Chapter Five

"Flame Kiss"

17th of Eleasias, 1372

18th of Eleasias, 1372

18th of Eleasias, 1372

      The morning sun in the Stonelands is a fraction of itself during midday. The sun itself seems thin and wan, barely heating the cold ground. The morning air is chilly. Daekyn steps out from his yurt.

      "The Emissary has been sent for" says Atlantean. Who stood in front of the yurt awaiting Daekyn. The camp is starting to awaken. Several fires have been started. Atlantean hands Daekyn a cup of coffee and a small stack of missives.

      "It seems there was a disturbance out on Mid-watch last night. A soldier was bitten by a goblin and his horse may be lamed by an arrow. The soldier will be fine, but I waited to tell the surgeon to heal the horse before you agreed." He walks over to the edge of the yurt. "I hope your right about going to the Orc city."

      ”Right or wrong, it is something we must do. Have the horse healed. Once we make contact with the Druids, I don't want any trouble with how we treat animals.” Daekyn sips his coffee. “Was the Goblin caught?”

      ”Yes my lord, I will have the surgeon heal the horse immediately. In regards to the Druids are we waiting for them to contact us, or are we searching for a nearby contact?" Atlantean grinned. "As far as the goblins go, no they were not caught. All 13 were killed, and the bodies staked on the 'road' leading north." Atlantean rests his scabbard on his shoulder.

      ”Excellent. I have left orders for Aeryn to send a missive to the local Druidic authorities and requested a meeting with them upon our return. Post a bounty of 50 lions for every goblin killed. That should prevent anymore men from being so careless as to let themselves be bitten. A nice bonus I think, don't you agree?” Daekyn shuffled the missives glancing at each one briefly.

      "Yes, of course. Shall we encourage this for civilians as well?" Atlantean asked.

      ”Hmmm. Interesting thought...” Daekyn said. “However, I would not want the soldiers to be distracted from their duties. Speaking of distractions, I sent Dulcia a missive to send some tavern supplies, a good tavern master and some....entertainers. and, for your information, yes I did tell her to make sure she sends that red head you are so fond of.”

      Atlantean manages to hide the blush as he turns towards the rising sun. "The weather will be clear My lord."

      “Get the Orc my friend. Its time we head out and,” Daekyn pauses for a moment and reflects upon the task ahead. “And deal with what we have. Make sure you bring your ‘good’ axe.”

      "Yes sir. In fact he arrives my Lord." Atlantean motions towards the emissary Jaervys who arrives with an escort of two soldiers. He holds a curious piece of clothing. It appears to a leather vest, with razor sharp spikes on the inside of the back.

      "Master Baron. Greetings. The rising sun casts a warning this morning. I have brought a small token of my faith. A Waerlygg'tk" Jaervys carefully put the vest on. Although a small bulge is apparent on the back of the vest, it appears as a normal vest. "Your man, the One-who-talks-in-the-wind, will keep within arms length of me. If you should find yourself of need to end my life, one tiny shove is all you'll need. This may not be apparent as to why this is wanted. But it is time to tell you the import of me being chosen as an emissary. I am the third son of the Chief who-gifts-the-flame. My life is important to him and our clan. Therefore an excellent bargaining tool." Jaervys bows deeply.

      ”You honor us with your commitment emissary. I want to make one thing very, very clear to you however.” Daekyn pauses.

      "Yes, My Chief-Baron?" Jaervys prompts.

      ”Emissary,” Daekyn pauses once again. “Jaervys, I want you to know, that I want this peace agreement to work. I need it to work Jaervys, and I will do anything in my power to make sure that it does. Since you have shown your dedication and your bravery by coming to me as an emissary from your people, I make this promise to you, specifically. You can always count on my word to you Jaervys. You can always have the faith that when I give you my word on something, that I will do exactly what I say.” Daekyn opens his hand out to Atlantean, who instinctively hands him a small, yet very sharp blade. Daekyn makes a small incision in his palm and hands the blade, handle first, to Jaervys. “Do you know what a blood oath is Jaervys?”

      "Of course, but my people seal it with fire my chief-baron." Jaervys begins to chant an incantation, during which he swipes his hand towards the blade, gouging it deeply. His hands glow with bright white flames, and he grasps Daekyn’s hand. The flames dance above the grasped hands of Daekyn and Jaervys. The sound of searing flesh is heard. Atlantean steps forward but stops at Daekyn’s nod. The flames turn a deep crimson red, colored by the blood, and they die down.

      An hour later the small party of Daekyn, Atlantean, and Jaervys is on the road heading west. Straight through the heart of the Stonelands.

      Jaervys looks uncomfortable on the horse. "My chief-Baron....we should trade for a hYungwaerth FIRST thing."

      Daekyn laughs. “Jaervys, I fear that humans will never be advanced enough to ride something as worthy as those, but give us time, we are learning.”

