The sky was filled with dark gray clouds, the air was bitterly cold as the black raven-like bird soared over the landscape. Its deep crimson eyes focused on the massive mountain range before it. The tallest in all of the Theocracy, its huge grayish red stone peaks sored high into the heavens, coated in a white velvet snow. As the bird dove down into the valleys, a castle of black stone came into view, Castle Rag?n, seat of House Goldbeard. It sat upon the mountain side like a saddle on a beast of burden. The towers and walls wrapped around the mountain town below, filling nearly the whole expanse. The bird glided down and around the homes and stalls of the semi-busy square. Villagers moved about their days, their chatter echoing down the streets; with a squawk the bird shifted toward the huge keep half buried into the mountains side. Entering a high window used solely for messenger birds, it comes to rest on the seal. Chirping twice, a dwarf approached and removed the tied message from the beast's leg, once he was done, the bird flew away returning home.
“No chance to reply? This surely isn't good.” The dwarf said.
He peered at the scroll in his hand. The seal of the College of Illusion rested upon it, with a gulp and sigh the dwarf took the message and left the room. Walking down the black stone halls, the eyes are assaulted with the many fine paintings of the noble family and tales of their exploits. Even the braziers were etched with gold and silver, even more testament to Goldbeards wealth and power. After several minutes of walking the halls, the dwarf servant stops in front of a massive ashen grey door trimmed with gold on its perimeter and covered in the Lord's family crest, a small ornate shield that holds a golden hammer and an odd stone in its hilt, said to be a family heirloom. The servant gave a small knock and the doors cracked open and swung inward, the servant wasted no time and stepped inside. Once inside the threshold, the doors slammed shut behind him and the young dwarf quickly fell to one knee and gazed at the intricate designs that covered the floor.
“My lord, a message from the College has just arrived.” The servant said with a calm and clear voice.
“Bring it here.” The Duke said, shifting in his chair to face the young man.
The servant moved quickly around the desk all while not lifting his gaze from the floor. The Duke took the scroll and broke the seal, after a few minutes of reading he spoke again.
“This says the college was attacked two nights ago and they are requesting aid.” He said with a heavy sigh. “It also seems that my dear eldest has perished in the attack.”
The Duke’s fist smashed into the desk, his knuckles leaving indents in the wood.
“Are there any other reports?” He asked, taking a few deep breaths.
“N-no, m’lord.” The servant replied.
“Then that useless son of mine failed, along with dying.” He said with a sigh “Prepare a caravan with relief aid along with a squad of dragoons. Have them set out for Ely at once.”
“At once m’lord.” The servant said with a deep bow before turning to leave.
“One more thing,” The Duke said in a cold tone “Tell no one of my son's death.”
“Yes m’lord.” the servant replied before rushing out of the room.
Once the door clicked shut, Duke Dorgean Goldbeard leaned back into his cushioned chair. He ran his hand over his three intricate beard braids and his fingers glided over and around the gold ringlets that dotted them.
“I knew that boy was useless but how did he end up like this.” said Dorgean as he crushed the letter with one hand and rubbed his temple with his other.
Tossing the parchment to the side, he stood as his long elegant robes fell gracefully around his stocky and well built frame stopping just short of his dragon leather boots. He tossed his braided hair over his shoulder, the knotted end resting just above his waist line.
“Seems I am going to have to change plans once again.”
Dorgean quickly left his study and headed towards the laboratories several floors beneath. After several minutes of descending the black and white trimmed stairs Dorgean stood before a plain wooden door. Grabbing the handle and swinging the door outward, the Duke was met with a gust of wind and a small bird-like creature flying past his face and into the wall behind him. The little creature hit the stone with a wet slap and slid down slowly leaving a trail of blood.
“Aw! Who opened the door?!” A young female voice yelled.
