Chapter Eleven

Just Rewards

“I’ve got good news and bad news,” stated Jack.

He’d returned six days later, after arranging more carpenters and masons from both Suenta and Hope-Under-Dinmore to visit Westfall to speed up repairs. Work was going well, and whilst it was clear who the experts were, everyone pulling together brought a harmonious and effective mood to everyone. A newly arrived Acolyte by the name of Favian arrived, eager to help rebuild the church. Herman and Favian spent much time together in prayer and discussion.

“The good news,” Jack continued, “is that the Baron of this Province wishes to reward you for your impressive work at removing the Orc threat. The bad news is that the shipment of building materials is still about a week away and he asks that you wait until it arrives.”

“I have no problem with that,” spoke up Erica, and the others nodded their agreement.

And so, another seven days passed. Days of rain and wind did not temper the growing mood, and the underlying need for shelter and warmth before the winter hit. When the new materials arrived in a caravan, escorted by soldiers, it was satisfying to be relieved. On the last night before the heroes left, a banquet was held in their honour, and the villagers personally thanked each of the fourteen who had come from Suenta. It was clear that the villagers held each of you in high regard, and would do so for a long time to come.

The next morning, as Jack as explaining directions to the Baron’s estate, he had an odd request. “Would you do something for me? Please don’t mention my involvement here to the Baron. Much of my work is of a delicate nature, and the Baron is a very public and political figure. It would hamper my operations in this area if a big show was to be made. Any reward you can keep for yourselves!”

The journey to the Lein Estate only took two and a half days on horseback. The lush scenery was a pleasant change from the half-built town, and as you approached the manor house, it was slightly odd that you noticed many people wandering the fields and groves wearing either full plate armour or robes. “Lein Estate,” spoke up Herman, going into lecture mode, “is a haven for Paladins who are seeking enlightenment, or who are preparing for a quest. The priests of the estate are said to be some of the wisest people in the Kingdom. However, their wisdom is not available for just anyone. There’s a lengthy process to go through before you’re officially admitted onto the grounds. For us to have been invited is a great honour! Please tread with reverence and respect.”

“Holy ground,” whispered El-Shad. He was unsure of any customs that might be expected, so hung at the back of the party and let the others lead the way.

It seemed that the Paladins and Priests had been informed of their arrival, as they saluted or acknowledged the riders on their approach. The manor house was an impressive three storey building, and by the time they had dismounted, an elderly gentleman had stepped out the house.

“Welcome, adventurers!” the man spoke with a presence that belay his little frame. “I am Sebastian Tallow, Seneschal to Baron Faneuil. He extends his regrets that he was not able to meet you in person at this time but is currently engaged in other matters. He has authorised me to demonstrate his gratitude in the way adventures are most familiar with! Please come inside!”

Pulling the door open to make way, you all step into the grand entrance chamber. An arched ceiling gave way to impressive sculptures of gargoyles and dragons circling the apex. Each sloping wall had an intricate tapestry depicting a scene of immense detail.

One particular tapestry caught Ivan’s eye. “Exquisite!” was all he could manage.

“The creation of the world, as foretold by the Weaver,” explained Sebastian. “From atop her perch in the heavens the great lover listened to her dreams and gave life to those that sounded the most colourful. This particular object d’art is about 400 years old, and one of the Baron’s favourites.”

Ivan remained speechless at the it’s beauty.

Sebastian waited a few moments for the others to gaze at the tapestry and then motioned for them all to pass through a side door into what appeared a study. “Please take a seat,” and indicated the chairs around the main table.

After everyone had sat down, Sebastian reached into a draw behind the desk and produced two sheets of parchment. Picking up some spectacles from the table he examined the first sheet. “Baron Fanueil has granted an honour to the bearer of this scroll the entitlement to free accommodation and food at any establishment whilst in the Relvi province. You can display this to any Tavern owner, or indeed any noble and they will be obliged to arrange suitable shelter for you all.”

Sebastian put down the scroll on the desk and smiled over the top of his spectacles, “When word gets out that you are respected by the Baron, and you identify yourself with this scroll, you may be expected to regale your hosts with an account of your deeds. As a life long servant to many different masters, I would recommend you tell all the exciting details and make the story as interesting as you can, but not unbelievable.” His voice dropped a little in volume, “Members of high society love being in the know!” he said with a wink.

Passing the scroll to Erica, he then picked up the second parchment. “And in addition,” Sebastian continued, “the Baron, who was in his younger years an adventurer himself, has taken it upon him to offer an extra reward. Here is a list of some particular items or favours that I believe you may find useful. You may choose one each from this list.”

