{"id":166,"date":"2019-09-13T11:59:00","date_gmt":"2019-09-13T11:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/141.148.246.190\/index.php\/single-post\/the-giants-gamble-pt-25\/"},"modified":"2022-05-22T11:29:40","modified_gmt":"2022-05-22T10:29:40","slug":"the-giants-gamble-pt-25","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/index.php\/2019\/09\/13\/the-giants-gamble-pt-25\/","title":{"rendered":"The Giant’s Gamble Pt. 25"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Chapter 25: Court of the Giants<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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They appeared in a large room that resembled what Roon could only describe as the inside of a barnacle. The walls were shell-like and slick and glowed with a blue and pink luminescence, with rough corral growths and slimy seaweed. The floor was made of smooth, glassy rock and led off the platform where they stood, into a long hallway. They all looked around at each other, and Flint nodded appreciatively. \u201cI have <\/em>to write a song about this one.\u201d The dwarf clutched his bagpipes excitedly. <\/span><\/p>\n

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They stepped off the platform. There seemed to be no one around, but they could hear the faint, echoing sound of music from far above them. They quietly stepped down the hallway and found a giant-sized set of stairs leading up. Now that they stood at the base of the stairs, they could hear the music more clearly. Two bellowing female voices accompanied the music. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cShould we go up?\u201d Kilian whispered uncertainly. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon gestured to their left, where the hallway continued. \u201cIt\u2019s either up, or down that hallway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI say we go up,\u201d Thia whispered, and they all padded up the corral stairs. There were two sets, one large enough for giants, and the other set made for humans. Roon was out of breath by the time they reached the top. <\/span><\/p>\n

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There were wide, double doors at least twenty-five feet in height. They were built of driftwood and carved in wavelike designs. One of the doors was open, and through it they could see a guard standing just inside the door. The room itself was massive, with a ring of seats and a stage in the middle. It was too difficult to see how many giants were inside. Thia motioned for them to return down the stairs, and they hurried off. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019s a lot of giants,\u201d she said as soon as they reached the bottom, out of earshot. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe need to come up with a plan,\u201d Kilian said. <\/span><\/p>\n

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They all nodded, and Roon pointed down the hallway. \u201cLet\u2019s see what else we can find.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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They crept down the hallway and found a mix of human-sized and giant-sized doorways, all of which led into bedrooms. \u201cIt\u2019s like some kind of hotel,\u201d Thia said, eyeing the perfectly made beds and uniform decoration of the rooms. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Down the centre of the hallway was a small divot where water trickled down until they reached a widening in the hallway, and the water culminated into a shallow pool. Roon dipped a finger into the water and tasted it. \u201cSalt water,\u201d he confirmed. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian stared up at the shell-like ceiling. \u201cWe must be underwater.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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There was a staleness to the air. \u201cIt must be a very powerful, unnatural magic,\u201d Opal said in awe. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAll of these rooms must be for guests,\u201d Flint surmised, closing yet another door to bedrooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThere\u2019s no one down here,\u201d Evelyn said disappointedly. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI think we should go back up and confront the giants,\u201d Roon said. \u201cNow, hear me out,\u201d he added as they protested. \u201cWe go in as emissaries of some kind and say we are here to meet the giant in charge after King Hekaton. We tell them about the conch, search for the betrayer Iymrith, and hopefully make some giant allies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Thia shrugged in the following silence. \u201cIt\u2019s the best we\u2019ve got. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cUh, maybe not all of us,\u201d Kilian said quickly, eyeing Evelyn and Roon skeptically.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon crossed his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOnly that, if there are too many of us, we may slip up,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAlso, Evelyn is a terrible liar,\u201d Thia said. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Evelyn nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s true.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI can stay with them,\u201d Flint said, gesturing to Roon and Evelyn.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhy am I in this!\u201d Roon demanded. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cJust\u2014watch out for them, will you?\u201d Kilian said softly, then nodded to Thia and Opal. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe\u2019ll be back soon!\u201d Opal said happily, and the three of them left back up the hallway. As they walked away, Roon sent a death-warding spell after Kilian. The protective spell wrapped around his friend as they moved, undetectable by anyone else. