Story Part 36 (Patreon)

The Barbarian looked at the women, “The Banedash are orc-friends--” Lazgar cleared her throat, “You mean WERE Orc-friends. There are no Banedash, only Shelgrish now.” Miri’s mind was racing. She thought she was thinking, but she spoke out loud. “The famous Banedash brigands?” The barbarian turned her head sharply, fixing her gaze on the half-elf. “You call it brigandage, we called it taking what we need to live free in this wilderness you have created outside your precious shells.”

Shelgrish turned her attention back to the Jarl. “Let me take them with me. As a favor to the Banedash, or as payment for taking your daughters as you asked.”

“Out of the question. She’s the child of the Ilvion, Orc-Scourge.” “Granddaughter,” Miri said weakly. “Shut up, your betters are speaking,” the Jarl chided, “She’s here with a small specialist force, sent by the Grand Exarch. It sounds like the Realms want us dead, again. We found her enjoying her own company in our river.”

Shelgrish looked down, “They sure don’t look like much of an invasion force, especially not one that should give pause to a Jarl such as you or a warrior such as Mazurga.”

Lagar spat next to her throne for emphasis, “These are just the vanguard!”

Shelgrish put a boot up against Miri’s backside, giving her a push that put her flat on the ground with ease. “Some vanguard! I can see why you’re afraid.”

Lazgar’s eyes flashed with rage. “The Shellmaw tribe fears no one, and you know it.” Shelgrish grinned slightly, “Then you have nothing to fear from these two. Let me take them. Payment for apprenticing your daughters. In addition, I’ll investigate the threat against you, and send word back.”

Lazgar scrunched up her nose. “You walk a dangerous line, Banedash.” Shelgrish smiled, “Have I ever wronged you, even once? I’m even taking your girls, even though I wish you weren’t exiling them.” “Don’t dare to question my rulings!” “I don’t, I just ask for fair compensation.”