It was still several hours before dawn, if Magnus would have to guess. Driscol had left them just outside of Ridgeton and taken the spirit beasts with him. Telerek had placed a bag over Bram's head and was leading him towards Varloc's manor as the rest of the party followed. Magnus' mind and body had not felt this rested since he first stepped off the Puddle Jumper and into the Crow's Nest Tavern. The ethereal mounts had rushed Magnus and his party from the northern edge of the Mhistana back to Ridgeton in a matter of barely a week. The beasts must have also been imbued with healing properties as all the wizard's aches, pains and injuries had healed during the journey.
That was something that never even made it to the footnotes of epic tales, how uncomfortable it all was. It was always thrilling to hear of a brave warrior traveling to the other end of Eridan to save a kidnapped lover. But authors of those stories never talked about how much the hero's back ached from sleeping on the forest floor. Or how hard it was to properly swing a sword when your neck was stiff from using a tree root as a pillow. No grand saga was ever told of a warrior failing to complete his quest because his tired feet slipped on a rock and he broke his ankle. However, after his own journey throughout the Tameless Shore Magnus was very much convinced that most adventures probably ended with such mundane disaster.
Magnus thought all of this as the party reached the now nearly completed walls of Ridgeton. Again, Telerek guided the party through the lamp-lighted paved streets of the upper city until they reached Varloc's gardens. Val rushed through the front door towards the party as her gnome friend clung to her shoulders like a rucksack. "See Tessy, I told you they would be here tonight. You owe me three somersaults and seven claps."
Val had rendezvoused with them two days prior, arriving in her falcon form. She spoke with Driscol and Telerek both for a short time before flying off towards Ridgeton again. "Anyway, Uncle is waiting in his study for you all."
Tess and Val led the party to a set of dark wooden doors adjacent to the dining hall where they had first met the eccentric Varloc. The aromas of cooking meats wafting up from the kitchens caused Magnus' stomach to rumble audibly. Val turned, smiled at her companions then abruptly and violently slammed her fist on the door several times. The sudden and alarming force with which she knocked caused Magnus to jump a few inches into the air, drawing a chuckle from his brother. The door opened on its own moments later and they all entered the dimly lit room. A large desk dominated the far half of the room. Books, scrolls and maps decorated large shelves that lined every wall and a deep green rug covered the wooden floors. A fire roared in a stone hearth along the wall to Magnus' right, providing a majority of the light to the large room. Dark leather chairs and a sofa were positioned to face the hearth. The far wall was dominated by an enormous window that overlooked Ridgeton's docks and Mortas Bay.
"Ah, nephew and my brave heroes have finally returned," Varloc said as he rose from behind his desk. "Please sit, I am positively sure that your backs and legs must ache with a fury after such an arduous journey." Magnus began walking towards one of the chairs near the fire and the moment he sat down Varloc clapped loudly twice. A team of gnome servants brought in several small tables and placed an assortment of meats, breads, cheeses, fruits and even a large pot of lobster stew. Magnar and Beltayne were piling food onto plates before the servants had even left the room. Magnus had not been this hungry in quite some time. While Bram had supplied ample provisions for their journey, Driscol had given them little time to actually eat and no time at all to cook. Magnus theorized that he was keeping the spirit beasts summoned through his own Wylde magik and the spell must have been exhausting. By the end of the journey his once imposing frame had shrunk and he looked ten years older.
The wizard poured several ladles of the lobster stew into a bowl and tore a large chunk of bread from a loaf that was still hot enough to sting his hand. While he longed for slices of the dripping beef flanks wrapped in bacon, Magnus knew it would upset his empty stomach. He sat down and began blowing on his spoon as he watched Telerek and Varloc discussing in hushed tones on the far side of the elf master's desk. While he attempted to hear what they were discussing, the wizard's hunger quickly won out over his curiosity.
Magnus ate three full bowls of the creamy, rich soup and mopped up the buttery leftovers with bread. Though his mind longed for more, his stomach felt as if it were going to rupture. It always amazed the wizard how quickly one could fill their stomach after barely eating for a week. Magnus sat back in the large, cushioned chair and let the heat of the fire wash over him as his body digested the succulent meal. He sat up suddenly and looked around at his companions, who were all still eating. "Where is Bram?"