Dorgean sighed and walked into the room, the walls inside were lined with papers filled with random symbols. The two tables against the far wall had a few items that Dorgean assumed were Bolish’s experiments. The other wall was covered in bookcases filled with tomes and scrolls. Dorgean came to rest towards the center of the room, glancing over, he saw a young orc female, one hand on her hip the other holding what looked like a giant spoon. She huffed and shifted her weight from one leg to the other, lifting the goggles from her face and placing them atop her silver pulled back hair. Her light brown eye burned with annoyance as she glared at the Dwarf who dared to ruin her experiment. Dorgean looked back to the shut door behind him, noting the strange symbols on paper that were pinned to it.
“Why are we tossing birds about?” Dorgean asked, shifting his gaze back to the seafoam green orc.
“Well, before you ruined it” She huffed, walking towards a table to place her object down “I was testing to see if those wards would prevent lethal damage.” She turned back to Dorgean with a scale. “Why are you here?”
“My apologies for ruining your little experiment but something has happened that is far more important.” Said Dorgean, his tone flat.
“Sorry m’lord.” Bolish said bowing her head “What has happened?”
“It seems our little plan failed, your ‘friends’ were not up for the task.” His voice filled with annoyance.
As Dorgean spoke, Bolish began to remove her black leather gloves, placing them on the table next to her other devices. She froze while taking off her white coat, looking ove, she locked eyes with Dorgean.
“What do you mean m’lord?” She asked, still peering into Dorgean’s Steel grey eyes “Are they dead?”
“I’m not sure if they still live, but they have failed to report and now the college has requested aid.” Dorgean hissed while walking up to Bolish, stopping next to her peering down at the table “We will need to alter our movements once again.”
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“I understand, should I try to get lord Vargraes...” She started to ask.
“No.” Dorgean cut her off “He is dead.”
Bolish stared at Dorgean in disbelief for a moment before snapping out of it and resuming what she was doing.
“I am sorry m’lord.” She added softly.
“Hmph, he was a fool and a failure. We both know what kind of a man he was.” Dorgean said flatly “Besides, with this we may have another string to pull.”
“I suppose you are right, but what are our next steps?” She asked.
“Glad you asked” He said, “Pack your things, you are to head out with the caravan to Ely.”
“Of course m’lord, but forgive me when I ask why?”
“I need someone competent to make a full report and someone I can trust.”
“Understood.” She said with a deep bow. “I shall pack at once.”
Dorgean waved his hand while turning to leave “Report to Baron Ironhand, he should be gathering supplies for the caravan.”
Bolish acknowledged him and rushed off to pack once Lord Dorgean left the room. He walked down his gilded halls towards the barracks one floor below. Reaching its double doors in a few minutes, pushing them open it fed into a mid size dining hall. Several soldiers and mages walked about and ate at the several large tables spread out across the room. Dorgean looked around, spotting the door leading to the Captain's private dining room off on the back left wall. As the Duke walked across the room, the mages and soldiers stood or stopped and saluted him until he passed. He quickly returned the men's salutes as he passed, once inside the private lounge, he located Captain Glumnorr within seconds. The older dwarf was seated off in a far corner enjoying his evening meal. As Dorgean approached, the dwarf lifted his gaze, his dark brown hues meeting the Dukes. Glumnorr quickly stood at attention upon realizing who was approaching him. His chainmail and iron greaves clanged against the table as he stood and saluted. His greying black hair was slicked back while his long beard was messy and still holding scraps of his meal within it.
“At ease old friend. “ Dorgean said as he stood in front of the table “Please, enjoy your meal. Mind if I join you?”
“Not at all m’lord, please have a seat.” Glumnorr said, motioning to the seat across from him.
Once both men were seated, Glumnorr grabbed a loaf from the several he had stacked next to him, and offered it to Dorgean. The lord smiled and took the bread, breaking a small piece off before plopping it into his mouth. Glumnorr followed suit and after a few moments of chewing, he spoke.
“So what brings you down here? Just miss my old mug that much huh?”
