{"id":75,"date":"2018-12-25T11:59:00","date_gmt":"2018-12-25T11:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/141.148.246.190\/index.php\/25-5\/the-giants-gamble-pt-4\/"},"modified":"2022-04-20T14:12:04","modified_gmt":"2022-04-20T14:12:04","slug":"the-giants-gamble-pt-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/index.php\/2018\/12\/25\/the-giants-gamble-pt-4\/","title":{"rendered":"The Giant’s Gamble Pt. 4"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Chapter Four: Just an Average Tuesday<\/span><\/h3>\n
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The companions stumbled back to the town of Nightstone on tired feet. They discussed Xolkien at length with Morack, but the townspeople choosing between either homelessness in a larger city or returning to their homes and finding peace with their new leaders, simply chose the latter. The stone which the town was named after had been stolen by the cloud giants in their attack, but Morack and the other townspeople couldn\u2019t tell them what is was for or why it was taken, only that it was displayed in the centre of town as a monument.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The townspeople scattered inside the town gates and went to their respective homes. Their party joined Morack to his inn and he provided them with private rooms and beds for the night. Roon performed his nightly prayers, staff in hand, then snuffed out his candle and went to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Morning came, and the party convened downstairs, where Morack served up some fresh loaves of bread. He explained that some of his provisions had been safeguarded from raiders in a hidden cellar beneath barrels of refuse. While his good wine and most of his prepared foods were taken, he still had a good portion of what he owned. \u201cThankfully, goblins aren\u2019t the cleverest of folks,\u201d he said in his gruff, thick accent. \u201cThey don\u2019t go lookin\u2019 too hard for anythin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIs there anything we can do for the people of Nightsone, to help in the town\u2019s recovery?\u201d Kilian asked the dwarf.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon looked up at his friend dubiously. \u201cKilian, why are you always trying to volunteer? We need gold. We\u2019re not a charity,\u201d he whispered. Roon knew the consequences of altruism, and he dared not make that mistake again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThis is my home town,\u201d the sorcerer said, \u201cand these people may need our help. Shouldn\u2019t we help the people who need it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon shrugged in response. In watching this exchange, Morack said, \u201cthere are those who did not survive the attacks, and their families have yet to be notified.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cCan\u2019t you use a pigeon for that?\u201d Thia asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThia,\u201d Kilian said in surprise, \u201cwould you want to be told by a pigeon that someone in your family was dead?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The elf sighed and scratched her head. \u201cI suppose there could be better ways of finding out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOkay,\u201d Roon said, \u201cbut we don\u2019t know any of these people or their families, so how are we supposed to find them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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With that, Morack began listing off family names and where they lived, most of them nearly a thirty-day journey from Nightstone. After some discussion, they decided to go to Triboar to notify a woman of her ex-husband\u2019s death. \u201cThere are rumours of fire giants in the area, if you still pursue that course of action,\u201d the dwarf told them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThen it\u2019s settled,\u201d Thia nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cGreat,\u201d Roon said sarcastically. \u201cI\u2019m super excited to, once again, not be paid any gold and probably be killed by something much bigger and stronger than us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNow, Roon,\u201d Kilian said instructively, \u201cit\u2019s good to save lives. As a cleric, you should know as much.\u201d He leaned down to the gnome and also whispered, \u201cand it\u2019s good to be paid. We\u2019ll find someone to give us gold for our services.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon nodded appreciatively, though he still couldn\u2019t rid himself of the visual of a giant squashing him underfoot, his body left as unnoticed jelly in the grass. To them, Roon was an ant. A very clever, handsome, hilarious ant, mind you. But still, small by giant-ish standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI would like to kill things,\u201d Evelyn added hopefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon placed a friendly hand on her elbow. \u201cI think that will definitely happen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian smiled down at Roon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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With that, they went outside in search of Xolkien with Morack in tow, Kilian offering to introduce him to the new, self-appointed leader of the town. The town was busy with men and women dressed in uniform, displaying the Zhentarim emblem: a flying snake in the shape of a dagger. They were carrying in supplies for the town\u2019s people and distributing them to the various homes. By the looks of it, they were actually helping<\/em> people.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cPerhaps they\u2019re not so bad,\u201d Kilian thought aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

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“Xolkien\u2019s still an ass,\u201d Roon said, and Thia vocalized her agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian took a woman aside. She was carrying a crate with the Zhentarim emblem stamped on her chest. She stopped and looked at him, her hair out of place and sweat beading her brow. \u201cYour leader, Xolkien. Can we find him somewhere?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHe should be around,\u201d she shrugged unhelpfully at the various people milling about.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhere can I find him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHas anyone seen Xolkien?\u201d the woman called out impatiently, and another man passing them with a sack of potatoes over each shoulder nodded his head eastward and said, \u201che\u2019s that way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian nodded in thanks and the party headed across town. Xolkien stood in all his frowning glory at the base of the eastern tower, pacing slowly as a shorter man with a sparse mustache read a ledger aloud to him. When Xolkien noticed them approaching, he held up a hand and dismissed the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSo, I see you\u2019ve returned, your duty fulfilled,\u201d he said, nose turned up.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSo, I see you\u2019re still the worst,\u201d Roon muttered under his breath, and Thia shot him a reprimanding look.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian gave Xolkien a nod. \u201cWe did as you demanded. So, tell me. Why this town? What plans do you have for it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou don\u2019t need this information,\u201d the leader said stubbornly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYes, but it might ease my mind,\u201d Kilian said, brushing back his dark hair streaked with silver. \u201cSome of these people are old friends of mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Xolkien eyed him slowly, his gaze then tracing over the rest of the group. \u201cThey will be well taken care of,\u201d he said finally.