      "My chief-baron. A secret way to our city lies within a few hours of your Firehaven. However the way is secret to anyone not Orc. I would ASK that you keep your knowledge of it hidden from my father. Otherwise we would need to ride for 2 days before reaching the valley of the caught-sun. The way is always easiest…through not around." Jaervys points to the west where a small flat topped mountain looms over the cracked valleys and canyons of the Stonelands.

      Daekyn looks to where Jaervys is pointing and nods. “I will keep this secret from your father Jaervys, if that is your wish.”

      "It is…until he bargains with you and becomes your ally my chief-baron. My father is reasonable, and acts wisely. He has a great resource of wisdom." Jaervys looks over at Atlantean. "Man-who-talk-in-the-wind? Shall I recite a poem from our most esteemed poet GungWath Dee? It is entitled the City of Glass."

      Daekyn grins and anticipates Atlantean’s answer, knowing his disgust for bards.

      “Surely at least it will pass the time emissary.” Atlantean says. Daekyn purses his lips in approval.

      "Ah yes. This poem was written to herald the simplicity of our lives and the grace in which we try to live them." Jaervys closes his eyes and recites. "Time will pass/In the city of glass/A solemn place/To hear Our Lord’s grace/Take a pause/And think for a second/Wait for the applause/By the Lord you are beckoned/An innocent mishap along the way/ May lead to untold disarray/Study the ways of a higher being/And you may understand what you are seeing/Inner peace lies close at hand/If only you would enter the Promised Land." Jaervys opens his eyes again and asks. "Is it not divine Master Atlantean?"

      Atlantean rolls his eyes and says. “Are we there yet?”

      Daekyn chuckles. “Surely it is a fine piece of work emissary, forgive Atlantean. Some wear their heart on their sleeve. My comrade wears his inside his plate mail.”

      Jaervys nods. "Yes well. Indeed, not everyone has a taste for words Master Atlantean, perhaps you would enjoy my brother's Artistry a little better. His work is with blade and bow Master Atlantean. No one is better."

      The trio is riding through a box end valley. The valley sides are mottled shale and red granite. The colors vary widely. After an hour the trio clearly comes to an end, with no exit in sight. Jaervys smiles at Daekyn. "My chief-baron, would you care to guess where the entrance is?" Jaervys watches as Daekyn intently peers ahead, searching for the entrance. After a respectable wait Jaervys grandly sweeps his arm backward. The canyon splits a short distance behind where the party is and enters a separate canyon with a large overhanging face.

      "Invisible from up top my chief-baron. Except a small crack that runs for nearly a mile, and then opens into a deep sinkhole.....through that a tunnel leads us to my city. So dark and deep is the sinkhole that not even the goblins or other denizens of the desert know about it." Jaervys pauses and clears his throat. "Well except for the side tunnels which are unexplored."

      Daekyn smiles. “Wonderful emissary. I am most impressed.”

      ”And that is not easy to do Emissary.” Atlantean says

      "Four more hours and we will be on the other side of the mountain my chief-baron." Jaervys manages to look humbly embarrassed. “"Thanks. I was the one who discovered this route my chief-baron"

      Four hours of riding in the dark seems to pass slowly. The promised path leads deep in the darkness, and although Daekyn suggested bringing a light Jaervys implored him not to. “Trust me, my chief-baron. The path leads upward again to the sunlight. Which will now be most unbearably hot after the coolness of the caves. I am afraid of the what the light may draw to us.” Jaervys lowers his voice. “In several places the path opens into great caverns which echo evilly. The sound of water dripping is the only break in the doom of the dark. Please trust in my chief=baron.”

      Several hours later the party emerges on the far side of the mountain in a deep canyon. A small crack, which barely fits the horses opens into the city of the Orcs. The party shades their eyes until they can adjust to the bright sun. Sharp reflections gleam against the party’s eyes as they wait. A small well organized city lies before them in the center of a small canyon. A fortified natural stone wall stops the lower end of the canyon. You can barely see the sentries as they walk the top of the wall.

      “From the other side of that wall my chief-baron, you could pass by within a stone’s throw and never know the city lies on the other side. It is nearly invisible to one that is non-orc.” Jaervys turns and points at the other end of the valley, which rises sharply beyond the city. "This path leads straight into the city and out the far side. The valley rises sharply and makes a dog left turn....to the Temple, where we shall meet my father." Jaervys closes his eyes and concentrates. "Yes, they are expecting us." Jaervys reopens his eyes and points to the city. "Welcome to Flame-kiss. My home."

      As the party makes its way from the hidden crack and into the city they notice that several buildings seem to be made entirely of glass. In fact most of the buildings have large panes of glass instead of walls. The glass is without defects. They are clear and shine brightly. Angles are favored in most of the architecture and the natural stone is also used heavily, but without reduction of the stone surrounding it. None of the buildings seem to be square, and some have odd structures rising or jutting out at odd angles. Most of the buildings have one level, but several rise above the heads of the party as they move through the wide avenues.

