Chapter Four "The Fear of Flame
16th of Eleasias, 1372
����� Daekyn had planned on only spending a few days in Baldur�s Gate. The mood was strange and harried in Baldur�s Gate there had been a large fire that started a few nights before Daekyn and Atlantean and the caravan arrived on ship, and most of the famed friendliness of Baldur�s Gate was lacking. Daekyn spent his days filled with rude merchants and inflated prices. The city guard interrogated Daekyn and his party members heavily about their whereabouts and business while in Baldur�s Gate. They were especially interested in any information regarding a half-crazed gnome who was rumored to have started a fire a few nights before. The few days Daekyn anticipated to spend turned into a week. The city was awash in gossip and pointed stares. Daekyn completed each transaction with little wasted time. Everyone in Daekyn�s party seemed to be glad to leave Baldur�s Gate and be back on the road. Once out of Baldur's Gate Daekyn and Atlantean left the caravan to its journey and stopped by a small stream. Daekyn drew several invisible runes in the air, and gently pulled a shimmering curtain out of the air, and drew it aside. Atlantean stepped through followed closely by Daekyn.
����� Daekyn immediately checked the surroundings closely and smiles. He is within a few feet of the spot he first spotted the garrison at High Horn. Atlantean and Daekyn walk up the low stone structure and present their papers to the soldiers posted at the gate. After a few minutes of conversation Daekyn asks for provisions from the guard.
����� �Unfortunately sir, we are not allowed to sell any provisions that have been stocked at the garrison. However an unfortunate accident has left some supplies with us and 3 extra horses from the last caravan through this region. I can outfit you with that.� The guard showed Daekyn the supplies, which were stored in a small shed. �The garrison is remote and far from Suzail. We haven�t heard of any news from the court in quite awhile. Although I do wish you the best, Baron Firehand. The Stonelands are a dangerous area. The Goblin Marches are extremely bad.�
����� Daekyn offered a fair price for three horses and adequate supplies for a journey of five days. After supplying themselves Daekyn and Atlantean rest for an hour watching the clouds buffet against the Storm Horns. Later Daekyn and Atlantean prepared their horses.
����� �A bard once read to me a poem about the road. Something about how it goes ever on and nobody knows where it ends.� Atlantean looked over Daekyn. �But I know where this one ends. It ends in the Stonelands.�
����� �Quit waxing poetic Daekyn, it doesn�t suit you.� Atlantean swung into the saddle and tightened his riding gloves. �Last one to Eveningstar is a rotten egg.� Atlantean kicked and rode off down the slope. Daekyn smiled and jumped into the saddle, his steed jumped to follow the dusty trail of Atlantean.
����� Five days later brought the companions north and on the eastern edge of the Stonelands. A small stone structure ahead on the road abutts a tower three stories high. A tall proud pole flies the Purple Standard of Cormyr. Four soldiers in purple tabards casually walk into the center of the road and wait for the two companions to approach.
����� One soldier, a burly human man, holds out a hand and says, �Hail and well met, strangers. Welcome to Cormyr. What manner of business brings such an interesting pack of travelers across our borders?� He stands with his hand on a wooden sign posted on the edge of the road. It reads;
����� Laws of Cormyr
����� 1. All persons entering Cormyr must register with the officials of a border garrison.
����� 2. Foreign currency can only be used in certain locations. Please exchange your coins for Cormyrean golden lions at your first opportunity.
����� 3. Adventurers must acquire a charter before undertaking any operation as a group.
����� 4. All weapons must be peace-bonded. The only persons exempt from this law are members of chartered adventuring groups and members of mercenary groups that can offer proof of employment.
����� 5. Harming cats is forbidden.
����� 6. Bow your head to royalty and the local nobility.
����� 7. Purple Dragons have the right to search you upon request.
����� 8. Hunting on private land is forbidden
����� On the second floor of the tower, an older man sits by an open window and seems to be enjoying some fresh air. He looks down at you and waves, and you notice a wand casually resting in his other hand.
����� Atlantean leans close to Daekyn and whispers. �Perhaps answering the soldier�s question would be a smart idea.�
����� Daekyn presents his papers to the burly man. �I am Baron Firehand and am in route to the Stonelands to meet Capt. Aeryn and a Platoon of the Purple Dragons, How's the road north?� Captain Dauntinghorn steps out from the tower, blinking in the afternoon sun. He waves and walks over to Daekyn.
