Calder was surprised by two events during the duel: that Cyanwrath upheld his end of the bargain, and that Fargrim survived his injuries. It appeared that despite being a raider and a possible cultist, there was a cruel sense of honor within the draconic warrior that challenged them. As for Fargrim, the dwarf certainly could take a hit, that much was sure. Without any armor, something was pushing his companion onward with each blow he endures. The ranger would mourn for the day where he finally comes upon a challenge that can kill him. However, that day was not today, which he took in with relief.
With the last of the raiders gone, the townsfolk were free to return to Greenest. Escobert the Red and the militia left first to secure a perimeter around the town. Afterwards, the townsfolk were able to return to their homes, or what was left of them. They would have a long road ahead of them to rebuild, but at least they escaped with their lives. Robert left with his sister and her children, reunited at last. Calder was glad to see that after all he fought for, Sergeant Markguth was able to find some happiness and retire from fighting.
Calder, Zavier, and Skylar were asked to wait within the keep for Governor Nighthill. The governor was seeing to the town and left them in the main hall. Skylar and Calder sat silently while Zavier paced around the hallway, uneased. Fargrim was being tended to by the remaining healers, having passed out again. Nighthill was kind enough to provide them with two vials of red liquid, potions of healing. Both were given to Fargrim, although from what Zavier said, he thought it would be best to keep them on reserve for him to use in battle.
The gates to the main hall opened. Calder turned his head and let out a sigh of relief to see Fargrim walking towards them. He had been given a new set of clothes by Escobert and had his greataxe holstered. From what skin he saw, the ranger noticed that the dwarf was bandaged and stitched up. The warrior kept a cold demeanor about him, and walked off to a table to distance himself. It was Zavier who ran off to greet his friend, and their companions were quick to follow.
"Fargrim!" Zavier greeted warmly. "How good it is to see you again, my dear student!"
"It takes more than that te kill me, Master Blackwood," Fargrim pulled himself up to a seat. "What now?"
"We're waiting for Governor Nighthill," Calder informed him. "He wanted to meet with the four of us."
"You fought well, Fargrim," Skylar complimented.
"Not well enough," Fargrim shook his head. "If I did, I would have had his head."
"Don't blame yourself," Calder told his friend. "You fought for Greenest for a day and a half before that duel. You'll get him next time."
"Aye," Fargrim grunted. "I hope so. I'm wantin' a rematch fer th' next time we fight."
They had waited for Fargrim to return before they dined in on a midday meal of the leftover food and drink from the keep. It was a quick meal and enough to fill their stomachs for the time. Zavier continued to tell exaggerated stories of his deeds, each one more unlikely than the last. Calder was tempted to call him out on his lies but noticed that Fargrim was smiling, and even chuckling at times. He seemed to be reasonably intelligent yet believed in his lies. The ranger decided to drop the matter for now. What Fargrim needed right now was to be cheered up, and from the looks of it, Zavier was the right person for the job.
Finally, the doors to the keep once more. Governor Nighthill made his way inside, followed by Robert and a young man limping behind him. Calder was surprised to see that the the sergeant was still in his militia gear. He thought for sure that after the battle, he would look to retire from the conflict. Calder and the adventurers stood up, standing at attention to the governor and his company. The governor gave them a gentle smile, thankful for their aid in saving Greenest.
"Well met, champions," Nighthill started. "I have no reason to ask this of you, but I believe that you are the only ones capable enough to handle it."
"Speak of it, and we shall see it done," Zavier spoke on behalf of the group, with no one raising objections.
"Escobert and I talked, and we decided we want to know why we were attacked by those raiders," Nighthill explained. "Our scouts are able to determine their tracks, which head southeast. We believe that a group, such as yourself, can follow after them without risking detection."
"I suppose that's a good point," Skylar nodded. "We spent most of our time at Greenest sneaking around raiders."
"And on behalf of the people of Greenest, we shall pay you handsomely," Nighthill offered. "250 gold for the each of you."
"A fair deal!" Zavier quickly nodded. "What shall we do once we find their camp."
"We want as much information as you can get on them," Nighthill instructed. "How many raiders. Their leaders. Why they are doing this. Where their next target is. The more you can find out, the better. Additionally, if you can return any valuables taken from Greenest, that would be of benefit to us."
Calder nodded in agreement, seeing that taking this course of action would be his best next step. He was convinced that the raiders were the Cult of the Dragon that he sought to fight. Yet, he needed more evidence to determine if they were the cult, and if they were, he would need to gather evidence on what his father wanted him to do regarding them. Their plans were still a mystery to the ranger, but with his companions at his side, he was certain that they would become uncovered.
"An' what o' these two?" Fargrim motioned to Robert and the stranger. "What de they have de with this?"