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cC\u2019mon,\u201d Flint said with a sigh, pushing open a door to one of the human-sized rooms. The three of them slumped inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI hate sitting around,\u201d Roon said bitterly. \u201cIt was my idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cKilian is right,\u201d Flint waved a hand. \u201cToo many of us would raise suspicion. They\u2019ll be alright,\u201d he added, noticing Roon\u2019s worried expression beneath his angry one. \u201cIf anyone knows how to talk to giants, I\u2019m sure it\u2019s those three.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou don\u2019t know them like I do,\u201d Roon said quietly, then glanced over at Evelyn, who was distractedly staring at a piece of pink corral jutting from the wall. She raised a finger to touch it. \u201cHey, Evelyn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The girl jumped and looked at him. \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWanna try something stupid?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The grin reached her face quickly, and she nodded with excitement. \u201cAlways.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou still have those spider-climbing boots?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Evelyn reached into her bag and took out the long black boots stitched with runes, holding them up.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Thia, Opal and Kilian returned sooner than Roon had expected. They were led down the hallway with two guards, who showed them to an adjacent room. \u201cShe\u2019s very busy but will call on you when she\u2019s ready to meet,\u201d one of the giant guards was saying in her low, rasping voice. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAlright,\u201d Thia said loudly, \u201cwe will await our meeting with great anticipation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon and Flint pressed their ears to the door and listened to the giants move away before throwing open their door and finding their companions. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d Flint asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhere\u2019s Evelyn?\u201d Kilian asked immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon waved a hand. \u201cShe just went to scout the area\u2014don\u2019t worry, she\u2019s using her boots to climb on the ceiling. They won\u2019t see her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian sighed and pointedly stared at Flint, who avoided the sailor\u2019s gaze. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell, what do we do now?\u201d Thia sighed in frustration. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou weren\u2019t gone long,\u201d Flint said, \u201cwhat did they tell you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian crossed his arms, his mouth turning down into a thin line. \u201cThe youngest sister, Sarissa, is in charge. The two older sisters, Mirran and Nym, don\u2019t seem overly pleased to have her on the throne, but they seem to bow to her will. They told us she was very busy, but they would see to us when they could. They promised to bring food and any necessary accommodations, but\u2026\u201d he trailed off.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cBut it seems worrisome,\u201d Thia finished the thought. \u201cI don\u2019t trust them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou don\u2019t like giants very much,\u201d Opal said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cTrue,\u201d the elf agreed, seating herself on the edge of one of the beds. A puff of dust sprang up from the duvet and she coughed, looking displeased. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cRemember,\u201d Kilian reminded them, \u201cthe oracle told us that Mirran and Nym coveted the throne, but they are pawns of Iymrith, the blue dragon disguised as a storm giant. That is who we should be worried about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell, what should we do?\u201d Roon asked. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian tapped his foot impatiently. \u201cI don\u2019t like waiting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Thia stood and walked to the door, pushing it open. \u201cWe tell them our time is valuable. We tell them we want to find their father. And we warn them of Iymrith.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWas the blue dragon here, in the court?\u201d Flint asked. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian sighed, \u201cwe didn\u2019t see her, but I suspect she\u2019s here somewhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cShe killed Harshnag,\u201d Opal said sadly. \u201cIf she\u2019s disguised, she could be any of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cC\u2019mon,\u201d Thia said, and strode out of the room, down the long hallway, and toward the foyer leading to the main stairs. The rest of them trotted to keep up with the long-legged elf, Flint and Roon grumbling in the back. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOh, there are more of you,\u201d one of the giant guards said as they approached. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAre there?\u201d Thia said offhandedly. \u201cYes, well, they\u2019re delegates, same as us. We wish to speak with Sarissa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe told you,\u201d the guard said patiently, \u201cthat the Queen is busy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cQueen?\u201d Thia asked sharply. \u201cHas news of King Hekaton been found, then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cShe is the Queen until such time as her father returns,\u201d the guard said smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe must speak with her. It\u2019s urgent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The guard shrugged unhelpfully. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon jogged to Thia\u2019s side and pulled out the adamantium staff from his bag, handing it to the elf. She arched and eyebrow but took it from him all the same, planting it on the ground. \u201cWe have the vonenedod.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d It was the guard\u2019s turn to speak sharply. She looked at the other, and they nodded silently to one another. \u201cCome with us.\u201d Looking uncomfortable, the two guards led them all up the stairs. <\/span><\/p>\n