����� �Greetings Baron Firehand. Welcome to Cormyr and the edge of the Stonelands. You�re new home. I have taken the liberty of waiting for your arrival.� The Captain turns and indicates the man who waved you down. �This burly man who runs this post is Sergeant Stoan, a veteran Purple Dragon. He is a simple man;" Sergeant Stoan snorts. "A conscientious soldier who never fails to inform every stranger of the laws of the land just so there will be no misunderstandings.� A wave towards the tower indicates the older man. �The fellow with the wand is Torvis Mull, a War Wizard. Although he is a loyal servant of the crown, Torvis is bored and occasionally frustrated by being assigned to border garrison duty.� Torvis sticks his tongue out at Aeryn. Both smile at each other in warmth. �Most of the time, he sits atop the tower and poses intellectual questions to himself. All persons entering Cormyr are required to sign in at one of the border garrisons. The commander and the resident War Wizard both keep records of individuals who pass through their jurisdiction. In addition, any mage or specialist wizard of 5th level or higher must register with the resident War Wizard.� Aeryn smiles. ��The mages name, sigil, whereabouts, and current abode or destination must be made known at all times upon the request of any member of the Purple Dragons or the War Wizards; this information is recorded and continually updated in the library of the War Wizards.� Captain Aeryn smiles and shrugs. �Although I think in this case we can forego that for you my Baron. However it may be prudent to do so for your man. Strangers to the Realm must follow the rules.� Aeryn throws a glance at the wooden sign. �If you�ll come in I have some refreshments handy, and we can water and rest your mounts. They�ll need it for the journey across the Stonelands.� Aeryn leans closer and add quieter. �Plus I have some business for you alone, my Baron.�
����� �Allow me to introduce my long time associate, Captain, this is the Warrior Atlantean, what he lacks in title he makes up for with his axe. He and I are as close as brothers, and anything you wish to discuss may be discussed in his presence. Although he has not sworn an oath to Cormyr, he has to me.� Daekyn dismounts and begins towards the tower.
����� �Of course my Baron.� Aeryn walks by Daekyn�s side into the tower. Leaning close and whispering. �I actually meant to keep this news from the ears of the border guards.� Aeryn looks at Atlantean and frowns. "The mandatory peace-bonding of weapons is generally performed by the commander of a garrison, but can be done by any member of the Purple Dragons. This act consists of tying one or more lengths of cord around a weapon so as to fasten it in place and prevent it from being immediately brought into use.� Aeryn looks apologetically at Daekyn. �The cords are tied in a special knot known only to Purple Dragons and War Wizards. Any of whom can recognize an improperly tied cord and has the authority to confiscate any weapons that are not properly peace-bonded.� Aeryn shrugs. �I am sure you understand the necessity of this. Once on the road we can take them off again.� Aeryn looks askance and then walks over to Atlantean.
����� Atlantean ties the peace not according to proper tradition. �Will this do Captain?�
����� Captain Aeryn looks fairly surprised and manages a warm smile to Atlantean. "Of course, let us not trip on formalities when we will be soon working together quite closely." Inside the tower is a tray of cheeses and meats, and while not laid out appealingly like in court it is plentiful and looks appetizing. After sitting down Aeryn starts bluntly. "I have been researching the claim you made about the Lich and the danger it poses in the Stonelands. Although it took quite awhile, and with some serious help, I have found a scrap of a note that was actually found in a murder case in Arabel. A body was recovered with this note on it.� Aeryn hands it to Daekyn. �The note is rather old and had been transferred to the library of Vandergahast several years ago.�
����� Daekyn peruses the note carefully. �My dearest Lyryn, Just as I hoped, I have managed to secure a map from Barrit of Tilverton, showing the ruins of the legendary complex of the old scholar Adzerak. The treasures that await are enough for me to live out my remaining days in comfort. There will also be plenty for you and my granddaughter to live comfortably. Maybe you will even be able to meet a fine man and be wed again. However, I must be careful; although this is a kingdom where law and fairness prevail, the hearts of some men are still dark. There are many who would kill for this map, but so far, I do believe I have eluded notice. I shall seek out an honest adventuring company to aid me in exploring the ruins, and pay them their respective shares. Do not worry, there should be plenty enough to go around, if the rumors are true. Do not fear for me, my daughter. I shall return to you in Thunderstone in two tendays, with our fortunes made. Until then, pray to Tyr for my safety. Your loving father, Dorenn
����� � Interesting,� Daekyn shrugs. �I have heard mention of that name and it sounds familiar. But dealing with the lich will require some preparation. Even more so, intelligence gathering. Which is one of my first missions after we make sure the base camp is well established. Speaking of which, you should know that I have hired a sufficient number of laborers and craftsmen that will be here in the next month or so to set up shop and begin building a more permanent base � A loud screech is heard outside the window and a large Red Tailed Hawk lands on the sill. Daekyn says. �Ah, my second companion has decided to take a break. Allow me to introduce another friend of mine Captain, this is Syd, at least that is the short version of his name.�
����� Aeryn smiles and nods his head to the bird. "Interesting companion, a very beautiful specimen. Yes? A platoon of Dragons is escorting the supplies you have ordered from Suzail. The other will join us when our base of operations is set. The regent awaits news of our location of the base of operations.� Aeryn leans forward and takes the note. Putting it back into a leather case. �After a little digging it was revealed that Adzerak was a wizard who lived circa DR 1090, nearly three hundred years ago. A worshiper of Deneir, he was obsessed with books and had a remarkable collection of them, rumored to be one of the most impressive for a wizard of his caliber. He did manage to amass a fortune. He was rumored to spend much time looking for a way to extend his life, so he could keep collecting his books. Whole fortunes were dropped on the subject of Lichdom.� Aeryn sits back in his chair and takes another sip of Lemon mead. �Many sages have made a grand show of knowing about him and the fabulous treasure he is rumored to have possessed but, according to them, no one knows where this treasure is located, and someone who finds out the location would be a lucky person indeed.� Smiling gracefully Aeryn nods his head slowly. �I have determined the location of his last domicile, and it is here in the Stonelands. Not even a days ride from this location. I have made a small map. Here.� Aeryn hands Daekyn a small slip of paper. "I believe that this may advance our...uh, I mean your cause significantly."
