While all the training was going on Typhus was transcribing the language on that tapestry that Deacon found. Apparently, it tells the early days of the purge of the underdark. A war broke out between the Deep Dwellers and what are now known as the Dwarves. The Dwellers abandoned the name Dwarf when a splinter faction made a pact with Orcs and goblins. Traditionally evil races that opposed the dwarves. That caused the schism in the deep that lead to the purge. How this tapestry made it to the surface baffles Typhus, but it has the family crest of the house Smitehammer. They were one of the first to suggest going to war over the splinter faction’s decision and pushed hard for the purge.

  Between his transcribing and drinking, Typhus time was wholly consumed. Armand proceeded to teach Deacon about money in this realm. It was as simple as ten bits equals a copper, ten copper equals a silver, ten silver equals a gold. Once understood, Deacon realized he was carrying around a small fortune. That afternoon he commissioned a few outfits from the local seamstress. This being a town on the smaller side, with one main road, surrounding farmland, and a few side streets, options were limited. As she was one of the people saved from the kobold warren, she was more than happy to help.

  Elle’s services were needed less and less so she began using Deacon for target practice. It was a little one sided when Robert, Armand, and Elle were engaging him in sparring.

  “Come on, Arrows too?” Deacon said.

  “Its all part of your training.” Robert laughed.

  “Stop complaining, you learned in a week what normal takes people months.” Armand said, “Besides we need to be moving on soon. I don’t like how agents of the empire were at our backdoor and for the life of me why there have been no patrols come through town.”

  “Where are we going?” Deacon asked while blocking a kick from Robert.

  “Back to Desentes keep. I must speak with my father and get the news of the realm. We may come back here one day but I think things will get quite dangerous before then.”

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  Deacon took that opportunity to check his new map to see if he could find the keep. He was surprised that it did show up. It seemed to be north and east of where they are right now. It did not however look close. He closed his slate and took a jab right to the face.

  “Your opponent can see that vacant, thousand-yard stare when you check your slate. Don’t forget it.” Robert said.

  “Cheap shot! Motherfucker.” Deacon yelled.

  “Stop your whining. You aren’t hurt. Let’s plan to leave tomorrow. We need answers.” Armand said as he began gathering his things. Elle started collecting any retrievable arrows that may have ricocheted off Deacon when Robert approached him.

  “I hope this has helped you. I will remain here in case I’m needed and to get my family situated. We can’t thank you enough for what you have done.” Robert started tearing up as he said these heartfelt words.

  Deacon gave Robert a big hug. They all went back inside. Typhus met them in the common room chipper and excited. It seems he finished his translations. When Armand told him we planned to leave soon he was on board with the plan saying that’ll take him closer to the Shattered Sky, his home.

  “You’ll be coming with me Deacon. The stone council will want to discuss where you found this and if there were any more.” Typhus said.

  “I thought we needed to help Armand.” Deacon replied.

  “Its all part of the Triumvirate Accord. He’ll end up coming with us. Same for Elle if she needed something.” Typhus said.

  “I’m fine.” Elle said.

  Once again, a young lad came in and hustled his way up to the bar keep. Words were exchanged and the boy was given some coin and ran off. This time Robert just got up and walked over to the counter. The table just looked at each other wondering what was going on. Robert came back to the table.

  “Looks like some marauders were sighted in the woods north of here. They were menacing one of the farmers. We’ve been asked to go check it out.” Robert said.

  Deacon was already up with his mug hitting table. He looked over at his companions and nodded his head once. Within minutes the four of them were on the road following Roberts lead. The estimated time of arrival was just under an hour. The consensus was that they must be running out of food and are getting desperate. Deacon made it clear that he needs at least one of them alive. This may be an opportunity to find Qie Lao and finish what he started.