Written Oct 8, 2014
Oct 9, Early that morning...
Migi’s message would have sent him to one of three possible locations: The Silver Sword Guild hostile, the nearest temple, or the guard shack. The Raven Robber’s Guild has contacts in all three. Within an hour, some payment or parley would have him healed and carried off to a cozy dwelling with a hot bath and soft bed. All the guild ever expects are explanations in return.
“Migi. Migi, can you hear me?” Migi’s eyes peeled back. The director of the Raven Robbers, Martin Farrow, leaned over him. The aging director’s eyes darted to the left and back to Migi’s weak gaze. Someone else was here with him. He went on, “Are you all right, lad?”
Migi attempted to lean forward. A hand held him down from the other side of the bed. “No, no,” came a gruff voice. “You rest easy there. It looks like you've had a rough night.” Migi turned to the robed figure. A peppered beard covered half of his broad solemn face. In the middle of his white robe rose an embroidered fist holding a hammer. The extensive dwarven influence in the city left one possibility: a priest of Moradin. The priests were known for righteous virtues, not so much for sympathy to ones of Migi’s profession.
“The others,” the gnome gasped. “Did the others make it back? Did Jak make it back to town!?” He tried pushing himself back up again. He knew the reaction they would have and accepted the guiding hand back down to his soft pillow. Migi didn't know if the party had made it back, nor if they had been caught in the battle. Innocent sympathy always yielded him more information, .
The door swung open, diverting his audience’s attention. A man strode in, very official like. His head gazed to each man in turn. “Father Stormhammer. Mr. Farrow? What are you doing here?”
“You know me Guildmaster Whavis,” Farrow straightened and gave a casual smile. “I like to stay on top of things happening around the city. This looked important enough to demand immediate attention.”
The guild master’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. He exchanged glances with the priest, who looked just as perturbed with Mr. Farrow’s presence. The dwarf grunted. “He said he knew the lad. He did PAY for the healing spells. I didn't see a problem with it.” The three looked at each other cautiously for a moment.
Migi felt the tension rising around him. The only way to beat a diversion is with a greater one. “Jak. What happened to Jak? The gnolls, did they attack the town yet?” Migi turns his head back and forth trying to gain attention again. He took loud deep breaths as if the air had more answers than his visitors.
“Calm down son,” the dwarf placed a comforting hand on Migi’s shoulder. “Just take it slow. Start from the beginning.”
That brought them back, but where to begin? “We got separated…while I was scouting the gnoll camps.” Migi closed his eyes, envisioning his report. “The bugbear patrols... I left because the trolls arrived. A whole pack of them were to track us all down.”
“Go on,” Farrow blandly stated.
“Then I,” Migi went on. Who was she? How could he explain what he couldn't? “…I was…” He lifted a hand to his bruised face.
“What? Go on lad,” the guild master pressed. The three waited for the climax of the story.
“It was an ambush. I don’t remember. I awoke tied up. Fire in the camp. I…I managed to escape in the confusion. I couldn't stay up there any longer. The gnolls are mounting an attack soon. They’re coming here! Whatever it was, they might have it by now.”
“What were they looking for? What do you mean?” the priest said.
“Never mind that,” the guild master said. “We’re not going to launch a full scale attack and leave the town defenseless. That’s why we had Jak’s party scouting the area. How many are there and where are they camped?”
“East. They’re east at the old temple…raising the temple. Hundreds of them. The necromancer…he’s not the only leader,” Migi rolled over. He had gotten the point across. He made it into the camp. The beastly creatures were up there. He had lost the party somewhere. More importantly, time was now against them.
Farrow looked up at the priest. It was time for the director to get to work. “I trust you’ll inform the Town Watch, Master Whavis,” he said moving towards the door. “Meanwhile I’ll see if Jak and his party have made it back into town,” he preemptively raised his hand. “…and I will inform my contacts that you and the guard wish to speak with them promptly upon their arrival.” Farrow paused looking at the open door.
A thought lingered, as if something had not been asked or answered, then Farrow left the room. The priest approached Whavis. “He should be fine with the night’s rest. I should consult with the high priest about the Erythnul temple. I’ll leave him in your care, if you have no objections.”
Whavis nodded, dismissing the cleric. After it was clear the dwarf was out of earshot he turned back to Migi and asked, “So, how do you really feel now?”
“Better,” Migi said with a sigh. He sat up after a moment. He stretched his toes out. "It was a longer walk than I would have liked."
“Let’s get you on your feet then.” Whavis helped the short gnome off the cot. They grabbed the torn garments scattered about the floor that could be Migi’s clothes. As they stepped outside the temple, the cool breeze made Migi shudder.
“I've made sure your room was still available at the inn.”
“I had a feeling it would be,” Migi replied with a smirk. A hot bath still sounded irresistible. A meal would be even better.
“Have you anything else to report?” Whavis' eyes watched the darkness on either side as they swiftly moved through the streets.
“The group seems to be on the level; very promising figures in the guild. Last night, I think they attacked the camp directly. I couldn't be sure.” Migi inquisitively pulled at his beard. “But there are others up there. More than we thought. A woman did this to me.”
“I see,” the guildmaster said as they strode along the darkened dirt road. “Is that a first for you? Beaten by a pretty face?"
"I couldn't vouch for what she looked like," Migi didn't seem too amused by the character jab.
"Well, bugbears and gnolls don’t typically have wives accompany them on raiding parties. I wonder…” He turned towards Migi as they walked. “One last thing,” He lowered voice as he asked, “Does Mr. Farrow know who you really are?”
“Heh,” Migi managed half a smile. “Not likely. I've been very careful about that.”
“But you DO know who he is?” Wharvis whispered.
“He’s a man of many contacts,” Migi said. “…many…less savory contacts. A valuable asset if used properly.” Migi looked up at the concerned expression of master Whavis. “Don’t worry. I've secured the trust of Mr. Farrow. And even if he knew, he wouldn't dare cross me. Everything has been taken care of.”