����� Daekyn looks at the map. �Do not be shy Captain, we are as one! Yes it would advance our cause significantly should the rumors be true.�
����� "Excellent sir. I have cause to believe that the rumors of my search are circulating. And indeed may have slipped out to the Border guards already. The fears of the unknown and dangerous is the quickest way to lose a man, even of their caliber, my Baron. I was hoping we could take care of this problem as discreetly as possible. And quickly. I fear I may have put a bind on you...and it would give us something to do while awaiting your caravan's of supplies...Yes?"
����� Daekyn lays the map down and looks carefully at Aeryn. �Perhaps it would, however, before we go directly there, I wish to inspect the site of our camp and then send a missive to the Regent of our establishment. Also, before we step too quickly into this, I want more information on the Orcs and their strength. If we expend too much of our resources on one task, we may find ourselves taxed beyond our means. Remember that action without thought is often fool hardy.� Daekyn waves absently towards the door. �You will also need to leave word with the border guards that I have several other personnel that will be arriving shortly, they are but a week behind us. They will be necessary to complete that excursion into the Lich's domain.�
����� Aeryn manages to smile while looking disappointed. "Of course my Baron. I will serve in any capacity you desire. I just hope I haven't created an issue by my loose tongue. Fear is always worse than the real thing. At least so I believe." He shrugs and smiles. "I await your orders, although I do have news from Jageryn the chief of the Fiery Eye clan of orcs."
����� �Go on with your news Captain.� Daekyn stands and goes over to the tray, he pours himself a glass of wine, and picks up a few pieces of meats. He goes over to Syd and feeds the noble looking bird, who squeals in glee at the attention.
����� �An....well�an emissary from the clan of the Fiery Eye, which is what they call themselves, awaits in a holding pen outside. I have managed to stay Sergeant Stoan�s hand. I fear the message was going to be violently received if I hadn�t been here. The orc sits in quiet meditation. He only drinks the water we give him. He says he is here for the man-who-swims-with-fire. I believe the man he refers to is you, my Baron."
����� Daekyn turns from feeding Syd sharply, it is obvious his temper has flared, he speaks in a soft, yet stern tone. �The Emissary from this clan is...outside� In a �Holding pen� Captain? Tell me, how many men did he attack? Did he overbear many of the Purple Dragons? Did he have the blood of villagers in his teeth?�
����� The young Captain blinks and swallows. "No sir. I stayed the hand of the Sergeant from killing the orc. It was peaceful enough and it spoke common without a touch of accent. I could not get the sergeant to agree to let him loose however." Aeryn wrings his gloves in his hands nervously.
����� �He is a Sergeant, you are a Captain of the Purple Dragons, am I missing something about the Cormyrean Command structure?�
����� Aeryn frowns thinly. "No, sir. I am...just.... newly appointed and young sir. The Sergeant.... he...um.... agreed to a compromise on my behalf. I didn't want to step on the toes of the Border Sergeant. who would be important to us later."
����� Daekyns demeanor changes like the crackling of a flame; he suddenly becomes more sage-like, more fatherly. �Aeryn, I appreciate the delicacy of this situation, and I empathize with the dilemma you were put in and how you have tried to balance the situation. You are right, we will rely on the Border guards more in the future, however, and just as important is the fact that you recognize your own authority. The Regent would never have promoted you if she did not think that you were capable of such a position. You ARE a captain Aeryn, and never think that you got your position by any means other than the fact you deserve it.� Daekyn�s eyes flash intensely. �NOW, stand yourself up! Present your self with the authority that is due you. Go out and order the sergeant to bring the emissary in here, and, tell him to treat the emissary as he would any ambassador. Remember Aeryn, Diplomacy first, then if need be, the sword.�
����� Aeryn stands and says. "Yes sir." Aeryn stands and strides outside. You hear some muffled conversation, then some laughter. After a few minutes the distinctive ring of steel is heard. Silence ensues. A few minutes later Aeryn leads a very large humanoid into the building. Aeryn stands with his sword drawn. A hand indicates Daekyn. "May I present my Baron, the Mage Daekyn Firehand."