      “Impressive, most impressive Jaervys.” Daekyn whistles appreciatively.

      Several orcs can be seen conducting daily routines along the route. The orcs are dressed mainly in black clothes. Jaervys nods and looks about the city as he rides.

      ”It is the divine will that we embrace. We shape when we must and embrace what we can’t. Fire is equal to purification.” Daekyn looks sharply at Jaervys. “Come we are away to the temple. Your passage is open.” Jaervys begins to ride ahead, but slows and waits for Atlantean, staying just ahead and to the side of him. A wide avenue of crushed gravel leads up the back of the canyon.

      As the party rides the path to left at the end of the valley a wonderful sight greets them. Three deciduous trees, A proud Oak, A leafy Maple and a rugged Blue leaf stand in a triangle in front of a temple entrance carved into the stone at the back of the small canyon. A dozen Orcs, holding pole arms stand in formation in front of the temple. The temple has two majestic figures carved into the stone above it. Two Angelic Orcs with white wings and flowing robes hold their hands towards each other, and in between their hands flames of a fire rage. Ten more mounted Orcs riding eight legged brownish lizards proceed around the rim of the canyon. Jaervys dismounts slowly waiting for Atlantean.

      Atlantean immediately recognizes the use of the eight legged brownish lizards. Assuming they are the hYungwaerth Jaervys spoke of earlier. Atlantean smirks, knowing full well Daekyn had no clue what they were until this moment.

      "Shall we?" Jaervys asks pointing towards the door.

      ”Let this begin.” Says Daekyn.

      As the three companions proceed through the soldiers formation each line of Soldiers turn as they pass. Their booted feet clicking sharply, which are the only sounds in this quiet valley.

      Inside the temple. The walls and ceilings are carved in white marble. The entrance boasts two more statues whose hands are over small troughs on the wall. A clear substance drips from their palms and into the trough. The trough is flaming, providing stable and warm light. Murals of warm and happy scenes dominate the walls and ceiling above the trough. They seem to hold some magic, as if the scenes are moving. Although as the party passes they notice the murals are made with normal, although exotic, materials. The murals make the hall seem larger than it is. The hall soon opens into a central hexagonal room, with a large 30 foot angelic orc statue in the center. The troughs of oil drip down pipes and into the statue, which is cleverly carved to provide very small cracks in which the oil flows in. Thus making the statue seemingly writhe in flames, albeit very small ones. Daekyn looks at the statue curiously and he decides that embrace would better describe the stance of the statue. Another dozen soldiers block the west exit of this hall. Jaervys, looks confused for a minute and then turns east.

      "This way my chief-baron."

      ”You look concerned my emissary, anything wrong?” Daekyn says as he follows Jaervys.

      "Wrong? No my chief-baron. Its just my father usually holds his meetings a little less formally in the waiting room. It seems he deems you more worthy. We meet in the Cathedral."

      As Daekyn and Atlantean follow the east hall they notice a passageway to the south. A symbol is marked on the door and alight similar to the statue. It is the symbol of Kossuth. The soldiers follow in formation, drawing up the rear of the party. Atlantean’s nerves tingle with a fighters warning.

      Jaervys leads the party into a large Cathedral. Where a number of well dressed Orcs sit in pews. A black armored Orc stands at the front of the Cathedral. He indicates a small 3 person wooden pew with enclosed railings. Jaervys opens the little door to it and sits in front of Atlantean who looks carefully around the room, noting the soldiers lining both walls and the absence of other exits. The black armored Orc appears distressed. You notice a black shrouded object on an altar behind the Orc. A smaller Orc with translucent armor stands next to the black armored orc. He glares at you evilly. The orc raises his hands and soldiers enter the room behind you. The doors close.

      Jaervys stands and in Orcish announces loudly. "Chief of Fire-kiss and Chosen of Fire. Orc-who-gifts-the-fire, my chief Waylan Ochenkirk, I bring you man-who-swims-with-fire. Lord Baron Firehand and his companion the man-who-talks-in-the-wind, Master Atlantean.

      The smaller Orc twists his lips into a snarl and yells. "They are thieves and murderers. No titles will be known except dead." The young Orc begins to draw his weapon, a nasty two headed axe. When the Orc in black armor holds up a hand.

      Daekyn leans forward. “Chief of Fire-Kiss, I have come to you in good faith and without malice, without escort as a demonstration of that good faith. Why are we greeted with charges of murder and theft? Not only can your Son attest to my devotion to a peaceful coexistence between us, but also those that have traded with you, those of the Zhents, have also given reason to not doubt my sincerity.” Daekyn spreads his hands in supplication.

