(I admit to having a little fun with parts of this chapter. I noticed something playing ingame and ran with it. Hope you will indulge me)
-Chapter Thirty-Two-
The final preparations had been completed for Shandra's burial. Lana and all of Shandra's companions gathered around the chosen gravesite. They had chosen a place atop a hill overlooking the farmers' fields as the sun set in a ball of brilliant reds, pinks and oranges. Everyone had agreed Shandra would have wanted to remain close to the land and the site chosen was under a large tree atop an embankment. Shandra would meet her eternal rest in a peaceful setting similar to that which she had been ripped so unceremoniously away from.
Casavir stood at the head of the gravesite, officiating with the others circled around. Grobnar openly sobbed as he played a mournful tune on his lute. Neeshka, Elanee and Qara stood together, their arms wrapped around each other as the three women consoled one another. Khelgar and Sand stood close together on the opposite side of the now covered casket, their eyes red and swollen. Ammon was alone at Shandra's feet, his face grim, jaw locked. Everyone seemed to keep apart from him, either in fear or disgust. Qara and Neeshka would occasionally look toward him to shoot him looks of anger and loathing. Lana stood slightly apart at Casavir's side, Bishop flanking her. Lana's face was a mask of pain and Casavir noted anger.
Casavir glanced around, taking in his companions before clearing his throat.
"We stand united to morn the loss of one of our friends. Shandra joined us unwillingly…" Bishop snorted softly. "…but quickly became a loved and cherished member of our small band. She will be greatly missed by many, not just those gathered here. Her laughter and humor were like beacons of sunshine to all around her. While her mortal being has been darkened, let not her memory be. Let her radiance shine on in our memories, she will be kept alive in us all."
Grobnar and the women sniffled in unison. Sand quickly dabbed an errant tear with a small handkerchief as Khelgar wiped a burly hand across his eyes. Ammon stood staring at the mound of dirt that now held his granddaughter. Bishop and Lana remained stolid and unmoving; Bishop's face an unreadable mask while Lana clenched and unclenched her jaw. Grobnar resumed playing his lute at Casavir's last words. The notes wavered on the air, each entwining and weaving into each other. The music wrapped itself around them, a soft caress upon the cheek like a lover's touch before it was gone, leaving them aching at the void that remained. As the last notes faded, Grobnar lowered his lute and walked to Lana's side, saying nothing. The gnome stood mutely beside her for several minutes before clearing his throat.
"Mistress Thell, may I have a word with you?" Grobnar inquired almost so softly she had to lean toward him to hear.
Lana blinked at being so formally and unexpectedly addressed. "Of course Grobnar. You needn't ask my permission to speak."
The little gnome nodded gravely. "I know you think of me as a silly gnome but…"
Lana opened her mouth to interrupt, but he held his hand up with a solemn expression continuing. "I was thinking about Shandra. Well, I know she wasn't with us for very long and there was nothing to be done to save her but it seems so unfair. Anyway, it got me to thinking about death. Of friends." Grobnar's tone was low, full of emotion as he struggled with the words. The gnome's face seemed older, wiser.
Lana nodded gently laying her hand on Grobnar's shoulder. He continued, "I don't know how to express what I wanted to say except to just say it. I was wondering what you thought of it all."
She stood, staring over the fields blankly, trying to collect her thoughts. Lana knelt slowly before the gnome, her hand still on his shoulder. "I am sad we lost her. It doesn't seem fair at all and it frightens me. I am afraid that the more we fight, the more we will lose."
Grobnar reached across to lay his hand over hers. His expression was a mixture of sadness and wisdom. "Thank you Mistress Lana. Thank you for your honesty. It is not fair, but we must go on." He released her hand gently reaching out to embrace the rogue. Her back stiffened at the unexpectedness of Grobnar's hug, but relaxed, returning the gnome's clasp. Grobnar released Lana and she stood. Tears ran silently down both faces.
