{"id":77,"date":"2019-01-24T11:59:00","date_gmt":"2019-01-24T11:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/141.148.246.190\/index.php\/23-2\/the-giants-gamble-pt-5\/"},"modified":"2022-04-20T16:48:44","modified_gmt":"2022-04-20T16:48:44","slug":"the-giants-gamble-pt-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/index.php\/2019\/01\/24\/the-giants-gamble-pt-5\/","title":{"rendered":"The Giant’s Gamble Pt. 5"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Chapter Five: Next Time, a Rhinoceros<\/span><\/h3>\n
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\u00a0<\/p>\n

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The companions spent the next few days of travel getting to know each other better. They even managed to press Evelyn for more details about her young, dark past. She simply told them her family wasn\u2019t nice and she ran away in her fourteenth year, never to see them again. She pointed out that she never wanted to see them again, and though Roon wanted to ask her for a specific reason, he feared the answer. If it was anything like Destra\u2019s story, he didn\u2019t want to know the details.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Thinking again of Destra after so much time left his stomach roiling with shame, and he pushed away the memories.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cKilian?\u201d Roon said quietly to his friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYes?\u201d the sailor asked, rubbing his eyes as he set aside a book.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI never meant to have a direction,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d the human asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon sighed and stood. \u201cNever mind,\u201d he scratched his head. After an awkward hesitation he headed outside to take over Opal\u2019s watch.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The sailor shook his head in confusion and returned to his book.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cAnything?\u201d Roon asked the genasi as she leaned over the thousand-foot drop. The castle drifted through thick, puffy clouds, sending a chill through Roon as he pulled his cloak tighter around him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Opal turned her head to him and smiled, \u201cit\u2019s hard to see much up here,\u201d she said, and he nodded his agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAre you alright, being here?\u201d he asked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

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She thought for a moment, then nodded her head. \u201cYes,\u201d she said gently. “Though I do miss the trees.”<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon paused. \u201cI\u2019m just not so sure\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Opal gasped, cutting him off. \u201cLook!\u201d She pointed, and Roon caught sight of something large passing through the clouds. It was there for a moment, then disappeared.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cKilian!\u201d Roon shouted. \u201cEveryone! We may have company!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The shape swooped back into sight and sent Roon stumbling back in shock. A massive, silver dragon with figures clutched in its talons pierced the cloud cover and dropped its burden onto the deck of the tower, near where Opal and Roon stood. The dragon opened its maw and roared, then beat its wings upward and went to land at the top of the tower, now out of sight. Opal and Roon went scrambling back through the tower as the others rushed toward them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Kilian asked, eyes alert and wild.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cD-dragon!\u201d Roon squeaked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian stared at him for a second, and Opal nodded to confirm. \u201cZephyros!\u201d the sorcerer shouted. \u201cDRAGON!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt dropped something just out there,\u201d Roon panted, gesturing through the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Before anyone could ask what, a loud clanking sounded outside as whatever was dropped at their door pushed into the foyer. Six heavily armoured dwarves with severe expressions strode up the marble stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe really need to lock that door,\u201d Roon said, not for the first time. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Zephyros appeared overhead from his balcony. \u201cDid you say dragons?\u201d The giant boomed, and it was the most anger Roon had ever heard in the giant\u2019s voice. \u201cI. Hate. DRAGONS!\u201d He shouted, and as he did the dragon tore through the giant wizard\u2019s hat atop the tower and roared down at him, its long, silvery neck coiling down and belching a thick plume of grayish smoke. The giant\u2019s griffins went screeching and fluttering away in fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Zephyros raised a hand and shot a retaliating flurry of spells at the dragon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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“Oh no, the griffins!” Opal cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhy are you here?\u201d Thia demanded of the dwarves. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The dwarves ignored them and pushed past their group, drawing out vials from their cloaks and downing them. Slowly, the dwarves began to shift form, losing their substance and drifting upwards as gaseous clouds. Before the final one transformed, he spoke. \u201cWe come to the giant on behalf of Queen Da\u2019g Nabbet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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They all looked around at each other in confusion. Evelyn cut her arms and raised her flaming rapiers. \u201cDo we fight them?\u201d Thia asked quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThey haven\u2019t done anything yet,\u201d Roon said, looking to Kilian for advice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian shrugged, and they all looked up as the dragon roared again and shot more gas at Zephyros. \u201cWe must defend the giant,\u201d Kilian finally said, a chaotic bolt of energy appearing, crackling, in one of his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHow do we fight a bunch of clouds?\u201d Thia asked quickly, drawing her blade and singing into its steel until it began to glow with power.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Opal lifted her hands and a gust of wind blasted from the door and hit the dwarves-that-were-now-clouds, dispersing them so they drifted toward the walls of the tower.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cFriends, we have no wish to fight you,\u201d Kilian said, \u201cbut we will if you don\u2019t explain yourselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The tiny clouds continued to drift and slowly inch upwards as they righted their course.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cVery well,\u201d the sailor said, and threw back his arm, whipping a stretch of lightning across the room at the clouds. It passed through them without effect. Kilian cursed, and threw the chaos bolt that still hovered in his other hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cLeave!\u201d Zephyros shouted down at the floating dwarf-clouds, and there was a weight to his voice. It was a spell, just like the one Roon had used only a few days back on the cultists. But this one was much more powerful. The gaseous clouds instantly stopped floating upwards and began to sink and become more solid.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Evelyn poked a hand in the air and a larger, ethereal hand made of dripping ice thrust into one of the clouds, fog spilling out around it. Opal bent and shimmered as she took the form of a lithe, spotted jaguar. She snarled and waited for the clouds to reform. Kilian backed up a few steps and twisted his arms over his head until a swirling wind formed around him in a howling sphere of storm. While all this happened, Roon conjured a sacred flame in one hand, waiting for the dwarves to attack. They had yet to do anything, though the dragon continued to belch gas at Zephyros whom, it now seemed, had gone invisible and was shouting \u201cconfounded dragon!\u201d, which Roon could barely hear over the rushing of Kilian\u2019s spell.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The dwarves formed one-by-one back into their humanoid shapes and began running for the exit, bowling past Roon and the others. Roon released his sacred flame, Opal leapt in her jaguar form to push one to the ground, and Kilian stood in front of the entrance, barring their escape. It seemed the command spell Zephyros had laid on them was quite the force to be reckoned with.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They defended themselves against the dwarves as they tried to leave. Roon cast a few spells to try and hold them back, but they pushed through the magic. \u201cWe need to catch one!\u201d Roon yelled to Thia, and she nodded. \u201cWe need to question them!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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What was it about this particular cloud giant that made him so popular with all these strange cults?<\/span><\/p>\n