      The orc chief solemnly looks at Daekyn. "Of good faith, you are here to answer to an atrocity organized against us. For this you are here and do not lie dead in the gutter outside our city walls. Of GOOD faith you are here, in the most sacred of Temples to answer to a charge I lay at your feet, not born by you, but by those who serve you. In good FAITH, I have not demanded your head torn from your body in simple anger and grief. I am in GOOD FAITH, here to ask you why you have encouraged this atrocity to happen?"

      Jaervys looks back at Daekyn and asks. "What atrocity father? What has happened?"

      "Your brother, Ferryk the heir-apparent was murdered and your other brother Hyrkul nearly met the same end." The chief pauses. “Murdered by Soldiers of the Purple Dragon."

      Daekyn looks shocked and gives a puzzled look to Atlantean. Daekyn stands and lays his black staff on the marble floor as well as his dagger, he then stares at the Orc Chief. “Your grace, I swear by Kossuth that I have no knowledge of the acts you speak of, nor have I sanctioned or ordered any of the Purple Knights under my command to take any such action. In fact I have gone to great lengths to ensure that None of the Purple Dragons have any contact with your kingdom until we can forge a peace. I swear to you, that no one with in my sphere has done this.”

      "Shut your filthy hole human." Hyrkul screams in broken common.

      The Orc Chief waves a hand. "You stand here, and are allowed to speak, for one reason. The blinking-man has told us of your GOOD FAITH. The soldiers of the purple dragon have snuck into the temple and defiled our deepest ceremony chambers and even the tombs of our lost and loved ones. They stole everything they could and destroyed what they couldn't steal." The Chief holds up a torn Purple Dragon Tabard. "They wore the standard of the Purple Dragon. They left 'evidence' behind of their vileness." The chief indicates the form that hidden beneath the shroud behind him. "They maimed my son, even after death, taking his scalp..." The Orc chief's voice cracks and his son, Hyrkul, puts a hand on his father's shoulder while still glaring at you. "I have asked for the wisdom and prayers. We have been awake all night searching for the answers. Everything points towards the New Purple Dragons in the Stonelands. The ones who came but a few days ago and are not from here." Jaervys signals two priests who step forward. "I do not know the justice that shall be meted out today. I pray it is fair." The Orc chief slumps against the shrouded body. His body wracked by sobs. Hyrkul waves and three soldiers step up towards you behind the priests.

      Daekyn holds up a hand. “Chief of Fire Kiss. Granted, your evidence is strong that someone who wore the garb of the Purple Dragons did this, but I give my word to you and your son, it was not me or any of my men. I do not deny that some of them hold no love for your people. But I ask you two questions to consider;” Daekyn puts his hand to his chin. “If I were so interested in a peaceful coexistence, as the blinking man has told you, and am also to take their place as those who trade with you, why would I want to endanger this process? If it was my intent to conquer your people, why send so few men? Would a conqueror simply send in just a few men only to do this? No, he would send many, and many wizards as well. No my lord, it was not I who did this. Someone else wants to weaken the alliance that we would form, a third enemy of us both My lord.” Daekyn pauses significantly. “Can you tell me it would make sense for me to have this atrocity done, and then come to you alone? “

      "You lie Mage." Hyrkul says as he walks over to your platform, his weapon gleaming. "The dozens of soldiers that did this killed our tomb-guardian and stole the very thing that would give us an even footing."

      "SILENCE" Screams the Orc chief.

      Hyrkul continues. "It wasn't good faith, or trade, but the weakening and slavery of our people that is your goal. With the Fireblood you would be invincible to...."

      "SHUT UP, Hyrkul!!!" Interrupts the Chief. "I will not allow..."

      "What father? What won't you allow? Perhaps allowing the lying humans to put our people into slavery? Make us mine for their metals? What won't YOU ALLOW?" Fumes Hyrkul. The Orc Chief stands up straight and looks Hyrkul in the eye.

      "I won't allow disrespect in the Temple of Kossuth. You will stand down." The chief meets his son in a steely glare. Hyrkul stands close to the platform his axe raised and ready to swing at Daekyn.

      Daekyn ignores the danger of the Orc with the axe and steps forward with both palms facing open. “My Lord, This can be settled with out incident. I and my companion will submit to any magical test of your priests, and may Kossuth strike me down if I am not telling you the absolute truth in my answers.”

      Hyrkul glares and lowers the axe. Under his breath he whispers 'Your head will be mine Daekyn. No human shall rule us." The Orc chief nods tears marking his face.

      "I want the lives of the 2 dozen men who committed this atrocity, for now I will agree that you may not have known in advance about this, but you surely do now. I also want full recompense for the damage and value of what was stolen.” The orc wrings his hands together. “The men will be shaved and shackled and put to work in the mines, under the direct supervision of my son Hyrkul." The chief pauses and continues with a hushed voice. "I congratulate you on the theft of the only bargaining tool I had with you. My reluctant admiration is extended. However this is moot, as our agreement today will reside on one thing. Whether or not we are at war."

