Disclaimer: I in no way own Harry Potter, although I wouldn't mind one bit if I did.
– Separator –
19: locating the trapdoor
After catching our breath from the battle with the 2 "Hydra", we agreed that it was time to search for the trapdoor leading toward the goblins. So we returned to Farhaven and entered the tavern to collect Romilda. Exiting the tavern I decided to sell the goblin equipment we picked up on our last trip into the mines. So we headed for the forge. Walking up to Jerome I sold him a "Goblin Dagger" for 11 gold, 2 "Rusted Goblin Cudgel" for 20 gold each, 4 "Rusted Goblin Dagger" for 3 gold each, and a "Goblin Mail Hauberk" for 71 gold. Apparently, that's still not quite enough for Jerome so I determined to hunt more goblines in the mines.
Before setting off for the mines I decide to talk to Captain Lucian to let him know that I have located the thief the guards told me about. Not wanting to make Romilda uncomfirtible we returned to the tavern and switched Romilda for Ginny.
On our way to find a guard to report to we run across a woman standing outside the fordge, gazing at Jerome's Apprentous. Walking up to her I clear my throat.
The woman looks over at me. "Mmm, don't you love to watch him work?"
I blink in confusion. "You mean the blacksmith's apprentice?"
The woman nods dreamily. "Of course. The way he wields that hammer...I could gobble him up. And he's so focused - strong AND silent. I think that's a perfect combination. Anyway, here I am rambling. Did you need something?"
I shake my head before continuing my search for a guard. Finding the guard that welcomed me into Farhaven he greets me. "Is there anything else I can do to help?"
The guard looks interested. "With the way you handled those goblins, maybe you could help us with something else. Talk with Captain Lucian in the guard barracks; he'll fill you in."
As I nod and lead the girls to the barracks i take note of the words that flash over my head. "A new quest, Laying Down the Law, has been added. One of the city guards says there's more I can do to help, but I need to speak with Captain Lucian for more information. I should find him in the guard barracks."
As we enter the barracks we see Captain Lucian filling out paperwork. We walk up to the captain and greet him.
"What's your business, citizen?"
I decide I don't like Lucian very much. I understand he is probably overworked, but all I see when I look at him is someone who believes he and his guards can do it all. "One of the guards told me to talk to you about helping with some trouble?"
Lucian's face relaxes. "That's right. I heard about your work with the goblins - very impressive... I think you may be just the kind of help I've been looking for." His face hardens again. "Understand that this is no quick assignment like your work with the goblins. If you agree to help me, you'll be committing yourself to a full city guard operation."
I blink. He thinks that was a quick assignment. It took forever to find those goblins. However, I said I would help. "If it will make the city safer, it'll be worth the work."
Lucian actually smiles. "I thought you'd say something like that. I can see I didn't misjudge you. Something needs to be done about all the bandit raids along the North Road. It's become too dangerous for travelers and traders alike, but with our garrison depleted from the recent attacks on the city, I can't spare the men I'd need to do a clean sweep of the forest. It's going to take someone else - someone who can leave Farhaven at will and disrupt the bandits' operations. Someone like you."
I stand at attention. "I'll do whatever I can. Those bandits have to be stopped."
Lucian smiles at my stance. "Excellent! The first thing to do is reduce their numbers. Just wipe out any bandits you come across in the forest. Once you think you've got their attention, come see me. If you survive, that is."
I give Lucian a look as I relax. "Thanks for the encouragement. I'll try not to get myself killed."
Waving us off Lucian returns to his work.
Deciding I want to locate the trapdoor first we return to the tavern, switch Ginny for Romilda, and head for the mines.
Entering Silvershade Mine we once again make our way to the iron vein we visited so often. From there Romilda guided us west. When we reached a pit she had us turn north. After passing the pit we turned west again. Reaching a wall we headed south for a few steps before we turned west again.
As we walked we are attacked by 5 goblins. After the battle I reach level 20 and Luna reaches level 19.
I place my attribute point into my Constitution bringing it up to 12. For my skill point I increase my "Arctic Blast" skill to rank 3.
Luna does the same as me with her attribute point, bringing her Constitution up to 12. She then uses her skill point to raise her "Miraculous Healing" skill to rank 4.
After finishing all that we continue until we reach a wall. Romilda has us turn north at this point. When we reach another wall we turn west. Entering a secondary mine shaft we turn south. Just before we reach another wall we turn west into another passage. A few steps later the passage turns north. Upon reaching some rubble that blocks the shaft we turn west. Just a little farther we see the entire shaft is blocked.
