Chapter 3
Thieves and Gods
I left Cynwyd and Adamis and walked down the street. There were signs with images on them. One had a bag with gold coming out of it, another had an animal's hide and fire. There were a few others. I came to a cross roads. There was a street to my right, an alley way to my left, which appeared to lead to another street. In front of me is a road leading directly to the castle. I took the road leading to the castle.
I passed a cathedral. There were stain glass windows, high wooden doors, beautiful marble steps. The masonry depicted fights between armies of men and armies of orcs and kobolds. I looked to the right where the army of kobolds and orcs were and saw the symbol of Gruumsh, the One Eye. On the left I see the symbol of Pelor, a crescent with a Maple Leaf in the center. A man in a brown robe was sweeping the stairs.
I note this and walk further.
As I reach the castle, I see a hundred foot tall wall made of stone. On top soldiers were patrolling. It was dusk, they probably would not see me if I climbed up. I decided it wasn't the best idea, so I did not.
I look to my left and see the gate. There were four guards. I decided to go in that way. On the way there, in front of the street was a stage, and on that stage were stocks. There was one person standing, bent over in one. As I pass he calls out, "Water. Water." He was dehydrated, his throat was dry. He was parched from a long day in the sun. I decided to do the nice thing. I took out my water pouch and poured some into his lips. He took a few gulps. I took it away, and he said "Thank you."
"Your welcome. What is your name?"
"My name is Bartimus."
"My name is Irigorn."
"I would like some more water."
I gave him some more. I took it away and I asked, "Why are you in the stocks?"
"Oh, I was in the bank and I was borrowing some stuff. They had a problem with it, and some soldiers grabbed me. I was just borrowing it, I was going to be bring it back." He gave me a smile with a tooth missing.
Borrow? I thought. Really? That's his story?
A guard, overhearing us, said "And if you do it again you'll lose a hand."
"Well good-bye Bartimus."
"Thank you for the water." He said in a less parched voice.
I tried to walk into castle, but two guards crossed their pikes. "Why are you here?" the guard on the right asked.
"I wish to access the castle library for some research."
The guard said, "You can go to the wizard academy. I am sure they have a library there."
"I did go to the Wizard Academy, they did have a library, but they did not have what I was looking for. The librarian said that the castle may have it." I lied. It was at least more believable than Bartimus' story.
"You wish to access the Princesses library? I will report this. Come back tomorrow and I or another guard will give you the answer." He said.
"Okay." I turned around and saw Adamis without his armor on. He was peeking out from the corner of a building. I turn back around to the guard and ask "Where can I find an inn or tavern?"
"Oh, just down the road, you take a left then a right, then another left by the bank. You reach a square with a fountain in the center. On the north side is an inn. Just about anyone can tell you." His face was emotionless, and he continued to stare ahead.
"Thank you."
I walk to the cathedral and decide to talk to the man in the brown robe. I walked up to him and he said, "Hello brother."
"Hello. This is a church of Pelor. Very nice. How many years did it take to make this cathedral?"
"Oh a long time. Generations. How do you elves make your cathedrals to your gods?"
"We sing them."
"Sing them?"
"Oh yes, we have an area with massive trees, and our choruses—the chorus sing spells—sing the plants and trees into huge buildings made out of wood. It is literally a living work of art. They are very beautiful." I remembered Osilon, and Ravelst Treedom Manor, my childhood home. Then I shuddered, remembering the false look of sadness on my brother's face as he greeted me by the gates of Osilon.
"Interesting. What god do you worship?" He looked past me. I heard leather boots jog up the marble steps. By the sound of it, I knew it was Adamis.
"I worship Corellon Larethian."
"What god is that?"
"The god of elves."
"Of course! I've heard of her."
Adamis came up and said, "I worship Pelor."
"Very good brother! Would you like to make a donation?" He looked to the both of us inquisitively.
"Of course," Adamis handed him two gold pieces.
"And you?" He asked me.
"Two, no, four electrum, no, three electrum," I argued. I handed him three electrum; bringing my gold down to 50.5 gold pieces.
"Thank you."
"Are you planning on going on an adventure?" the man asked.
"Oh, I suppose," I said.
"Yes." Adamis said.
"Where to? The Caves of Chaos? If so, not many come back." The man told us.
"Sure," Adamis said. "Why don't you come with us?"
"Oh no! I will stay in the castle where it is safe." The man in robes said.
I walk away. Followed quickly by the Paladin.
"How much do you have?" I asked him.
"Why?"
"It's a viable question." I told him.
"Not a lot. I give a lot of it to the church."
"Hmm."