“Can an old friend not stop by without a secret motive?” Dorgean asked with a playful tone.
“An old friend yes, but you m’lord.” Glumnorr said before they both burst into laughter.
“A jokester like always.” Dorgean said “But sadly, you are correct in my visit today, old friend.”
“I see,” Glumnorr said in between bites of stew and bread “So where are me and my men heading to this time?”
“The city of Elys.”
“OH? That is a shock, what happened? Rough Orc attack?” Glumnorr asked
“The city itself is fine.” Dorgean replied “It’s the College that is in trouble.”
“How so?” Glumnorr inquired.
“From the letter I received minutes ago, it seems the College has fallen under attack. As a result, the students and professors have been evacuated to Elys. The College requested aid, so you are to escort the relief caravan to Ely. Once there, leave a detachment of men behind to boost the guards; also leave two or more men to protect Bolish. She will accompany you to Elys where she will begin her own task. After all that, the rest of your men, including you, will go up the mountain and see what is happening to the College.” Dorgean said in a serious tone
Glumnorr listened intently and nodded along “I understand my lord, I shall gather the men and supplies at once.” He said once Dorgean finished.
“Please, finish your meal. I will need you at full strength.” Dorgean said as he stood from the table, “With that, I shall leave you to enjoy what's left of your meal.”
“Thank you m’lord.” Glumnorr said, watching the Duke walk away before resuming his meal.
Several hours later, the Duke walked out of his keep and towards the entrance to the Xain Underway. It took a few minutes to walk across the courtyard, reaching the massive double doors set into the stone face. A few guards saluted and yelled for the gates to open. Several seconds later, the huge doors were open and Dorgean walked through. Inside was a large open space that held cranes and other pieces of equipment used to move large amounts of goods. On the opposite side was a ramp that led deep into the earth, this was the entrance to the Underway called Xian that connected to the town of the same name. In front of this entrance were five caravan wagons being pulled by a few beasts of burden. Off to the side of the wagons, Glumnorr issued orders to the Dragoons that were to accompany them while Bolish and Baron Ironhand chatted in the front. Dorgean walked up to the pair at the head of the caravan, Bolish was covered from head to toe in deep brown leather armour, no skin was shown, and a white mask covered her whole face. Baron Ironhand, meanwhile, was dressed in the normal silk robes most nobles donned. His shorter stature was highlighted even more by his oversized belly, plump cheeks, and stubby nose. Though he was of noble blood his beard was barely a fist full in length.
“Evening Bolish, Baron Ironhand.” Dorgean said, giving a slight head nod.
“Good evening Duke Goldbeard.” The pair replied.
“Baron Ironhand, I must apologise again that our talks were cut short. We shall have to find another time soon to finish.” Dorgean said.
“I understand fully and of course m’lord.” Ironhand said with a bow.
“Now, Baron, you shall accompany the caravan to Xain. Once there, give them any spare troops you have.”
“Yes m’lord.” Baron Ironhand replied.
“As for you Bolish, carry on to Ely and complete your task promptly.”
“Yes m’lord.” Bolish replied, her voice slightly muffled by the white mask.
Bolish and Baron Ironhand climbed into the second carriage, and as they did, the caravan began to move down the ramp. Dorgean sat and watched as the seven carriages and several mounted knights delved deeper into the underway. After several minutes, the last carriage was lost from Dorgeans sight and he turned on his heels returning back to his keep.
Two days later, another message arrived for the Duke from Baron Ironhand in the city of Xain. After reading the message, Dorgean walked over to the window and peered out over the valley and city below.
The caravan has passed through Xain and with this message should be about half way to Elys. Dorgean thought to himself Let's hope that fat fool carried out all of my orders.
Dorgean sighed and rubbed at his temple before turning away from the scenic view and back to his desk covered in a mountain of papers.
“Damn these reforms…” He hissed, taking his seat.
“It's only a matter of time.” He muttered.