����� Daekyn nods curtly and speaks in Orcish. �Emissary, I apologize for your treatment earlier at the hands of my subordinates. I assure you it will not happen again. I am Daekyn Firehand, and have been put in charge of maintaining the Stonelands and ensuring safe travel for the People of Cormyr. I would like ours to be a peaceful relationship.�
����� The Orc looks at Daekyn curiously. It has to crane its neck to look at Daekyn. It stands nearly seven feet tall. Its muscles bulge at every angle. "Are you the one who swims with fire?" it responds in the same language.
����� Daekyn stamps his staff and is engulfed in an aura of green flame. �I am.�
����� In flawless Ignan the orc acknowledges Daekyn. �I am the one they call Flame Shaper. I have been sent to find you and welcome you these lands. My chief wants an amicable relationship with you. He wishes an alliance." The Orc switches to flawless common. "I am Jaervys. I bring welcome and news of import to the new Baron of the Stonelands. May our two tribes live peacefully."
����� Daekyn Fire Aura Fades and he extends his hand to the Orc. �Then let us agree to live as one, and share the land. Please, eat and drink and share your news. Aeryn, please go and see that accommodations are made for our guest, should he decide to make use of them. And Aeryn, when we are done there, tell the Sergeant I want to see him.� Aeryn salutes and leaves the room quietly.
����� The Orc looks at Daekyn�s hand. "I think you misunderstand my position. I am but the messenger of the Chief. When you are capable, he would like a meeting with you, and has sent me to assist you until you decide to do so. My life is forfeit should you experience ill by my people until you have met with the chief. I am insurance met by the chief to reassure you of his good intentions." The Orc shrugs his massively muscled shoulders. �I am yours, until called by my chief, or you end my life."
����� Daekyn smiles and says. �Ah, perhaps this is a cultural difference that we will experience. I offer my hand as a show of friendship, and in this case as acceptance of you as my vassal.� The Orc grasps it firmly. Daekyn feels his raw strength and perfect control.
����� "I look forward to working closely with the one-who-swims-with-fire...the Blinking Man has told us to expect you."
����� �The one who blinks? What is his name?� Daekyn looks quickly at the door to make sure it empty.
����� �Fzoul,� The orc says. �And his Network of poor outcast workers. They are the ones who have traded and brought news of the outside world to us. We traded with them until recently, when they have mysteriously stopped; only saying that the man who-swims-with-fire would bring new trade to us.�
����� Daekyn shakes his head in affirmation. �Then so it shall be my Vassal. Will you accompany us to our camp within the Stonelands? From there we will set out and meet with your Chief.�
����� "Yes. I will sleep in the pen that was provided for my comfort when I arrived. The humans look on me as one who look on a monster." The Orc takes a small leather package and opens it carefully, almost reverently. As he unwraps it you notice it is a book. It is entitled �Seeds, Cuttings, and Transplants: A Gardener�s Tome for All Seasons. The Orc looks and at it for a long moment and then hands it to you. "In my clan we give each other gifts of great worth to our chiefs. You will be my chief-for-now." The sergeant arrives and sneers at the orc standing in the center of the room. His hand rests on his sword hilt.
����� Daekyn says. �Ah, Sergeant, I believe you already know our guest, the Emissary of the Orc Chiefdom. He has decided that the accommodations you provided him with earlier will due nicely, however I do not feel that they are safe enough given this time of tension between our peoples. So I would like you to stand guard and protect the Emissary and see to ANY, need he might have. I know you will be happy to oblige the Emissary should he require, any little thing. And I will make sure to mention how cooperative you have been when I send my progress report to the Regent.�
����� The sergeant pales a bit as he swallows. "Um, Yes sir, Baron." He looks at the Orc. "But sir.... it is just an orc...."
����� Atlantean pipes in. �Emissary, Perhaps you and I would like to take a stroll, I find it a bit stuffy in this cramped towers.� The Orc looks at Daekyn. Understanding sparkles in his eyes, and a little sadness. He follows Atlantean. Immediately after Atlantean and the Emissary exit, Daekyn takes a deep breath and his composure again changes to that of Fire itself.
����� �Sergeant, do know what the sixth rule was that you cited me when I arrived?�
����� "Yes sir, but I didn't know it was you."
����� Daekyn pauses before continuing. �You DO now...�
����� He blinks and looks confused then quickly bows his head. "Sorry sir, yes sir."