Ammon was the first to leave, quietly retreating alone down the small hill. Grobnar turned to gather his instrument and strode toward the Keep. The women fell into place behind him with Sand and Khelgar in tow. Bishop shook his head, a grimace across his lips turning to follow a distance behind the others.
Casavir turned to walk away from the gravesite, expecting Lana to join him but she remained, staring at the dirt mound where Shandra now lay.
"My lady?" he inquired gently, turning to look back at her.
"Grobnar is right. Shandra's death was unfair. It was worse than unfair, it should not have happened. I should have been there, I failed her. This is all my doing."
Casavir walked back to stand in front Lana. "While I agree with you about the unfairness, it was not your fault Lana. Shandra knew every time she accompanied you what was at stake. She was better equipped and had more knowledge about fighting than many warriors. There was nothing more to be done."
"Don't you see, if it wasn't for me, she would still be at home? She would still have a home," Lana replied fiercely.
Casavir placed a hand firmly on her bicep. "None of this was anyone's fault. There is no point in trying to place blame. What matters is what you do now. Do you let her death mark you, let this stop you from living or do you continue on? Only you have the power to set things right so Shandra's death was not meaningless."
Lana nodded grimly. "You are right. There is too much at stake for moping. I failed Shandra, I will not fail again."
Casavir shook his head in disagreement, "You did not fail Shandra Lana. There was nothing to be done, it was her time. This is not about fairness. Death is just another part of life. Shandra was an adult; she knew the risks and was willing to take them. She trusted you as a leader, but you never forced her. You did not fail her."
Lana sighed. "I just don't want to lose anyone else. I failed Shandra in many ways Casavir. I gave her training and the right equipment but there was more. I didn't know her as a person; she was only a nuisance to me. The others here, they were her friends and they trust me to protect them. I did not love Shandra. She was just another responsibility to me."
Casavir nodded, "I know Lana. That is the unfortunate part of being a leader; you do not make friends while commanding. Shandra did not begrudge you for not being her friend. I do not think the others expect that of you either. You are their leader, which means you stand alone and sometimes… it hurts. You command many but stand alone." His face was solemn, his expression bleak.
Lana reached her hand up to stroke his cheek, nodding in understanding. "Thank you Casavir. I guess I never thought of myself as being a leader but here I am, leading a keep of my own. Leaders don't have friends do they?"
He shook his head with a grim smile. "No, they have nothing but responsibility and duty. You would have made a great paladin Lana with the knowledge you have gained."
Lana grinned slightly. "I don't think that would have worked. I am thankful that I have a paladin though." She gave a small laugh. "Thank you Casavir for understanding and not judging me."
She looked down, her smile disappearing. "Let us make sure we lose no more of our companions. Shandra will be missed, let us ensure we never go through this again."
Lana and Casavir walked to the pub together to join the others. The fire was warm and bright with their companions all gathered around. They were laughing though their tears as they reminisced stories and memories of Shandra. A warm smile crept across Lana's face seeing them gathered together. Her smile was quickly dashed when she caught sight of Nevalle leaning against the bar, his mouth set in a hard line.
Nevalle approached Lana and Casavir as they eyed him warily. They both stood rigid as the knight strode forward.
"Oh look, it's the angel of glad tidings and perfect hair," Lana muttered under her breath low enough for only Casavir to hear. He snorted before he could catch himself, evoking a nasty look from the approaching man.
"And what brings you here Sir Nevalle? Always a pleasure to see you," Lana commented with false sweetness.
Nevalle ignored her tone. "I have come to issue you a command from Lord Nasher. You are to go at once to Castle Never alone."
Lana shook her head, "I cannot go immediately and definitely not alone. If you could kindly state what Lord Nasher has need of, than I will be more than happy to address it. Otherwise, we are in mourning and there are more pressing matters at stake. I cannot leave my keep at this time."