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAlright,\u201d Kilian said thoughtfully. \u201cOne last question, then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Xolkien dipped his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThese giants appearing\u2014they wouldn\u2019t have anything to do with you, would they?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNo,\u201d the man said, shaking his head. \u201cThey are something else entirely.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThen, it appears my friends and I will be leaving. Here is Morack, owner of the town\u2019s inn. I trust that you will keep the people of Nightstone safe, and I hope we never meet again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHold up,\u201d Roon said, and Thia sighed dramatically. \u201cWe deserve to be paid for this. We nearly died to get these townspeople to safety, just so you could rule over them. Look at us. Look at Evelyn,\u201d he gestured to the girl, her clothing tattered, and her arms scarred from her many unhealed cuts. \u201cIf you really are as altruistic as you claim, you will pay us what you\u2019re worth in character.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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After a few moments of consideration, the flicker of a smile crossed Xolkien\u2019s pale, thin lips and he gestured for the man with the ledgers to return. The man approached hurriedly. \u201cPay them each twenty gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The small man divvied up the funds nervously.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cVery generous of you,\u201d Kilian said, though Roon could sense the coldness in his tone. It was the underlying pressure of the raging storm within the sorcerer. It spoke of rainier days and swirling ocean winds.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cGoodbye,\u201d Xolkien said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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With that, Kilian turned on his heel and gestured for everyone to leave, which Roon gratefully did after flipping a rude hand gesture in Xolkien\u2019s direction. The man raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Roon took issue with men who thought they deserved to rule just because they had the power to take something into their control. Roon tucked his gold into his cloak and continued on after his friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSo,\u201d Kilian said when they were all away from Xolkien and Morack, who stayed behind. \u201cAre we still in agreeance? We head to Triboar to inform that woman of her loss and perhaps take on news of these roaming fire giants?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cFire giants sound nice,\u201d Evelyn said pleasantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you think you could fight one, Evelyn?\u201d Kilian asked, and Evelyn shrugged.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI would like to make some money,\u201d Roon told them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat about you, Opal?\u201d Kilian asked the genasi.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI will follow whatever course the group decides,\u201d she said in her dreamlike voice, her hair shimmering in waves of colour as she tossed it over one shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou\u2019re a very agreeable person,\u201d the sorcerer nodded appreciatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMoney might be nice,\u201d Evelyn said, looking over at Roon, who winked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cRemind me to teach you proper gambling,\u201d he told the girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMoney is on my mind as well,\u201d Kilian said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAny direction we go will have better opportunity for money than where we are right now,\u201d Thia said thoughtfully. \u201cSo, I say we move on. Today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNorth?\u201d Kilian confirmed. \u201cTo Triboar?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m ready,\u201d Roon said happily, planting his staff firmly in the ground. \u201cLet\u2019s go kill some fire giants.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Evelyn nodded, excitement showing in her usually bored expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

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By the afternoon, the group gathered what provisions they could and headed out onto the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They had nine days of provisions on them and agreed to hunt for whatever else they needed. Being a city boy, Roon hoped the genasi knew what she was doing. She said she knew the forests well and Roon accepted that, so long as he didn\u2019t have to skin or de-bone, or whatever, any of the animals himself. So long as they came to him already cooked, he would be an agreeable camper.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Their first day and night of travel passed uneventfully. On the second day, Roon shouted for them to stop again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou have to go again, already?<\/em>\u201d Thia asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s only natural,\u201d Opal said sing-songedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI dunno what to tell you,\u201d the gnome shrugged, jogging to the sparse treeline and unbuttoning his breeches to relieve himself. \u201cSomehow, this bottle of wine ended up in my pack.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou didn\u2019t have to drink it,\u201d the elf scolded. \u201cAnd in the morning, no less.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cUm, hey everyone, I think I see something\u2026\u201d As Evelyn said this, everyone looked up and turned at the sight of a massive, floating stone tower, moving with the clouds and coming slowly in their direction. Roon quickly buttoned his pants and ran to the road with the rest of them. The tower seemed to be floating on the clouds he could now see, and, strangest of all, was the massive, floppy black and white wizard\u2019s hat that sat atop it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cEveryone can see that, right?” Roon asked uncertainly, pulling out his half-drank bottle of red from his pack and inspecting the label for hallucinogens.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt is there, alright,\u201d Kilian said in disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t know if that\u2019s a relief, or\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHave any of you seen anything like this before?\u201d Kilian asked the group as the tower continued slowly toward them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Thia, Opal and Evelyn all shook their heads together. \u201cThat would be one of the floating castles that Kella warned us about that attacked Nightstone.\u201d Thia said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell,\u201d Kilian said, eyeing the sparse patch of trees to their right. \u201cWe are out in the open, and there\u2019s not much space to hide. I say we hail them as a friend and see what comes. What say the rest of you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt looks like they\u2019ve already seen us,\u201d Opal said softly. \u201cWe can try. I like new friends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Evelyn drew her blades across her arms, drawing blood and flames as the tower finally reached them where they walked. It stopped, floating above them, and a spiral staircase slowly descended and nearly touched the ground, hovering there. The steps were of a human proportion. Kilian stepped up to the base of the stairs and shouted up. \u201cAre you friend, or foe?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