      ”My lord, I swear to you and your son, I will expend every effort and resource to find these criminals and return them to you for justice.” Daekyn begins.

      "Promises by a liar and a thief My chief-father. I say we kill them now, while they are vulnerable, and wipe out the others that cower in their cloth homes in the desert." Hyrkul snarls.

      The chief nods slowly. "Your eagerness has merit my son."

      Jaervys stands. "My chief-father? The Baron and I share the Waerkgytuh, sealed by THE fire. Kossuth shall strike your third, now second, son if you strike this man down." Jaervys extends his hands outward. "Leaving you only one son. One who wants to throw us into war with the humans." Jaervys nods towards Hyrkul. "I would ask your leniency my chief-father. Remember the words of the blinking-man....this man shapes more than the flame of his own life. he shapes the fires of many."

      ’Enough!’ Daekyn thinks to himself. “My Lord,” Daekyn's voice resounds through out the cathedral. “I hold your laws in high regard, I grieve at the loss of your son, I lost my parents to assassins many years ago and sympathize with your loss more than you can know, to have those you love torn away from you prematurely by forces unknown to you. I have given every consent to you in this matter. I have given my word to you and your son Jaervys, with whom I share a blood oath, to find these human criminals and bring them to justice. I have done more to make peace than any other human from Cormyr has before me.” Daekyn punctuates the last with a finger pointed at the chief. “If there is to be a peaceful coexistence between our people, then it must start here. We must band together to confront this common enemy that would try to keep our people from living in the Stonelands peacefully.” Daekyn pauses and walks slightly back and forth cautiously, judging the reaction from the Chief. Atlantean tenses his muscles under his armor, ready to spring to Daekyn’s defense at any moment. His trained eye has already picked out his first two targets. Hyrkul face contorts in anger. He slowly readies a strike against Daekyn.

      Daekyn continues. ”I have sworn an Oath to make the Stonelands safe for trade and a secure border, That Oath applies to Orcs and Humans alike. And it means bringing justice to any criminal who violates the laws here. Neither of us wants war, because war means that one of us will be completely eradicated from the Stonelands. This peace means not only fair and equitable trade between us, for which I think there is much that we can both benefit from trading, but that our peoples cultures and lifestyles can continue, and that we can secure a future for both our peoples. Your Son Jaervys has told me that you are blessed with much wisdom chief. Do not let the tragedy that has happened here be a prelude to war, rather let it be a lesson as to how costly, and how fragile peace can be. Our people CAN coexist together, if we are wise enough to allow it to happen.” Daekyn lets his words echo through the chamber. A few whispers can be heard from the assembled orcs.

      The Orc Chief nods. "Perhaps it is my grief that holds sway instead of wisdom. Allow my son to remain in your camp as Liaison. But he returns as MY vassal."

      "NO Father, let me end them...." Hyrkul screams. Hyrkul raises his axe.

      Daekyn rips his shirt and bears his chest as he turns to Hyrkul. “Go ahead Hyrkul! STIRKE ME DOWN IF YOU HOLD SUCH LITTLE RESPECT FOR YOUR FATHER, AND SUCH LITTLE REGARD FOR YOUR BROTHER'S LIFE! TAKE A MAN'S LIFE, A MAN WHO STANDS BEFORE UNARMED, SHOW ME THAT YOU ARE NO BETTER THAN THOSE WHO HAVE DONE THE ATROCITIES TO YOUR FAMILY, BECOME THAT WHICH YOU DISPISE SO MUCH!" Daekyn stand there, waiting. Atlantean readies himself, but does not move. Hyrkul pauses momentarily before slamming the axe towards Daekyn’s chest. Atlantean erupts into motion sending his own axe upwards in a blocking motion. Daekyn stands still. Before the axes clash in a shower of sparks a curtain of white-red fire erupts from the floor and envelops Hyrkul. A howl of pain is heard, and Hyrkul stumbles away from the stand. His face a mess of bubbling and crispened flesh. He screams and throws his axe to the ground. It thunks into the solid stone and sticks. Jaervys looks fiercely at his brother. His eyes fixed in concentration.

      The chief signals the guards. "Remove him immediately, and tend to his wounds." The chief walks over and says. "Compensation for the wealth stolen from the tombs and the ceremony rooms and the lives of the two dozen soldiers. Exactly that, and no more. Agreed?"

      Daekyn shakes his head. “The guilty party Chief, I cannot give you innocent lives. But I will give you the guilty to do with as you please, and I will personally make financial reparations, for as Baron, I assume that responsibility since I am in charge of the humans in Stonelands.” Daekyn’s scowl changes into an evil grin. “I will hunt these humans down as if they had killed my own family.”

      "Agreed. The guilty one's....verified by Jaervys, of course."

