{"id":66,"date":"2018-09-10T11:59:00","date_gmt":"2018-09-10T11:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/141.148.246.190\/index.php\/09-2\/the-giants-gamble-pt-1\/"},"modified":"2022-04-19T14:02:19","modified_gmt":"2022-04-19T14:02:19","slug":"the-giants-gamble-pt-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/index.php\/2018\/09\/10\/the-giants-gamble-pt-1\/","title":{"rendered":"The Giant’s Gamble Pt. 1"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Prologue: Too Close for Comfort<\/span><\/h3>\n
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The island of Mintarn lay four hundred miles southwest of Waterdeep, a haven for scoundrels, thieves and vagabonds in the Sea of Swords. It was a shabby place that smelled of fish and unwashed pirates, but there was something lively and exhilarating about the place as well. As Roon stepped off the Seabearer\u2019s Daughter<\/em>, he breathed deeply of the dust and sweat of the place with a satisfied grin, hoisting his belongings over one shoulder and making his way through the docks. Greeting nods found their way to him from fisherfolk who lounged in the hot afternoon sun, taking a break from the day\u2019s work.<\/span><\/p>\n

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From what he\u2019d heard of the place, no one worked too hard in Mintarn. No one had to. After all, it was a free city, set apart from the rules and taxes of the mainland. That\u2019s why Roon chose this destination after his studies at the School of Illusion. His practice awaited, as did gold.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHey, lil\u2019 one,\u201d the sea captain growled, catching up to him and putting a heavy, leathered hand on Roon\u2019s shoulder. Roon turned quickly, caught off guard.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOh, captain, it\u2019s you,\u201d he said, casting the man a wide grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDon\u2019t forget me, righ\u2019? You\u2019ll tell em I did fine?\u201d The human was a hulking figure, intimidating to anyone who knew nothing of the soft interior of the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOf course, captain Ander. When I write home, my family will know all the good things you did for me on this journey.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The gruff man grunted and gave a toothy grin. \u201cGood lad. \u2018Pprecciate it, I do. Stay safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon shrugged. \u201cShip happens.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The captain\u2019s grin widened, and he lumbered back down the docks to bark orders at his sailors.<\/span><\/p>\n

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With a shake of his head and a covered smile, Roon continued his path to find the nearest tavern.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cExcuse me, could I have a room please?\u201d He asked a short time later, standing in the Barmaid\u2019s Inn, the top of his head barely reaching the bar\u2019s surface. \u201cExcuse me!\u201d He waved a hand, trying to grab the attention of the Innkeep.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYessir, what can I do for you\u2014ah, youngen?\u201d A human female with a messy bun of grey and brown hair, looking harassed, leaned over the counter to have a full look at Roon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon crossed his arms and stood as tall as he could, begrudging the lack of facial hair he could grow. Everyone was always pointing out his small stature or supposed young age. \u201cA room, please,\u201d he said, disguising his annoyance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAye, we\u2019ve got some wee beds you can rent. That\u2019ll be a silver, if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d She held out a hand and he quickly fished out a coin and dropped it into her palm. With a quick nod, she produced a key and handed it to him. \u201cUp the stairs, to the left. That\u2019d be number six, lad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon hoisted his pack again and clambered up the stairs, closing the weathered door behind him with a slam. He took his quarterstaff from his back and knelt on the ground, holding the staff parallel to the floor in raised hands. He pressed his forehead to the staff where a symbol was carved into the wood and muttered a few words of prayer, then stood and twisted the staff expertly in his hands with a whoosh whoosh whoosh<\/em> before leaning it in the corner of the tiny room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He left everything on the bed except for his bag of dice, a stack of cards, and his money purse, which he tied under his armpit, pulling a clean shirt and cloak on after it. He kept a few spare silvers in a separate purse, one found at his belt.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He checked his appearance in the mirror. He needed a good bath, that was evident after weeks at sea. However, a bath would not serve him in a place such as this, so instead he ruffled his greasy brown hair into an even more erratic arrangement, scuffed the collar of his shirt, and practiced his expression of utter innocence. His huge gnomish brown eyes portrayed nothing but naivety, and the fineness of the embroidery on the edges of his cloak suggested a small wealth, with an ounce of lacking responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019ll do,\u201d he said with a satisfied grin, then picked up his key and bounced to the door in search of a game of chance. \u201cTime to make some gold,\u201d he whispered. He rolled a weighted dice in his hands and found a seat in the corner of the inn with a mug of ale, waiting and watching.<\/span><\/p>\n