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No response.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI think we go up,\u201d Opal whispered excitedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Evelyn nodded, the light of her drawn blades reflected in her eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019ve always wanted to walk on a cloud!\u201d Opal said, clasping her hands before her.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon rolled his eyes and Thia pushed ahead to step up first. The cloud stairs held her weight, so she continued up carefully, Kilian following hesitantly at her heels. Finally, the rest of them followed, Evelyn taking up the rear.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They climbed at least a thousand feet with laboured breaths before they reached the landing. It opened onto an empty porch with a large, wooden door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI suppose whoever is up here couldn\u2019t hear me yelling from all the way down there,\u201d Kilian said thoughtfully, reaching for the massive door to test if it was locked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon stood at the edge of the cloud and sent a steady stream of piss into the air over it. At Thia\u2019s disgusted look, the gnome smirked and said, \u201cit\u2019s not every day you get to do that!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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She shook her head and turned as Kilian pushed the door open with some effort. It led into a marbled foyer, which was empty and had more steps leading up.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIf the people in this tower are evil, we should hijack this thing and take it to Triboar,\u201d Roon said in a hushed voice. \u201cFaster than walking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo we know how to steer a giant floating castle?\u201d Thia asked, and Roon shrugged.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat if they are the people holding this thing together?\u201d Kilian whispered. \u201cI know clouds. I make them. And none are so substantial as this.\u201d He gestured at their surroundings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t know, Kilian,\u201d the gnome said confidently. \u201cMaybe these are Northern clouds. We haven\u2019t been all the way North. Who knows how things work up there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian looked back over the edge of the cloud at the ground far, far below, and seemed to pale, his ice-blue eyes widening. Roon patted a hand on his leg comfortingly, sensing in the human a similar feeling he had felt that first day in Nightstone. It was fear of the unfamiliar.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell, there\u2019s no sense standing out here,\u201d Thia said, and walked up the stairs. \u201cIt\u2019s time to greet our guest. Hello?\u201d She called out, her voice echoing up the tower. The rest followed behind her again, Evelyn\u2019s swords still burning brightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They entered a wide, octagonal room, and towering high above them was a massive hole in the dome of the ceiling. Then, as if from a whimsical dream, down floated a fifteen-foot tall cloud giant from a balcony. He slowly drifted down to land in front of them, cloaked in a black and white toga reminiscent of the giant hat atop the tower.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHello!\u201d he said happily in a friendly, booming voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cLittle people!\u201d He gasped. \u201cHow nice!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHey!\u201d Roon shouted up at the tall figure as he landed lightly on his large feet. \u201cI\u2019m not that little. I\u2019m three-foot-one,\u201d he said proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHello!\u201d Opal said happily.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHello!\u201d The giant said again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHello!\u201d Opal imitated his exact demeanour, down to the wane smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019s good, I think.\u201d Roon said, holding up a hand to the genasi and rubbing his temple with the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHail, great giant!\u201d Kilian said, dipping his head. \u201cMaster of the skies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAnd what\u2019s your name?\u201d The giant asked kindly, leaning down his big, greyish head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cKilian,\u201d said the sorcerer. \u201cAnd whom do I have the honour of addressing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMy name\u201d the giant said with a toothy smile, straightening, \u201cis Zephyros.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHello, Zephyros. My name is Thia,\u201d the elf bowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSo, Zeph\u2014can I call you Zeph?\u201d Roon asked without waiting for a response. \u201cWhere are we going, since you clearly picked us up for a reason.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhere are you<\/em> going?\u201d the giant asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDid you pick us up for any reason?\u201d Thia asked tentatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI just like little people!\u201d The giant shrugged.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI like your staircase!\u201d Opal exclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThank you!\u201d Zephyros smiled again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe\u2019re headed to Triboar,\u201d Thia said, gazing up at the tall figure.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cTriboar, you say? Hm,\u201d the giant nodded his head thoughtfully. \u201cPerhaps this isn\u2019t a coincidence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t believe in coincidences,\u201d Roon said, arms folded.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI visited another plane,\u201d Zephyros said. \u201cI was told by the entities that I would meet some people heading to Triboar, and that I should help them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOh,\u201d Thia said in surprise, looking around at her companions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYes,\u201d Zephyros said seriously. \u201cYou must be the ones who are going to fix everything with the giants.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2014I didn\u2019t realize we\u2026\u201d Kilian looked at Roon helplessly, who grimaced in response. He knew what the sorcerer was thinking. They hadn\u2019t signed up for a world-shifting, prophecy-making, all time giant-slaying kind of thing. There were just here to get some gold and maybe help a few people, at Kilian\u2019s request.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat\u2019s happened to the giants?\u201d Roon finally asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAnd what have you done to help it?\u201d Thia added.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAh, well,\u201d Zephyros shrugged, \u201cI was told by the entities to have more of an indirect influence on the war to come.