      ”Chief, I accept Jaervys as ambassador, and personally guarantee the safety of any of your people who come to Fire Haven in the name of peace.” Daekyn says.

      "The theft of Fireblood was a blow. It was going to be our gift, after trade agreements were made. Now it is lost again, maybe never to be seen again." The chief looks at the body on the altar. "And now...the burial. Please go. We will send word with Jaervys who shall come to you soon. I can't think of trade now. I won’t" Jaervys looks at Daekyn and nods.

      ”My Lord, I came here to discuss a trade treaty, and I agree that now is not the time. But let us at least agree to a pact of non-aggression pact until this crisis can be overcome. No Purple Knight shall raise arms against an Orc, under no conditions other than mortal threat.

      "Agreed." Sighed the chief.

      ”I shall return to Fire Haven, and await for Jaervys to come. I must immediately see to this, that the search for these bastards is begun.” Daekyn says.

      "Agreed. And take this 'evidence' with you." The chief indicates the tabard and broken sword of a soldier.

      Daekyn bows gracefully in homage to the Chief. He speaks the word "Staff!" and holds his hand to his black staff, but nothing happens. Daekyn looks around in consternation, then nods in understanding. He grabs his staff and leaves with Atlantean. Stepping out of the temple they teleport back to Fire Haven.

      Daekyn and Atlantean appear in the yurt back at Fire Haven. Daekyn immediately walks to the opening and leans out to a guard. "Get Capt. Dauntinghorn and Sgt Stoan, immediately"

      The guard turns and snaps a salute. “Yes Sir, immediately.” Soon both Captain Dauntinghorn and Sgt. Stoan step into the yurt.

      "Reporting with Sgt. Stoan Baron Firehand." Aeryn salutes.

      “We have just returned from the Orc city. First off, you will be surprised to know that their city is as well built as any human city I have ever seen, it even competes with some Elven cities I have seen Second. Tell me what you make of this.”

      Stoan sneers, but hides it behind a yawn. Aeryn grabs the cloth and looks at it. "The tabard of a Purple Dragon, sir."

      ”Stoan, do Purple Knights tactics include unprovoked raids on civilian targets? And stop yawning.” Daekyn snaps.

      "No sir. The word unprovoked shouldn’t really be taken in account in the Stonelands. Even beyond my known feelings. The Stonelands is a dangerous place to live. Goblins and Orcs were responsible for the death of my first unit. I have seen more men die by the humanoids then I care to imagine." Stoan continues. “I do not allow my men to engage in unsanctioned 'missions'. My orders come from the Crown and the appointed officers of the Crown. My men respect me, because I keep them safe." Stoan pauses briefly before adding. “Sir.”

      “That's what I thought. And just for the record, neither of you have given orders to Raid the Orc city have you?” Daekyn asks.

      Aeryn blinks and adamantly says. "No sir."

      Stoan sighs. "No, sir. But we have searched for it, and found it, in mission we were appointed about a year ago. Although contact with the 'citizens' of the city were not made. What are you accusing me of this time SIR?"

      ”Stop being paranoid Stoan, you stand accused of nothing but being the consummate soldier.” Daekyn grumbles. “But I just wanted those questions answered for the record.”

      Stoan mumbles. "Yes, sir."

      Daekyn sits down in a chair sighing heavily. “We have a problem. Raiders wearing the colors of the Purple Dragons have raided the Orc city, killing many civilians as well as the Chief's first son. Nearly causing a war on the eve of peace.”

      Stoan doesn't try and hide the smirk. "Well sir. I have a contingency plan in effect that can set in motion a cycle of events that will wipe those scum from the Stonelands."

      Daekyn smiles thinly. “Thank you Stoan, I figured you did, but I am sure much to your dislike, that peace can still be achieved, and honor restored to the reputation of the Purple Knights. I know it wasn't the Purple knights that attacked for two reasons…”

      Atlantean hears an almost inaudible whisper from Aeryn. 'The wind blows....eddies in the wind.'

      Daekyn continues oblivious. “…First off, Purple Knights are honorable; they don't raid, they go in en mass, with superior numbers whenever possible, and they are not as inefficient as these raiders were. Plus, Purple knights don’t just go for plunder, which is what these raiders did. Second, I trust both of you, Stoan, I may not like you, and you may not like me, but I trust your word, that's why you are here. So we have two problems, the first being that this will hamper my plans for a peaceful coexistence. Second, Someone has the audacity to go around and impersonate the Purple Knights…Any thoughts gentleman?”

      Aeryn blinks and seems to shake his head. "Sir. This is an atrocity on many levels. We must find out who did this....may I ask how you are planning on doing this?" Stoan looks thoughtful.