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Opal’s cat form was batted away with a heavy dwarven arm in splint armour. She yelped and sprawled to the floor, a large gash across her whiskered face. The dwarf then drew up his axe and began cutting at her. Opal tried to skitter away, but the marble flooring was too slick, and the axe landed heavily, cracking open her feline skull.<\/span><\/p>\n

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There was an ashy light and a flash, and the genasi transformed back into her humanoid form. She stood, shaking but unharmed. The dwarf hesitated for a moment, giving the genasi room to draw her bow and take a few limping steps back. The dwarf charged before she could fully arm herself and swung again with his heavy axe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The genasi fell and remained unconscious, a pool of blood spilling generously out onto the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon quickly sent his duplicate running toward her to stop the bleeding. Meanwhile, he and Thia were casting spells at the dwarves while Evelyn ran through them and cut at them, an irritant more than anything. The dwarves moved slowly in their armour, but they were well protected. From within his torrential wind spell, Kilian threw daggers and cast shattering spells, sending the dwarves back a few steps as they continued to push toward the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cStop this madness!\u201d Kilian finally yelled as he dropped his wind spell. With the hurricane winds gone, they could hear the battle at the top of the tower waging between the dragon and the invisible Zephyros. It was difficult to tell who was winning, and Roon wasn\u2019t sure if he cared all that much in the moment. \u201cExplain yourselves!\u201d the storm sorcerer growled, and the dwarves looked to him, the madness of Zephyros\u2019s spell seeming to dissipate somewhat. \u201cWhy have you come here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The leader of the dwarves, the one who had cut down Opal, slowly lowered his bloodied axe and held a hand up to the others, who stilled. \u201cWe are here to stop the cloud giants,\u201d the dwarf said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cStop them?\u201d Kilian looked confused. \u201cWhat has happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The dwarves all blinked, their expressions grave. \u201cOur home has been attacked by the floating castles,\u201d a female dwarf with thick red hair explained bitterly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that,\u201d Kilian said, dropping his hands. \u201cWe just came from Nightstone, where there was another attack from the cloud giants.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSo, you are on our side, then,\u201d the first dwarf said, straightening. “You are prisoners here?”<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian shook his head. \u201cYou have the wrong cloud giant. This one\u2014Zephyros\u2014he has not been involved in any of the attacks. In fact, he knew nothing about them until we told him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHe\u2019s helping us stop the giant uprising,\u201d Thia added, lowering her glowing blade.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The dwarves looked to the leader for guidance, hands still on their weapons.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe speak the truth,\u201d Kilian said steadily. \u201cNow, stand down, or we\u2019ll throw you off this tower and be done with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe\u2019re the good guys,\u201d Thia said reassuringly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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After a moment, the lead dwarf nodded and returned his axe to its holster at his back. \u201cVery well,\u201d he said. \u201cCome,\u201d he told the others, and they strode back to the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cClarion!\u201d the female dwarf shouted up, and there was a snarl as the silver dragon ceased spewing its gaseous cloud. They could hear Zephyros coughing, but still alive and unseen.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The dragon screeched and took flight, drifting around the tower and down to the balcony, where he pumped his wings and stared at the dwarves.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSorry about your friend,\u201d the female dwarf said, gesturing to Opal, who was pale and unconscious, but alive, Roon’s duplicate still hovering over her. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon nodded unhappily, and the dwarves made their exit, crawling into the dragon\u2019s open talons, which then closed gently around them. With a final roar, the silver dragon allowed the blowing wind to catch his wings like a sail, and he disappeared into the heavy clouds.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cZephyros?\u201d Kilian shouted. \u201cAre you alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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There was a groan, and the giant appeared floating ten feet above them and rubbing his head. \u201cI hate dragons,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon ran to Opal and quickly healed the genasi, whose big eyes soon opened to blink up at him. \u201cOh, hello,\u201d she said dreamily.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cGlad you\u2019re okay,\u201d Roon said, patting her on the shoulder and standing up.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The genasi sat up so she was of a height to him and said with a smile, \u201cnext time, I\u2019m turning into a rhinoceros.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/p>\n