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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War to come? <\/em>Roon thought, panic swelling. He came to the mainland for adventures, not death. Certainly not to become part of a prophecy. Baravar, what do you have to do with this? <\/em>He wondered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat can you tell us about it?\u201d The elf asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe ordening has been shattered,\u201d the giant\u2019s tone grew heavy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat was the catalyst to this shattering?\u201d Thia asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe storm king has disappeared,\u201d he sighed, sitting down on the ground in front of them, floating to his seat rather than dropping.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAnd the others are trying to usurp his throne?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Zephyros nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cUh, where did he go?\u201d Evelyn asked softly, her blades lowered but still crackling with flame.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d the giant said sadly, then perked up and stood quickly. \u201cLet\u2019s go to Triboar so you can fix it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you know how to defeat a fire giant by any chance?\u201d the elf said quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI think if you stab it enough it should work,\u201d he said helpfully. \u201cI don\u2019t know. I tend not to use violence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you have any useful spells?\u201d Thia prodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI have books,\u201d he answered, to which Thia\u2019s eyes brightened with excitement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAny pet snakes?\u201d Roon asked. \u201cThe last people we met had flying snakes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI have pet griffins! Ah, don\u2019t go upstairs,\u201d the large figure shifted nervously as he said this.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Opal\u2019s face fell. \u201cDo they live in the hat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cUh, yes,\u201d Zephyros told her, then said again, \u201cbut don\u2019t go up there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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An awkward, serious silence followed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you know what happened in Nightstone?\u201d Thia asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Zephyros looked at her questioningly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cCloud giants attacked the city,\u201d she said. \u201cThey destroyed it and stole their stone, and sent the people running for their lives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Zephyros gasped in what seemed to be genuine surprise. \u201cThat\u2019s an atrocity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what we thought,\u201d Kilian said, looking more troubled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cCould they be relatives of yours?\u201d the elf asked hesitantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Zephyros shook his head. \u201cThis is the first I\u2019ve heard of this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWho are these entities that speak with you?\u201d Kilian asked. \u201cThey told you nothing of this attack?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t know who they are,\u201d the giant smiled apologetically.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAre they voices you hear in your head?\u201d Roon asked. It was best to cover every possible road, especially when dealing with mainlanders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNo, no,\u201d he said. \u201cI just do a magical spell and everything gets spacey, and then I hear them speaking to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Roon said slowly, casting a sideways glance at his friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSo, what is your position in the\u2014the ordening?\u201d Kilian asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI am a cloud giant,\u201d Zephyros said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAre you closely associated with many of your people?\u201d Thia asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI try to stay out of conflicts. King Hecaton barely held the ordening in control, and once he disappeared\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Kilian said in understanding. \u201cThank you for offering your help, Zephyros.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Zephyros dipped his head and began to float a few inches off the ground. \u201cDon\u2019t go upstairs,\u201d he reminded them with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cDo you play games?\u201d Roon asked quickly. \u201cGames of chance?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI could play a game,\u201d the giant said slowly, \u201cbut then I need to get back to the navigation room. To steer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh, right,\u201d Roon said. Games were the best way to get to know a person. To learn their bluffs, their mannerisms and, most importantly, their strategy in the long game. \u201cI\u2019ll just play with myself,\u201d he said, and Evelyn looked over at him with embarrassment. \u201cWhat?\u201d Roon whispered at her in defence. \u201cEveryone does it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She blushed even harder and looked away, stifling a giggle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian looked down at Roon and rolled his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cCould I see the navigation room?\u201d Thia was asking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Zephyros examined her for a moment and said, \u201csure, I guess so.\u201d Without waiting for the rest of them to speak up, he grabbed Thia gently by the middle and lifted her up in one large, grey-knuckled hand, then flew up and disappeared beyond the giant balcony far, far above them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cKilian,\u201d Roon said quietly, staring up in awe. \u201cI think we should try to go upstairs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnd die?\u201d Kilian hissed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI could use my illusory magic to disguise myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAs a cloud giant?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell, no. I can\u2019t do anything that large quite yet. But, ah\u2014perhaps a rabbit?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Looking around, they saw the bottom of the tower was quite empty except for a massive, unadorned mahogany desk against one wall with no drawers or papers. The walls were finely designed but revealed no hidden doorways or passages.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cCan we go upstairs?\u201d Evelyn asked impatiently. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing down here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI want to ride a griffin!\u201d Opal said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHow will we get up?\u201d Roon wondered. \u201cCan any of you fly?\u201d They all shook their heads, all except Kilian, who gave Roon a look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThere are no stairs,\u201d Kilian said, \u201cand I fear this may be a fool\u2019s endeavour.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHey! Um, Zeph?