The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II

[Dr._Bob]

In the forest ...

As quickly as possible, you decamp and mount up. Lumpy rides in the back of the wagon as Trinark tends to his wounds. Those of you with horses escort the wagon back towards Tammar.

In a way, the expedition was a success. You have retrieved the missing drow and druid safely. The encounter with the demonic scouts and its significance, however, has put a damper on the happy reunion.

Lumpy's wounds will heal. Tiriel's armor and sword are pitted, but servicable. The only casualty really has been Lumpy's flail. Some of you silently thank the gods for your good fortune. The night-time encounter could have gone much worse for you (especially for Aeroz).

You near the walls shortly before dawn. The skies are still dark, and the gates are shut tight.



In the shop ...

The armorer and the woman in red seem to have concluded their "negotiations". The henchmen struggle with the bulky package as they head for the back door.

"A pity we were interrupted, Khosuvah. It would have been ... interesting. Next time, perhaps."

The armorsmith shrugs without even turning around to acknowledge the woman. You get the feeling that the aborted combat was little more than a game between the two of them, the dead henchman notwithstanding.

Achkby and Fizahn stand awkwardly while the armorer waits for some sort of answer. The armorer's eyes flick from side to side noting the presence of Yix and Katrin without comment. One of the armorer's dogs scratches an ear absent-mindedly. The other opens its mouth and pants.

Once the back door closes behind the woman and her henchmen (including the one carrying the sunrod), the shop is plunged once more into darkness.

"...

"Well? Are you planning on speaking or are we just going to stand here in the darkness all night?"