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After a tenday and a half of travel, the companions finally arrived at Triboar, well rested and anxious to be on their way. Despite their two strange encounters upon the cloud giant\u2019s tower, they were, for the most part, extremely bored of their time spent in the clouds and happy to finally be back on solid ground. Outside of the town, on the forest\u2019s edge, they climbed down the steep stairs, a thousand feet down, until they reached the earth. Kilian gratefully reached a hand down and swept it through the grass, as if to reassure himself that it wasn\u2019t a dream.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Upon departing Zephyros\u2019s company, the sailor had reminded him to stay away from dwarves and dragons, which he happily agreed to.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They entered Triboar on the main road and noted the general shabbiness of the town immediately. It was a scorched ruin being held together by straw, mud and the dreary consistency of those who lived there. To say the citizens of Triboar were peasants was a generous term. They were downright homeless-looking. They shuffled quietly between buildings and alleyways, looking down and avoiding interaction. The hopelessness was tangible.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cExcuse me,\u201d Thia said, taking the arm of a young woman in a tattered brown dress as she walked, a tightly wrapped babe pressed to her chest. She looked up in surprise at the tall elf with the long, black hair. \u201cWhere might we find a woman by the name of Alestra?\u201d That was the name of the woman whose ex-husband had died in the attack on Nightstone, the one they were sent to find.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAlestra?\u201d The woman thought for a moment, \u201cah, the one who owns Lionshare with her husband.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cLionshare?\u201d Kilian asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s a goods store,\u201d she pointed them down a road, then hurried off after Thia thanked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOkay,\u201d Kilian said softly as they walked, \u201clet\u2019s remember to break this to her gently.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s her ex-husband,\u201d Roon pointed out. \u201cShe\u2019s remarried, by the sounds of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cStill,\u201d the sailor said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They approached the low building with a swinging sign that read \u2018Lionshare: Goods and Parcels\u2019, carved with a lion standing on its hind legs. \u201cHere it is,\u201d Kilian said as he opened the door and they filed through.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cUm, excuse me,\u201d Evelyn said, approaching a dark featured man sitting behind a counter, \u201ccould I sell you some stuff?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian looked annoyed but allowed the girl to sell a few of the weapons she had taken from the defeated cultists in the tower. She took the gold pieces carefully in her hands, placing them reverently into her newly acquired coin purse. When she was finished the sailor cleared his throat. \u201cWe\u2019re looking for Alestra. Is she here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat is it you want with my wife?\u201d The man asked suspiciously, folding his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat\u2019s your name?\u201d Thia asked in a friendly voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNarth. Narth Tezrin,\u201d said the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe have news for your wife,\u201d the elf told him, her expression turning grim.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Narth eyed her carefully, then nodded and called for Alestra. A minute later there was some shuffling from a back room, and a door creaked open as she entered carrying a heavy crate.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Alestra had frizzy blonde hair tied into a messy bun. Her eyes crinkled with friendly lines as she greeted them all. \u201cWhat can I help you with?\u201d She asked, somewhat out of breath as she heaved the box down.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHello,\u201d Opal said in her sing-song voice, stepping up. \u201cMy name is Opal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOpal,\u201d the woman said, somewhat surprised by the strange group before her, a mixture of races not often seen in concert with one another. \u201cWhat can I do for you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHow do you feel about your husband\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cEx-husband,\u201d Roon cut in.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cEx-husband,\u201d Opal corrected. \u201cHow do you feel about him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Alestra looked between the genasi and gnome in confusion. \u201cUm, well,\u201d she glanced over at Narth, whose mouth had turned down, \u201cwhat exactly are you\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you have good feelings about him?\u201d Opal clarified, smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian looked as if he wanted to create a tornado where Opal stood.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI mean, he\u2019s a decent man, I suppose,\u201d Alestra stuttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell, I\u2019m sorry to tell you that he\u2019s dead,\u201d Opal said abruptly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cD-dead? What do you mean? What happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHere, let me explain,\u201d Roon said in a relaxed tone to Opal, who looked surprised by the woman\u2019s reaction. \u201cI\u2019m the sensitive one,\u201d he assured her. \u201cYour ex-husband was in Nightstone, yes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cY-yes,\u201d she said, hand covering her mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThere was an attack on the town. Well, first it was attacked by cloud giants. They were throwing giant rocks down on the townspeople, squashing them into sauce. Then, there were some orcs. Oh, and goblins. No, wait,\u201d Roon paused thoughtfully, speaking quickly, \u201cactually, the goblins came before the orcs. Well, so, really, he died because of the first thing. The giants. Because after that the townspeople were kidnapped and brought to a cave, and some of them were tortured. Actually, there was even one guy who was eaten alive\u2014ah, yes,\u201d he said, noticing Alestra and Narth\u2019s expressions of horror, \u201cbut that wasn\u2019t your ex. No, no. He would have died quite quickly, I suspect. I mean, we can\u2019t know for sure. We weren\u2019t there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cRoon,\u201d Kilian said, exasperated.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon ignored him. \u201cSo, yeah, he was likely squished by a massive rock. It just fell right on his head. Instant. Quite unlucky, if you think about it,\u201d he paused thoughtfully. \u201cAnyways, one minute he was there, the next minute he wasn\u2019t.\u201d The gnome shrugged.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Alestra turned and vomited on the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Narth placed a hand on his wife\u2019s heaving shoulders and pointed the other at the door. \u201cOUT!\u201d He shouted angrily. \u201cGET OUT!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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They rushed out of the door, Kilian and Thia dragging Opal out after them. She looked confused. \u201cI thought we explained that quite well,\u201d she told them once they were outside on the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