\u201d Roon shouted, his small voice echoing up the tower.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYes?\u201d Zephyros\u2019s head appeared over the balcony.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cCan we visit your library? You said you had books. Where are they?\u201d Roon gestured to the empty room around them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThey are upstairs,\u201d the giant said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cCan you bring us up there?\u201d Roon asked hopefully. \u201cWe\u2019re too small, and I don\u2019t see any stairs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHm, do you read giantish?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI do, yes. Definitely yes.\u201d Roon lied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI could bring you a book if you would like. What subjects interest you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI like to browse,\u201d the gnome said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNo,\u201d the giant answered. \u201cNo, I think it\u2019s best you stay down there, where I won\u2019t accidentally step on you!\u201d With that, the giant\u2019s head disappeared from sight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something off about that fellow,\u201d Roon muttered, then sighed in boredom. \u201cThere is nothing to do in here. Everything is too big and out of reach.\u201d He pressed a hand to the ground and made it tremble using his thaumatury spell.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cPlease,\u201d Kilian said in a strained voice, rubbing his silver-streaked hair nervously through his fingers, \u201cdon\u2019t disturb it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon stood. \u201cKilian, are you afraid of heights?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian shrugged uncomfortably. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright if you are, Kilian.\u201d He leaned in and whispered. \u201cI\u2019m a bit afraid of women, if that helps.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI simply prefer sea level,\u201d he muttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

With that, they settled in with resignation, unrolling their bedrolls on the hard floor and sitting back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cUm, Roon,\u201d Evelyn said hesitantly, \u201ccould you teach me a card game?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh, sure,\u201d he smiled, patting the ground across from him and drawing out a deck of cards, shuffling them expertly between his hands. \u201cHave you ever heard of Fifty-Two Pickup\u2026?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

When Thia eventually returned to them, she was not keen on Roon\u2019s plan to try and sneak to the upper part of the tower.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe have found a gracious host\u2014albeit, one that could easily kill all of us if given a reason\u2014and I don\u2019t feel the need to step on any toes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you the least bit curious?\u201d Roon demanded in a hushed voice, looking at each of them accusatorily. \u201cHow is it I\u2019m the only one who wants to figure out what he\u2019s hiding? Me! Have I become paranoid about everything, or is there some truth in my fears?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to know too,\u201d Evelyn said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThank you, Evelyn!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Thia stepped out of the foyer and laid back on the clouds, closing her eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

In a huff, Roon threw himself down dramatically and glanced over at Kilian pleadingly. The sorcerer shrugged and sat down beside him. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, little friend,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cThis is for the best.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

The day passed slowly into night, and the following day continued uneventfully. The castle moved slowly, almost lazily across the sky, piercing clouds and causing birds to squawk and avoid it. Evelyn sat on her own, rolling her pocket eyeball between two fingers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon sat next to her, watching her for a while. \u201cEvelyn,\u201d he said cautiously, \u201cI don\u2019t mean to offend, but I\u2019m curious\u2014why do you have that eyeball, and w\u2014whose is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh, I just found it,\u201d she said innocently, continued to roll it through her fingers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhere did you find it?\u201d He asked in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI dunno, I got it one day. I just sort of had it all of a sudden.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSo you just woke up, and\u2026 do you remember your childhood?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYes, I do,\u201d Evelyn said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhere are you from, exactly?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019m from really far away. A small town up north,\u201d she shrugged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cRoon, where are you from?\u201d Thia asked, sitting down next to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon stretched as he considered his answer. \u201cI actually grew up in a very\u2014ah\u2014fancy place. On an island named Evermeet. I don\u2019t know if you\u2019ve heard of it\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI have,\u201d the elf smiled strangely at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon dipped his head. \u201cThe population is mainly comprised of elven-kind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhy did you leave?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHonestly? This won\u2019t shed a great light on me,\u201d he paused, sighing, \u201cbut I left so I could get drunk and gamble a lot.\u201d He said simply. \u201cAnd party. And, I couldn\u2019t really do that there anymore, so\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNot much of a party place,\u201d Thia filled in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAll of my friends, my family, were growing up and getting married, and having families of their own.\u201d He scratched his scruffy goatee thoughtfully. \u201cI quickly realized my life didn\u2019t align with their responsibilities. So, I decided to take a ship and travel to the free cities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Thia pointed to Kilian. \u201cAnd how did you two come to know each other?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cKilian was a sailor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI sailed on the ship Roon took from Evermeet,\u201d the sorcerer said. \u201cWe didn\u2019t formally meet until a while later, when we vaguely recognized one another from across the room in a tavern in one of the free cities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cMintarn,\u201d they both said at once.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIs it windy there?\u201d Evelyn asked randomly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYeah, it is actually,\u201d Roon said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cA bit of a sea breeze,\u201d Kilian said wistfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYeah, so we met, we gambled, I took a bunch of Kilian\u2019s money, and he liked me for it. He has a great sense of humour,\u201d Roon said conspiratorially. \u201cHe knows I\u2019m hilarious. Did from the start.