Romilda frowns. "Well, that's just great."
I look at her. "What's wrong?"
Romilda turns to me with a scowl. "It looks like there was a cave-in. This mine shaft used to be the quickest way to the goblin tunnels, but there's no way we're getting through now."
I frown in concern. "Is there any way around?"
Romilda frowns thoughtfully. "I do know one other way, but the thing is, I didn't sign up for a suicide mission."
"I blink at her words. "What are you talking about?"
Romilda shivers. "There's this lake we have to cross, and something lives in it. I don't know what - but I do know that nobody who goes in there comes back out."
I blink in surprise. "You mean the Hydra? Luna, Ginny, and I took care of that after meeting you."
Romilda blinks in surprise. "Really? Well, that might not have been the only thing living in the lake, and I really don't want to become a creature's snack."
I give her a glare. "I don't care. Show us the way, or I'll turn you into the city guard myself."
Romilda flinches back. "You wouldn't. Not after I risked my neck for you?"
I scoff. "Yeah, right - you were just protecting your own interests."
Romilda gives me a cute glare. "You know what? Fine. It's not like I mind risking a horrible death for practical strangers. Yeah, yeah. When did I become such an easy mark? You know what - don't answer that. Let's just go before I regain my sanity."
I nod to her. "Lead the way."
Romilda has us turn around and head toward a pit to the east. When we reach it we turn south. Reaching a wall next to a pit we turn east for a few steps before we turn south. Leaving the mine shaft we turn west. reaching a wall we turn south for a few steps before turning east. Reaching another wall we turn south. As we walk south we enter the miner barracks Luna, Ginny, and I explored the last time we were here.
Walking forward for a little bit Romilda has us turn west. Making our way through the barracks we find the equipment room again. Romilda leads us through the equipment room, and once we exit it we turn west again. Upon reaching a wall we turn north for a few steps before turning east. A little bit later we turn north again for a short time before turning west. Upon reaching a wall we turn north for just a few steps before turning west.
We crossed the lake heading west. About halfway across Romilda has us turn north.
While crossing the lake we are attacked by 3 "Goblin Archers" After the battle Romilda reaches level 18. She places her attribute point into her Constitution bringing it up to 10. She saves her skill point for later.
Once Romilda is finished we turn west and walk to the wall. After heading north for a little bit we turn east and recross the lake. About halfway across we turn north and walk up to the wall before turning east. It isn't long before Romilda has us turn north for a short time before turning east. Reaching the wall we turn north for a short time before we turn west. When we reach the wall we turn north for a little bit before turning west. As we reach a pit we find our first ingot of gold ore. Turning south to walk around the pit we next turn west before reaching a wall. Turning north we spot a goblin camp just ahead. After looting the tent we head south to a wall before turning east. Leaving the goblin camp we reach a wall and turn north. After reaching a wall we turn east for a few steps before the Romilda turns us south. Reaching the next wall we turn east for a short time before turning north. Reaching the wall we turn east.
As we enter the secondary ore vein Romilda looks sad. "This was the first place the goblins hit. Bastards - a lot of miners died here."
Luna looks around in sadness as well. "Such waste of life. May the Divine grant them peace."
Romilda looks up after drying her eyes. "We should be able to get to the trapdoor from here. Not a moment too soon; this place gives me the creeps."
I nod in agreement. "Let's get moving."
Romilda has us turn north. Reaching a wall we turn west. Reaching another wall we turn north. Upon reaching another wall we turn west. Exiting the ore vein we walk up to a wall before turning north. At the next wall, we turn east. After reaching the next wall we turn north for a short time before turning west. As we reach some rubble we turn north. This leads us into some caverns. As we reach a wall we turn east. At the next wall, we turn north for a short time before turning west. Reaching a pit we turn north for a bit to get around it before turning west again. Just before reaching the next wall, we turn north. Reaching another wall we turn east. When we finally reach another wall we turn north. After reaching a wall we turn west. After a good walk, we reach a wall causing us to turn south. After a long walk, we reach another wall and turn east.
As we walk forward Romilda stops us pointing to a trapdoor set into the ground. "There it is; admit it, you would have walked right past it."
Looking down I have to admit it is hard for me to see it even now. "You're right. I couldn't have done it without you."
– Separator –
An: and this is where we will end it for now. I actually intended to sed the group out into the forest to start hunting the bandits, but it took so long to find the trapdoor that I decided this was far enough for now. Next time the group will head out to hunt some bandets.
As always if you have a comment or questions you can leave me a review, or send me a PM. I hope you are enjoying this story, and I will see you all /next time.