"Don't s'pose I could borrow a few a these books for a bit?" Furgh asks hopefully. "I'll bring 'em back in a few weeks."
He indicates the books in question.
"'Sides, save ya havin' ta pack 'em all up," he adds with a grin.
"Sure, feel free."
"Can I hang onta the maps too? Figure I can show Findas what's what in his new digs."
Kadlian smiles and shakes his head. "Ray Jay gets the originals, except for Zanax's behind. But, you can make a copy. I have extra ink and paper."
"You might as well let him scrounge up whatever treasure we've left down there. Show him what areas we've already pillaged and what we haven't."
Furgh grins.
"By the way, has he relocated his home? Or is he still in the same room where the party first found him?"
He shrugs. "Dunno where ya first met him. He's set himself up upstairs."
Zanax pulls out the maps that Sasha copied. "Please show me on the map, Furgh. I'd like to speak with him before I leave."
His residence is not on those maps.
Furgh raises one eyebrow, then shrugs slightly. "I'd best show ya the way... We're still workin' the kinks outta the new security system, and I imagine he's still a bit gunshy after the last time folks wandered inta his place unannounced."
"Gnarsh, as castellan, is there something you can do, too?"
"Ain't castellan yet."
"When you become castellan, will you do your best to protect Findas?"
Gnarsh nods.
"Bring somethin' shiney," he adds. "He likes that."
Zanax nods.
"Kadlian, have we decided what to do with B-9? While I'm all in for bringing him with us, he'll have to be kept under wraps. Perhaps, once we establish our home base, we could use him as a guardian of the place."
Kadlian shrugs. "I have not asked B-9 what it wishes to do. B-9, will you come with us or do you wish to stay here?"
Rage shakes her head, "B-9, your function is to protect the Robinsons, come with us and continue your mission," the mage says
Zanax shakes his head at Rage. "It has to be B-9's choice, Rage. We can't force him to accompany us."
Hlarn shrugs and looks at Rage. "Next he'll be wanting to start a campaign to 'free the golems'."
Turning to Zanax he continues, "He's a object of technology. There is no soul there. He does what he's told to do by his masters."
"B-9's as much a person as you or me," Furgh says. "He thinks, he reasons. He has oppinions. Heck, he's quite emotional at times. No different than any a the rest of us."
He grins slightly. "Well, 'cept maybe the optional Zeibart Rustproofin'."
"If I find a golem that can talk and reason, then perhaps I will try and free it. If magic can create life, then why can't technology?"
"I WILL ACCOMPANY YOUR FAMILY, JOHN ROBINSON. I AM PROGRAMMED TO PROTECT WILL AND PENNY."
"Where were you when I got killed, Robot?" asks Kailar.
"YOU ARE FASTER THAN I AM ON STAIRS, WILL."
"And what about me, you bucket of bolts?!" exclaims Dr. Smith.
"YOU ARE THE ONE I USUALLY PROTECT THEM FROM, DOCTOR SMITH."
Doctor Smith shakes his fist feeblely at B-9 "Why you...sorry excuse for a toaster!"
Kadlian nods. "Thank you, B-9, I was certain that would be your answer."
"Rage, are you capable of teleporting B-9 to Sandas? Once we get a base of operations there, we should transfer him. The local populace from here to Sandas would no doubt believe he is a monster."
"I am sure that will not be a problem. I was considering reducing him for now, while we travel, to make him more portable. I could pass him off that way as well, I think," replies the mage, "Assuming that magic and technology can function togehter. Furgh, what were the results of your experiments?"
Furgh shrugs.
"Inconclusive," he says, with a grin. "Didn't have what I thought I had. Though I suppose we could easily test it with somethin' else. We got far more options now..."
He indicates the pile of new magic items.
He has the robot try on a ring of invisibility. However, nothing else happens.
"SORRY."
"He can stick it out here with me, 'til you guys find a spot ta set up in Sandas," the elf offers cheerfully. "Figure I can try and teach him ta play cards."
"Furgh, you should also test his ability to recognize illusions and objects in the dark."
"B-9, do you have any physical weaknesses?"
"NEGATIVE."
"Are you vulnerable to fire?
"NEGATIVE."
"Cold?"
"NEGATIVE."
"Lightning?"
"NEGATIVE."
It is a partly cloudy but mild morning. A brisk wind blows out of the north.
"Sasha, I recommend you take the other plate mail identified as being better than full plate and shield."
Zanax is taking Valarian's suit.
"Kadlian, what items should I take to the temple to try and trade? Certainly the mace, but anything else?"