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His first victim approached not long after, displaying a grizzled gray beard and a grin that lacked almost all semblance of teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Two Years Later<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cKilian, I\u2019m not sure about this place. There\u2019s too many rules for my liking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian flipped his card over, revealing a high pair. \u201cI like it here,\u201d the human smiled triumphantly, his ice-blue eyes dancing with merriment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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With a flick of his wrist, Roon flipped his own cards and revealed the higher hand. \u201cWaterdeep is too rich for my blood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThat seems unlikely,\u201d he replied, eyeing Roon\u2019s hand. \u201cHa!\u201d the human barked, leaning back as Roon chuckled and raised two fingers in the air to the barkeep. \u201cLooks like I\u2019m buying again,\u201d he shook his head and Roon gathered up the cards and began shuffling.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIf you keep on this way, Kilian, I\u2019ll be drunk, and you\u2019ll be penniless.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDon\u2019t get cocky, young gnome.\u201d The sailor sighed and straightened his coat as a woman served them each an ale. \u201cPerhaps you should take this game across the room to a new patron.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon looked around at the crowded inn, searching for someone he could single out. \u201cYou\u2019re the one who cautioned me to be careful outside the free cities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cCareful, but not poor,\u201d the sailor said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat kind of name is \u2018The Cuddly Cow Inn\u2019? It sounds like a place to buy knitting,\u201d Roon snorted, taking particular interest in a lone elf across the room next to a window who was finely dressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI believe it\u2019s supposed to be inviting. A comfortable place for people to sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt sounds udder-ly dreadful,\u201d the gnome noted, and Kilian rolled his eyes at the pun. \u201cThere, that elf across the way. See her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The human leaned in, passing a hand through his black hair, peppered at a young age with gray, as he searched the busy floor. \u201cHmm, you think she\u2019s a good target?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon shrugged. \u201cLooks like she has some coin, doesn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI suppose.\u201d Kilian stroked his shadowed chin thoughtfully, then grabbed his ale and stood. He looked down at Roon, who was nearly half his height, and said, \u201cyou know the act. Play it well, and don\u2019t <\/em>slip up this time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon grinned mischievously and handed the stack of cards over, then watched as Kilian strode across the inn. He followed after, ducking under the long legs of humans. The Inn was growing louder with voices, and a young halfling sat near the fireside strumming a lute and singing a folksy song, a worn hat on the ground before him to collect coins.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMind a game of cards?\u201d Kilian asked, seating himself across the table from the elf.<\/span><\/p>\n

