more, before returning to following Denrick.

The group moved off, now heading past the marketplace and through a large gatehouse in the inner marble wall that surrounded the central tower. The group all gazed up at the enormous building in front of them, impressed or awed at its architecture. Never before had they seen such a tall structure, and even Varus cast a curious eye over it, though he soon lost interest.

Made of stark white marble, the stone seemed to gleam in the light of the sun. It remained pristine despite its age, not even showing any wear of time or dirt of any kind. The base of the tower had a design similar to a standard defensive tower, octagonal in shape like the outer walls and enough space to hold the city's important administrative offices. From there, the central tower rose into the sky like a gleaming white blade, tapering up to a small flat top high above.

They reached the main entrance, a large wooden door that was currently open and allowing people to enter and exit while going about the business. A short way inside the door, a large counter sat with the word "Visitors" with a clerk checking in people that had appointments. As they entered, Denrick marched them straight past the queue that was formed before the counter. He waved to the clerk as he passed, who nodded in return. The people queuing clearly felt affronted as this large group seemingly skipped the whole process, with Alistair being unable to resist throwing them all a cheeky wink.

They walked along a wide corridor. Opulent in its decoration, the floors had plush carpets and there were numerous paintings upon the wall, mostly depicting landscapes. Several doorways lined the corridor, with the odd open one revealing mostly desks and shelves dedicated to the administration work carried out here. Soon they reached the end of the corridor, where another large door was blocking their way. It was flanked by a couple of Astorian guards.

As they approached, the guards nodded to Denrick, clearly expecting his arrival. They turned as one and opened the door with practiced motions, allowing Denrick to continue to walk through. The group filed in behind him and found, to their confusion, that they were within a large circular room with no apparent exit. The walls were far more barren than the corridor before had been, and the floor was no longer carpeted. Looking up, the room was so high that they could not even make out the ceiling.

Once inside, Denrick turned and stood by the wall, before gesturing them to step further into the room. Doing so, they all looked to the Captain for answers. "Ok...what now then?" Alistair asked. Denrick simply placed his hand against an indent in the wall. The ident then proceeded to glow, lighting up numerous runes and symbols that lined the walls. With a rumble, the floor shook, forcing them all to steady their footing lest they fell over from the movement.

Soon, the floor began to rise at a steady pace. Once they realised what was happening, they turned a disbelieving look towards Denrick, who was struggling to keep a grin off his face. "You coulda warned us, yeh?" Rogon grumbled. Denrick lost the fight and chuckled "Now, where would the fun be in that? This here will take us right up to the Dukes office." Looking to the glowing runes on the floor and walls, Garrick nodded "Interesting use of magic for sure."

After a couple of minutes, the rising floor slowed, coming to a stop before a similar set of doors to those below. Before they could even move towards them, they were opened by another pair of Astorian guards. Denrick ushered them out of the small room and into a larger foyer. Here, the room consisted of a few benches and a desk, behind which sat a woman currently writing with a quill. The walls were decorated with portraits of past governors, each hung with a date beneath them, presumably signalling their time spent as Duke.

The lady behind the desk looked up and smiled. "Ah Denrick. The Duke is expecting your guests, go right ahead" She then gestured towards the door beside her. Denrick walked over towards the benches at the side, "Go on, you heard her. You've got your audience with the Duke sooner than most can manage. I'll wait here until you are done to escort you back out."

Most of the group exchanged nervous glances, unsure who should enter first. "So, should we all go in together or?" Alistair asks. Varus made that decision easy, as he marched forwards first before anyone could stop him. They all were swift to follow him, "Don't want him to make a fool of us" thought Garrick.

Inside, the office was very impressive. The walls were the same pristine marble as the rest of the tower, while the floors and ceiling were adorned with dark wood, making an appealing contrast. All the furniture, including the large desk in the middle, were of a similar quality wood. The far wall had a large window, from which the city and landscape beyond could be seen.

It was by this window where a man stood looking out over the city, his back currently towards the newcomers. He had his hands clasped behind his back, and was seemingly in deep contemplation. Upon their entrance however, he turned towards them.