He passed the parchment to Herman, who read it out the list for the others:

The Scimitar of Bahosaphat Thull, Djinni of the Desert
Murlyund's Twig of Almost a Dozen Uses
Delver’s Wand of Safety
Ring of Astral Flickering
A Commission within the Defenders of the Crown
Caledvek, Broadsword of the Wilder King
Grothanla the White’s Ablative Thimble
Blue’s Fantastically Yummy Sugar Cubes (30 of them)
Two Cards from the Scarlet Deck, and the history of the Four Decks
500 gold pieces in Firecrest Tradebars

“The Ablative Thimble sounds interesting,” said Herman.

Sebastian smiles, “An interesting choice, Father Herman! Grothanla was a powerful Abjurer. Alas, he has been dead about 15 years now, but his legacy of enchanted protective items still lives on. The Ablative Thimble is one of his more popular items. There are quite a few in circulation, as it was one of his final tests for his students at the Academy of Magic Arts to create. You only need to carry it in your pocket and it will protect you from complete combat injured whilst it's magic lasts. It will also slowly recharge over time providing it's magic is not called upon again.”

“If nobody objects,” spoke Ivan, “I’ll take the Commission.”

Sebastian stood up from the desk with proud smile on his face, “The Baron will be very pleased that this has been one of the rewards chosen.” Producing another parchment from the desk drawers, he passed it to Ivan. “You’ll need to take this to the Baron to sign it. It will provide several benefits, but also responsibilities. On your arrival at either Waterdeep or Terrino, you should present this honour to the Master of the Guard who will be stationed at the Barracks. You will receive the rank of Decurian, appropriate dress uniform and identification papers, and will be assigned a retinue of ten men-at-arms.”

“Now,” he continued, “I’m presuming you’re not a military man, so allow me to explain the specifics. Decurian isn’t a particular high or noble rank, but there’s advancement opportunities, and it’s a significant step above enlisted. You’ll be an officer, and whilst you’re in either city you can draw on a wage of 4 silver pieces per day providing you make yourself available for any duties that need doing. This can be wide ranging, including patrolling, administrative work, training or educating new recruits or even undercover investigations. You will also have free lodging and food at the officer’s quarters. The Master of the Guard will recognise your adventuring lifestyle and may allocate appropriate tasks. If these quests take you beyond the city limits, you will receive pay for each day you are working on that particular job.”

“Your men-at-arms won’t be the most able warriors, but they’ll be loyal if you treat them fairly and learn from your example. You will be able to use them as a resource when you are in the City for no cost, but to take them outside of the city for whatever reason you will need to pay their daily wage of one silver piece each. If however they die whilst in your care, it would look quite poorly on your review. They will probably have a variety of equipment to begin with, but anything non-standard you will either have to requisition or supply yourself.”

El-Shad traced his finger down the edge of the scimitar. “A keen blade,” he said, “Whilst I am not familiar with the fighting style of this weapon, I will learn it.”

Sebastian gently nodded, “I suspect you will learn it quickly, seeing as the scimitar is a weapon from your homeland. Bahosaphat Thull was a vindictive djinni of Athas, one who lured thirsty travellers to his oasis, only to cut them down with his poisoned blade. Do not worry, this blade is not his. It was named after his death when two brothers who almost fell into his trap managed to turn the tables on him. The first brother attempted to wrestle the sword away from Bahosaphat Thull, but in doing so, they both fell into the oasis. The second brother looked on as the djinni rose victorious ... his brother's body had been impaled. The djinni was about to claim his second victim when suddenly he started gasping for breath. Dropping his sword, Bahosaphat Thull fell to the ground and died. It seemed the poison from his blade had tainted the oasis, which was the source of his power. He had effectively poisoned himself. Fortunately, the oasis in time returned to purity, and the poison from the blade never returned.”

“Interesting,” replied El-Shad, thoughtful about the legend.

“And you, Erica? Your choice is last but not least I hope,” queried Sebastian.

“I'll take the gold,” Erica replied simply.

“Very well,” Sebastian acknowledged, “I imagine you are saving for heavy armour or perhaps something very particular? Either way, money is a great enabler for the finer things in life.”

With everyone happy with their new gifts, the discussion turned to the upcoming religious festival known as the Day of Darkness. Once per year, the sun didn’t rise. The exact reason why varied between religions, but it always marked two things: The start of a night long vigil against creatures of the night, and the mark of the New Year. It was decided that the heroes would return to Westfall and shore up the weakened defences against possible returning Orcs or other attacking forces.

The coming winter weather would not be kind.