Lanek kept his guard up as he followed Cithrel into the former guild facility. Max walked at the back of the group, eyes locked on the pair of archers. It seemed like the demigryph was not fond of the pair. Meanwhile, Isaac made sure to position himself just behind Cithrel and slightly ahead of Lanek. Lanek was pretty sure that no one in the group missed the fact that Isaac made sure to keep the leader of the elf trio within range of his blade.
Judging from the look on Cithrel’s face, the elf seemed unconcerned. As they passed into the courtyard of the guild hall, Lanek was more than a little surprised to see that the structure was in pretty decent shape. While the exterior walls did show signs of wear and tear, the interior of the garrison was clean and well maintained, which reinforced Isaac’s previous observations that someone had apparently been living here for some time.
Isaac, Lanek sent, Let’s try to keep this visit short. I’ve been away from camp for too long as it is. The last thing we need is for the gaunts to attack while we are gone.
Isaac glanced back at Lanek and nodded in acknowledgment. Their interaction did not go unnoticed as Cithrel glanced back and arched and eyebrow. The dranrid didn’t think the elf could listen in on his telepathic conversation with Isaac, but he decided to cease that method of conversation just in case. Lanek was really hoping that Cithrel had simply noticed Isaac's nod.
“It looks like you’ve been here a while, Cithrel.” Lanek said. “How did you end up here in the middle of nowhere?”
“We were transported to the forest near here by mistake. The three of us were on a scouting expedition for our people. Several weeks into the expedition we stumbled upon a mob of abominations the likes of which we had never seen. There were far too many to fight, so we fled.” Cithrel said solemnly. “I had high hopes that we would escape at first as we were far swifter than our pursuers, but hope faded when the creatures simply did not stop chasing us. They never stopped to rest. I was forced to enact an emergency teleportation artifact that had been given to me for this expedition.”
Cithrel sighed before continuing. “I do not know if the artifact was damaged or if something interfered with the spell, but instead of finding ourselves back home, we ended up here.”
“Wherever the hell ‘here’ is.” Athas chimed in bitterly. “I’m really hoping one of you can tell us where we are. Despite exploring as much as we can before running into something hostile, we’ve yet to find any landmarks we recognize or any people.”
“If it wasn’t for this guild garrison, we wouldn’t have lasted this long.” Alanah added.
“How long have you been here?” Lanek asked.
“We are approaching a year now.” Cithrel responded as he led the way into the main hall and gestured for everyone to take a seat at the long table occupying the center of the room. “Would you like something to eat or drink?”
“I wouldn’t object to a drink, but I can’t stay long. I wasn’t expecting to find anyone here.” Lanek replied.
Cithrel nodded to Athas, who quickly left the room and returned with several mugs of water. Once the water was placed around the table, Cithrel settled down and stared at his guests for a few moments before speaking again.
“Very well, let’s get straight into it. I imagine that we both have questions.” Cithrel announced. “Do you mind if I go first? There is a question that has been plaguing us for a while.”
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“You want to know where you are.” Lanek said.
Cithrel nodded. “It has been maddening not knowing where we are and not being able to plan a route back home.”
“Fair enough. You are several weeks north of Caelis by foot.” Lanek said.
“Caelis?” Cithrel asked, confusion evident on his face. “I’ve never heard of the place.”
“Well, that’s not good.” Isaac said quietly. “Before we elaborate, could you tell me where you are from?”
Cithrel nodded. “My home is the bastion of Ivareon.”
Seeing the blank looks on Lanek and Isaac’s faces, the elf continued. “Oh, my. That’s concerning. I thought everyone knew of Ivareon. We’re not on Kaheris, are we?”
Isaac sighed deeply. “You’re a long way from home, I’m afraid. Have you perhaps heard of the Ashen Depths?”
“So. We are on Laheris. My people have records of many of the great dungeons.” Cithrel said, his voice suddenly sounding very tired.
“I’m sorry, Cithrel. Is there any way to use the artifact to get home now that you know where you are?” Lanek asked.
“No. The artifact can only hold a single charge, after which it must be recharged at Ivareon. Do you perhaps know of any cities where we can get help returning home?” Athas replied.
Lanek shook his head. “The only city I have encountered is the ruins of Caelis, which was built around the Ashen Depths. I’ve yet to find any intact settlements that have been populated and the only people I have encountered are not in any position to be of use getting you across the ocean.”
Cithrel blinked. “Our records are quite out of date, it would seem. There is not mention of a city built around the Ashen Depths. You said it is in ruins? How did that happen?”
“The Depths broke centuries ago and sent waves of creatures into the city in the middle of the night. The ruins themselves are still swarming with creatures from the dungeon and gaunts.” Lanek explained.
“How did you come to be here if there are no populated settlements and the city is in ruins?” Alanah asked.
Turning to the archer, Lanek shrugged. “I’m still not sure. I woke up in Caelis. I have had very few encounters with anything that isn’t immediately hostile. As for why I am here, I promised a friend of mine that I would try to make contact with her village.”
Seeing Cithrel’s look of surprise, Lanek explained how Liv had awoken in the Ashen Depths and barely survived. He proceeded to explain how the two of them were trying to meet up with her village, but left out the part about inviting them back to Caelis. Lanek didn’t know if he could trust the elves, so he wasn’t about to share anything about the growing stronghold in Caelis. However, he did share information about the villages to the north as well as the slaves he and Liv had freed.
“Where are Liv and the others? Athas and Alanah didn’t see any signs of other people in the area.” Cithrel said upon hearing about the freed slaves. “We would be happy to offer them shelter. I can only imagine how much a bit of comfort and shelter is needed after their ordeal.”
“That’s why I cannot stay long. They are currently camped to the south and making preparations to defend against a horde of gaunts. I came north to scout ahead and hopefully find a safe path for them to retreat, but ran into the ratmen in the plains to the north instead. I was planning on heading back immediately. However, Isaac mentioned that he had heard of this place and we came here hoping to find weapons and supplies to fight against the gaunts.” Lanek explained.
Cithrel looked at his companions, who immediately stood up and left the room. Lanek and Isaac tensed while the dranrid prepared to call out to Max.
“Cithrel, we aren’t here to rob you. We thought this place was abandoned. Now that we know it is occupied, I would ask that you give us the opportunity to trade for any weapons you may have, although we don’t have a lot to trade. If you don’t want to trade, we will leave you in peace.”
Cithrel looked confused for a moment before laughing. “You misunderstand, my friend. We have no use for any of the weapons in this place. Our gear is superior to the basic weapons and armor going to waste in the storerooms of this place. Athas and Alanah are collecting it as we speak. Before we leave this place, we intend to see you, Isaac, and your demigryph loaded up with as much gear as you can possibly carry as well as what we can carry ourselves.”
“We?” Lanek asked.
“Of course! The gaunts are a plague on the world and I am not about to let the first group of civilized people I’ve heard about in the last year fall to them. Besides, my companions are always eager to slay those creatures whenever they are given the opportunity.”
Cithrel stood and gesture to his guests. “Call your demigryph and come with me, the sooner we get loaded up the sooner we can help your friends.”
Lanek followed the tall elf out of the main hall and across the courtyard, mentally summoning Max to his side. Across the courtyard, they entered a large building. Upon entering, Lanek couldn’t help but smile at the sight before him.
“I’m afraid that it isn’t anything special. You’ll find nothing enchanted here.” Athas said apologetically.
“Oh, that’s quite alright. This will do nicely.” Lanek said with a broad grin as he looked over the racks of swords, spears, axes, bows, shields, and even some armor. Granted, there was no armor beyond padded and leather armor, but there looked to be enough to outfit their entire company.