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She looked up, seemingly in a daze, and gave a gracious smile. \u201cCertainly.\u201d The elf had long black hair and, when she looked up, her eyes were golden. Her skin shone with a bronze hue, and she sat with a posture only elves could muster. \u201cWhat is the game?\u201d She asked, repositioning herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s called Longback Ruse,\u201d Kilian said, and explained the bluffing game briefly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you put money on it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian shrugged and dealt the cards. \u201cUsually, yes, but as it is your first time playing\u2026\u201d he trailed off.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHow much?\u201d the elf asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAny amount of gold,\u201d the human said quickly, taking a large swig from his mug after he finished his deal. \u201cBut first we\u2019ll play for practice. I wouldn\u2019t want to cheat you as a beginner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The elf nodded her head graciously, and Roon ducked his head, sneaking around to feel for a coin purse. Kilian purposefully did not look in his direction. The benefits of being a gnome was often anonymity. People, especially those who were wealthy, rarely paid mind to smallfolk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat is your name?\u201d Kilian asked casually.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThia,\u201d the elf replied, \u201cand yours?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cKilian Sondheim. Now, here\u2019s your cards. Look at them closely, then set your bet. Which, for the sake of this game, will be imaginary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon pulled aside the elf\u2019s cloak with deft hands and found a heavy coin purse on her belt. He reached out his long fingers and tugged, ever so gently, on the leather. The straps were bound tightly, difficult to maneuver around. He took out a short dagger from his sleeve and began to slowly cut at the straps.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cExcuse me, can I help you?\u201d The elf\u2019s voice was severe, and with a wince, Roon looked up. She was staring right at him, distracted from the card game.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI am so sorry!\u201d Kilian feigned a gasp and reached for Roon, dragging him back to his side of the table. \u201cRoon,\u201d his stern eyes turned on him, \u201cwhat did I tell you about checking pockets?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNo\u2014no pockets!\u201d Roon squeaked, playing his part. \u201cJust checking for weapons, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYour gnome here was trying to steal from me,\u201d Thia said, glaring at the two of them. \u201cWhat is this? A game of ploys?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNo trick, I promise you,\u201d Kilian said placatingly, and Roon, pretending at nervousness, crawled up onto Kilian\u2019s shoulder and perched there, looking across the table at the severe-looking elf.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cGnome, what have you to say for yourself?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon began to babble nonsensically, trying desperately to squelch the bubbling laugh that grew within him at the game.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat\u2019s he saying?\u201d Thia asked Kilian, looking confused.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHe, ah\u2014he\u2019s a very nervous type,\u201d Kilian told her, patting Roon where he sat on his shoulder. \u201cSometimes he forgets the language when he gets nervous like this. He\u2019s not from around here. I am very sorry. He\u2019s quite young and needs some guidance in the ways of\u2014manners.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon held a smile from his lips as he crawled down from Kilian\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cPlease,\u201d Kilian said, gesturing to the hand of cards on the table. \u201cLet\u2019s play again. No tricks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cVery well,\u201d Thia said, eyebrow raised, appraising the man across from her. \u201cBut this time, we use my cards. And we bet for gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian collected his two gold in winnings and dropped them into his pocket as Thia begrudgingly took back her cards. Roon had noticed her marked cards, but Kilian was too clever to be swindled, especially after the past two years of good gambits.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell played,\u201d Thia sighed, ordering a drink for herself. Roon stood on Kilian\u2019s lap and reached for his own mug, which was so massive he needed two hands to drink from it. He drained a fair portion of the mug and belched. \u201cI believe that was a fair game,\u201d the elf told Kilian. \u201cWhat are the two of you doing in Waterdeep Harbour?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSearching for new work, mostly,\u201d Kilian told her. \u201cI\u2019m a sailor, you see, come to visit friends and the like, and to make some extra coin. The seafaring business has not done well as of late.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAnd this one?\u201d She pointed at Roon, still eyeing him suspiciously.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cA friend. Also looking for work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cBoth of you are sailors?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNot exactly,\u201d Kilian smiled. \u201cI just sort of picked him up on the way. Please, if you would excuse me for a moment, I must get a room for the night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The elf bowed her head and watched them go, still eyeing them suspiciously. Kilian grabbed Roon by the wrist and dragged him away. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t like her,\u201d Roon told Kilian.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cReally?<\/em>\u201d he asked sarcastically. \u201cI hadn\u2019t noticed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The two of them got up and approached the bar, Kilian asking after a room and digging out the coins for payment. Roon looked around and saw an awkward-looking genasi with large, gnomish, agate-coloured eyes staring around, innocently taking in the scenery of the inn. She had long, pointed ears and dark, coppery skin. Her hair was a shimmering opalescent, like a finely cut diamond, and its colours seemed to shift in the dim light. The tall creature slowly approached the bar where Kilian and Roon stood and leaned up against the wooden edge. \u201cCan I help you, dear?\u201d one of the servers asked, and she looked shocked that someone was speaking to her. \u201cA drink, perhaps, or a room?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDrink?\u201d she tilted her head thoughtfully. \u201cYes, yes I\u2019ll take one of those.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cFour copper, darling. You can pay him once he\u2019s done with these other customers.\u201d She nodded the genasi over to the man Kilian was conversing with. As the genasi tentatively approached, Roon reached up a hand and checked her pockets deftly. Or, at least he thought it was deftly until\u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHello!\u201d the genasi said brightly, bending down to pat Roon gently on the head. Roon scrunched his nose, looking up. \u201cWhat are you doing, little one?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAh<\/em>, this is how we greet each other where I\u2019m from,\u201d Roon said with a smile, patting her quickly to check for a coin purse. Nothing. He was out of practice after a month at sea.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOh!\u201d She smiled a wide smile and looked over at Kilian, who was watching the exchange with raised eyebrows. Kilian bent down and handed a room key to Roon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cTake this, Roon,\u201d then whispered more harshly, \u201cand don\u2019t get into any trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHello!\u201d the genasi said to Kilian as he straightened. She reached a hand around to pat his backside. Kilian yelped a little as she did so.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat was that for?\u201d He asked, shocked at the woman\u2019s forwardness.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon snickered and crawled up a barstool to order another drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThat is how you say hello, no?\u201d she asked, eyes wide. \u201cYour friend just told me so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cS-sure,\u201d Kilian said distractedly, then grabbed another mug from the counter as the barkeep slid it towards him. She slid another to Roon and it splashed across the countertop. He licked up the spilled drops and raised his mug gratefully. \u201cRoon, I\u2019ll be about the room. See you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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With a knowing nod, Kilian turned and eyed the awkward genasi one more time. \u201cWould you like to come sit? There aren\u2019t many chairs left.\u201d He gestured to the full, bustling room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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She nodded excitedly and followed the human across the inn back to the stern-looking elf.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon leaned in to the innkeeper who Kilian had paid: a short, wide man with dark skin and a balding head. \u201cExcuse me, but can I ask what you know of the military force in Waterdeep?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The man looked up from his ledgers in surprise. \u201cWhy, they keep the city safe, what\u2019s it to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m just curious. Is this a safe city, would you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSafe as I\u2019ve ever known it,\u201d he told the gnome with a shrug.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAnd what about the surrounding areas? Do you know much about the safety around there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cListen,\u201d the man stacked his papers, looking weary, \u201cI live here and work here. I don\u2019t get out much. If you\u2019re curious about the city, I suggest you ask someone else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou live in here?