Varloc chuckled and spoke across the room saying, "Fear not my fearless wizard, Mr. Holloway was taken to his own lodging on the lower floor. An associate of mine needed to speak with him in private on a matter of the utmost importance." The elf smiled at Magnus, which filled the wizard with unease, and then continued his conversation with Telerek. Magnus decided not to press the matter any further and sat back into his chair when he felt Magnar nudge his arm. He looked over at his brother who was holding a pipe, the contents of which were already glowing. "Nothing better after a big meal than a nice smoke, yeah Sparky?"
"Are you sure Master Varloc is fine with you smoking in here, there are a lot of scrolls and books around. Many could be very valuable."
Magnar took a long drag from the pipe and blew the smoke straight up towards the ceiling. He then handed the pipe to Magnus who reluctantly took it from his brother. "Oy, Varloc. Lots of old scrolls ya got layin about. You don't mind if my little brother here smokes his pipe do ya? I told him to ask first but he can't help himself after a meal." Magnus' face burned red with embarrassment.
"Of course not! I have wards placed over anything worth a damn in here. There are also a few bottles of apple brandy on a shelf near the hearth." The elf chuckled and then said "I must admit it is an indulgence of mine after supper nightly."
Magnus took a long pull from the pipe and blew the smoke into his brother's grinning face. "I'm keeping this," Magnus said, turning away from Magnar.
"Figured as much, Sparks," his brother said as he pulled another pipe from a bag and sat in his own chair.
"No brandy for you tonight, brother? Are you feeling ill?" Magnus said, staring into the fire.
"No. I fear we will need our wits about us before this night is through." Magnar said packing his pipe, his tone suddenly somber. His words and the sudden change in his voice caused Magnus' heart to race and he instinctively took another pull from the pipe. Upon hearing Magnar's words, the party's conversations ceased and the wizard saw Beltayne place his plate, food still half eaten, onto a table. Varloc walked over and stood at the front, with his back to the hearth. The elf's flowing hair had been pulled into a tight bun and the gaudy attire that Magnus had always known him to wear had been replaced by a simple shirt and trousers. He swirled a glass of, presumably, brandy in his right hand, while his left hand rested on the hilt of a sword hanging from his belt. The only items that added flourish to his outfit were a deep, dark purple cape and black leather boots that were polished to such a degree that Magnus felt he would see his reflection if he got close enough.
"My friends, I believe I need to start this conversation with some offerings. The food and drink were the first offering, as it should be anytime a host welcomes weary travelers into his home. What I wish to offer now is my deepest apologies. Telerek here told me of the immense pain I caused you all in asking him to keep my secret. I must be nothing short of blunt when I tell you this: I was unsure if I could trust you all. I have had my suspicions of Blacktide and Fairwinds for quite some time. I, nay all of Ridgeton, could simply not risk the true nature of your journey if there was the slightest chance any of you were in their employ. The safety of the peoples of the Tameless Shore had to take precedence over your feelings and I hope you can all find it in your hearts to forgive me." He raised his glass towards Magnus and his companions, took a large drink and smiled, as if that had settled the matter in the elf's mind. Magnus looked over at his brother, who grumbled something inaudible under his breath.
"Telerek has advised me," Varloc continued. "That you all recovered some very precious minerals from your time in the far south." Magnus clenched his jaw, expecting Varloc to next announce his intentions to confiscate the Arkanglass. "Your new fortunes could not make me happier for you all. I hope you are able to put it to good use and if you are in need of advice of how best to invest it all, I offer my services." Magnus relaxed and felt his breathing slow with the words.
Varloc then swallowed the remaining contents of his glass and threw it into the flames behind him. The fire exploded slightly as the remnants of brandy ignited in the hearth. "Now, we must speak of the pressing matters at hand. Val arrived here well over a week ago and told me of Blacktide's treachery. I had sent her to Duke Dyre's estate, along with a sliver of Arkanglass, to further inform him of both Fairwinds' and Hawthorne's barbarity. I provided further evidence I had acquired from that dreadful cavern you all saved me from. The Duke was unsurprised by these revelations as it appears that he has had suspicions of his own for quite some time. The Duke, however, requires more proof before he takes definitive action against his rapscallion vassals. He has asked but one favor of Varloc and his brave companions. To apprehend Highwarden Blacktide and his inner circle, capture Mariner's Keep and gather all ledgers or accounts related to this most vile affair."