"Kadlian, Sian, Kal, and Gnarsh, how shall we decide who has the honor of wearing the girdle?"
"Rage and Agulhas, if both of you desire a magical dagger, then one of you can have mine." Zanax tosses his dagger and sheathe onto the pile and claims his replacement armor and the Ring of Shooting Stars (unless someone else objects). "Rage, you'll have to tell me more about the ring's powers."
"Hlarn, when we meet in Sandas, could you Commune with your Clanggedin Silverbeard again? I'd like to have you ask him a couple of questions. A week from now, we should be in Sandas." Zanax replies.
"If you want I can also take a few of the swords...or all of them that we don't want and see if I can trade for some other things with the rangers in Strabath. I am sure they would be willing to do that," says Sian, eyeing the enormous pile of swords. "Rage I can describe some places in Strabath pretty well if that would help you see it. Otherwise to Sandas would put me a couple of days closer than here."
"I'm sure there are more than a few rangers willing to pay a hefty amount for that Giant Slayer. I just wonder if it would be better to keep it or trade/sell it."
"Let us keep it for now."
Rage shakes her head. "Without visual clues, I am pretty blind for teleports. I would probably wind up teleporting you into some stone or worse. I will teleport you to Sandas, and latter look in on you , so I can teleport to your location and have a frame of reference for the future."
"Hey, anyone mind if I take all these copper pieces?" Furgh asks. "Here, I'll put in an equal amount a higher coins."
"Please do. I suggested that we give them to Findas before."
"Good foundation for Findas ta snooze on." He adds.
"Indeed."
"Rage, can we get my frost brand before I go? Sian, if you like, I'll travel with you to Strabath."
"Zanax if you want to come that is fine. That will also be good for Rage to learn somewhere in Strabath to teleport to also," says Sian.
"Ya might wanna take the ring there," Furgh says, indicating the ring with 'water abilities'. Don't help ya breath it, or walk on it, but you can sure swim in it like a fish."
He grins. "Might come in handy, considerin' where ya left 'er."
"Thanks, but I won't need it. I can already walk on water."
"Won't help ya if ya have ta go under 'er," he replies.
Zanax shakes his head "It's in a 10' ball of ice! It's not likely to sink!"
Zanax is still wearing the girdle from loading the wagon and will borrow it while retrieving his sword.
Rage will oblige, checking for the sword in the crystal ball and then teleporting the two of them out there.
"Remember to leave the crystal ball, in case you have an accident."
Rage scratches her head. "I never take the crystal ball." she replies.
Then, after checking the crystal ball, Rage smiles, and they teleport out.
After they leave, Agulhas asks Furgh, "Say, do you think you could introduce me to that dragon friend of yours now?"
"I want to talk to him too, I haven't seen him since He came back."
"Sure!" Furgh says. "C'mon. You can help me pack some a this stuff."
And so, Furgh, Kailar and Agulhas set about preparing to go and visit Findas.
The robot stays with them, for now, as does Kal.
Sian waits for Zanax and Rage to return.
Kadlian, Gnarsh, Hlarn and Sasha set off for Sandas with the wagon.
They set out from the ravine where this grand adventure began, after bidding the gnomes who now live there farewell.
With the wagon filled with loot the way it is, you make slow time down the road. Finally, though, you come out of the woods and enter the farmland which surrounds Borderland Keep.
As you approach the intersection with the road that leads up to the Keep, you see seven mounted riders galloping down it to intercept you. With your wagon and all of the mounts that you have in tow, there is little that you can do but wait for them to arrive.
Finally, they reign to a halt some dozen paces before you. There are six soldiers, in the uniforms of the Barony. These men are armed, but they do not have their weapons drawn.
The seventh person is a familiar half-elf: Ming. He winks at Sasha.
"Kadlian Lun-Folard, I am commanded to bring you and your band into the presence of the Baron," says the lead soldier, a corporal. He glances up at the Keep, and for the first time you notice the flag of the Barony flying over it.
Sasha grins, shaking her head. "Hello you old leech ... err .. letch ..." she chuckles.
Kadlian bows to the corporal. "We were on our way, sir. We were bringing the rightful heir to the Castellan of the Borderland Keep with us."
"If you wish to keep us company on our long journey, we would be glad for the companionship."
"It's not that long a journey," says the corporal, and he wheels his horse about and starts trotting back to Borderland Keep. The other soldiers take up positions on your flanks, and you find yourselves being escorted towards the Keep.