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“We should have sent a pigeon,” Thia muttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian shook his head, \u201cnext time,\u201d he breathed, stabbing a finger at Roon\u2019s chest, \u201csomeone else does the talking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon shrugged, \u201cI thought I was quite the wordsmith.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMaybe we should have planned out what we were going to say while we were stuck in a tower for fifteen days,\u201d Evelyn said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cProbably a good idea for next time,\u201d Roon agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t think there will be<\/em> a next time,\u201d Thia said, looking back at the Lionshare anxiously. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s find a place to stay for the night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI could use a drink,\u201d Roon sighed. \u201cLet\u2019s find the dingiest place in town and get drunk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhy dingy?\u201d Evelyn asked curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cBecause,\u201d Roon said, \u201cthat\u2019s where you get the best local gossip. Plus,\u201d he smiled, \u201cthe booze is cheaper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cFine,\u201d Thia said eventually, \u201cbut I would rather not sleep there.\u201d She flipped back her hair, \u201cit\u2019s about time we stay somewhere decent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian nodded, seemingly over the incident in the shop. \u201cI would like to find out more about these supposed fire giant attacks. I don\u2019t see evidence for anything recent, but perhaps there is news from the borders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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With that, they soon found themselves entering a half-standing shack called \u2018The Talking Troll\u2019. When they stepped in, Roon took in the stale scent of spilled ale, piss and unwashed men. \u201cAh,\u201d he sighed appreciatively, \u201cjust where I belong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Thia wrinkled her nose and pointed to a hole in the roof, where pigeons flitted about. The splintered wooden floor had bird droppings all over it. \u201cHold on to your coin purses,\u201d Kilian whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI always do when Roon\u2019s around,\u201d Thia said, glancing over at the gnome, who smirked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The bar had a handful of patrons in various states of drunkenness, the oldest one snoring in the corner, his head on the table and half a mug of ale in his loose grip. Kilian and Thia stepped up to the bar and the sailor ordered five ales. \u201cI\u2019ll have your best cup of wine,\u201d the elf said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019ll be one gold for a cup,\u201d the bartender told her, eyeing her lithe figure with a groping gaze.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAlright,\u201d Thia said, \u201cyour second-best cup of wine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The bartender nodded. \u201cJust four ales, then.\u201d Kilian said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cStill five ales,\u201d Roon corrected, standing on tip toes near the bar. When Kilian gave him a look, he shrugged. \u201cIt\u2019s been a rough couple of hours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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When the ales came, Roon quickly took two large mugs and expertly dodged tables, wet spots and upturned chairs to the table Opal and Evelyn had reserved for them. Opal had a pigeon perched on the crook of her arm and was currently chatting to it animatedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roon sat and immediately chugged half his ale, wiping the foam from his mouth with a satisfied belch.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDisgusting,\u201d Thia said, sitting across from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kilian sat and studied their surroundings, assessing the locals. \u201cThis town is in rough shape.\u201d He spotted a man across the small room, semi-drunk and dressed in a shabby, priestly garb. \u201cI\u2019m going to speak with him,\u201d Kilian said, \u201cfind out what I can about the giants.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Before Roon could protest, he took the second ale from the gnome\u2019s hand and went to seat himself next to the priest. Rolling his eyes, Roon finished the rest of his ale and trotted over to listen to the conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSilvarrian Loomshank,\u201d the man was saying with a slight drawl, whether from drunkenness or an accent, it was difficult to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019m Kilian,\u201d the sailor introduced himself. \u201cTell me, why is this town in such ruins? I see no evidence of recent attacks, but it has me wondering.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d the priest nodded his gray head and gestured to the hole in the tavern\u2019s ceiling. \u201cThere were attacks a couple\u2019a years ago. Most peoples is too,\u201d he hiccupped, \u201ctoo lazy or too damn poor to fix any of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat was the attack?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The man shrugged. \u201cFire giants, from what I\u2019ve heard. Not sure. Just got here m\u2019self.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019ve seen none yourself?\u201d Roon cut in excitedly. The priest looked down at him in surprise, having not noticed him before.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNo fire giants here,\u201d he grumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHave you heard rumours of giants in the area?\u201d Kilian prodded. \u201cWe were told there were some near Triboar. That\u2019s why we came out this way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been travelling this way from Neverwinter,\u201d the priest said. \u201cBanished! Bah! Can you believe it? Anyways,\u201d he sighed, \u201cI\u2019ve heard rumours, like you, but no giants. Can’t see why you’d be chasing them anyhow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