      ”First off, I want the duty rosters for every night that the camp has been here, and every man that can't be accounted for questioned and his whereabouts ascertained. I seriously doubt anyone in the camp would go and do this, but we have to make sure that we do this investigation by the book. Second, No one is to leave the camp except on official duty, and never less then three at a time, without my personal order.” Daekyn looks over at Stoan. “Stoan, we will be sending out patrols to hunt for these criminals, but under no circumstance are they to engage in fire with any orc, unless they attack us first.” Daekyn pauses.

      Aeryn salutes and says. "Yes sir!"

      Stoan nods and says. "Yes, sir." He looks troubled.

      ”Aeryn, you are to post a bounty on these criminals for 5,000 lions per head, alive, and ONLY alive. Give as much detail as we have, which, granted is very little. But these raiders took a great deal of wealth, so it is likely they will go to spend it somewhere. Also a legendary item part of the Four From Cormyr, a gem which fit into a sword that was Azoun IV's....” Aeryn and Stoan both gasp. “…Was also taken, and that cannot be easily gotten rid of. See if the War Wizards that are staying here can provide any assistance, they may be able to help scry these people out.” Daekyn looks at Stoan. “Stoan? you look disturbed, what is wrong?”

      Stoan looks uncomfortable. "Um, nothing sir. At least nothing yet sir."

      ”Stoan,...speak up, if have any suspicions, now is the time. I trust you to be upfront with me Stoan.” Daekyn smiles.

      Stoan glances at Aeryn. "May I wait until later sir?"

      ”Yes, you will wait here anyway, I have some missives I need dispatched immediately. Aeryn, get these bounty's posted, get me those records and talk to the War Wizards your self, tell them to come see me if there is anything else they need to know.” Daekyn waves at Aeryn. “Dismissed Captain.”

      Aeryn salutes smartly and exits the yurt. Stoan steps closer and lowers his voice. "Baron. The Dauntinghorn family is very wealthy and powerful in Cormyr. They hold respect and influence similar to the way I wield swords and shields. However I have information to pass on, reluctantly, to you.....I ask to speak frankly and without recourse." Stoan pauses and adds. "Please, sir." ”Stoan, when you stood there when we first met and showed me your defiance, I knew that if nothing else, you were a man of conviction. Of course you may speak frankly.” Daekyn says.

      Stoan swallows and says. "Sir I hate you, you represent everything I loath in life. Trickery, magic, twisted words and no honor." Stoan presses on. "BUT, You are my superior and are a duly sworn member of the nobility of Cormyr." Daekyn grins. “In this, I never EVER swerve from duty." Stoan lowers his head. “except once."

      Daekyn leans forward and says. “Go on.”

      "Before I received my orders to transfer here. A merchant, with no wares in his cart, spent some good money getting all of the information about you as he could. He spent lions like water.” Stoan grabs his purse. “He spent some time at my old base asking anyone who would talk about your activities there. Especially about the orc.” Stoan stops and looks around. “He was a member of the family of Dauntinghorn."

      Daekyn nods his head. Atlantean grins.

      "I also know that before the supplies were given to the escort of the Maekyr platoon. That Dauntinghorn family members spent money on information about you. Lots of money." Daekyn goes over and pours himself a drink, he stays quiet pensively for a moment.

      “Thank you Stoan. I will consider this and see if it works into the equation. This conversation never happened, at least for now until I can evaluate this further. “See to it that standing orders are left at the main entrance, Orcs may enter as long as they wear peace knots, also the Emissary will be returning after they bury his brother. See that the men understand they are to treat the Orcs with kid gloves, for now. That is all Stoan.”

      Stoan interrupts. "No sir. This I give you now…tonight." Stoan opens his pouch and counts out the 10 lions and 1 platinum piece that were in there. "These are the very ones they gave me. I will do no dishonor to you as long as you’re my Baron."

      Daekyn pauses slightly. “Stoan, you may just have given me more evidence than an entire army of Knights could have gotten for us “ Daekyn puts the coins in a velvet lined box, making sure to use a pair of tongs to grasp each coin. “I will deal with these immediately Stoan, thank you. And Stoan, That contingency plan you have for the Orcs,” Stoan raises an eyebrow. A smirk plays across his face. “Brief me on it in the morning. Dismissed.”

      Stoan snaps into attention and fires a salute smartly. "Yes Sir!."

      Fzoul Chembryl says. “Greetings Master Firehand....I see you have met with the Orcs this morning.” Daekyn turns to see Fzoul as he blinks into the yurt.

      “Yes, yes I did. Unfortunately, there were, complications.”

      “Oh?” Fzoul snaps a finger and a small man who is shaven and sports tattoos on the head appears with refreshments. His demeanor is a servant, but his rich red robes belie his station. “Mind if I join you for a drink?”

      “Certainly, we are alone for the time being.”

      “You seem to have made quite a bit of progress in the few weeks since we have spoken. I am most impressed. Tell me of your plans for the next 6 months or so.” Fzoul says as he sits beside Daekyn.

