The Fall of Balentyne Part 2
Before Dread could make his way back to the tavern for a well-earned drink, Timeon arrived with news that someone, most likely Santiago was locked in the guest quarters. The Lord Commander was not aware and Mott likely had other things on his mind so if Santiago was rescued quickly no one would be aware that someone was even in the guest quarters never mind had broken out.
When things quieted down from all the excitement of the duel, Dread used the secret passage to get into the castle and made his way deep into the heart of the keep to the guest quarters. The guest quarters were not designed for holding a prisoner so the lock was easily picked. Dread opened the door.
Well done Santiago the plan worked but next time don't let yourself get trapped.
Once back at the tavern Dread met up with the rest of his crew to inform them of an idea he had just had. Captain Eddarly was a quite wealthy man.
If we break into his house tonight, we will be able to take a few of his belongings and nobody would be aware they are missing.
As Dread and his crew arrived at Captain Eddarlys, he noticed that there were a pair of soldiers standing guard at the front door. We will try the back door said Dread.
There were no guards at the back door so Dread informed his crew to hide while he picked the lock. Once Dread got to the door, he noticed the lock on the door was a marvellous wonder, Captain Eddarly was indeed a very wealthy man to be able to afford such a lock. A common thief would have gave in then and there, but Dread was no common thief.
After a few minutes Dread heard two things, the sound of the lock clicking open and the voices of soldiers arriving and saying to the guards they were doing a patrol of the area. Dread disappeared into the shadows before the patrol arrived at the back door, unfortunately the rest of his crew were not as successful and the patrol spotted them.
A fight broke out and unfortunately for the patrol what Dreads crew lacked in stealth they more than made up in fighting ability. The guards from the front door arrived to see what was happening and Dread dropped them both before they even knew what hit them. Dread looked over to his crew finishing the patrol off unfortunately one of the members of patrol managed to blow into a horn with his dying breath. The fight over Dread and his crew left the area before any more soldiers arrived. As Dread passed the back door, he dropped a couple of old pieces from his lock picking kit to make it look even more like a botched burglary. Once back at the tavern Dread ordered his crew to maintain a low profile over the next couple of days or face the consequences.
With all the chaos going on now seemed like the perfect time for Sir Balin to arrive.
The next morning Dread left the town and returned disguised as Sir Balin went straight to the castle. The guards on duty recognised Sir Balin as soon as he was in sight and were pleased to see a man of his reputation arrive at such a chaotic time. They escorted him to the mess room for a meal, while the guards went to let the Lord Commander know of his arrival and prepare a room for his stay. A while later the guards returned and informed him, he would be staying in the guest quarters. Additionally, the Lord Commander had requested to see him immediately.
Sir Balin reported to the Lord Commander.
Ah, Sir Balin your timing could not be better. Have you heard about the last couple of days events? I am now two Captains down and it could be sometime before replacements arrive out here.
Lord Havelyn I have been tracking some bandits who I believe have fled to just North of here. While you wait for replacements, I would be able to help out if you don't mind me also maintaining my investigations. Also, I think my squire, Timeon is ready for some extra responsibilities. He will need a little guidance but should be able to fill a position temporarily.
Sir Balin you truly are a gentleman; I was hoping you would say that. You have helped me out of a bit of a pickle.
Sir Balin spent the next few evenings patrolling the castle, getting to know the routines of the guards, looking for weak points and things to exploit and when left alone with any of the castles siege weaponry he took the opportunity to make sure it wouldn't work.
Once Dread was confident that his role of Sir Balin was working it was time for a little more chaos.
Dread decided that it was time to visit the Wizard Tacitus to see how much of a threat he would be to his plans and to meet him so that if Tacitus saw Sir Balin he would not suspect he was up to anything.
Disguised as Sir Balin, Dread made his way to Tacitus's chambers that were next door to his laboratory. He guessed the Wizard would be in the lab and knocked on its door. After a short wait Tacitus answered.
I am Sir Balin, I will be helping out with the duties around the castle filling in for the vacant captains roles and I'm just taking the time to get to know some of the residents of the castle.
Sir Balin do come in. Would you like to see my lab, I have a few experiments on the go and though I don't get much of an opportunity to talk about them I do love talking about them when I get the chance.
Sir Balin followed Tacitus and went into the lab. The lab was a bit of a mess with scrolls and arcane objects scattered across several tables. However, a large pile of Ice, which showed no signs of melting, caught his attention.
Ahh I see you are interested in my Ice Golem.
Indeed, a Golem could prove to be a valuable addition to the defence of this castle. What do you need and how long will it take for you to get it ready to help bolster our defences?
It is ready now, he will only obey my commands though.
The Lord Commander never informed me we had such a valuable addition to our defence.
The Lord Commander does not know I have fixed him, he wrongly thinks that the Golem is a risk and could go on a rampage if activated.
So long as you will get your Golem to aid in the defence of the castle if needed, I will mind my own business, unless of course you want me try and convince the Lord Commander it is safe to have around.
That won't be necessary. You can guarantee that I will do all I can to protect this castle. The Golem has also proven to be a great aid in my experiments. Additionally, I doubt the Lord Commander will ever be truly comfortable with it and is likely to send it on patrols where it's out of the way.
Tacitus then talked to Sir Balin about his other experiments. There was nothing of note and it was quite boring but, Sir Balin feigned interest.
Dread liked the idea of a rampaging Golem and that gave him an idea.
That night when Sir Balin was on watch, he waited until he was alone snuck into the Wizards sleeping chambers and slit his throat. He then dragged the body into the lab and disguised himself as the Wizard.
Dread then ordered the Golem to keep punching the dead body and then kill any guards that tried to stop it.
With a loud thud the Golem punched the body and created a huge crater in the floor. Dread slipped away before any guards arrived. There were a few guards rushing towards the lab so Dread hid in the shadows as they passed.
Once back at his post he looked at the keep and could vaguely hear the commotion going on. The commotion was quiet enough this far away, that it would be easy for him to pretend he was unaware what was going on.
A while later a guard came and informed Sir Balin that the Lord Commander wished to see him. Sir Balin made his way to the Lord Commanders office. The Lord Commander informed him that Tacitus was carrying out an experiment with a Golem against his wishes and the Golem had killed the Wizard. Some of the guards had went to investigate the noise and were also killed. Luckly he was passing near, heard the commotion and was able to put an end to the Golems rampage.