\u201d Roon said, sounding fascinated. \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The man gestured a hand behind himself distractedly at a closed wooden door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThanks for your help,\u201d Roon smiled, and the man glanced up and nodded before shuffling off to help his employee load drinks onto a serving platter. As soon as the man was gone, Roon chugged his large mug of ale, slammed it down on the bar, then crawled off the barstool. He stole into the room the man had gestured to, closing the door quietly behind him. He searched under the straw mattress and dug through the contents of the man\u2019s drawers and closet, but found nothing of interest, and surprisingly, no gold of any kind.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Well,<\/em> he thought, digging out an inkpot and paintbrush. No point in leaving without getting anything out of this.<\/em> He crawled up onto the man\u2019s bed and painted, in large, black lettering, the word BUTTS.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Snickering, Roon crawled down, stowing away his ink and wrapping his brush for later cleaning, then snuck out of the door and made his way across the busy inn to find Kilian. His chest felt warm and content, though that may have been from the liquor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cKilian,\u201d he said, crawling onto his friend\u2019s shoulder for a better view of the table, \u201cI have something really funny to tell you later\u2014who\u2019s this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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At the table sat a small, very pale human female with emerald eyes and long, white hair. She looked sickly, and her dirt-streaked face and tattered clothing suggested she had not seen coin for some time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSo, you do<\/em> speak common,\u201d Thia the elf said, crossing her arms at Roon. \u201cQuite a lot, I might add.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon shrugged, looking at her uncomfortably. Something about the elf\u2019s aggressive nature reminded him of\u2014but, that was no matter. At the table next to Kilian, perched on the edge of her seat as if unsure what chairs were normally used for, was the genasi they had encountered at the bar. She looked uncertainly at the elf, then at the pale girl, and finally at Kilian and Roon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThis young lady,\u201d Kilian said with a gracious smile, pointing at the frail human, \u201cI ran into and nearly spilled my drink on. She looked a bit lost and was asking about some work, so I thought she could join us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAnd you?\u201d Roon asked, looking over at the genasi. \u201cWhat\u2019s your name? What are you here for? Also, why do your eyes look like that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The genasi\u2019s huge eyes widened even more, as though she couldn\u2019t believe someone was talking to her. \u201cMy name is Opal!\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m part gnome!\u201d She patted Roon on the head for the second time that evening. \u201cPerhaps we are cousins!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHmm, I doubt that,\u201d Roon said, then after brief pause, \u201cOpal, I like<\/em> you. Did you say what you were doing in Waterdeep?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m looking for friends!\u201d She said happily.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell, I think you\u2019ll like us, Opal. We\u2019re the best friends anyone could have! Tell me, are you a good fighter?\u201d Opal grinned and nodded, and Thia looked doubtful. \u201cWhat about you, young lady?\u201d Roon turned to the pale girl and crawled over the table to look at her closer. \u201cWhat are you doing here alone? You\u2019re rather young, aren\u2019t you? Where\u2019s your mum?\u201d He crouched on the table and rested his folded hands on his chin, staring pointedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The girl cleared her throat and looked around the table nervously. \u201cI\u2019m, um, my name is Evelyn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cEvi, eh?\u201d Roon asked, sidling even closer to the girl. The closer you were to a person\u2019s eyes, the harder it was for them to lie. Discomfort was a trickster\u2019s friend. \u201cAre you old enough to be in here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cJust\u2014just Evelyn, if you don\u2019t mind. And, y-yes. I\u2019m here looking to make money, that\u2019s all.\u201d She looked down, and Roon scooted off the table, using her chair as leverage and patting a hand on her belt to feel for coins. Just as he suspected, there were none. Not even a pouch to put them in. This girl clearly had nothing to her name.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cEvelyn,\u201d Thia noted, leaning in. \u201cYou look a bit worse for wear. Where did you come from?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell, I was recently out in the hills with a raiding party, when all but me were brutally murdered by trolls.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The table went very still, and Opal scooted forward. \u201cThat\u2019s terrible!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYes, very terrible,\u201d Kilian agreed, sounding troubled. \u201cThese are dark times, I hear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Thia nodded in firm agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon found himself a chair next to Evelyn. \u201cEvelyn, I think we will get along just fine. Do you want to come with Kilian and I? We\u2019re also looking to make some money in our travels.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The girl\u2019s green eyes lit up. \u201cOh yes, I would like that very much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cGreat! Now, you\u2019re sure your mum won\u2019t be worried?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cQuite sure,\u201d the girl said solemnly. \u201cI\u2019m old enough to be on my own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHow did you survive a group of trolls while your other companions did not?\u201d Thia asked suspiciously.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Evelyn shrugged and whispered, leaning in, \u201cI am a very<\/em> good fighter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m sure you are,\u201d Roon said happily. Something about the girl made him want to help her. He wished his own coin purse was a tad fuller, but after that last bet he made before they fled Alaron\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell,\u201d Kilian said, finishing his mug and standing somewhat unsteadily, \u201cI think it\u2019s time we settle in,\u201d he told Roon, then bowed to their newfound company. \u201cA pleasure to meet all of you. I hope to see you all in the morning to discuss a possible arrangement of comradery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon bowed as well and clambered off his chair. \u201cA pleasure to meet\u2014most of you,\u201d he said, then trotted up the stairs to their room with Kilian just ahead of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Once they had closed the door, Kilian turned to Roon with a smile. \u201cI think that we have found a promising group.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHmm, I guess so,\u201d Roon sighed, picking up his staff, \u201cthough I don\u2019t like the Elf. The weird one I like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhich weird one?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cBoth of them, I suppose,\u201d he shrugged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian rolled his eyes. \u201cYou always do this, Roon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNot always,\u201d he said stubbornly, then raised his quarterstaff and began his nightly prayers. Kilian respectfully remained quiet until he was finished. He stood and twisted the staff in his hands and placed it next to his bed when done. Kilian sat on his own bed, placing his two newly-won gold pieces into his coin purse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cRoon, we came to Waterdeep to find companions to take on our journey. You know we need more protection. Especially with what we\u2019ve heard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI can protect you, Kilian,\u201d he said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian walked over and placed a hand gently on his shoulder, eyes crinkling in a smile. \u201cI know, friend. I only mean that there is safety in numbers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been mostly fine on our own for the past two years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cMostly<\/em> fine. And now we are out of the free cities. We must step cautiously, Roon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon climbed onto his bed and crawled under the covers, facing the wall. \u201cYou\u2019re probably right,\u201d he whispered, then closed his eyes and went to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\u201cI heard the owner complaining this morning that someone had written BUTTS on the wall in his bedroom,\u201d Evelyn whispered in fascination, hunched over the table next to Opal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon gave Kilian a knowing smile, and Kilian pressed his palm into his forehead with a sigh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They all dug into their breakfasts except for Evelyn, who ordered nothing and looked to be streaked with more dirt. Roon wondered if she had slept outside. \u201cHere, do you want some?\u201d The gnome asked, holding up a piece of bacon to the small human. She gratefully accepted it and, with a sudden look of ravenous hunger, tore into the meat with her teeth. Roon handed her another piece, which she ate with more decorum. Once he was finished eating, Roon lit a flame with a snap of his fingers and began to make the flame dance from hand to hand. It was a rudimentary thaumaturgy spell.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh! I can do that too!\u201d Opal said happily, created a small flame in her hand. Evelyn watched them play with the dancing lights, her eyes glazed over, captivated by the display. Thia approached them a few minutes later and sat, straight backed, across from Kilian.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSo,\u201d the elf said thoughtfully, \u201cI have thought on this all morning, and I believe it would be in our best interest if we worked together. You say you\u2019re looking for coin, as is Evelyn here. Opal is looking for friends and has told me she is quite familiar with the forests and fields in these lands. I am on a mission to hunt down some creatures, and I believe that we can find someone to pay us for ridding the land of the abominations, if we simply ask. It could be a benefit to us all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat kind of creatures?\u201d Roon asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