����� �Sergeant, I have the enormous task of establishing a safe passage of trade within the Stonelands, and making it inhabitable by people of Cormyr...�
����� The sergeant interrupts. �But Sir Orcs aren't people...�
����� Daekyn grows in stature seeming to take up more space in the cramped room. �DO NOT INTERUPT ME SERGEANT, REMEMBER YOUR STATION!�
����� Sergeant swallows. "Yes, sir."
����� �In order to make this thing happen, we need to either establish peace with the creatures that live there, or conquer them, and since making peace would require less resources, I would like to try this avenue first. However, I find that the loose stone in that avenue is an ancient border guard who is so narrow minded that HE WOULD STAND IN THE WAY OF THE NATION, WHICH HE HAS SWORN TO PROTECT!� Daekyn looms over the Sergeant. �AND SOMEONE WHO SHOWS SUCH LITTLE NOBLITY AS TO IMMEDIATELY IMPRISON AND WANT TO KILL A CREATURE THAT HAS NOT EVEN RAISED A WEAPON AGAINST HIM, AND PRESENTS HIMSELF IN A PEACEFUL MANNER AND EVEN GOES TO THE TROUBLE OF LEARNING A TONUGE WHICH HE KNOWS YOU WILL UNDERSTAND��.Tell me Sergeant, how much Orc do you know?�
����� "None sir, I wouldn�t utter a word of that filth. With all due respect. I am here to protect the Kingdom. And I think you are allowing unseemly elements into the Kingdom. I am sure the Regent, when she hears about this, will not be pleased." The sergeant manages to look slightly smug.
����� Daekyn smiles. �And how much would you care to wager on this Sergeant?�
����� The sergeant looks uncomfortable and responds. �I am not at liberty to bet,� The sergeant takes on a sarcastic tone. �My Baron." The man crosses his arms across his chest. "I am doing my duty as decreed by the Crown."
����� �I sense you are a very capable man Sergeant. Do you know how to write?� Daekyn asks while digging in his backpack.
����� The sergeant glowers. "Yes, sir. I do. I can write even large words like underhanded and disagreeable elements and disturbing behavior."
����� Unmollified Daekyn hands him some paper and a quill. �Excellent. Take this down.�
����� The sergeant looks at the paper in disgust and hesitates a second. "Shall I get a scribe to do this...secretarial work? Sir?"
����� �I think you can handle it.�
����� "Yes sir, of course sir." He sits and picks up a quill. "Ready when you are sir."
����� Daekyn stands and starts to recite. �To: Her Ladyship, Alusair Obarskyr, The Steel Regent of Cormyr, Regent to King Azoun the V... My Lady, I have arrived at the border to the Stonelands and am proceeding to the base camp that Captain Aeryn has set up. Good fortune has already blessed our trip, as the Orcs that have so often raided caravans in the Stonelands have already contacted us and are interested in peaceful coexistence and possibly trade relationships I intend on pursuing this avenue and at least meeting with the Orc Chief to see what the likely hood of this is. Establishing peaceful coexistence with the Orcs would be preferable to a sustained guerilla war with creatures that already have a firm hold in the Stonelands, and might provide useful trade. There is also the possibility that they will be able to help with the other issue here in the Stonelands. I also would like to tell you how pleased I am with Captain Aeryn's performance. As you stated, he has proven invaluable in setting the foundation of this endeavor. Of note is also one Sergeant Stoan, whose diplomatic skills have proven to be very unique. If at all possible, since he has significant knowledge of the Stonelands, I would like him transferred to the Platoon�� The sergeant stops writing, and looks at Daekyn. Pure hatred shines from his eyes. Daekyn grins and continues. �Stationed under Captain Aeryn, as I am sure his knowledge and experience will prove useful, especially should a peaceful coexistence not be possible with the Orcs. As Always, your Servant, Baron Daekyn Firehand of the Stonelands.� Daekyn looks at the sergeant who had stopped writing. �Did you get all of that Sergeant?�
����� The sergeant stands. �No sir. I did not."
����� Daekyn manages a perfectly innocent face. �You didn't? Did I speak too fast?�
����� "No sir you did not." Says the sergeant through clenched teeth.
����� �Then what did you not get written down?� Daekyn looks at the paper in askance.
����� "You may place me under arrest before I write another word of your stinking letter. I should have known to expect this from an underhanded mageling." The sergeant paused significantly before adding. �Sir." Daekyn begins to laugh hysterically. The sergeant stands there glaring at Daekyn while he laughs.
����� Daekyn says. �Sergeant, you are a rare treasure, exactly what I am looking for. No need to write it in your own hand, I shall finish this myself. I would expect you should expect to see your new orders from the Regent in a fortnight.� The sergeant blinks. Looking very confused.
����� "May I be excused sir? I have my own reports to write."
