Part 44 (Patreon)

Minna was sitting by the fire, chewing through some tough trail bread when Lady Sivallien squinted her sharp eyes. Minna watched curiously, but didn’t get up. Sivallien stood up, and Choru was soon by her side.

“Hail!” the Elven Lady called out. “Hail!” said the familiar voice of Therliss. Minna stood up. Therliss had been sent to rescue Miryala. Minna had wanted to go, but was ordered to wait at camp. It had been far too long that both of them were gone, and her concern for her friend had expressed itself in eating far more than her share of rations. But now she saw Therliss, with Miryala in tow. Only her friend was nude. That’s right, they had found her armor down by the river. But they were travelling with three strangers. Two were orcs, although a little on the weak side. One wore armor and carried an orc axe that Minna reckoned was too heavy for her to use effectively. The other wore a backpack and spectacles. Minna had only seen spectacles on some of the mages who visited her mistress. She had certainly never seen an orc wear them. The other was a human woman. She was large, and formidable. But wearing an outfit that reminded Minna of something you’d see on a dancer in the lower city.

“You’ve returned!” Sivallien said, sticking with the obvious until she understood who these newcomers were and what they wanted. Therliss smiled, as if trying to put a positive spin on a bad turn of events. “And we’ve made some new friends.”

The barbarian stood imposingly and set her jaw. “I am Shelgrish, of the Banedash, and I am here to learn what your business is in this land.”

Lady Sivallien was taken aback. A barbarian? Choru’s face showed obvious disdain.

“Pleased to meet you, Shelgrish, is it? We were merely passing through, on our way to Oniridge.”

Shelgrish frowned, “You’re very far off the path to Oniridge, and a terrible liar. Let me cut to the chase. Please explain this mission you’re on, or I’ll be honor-bound to attack on behalf of the Shellmaw Clan.”

Choru scowled, “You’ll not speak to your betters like that, filthy barbarian!”

Lady Sivallien threw a hand in front of the cleric, pushing her back, “Don’t mind our cleric, she’s more dogmatic than pragmatic. Our mission is a delicate one. I’m sure we can work out some kind of deal.”

Shelgrish showed Miryala’s sword. “The Shellmaw found this, down by the river. It belongs to your friend here.” While the others present didn’t immediately grasp the gravity of the situation, Lady Sivallien knew enough history to understand. “Oh, my, I see…”

“I bought her freedom from the chief by saying I’d verify your motives. And, if you are here to harm the Shellmaw Clan, slay you with this orc-slaying artifact.”

Lady Sivallien nodded, “I see, well, let me begin by saying we had no plans involving the orcs…Shellmaw, is it? We didn’t even know they were here. Our mission, as I said, is sensitive.”

“Where ARE my manners,” Shelgrish said, comically. “These are the daughters of the Shelgrish Chieftain, Glasha and Rylenka.”

“We’re VERY pleased to meet you. And we apologize for our ignorance of your territory. I’ll have it noted on maps of the Realms when we return.”

“It’s just as well if you leave it alone,” Glasha said, “We haven’t had positive interactions with the Realms or its Council since before the wardshells.”

Lady Sivallien lightly pushed Choru back with one hand while stepping forward, to head off the political debate she felt was about to happen. “If it’s better, then, we’ll leave you off the maps.”

Shelgrish cleared her throat. “Ahem, to the matter at hand. I rescued your companions, I think I deserve to know what you’re doing here.”

“You can’t tell her!” Choru hissed under her breath.

Pilniss Sivallien looked down for a moment, “I suppose you do. The Wardshells are weakening. We’re to find an ancient artifact that will restore their stability.”

Shelgrish smiled, and passed Miryala’s family sword to Sivallien.  “That sounds like a worthy quest.”

“But you live outside the Wardshells.” “Without them, there’s war between kingdoms. Believe me, that’s as bad for those outside as those inside. I hope you’ll let us join you on your mission. I’m an excellent guide to the area, and I know a great deal of history that your city-scholars do not.”

“We already have a tracker, and she’s standing right next to you,” Choru snapped.

“I suppose Chief Lazgar would like me to return, and describe the nature of your mission in detail, then.”

The elven lady looked piercingly into Shelgrish’s eyes. “Don’t be rash, Choru, local knowledge could help us travel faster, quieter, and perhaps even locate the artifact with less difficulty.”

Shelgrish smiled, “I’m glad you see it that way. And the chief’s daughters are under my protection…they are coming with us, and that’s non-negotiable.”

Pilniss sighed and shrugged, while Choru fumed silently.

Off to the side, still naked, Miri shivered a little. “Oh, yeah, Miri, your clothes and armor are in that chest over in the closest tent to the fire,” Minna said from behind Lady Sivallien.

“How humiliating it must be to be taken captive naked, and have to return without a stitch of clothing. Didn’t the orcs have anything big enough to fit you?” Choru snarked.

Miri was in no mood for defending herself. She wanted to get dressed, so she let the insult slide as she retreated to the tent to change. But the slight did not go unnoticed. Minna glared at the Cleric while Pilniss shot her a disapproving sideways glance. “Our companions have had a difficult day.”