After a pause and a look of annoyance, Thia said, \u201cgiants.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t agree more,\u201d Kilian said, sounding relieved. \u201cWe would gladly welcome companions on the road. Where abouts are you headed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI spoke with a few people last night,\u201d Thia said, \u201cand the giants I hunt have made their way to Nightstone, by way of talk. That is my direction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe\u2019re also headed to Nightstone,\u201d Roon chimed in helpfully, looking at Kilian\u2019s ice blue eyes. \u201cEvelyn, you said you were a good fighter. Are you willing to leave Waterdeep and prove this to us? If we can find pay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The girl nodded slightly. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThen it\u2019s settled,\u201d Kilian nodded. \u201cWe would like to see what it would cost to rent a cart and horse. Roon and I are not familiar with long travels on land and would be grateful for the help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon stood, \u201cI\u2019ll ask around and see if I can find directions to a stable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

“Wait, what’s your<\/em> name?” Opal asked the gnome.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

“Roondock Bardo Dimble Orris Garrick.” He declared. “But, you can call me Roon.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian ushered Roon ahead, and the awkward group was soon setting out from the Cuddly Cow Inn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

While searching for the stables, Roon approached a few residents of Waterdeep looking for mercenary work or stories of the military or otherwise. What he could glean from the civilians was no more than he and Kilian had already heard upon first landing in the harbour: giants were roaming the lands, wreaking destruction and killing innocents. Any gold that could be found in removing them would likely be paid by the township of Nightstone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Gold, of course, was not their first priority, but they wouldn\u2019t turn away an opportunity if it presented itself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid the cost of cart and horse would run you about sixty-five gold pieces,\u201d the grungy looking man with a scruffy red beard and wrinkled forehead explained to Kilian.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t afford that at this time, unfortunately,\u201d Kilian sighed, eyeing the group uncertainly. \u201cTell me, uh\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cName\u2019s Mork,\u201d the man replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cMork. Do you know how far it is to get to Nightstone from here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019d say it\u2019s about some three days walk, if you\u2019re keeping up a good pace. With those short legs, however,\u201d he looked at Roon skeptically, \u201cit might take a bit longer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019m three foot one. That\u2019s plenty tall for a gnome,\u201d Roon said defensively, hands on hips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAre you sure about that?\u201d Evelyn asked quietly, standing next to him and measuring his height next to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon grunted. He was at least three foot, and some days he felt a little taller, so three foot one was what he told people. He scratched a hand through his thick, frazzled brown hair and looked to Kilian.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian gave him a subtle nod, and Roon twitched a finger and muttered under his breath. A shimmering stream of magic flowed from his fingertips and the horse caretaker breathed it in through his broad nose, his gaze going soft.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cListen\u2014Mork, was it?\u201d Roon stepped up, broad smile on his face, \u201cwe\u2019re friends, aren\u2019t we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Mork nodded slowly, looking dumbstruck. \u201cCourse we\u2019re friends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you give us a discount on this horse and cart? Perhaps halve the price, then halve it again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Mork muttered the word \u2018halve\u2019 a few times, looking down at Roon. \u201cI can give them to you for thirty gold. That\u2019s best I can do, even for a friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon harrumphed and looked back at Kilian, who shook his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYou know what, it\u2019s fine,\u201d Thia cut in, looking at the group. \u201cWe can walk the distance. It\u2019s really not that far.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI am very strong!\u201d Opal declared, displaying her endurance with a few lunges followed by some jumping jacks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThere you have it,\u201d Thia said, holding out a hand to the genasi. \u201cWe\u2019ve got it under control.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d Kilian said reluctantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHey, Mork,\u201d Roon said again to the man. \u201cSince we\u2019re friends, would you mind if I borrowed some money from you? I promise I\u2019ll pay you back sometime.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Still looking dazed, Mork reached into his coat and dropped three silvers into Roon\u2019s open hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThanks very much, friend! And thanks for all your help. We hope to see you again soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cGoodbye, then,\u201d Mork said, looking confused as he lumbered away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cEvelyn,\u201d Roon said, turning to the pale girl and taking her hand, \u201ctake these. I think you could use them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Evelyn looked down at the three silvers and, with a slight nod of thanks, pocketed them, somewhat embarrassed. The others were turned away from them, doing a quick inventory of their food and water supplies for the journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cUm, Roon?\u201d Evelyn asked as she bent down, her white hair falling forward and sheltering half her face, \u201cI know how we could get a cart from that man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh, how\u2019s that?\u201d the gnome asked curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell, we just get rid of him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYou mean put him to sleep, or distract him, or\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Evelyn shook her head. \u201cSleep, kind of. But, like, a permanent sleep. We should\u2014we should kill him. That way we could take as many horses as we like. And borrow the rest of the money from him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cKill him! Evelyn!\u201d Roon lowered his voice then, grabbing the girl by the shoulder, as she was bent to his height, \u201cwe can\u2019t just kill anybody who gets in our way. We\u2019ve got to be clever. Quick witted. I don\u2019t want to end up in a prison somewhere, do you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She shrugged, looking surprised by his reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cLet\u2019s not jump to murder quite so quickly. Look, we can walk. It\u2019ll be good for us, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Evelyn nodded, not overly convinced, but tucked her hair behind and ear followed Roon as he approached the rest of the group.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cReady to go?\u201d Roon asked Kilian, and the human declared that they were, helping Roon onto his back to carry him. Roon didn\u2019t mind, as it was very difficult to keep up with a human\u2019s pace. Besides, that genasi looked like she had far too much energy to match, even for Roon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They set off southeast down the road in the early light of day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