“Fate, it would seem,” Roon said seriously, and the priest nodded in understanding. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian sighed, disappointed. \u201cVery well, thank you for your time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThanks for the ale,\u201d the priest raised the mug, then finished it in two sweeping gulps.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhere are you headed next?\u201d Roon asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNot sure as to that,\u201d he said. \u201cI was a priest of Helm, but now\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon nodded sympathetically. \u201cReligious people, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cCheers to that!\u201d the priest boomed, suddenly emphatic. He raised his mug and went to take a drink, then realized it was empty and slammed it back down onto the table, muttering.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Kilian said, placing a hand on Roon\u2019s shoulder. \u201cLet\u2019s get out of here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

They next made their way to a two-story, somewhat leaning structure that looked to be the most official building in the town, which was not promising. There were no guards as they entered the creaking front doors and stepped inside the dimly lit, dust-filled space. The room had a few small, high windows with cracked glass allowing some daylight to filter through. Untidy bookshelves lined the walls, and in the back of the room was a tall, lantern lit desk with a large tapestry behind it depicting three black boars. Beneath that was a dying fireplace and a woman hunched over the desk, reading from a stack of papers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon ran up to the desk, which was much too tall for him to see over and stood on his toes to tap his hand on the desk. His hand came back sticky, and he popped a finger into his mouth. \u201cHm, is that apple pie I taste?\u201d He asked curiously, stepping back and wiping his hand clean on his trousers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHello,\u201d Kilian said, drawing the woman\u2019s attention up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She had curly, dark hair, thick eyebrows and pale skin. She had a square jaw and jade green eyes. When she stood to greet them, Roon could see she was, on all accounts, a handsome woman. \u201cHello,\u201d she said, sparing a long glance for Roon, who waved innocently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI am Kilian,\u201d Kilian introduced himself, offering his hand to her, which she took, \u201cand these are my companions, Thia, Opal, Evelyn and Roon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cDarathra Shandrel, Lord Protector of Triboar,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe have just travelled from Nightstone with news of an attack by cloud giants upon the town.\u201d Kilian told her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cCloud giants?\u201d the woman said in surprise. \u201cThat does not bode well. We have heard rumours of giants of late, but as for them attacking\u2026\u201d She nodded her head, as though deciding something. \u201cYes, well, thank you for this news.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat exactly have you heard about the giants?\u201d Thia asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The Lord Protector shook her head, \u201conly that villages in the north are claiming attacks. We\u2019ve had a few refugees come to the town in search of shelter and work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSpeaking of work,\u201d Kilian said, \u201cwe are mercenaries, tracking the giants, but also looking for income to help us in our journeys. Tell me, do you know of any jobs?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She shook her head again. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t know. You\u2019d have to go to the Triboar Travelers. That\u2019s where all the caravans pass through.\u201d She paused reluctantly. \u201cSpeak to Ulam Stockspool. He\u2019s not the friendliest of men, but if there\u2019s work, he\u2019ll find it for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d Kilian dipped his head, \u201cthank you for your time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThank you for the news,\u201d Darathra said carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