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They hurried after them and arrived in the large auditorium surrounded by empty seats, where before music had been playing. They moved across the room to a set of large doors. One of the guards disappeared through it, closing it behind. <\/span><\/p>\n

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They waited for a few minutes before both doors were opened and they were ushered inside. They saw a circular room with large chairs around it. Half were filled with giants. Roon noted the two female storm giants, a fire giant, a stone giant, a frost giant\u2026 all except a hill giant were accounted for. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSo,\u201d one of the female storm giants got to her feet and squinted her buggy eyes at them, \u201cyou\u2019re not just the delegates you said you were, from Waterdeep. You\u2019re spies. Assassins<\/em>.\u201d She said the words with relish, pointing at them all. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNot assassins, Princess Mirran.\u201d Kilian said, fists clenched. \u201cWe come for peace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYet,\u201d the other storm giant stood, walking to her sister\u2019s side. Their relation was obvious. \u201cYet, yet<\/em> you threaten us. With the vonendod, no less.\u201d Nym grinned wickedly. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe do not come to threaten,\u201d Thia assured them, gripping the staff tightly. \u201cWe offer you information. Duke Zolto had the vonendod with plans to destroy this court and take the Kingship for himself. We stopped him and took the weapon, then came here to help you find your father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cShe comes in here,\u201d Mirran sneered, \u201cthe dirty little elf girl, and claims to have killed one of our own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNot<\/em> one of your own,\u201d Kilian said loudly. \u201cA traitor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cA giant<\/em>,\u201d Nym cooed, anger colouring the sweetness in her voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The first sister tilted her head at them, then looked around at the room of giants. She pointed a beefy finger in their direction and said, \u201ckill them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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At that moment, Evelyn shouted from the ceiling, where she hung upside down by her boots. \u201cTry to kill us, and you\u2019ll end up like the rest of these!\u201d She upended\u2014or perhaps it was right-ended\u2014her stained and overstuffed pack and let three giant, gooey hearts fall to the polished white floors, where they exploded, covering her companions in the rotting blood and flesh. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon turned to the side and nearly wretched. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cKILL THEM!\u201d The two sisters screamed at once, and all the giants got to their feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In a moment of panic, Roon backed away as half a dozen giants drew weapons and ran at them. One swung a club at the ceiling toward Evelyn, narrowly missing. Kilian drank a potion, then whispered a spell so his form blurred. Opal drew up a swirling, roaring ice storm in the middle of the room. The noise of howling wind and snow was deafening, and the powerful swirling storm sucked some of the giants inside. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Before Thia could cast anything, a bolt of lightning hit her square in the chest and she flew across the room, sliding along the floor and not moving. Flint shot bolts from his crossbow and tried to back away as quickly as he could, and another bolt of lightning threw Opal and Kilian off their feet. Roon saw it was the sisters controlling the lightning and directed his ethereal weapon toward them as he searched for cover. Opal got to her feet, then jumped into the air and transformed into a giant eagle. Kilian also got to his feet and yelled over the sound of the storm, \u201cIS THIS HOW YOU TREAT YOUR EMISSARIES? YOUR ALLIES?\u201d He demanded. Then, he pointed his hands at Mirran and the giant woman flew into the air with a shriek. She flipped until she was dangling in the middle of the room. All the giants paused to stare up at the princess where she struggled and cursed. Kilian opened his mouth, but instead of words, blue fire shot from him into the giant\u2019s face, a product of the potion he drank. She shrieked as the flames burned, but Kilian held back. Some of her hair was singed, but she seemed mostly unharmed. \u201cSTOP, OR SHE DIES!\u201d He warned. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Opal landed by the stairs and nodded her beak, and the ice storm dissipated. The giants looked to Nym uncertainly, their weapons lowering half an inch. <\/span><\/p>\n