Chapter One \u2013 A Giant Mess<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something a mile down the road, circling the skies,\u201d Thia declared, her perceptive elven eyes piercing the horizon, \u201cdo you see it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon squinted up against the sun and did indeed see something circling there. It was larger than a bird from that distance should be. They quickened their pace down the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

As they approached nearer, they could see a group of humanoid figures scattered in the field shooting arrows and throwing spears into the air at the circling creature, which now looked to be a massive vulture. One of the humanoid figures lay on the ground, unmoving. \u201cKilian! We need to go help them!\u201d Roon said, shaking his shoulders. \u201cI can heal them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think we can fight whatever that is,\u201d Kilian told him uncertainly, then to the group said, \u201cwe should get off the road and circle around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a great idea!\u201d Opal said enthusiastically, her long hair bouncing as she skipped off the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe need to be stealthy!\u201d Thia said quickly, crouching into the grass on the side of the road. There were very few trees in the area, the land being mostly grass and hills. Opal immediately dropped to the ground, crawling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian ran to the edge of the road, but the vulture seemed to have spotted them. It careened through the air with huge, sweeping wings. \u201cLook out!\u201d Evelyn shouted. The vulture dove at Kilian and Roon. Roon yelped and jumped from Kilian\u2019s shoulders, rolling on the ground and bruising his shoulder against a rock. The huge bird dropped over Kilian and snapped at him with a beak. Kilian fell back, arm bleeding through his coat, and stumbled to his feet looking dazed as it flew up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cGet away from him!\u201d Roon cried, picking up his short bow and reaching for an arrow. The vulture turned to him, screeching, and dug its massive talons into the gnome\u2019s body. Roon felt himself being pulled upwards for a second before being dropped heavily back onto the ground. A sudden rush of pain from his abdomen caused him to roll to his side, coughing, just as the bird made another dive for him. Kilian, holding his bleeding arm, pulled out a dagger and threw it into the bird\u2019s feathery side. Shrieking in anger, it flapped its massive wings and took to the sky. With shaking hands, Kilian released a bolt of fire at it and the flames singed the bird\u2019s wings as it veered away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon crawled to his feet, picking up his short bow, and watched as Evelyn, with incredible speed, sprinted after the vulture, scimitar blades in hands. Still hiding in the long grass, Opal released a crossbow bolt and missed the vulture, which was still flying away from them, and a second after that Thia sent three green-glowing missiles into the air, all three piercing the bird and forcing out another rage-filled sound. It turned for a secondary attack, Evelyn still running beneath it and waiting for it to swoop low enough for her reach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon looked down at his chest and saw blood leaking through his leather armour and soaking his faded black cloak. He felt dizzy and could just barely manage to nock an arrow as the vulture dove again and knocked Kilian back off his feet, slamming his head into the rocky ground. A moment later, Thia shot a ray of frost into the heart of the beast, and it was blown backward into the grass, unmoving. Dead! <\/em>Roon unstrung his bow and ran to Kilian, who was lying still. He placed his small hands around his friend\u2019s head, feeling for swelling. Roon then lay his hand over Kilian\u2019s chest and recited the incantation of healing, a white light flooding the human\u2019s chest and stirring him awake with a few coughing breaths. Kilian winced and sat up with Roon\u2019s help. \u201cThat went well, I think,\u201d he said, managing a small smile, then looking down at Roon\u2019s blood-covered front in concern. \u201cAre you hurt?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cJust a bit,\u201d Roon said, his dizziness returning and exhaustion threatening to overwhelm his consciousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d Kilian said suddenly, looking over and standing up. The group being attacked by the vulture were now approaching them, and fast, from across the field. Opal released a bolt from her crossbow as they were charging, and it just barely missed. \u201cGoblins!\u201d Kilian hissed, raising his hands and shouting to the approaching group. \u201cStop! We\u2019re not going to harm you!\u201d Then, to their companions he said, \u201cdon\u2019t attack! Put down your weapons.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Opal was already putting another bolt in her crossbow, and it seemed Evelyn hadn\u2019t heard him, for she began pounding after the approaching goblins, who had slowed their run into an uncertain jog and started to shout something in their goblin tongue, lowering their weapons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Opal\u2019s next bolt pierced a goblin in the shoulder. It staggered back but regained its footing. They raised their weapons again and continued to run through the field, nearly to the road now. Thia cast a warding spell over her person and stood her ground, waiting to see what would happen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon watched as the goblins quickened their pace again and, with a quick prayer, cast a spell of sanctuary over Kilian where he stood. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Evelyn jumped in front of the goblins and brought her scimitars down on the nearest foes, spraying the grass with their crimson blood. Her curved blades ignited in rich, orange and white flames. Opal cried out and stood, piercing another goblin with a bolt from her crossbow. Seeing that they needed to finish the goblins, Thia cast a spike of frost into their midst, which hit the ground and dissipated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Unsteady on his feet, Roon shot an arrow and narrowly avoided hitting Evelyn as he pitched forward, gasping and holding his bleeding abdomen. The goblins were surrounding Evelyn, and no one else was near enough to help her. The girl\u2019s pale face was streaked with blood, and her green eyes flashed as she held her blades out, now in defense.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cScrew it,\u201d Kilian growled, running up just as Evelyn was pierced with a blade from behind and fell over, seemingly unconscious.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian threw a hand to the ground and, with a rumble followed by a massive boom, a wave of thunder crashed into the remaining goblins and sent them all flying off their feet. With a swirl of tempestuous magic, the sorcerer\u2019s feet left the ground and he flew back into the air, hovering and surveying the damage, clouds storming and swirling around him. A single goblin regained its footing and Opal sent a bolt through its head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The bronze-coloured genasi ran to Evelyn where she lay and put a hand to her chest, healing her to consciousness. Evelyn looked slightly paler, if that were possible, and her white hair and face were now spattered even more with goblin blood and dirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian turned to his friend and said, “Roon, you know what to do.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