"Oh, so just storm a fortress that is filled with well trained, well- armed soldiers and subdue a giant who beat one of our best fighters without breaking a sweat. Any other little favors the dear old Duke needs?" Magnar said, disdain wrought in his voice. "Or are you wanting to keep that a secret from us as well?"
The eccentric elf gave Magnar a serious look before chuckling. "Yes, I understand the task seems impossible my grumpy friend. However, I have already taken the liberty of making the first move that severely weakens the Trident Guard. I must admit I anticipated Duke Dyre asking this of me and decided that proactivity was the right course of action here. Several days ago, the Highwarden received orders written in Lord Fairwinds own hand, or at least close enough that he could tell no difference. These orders advised that his soldiers' services were needed southwest of Praldosta in force. I myself witnessed Mariner's Keep empty just this morning and the bulk of the Trident Guard march north. The keep itself will be manned by a mere skeleton crew, making our job immensely more manageable."
"Ha! Good. I shall enjoy making the great heathen squirm when the Queen of Falling Snow's justice befalls him. A rematch so legendary it will be sung about from Adania to the Sea of Obsidian Ice." Beltayne said, standing and unsheathing his sword.
Kel'dhos rose and whispered for Beltayne to sit back down before turning back to Varloc. "Lord Varloc, your hospitality is appreciated and attempts to make amends admirable. I am no expert in warfare I will readily admit to that. However, I am no fool either. There is simply no way the few of us can complete this, regardless of the undermanned strength of Blacktide."
"There is also the small matter at hand that none of us trust a word you say." Magnar said, drawing an exasperated sigh from Telerek.
"Uncle Varloc has already explained to you the necessity of keeping our little quest secret," Telerek said.
He and Magnar stared at each other for several tense moments before Magnar waved his hand at the elf dismissively and said, "I don't get why you think bringing down a couple of corrupt infighting lords and their stooges interests me anyway. Had my share of that with the Suns, thank you."
Telerek stepped next to his uncle and addressed the entire party. "Eventually Bram's disappearance will become noticed, and the news will make its way to the ears of Fairwinds and the Trident Guard. If you think for a single moment that those men won't spend every resource at their disposal to tracking us down and slitting our throats, then I will call you mad. There is no stone they will leave unturned to ensure their business in Mhistana remains hidden. Whether you find yourself motivated by some altruistic higher calling or simply by the desire to save your own ass the truth remains: we must see this through."
Magnus looked about the room and saw the grim faces of his companions as the weight of understanding settled upon them.
Varloc clapped enthusiastically before embracing Telerek and kissing him on the cheek. "I also have one final offering for you all," the elf said as he walked back to his desk. He reached beneath it and pulled out a long, tube-shaped item. "A wizard friend of mine, not present company of course, gave this to me years ago as a gift. A Farsight is what he called it. Apparently, it is mainly used by astronomers to look at the stars and study their movements."
The party turned to look at Magnus and the wizard nodded.
Varloc continued, "Kel'dhos, my pious half-kin, if you would be so kind to use this and look to the docks below."
Kel'dhos hesitantly walked to Varloc, took the Farsight and looked in the direction the elf indicated. He pulled his head away a short time later and stared at Varloc, who grinned and nodded at the cleric.
"Magnus, would you like to see as well?" Varloc asked the wizard. Magnus rose from his chair and looked towards the harbor with the Farsight. Anchored at the docks were several ships, drifting lightly, unoccupied in the darkness. One ship, however, was lit by several lanterns around the railing. A ramp connected the deck to the pier below. Magnus smiled broadly as he watched dozens of mercenaries march from the ship and stand in tight formation on the docks.
"Fairwinds isn't the only man on the Tameless Shore who can hire some muscle." Varloc said, satisfaction spreading across his face.