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAfter that, we decided to take our adventures through the free cities, and finally to the mainland,\u201d Kilian summarized, urging the story along.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cExactly,\u201d Roon nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know gambling worked like that,\u201d Opal said in wonder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh, it can be very profitable,\u201d Roon told her. \u201cYou can play it, so you always win. I\u2019m quite worldly, Opal. I can teach you a lot about gambling. The skill is all in the tricks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Thia cut in, looking at the wide-eyed genasi. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t take all of the advice Roon gives you,\u201d she advised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWill you teach me to gamble, like you promised?\u201d Evelyn asked hopefully. \u201cI want to make money from games.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you what, Evie, I\u2019ll do you one better. I\u2019ll teach you to steal people\u2019s money. Just,\u201d he clarified with a raised index, \u201cthe ones who don\u2019t need it. I\u2019m not a bad gnome, after all.\u201d He smiled wickedly. \u201cAnd I wouldn\u2019t steal from any of you\u2014now that I know you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI was going to say,\u201d Thia interrupted, \u201cyou tried stealing from me the day we met.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon shrugged sheepishly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cBut, why can\u2019t we just kill them and take their money?” Evelyn asked innocently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAs a cleric, I\u2019ve learned the value of a life,\u201d Roon told her, \u201cand when they can be spared, even saved. The world is\u2014ah\u2014a shifting scale, I think my mother called it. Always shifting. It\u2019s best not to kill anyone. Besides, who wants to spend their night washing blood out of their clothes?\u201d Roon added jokingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t mind,\u201d the small, white-haired girl said earnestly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Roon said, eyeing her sideways.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your story, Evelyn?\u201d Thia asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cMy story for what?\u201d The girl said quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYour life,\u201d Roon clarified.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe have some time. Days, in fact. I think it\u2019s best if we get to know each other,\u201d Thia added. \u201cYou\u2019re a bit of an enigma, young lady.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Evelyn said nervously. \u201cI just travel around and fight things. It\u2019s\u2014fun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHave you ever fought in a competition?\u201d Roon asked excitedly, leaning toward her, \u201cwhere you fight in front of an audience and you make money doing it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cUh, I don\u2019t really like being in public,\u201d Evelyn said shyly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI can understand that,\u201d Roon said, though that was a half truth, for he very much enjoyed attention. \u201cThere is much to be said for shadows and tricks when everyone else is looking at the spotlight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d Kilian said, clearing his throat. \u201cThia. How did you come upon these circumstances? How did you lose your betrothed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell,\u201d the elf leaned back introspectively, \u201cit started with a job. Aylar and I heard of a treasure. Easy pickings, it was rumoured.\u201d She closed her eyes. \u201cOne night, while I slept, I heard screaming. We had made camp and Aylar was on watch. Next thing I knew, I was standing\u2014standing over his body. He was dead. Killed by giants. There was nothing I could do, then, but hide. The deed had been done and I had no idea how to stop them.\u201d She paused, catching her breath. \u201cFor a few months, I sank into a life of waking sleep, the pain numbed by whatever drink I could find. But then I heard rumours of giants where I was staying in Neverwinter, and I knew what I had to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cDo you know what kind of giants they were?\u201d Roon asked delicately.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cFire giants,\u201d Thia said, and after another pause, she added. \u201cAylar was strong. We were a good team. But they caught him off guard, and\u2026 it almost seemed like it was targeted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cBastards,\u201d Roon said. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Thia.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She nodded, clearing her throat. \u201cHe was a great wizard. Much more skilled than I. When they killed him, they took his spell book. I\u2014I would give anything to get it back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m unfortunately out of wine. Not sure how that happened,\u201d the gnome said, \u201cbut, I think we could all do with something to pass the time, other than sharing our sad stories. Opal? You\u2019re a druid. Do you have any, you know,\u201d he winked, \u201ctea?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cTea?\u201d Opal said in open confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI think what my little friend is trying to imply,\u201d Kilian explained, \u201cis that he would like a substance to ease the mind, and perhaps distract it. Something stronger than liquor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon splayed his hands in clear agreement. Opal was about to answer when Evelyn cut in. \u201cAlso, Opal, what are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Before anyone could object to the awkwardness of the question, Opal happily said, \u201cI\u2019m half gnome, half djinn. I\u2019m a genasi! That\u2019s why my eyes are so big!\u201d She pointed one hand at her eyes and the other at Roon to draw the connection.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t \u2018genome\u2019 be a more apt name?\u201d the elf wondered aloud, her scholarly side showing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon snapped his finger and pointed at her. \u201cI like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Suddenly, there was a loud bang on the opposite end of the tower, and the main door flew open. Everyone stood immediately as a group of nine hooded black figures strode in unison through the foyer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cZephyros!\u201d Thia shouted up. \u201cZephyros!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYes?\u201d The giant called happily from above, leaning his large face over the balcony.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The cloaked figures stopped and looked at them, then up at the cloud giant peering down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happening?\u201d Thia asked, hands clenched and ready for a fight. \u201cWho are you people?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNew people?\u201d Zephyros said. \u201cMore little folk!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYou should really think about locking your front door!\u201d Roon shouted up at him, eyeing the strangers with caution.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWho we are is none of your business,\u201d the lead figure said scathingly to the elf. \u201cOur business is with the giant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Thia squared her shoulders defiantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cZephyros!