The knight stood taller, drawing his shoulders back and speaking down his nose at the rogue. "You dare refuse your lord and king? May I remind you this is not your keep? I could have you removed from your position for your insolence."
Lana smirked, "Is that a threat or a promise?"
"Do not push me on this milady. I will expect you saddled and ready to depart first thing in the morning. Do not keep me waiting." Nevalle abruptly brushed past Lana.
Lana looked with raised eyebrows at Casavir, "I wonder what that was all about? You know you are coming with me right? No way in the hells I'm traveling alone with that uptight blowhard."
The paladin grunted, "Of course I'm coming with you but what a long journey it will be with that, um blowhard. Unfortunately a very fitting title I believe. " Lana grinned widely and giggled.
Morning came and Lana and Casavir had their mounts loaded and patiently waiting before Nevalle arrived. The knight looked Casavir up and down with an expression of barely concealed anger.
"I thought I made myself clear Mistress Thell that you were to be alone. It is the express orders of Lord Nasher."
Lana nodded, leveling her gaze haughtily. "Let me make this crystal clear for you. I understood what you said but have no intention of traveling alone with only you. If there is a problem, I will be more than happy to address it with Lord Nasher upon our arrival. In the meantime, I suggest we get this trip over with. I assume you will be as happy for it's completion as we will be."
She flipped her head arrogantly and mounted her horse, plunging it forward before Nevalle could protest further. Casavir chuckled under his breath without a look in Nevalle's direction while quickly saddling up to follow Lana's horse. Nevalle pursed his lips but was left with little choice but to follow the two, muttering very impolite phrases as he went.
The three traveled quickly, making the journey in record time. They had camped only the minimum required for the horse's sake and kept a quick pace. The small band arrived at Castle Never and handed their reins to the waiting grooms.
Nevalle looked Lana over with an expression reserved for something dirty and smelly. "Would you like to freshen up before meeting Lord Nasher?"
Lana stuck her chin out defiantly, "No, the sooner I meet him the sooner I can leave. Let us get this over with." Nevalle sighed but ushered them forward.
Nevalle escorted them first to a small room near the throne room and knelt beside a trunk. The knight gently rummaged inside, emerging with a bundle of blue with a gleaming golden sword on the top. "I was instructed to give you these before meeting Lord Nasher. These are to be yours." He reverently held the bundle toward Lana and she gently took them into her own arms, holding them before her.
She eyed him curiously. Nevalle continued, "These are the garb of knighthood. Lord Nasher has chosen you to serve as a knight. In these dark times, there is a need for heroes. As the days grow darker, the need for heroes becomes greater. You are to be a light in these dark days. It is you that has made the keep a force once again, your name that speaks as a ray of hope and Lord Nasher intends to reward you."
Lana looked from the bundle to Nevalle. "You couldn't have told me that back at the keep? Did you not think my companions would like to be allowed to share in this? They are as responsible for the keep as I am; this is not for me alone." She tried to thrust the garb back into the knight's hands.
"You refuse such an honor? This is a position sought by many and only afforded the very deserving. It would be very unwise of you to refuse." Nevalle stood, affronted, thrusting his chest out.
"Unwise maybe but it is not mine alone to accept. I have not accomplished these great things as you say on my own. It has been on the backs of others, their blood and sweat also, one who has recently died trying to do her part. The keep is not mine alone, it is the home and lifeblood to many now. The honor is not only mine." Nevalle looked angry and opened his mouth to argue.
Casavir stepped forward, one hand raised to indicate silence. Nevalle clamped his jaw shut with an audible clicking of his teeth. "My lady, Sir Nevalle is right. Knighthood is a great honor. It is good of you to recognize those whom have served under you but refusing would only remove you from their service. By accepting this knighthood, you insure the growth and prosperity of those you now serve. This will mean more funds and a better chance to increase the keep and its holdings. Take this; it is your right and your duty." He stepped forward removing the sword from atop the blue fabric, holding the blade across his open palms.