The man was of average height, with neatly trimmed brown hair and a short goatee. He had a small pair of spectacles perched upon his nose, and his clothes consisted of a finely made jacket and trousers. His stance and posture gave him the air of a noble. Giving the group a gentle smile, he walked away from the window and towards the large desk.

"Well met my friends" he said as he took a seat behind the desk. His manner of speech further emphasised his noble status, with every word enunciated perfectly. He looked up at them, his hands clasped upon the surface in front of him. "I know of your deeds from Captain Denrick, quite a tale of valour and bravery. But I am afraid I do not know your names."

Realising it for the question it was, Garrick stepped forward and snapped to attention. He bowed while stating. "My name is Garrick, sir…" "Varus" the surly Drow interrupted, cutting across Garrick's introduction and causing him to throw a glare his way. He did not rise to the bait, given their company however, choosing to simply grind his teeth in silence.

Alistair gave a chuckle at the antics. "Alistair, at your service", after which he gave a flourishing bow. Indira also introduced herself. She was torn as to whether to mimic Alistair's or Garrick's method of bowing, so ended up doing an awkward curtsey somewhere between the two. Mel simply spoke her name like Varus, while Rogon gave a hearty chuckle and a wave, "Rogon, nice ta meet ya." Na'ish remained silent, happy to let the others do the talking while he simply watched the proceedings from the back of the group.

The man raised an eyebrow, but did not comment on their behaviours. "I am sure you already know who I am, but for the sake of appearances, I am Cornelius Harrington, Duke of Astor and Steward of Lumeria. I would like to thank you all for your efforts in the defence of our city last night. I will ensure that you are properly compensated for your aid." At this, Alistair seems to gain a gleam in his eye at the prospect of a reward. Even Varus lost some of his bored expression, paying more attention to the conversation. "But first, I am made aware that you came here in the hopes of speaking with me. May I ask what it is you wanted?" the Duke finished, turning his attention to Garrick who was nearest to him.

Garrick sighed. "You see sir, we were tasked with informing you of an attack that occurred recently at the dock town of Grayben's Bay. An attack very similar to this one in fact, if smaller in scale." Rogon huffed and crossed his arms, "Right bloody mess that situation was, though there were no giant Gregs there at least…"

Cornelius looked confused for a moment. "Greg?" he asked. "The big bugger, can't miss him. I gave it the name" Alistair announced proudly. The Duke looked to him and gave a wry smile. "Ah yes, they do need a name I suppose. Not what I would have chosen perhaps…" He then lost his smile and gave a tired sigh. "Well, your news is troubling indeed, although not so much a surprise as you might think. I had not yet heard this about Grayben's Bay, but I have heard disturbing news from the direction of Brentwood. Some of these stories match up, rumours of Shadows and undead menaces shambling through the nearby countryside."

Cornelius stood from the desk once more, choosing to walk back to the window with his hands clasped behind his back once more. He seemed to be deep in thought. Just as it seemed that Varus was going to lose patience and speak up, he turned to them and spoke once more. "Now that I have heard what you have to say, I am afraid I must ask something of you. You are clearly familiar with these troubles, urged into action yourselves by such, and I would ask you to continue your efforts against whatever power is arrayed against us."

Garrick turned to the group as they all exchanged looks. This was not what they had signed up for back in Grayben's Bay. Still, the recent attack on Astor highlighted the dangers if this was not contained swiftly. Mel, Varus and Na'ish simply shrugged; unconcerned one way or another. Indira gained a determined look, nodding in agreement to Garrick. Alistair however, turned towards the Duke.

"What would be in it for us?" he asked with little tact, and as he winced from Indira's slap to the side, added "I mean...you know...other than saving the country and all that…" The Duke nodded towards him, "You would, of course, be fully provided for during this endeavour. Should you prove successful, you will be rewarded further." Alistair seemed mollified by this and also nodded to Garrick, who turned and said "What would you have us do, sir?"

The Duke sat behind his desk once more, reaching forward for a piece of parchment and his quill while speaking. "I would have you travel to Brentwood, and inquire after Lady Rowan. She is my cousin, and mayor of that town. I should very much like to know what is going on with these rumours surrounding her township."