"Oh, not back to Sandas then."
Kadlian turns towards Ming. "So, Ray Jay sent you after us?"
"No, Ray Jay has come after you."
Kadlian raises an eyebrow. "Indeed? What have we done to bring Ray Jay to us?"
Sasha notes the flag and says softly to Kadlian, "This is a good thing, yes?"
"A visit from the Baron's men out here with Ming in their party can only be a good thing."
A short time later you are riding through the gates and into Borderland Keep. Everywhere are the soldiers of the Barony, many wearing the special livery of her personal guard. You see no troops of the Castellan's.
You ride through the streets of the outer Keep, and finally enter the inner Keep, where you have rarely been before. You stop before the doors of the inner castle itself, and are led inside, to a large reception area.
There, sitting in a large chair - not quite a throne - is an old man. He wears fine robes, and numerous badges and medals. Flanking him are two people: a man almost as old as he, and Ray Jay.
"Ah, you are here," says the Baron. "Tell me your story."
Kadlian bows to the Baron. "Yes, Baron. I shall start at the beginning on the evening of February 10th, 1370."
Kadlian starts telling the tales of the group coming to present day.
The three listen quietly, as Kadlian tells the tale, interrupting occasionally with a question or to request a clarification. It takes about an hour.
Finally, you are done, and there is a pause.
"You and your band have done a great service to the Kingdom, Kadlian Lun'Folard. I thank you, and I promise that King Ormund will hear of your exploits from my very lips when next I see him," says the Baron. "Rest assured that your names shall be on the Baron's Award List, as well."
Kadlian bows again. "Thank you, Baron."
"Now, there is the matter of the Castellan..."
He turns to Gnarsh.
"You are Teresa's son," the Baron says, "But I have concerns that the people of Borderland Keep will not have you."
Gnarsh shifts uneasily.
"The people of the Borderlands have had many battles with the creatures of your father's blood. They may not want you to rule them in my name. I know of a number of others who may be better suited for the task."
Ray Jay leans forward, and whispers something to the Baron. They converse in low voices for a moment.
"My advisor makes a valid point," says the Baron. "This Gnarsh is well known here, and his exploits are common knowledge. We shall let the people decide tomorrow morning, whether they will have him or not."
Kadlian grins and looks at Gnarsh. "Guess you will be buying a lot of drinks tonight my friend."
Gnarsh shrugs.
Hlarn inquires, "My Lord Baron. During the height of these troubles, when our names were slandered, I was taken captive by the Advisor of this keep and held for a few days in your dungeons in Sandas. Since I was wrongly accused, I must say I did my best to escape, and we have since proven our innocence. However I would like to know if it would be possible to recover certain magical items taken from me that day."
"What items were they?" asks the other advisor. "Provide us with a list, and we shall try our best."
Kadlian whispers in Hlarn's ear. "Add a few of my lost items."
Hlarn says that he specifically misses his first magical battleaxe, and would also like to obtain his holy symbol back if it was kept in storage.
The advisor takes notes.
He then steps forward.
"Thank you for attending the Baron," he says, indicating that the audience is over.
You are led back outside. There, you meet Ming.
"Ray Jay wants to speak with you," he says.
"As you wish."
Ming leads you to the inn. Porkus greets you, and actually is civil...especially to Gnarsh, who, like a true politician, stays in the common room and starts buying votes. The rest of you are led into the back...into the very room where you used to meet the Advisor.
There, Ray Jay awaits you.
"Good work," she says. "Better than you know. You took your time with it, but you were thorough. Now, what are your plans?"
"We were on our way to Sandas to speak with you about that. I owe the High Priestess of Tyr, Verona, a favor. She restored my abilities after being touched by a vampire for free because I could not afford the price. I had wished to go after the artifact that she needs recovered."
Ray Jay nods.
"Good idea. Verona has approached me about this matter, and I spoke well of you. Returning this artifact to her is a worthwhile task...perhaps more worthwhile than she realises. What of the rest of your gang? You should not go alone."
Sasha smiles at Ray Jay, "I'll be going to help Verona as well. She has helped me greatly in the past, and I am more than happy to help her in her quest."
Kadlian grins. "I know Rage and Sasha will go with me. As far as the others go, I do not know. I have not asked, yet, not knowing what you wished us to do."
"Well, now you know."
Kadlian nods. "Four of us. I will ask the others when they catch up with us. A number of them are performing some errands in different places. I expect that we will be ready to leave in another month depending on how long it takes Sian to finish his training."
Ray Jay nods again.