"Lana, take this sword in the name of all that is good and right. It is yours to wield, you have earned it."
She swallowed with a gulp, reaching one unsure hand to grasp the shining hilt. Casavir nodded to Nevalle and the knight unfurled the blue fabric to reveal the blue starred cloak of Neverwinter knights.
"This cloak is a mark of your rank. Let all that see it know what you stand for and let you always remain worthy of it. It has been made by the finest weavers and crafters in Neverwinter with your 'special talents' in mind." A hint of a smirk turned the knight's lips up at one corner.
Lana unclasped her own long black cloak and folded it quickly, stuffing it into her rucksack. She took the blue cloak from Nevalle's outstretched hands and looked with a mix of wonderment and fear into Casavir's eyes.
"There have been many nobles gathered if you will escort me to the throne room. You will be inducted immediately and than you may return to Crossroads Keep as soon as you desire." He led them, striding toward the throne room.
Casavir gave a small bow, one hand crossing his chest with the other outstretched to his side. "Lord Nasher awaits." Lana shook her head but exited the room behind Sir Nevalle.
Casavir and Lana entered the hall that stood before the throne room to find it filled with people cheering and clapping. "I was supposed to do this alone? What in the hells were they thinking?" Lana muttered under her breath to Casavir.
Nevalle stood waiting in the middle of the hall. He indicated the crowd before them, "Your companions, the people you have assembled in Crossroad Keep believe in you, and through you, believe in Neverwinter. It is no small thing you have done here."
Lana quickly bobbed her head in acknowledgement as he opened his mouth to continue. Instead, a haunting melody echoed across the walls. The voices caused the hairs on the back of their necks to stand. Everyone looked around in shock and horror. Nevalle jumped while Lana and Casavir drew their weapons trying to surmise the cause of the disruption.
"Gods, that's the sound of the ancient alarms. I never thought I would live to hear it. We are under attack!" Nevalle yelled as the gates throughout the castle slammed shut.
He looked in horror at the gate to the throne room. "Lord Nasher, they will be after him!"
Casavir stood, weapon in hand. "Who are th…" but before he could finish the question, wraiths, shadows and several vampires appeared in a dark mist.
"You just had to ask didn't you Cas?" Lana grumbled as she lunged forward in attack. Her blades flashed arching blue and red flashes, the squeals of the enemy echoing off the brick walls as she pierced them. Casavir stood with his back to hers, his hands raised as he called forth the power to banish the undead. Pained shrieks echoed and bounced as a brilliant yellow light flashed around him causing several dark spirits to dissipate and some of the vampires to squeal in pain. The cries rang out mingling with those of fear from the crowd who had only recently been cheering for joy.
The three stood quickly surveying the area for further enemies. Finding none, Nevalle looked around; a panicked and scared look on his face. "We need to reach a more defensible location - there is a guard room in the hall round the corner from here. There we can make our stand. To the guard room, everyone follow me!" He ran with many of the crowd following closely on his heels. Lana and Casavir waited, running behind to guard the rear. Many others lingered looking scared and unable to move from their tracks.
They ran into a mostly empty room with a large, heavy metal door. The people huddled together like frightened sheep, their eyes darting between the three warriors.
Nevalle looked to Lana and Casavir. "The castle has been sealed... it is part of the ancient defenses of the castle should it ever be attacked. Something we thought would never happen. Unfortunately, it has cut us off from Lord Nasher. You must get to him, or all is lost."
Lana nodded curtly, "It is my duty. I shall do all I can."
"Good - look behind the tapestries in the hall. One of them should hold an entrance to Neverneath, the chambers beneath Castle Never."
"Wait, aren't you coming? Isn't it your duty to protect your king too?" Lana shot at Nevalle.
"Someone has to stay and guard this area. You must go."
"WHAT? Stay behind and guard this room with its barred and metal door? Sounds a little easy to me. I would say this area is as safe as it's going to get. You know this castle; I have no idea what I'm looking for."
