« (The Raptors) »

Hainrick led his party warily into Whitewater Falls. The trip through the new elven forest had been hair raising. They had been spotted even before entering. And during the entire trip they had been shadowed by an unknown number of elves and runners. The Raptors were not used to being unable to spot their enemies. And they one and all knew the elves considered them at the very least, potential enemies.

Whitewater Falls had grown since their last visit. Yet it hadn’t grown as much as most dungeon towns. It lacked the raw bustle they expected of such places, and there were very few people present that looked to be adventurers.

The town was still ringed by sentry trees, and in places trees were still being encouraged to relocate by dryads, supported by runners and elves. Half of the dryads had flowers in their hair and were of a type previously unknown to Hainrick.

The town’s two inns, the Grapes of Wrath and the Golden Bough were not truly welcoming. The Raptors moved on to the local chapter of the Adventurer’s Guild. Even that was not what they were accustomed to. It was yet another ‘building’ put together from a collection of living trees and specialised plants. They found it – uncomfortable.

At least the reception room had the familiar bar and reception. The quest board was present, even if it was rather small and had a paucity of quests posted. Unsurprisingly Daviinos and Luminos the Brawler headed for the bar while Faldara went to peruse the quest board.

Hainrick’s lips narrowed in displeasure as he looked round the room. He nodded to Leo and they made their way to the reception counter and the sole clerk manning it. He looked to be some halfer. Hainrick stared at the clerk for a few moments. The half elf looked back nervously and scratched his neck nervously.

“How may I help you sirs?” asked the clerk.

“I wish to speak with whomever is in charge of this – place,” sneered Hainrick haughtily. He had not failed to note the habitual gesture of someone who had worn a slave collar.

The half elf ducked his head and scuttled away with a, “Just a moment sir.”

Leo sighed, “You should be more accommodating Hainrick. No need to scare the youngster like that.”

“The halfer was a slave Leo, and only recently freed at that.”

“So,” queried Leo.

“Slaves should accept the lot the gods gave them,” snapped Hainrick. “They should not seek to change their lot.”

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Leo shook his head, “Some change is inevitable Hainrick. Let it go. Should not a man gain grey hairs and wrinkles as he ages?”

“It’s not the same,” Hainrick said irritably.

“Hainrick, you have to dissemble if we are to achieve our goals here.”

« (Lady Rivanna) »

Rivanna sipped her tea as she examined Firomeena. The young forest priest was slowly gaining in confidence, but the naïve and somewhat timid farmer girl was still present. On the whole Rivanna was pleased. The girl had promise.

“Well Firomeena, our first challenge has arrived sooner than we had hoped.”

Firomeena’s eyes opened wide in surprise, “What challenge my lady?”

“The fight to keep the Rose Dungeon. The fanatics of the Council of Stability have managed to send us one of their principal agents,” explained Rivanna.

Firomeena looked horrified.

“I need you to warn all our workers and guests on the first level of the Rose Dungeon that they might be attacked. The Raptors might be unable, or simply unwilling to understand our current agreements with Marty.

“Secondly, I want you to get in touch with Rosita and Marty and arrange a way for us to reinforce him if the Raptors loose control, and try to kill him, them.”

Firomeena snapped her mouth shut. “I – I’ll see to it at once my lady.”

“Good. Let them know that I’ve gathered a couple of warbands to aid them. And see if you can figure out how to get those reinforcements down to the core chamber as fast as possible.

“And I’ve sent word to Queen Aldrya too.

“The treaty of Whitewater Falls means we have the responsibility to provide aid. Please remind them of that. They helped us against Refuge by sending Briar after all.”

« (Marty) »

Marty was becoming very alarmed. He had noticed the priestess Firomeena moving through the first level of his dungeon talking with everyone. Out of curiosity he had listened in, and her message was chilling.

« Rosita, listen to this. What should we do? Should we offer some help? »

Rosita stretched as she woke, and then looked to Marty’s core with bleary eyes. It took her a few moments to take in what Marty was trying to tell her. Then when she was able to pay attention to what was happening on the first level, she also grew alarmed.

They were discussing how best to help, given that as it was on the first level, they really didn’t have the ability to use too much force. They still had the bees but... the whole place was so open now.

It was then that they realised that Firomeena was in the end room of the first level, and that she wanted to talk with them. So, after providing her with an escort they watched her traverse their dungeon and join them in their heart room.

* * *

After Firomeena had passed on Lady Rivanna’s warning, reassurances and suggestions, Marty tried to think of something that could reassure Rosita, and himself.

« I didn’t want to do this yet as it will restrict me to some degree. But now I have five levels I can create an alternate entrance. It will be one I can seal. So I propose opening a tunnel to the base of the cliff. One that opens out in the Ironbark tree’s chamber. Then if needed I can enlarge Rosita’s access and there will be a way for the reinforcements to arrive quickly. »

“Are you sure Marty,” asked Rosita.

« I don’t like it Rosita. It goes against my Dungeon instincts, but I have to trust the treaty with the queen. But I will want someone to brief me on everything that is known about the Raptors, and of each and every member of that band. Including rumours, most especially rumours. Hopefully there will be something I can use. »