People had come from around the realm to honor the fallen and hear firsthand the tale of our fight with the undead. For the last several days following the public funerals, we've been in high demand to attend the many gatherings remembering and honoring the dead.
Most of the people who came to honor the dead have departed Thornhold and things are getting back to normal. This means it's time for us to finalize our plans for the trip to Westbridge. Today we met with Fogrog to discuss the supplies he acquired for us.
"Well, it sounds like we're ready to head to Westbridge. Thank you Fogrog, you went above and beyond," Elisha said.
"We are honored to assist both you Master Elisha and your entire party. You've done us a great service and we will never forget. I'm sure the tale of your vanquishment of the undead will be told by dwarves and travelers near and far," he said with a deep bow.
I spoke up, "We hoped to join a caravan headed toward Waterdeep for the first part of the trip. Is anyone heading out soon?"
"Well, most throughout the week after the public funerals. The only caravan headed south along the High Road would be Wilavor's," Fogrog replied.
Swift and I looked at each other and groaned. I guess we're going to have to see if she'll let her join after leaving.
We thanked Fogrog again and as we walked out I explained how Swift and I had been part of Wilavor's caravan before we arrived in Thornhold. And we both left before our time commitments were up.
"Well, what's the worst case? She doesn't let us join because of the two of you and we have to wait a bit longer… I was trying to put a good spin on this, but I just can't. My honor won't allow me to be delayed," Adrala started off cheerful but ended solemnly.
She had sworn an oath to my cause to destroy the cult of Velsharoon in honor of the fallen guards.
"Very well, I shall have to be my charming self when we speak with Wilavor," Swift smiled.
"Good luck. I've heard it's pretty hard to change her mind, especially if she thinks you wronged her," Adrala said.
Swift and I said our goodbyes and headed to the gates, hoping that Wilavor would be with her caravan. And if not, someone there would at least know where to find her.
Out of nowhere she stepped out in front of us and said with little expression, "I've been expecting the two of you to come here looking for me."
Swift and I looked at each other, not sure what to make of that statement. And how did she know?
"It's nice to see you too, Wilavor. I'm sure the dwarves were honored to have you here, and that you stayed for the entire mourning period," Swift said charmingly.
"Well, there are many dwarves among my crew. I wanted to allow them to have the time to grieve, but we leave first thing tomorrow morning. That is why you came right?" she said.
"Yes, we and the rest of our companions would like to join your caravan towards Waterdeep before we turn north toward Westbridge. Will you allow us to join you?" Swift said.
Wilavor looked at the two of us. I hadn't said anything yet, hoping that Swift's natural way with words and putting people at ease would win her over.
"You know I don't do handouts. Everyone contributes. I already have a mercenary group for protection, so what service will you provide." Wilavor said.
"No need to worry. We come completely provisioned and are plenty capable of protecting ourselves. We only want to share the companionship of the journey." Swift responded.
Wilavor smiled, "Well I suppose I can't say no to companionship. As I said we leave first thing in the morning. If you're late, I won't wait." She turned and walked off.
Swift smiled his big toothy smile, "That wasn't as hard as I expected."
"Me either," I replied.
We started to walk away back towards the Inn.
"Why do you think she's still here? She runs a very tight schedule and rarely deviates, and not for long if she does." I asked Swift.
"You don't think it was for the dwarves?" Swift questioned.
"Not based on what I've heard about her. But she also doesn't always act like the stories I've heard from others who have been on the caravan longer. Something just seems off," I replied.
"I hadn't said anything because my ma would say I was being superstitious, but I think I saw her following us a few times since the funeral. But then when I looked again the person no longer looked like her."
I stopped and looked at Swift, but before I could say anything Pyre walked up to us and started talking.
"So you're the one that made him break his contract," Pyre said.
"It wasn't like that…." I started to say.
He interrupted, "I've never had a more loyal mercenary than Valentiano. He's the last one I would expect to run off," Pyre looked over at Val and continued, "but he didn't run off. He came to me, man to man to plead his case. I let him go. How could I not, I'm glad to see he's keeping you alive. I heard what you've done. You're lucky to have Valentiano Peacetalon at your side."
"Thank you," was all I could manage to say.
"By the looks of the two of you I think I know the answer, but did Wilavor allow you to join us?" Pyre asked.
"She did, but how did you know?" I said.
"Everyone's been talking about it. All of Thornhold knows your next destination, and now that the mourning period is over we expected you to leave within a few days. So when you two showed up everyone started placing bets on the outcome."
Swift laughed, "Of course! And you're here to find out the answer first. I'd be interested to know how you wagered?"
Pyre chuckled, "I've got to go collect. It was good seeing you both and I look forward to your brief return," he waved and walked off.
"I'm looking forward to spending some time with my friends from the Ruthless Blades again. And I'm sure they'll be excited to see you too! Let's go find the others and give them the good news!" Swift linked his arm in mine and we walked off.
Z