"No, I… you need to go now. You must make haste. Lord Nasher's protection is paramount."
"Exactly Nevalle. We need all the sword arms we can get and you know the castle. With you along, we can move much faster than Cas and I and we have a better chance fighting."
Nevalle's eyes darted between them, "Hurry you two, there is no time to argue. Now go." He unlatched the door, throwing it open so there was no choice but to make a hasty exit. The door slammed behind them with the solid clang of the metal bar locking back into home.
"If I didn't know better, I would swear he was scared. What in the nine hells was that about? Lana inquired.
"I have no idea. I've never known him to be a coward even though I would call him many other unsavory things."
"Hmm, when this is all done, I would like to hear you say unsavory things. I've never heard you use such language. Could be fun."
"You will be the undoing of me yet you little heathen. Now let us make haste."
Lana started forward. "I thought you said I would've made a good paladin. Guess not huh?" she said with a laugh. Casavir smacked her leather clad buttocks with the flat of his blade as she ran.
"Hey!"
"And there's more where that came from young lady," he chuckled.
She shot a grin over her shoulder as she ran. "You promise?" He only shook his head in reply.
They moved with cautious haste taking quick glances into one empty room after another. The two finally turned a corner to run almost headlong into two vampires and two Shadow Priests standing before a large tapestry.
"And I was just beginning to get bored," Lana sneered as she charged toward the two vampires, leaving the priests for Casavir. The vampires snarled, their large unnatural canines flashing in the candlelight.
They surged forward and were met with a clashing and ringing as steel met steel. Lana's two blades flashed as she dodged and parried against the undead. The vampire's pale faces gleamed, teeth bared in concentration as the three fought to find each other's weaknesses. Lana grunted as her two enemies pressed at her and she met each attack with a parry of her own. Her back was to Casavir as she pivoted to keep the vampires from circling her. One stepped backward momentarily losing his footing attempting to block one of Lana's attacks. In that split second, Lana saw her opening and thrust her right hand, sinking the blade through the vampire's throat. His eyes went wide and he gurgled as he air supply was cut off. A black wave of blood vomited forth as Lana withdrew her blade from his neck, leaving a gaping wound against the whiteness of his skin.
The female vampire howled in anger. She lunged, her blade held high in a swinging arc. Lana's lips turned in an angry smirk as she squatted low to sweep the attacking woman's feet from under her. As the vampire fell with an expulsion of air, her eyes went wide as she realized her fatal error. Lana groaned as she plunged her blade downwards into the vampire's chest piercing her heart. Her back arched, her agonized screaming echoing off the brick walls as Lana wrenched her blade free.
The rogue quickly pivoted as Casavir slumped to the ground. One Shadow Priest lay in heap on the stone floor while the other had Casavir's blade impaled in its chest, pinning it to the wall behind. The hilt vibrated back and forth as Casavir's hand abruptly left it behind. The Shadow Priest's hands fell to its sides as its last incantation was completed.
Casavir had fought the two Shadow Priests, keeping them before him and mostly unable to cast any spells. He had thought the battle relatively simple and straightforward. As long as you don't allow spellcasters to complete their incantations they are mostly harmless with only the daggers or shortswords the shadow priests carried. As he had dealt the killing blow to one, the other had launched a spell. Casavir hastily thrust his sword into the priest's chest but not quickly enough, lowering his shield as he attacked. The spell hit him full force as the blade impaled the spellcaster's chest.
A woman was screaming. Why is she screaming and why is she so far away?
Everything was dark and he just wanted to sleep. It seemed to take so much effort to breathe; he just wanted to be left alone. His dreams had been strange. He was running through Castle Never, dark shadows were after Lord Nasher and he must save his king. Lana was in the lead and he couldn't catch her. He wished she would slow down. He just wanted to rest, he was so tired of always running. Lana turned and called back, "Don't leave me!"