Garrick bowed once more. "We shall do as you ask, sir." he replied. He did not miss Varus rolling his eyes at his show of respect. Indira shuffled in place, clearly wishing to say something but unwilling to voice it. The Duke paused in his writing, looking at her askance. "You wish to add something my dear? Please, do not be shy."

Indira, conscious of the others now paying attention to her, nervously stepped up beside Garrick. "It's just...er...forgive me for asking but…", she took a deep breath, before continuing more confidently. "While we were staying in the tavern last night, before the attack occurred, we couldn't help but overhear rumours...about your daughter, sir."

Cornelius paused in his writing, before setting the quill down. He gently removed the spectacles upon the bridge of his nose, cleaning them before rubbing his eyes and returning them to his face. The process of doing so made the tired look in his facial features more apparent. "Heard about that have you? I am unsurprised; it has hardly remained a secret among the populace. Truthfully, I am glad you mention this. My daughter has been missing for some time now, and with the clearly increasing dangers I grow sick with worry. If you hear any news of my daughter, anything at all."

At this point he looked Indira in the eye. Gone was the air of a leader, a front he had clearly been holding up for far too long. Instead, it was the look of someone desperate for peace of mind. "Please, I beg of you, pursue it. Anya is the one great light in my life now that her mother is gone, and I couldn't bear it if anything happened to her. I have had patrols out looking for her for weeks but to no avail. Please, I am not sure why she left, whether she was kidnapped or left of her own volition but even if she does not wish to return, if you find her, let me know she is safe."

Indira once again gained a look of determination, nodding in agreement before curtsying once more, "Sir". Cornelius nodded, before his demeanour shifted back once more to his leadership guise. He picked up the quill once more and signed the parchment in front of him with a flourish. Blowing on it to set the ink, he rolled it up and passed it forward towards Indira.

"This will provide proof that you are acting on my behalf, and allow you to retrieve the stipend you have been allocated for this task. Simply ask Denrick to take you to the treasury upon your exit from here." Nodding once more, Indira took the scroll and stashed it into her pack. Garrick and Alistair both bowed, while Varus immediately turned to walk back out the office. The rest were swift to follow.

Once out in the reception room once more, Varus strolled over to Denrick, who was currently sitting upon the chair reading some form of parchment. Noticing him approach, the Captain chucked the parchment onto the seat beside him and moved to stand. "All done?" he asked.

Varus simply walked past him towards the elevator. Indira stepped forwards and smiled at him. "Indeed. Though if you would be so kind, we need to visit the treasury on the way out." Denrick returned the smile, before starting to walk ahead of them once more. "That'll be no trouble at all; it's on the way out anyway."

Soon they were filing into the large magical room from before, and starting the steady descent down the tower. A short way into the journey Garrick shot a quick look at Varus, who currently had his arms crossed and was tapping his foot. "You need to learn respect. The Duke would have been well within his rights to remove you from his office for the behaviour you just displayed" he commented.

Varus scoffed, "You say that as if he was my better. Why should I show him respect?" Garrick now turned towards Varus more fully. "Perhaps because he is the Duke of this city? He is in a vastly better position than you, for sure." Varus shrugged, "I disagree. He is not a Drow. Therefore he, and you, are beneath me Human." Garrick frowned and went to take a step towards him, only to find his path blocked by a large hand.

"Now now, no need fer tha' yeh? We weren't kicked out, and we're even getting paid! Tha' a win in my book." Rogon rumbled. Garrick abandoned his attempt to approach Varus, instead looking up at Rogon. "Well, you weren't a whole lot better on the respect front either." Rogon lost his smile, but simply shrugged "Hey, he ain't my Duke."

Garrick scoffed, "Yes, well. I guess they don't have much in the way of hierarchy out in the Headlands do they? Bunch of savages." Now it was Rogon's turn to scowl, taking a threatening step forward. "You take tha' back. You don't know nothing 'bout my home!" Garrick matched his approach, glaring up at him as they stood facing each other. "I know far more than you realise, boy. Things your mother probably never saw fit to tell you…"

As Rogon was glaring down, it afforded him a glimpse of the side of Garrick's neck, something he'd never really bothered to look at before. There, he caught a glimpse of something. A symbol made of ink, applied directly to his skin. It was familiar...but he couldn't place why.