“Right, go through their pockets!” <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian placed a patient hand over his chest, “I meant see if anyone needs healing, yourself included.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Thia bent down and went through the goblin\u2019s armour, finding a handful of coppers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Going through his pack, Roon stuffed his wound with clean bandages and walked over to Kilian, who was checking the pulse on the goblin a distance away, the one that had been unconscious when they first arrived on the scene. \u201cThis one is still breathing,\u201d he told Roon, and Roon inspected the goblin, then sprinkled a bit of water on its face. It muttered but remained unconscious. Wordlessly, Kilian picked it up and carried it over to where everyone else stood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI will kill it,\u201d Opal volunteered, stepping forward, \u201cI hate goblins.\u201d She added matter-of-factly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian held up a hand. \u201cThat\u2019s not necessary, Opal, thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe should keep it alive and question it,\u201d Thia suggested, eyes on Opal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat are goblins doing out here?\u201d Kilian wondered aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon pointed at their path through the long grass, heading to intersect with the road. \u201cLook, they were walking in the same direction as us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cTo Nightstone?\u201d Kilian stroked his chin, \u201cI wonder why.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon shook his head, unsure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWho cares?\u201d Evelyn said, \u201clet\u2019s kill the goblin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d Opal nodded eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat information do you suppose we would glean from it anyways?\u201d Evelyn pointed out, her green eyes looking hungry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnyone have some rope?\u201d Thia asked, and Kilian provided, drawing out the goblin\u2019s weapons and discarding them in the grass, sheathing one scimitar for himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

To Roon\u2019s surprise, the elf volunteered to carry the unconscious goblin, and the group soon continued their way down the road, Evelyn and Opal both unhappy with the decision. Kilian carried Roon, who fell asleep almost immediately, falling into a distasteful state of darkness. His wounds burned uncomfortably, but he was too exhausted to muster the magic required to heal himself. Instead, he dreamed of talons and beaks, and was once again reminded of how very small and weak he was beneath the lies and the stories.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Roon awoke when the goblin did and replaced his own bandages, stuffed in through his armour, which were now soaked in blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