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She looked at her sister hanging in the air, then back at Kilian, then around the room, licking her chunky lips. Then, she whispered something, and the bottom half of her body blurred. Suddenly, she shot toward Kilian and made a grab for him. The sorcerer\u2019s image blurred sickeningly, and she missed him, sliding past and stumbling. The other giants took that as a sign to continue the fight and roared in unison. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Another bolt of lightning struck Kilian from behind and he grunted as he hit the ground. \u201cDROP HER, YOU FILTH!\u201d Nym shouted, but Mirran remained suspended in the air. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon managed to skitter out of the way, then stepped into an invisible door and appeared on the other side of the room. He saw above them a large oval window, looking out into the dark, vast ocean. He raised his hands, gritted his teeth, and was about to shatter the window and let the weight of the ocean come crashing in, when another female voice bellowed over the noise of the battle. \u201cSTOP! WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The fight stopped for a second time, and everyone turned as, from a hidden opening to a staircase, a giantess appeared wearing a corral crown and a flowing robe. Around her neck she wore a blue sceptre with a chain. Next to her walked a male giant dressed in fine clothes and grasping a trident. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon saw Flint move to Thia\u2019s side and heal the elf. Opal stayed in the air, flapping her large wings and watching the newcomer cautiously. Kilian groaned and slowly got to his feet, and Evelyn stared at them all from her point on the ceiling. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat is happening here?\u201d Sarissa, daughter of Hekaton, demanded in a stern voice, eyeing her two sisters, one of which was still suspended in the air. \u201cWho are these people?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian cleared his throat. \u201cWe are emissaries from Waterdeep. We have come to help you find your father,\u201d the sorcerer said, rubbing his chest and looking pained. \u201cAnd, to warn you of Duke Zolto and the vonendod.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIs that so?\u201d Sarissa asked, stepping into the room. The other giants lowered their weapons and slowly moved into the corners of the room. All except the guards, who inched toward the doors. \u201cWhy, sisters, have you chosen to attack these people?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThey threatened us,\u201d Mirran wheezed and pointed at the splatter of gore on the ground. \u201cThey showed us the hearts of our kin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Evelyn began walking down the wall toward the ground. \u201cOnly after you decided to attack us,\u201d the girl said grudgingly. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Another figure appeared through a side door and slid into one of the seats, looking thoroughly amused. It was a storm giantess, but atop her head she wore a crown with a blue dragon horn. Iymrith,<\/em> Roon thought. It had to be the dragon disguised. How dense were these giants?<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI would like to hear them out,\u201d Sarissa said. \u201cPlease, would you mind?\u201d She asked, gentler, and gestured to her sister dangling in the air. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOf course,\u201d Kilian acquiesced, lowering Mirran to the floor, feet first.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Mirran glared but said nothing, moving to take a seat. Nym followed, grumbling under her breath. The other giants waited for Sarissa to seat herself, then followed suit. The throne in which the Queen regent sat was carved of bone, and the legs of the chair were the skulls of blue dragons.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cPlease,\u201d Sarissa said in a ringing voice. \u201cSpeak. I would hear your words.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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They looked around nervously and saw Thia stirring on the floor. She breathed in sharply and scrambled to a sitting position, looking around. Flint held her shoulder. \u201cW-what? What\u2019s happening?\u201d The elf demanded. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cQueen Sarissa has agreed to hear us out,\u201d Flint explained in a low voice. \u201cShe stopped the fight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Thia got to her feet, blood in her dark hair and staining her robes. Her eyes burned with rage. \u201cBastards,\u201d Thia cursed, staring at Mirran and Nym. \u201cWe came in peace and you attacked us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Mirran clenched her jaw but said nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cQuiet, you,\u201d one of the guards spat, moving toward the elf. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Thia turned to him and swore, wiping her face. \u201cI said, QUIET!\u201d The giant bellowed, lifting a finger and pointing it at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Thia flipped a rude gesture with one hand, and a bolt of electricity flew from the guard\u2019s hand, hitting her in the chest. Thia crumpled to the ground. Flint shouted in anger, and Opal gasped, running to Thia.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cENOUGH,\u201d Sarissa said, holding up a hand. \u201cI said not to harm our guests.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cShe had no respect, your grace,\u201d the guard said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sarissa sighed and rubbed her eyes with thumb and forefinger wearily. \u201cTake her to the dungeons. We can deal with her later. Just\u2014make sure she\u2019s still breathing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The guard nodded, nudged Opal aside, and picked Thia up with one hand. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian reined in the storm brewing behind his eyes. \u201cThe elf is hot-headed, but she is also a diplomat and translator. I would prefer if you didn\u2019t send her away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sarissa raised an eyebrow. \u201cYour diplomat needs to learn some respect. I don\u2019t trust you, yet, so don\u2019t ask me for favours. Simply tell me why you are here. The truth, this time.\u201d She nodded to the guard, who took Thia away.