����� Daekyn grins evilly. �Those will have to wait for now Sergeant, you will have to delegate those. You have an Emissary to guard. Dismissed Sergeant.� Daekyn turns to the window and gently caresses Syd. The Sergeant flees, muffled curses float backwards on the breeze.
17th of Eleasias, 1372
It was a good days ride from the border outpost to where Daekyn had instructed Captain Dauntinghorn to set up camp. It was nearly dark as the small party approached the camp. The large muscular Orc that rode with them felt uneasy as they approached all the humans.
Daekyn seemed to notice the Orcs discomfort and slide his horse next to the Orc, known as Fire Shaper. "Do not worry my vassal, although our races have had much conflict in the past, I trust my men to obey orders. You will be safe in my charge, and soon you will be a welcome sight in this camp." Daekyn said in a voice that was unusually soothing.
"I do not fear One-Who-Swims-in-Fire, I know that you will keep your word. But I have learned that humans, especially soldiers who wear the dragon, carry much hatred for our kind. As well they should since what has happened in the Dragon's land in recent years." The Orc grinned slightly and then continued. "Our brother clans that live in the West slaughtered many, and took many of their women. Sad really."
The Sun was just setting as they rode to the outer boundaries of the camp, and were stopped by several soldiers. "Halt! Give name and identify yourself, lest you and your companions feel the wrath of Baron Firehand!" The soldier said in a stern voice. He was a tall well-built soldier, about seventeen or eighteen years old.
Daekyn approached the front of the party and raised his right hand, which was immediately engulfed in a glow of crimson fire. "I AM Baron Firehand Soldier! Stay yourselves and greet your new Baron appropriately." "My Lord!" The young soldier snapped to attention, then bowed his head in respect. "We were told to expect you Sir! If you please, allow me to escort you to the main camp and to the quarters we have set up for you and your advisors!" The soldier looked more closely with the torch and noticed the Orc riding in the back. "Sir, we were also advised of," The soldier paused slightly and swallowed, "The Emissary from the Orc Clan and prepared appropriate quarters for him as well, Sir!"
"Excellent Soldier, before you lead on, tell me your name." Daekyn said with a Cheshire grin. "Yes Sir! Hargwyn Sir!" The youth said in a confident voice.
"Excellent Hargwyn, please, lead on." Daekyn followed the young knight and led the rest of the party through the camp.
"My Baron," Captain Dauntinghorn spoke up. "With your leave, I should go and check with the platoon leaders and assess the progress of the camp."
"Certainly Aeryn, please go and tend to things then make sure you get something to eat and some rest, it has been a hard ride. Atlantean, the Emissary and I will refresh ourselves and get settled. Please come see me later this evening and brief me on the progress of the camp, and please bring any posts that have arrived. I will have several missives in the morning that will need to go out as well." Daekyn said as he dismounted with the others and began to follow young Hargwyn.
"Yes My Baron." Aeryn said and then strode off with meaning. The camp was progressing nicely from what Daekyn could see in the twilight. Many tents had been set up to house the troops present and the artisans that would arrive shortly. The camp was situated around a large hill that rose some three hundred feet above them. The top of the hill would be the construction site of the new keep once things got under way. Several large fires were going and many of the men were off duty and performing various tasks to take care of their equipment. Daekyn could hear the shouts of the sergeants and officers performing drills. Daekyn could also notice several guards patrolling the perimeter in pairs. Daekyn's tent was a large Yurt that was deep inside the camp and at the base of the hill. Inside the tent was warm and filled with many rugs and tapestries to insulate against the forth-coming night. Syd, who had landed on Daekyn's arm after they dismounted, immediately flew to a stand that had been specifically placed there for him and he squawked in satisfaction. "Yes, this will do nicely I think, for the time being at least." Daekyn said taking off his riding cloak and setting down some of his equipment. "Make sure that the rest of the equipment form our horses is brought here Hargwyn."
"Yes Sir! If the Emissary and your Advisor will follow me, I will show them to their quarters Sir!" Hargwyn barked.
"Atlantean will stay with me, here in this tent. There is ample room, have another cot brought." Daekyn turned to Fire-Shaper and spoke in Orc. "Vassal, please go with this young human and make yourself comfortable, make any requests for food or drink you want, and if the quarters are not to your liking please let me know. Tomorrow we will set out for your tribe and speak with your Chief."
" One-Who-Swims-in-Fire, I must be available to make sure you are protected, but if that is your wish I shall comply. I suppose here in your own camp, among your people you should be safe. But at the slightest scream of your voice, I shall be at your side to offer protection" The Orc spoke to Daekyn in common, then bowed his head slightly and turned to Hargwyn. The Orc sniffed slightly. " You who serves the One-Who-Swims-in-Fire, I know you I think. You smell...familiar somehow. Yet I do not think we have met." The Orc raised one eyebrow and looked suspicious at the young soldier.