"Very well. Your victory here and the victories of others elsewhere have hopefully earned us some breathing space. I hope you can depart before the year end."
"We could travel without the others, if you would be willing to teleport them to us when they come back to Sandas. For, I presume that our journey cannot be made shorter by magic."
"It would be better if you all travelled together."
"I understand, but that will delay our departure. Is there any way to speed up the training of those in our group that need it?"
She shakes her head.
"Hmm... Then it seems we should let the others know about our timetable so that they do not dally."
Hlarn smiles at the mage. "Despite the occasional harsh word, we are a team and stick together. If Kadlian has to accomplish this quest, I for one will be there by his side to make sure he doesn't screw it up."
Sasha smiles at Hlarn's comment but does not comment.
"Good. He will need your help. I suspect that there is more to this than Verona realises. Are you open to advice?"
Sasha nods, "I am always open to advice ... and I am learning that where such powers are involved, it is always more than anyone realizes ... like that house I first became involved with when I got to Sandas."
Kadlian nods. "I always listen to advice. I just do not always take it."
"That is your choice," says Ray Jay, with a nod. "Here is my advice: when you travel, avoid going through Nlad! Verona's quest will take you into the lands south of this kingdom. You would be wise to travel south through your own homeland, Aldacan, and thence into the Enchanted Valley. Southern Nlad is turning into an armed camp, and you may run into problems should you travel that way."
Kadlian says quietly and with some sadness, "War is coming to the south, then? What has been happening in the past six months to our small corner of the world? And what of the other groups?"
"War has broken out in the southern lands. Mestom has attacked the City State of Stoink and beseiged it. That is still hundreds of miles south of the southernmost border of Nlad, but the leaders of this land are taking no chances. Now that you have removed the major threat to this area, the Baron will be shifting more of his men south. I do not think that it would be advantageous for you to get dragged into a war, should one develop. Grunts are easy to come by. I have other uses for you.
Kadlian sighs and shakes his head. "You got the journal form the high priestess of the Raven goddess, correct? You are not concerned what was held in there?"
Ray Jay nods and regards Kadlian.
"Go on..."
"That we held the Baron's men north for too long. That it may be too late to save Nlad from the southern threat."
"Perhaps it is, perhaps it is not," replies the arch-mage. "Regardless, you have done the best you can, and whatever happens in the south, now that the armies are marching, is beyond your power to influence or control."
Kadlian nods. "I understand."
He pauses. "How far does your influence extend, Ray Jay? You heard Hlarn's lament about losing some magical items to the Baron's men. I lost a few magical items to the thieves' guild thanks to the members of Zanax's temple. And I would very much like to get them back."
She smiles.
"Not that far, I fear," she replies.
Kadlian smiles back. "I was afraid of that. You would not happen to be selling more girdles of giant strength, would you?"
"Sorry."
"Are you selling any magical items? Or at least willing to trade items?"
"Sorry again."
Kadlian chuckles and shakes his head. "Is there anyone in the area, including Sandas, that is selling or trading magical items? We have lots of things we do not need, but we also have a shopping list of these we want."
"I believe that there is a dealer in Strabath."
"What other groups are you talking about?"
"Occa and Farad's groups. We have not seen them in a few months."
She nods again.
"They are doing well. Some of Farad's people are in Sandas now, taking a break from escorting a dwarf lord back to his homeland, to train. Occa's party have successfully cleared a stronghold of pirates who were threatening shipping along the west coast."
"So, I presume they took care of the dragons, then?"
"Yes, they did."
Kadlian sighs. "I would have liked to see the dragons. Well, when we meet Jesse, perhaps she can sing us a song of their exploits."
"I gather that it was not quite so deadly a battle as they were expecting."
When you are finished with Ray Jay, you head for the common room of the Border House. There, you find a lively party in progress, fueled mostly by Gnarsh's pocket book. Porkus is grinning, and the food and drink is flowing freely.
A youngish woman approaches Kadlian. She wears dark robes and has a pointy hat on.
"Mister Kadlian? May I speak with you for a moment?"
"Just Kadlian, ma'am. And, yes, you may speak with me. What would you like to talk about, miss..?"
Sasha smiles at the women and grins at Kad. "This should be interesting..." she says, taking a deep draught of her ale .... her green eyes sparkling mischieviously.
Kadlian looks for an empty table. "Let us speak privately and not include the rest of my friends."
Sasha first looks hurt then very indignant. "You wound me Sir Kadlian. I was speaking in jest and as usual you chose to insult me instead."