After a few minutes of threats and questions, there was little they could learn from the goblin. \u201cTell us what you know of the giants roaming these lands,\u201d Thia demanded, standing over the goblin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to tell,\u201d it insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian let go of the restraint he normally held so tightly and pushed a boot into the goblin\u2019s throat, pressing it into the ground and leaning in as close as he could. \u201cWhy was your party headed to Nightstone?\u201d the human growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The goblin looked at him for a second, breaths wheezing, then spat in Kilian\u2019s face. With a grimace of disgust, he removed his foot from the goblin and wiped the streak of spittle from his face with the back of his hand. With a swift kick of her boot, Opal struck the goblin in the side of the head, and the creature went slack.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cCan we kill him now?\u201d Evelyn asked, sounding bored.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe shouldn\u2019t kill him,\u201d Roon insisted. \u201cWe can let him go. No harm done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian started. \u201cIt\u2019s best if we\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Evelyn strode up and, with a thrust of her scimitar, cut off the goblin\u2019s head. Opal nodded at the girl approvingly. Roon raised his eyebrows, speechless. What had been done to this girl to provoke such violence?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

After a moment\u2019s hesitation, Kilian said, \u201cright, then. Let\u2019s continue down the road.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

They stopped at a river\u2019s crossing and made their way down to the stream to fill their water skins. Kilian helped Roon replace his bandages, and after a good helping of salted pork and bread, the gnome felt his strength returning to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cEvelyn?\u201d Roon turned to the girl as she thirstily cupped water into her mouth. The girl turned to him. \u201cPerhaps you\u2019ll want to wash your face a bit?\u201d Roon gestured to the dried blood and dirt smeared all over the poor girl. \u201cA bath wouldn\u2019t harm you, either. You know,\u201d he hesitated, trying unsuccessfully to be delicate, \u201cbefore we get into town?\u201d Roon wasn\u2019t overly familiar with how to communicate to women, having grown up with five older brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cUm, sure, I guess.\u201d She splashed some water on her face and scrubbed, slightly lessening the disaster. \u201cBetter?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon smiled reassuringly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cLook at this!\u201d Thia said, pointing across the river. In the mud was a huge footprint. \u201cGiants. More than one by the looks of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThis is going to be a giant mess,\u201d Roon declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt looks like they\u2019re heading to Nightstone as well,\u201d Kilian stated quietly. Roon examined his friend\u2019s face for hints of anxiety, but the man held himself well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThese tracks are a day old,\u201d Opal told them confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThese could be the giants who killed Aelar,\u201d Thia said softly, climbing the riverbed and taking the bridge across. Kilian helped Roon to stand and they all followed the elf, Opal skipping to her side. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGiants killed someone you know?\u201d she asked Thia, and the elf nodded. \u201cThen we will kill all the giants!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cUm, Kilian?\u201d Roon whispered when everyone else was out of earshot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI very much doubt we can fight giants, much less kill them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI know,\u201d he nodded, hoisting Roon onto his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAre you alright?\u201d Roon asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe need to get to Nightstone, quickly.\u201d With a worried glance at his friend, the sorcerer jogged to catch up to the rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Dusk set in and the group of five found a small wooded area near the road. They settled in and made camp around a small fire, Thia taking first watch and Kilian offering to take the second shift. After a modest meal, Roon leaned his forehead over the front of his staff touching the carved rune and whispered a prayer, then stood and twisted his quarterstaff into a pattern before tucking it next to himself and crawling into his bedroll. He gingerly removed his leather armour and checked the damage, affirming that he could make a quick patch job of it in the morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The second his head hit the ground, he was asleep. The night air was quiet, completely absent of birds, bugs or otherwise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\u201cRoon, Roon!\u201d Kilian shook him awake, and he sat up groggily. \u201cThere\u2019s something coming, get up!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Boom.<\/em> Pause. Boom<\/em>. The ground shook, and it was growing louder. Roon scrambled to his feet and pulled his leather armour over his chest, drawing up his quarterstaff. Kilian ran to the fire and suffocated the flames with dirt frantically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon ran for the nearest tree and clambered up its branches. Feeling fully awake now, he quickly healed himself as he waited, heart thumping, for doom to approach. Everyone else had hidden up or behind trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

A minute or two later there was a loud CRACK<\/em> as an entire tree was uprooted and thrown a good distance. A deep, growling snort followed. Lumbering into their small band of trees was the hulking form of a ruddy coloured giant. It stomped a foot down and pulled at another tree, and Evelyn shrieked, then covered her mouth quickly. It was the tree she had been standing behind, and she crouched low, staying as still as she dared. The giant paused for a moment, sniffing the air and looking around stupidly, then released the tree from its massive grip and stomped away slowly. As it walked through the field and across the road, two other giants thump, thump, thumped<\/em> in its wake, their long arms nearly dragging in the dirt next to them, their gnarled shoulders hunched. They were walking away from Nightstone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh no,\u201d Roon whispered, peering through the starlit darkness in the direction of the town. Then, he shot down the tree and ran to Kilian and the others as they darted out of hiding.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian\u2019s face was pale.<\/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<\/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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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

Follow the beginning adventures of a strange group as they meet and begin their journey, following the story from Dungeons & Dragons, the Storm King’s Thunder.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":657,"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":[14,15,16,187,23],"series":[],"class_list":["post-66","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-giants-gamble-dungeons-and-dragons-series","tag-dungeons-and-dragons","tag-fantasy","tag-series","tag-stormkings-thunder","tag-the-giants-gamble"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Giant_s-Gamble-Blog-Photos1.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. 1<\/a><\/blockquote>