"I�I am not sure what you mean um�Emissary. I am new to the Stonelands and also new to the ranks of the Dragons. I have never even seen a�� Hargwyn gulped slightly. �An Orc before today."
"It does not matter. I simply seem to recall your scent from�somewhere." The Orc said.
"If you will follow me then Emissary." Hargwyn said and then turned to the door and led the Orc outside.
"And they say the realms are so big," Atlantean said as he walked over to a stand with some bottle on it and perused the bottles, searching for something palatable. "And yet everyone always seems to know everyone else." He finally found and bottle that looked interesting and uncorked it, then smelled it and poured some in two glasses.
"Any other time I might find that observation merely interesting. Right now I find it somewhat disturbing." Daekyn said taking the glass Atlantean handed him. "And any other time,"
Atlantean laughed "I would tell you that you are being paranoid." Daekyn and Atlantean cleaned up and ate a large meal. Then they both sat around a table that had on it a map of the Stonelands. Syd munched on some scraps of meat that Daekyn had given him and squawked happily.
After a few hours, Aeryn knocked on the front of the Yurt and asked to come in. "My Lord, I have inspected the camp, and everything that you have requested has been done exactly as you directed, however, I am sad to report that the caravan from Arabel that has your other supplies has been detained." Aeryn said as he stood at attention.
"That is, regrettable Aeryn. Did the missive say what the delay was?" Daekyn said as he motioned Aeryn to relax and take a seat around the table.
"Yes Sir, " Aeryn offered a small stack of messages and then sat down in the chair across from Daekyn, Atlantean handed him a glass of wine. Aeryn was hesitant to take it since he was on duty but Daekyn motioned to him that it was fine. "The caravan was attacked by some marauding goblins, several of the people were killed, and about a third of the supplies were taken before the Goblins were driven off by the Dragons that were escorting the caravan."
�That is unfortunate, however I can't say that I am surprised. When will they arrive?" Daekyn said as he took out his pipe and began stuffing it.
"They should be here by next week Baron. Well before the other caravan from Baldur's Gate will arrive. I have heard no word from them concerning their progress." Aeryn said.
�They should be fine, Atlantean and I made sure they were well protected before they left Baldur's Gate. Since neither the building supplies or the artisans are any good without the other, then I think everything should be fine. Did you inspect the troops Aeryn?" Daekyn said puffing on the pipe he had just lit.
"Not formally Sir, but I did talk to the Platoon Sergeants and some of the Squad leaders. They are well prepared and have set up several watchtowers: There are two men in the towers at all times, and two soldiers patrol between each tower. We as well protected as we can be, considering we have no formal perimeter defense." Aeryn said confidently.
�I think that will do Aeryn. Since the Emissary has sworn that his clan will not attack, at least until we talk, then I think things will be fine. Is there anything else Aeryn?" Daekyn said.
"Yes Sir, if I may speak freely and ask you a question?" Aeryn became slightly uncomfortable at this point, as if he was unsure of himself.
"Aeryn, always feel free to speak freely to me when we are in private." Daekyn responded.
"Well Sir�its about Sergeant Stoan. He told me, actually he whined to the other soldiers while I was in earshot that you were writing to the Regent and were requesting that he be transferred to this unit. Aside from the way he treated you, which obviously shows he has little respect or liking for you, it is clear he holds no love for Orcs. Why would you want to have him transferred here?" Aeryn said with a puzzled look.
"Ah, Sergeant Stoan�� Daekyn said as he stretched his arms and back and grinned slightly. "There are several reasons why I did that Aeryn. First off, he IS a capable soldier and knows the Stonelands, which I will need. Second, he needs to learn humility Aeryn; he treated you poorly and needs to understand that you are his superior in Rank. As far as having no love for me, well, I do not need his love, just his obedience and if nothing else, he will give that once his orders come from the Regent. And, should the treaty with the Orcs not work out, I will need someone who has dealt with Orcs before. If the treaty does work out, then it will do him some good to get some experience in the art of diplomacy. Besides, you need some practice in asserting your authority, I think Sergeant Stoan will supply that opportunity nicely."
"I see my Baron, I think." Aeryn said with a confused look on his face.
"If there is nothing else Aeryn, go and get some rest. Atlantean, the Emissary and Myself will be leaving in the morning to meet with the Orcs. You will be in charge while I am gone. I will make sure I leave instructions on what I want done while I am gone." Daekyn said.
"Sir? Should I not accompany you? Or at least shouldn't you take a squad of knights as escort?" Aeryn said.
"Atlantean and I are well protected Aeryn, and I do not want to appear as if I do not trust the Orcs. Besides, I can't have us both be gone from camp, should something happen, I will need you here to make sure things are taken care of. My orders for you will be ready in the morning, just make sure that three horses and supplies for three days worth of travel are ready for us in the morning, right after breakfast." Daekyn said in a confident voice.