      “Ah, well.” Daekyn digs into a chest and produces several maps, blueprints and so forth and lays them out in front of Fzoul on the table. “Within the next six to eight months, the main keep should be finished. This will establish a permanent defensive position in the Stonelands, something that has not as of yet been achieved. In the interim, I have to finalize the patrols of the borders, and fix things up with the Orcs. There is one in particular that I feel will be a problem, he may need more permanent measures to deal with.” Daekyn pauses. “Then there is also the matter of the lich to deal with. That endeavor will provide me an opportunity to eliminate some of the purple dragons that I deem most loyal to the crown. Once I have established a permanent structure, incorporate the Purple Knights with a majority that will be more loyal to my orders, and fixed things up with the Orcs, then I shall be in a position to start poking into the Cormyrean nobles; finding out which would be the most vulnerable to manipulation.”

      Fzoul nods. “Interesting...has trade agreements been made yet?”

      Daekyn says. “Unfortunately, I have only been able to establish a "Pact of Non-aggression" with the Orc Chief, due to some raiders that attacked the orcs posing as Cormyrean soldiers. I have set a high bounty on their head already, and luck has provided me with some items that may lead me directly to them. Once I can get this mess cleared up, I think a trade treaty with the Orcs will soon follow. The Chief's, now first, son and I have formed an interesting relationship. I think he will be of much use to me in formalizing the treaty.”

      Fzoul leans forward almost imperceptibly. The first time he has lent a visual clue to his thoughts in his head. "But have they said WHAT they will trade with you?"

      “No, there was too much strife in the crisis for the Orc Chief to even consider trade. However, I take it you noticed the same resources they have that I did?” Daekyn grins slightly.

      Fzoul blinks and leans back again. "I may have, master Firehand. But early attempts to equip them with items of war proved a meager trade. They are tremendously interested in all things Art however, especially pottery." Fzoul smiles. "They refuse to speak of their glass making techniques, which is an interesting craft. They also have weapons of such stunning construction ......which are amazing in their own right." Fzoul continues. “I have done some research, and only a few hints remain in my books about a metal, laden with natural energies, that appears translucent...almost invisible. That can be worked like iron and superior magic retention.”

      “I gained insight into their interests while traveling with the Chief's son. I was impressed by his interest in poetry, and the art work of the city. Although they may have been reluctant to talk of their glass making techniques in the past, I am confident I can at least get some useful research material from him. The material is extremely similar to crystal adantium, a material native to the world of Arakeem, where I spent some time over the last few years. It was liquid when treated properly, and could be forged into various materials. Once treated and hardened, it was nearly indestructible, and stronger than mithral.” Daekyn says. “I am not sure if this material is similar, but it shares many of the same properties.”

      "Hmmm. A portal perhaps to that other world? Or found locally I wonder." Fzoul puts a finger on his chin in thought. "I would pay grandly for information, and even more for product. Raw or processed. Oh and before I go." Fzoul digs out a piece of paper. "You have a spy in your camp from the Harper's. A zhent caravan intercepted a message dated just two days ago and written from inside your camp." Fzoul hands Daekyn a piece of paper.

      “Damn that gray bearded antique!” Daekyn swears. Daekyn glances down at the paper.

      Fzoul smiles grandly and steeples his fingers in front of his mouth.. "We help each other yes Master Firehand?"

      Daekyn looks up at Fzoul. “As always my lord. I thank you for this information. I knew that old coot wouldn't be able to resist sending his Harper minions sooner or later. I was just hoping it would be later. When I find out who it is, I promise you, he will lead the charge into the Lich's lair.”

      Fzoul smiles and says. "Excellent." Fzoul stands and extends a hand towards you. "I shall certainly try and send word next time I am popping by for a visit, however I figured this was important enough to forego manners." Fzoul looks down at the servant. “"We are off grunt-mage." Fzoul snaps his fingers and the servant vanishes. "My best, master Firehand....”

      “Of course my lord, Once the keep is complete, it will have a much more secure location for you to visit. Oh, one more thing My lord. You wanted to station a mage here, I left contact information for him, but have not as yet heard from him. I thought you should know, just in case something ill gotten has happened to him. I have arranged a cover for him as the new merchant guild leader that will be established within the stronghold. A position that should allow him to freely communicate as well as monitor caravan activity for you. Have you heard from him?”

      Fzoul blinks and says. "Actually I have. She left Waterdeep before you did, but she travels....rather slowly. She disdains horses. I am sure she will be here along shortly....again she does not know she is working for the Network. Allow her belief in the story I have concocted. Soon Daekyn, we will be able to foment your plans. Cormyr will finally be mine."

      “Yes my lord, everything is proceeding within the parameters of my plans. Success will soon follow. Travel well my lord.”

      Fzoul blinks away.

19th of Eleasias, 1372