"No insult intended, Sasha. However, you can choose to take it that way if you wish. Just as I took your jest as a stab at my honor."
Sasha abruptly stands and leaves the table, taking her ale mug with her. "I shall find my own pleasures then. Seek me when you are ready to take care of business then."
Sasha finds an empty table as far from Kadlian as she can and begins to really work out her 'drinking' arm.
Kadlian sighs. "I seem to have a habit of insulting the women of this group no matter what I say. Perhaps I should stop speaking around them."
Kadlian turns back to the woman, and she answers.
"Wizbang," she replies, then looks down at the floor. "I...I have heard of your exploits up in these parts...and...I was wondering if I could help you in some way...?"
"Help in what way, Miss Wizbang?"
"I am skilled in the arts of magic, sir."
"Just, Kadlian, Wizbang. No sir is necessary."
"Okay..."
"So, you are a mage, then. Of what order spells can you cast?"
"I can cast second order spells."
"Hmmm... Well, another mage in the group would be useful. When Rage and Kailar meet up with us, you can speak with them. They should be able to help you fill in your spell book with anything you do not already have."
"And I presume that you wish to join our group? Are you willing to travel?"
"Yes. I've spent enough time studying in the guild. I want to see the world. I'd follow you...anywhere."
Kadlian nearly chokes on the mouthful of ale he has just attempted to swallow. "Me?..."
Kadlian looks earnestly into her eyes. "Wizban, why would you wish to follow me?"
"Because you're a leader. You can change the world."
Kadlian nods and sighs. "Thank for that compliment, Wizban. I hope you will not be offended when I say that your belief in me is ...surprising. You do know that I was considered an outlaw until very recently, do you not? And that the destruction of the temple of the raven goddess took longer than it should have, with a loss of some very good friends? And that it was a group effort?"
He sighs again. "It was only two years ago that I just starting my adventuring in this area. And I wonder now what Leslie..." He shakes his head breaking off that line of thought.
"Very well, Wizban, you may accompany us, providing you pass a few tests that Hlarn will administer. Nothing painful. He will just ask you a few questions to make sure that your intentions are honest. I suppose that since we do not have to worry about agents of the Raven goddess infiltrating our ranks anymore , that this might be unnecessary, but that will take a vote of the entire party for that to be decided."
Kadlian looks at Wizban carefully. "Is this acceptable to you?"
"If you think so!"
She looks happy, excited and relieved.
Kadlian chuckles. "Yes, I think so. Now, please, do me a favor and see if you can convince Sasha to come back and join us for some dinner."
She goes over to Sasha and speaks to her.
"Porkus, some dinner and ale for us, please."
Kadlian pulls out twenty gold pieces. "Porkus, I would like to apologize to you for my rudeness almost two years ago. It seems I led you to believe that I was going to give you a gold piece for helping us get into contact with some farmers and I ended up only giving you a silver." He places fifteen gold pieces in Porkus' hand. "It was never my intention to cheat you out of anything. It was an honest mistake. I hope you will forgive me."
"The other five will hopefully keep me and my friends full and happy for the rest of the night."
"Thanks, sir, but no," replies Porkus, to your never ending surprise. "I was bein' selfish. For what you've done here, you'll always have yer food an' drink on th' house, sir. Of course, Mister Gnarsh is coverin' everything tonight..."
Kadlian does seem surprised. "That you, my friend. You sure Gnarsh is covering everything for us? We do not get a vote tomorrow." He chuckles. "Of course, I will not tell him, if you do not."
He continues, "If you want to donate that money to a worthwhile cause, give it to the temple. Their roof is leakin' again after that storm."
Kadlian nods. "I was going to donate some money there anyway. I will just add the fifteen to that number."
Porkus grins and walks away, whistling.
Wizbang and Sasha return.
Hlarn gives Porkus a gold coin and tells him that should any of our party stop by, to let them know we are going to see Verona in Sandas, and that she will surely know how to find us.
He nods and takes the coin.
That done, he will at some point tap Gnarsh on the shoulder and let him know to also send any of our companions on to meet us at Verona's. "One other thing Gnarsh. You might be elected castellan tomorrow, but we'll still gladly pay for any training you need right now."
"I kin afford it," the half-orc replies with a grin and a belch. "I walked out wit over 65,000gp in jewels from that temple."
"Hlarn, we will leave after the election. Standing with Gnarsh might help sway the populace to vote for him although he is more than a hero in his own right."
"I would also like you to conduct the testing for Wizbang."