Casavir thought that odd, how could he leave her when she was in front?
Casavir sputtered as thick liquid poured down his throat. "Drink damn it. Don't you leave me!" Lana moaned.
He blinked as he tried to collect his senses. "Wha..."
Lana kissed him hard on the mouth before he could speak. "Don't you ever do that again! Do you hear me Casavir?" Tears ran unchecked down her face as she stroked his hair. He lay with his head across her thighs. She still clutched the potion bottle in one hand on his chest, a little of the white healing potion remained in its depths. Recognition slowly dawned in his foggy mind.
"I fell?"
"You fell?! Casavir, that thing got you. You didn't just trip. Fell?!" Lana's voice sounded almost hysterical. She took a deep breath to regain her composure.
"Yes Casavir. It looks like you got each other. You just got him more apparently." She nodded toward the still impaled priest as it slumped against his still wavering blade.
He shakily pulled himself to a sitting position, looking upwards at the still form with his blade jutting out.
"I see," Casavir muttered grimly.
"I had just finished the second vampire and turned to… to see you hit the floor. There was enough time for me to pour a healing potion down your throat. Whatever that thing got you with luckily these potions could combat it." She reached forward to run a hand through his hair.
"It was like a nightmare. I hope to never see that happen again Casavir. It was like my life stopped. I don't know what I would've done if you left me." Tears ran down her face unchecked. "Promise me that will never happen again."
"I wish I could but…" he shrugged one shoulder with a look of sadness. "It is a dangerous life we lead. I would elicit such a promise from you too if I could. Since I cannot, I come as prepared as I can to protect you as much as humanly possible."
Lana nodded. "That makes two of us," she replied grabbing her discarded rucksack. "I just hoped to never make use of all these scrolls and potions where you were concerned." She sighed rising to her feet.
"Do you think you can continue? I could get you back to the guard room and force that uptight…. Um, have Nevalle accompany me."
Casavir rose slowly to his feet with a steadying hand from Lana. "No, I feel fine now. I think I will be able to continue. I do not want to leave you, no matter what."
She nodded. "Agreed."
They found their way through Neverneath, pushing past the obstacles, finding the Rod of Never than running full force to find themselves behind Lord Nasher's throne room. Casavir and Lana stood back, assessing the battle before them. There were blade golems, Neverwinter Nine, a Shadow Reaver and several citizens all battling in the throne room. Bodies of the enemy and fellow townsfolk lay littered on the ground. Lord Nasher stood fighting a blade golem as several Neverwinter Nine fought off the reaver.
With a quick bob of her head, Lana raised her blades and plunged into the throng at Nasher's side. She jumped and with a stab of one sword, drove her blade through the construct's eyeslot. It stumbled backwards, losing its footing on the stairs behind and toppling as it clattered to the ground.
Nasher and Lana stood and gave each other curt nods before turning their attention to the Shadow Reaver. Nasher called over his men, "The battle is nearly won! Reinforcements have arrived and the enemy is falling!"
The Shadow Reaver raised its arms and with a loud bang and a flash of red, the Nine were swept away. The reaver laughed menacingly as it advanced toward Lord Nasher. The Neverwinter Nine lay in crumpled heaps of blue, some gasping for breath and others struggling to regain their feet.
"You think this over? You make this too easy Lord Nasher," cackled the reaver. It turned its glowing face toward Lana.
"I know you were seeking me. I decided to save you the trouble." He looked at her, casting her a sweeping glance. "My master seeks the shards of the weapon that struck him. How wonderful that you have brought them here for me. He will be so pleased that not only was I able to regain the shards and your demise along with that of your lord's. How delicious," he again cackled.
"Laugh now bonehead. I've defeated your kind once and I will do it again."
The reaver raised his hands, his fang filled mouth moving to call forth a spell. Lana launched herself down the stairs between them, one blade raised high, the other crossing her body. Casavir ran from where he stood beside Lord Nasher.