As the group closed the door behind them, the Lord Protector quickly thumbed through her stack of letters until she found the one addressed to her and stamped with a red symbol depicting a sword and snake. She tore the letter from the open envelope and pressed it under both hands, rereading the message in the dim lamplight. When she was done reading, she straightened and took a deep breath. Then, she crumpled the letter and threw it into the fireplace, watching the paper catch and shrivel into blackened ash.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell, that wasn\u2019t overly helpful,\u201d Roon sighed as they headed to the Ever Wyvern House. They had found directions to the finest lodgings in Triboar from an elderly gentleman sweeping the streets.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt seems no one has any hard evidence that the giant\u2019s have attacked, other than a few refugees from the north,\u201d the sailor said in frustration. \u201cAnd the more north we travel, the less work there is to find.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019m running low on funds,\u201d Roon admitted. \u201cThere\u2019s been no one to gamble with for ages.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They came upon the manicured lawn of the Ever Wyvern House. The pathway was made of smooth, matched stone and lined with pink and white flowers. The house itself looked to be freshly painted and stark white, with blue and yellow designs painted into the eaves. The door was made of dark polished wood, and two tall, finely dressed women stood in front of it, quietly sipping crystal glasses of ros\u00e9.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cUm, does anyone else feel like there\u2019s something wrong about this place?\u201d Thia asked awkwardly as they eyed the house from afar, surrounded as it was by peasant shops.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI think we may have to disguise ourselves to get in,\u201d Roon said, eyeing Evelyn\u2019s clothing in particular. \u201cHopefully we can afford it!\u201d With a flourish of his hand, he cast a disguising illusion over himself and looked down to admire his handiwork. He wore finely cut golden robes and his fingers and ears sparkled with gems. His usually frazzled hair was slicked back and braided with colourful ribbons. \u201cAlright, here\u2019s the plan. You\u2019re all my servants, except for Thia,\u201d he said, gesturing to the noble elf woman. \u201cYou,\u201d he smiled, \u201care my trophy wife.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Thia crossed her arms. \u201cYour\u2014what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThere, you\u2019ll do great!\u201d Roon said happily, then trotted up the pathway toward the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They all slowly ascended the stairs behind him, anxious about how out of place the building was compared to the rest of the shabby town of Triboar. Roon dipped his head to each of the women at the door. They didn\u2019t respond, but one the women pushed the door open and gestured for them to enter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The room was brightly lit and scattered with tall tables and people so finely dressed, it was hard to look at one for too long, lest your brain be scrambled by the overwhelming number of patterns on them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhere did all these rich people come from?\u201d Evelyn whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good question,\u201d Thia said seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to go pickpocket one of them,\u201d Roon said, and at Thia\u2019s look he clarified, \u201cI want to check and see if I can figure out why they\u2019re here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

His trophy elf-wife nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll distract that one,\u201d she said, pointing her nose to a tall, slightly balding man in a bronze and red robe. He was standing at a table speaking to a slightly shorter man with a smooth-shaven face and shoulder-length blonde hair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d Thia said flirtatiously as she strode over to the man, drawing his attention away from the other man, who muttered and turned away to speak with someone else. \u201cWho do I speak to about getting a room at this fine establishment?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The man seemed to step into her right away, confident and alluring. Roon mimed vomiting to Kilian and the rest, who were standing a little too straight for supposed servants. Then, Roon ducked under the table and slipped a hand into the man\u2019s robe. He felt the coin purse immediately and drew it out, opening it and dumping the small contents into his open palm. Three copper coins. That was all. Wrinkling his head, he placed the empty coin purse back into the man\u2019s robe and slipped away. Thia noticed, and cordially excused herself from the conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell?\u201d she asked, bending down to speak with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon opened his hand to show her the three coppers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNo identification, no papers.\u201d He said, \u201cand, no money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cPerhaps it\u2019s all with his servants?\u201d She asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon shook his head, \u201cit\u2019s strange.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They tried it with one more patron and found the same thing: only a few small coppers. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They returned to their companions just as the blond man with the smooth face walked up to Kilian. \u201cPardon me, man, can I help you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cUh, yes,\u201d Kilian said, trying to sound demure but looking stupidly handsome and in-charge despite himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI would like two rooms,\u201d Roon announced, stepping up to the man with a sweepingly dramatic gesture, allowing his golden robes to sparkle in the light. \u201cOne for me and my servants,\u201d he said, \u201cand one for my wife and hers.\u201d He gestured to Thia, who put her nose in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWife?\u201d The man said, taken aback for a moment by the sheer size difference of the two of them. \u201cVery well,\u201d he recovered quickly, \u201cit shall be thirty gold. Fifteen for each room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cKilian,\u201d Roon said, snapping a finger, \u201cbe a good lad and pay the man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Reluctantly, the sailor reached for his belt and took out some gold, handing it first to Roon, who quickly noticed there was only twenty coins. \u201cAh, yes, I suppose I shall add the other ten,\u201d he said, then in a falsely conspiratorial tone, said to the blonde man, \u201ccan\u2019t trust the servants with too much gold, eh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cRight you are,\u201d the man said stiffly, and Roon passed him the full amount. \u201cWonderful,\u201d he said in a flat tone, \u201cI shall take you to your rooms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