"I'm coming with you lot," Robert announced.
"Sergeant Markguth, that's not necessary," Calder told him. "You've done your part. You should be with your family."
"I was, and we talked," Robert explained. "I want to stop those raiders, make sure they never put my family at harm against. And the best way to do that is with you all. I think I've proven myself by this point."
"You have," Skylar agreed. "And he is a local to the land. We could use a guide like him."
"Welcome aboard, Sir Markguth!" Zavier greeted. "Together, we shall bring an end to the threat the raiders pose!"
"I look forward to it," Robert smiled.
The adventurers took a moment to welcome Robert into their ranks. Zavier and Calder shook his hand, Skylar bowed, and Fargrim gave an approving nod. Although hesitant on bringing Robert, who had seen little action, the ranger reasoned that he has earned his spot in this group of theirs. He was even willing to trade blows with Cyanwrath. What he lacked in skill, he made up for passion. Sergeant Markguth joined up on the ranks, as the adventurers turned to the young man, who bowed to the group.
"My name is Nesim Waladra," the young man introduced. "I am a monk of Berdusk. I'd like to come with you, but given my current condition, but in this condition, I would slow you down."
"Then why de ye stall us, lad?" Fargrim asked in a demanding tone.
"In the midst of this tragedy, I doubt you heard of my master, Leosin Erlanthar, a monk from Berdusk as well," Nesim explained calmly. "He disappeared during the battle while we fought against the raiders. A few others and I fought our way to the keep, barely. Leosin didn't make it."
"I apologize for your lost," Calder bowed his head.
"But he's not dead," Nesim corrected. "We didn't find his body at all. We found his broken staff and his choker, but that's it."
"Where could he have gone?" Skylar questioned. "Did the raiders take him?"
"Perhaps, or perhaps, he joined up with them," Nesim thought out loud. "Not in a bad way. He's been investigating these raids for months. It would make sense for him to try to infiltrate them as they are returning. There is no one in the land who knows these bandits better than him. If you could find and rescue him from wherever he is, he may be able to provide valuable information."
"Then it would be wise to seek him out," Calder noted, then leaned in to whisper to Skylar. "What are monks?"
"Monks are scholars, and some of them even take up martial arts," Skylar whispered back with a smile. "A wonderful ally indeed."
"An' just what are ye doin' in Greenest?" Fargrim asks. "Seems awfully convenient."
"We were on our way from Berdusk after Master Erlanthar traveled to the great library at Candlekeep," Nesim answered. "Master Erlanthar was researching ancient dragonlore."
"Dragons?" Calder and Fargrim asked in unison.
"Yes," Nesim nodded. "Dragon cults are his speciality."
"Let me see his gear," Calder requested.
Nesim nodded and retrieved from his robes Leosin's broken staff and choker. The pieces of wood were irrelevant to the ranger. The necklace was braided with leather with a silver dragon designed in the strains of rope. At first, Calder grew paranoid, thinking that the monk master was aligned with the Cult of the Dragon. Then, he noticed that the ends of it were ragged, as if it had been torn off. Was Leosin with the cult, or were the raiders? He would have to find out.
"We shall see that what's left of his belongings are safely returned," Zavier promised.
"You are a blessing from the gods to look for my master," Nesim praised.
"And for defending Greenest," Nighthill joined in. "We thank you, heroes, and wish you the best of luck."
"We'll be back," Skylar smiled with a nod. "We'll help out as long as we're in the region."
"Of course," Nighthill looked to Robert. "Sergeant Markguth, keep them safe."
"I shall, Governor," Robert gave off a quick salute.
"We will not keep you back any longer," Nighthill announced. "Return safely to us."
"Onward, my companions!" Zavier exclaimed. "Our quest continues!"
The group of five pressed on by themselves, leaving the keep. Zavier took point, followed closely by Fargrim. Anxiously, Robert was right behind them, and Calder and Skylar walked by each other at the end of the line. They walked southeast, coming upon the trail Nighthill described. The mentor and student pressed on while Sergeant Markguth gave one final look to Greenest before following after them. Calder pressed on, glad to move on to the next stage of his quest.
Calder was convinced that the Cult of the Dragon was involved with the raids. Whether they were disguised as the bandits or captured a cultist in form of Leosin, he was unsure. The only people he could trust as of now were the four that traveled with him, those who have proven themselves capable. He took one last glance at the choker, noting the dragon, then pocketing it. There was much he still had to learn and the only way to do so was to press on and see where the road takes him.
A/N: As noted in my profile, I'm going to be moving away from set times. I have many other projects to work on, some educational, some professional, and some recreational. I shall update on Wednesdays if I have something to post, and write if the muse strikes me. The good news is that it means there's not a limit for how many chapters I'll post in a single day.
Until next time.