As the party near Dundel's walled perimeter, many of the town's people can be seen moving back and forth from Fisherman's Folly, carrying pales of water. Children can be heard playing in the river and there is a jovial atmosphere amongst the people. A contrast from the costly celebrations to the north.
Before seeking accommodation for themselves, the party walk through town to The White Castle seeking an audience with Lord Minerson. Iravius is found in the castles baily, waiting for their arrival, his guards acted quickly to inform him of the adventurers approach. He exchanges a few words with the party before leading them in to the great hall.
Lord Wolfgang Minerson is quickly brought up to speed. Informed of the losses to his military dispatch, to the victory achieved in the fields outside of Capstan Castle, and of the loss of Artax Raelson by the hand of Zorok Demon-born. The party do however leave out some more specific details that they feel are unnecessary to share. They formally introduce Crom to the Lord of Dundel and he is made to sign papers of employment, taking the fallen half-elf's place on the Faunar Garrison. Lord Minerson informs the party that although they will receive full payment of 200 gold per head this week, the coming week's will be delivering far less. The losses in the recent conflict will show further strain on the already stretched treasury.
Mornington makes a point of fidgeting and playing with one of the Dargean Empire coins they have acquired, which catches the attention of Iravius, as intended. After the meeting adjourns, Iravius walks with the party out of the keep. A discussion crops up around the coin, the party want to know about the Dargean Empire, and Iravius confirms he has knowledge on the subject. In return he wants to know where they got the coin, and how the lights, the element stones and the parties next moves fit into the larger picture. Information is exchanged and Iravius informs them that the element stones they have found are not the first to be discovered in Guradam, and in fact there is growing interest in them and the empire that built them. An ancient empire lies across the lands of Usta and many discoveries for the Servants of the Weave and the wider world has been down to artefacts left by that empire.
The party seek a place to stay and decide to get a little extravagant and pay for two nights in The Mixing Book Inn, found in Silvers Throw. The night is filled with drinks, fine food and other pleasures offered by the professionals of the district.
The next two days see the party partake in varied training, advancing their skills as a member of their adventuring party. Mornington studies at the Church of Erathis to brush up on his local lore, as well as performing in some of the taverns of the town. Fenris and Crom spar with members of the Dundel Mercenary Guild, Fenris works on his manoeuvres, while Crom also seeks solidarity in the wilds, honing his connection to his totem animal. Edward avoids any potential onlookers by staying at the inn. Reaching inward, he brings forth his pact magic and furthers the potency in his eldritch spells, both from his Tome of Darkness and within himself.
After the party conclude their training they spend the morning of the third day shopping. Fenris, Edward and Crom, all spend some time and money acquiring additional or replacement garments. However, Mornington does not do the same, instead looking at his worn and disheveled noble garments with pride. Edward buys himself an exquisite purple lined cape, Fenris replaces some sashes and leather work and Crom seeks out the Hunter's Guild in Dundel Guild's District. There he pays for the animal hides, bear and two wolf from Zorok's treasure hoard, to be fashioned into a large furred garment. A cloaked hood is made of the bear's head, while each wolf pelt covers the arms, each wolf head acting as protection for the hands. The party also find a jeweler in Dundel Old Town to sell the precious stones they have collected, for a healthy sum.
The party collectively decide that they want to follow the lead for the Horn Peak Mountain door. This door, according to Crom, has carvings that perfectly match the parchment they found with the Dargean chest following Zorok's demise.
Determined to learn more, explore more, and further challenge themselves, the party pack there things and get ready to travel further east.
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