\u201d The stranger called.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHow did you all get up here?\u201d Roon asked curiously, stepping toward the group and eyeing their cloaks, trying to peer under them. \u201cThis is a floating castle. Not sure if you realized. Do you have wings under there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe obviously used our flying vultures,\u201d the man said in annoyance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell, yeah. Obviously.\u201d Roon echoed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cZephyros!\u201d He called again. \u201cCome treat with us!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat do you want with him?\u201d Thia asked defensively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe have an agreement with the giant,\u201d the leader said, his face still in shadows. \u201cOr, at least, we will. On behalf of Yan-C-Bin, the Prince of Evil Air.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cLike, evil heir,<\/em>\u201d Roon said, \u201cor evil air?<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThose are the same thing,\u201d the leader said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Roon pointed out, \u201cthey just sound the same. An heir with an H is much different from the stuff we breathe.\u201d He paused. \u201cObviously.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the latter,\u201d the man snapped in frustration, clearly thrown off by the interaction. \u201cHe is an elemental prince. Now, I\u2019ve had enough of this tomfoolery. Zephyros, get down here and speak with us!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAh, alright!\u201d The cloud giant smiled, then flew over the balcony and began to float gracefully down. When he landed, the leader took a step forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe Prince of Evil Air would like to work with you, a cloud giant,\u201d the man said simply. \u201cHe believes it would be in everyone\u2019s best interest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

In a slithering, harsh tongue, Kilian spoke. Roon recognized the language as primordial but could not speak it himself. The leader responded in kind, shaking his head angrily. Zephyros smiled wanly as he watched the exchange. Finally, he said, \u201cwhat can I do for you gentlemen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe want to make a deal, to return the earth to its primordial state.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIs that all?\u201d Roon snorted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d Thia asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt means destroying at least part of the world,\u201d Zephyros explained, a crease forming between his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe want to make the world more\u2026 elemental,\u201d the leader explained, looking up at the concerned giant. \u201cBreak it down to its simpler forms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cDoes that mean breaking down the people as well?\u201d Roon asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The leader dipped his head. \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cZephyros,\u201d Thia turned to him. \u201cWhat do you think of all this?\u201d Her opinion was quite clear by her tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Zephyros pulled them aside and crouched down, telling the men to wait at the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHm,\u201d the giant said thoughtfully. \u201cI don\u2019t know! What do you think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt sounds pretty bad,\u201d the elf said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Roon agreed, \u201cgenocide, in my opinion, is not usually the best course of action.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian was uncomfortably quiet, and Roon recognized his look of being overwhelmed by matters much greater than his little corner of the world. \u201cPerhaps there is another way,\u201d Kilian said in a strained voice, \u201cto put back the order of the world, and mend the giant\u2019s ordening.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cLike killing all the bad ones,\u201d Roon said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt sounds,\u201d the giant said with a heavy sigh, \u201cthat any choice I make will end in violence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat if we found the leader of the giants?\u201d Roon speculated. \u201cThis King Hecaton fellow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Zephyros nodded thoughtfully. \u201cThat would be wise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWould it end the violence and restore order?\u201d Thia asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt may,\u201d Zephyros said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAny sort of force that wants to destroy half the earth cannot be kept,\u201d Kilian said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI think we should kill them,\u201d Evelyn whispered. \u201cI can cut myself to get ready,\u201d she offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Zephyros said in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t let them leave,\u201d Thia agreed, \u201cor they will find another cloud giant to do Yan-C-Bin\u2019s bidding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt sounds like the Prince of Evil Air is pretty evil,\u201d Evelyn said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an honorary title, I believe. Given to all elemental princes,\u201d Zephyros explained. \u201cIt does not necessarily mean he\u2019s evil.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cGenocide equals evil,\u201d Roon pointed out again. \u201cDo we know if he\u2019s human?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI have a feeling he\u2019s more\u2014elemental in nature,\u201d the giant said. \u201cLike an elemental spiritual being,\u201d he explained at their confused expressions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThey\u2019re clearly bad,\u201d Evelyn added. \u201cThey\u2019re wearing black robes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d Roon nodded emphatically. \u201cThat\u2019s definitely a sign of\u2014badness.\u201d The random interruption of these strange men gave him much cause for concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like the idea of the world ending as we know it,\u201d Kilian said gravely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe world has already ended, as you know it,\u201d Zephyros said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe can restore it,\u201d Thia promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

