I didn't know who to talk to about the undead attack, but I thought the best place to start was the clergy. Thornhold has two churches; one is dedicated to Berronar Truesilver, the dwarf goddess of Safety, Truth, Home, and Healing, and the other is dedicated to Marthammor Duin, the dwarf god of Travel and Protection.
After breakfast, I stepped out of the inn & tavern, turned right, and confidently headed down the street. I knew I was going in the right direction thanks to Marat's whisperings, but I didn't know which church I would find.
After a short walk, the Church of Berronar Truesilver came into view, I walked up to the door and went inside. I took a minute for my eyes to adjust to the dim light and pulled back my hood.
A young dwarven priest walked over to me, "Good morning. I am Hulrus Silverpass. How may I help you?"
"Good morning. I'm Zira, a Cleric of Kelemvor. I'm here to talk with one of your priests about the undead attacks that are occurring within two days' ride south from here along the High Road."
Hulrus just stared at me, mouth partially agape, "Umm. Yes. Umm. Hi Zira." He held out his hand to shake mine. "Sorry. Umm. Yes. Umm. Over the past few weeks, we've had several groups of travelers come to us for healing, and many stay to pray to Berronar Truesilver for safety. Was your trade caravan attacked?"
I took his hand and did my best to ignore the look on his face, "Yes, two days ago on our way here. And as a Cleric of Kelemvor, it's my duty to eradicate the undead. Who can I speak with about this problem?"
His eyes looked back up from the scarred hand he shook to my scarred face, and it took him a few moments to reply, "Yes. Umm. As I said before, we have been hearing about undead attacks south of here for several weeks now. The Magistrate from the Stoneshaft Clan sent out word asking for someone to help take care of the problem. So, you could easily get an audience with him."
"Thank you." I smiled at Hulrus, "I shall go speak with him at once. Would you give me directions?"
Hulrus gave me directions and I quickly left. The directions were easy enough to follow and shortly after I arrived I was shown into a room and told to "wait here."
Eventually, I met with Fogrog Warmfeet, and we talked about the undead problem; how long it had been going on, what they've done so far, and his struggles with finding a group to take care of it. Fogrog also told me two brothers came looking for work early this morning and might be interested in joining me. When they spoke earlier, the brothers said they couldn't take care of it on their own but would stay at the inn for a few nights just in case someone else showed up. Fogrog described the Stoner brothers and said if they joined me he would send two guards with us, for protection.
When I walked into the Tavern, I immediately knew who to talk to. There was no mistaking that Elisha and Israel Stoner were new in town. The two brothers looked so much alike and nothing alike all at the same time. Elisha was lounging, feet up, across two chairs, completely at ease. His red beard, the only hair he has, is braided in a dwarven style. On the other hand, Israel was slouching in the corner, attempting to make himself look smaller. His long red hair and freckled face make his skin look even fairer.
They were a little unnerved by my appearance at first, but I've learned that a few drinks, especially if I pay for them, help people quickly overlook it. They had heard Thornhold needed help ridding the area of undead and made the trip, knowing that the Dwarves pay well. Elisha looks like he can handle himself, I noticed the dagger he thought he had hidden under his coat. I'm not sure if Israel will be a help or a hindrance, it was difficult to get a feel for him. But I knew the bond between these brothers meant they would always stay by each other's side, and I try not to judge people too quickly.
The brothers and I finalized our plans with Fogrog. After negotiating payment with Elisha, Fogrog assured us that two guards and all the gear we needed would be waiting for us tomorrow morning at the front gate. The brothers and I parted ways, planning to meet up tomorrow morning in the tavern. I still had to tell Wilavor I was leaving the caravan, a task I wasn't looking forward to. Surprisingly, even though I could tell she was displeased, it went well. Wilavor told me she expected I would leave the caravan before the end. She had heard I was on a mission for Kelevmor, so our fight with the undead only made her expect I'd leave sooner.
The last thing I had to do was say goodbye to Val.
I found him sitting among the wagons with his gear, checking to make sure he was ready to depart tomorrow. I walked over to him, "You're leaving tomorrow."
Val looked up at me, "You know I am. And you?"
"I'm heading out in the morning," I answered.
Val quickly stood up, and looked concerned, "I hope not by yourself?"
I reached out and touched his arm, trying to reassure him, "No. Two brothers and a couple of Thornhold's guards, for protection."
He let out a sigh of relief and looked at me like he was trying to remember my face, "Well then. How shall we spend our last night together?"
I smiled at him, "Having fun with our friends."
I noticed Wilavor was watching us when we linked arms and left for the tavern. I was too focused on Val at the time to put too much thought into it, but the way she was looking at us made me uncomfortable. We danced and drank the night away. Val, ever the gentleman, walked me up to my room at the end of the night. We each confessed the connection we felt for the other and promised we'd always remember each other. I hugged Val and walked through my door; hoping to, but not expecting to see him again. And it broke my heart.
Z