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian sighed but nodded. \u201cAs we said, we are emissaries of Waterdeep. The civil\u2014ah, disagreements\u2014between the giants have caused a multitude of problems in our lands. We,\u201d he gestured to their group, \u201cwere chosen by the city lords to travel the land and discover what was causing this uproar between the giants. Through our travels we found giants collecting ancient, buried pieces of adamantium in the hopes of reconstructing them into the weapon known as the vonendod. This led us to Duke Zolto of the fire giants. We investigated his hideout, found the weapon, and interrogated him. Zolto told us of his plans to use the weapon to take over your father\u2019s throne and rule the giants. We managed to stop him,\u201d Kilian gestured to the splattered ruin of giant hearts on the ground, which Evelyn nodded at smugly, \u201cand took these hearts as proof of his defeat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sarissa frowned down at the hearts but said nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIn Zolto\u2019s chambers, we found the conch,\u201d Kilian continued, and Opal quickly dug into her bag and pulled out the large conch. \u201cIt brought us to your palace, where we hope to make allies of your court, and aid you in the recovery of your father, the King.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you have any word on my father?\u201d Sarissa asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian\u2019s neck stiffened. \u201cWe would prefer to discuss the matter in,\u201d he looked at the two sisters, \u201ca more private setting. It may be something you prefer to digest on your own, before sharing it with your court.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sarissa looked at him, considering the request. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, the storm giantess whom Roon suspected to be Iymrith, sat forward on the edge of her chair and stared at them scathingly. \u201cWe can\u2019t trust these little people,\u201d she spat, and some of the other giants in the room nodded along. \u201cThe little people have never been kind to us. Why should they want to help us? They have no proof that they are allies. Giants must fight for giants and remember who our enemies are.\u201d She clutched her chair and glared down at them, and Kilian stood his ground. \u201cFor all we know, the little folk were the ones who abducted your Father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Evelyn crossed her arms and said loudly, \u201cwho said the King was abducted?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Iymrith looked shocked, but then covered her reaction quickly. \u201cOr missing. You know what I meant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sarissa cleared her throat impatiently. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI think it is time for the advisors in this court to show their true form,\u201d Kilian announced, staring at Iymrith. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Iymrith\u2019s face dropped and there was lightning in her eyes. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat does he mean?\u201d Sarissa asked, watching the look between Kilian and the storm giantess. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI think it\u2019s time we were all a little more truthful,\u201d Roon spoke up, walking next to Kilian and holding up a hand. \u201cWith your permission, Queen, I would draw a circle of truth in this court that will force everyone to speak truthfully. We believe one of your advisors to be\u2014untrustworthy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Iymrith got to her feet and snarled. \u201cMore tricks by the little folk. They mean to curse us or kill us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat have you to fear from the truth?\u201d Kilian asked. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Iymrith snorted, but Sarissa spoke next. \u201cSit down, Iymrith.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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So, they knew her name, just not what she was. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Iymrith glared at the Queen, and both Sarissa and the giant holding the trident stood and blocked her from moving away. \u201cDraw the circle,\u201d Sarissa said to Roon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The gnome nodded and quickly whispered the string of spells, feeling the magic leave his fingertips and fill the room. He turned to Kilian and nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAsk her about Harshnag,\u201d Kilian told the Queen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Sarissa folded her arms. \u201cWhat happened to the frost giant Harshnag, Iymrith?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Something changed in Iymrith\u2019s demeanour. Her desperation turned instantly to a swelling rage. \u201cHarshnag died, just like all of you giant scum,\u201d she spat. Her hand sprang forward and grabbed the necklace hanging from Sarissa. She ripped the chain free and disappeared in a blue flash. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe sceptre!\u201d The giant with the trident shouted, and the rest of the court sprang to their feet. \u201cShe stole the sceptre!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Sarissa looked horrified as she held her neck with a hand. \u201cUthor,\u201d she said to the trident-bearing giant. \u201cShe betrayed us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cShe was never one of you,\u201d Kilian announced, and they all stared around at him again. \u201cShe is a blue dragon in disguise. She has been working against your court for some time, we suspect.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Mirran and Nym looked outraged, and Kilian looked at them pointedly but said nothing of their work with Iymrith. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t let her get away,\u201d the Queen regent said, fear in her eyes. \u201cYou said you could find my father?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe can do our best,\u201d Flint said. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThen do it. We will send you with all you need to get this done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian nodded. \u201cIymrith is not the only one coveting the throne. We wish to help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Sarissa reached into her robe and pulled out a small object. She crouched in front of them and dropped it in Kilian\u2019s open palm. \u201cThis coin was found with my mother\u2019s body,\u201d she said gravely. \u201cPerhaps this will help you find her killer and find where my father has been taken.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian inspected the object. It was a wooden coin painted with gold. He closed it into his fist and nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSo, uh, does this mean we get our elf back?\u201d Flint asked awkwardly. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Sarissa got to her feet and nodded. \u201cYes, of course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThere\u2019s one last thing,\u201d Kilian said, \u201cbut we wish to tell you in private.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d Sarissa said, dismissing the room. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Mirran and Nym protested, but she glared at her sisters and they were escorted away with the rest. After a few minutes, only Sarissa, Uthor, and two guards remained in the room with them. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell, what is it?\u201d She asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian cleared his throat. \u201cWe suspect Queen Neri\u2019s killer already.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Uthor raised his chin and Sarissa looked over to him anxiously. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe visited the All-Father and spoke with the oracle there. The oracle suggested it was your sisters who killed your mother.\u201d He paused, waiting for their reactions. Sarissa\u2019s face hardened. \u201cThough,\u201d Kilian added, \u201cwe don\u2019t believe they were the hands that wielded the blade. They were manipulated by the blue dragon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cStill, they are guilty!\u201d Uthor slammed a fist on his armchair. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Sarissa finally said in a weak voice, \u201cfor your honesty. We will investigate this matter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAs will we, my lady,\u201d Kilian bowed. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat can we call you?\u201d Sarissa asked. \u201cDo you have a name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian turned back to his companions helplessly and Roon stepped up. \u201cYes, we do. We\u2019re called TGS.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cTGS\u2026?\u201d Uthor\u2019s brow crumpled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian held up a hand to stop him, but Roon continued. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Roon said, throwing out his hands majestically, \u201cThe Giant Saviours!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Despite everything, the Queen Regent looked amused. \u201cCome, TGS. We will send you on your way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She stood, and as she did the doors to the courtroom opened again and Thia, still unconscious, was brought in and laid before them. Roon bent to heal her, feeling lighter already. They had allies. Now, all they needed to do was find the King.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/main><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The companions take the magical conch, stolen from Duke Zolto, to the court of King Hekaton. There, they encounter the three sisters, Sarissa, Nym and Mirran, and must convince the giants to ally with them to repair the Ordning and save giant-kind. But first, they must uncover the secrets of Iymrith, the blue dragon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":782,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[18,19,17,14,15,16,23,20],"series":[],"class_list":["post-166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-giants-gamble-dungeons-and-dragons-series","tag-campaign","tag-cult-of-the-dragon","tag-dnd","tag-dungeons-and-dragons","tag-fantasy","tag-series","tag-the-giants-gamble","tag-wizards-of-the-coast"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Giants-Gamble-Blog-Photos10-copy-16.png","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/seriously-simple-podcasting\/assets\/images\/no-album-art.png","download_link":"","player_link":"","audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"amazon":{"key":"amazon","url":"https:\/\/music.amazon.ca\/podcasts\/09c34bbc-b359-49af-a286-31830ed5634c\/short-stories","label":"Amazon","class":"amazon","icon":"amazon.png"},"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/short-stories\/id1621456328","label":"Apple Podcasts","class":"apple_podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"google_play":{"key":"google_play","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/feed\/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGV4aXN2ZWVuZW5kYWFsLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qvc2hvcnQtc3Rvcmllcw","label":"Google Play","class":"google_play","icon":"google-play.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/feed\/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGV4aXN2ZWVuZW5kYWFsLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qvc2hvcnQtc3Rvcmllcw","label":"Google Podcasts","class":"google_podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0lcQCRs52MfYlKs35lVX4K","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"},"itunes":{"key":"itunes","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/short-stories\/id1621456328","label":"iTunes","class":"itunes","icon":"itunes.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/feed\/podcast\/default-podcast","embedCode":"

The Giant’s Gamble Pt. 25<\/a><\/blockquote>