We\u2019ve agreed to a lot in these last two days,<\/em> Roon thought worriedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThese men also claim they can restore it,\u201d the giant pointed out, looking across the room at the stoic, cloaked figures.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s knocking the entire house down, foundation and all. We want to keep the bones intact,\u201d Thia said. \u201cThe structure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI say we send them away,\u201d Roon said. \u201cBy magical means, or otherwise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI could always talk to the entities,\u201d Zephyros said thoughtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have time for that,\u201d Roon said impatiently. \u201cI say we get rid of them. Kilian?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The sorcerer shrugged helplessly. \u201cThis is beyond my paygrade.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIf we ever got paid,\u201d Roon muttered miserably.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIf we kill them, the prince may come looking for us,\u201d Thia pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cLet him try.\u201d Roon turned, then, and strode toward their leader, leaving ten feet between them. With a quiet utterance, he felt magic fill his throat and coat his tongue, and with a forceful voice he said, \u201cLEAVE.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The leader tilted his head, then turned on his heel without a word and began walking toward the door. The other eight figures turned in confusion, and one of them said, \u201cw-what are you doing? Emerath?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHe wants to leave, obviously,\u201d Roon said. \u201cYou\u2019re done here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat did you do?\u201d he demanded, drawing his sword.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cN\u2019von,\u201d another asked the one with the drawn blade, \u201cwhat do we do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cKill them,\u201d N\u2019von said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

With that, Roon threw up his hands defensively and shot a white, flaming bolt of sacred fire at the man named N\u2019von. It hit him hard in the chest and sent him flying back into his companions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh, no!\u201d Zephyros said but made no move to intervene on the side of either party. He simply stepped out of the way as the rest of Roon\u2019s companions came charging forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSomeone grab Emerath!\u201d N\u2019von gasped as the other hooded men helped him to his feet. \u201cGet the creature!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon didn\u2019t like the sound of that. He whisked his left hand through the air and, in the confusion, a duplicate image of him appeared, shimmering at his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The hooded men all drew swords and scimitars and rushed into the centre of the octagonal room, and in a moment there was a furious crash as blades and spells met one another in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\u201cI think we\u2019ve made a mistake!\u201d Kilian shouted, shooting a chaos bolt at one of the men in black. \u201cZephyros, stop this!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The giant ignored the sorcerer\u2019s pleas, standing over the fight with interest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

A bright cone of moonlight shone down and incinerated one of the men where they stood, and Opal pushed the light through the room to scour another enemy. Thia shot missiles while Evelyn\u2019s blades zipped through the air, slashing and burning as they went. Roon sent his duplicate through the crowd to inflict wounds on one of the men, while he turned to Thia to heal her bleeding wounds. As he did this, he took a cut in the side. Many blades tore through his duplicate, the illusion shimmering but unharmed. Emerath finally realized the spell over him and turned to return to the fight. The leader pulled out a pouch from his belt and opened it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

There was a sound like a blast of air and a swirling mass of wind escaped from the pouch and disappeared. A moment later, the invisible entity slammed into Evelyn and sent her sprawling on the ground, the flames of her blades going out as she dropped them. Kilian shot a shattering spell in the direction of the invisible foe and there was a pained shriek and shuddering as it made contact, before swirling away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Evelyn leapt back to her feet, swept up her swords, and got N\u2019von in the chest, stopping his heart with one fine thrust. Roon drew his short sword and shield and began fending off a man twice his height, and finally got a cut in, drawing his blade across the back of the man\u2019s knees. He screamed and dropped to Roon\u2019s height, and the gnome pierced his skull through his eye. Looking around, he saw Evelyn and Thia unconscious. The invisible wind monster had knocked them down, and only he, Kilian and Opal remained. Roon quickly issued an order to his double, which ran to Evelyn and Thia\u2019s side and began healing them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Before he could look up to the sudden sound of rushing air, something hit him, hard, and all went black.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Roon woke with a groan, his head aching, and stood quickly in search of enemies. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d He gasped. Opal looked around sadly as everyone began to get to their feet, all of them rubbing their heads in discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOnce you were all hit by the monster,\u201d Opal explained, \u201cZephyros helped send away the bad men and we healed you all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat happened to the wind monster?\u201d Kilian asked with a grimace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI covered it in faerie fire and destroyed it,\u201d the genasi said with a light smile and an awkward curtsy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cZephyros,\u201d Kilian looked up at the giant, who was peering down at them with concern. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you help us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI hadn\u2019t chosen a side yet,\u201d the giant said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnd now you have?\u201d Thia said harshly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI told you before, the entities do not want me to directly interfere in these matters.\u201d The giant nodded, then paused. \u201cWell, now that you are all alive, I\u2019m going to go navigate!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Before anyone could object, the giant flew up to the second level balcony and disappeared, once again, from view.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Kilian huffed in frustration, \u201cthat didn\u2019t go so well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cDid we miss anything else?\u201d Roon asked Opal, who nodded and held up Emerath\u2019s pouch, which had once held the wind monster.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d the sorcerer asked, taking it from her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cZephyros said it is called a bag of holding,\u201d the genasi whispered. \u201cIt\u2019s supposed to carry a great many things and is light to carry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon took it from Kilian in awe, digging his hand through the bottomless bag curiously. Coins and jewels ran through his fingertips. He looked up at his companions, smiling slightly. \u201cThis will be very good,\u201d he said.<\/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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/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":"

Chapter 4 of the adventures of a strange party of people as their journey takes them across Faerun, following the story from Dungeons & Dragons, the Storm King’s Thunder.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":660,"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-75","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\/Giant_s-Gamble-Blog-Photos4.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. 4<\/a><\/blockquote>