With a sweep of his arm, the reaver shot a blast of light into Lana's chest. She flew backwards, landing in a heap on the stone steps like a ragdoll. Casavir leapt over her, sword aloft with shield before him. The Shadow Reaver looked up in surprise, raising its arms in an attempt to shield its face. Casavir's blade plunged down between the space in its arms. Casavir twisted his body in midair, releasing the hilt of his blade as he brought his shield downward. It hit the hilt shoving the blade deeper into the Shadow Reaver's body and knocking it to the ground under Casavir's crushing weight.
The paladin jumped quickly to his feet, grabbing his blade as he cleared himself from the fallen reaver. The Shadow Reaver writhed, its bony hands clutching where its throat should be as it howled in pain. A black cloud swirled, chocking all those nearby. When the smoke cleared, the Shadow Reaver was gone.
Casavir stood slightly panting and turned to Lana. She was shakily regaining her feet.
They both walked up the dais toward Lord Nasher.
"Well, if you had not already earned the honor I was prepared to bestow upon you, you would have on this day. Assassins, they sent assassins into my castle. So this is how the enemy fights, with shadow instead of steel." He shook his head with a look of disgust.
There was a sound of grinding steel as the gates throughout the castle reopened. Everyone paused until the clanging and grinding of metal and gears ceased.
Lord Nasher looked at Lana's belt. "Is that the Rod of Never? I had heard of its existence but none had been able to enter Lord Halueth's tomb. With this rod I can now open some of the castle's greatest secrets. You have done well Lana and it is my honor to bestow upon you a knighthood."
Nevalle ran into the throne room, wide eyed and panting. "My lord! Thank the gods you are unharmed."
Lord Nasher gave him a slight nod but turned his attention once again to Lana. He nodded to the rogue and she bowed before him. "Lana Thell, I bestow upon you a knighthood and all its duties, rights and privileges. May your days be long in the service of your king and kingdom. Rise Knight Thell."
She stood and gave Nasher a low bow. "Thank you Lord Nasher. I will do all that is in my power to serve thee."
Nasher chuckled, "Don't thank me just yet. I have not given you your duties."
Nevalle ran up the steps. "Milord, there are certain protocols, rites which must be done properly for inducting a knight…"
Lord Nasher looked at Nevalle. "Sir Nevalle, if I recall correctly I inducted you into knighthood while standing knee deep in mud at Redfallow's Watch with orcs all around us. I think this will suffice, don't you agree?"
Nevalle gave a curt nod.
"Also there is the matter of certain entitlements, land, a keep and forces. I bestow upon you the title of Knight Captain and the honor of becoming one of the Neverwinter Nine. I also bestow upon you the guardianship of Crossroads Keep. I give that as your land to maintain, prosper and rise as a beacon of light against the shadow of our enemies. Those that call it home will now call you master, lead them well."
Lana bowed again as she accepted her position. "Thank you, it is an honor. I vow to serve the people well and give everything I have to protect them."
She paused, a gleam flashing in her eye. A small quirk of a smile flitted across her mouth. Lana looked to Nevalle. "Does this mean we have the same position?"
Nevalle nodded, a look of confusion on his face. "Yes Mistress Thell, it does. Why do you ask?"
"Just checking," she smirked, pulling back her arm, balling up her fist and slamming a right cross into Nevalle's face.
"That's for leaving us to fight through the castle while you 'guarded' the guard room behind a barred door you arrogant…" She caught herself, shooting an embarrassed smile at Lord Nasher, her cheeks flushing slightly pink.
Nasher chuckled. "If that is true, he had it coming. I suggest you return to your keep, you have much work ahead of you," he said with a twinkle in his eye.
"By your leave my sovereign king," Lana bobbed her head and walked down the daises with Casavir at her side.
He leaned over, whispering, "You have no idea how long I have wanted to do that." They exited the castle and collected their horses, laughing.