This isn’t creepy at all,<\/em> Roon thought sarcastically. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

As the man led their small group to a hallway and down a few doors, he said, \u201cwith the purchase of each room you, of course, have your choice of complementary companionship.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNaturally,\u201d Roon said, and Thia seemed to perk up. Roon gave her a pointed look, and she shrugged with a small smile. He heard Evelyn over his shoulder whisper over to Opal, \u201cwhat does that mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI have no idea,\u201d Opal said back quietly, \u201cbut it sounds nice!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d Roon said when the man left them with the rooms. \u201cMen in one room, girls in the other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWomen,\u201d Thia said, handing Kilian some gold for the room, which he happily put in his coin purse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSorry about that,\u201d Roon said to the sailor. \u201cI got a bit carried away with the role.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt was convincing,\u201d his friend said with a half smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cEvie, Opal, I\u2019ll need you to stay out of the room for a few hours,\u201d Thia said, \u201ccan you do that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Evelyn asked innocently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cBecause,\u201d Thia said casually, \u201cI\u2019m ordering a companion to our room, and it\u2019s not for the viewership of a younger audience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m not that y\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, we can order food to our room,\u201d Roon told her, and Thia smiled and strode off back to the main room. \u201cI want to sneak into the servant\u2019s quarters once everyone\u2019s asleep,\u201d Roon announced. \u201cI don\u2019t think these richly dressed people are as well off as they appear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian nodded his head. \u201cThat may be wise. I would like to go with you and figure out why this place is so odd.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming too,\u201d Evelyn said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cMe too,\u201d Opal smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Thia came prancing back, then, pulling a finely dressed man by the hand behind her. \u201cThis is\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cCaro,\u201d the man said with a handsome smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. Now, don\u2019t bother us,\u201d she said, and they disappeared into one of the rooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI have a sneaking suspicion,\u201d Kilian said seriously, \u201cthat we are some of the only guests in this place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnd all of those rich people in the foyer?\u201d Roon said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI think they\u2019re like Caro.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon nodded, because he knew it was true.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