"As you command My Baron." Aeryn rose and bowed slightly to excuse himself. "Good night My Baron, Atlantean, " and then Aeryn left the Yurt.
Daekyn absent mindedly shuffled through the messages. �Three soldiers died in that raid by the Goblins. It seems they were well armed and also had ogres with them.� Daekyn puffed on his pipe seemingly bored. Until his eye caught the last missive. Atlantean noticed the purple seal and ribbon of a royal message.
Daekyn bolted upright in his chair. �Oh my�.� Daekyn strode to Atlantean and handed him the message. �Read this.�
Atlantean took the paper and read it over carefully.
Baron Daekyn Firehand;
In the western part of Cormyr sits the Farsea Marsh and its sister, the Marsh of Tun. Each holds the ruins of a civilization that predates the elven kingdoms of the Realms. What happened to these two civilizations, or the one common civilization, no one knows. However, the ruins in the Farsea Marsh were later put to use by someone -- perhaps a wizard from Netheril. No one knows for sure, but someone placed a portal deep within these ruined structures. The marsh is filled with pestilence and plague -- a remnant of whatever that lost civilization wrought. The sickness keeps people out of the ruins, so nobody has discovered the portal until very recently. Since we learned of the destination, the discovery generated a lot of excitement in the Realm and among various other interests nearer by.
The portal is a two-way continuously active gate that leads to a ruined town on the eastern side of the Dragonsword Mountains in Mulhorand. The ruins are at the foothills on the northeastern side of the range, within a day or two�s journey to the Road to the Dawn. The portal is set inside a doorway of average size and meshes with the architecture of the ruin so as to look like a doorway into a room within the structure. The portal in Mulhorand possesses an arch 10 feet high and 8 feet wide, standing amid partially standing buildings and scattered stone. No one remembers the name of the town in which this portal is located, and as of yet no one in Mulhorand knows that it has been discovered. Or so we hope. If the Mulhorand people knew, they would probably be worried about conquest forays from Cormyr.
Cormyr claims control of the portal in the Farsea Marsh in the name of Azoun V, the infant king, but maintaining control of a site west of the Stormhorns is difficult given the current state of the nation. The best that we can do is maintain a presence, and this we have done in the person of Sergeant Jingarnd Jolles, a Purple Dragon Knight of unimpeachable devotion to the crown. He commands a small force based outside the marsh, as close to the ruins as possible. Scouting patrols ride the marsh, but they watch for any sign of sickness carefully. No one has forgotten that men die just from riding through this swamp. To fully utilize the portal, some permanent solution to the marsh plague must be found.
Other interests also vie for control of the portal, including Zhentarim, orcs and other warlike humanoids from the Stormhorns, a mutant race of lizardfolk living in the marsh that is somehow resistant to the pestilence, and disloyal or self-serving nobles within Cormyr. All of these threats will keep Sergeant Jolles and his knights busy.
This may mean very little to you, except the common border the Stonelands and the Farsea Marshes share. This border must be protected, which means that you must provide patrols to the north and eastern edge of the Farsea Marshes. Sergeant Jolles will protect the Marshes from the south and west. Beware the Goblins from the north.
I expect to hear from you shortly in regards to this.
Signed,
Alusair
Atlantean sighed and laid the message on the table. Daekyn was pacing back and forth. Finally Daekyn stopped pacing and turns to Atlantean with a grin "Do you realize what this means old friend?" Atlantean looks at him, he is puzzled. "It means that this will allow me to dispose of the most loyal of the Knights with out even having to come up with an excuse to do so"
Atlantean looked even more puzzled "Daekyn, these ARE Purple Dragon Knights we are talking about, regardless of how young and inexperienced they are, they are well trained, they won't automatically get killed out on the border"
"Details, Details!" Daekyn said throwing papers into the air. "Not right now of course, since I don't know who are the most loyal. But as I figure it out, I will slowly change the rotation, and then...I'll think of something.� Daekyn sat back down and puffed on his pipe with amusement.
"I think you are going to be spreading things thin if you send troops out there" Atlantean said
"Normally my friend, I would bow to your military strategy," Daekyn said as he poured himself some more wine, "But once our mercenaries arrive, the camp will be protected enough. And the more duties the Purple Knights have, the less time and attention they will have to pay towards me."
Atlantean gave this last statement some thought "But won't they start to become suspicious when these mercenaries arrive? I have been wondering how you intend on introducing them."
"So have I," Said Daekyn with a slightly more concerned look on his face. "I haven�t got that all worked out yet, but I am sure I will figure something out by the time they get there. "I am thinking something alone the lines of 'Personal Guard' sort of cover, which is true to a point. That's the tricky part my friend. Whatever I tell these people has to be able to pass a 'Detect Lie' spell or some similar magic. Anything that won't will cause suspicion among the Crown members."