It was at this moment, as both stood glaring at each other, that a soft cough sounded from their side. Turning as one to the source, Denrick flinched slightly at the hostility now directed towards him. "Er...we're here…" he said, while gesturing to the newly opened door that the others had swiftly stepped through. Neither had noticed the elevator stop moving, focused as they had been on each other.

Garrick drew a breath, before schooling his expression and striding down the hall. Rogon remained for a few seconds, still musing over that vaguely familiar symbol. He soon had the presence of mind to trail behind the group however. Once walking down the hall, Denrick guided them to one of the many side doors on their way out. This, like several others, had a guard stationed outside.

"Here you go, the treasury. Simply enter here, present your parchment slip, and you can withdraw your allocated amount." Indira, as the one that held the slip, stepped inside. Alistair seemed keen to follow, but was stopped by the guard, "Sorry, one visitor at a time. Security, you understand." Alistair's face fell and he huffed and went to stand with the rest to wait. They did not have to for long, as soon Indira stepped out once more, this time holding a fairly large coin pouch.

"Blimey, how much of a stipend were we allocated?" Alistair asked, while eyeing the pouch. Indira seemed a little shocked, and replied after glancing around for any strangers, outside of the nearby guards. "300 Gold." she whispered. "300!.." Alistair started, but quieted down from Indira's glare and Garricks shushing. "That's more than most earn in a year's hard graft!" Alistair whispered. "The Duke must really need our help, if he is going to such expense…" Na'ish commented quietly, receiving nods of agreement from most. Indira divided the stipend evenly between each of them, and soon Denrick was leading them outside once more.


Outside the Marble Tower in the courtyard, Denrick turned to the group. "Right, this is where I leave you. Good luck with your endeavors. And don't forget! Celebration at the Mermaid tonight!" he said excitedly. After a few goodbyes, Denrick strode off, leaving them to themselves.

Garrick looked over the group, pointedly not looking in Rogon's direction. "So, what now? If we are to be leaving for Brentwood, we really should be gathering provisions for the journey." Varus, once more showing his lack of tact, simply walked off in the direction of the marketplace. Garrick didn't even spare him a glance, realising it would be useless to comment on it.

Mellandra shrugged, before also starting to walk off, though in a different direction. "I have some errands to attend to here in the city before we leave. As entertaining as you are, I have other things that require my attention. I will meet with you at the tavern once more." she said as she strode off down the street.

Alistair looked at Indira, who nodded and said "We would like to look into the Duke's daughter. If we are to find anything about her whereabouts, best we start here." Alistair hopped forward in excitement, "Yeah, if we find her, we will get a reward! The Duke is clearly not hurting in the coin department!" he stated enthusiastically, earning another slap to the arm from Indira. Garrick nodded in agreement, "Sensible. In which case, best we part ways here for the moment. We will need provisions for the journey, and I doubt that is what Varus has headed off to do. I, too, will meet you at the tavern later" upon which he turned and headed in the same direction as Varus.

Indira and Alistair exchanged looks. "So...where first?" Alistair asked. Indira gave a soft smile. "Where else? The beginning. Lets go to the Duke's residence. I feel we will find something if we search there." Not seeing any fault in that logic, Alistair followed Indira as she headed towards the nearest guard to ask for directions. Na'ish went to follow, but paused as he saw that Rogon was still standing where he had been, looking slightly dazed.

"Are you well, Rogon?" Na'ish asked him softly. Hearing his name, Rogon snapped out of his reverie, and looked at Na'ish. "Oh...er...yeah! Just thinkin' is all. Let's catch up, can't let them have all the fun, yeh?" Na'ish nodded and moved to catch up to Indira and Alistair. Rogon went to follow, but paused briefly; looking back in the direction that Garrick had walked.

"I know I recognise that mark…" he thought. Still, it could wait, so he strode off after the others.


Character Profile

Name: Cornelius Harrington, Duke of Astor

Race: Human

Cornelius is, first and foremost, dedicated to the survival of Astor and its citizenship. The current in a long line of Dukes and Duchess that have run the city in the absence of any individuals of royal blood, Cornelius has run the city with a fair hand for many years. Despite this, he is also a dedicated father, and the recent disappearance of his daughter, Anya, has clearly affected him deeply.