Evening set in and the rooms down the hallway quieted. It seemed there were a few other guests partaking in the fine establishment, though none quite so enthusiastic as Thia. Roon maintained his disguised appearance and led the way out of the hallway. The four of them snuck down a winding set of stairs into a small room. On one wall hanged the same caliber of fine clothing as was worn by the people in the main part of the house. On the other, peasant clothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe were right,\u201d Kilian said with displeasure. \u201cThe\u2014uh,\u201d he looked at Evelyn and Opal, \u201ccompanions, are commoners.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cLikely trying to scrape together a living from those who pass through the town,\u201d Roon said. \u201cRefugees and people who couldn\u2019t find work anywhere else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSet up here to draw in the tourists,\u201d Kilian sighed heavily. \u201cPeople like us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell, we paid enough for the rooms,\u201d Roon pointed out, gesturing to the rack of fine clothes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian immediately pulled a cloak from the hanger and drew it over himself. Roon reached up and took a silk hat, pulling it over his hair. Evelyn touched a hand to one of the dresses, pressing the silk to her face. \u201cIt\u2019s soft,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cTake it,\u201d Roon offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The girl dropped it and shook her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cRight, well, I could use a meal, and I\u2019d rather not spend a fortune. Let\u2019s see if we can snag a couple loaves of bread from the kitchen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cShould we be stealing?\u201d Opal asked, voice quivering.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe\u2019re stealing from the rich bastard who owns this place,\u201d Roon explained, \u201cnot the commoners.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Trusting as ever, Opal nodded and Roon ran ahead to the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The cook turned his head up to stare at the gnome as he stumbled in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh, uh, hello!\u201d Roon squeaked, not expecting someone to be in the kitchens this late.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat are you doing in here?\u201d The cook demanded, dropping his ladle. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon ripped the hat from his head, his illusion still intact. \u201cWell, you see,\u201d he spoke quickly, excitedly, \u201cI was chasing after my companion. She scampered off in a game of hide and catch! She mentioned at some point that she was looking for butter\u2014gods know for what use, I can only imagine\u2014\u201d he winked at the astounded cook. \u201cAnyways, she\u2019s completely without clothing and I have no idea where she might be! Say, you haven\u2019t seen her around, have you? Reddish hair, about this tall,\u201d he pointed up at the ceiling, \u201cand, oh, did I mention she was nude?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The cook’s face had turned a brilliant colour of red as he stammered, \u201cI\u2014well, uh\u2014I haven\u2019t\u2014n-no, I haven\u2019t seen anyone who\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cBrilliant!\u201d Roon grinned, casting a sidelong glance to one of the counters, where a few loaves of bread sat uneaten, \u201cI\u2019ll just take one of these, then, and be gone!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYou will do no such thing!\u201d The cook blustered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Roon snatched up one of the loaves and ripped off a large chunk with his teeth chewing. \u201cDank yo vewy mush,\u201d Roon said, mouth full, then turned and raced back up the stairs before the cook could catch him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Finally swallowing the large chunk of bread at the top of the stairs, where Kilian and the others waited, about to come down the stairs themselves, Roon said, \u201cthat went well, I think!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

The following morning, they left the brothel behind and made for the Triboar Travelers in search of Urlam. Thia graciously thanked Carlo as they stepped out into the day, and they didn\u2019t inform her about the companions being commoners until they were well away from the Ever Wyvern House. She agreed it was troubling, but pointed out that the experience was very rich, even if Carlo was not. Roon chalked her actions up to grief still for the loss of her elf-man, but he had to admit he knew very little about the wizard, nor what life she\u2019d led before they\u2019d met.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The Triboar Travelers was an open yard with a few scattered buildings where carts and wagons were being pulled up, unloaded, repaired, and reloaded with supplies. They asked around for Urlam Stockspool, and were pointed over to a stack of crates, where a man was turned away from them and inspecting the crates. When Kilian said his name, the man turned in their direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Urlam Stockspool was a man of average height with short cropped black hair and loose-fitted clothing. Over one eye, he wore a red eyepatch with an insignia branded on the leather.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s\u2014\u201d Roon coughed in surprise. The insignia matched the one Xolkien had so proudly carried through Nightstone when he and his people took over the town. It was the Zhentarim emblem.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian recovered more quickly than Roon and spoke up. \u201cWe are mercenaries travelling from Nightstone, looking for work. We were told we might find some here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The man folded his thick arms and shook his head. \u201cNo work for mercenaries these days. We\u2019ve had too many troubles with waylaid caravans.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat was the cause of this?\u201d Thia asked curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The man looked the elf up and down as if unimpressed. \u201cIf you must know, there were giant attacks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cGiants,\u201d Roon said in interest, \u201cdo you know what kind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe big kind,\u201d the man said stupidly, and started to turn away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWait!\u201d Roon said. \u201cWe\u2019re pals with one of your Zhentarims. Xolkien. We helped him get back the townspeople of Nightstone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Urlam looked around curiously. \u201cWhere\u2019d you have to get them back from?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThey were kidnapped,\u201d Opal said lightly, \u201cby goblins.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t rule a town without the people,\u201d Roon added, \u201cso we helped him get them back, and now we\u2019re\u2014well, I don\u2019t want to speak for Xolkien, but\u2014we\u2019re basically best friends with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Kilian said, \u201cso, how about work for friends of the Zhentarims?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHuh, well,\u201d the man scratched his chin, \u201cI suppose we could\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Suddenly, there was a loud sound, like something heavy slamming into the earth. The noise was quickly followed by screams of terror, and people started running past. SLAM. CRACK. Horses whinnied in terror and began stomping their hooves in the dirt. Some broke free, their harnesses snapping as they bolted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The building behind them exploded into pieces as a massive boulder fell onto its straw thatched roof. Roon felt Kilian\u2019s hand reach around his arm and drag him out of the open. The sorcerer pressed the gnome against a low wall and peeked up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cGIANTS!\u201d Someone yelled. \u201cTHE GIANT\u2019S ARE ATTACKING!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cFound them,\u201d Roon gasped, his entire body trembling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Kilian summoned his storm.<\/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<\/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

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

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

Chapter 5 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":661,"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-77","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-Photos5.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. 5<\/a><\/blockquote>