Hlarn is all ready to go and see Verona and find out the details of what she has in mind, but thinks the party should wait and see the outcome of this election for Gnarsh.
"Agreed."
Hlarn nods and will prepare for the task tonight.
That evening, he asks the newcomer to go with Sasha to a back room and remove all her equipment and clothing, donning only a simple robe.
She does not look too happy at this.
Hlarn will cast a blessing, prayer, protection from evil and aid spells and then cast dispel magic upon the woman.
He will then cast Detect Alignment and check the woman's aura, and cast detect magic to see if she has any further magic about her.
After that he will cast a Detect Lie spell, he'll ask the following questions:
"Please state your full name and skills."
"Sally Wizbang. I am a mage."
"Now, please tell a blatant lie so I know the spell is working properly."
"You're cute."
"Are you in the service of any evil power?"
"Of course not!" she says, looking offended.
"Do you intend to do any of our group harm?"
"Will you do all within your power to aid other members of our group if such need arises?"
"No. I was here to serve Kadlian only...and believe me, if he condones this sort of insane paranoid behaviour then I'm not sure I want to do even that!"
With that, Wizbang gathers up her few belongings and walks out.
Kadlian sighs and follows Wizbang out.
A moment later he returns...alone.
Hlarn sighs and looks at Kadlian, "People that want to be part of our group gain a lot of benefits and should not be easily insulted. It is not so much to ask, I think, that they assure us that they are who they say they are. We are a hard group, and harsh words are often spoken, but we stick together through thick and thin. I would give my life for anyone here... and expect the same. A person not willing to take a small test to prove their faith might not be willing to take the greater test laid on them by danger."
The dwarf looks at the closed door. "Besides... better she left in any case. I'd rather have one sensible Gnarsh for ten of her anyday. She saw only the stars, ignoring the hard soil beneath her feet."
Kadlian sighs. "I do not think she wanted to join the group. I think she wanted to follow me. Perhaps it is for the best. My ego was stroked by that kind of adoration. And while it is nice to be admired for our accomplishments, she was blind to my faults."
Kadlian sits there and nurses his ale for a moment. He seems to come to some sort of decision, though, because he puts the mug back down on the table and gets up purposefully. "I will return shortly."
He heads out of the inn.
A short time later he returns again...with Wizbang. She looks flustered and uncomfortable. She glances at Sasha and throws a glare at Hlarn, before returning her eyes to Kadlian.
Early in the evening Rage, Zanax and Sian walk into the inn at Borderland Keep. They see a bit of a party in progress, as the place is filled with locals and farmers. Food and drink flows freely, and Porkus looks very pleased.
Gnarsh is lying under his usual table, stone-drunk, and they see Hlarn, Kadlian and Sasha sitting nearby. With them is another woman whom they do not recognise. She stays close by Kadlian.
About an hour after Rage, Zanax and Sian arrived, Kailar walks into the tavern at Borderland Keep.
The gnome looks at the lot of you.
"I thought we were heading to Sandas? I flew halfway there and had to turn around again."
Zanax offers Kailar a seat.
"Welcome, Kailar. What made you decide to come here when you were halfway to Sandas?"
"I expected to see you and when I didn't I scried for your location."
"We were on our way to Sandas, but the Baron's men had other ideas. We have been proclaimed heroes, my friend. The Baron heard our story and has thanked us. We also met with Ray Jay afterwards. She thinks we should go after the artifact that Verona wants, although we have no more details than we did before."
"One day we're villains living in a small dirty room, the next heroes. Are they going to have a celebration for us?"
Kadlian stands up. "Kailar, may I present Miss Wizbang, a fledgling mage who wishes to accompany me and the rest of the group on our next mission. Miss Wizbang, this is Kailar Krookedtoes, our master illusionist."
Kailar bows, "Pleased to meet you."
Wizbang smiles shyly at the gnome.
"I am pleased to meet you, too."
Rage kinks her head to one side.
"And when did you become a master illusionist? Did I miss it?" the mage asks. "Did you get a fancy piece of paper with your Masters?"
Kadlian shrugs. "That was a lowercase m. Currently, I know of no one better, do you?"
"Lighten up," Rage says to the elf as she takes a hard pull on her milk.
Kadlian suddenly belches loudly.
"Am I too heavy?" Kadlian asks with some concern before smiling and sticking his tongue out at Rage.
Rage looks at Kadlian and frowns. "Is that an offer, our are you just teasing me?"
The evening passes pleasantly enough, and you finally retire for the night. You sleep soundly...your first night in real beds in months.