When the group returned to their campsite, they went about helping the Idril pack for his trip. As they were saying their goodbyes, someone entered the campsite.
Arilee turned to see Rorik and Tallus standing behind them.
"Hello again," said Idril, “Can we help you all?”
Tallus began, “Well, I was talking with Rorick here after you came to our shop this morning, and we thought the exchange was a little odd.”
“I promise you we meant no harm,” replied Idril.
“It’s not that. But, ya’ know more, don’t ya? About what’s going on?” asked Rorick.
A dialogue scroll appeared in front of Arilee
1. Admit the Dark Elves are behind the Usurper Dwarven King
2. Deny everything, say you don’t know
Arilee thought to herself, it seemed fair to tell them about their own kingdom. But she didn’t know anything about these two. They could be Dark Elf Spies.
The second option highlighted and the scroll disappeared.
"Sorry, we really don't know anything. Idril has to travel south and wanted to know more so he could plan his journey."
Rorick looked down sadly, but Tallus elbowed him and nodded. Rorick shook his head. His bushy beard was shaking with it. Tallus pushed him forward, but the gnome was so small Rorick didn’t budge. Arilee and the group looked on awkwardly at the exchange.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Tallus looked at Rorick and tried poorly to whisper, “They aren’t going to trust you if they don’t trust them.”
Rorick shyly stepped forward and fished out a necklace out from under his shirt. It had a large blue amulet in it’s center. It was as large as the palm of the dwarf’s hand. Idril sucked in his breath.
“Do you know what this is?” asked Rorick.
Arilee and the group shook their heads, but Idril responded. “That’s the Amulet of Kings. You’re the prince? Prince Voderick?”
Rorick nodded somberly. “I was, but not any more. Now I am just plain Rorick.”
“But, your kingdom? Your people? Don’t they need you?” asked Chip.
“Not like this. What can I even do? The kingdom doesn’t want me.” said Rorick. He reached up to his beard and started peeling it off. It easily came away, revealing it was fake the whole time. “Not even the dwarves here in this Caravan know it’s me.”
Tallus walked to his friend and helped him put his fake beard back on. “We still can’t take this off here, someone might see you. Yuridarf could have spies here and we know he doesn’t want a challenger to his new throne.”
Chip watched Tallus help Rorick put back on the beard. “A fake beard? Why not an illusion spell?”
“A good practical prop can be better than a spell sometimes,” said Tallus.
Arilee looked to Idril for advice. “What do you think we should do?”
Idril thought for a moment, and then looked to Rorick. Idril shrugged.
Arilee nodded, “I'm sorry, we can understand being slow too trust, but honestly we don't know much more than you do."
Idril smiled, and helped move the conversation to another topic. “So with that settled it’s time for myself to depart.”
Arilee, Leela, Slicks and Chip gathered around to say their goodbyes.
“Thank you for helping us this far,” said Arilee. “Be safe in your travel.”
“And you as well,” said Idril. “I trust you will be well. May the Goddess watch over you.”
“Do you think we will meet again?” asked Chip.
“I think that we might. I think we both have a long journey ahead of us.”