Chuck didn’t have to wait long before he was told the carriage had arrived. He met Alz outside the guild and they got on the fairly normal looking carriage. Chuck had assumed that since it was sent by the governor it would be a little fancier. It was being pulled by the same snail like creature but at a lot slower pace. Chuck still marveled at the smooth ride and wondered if one of the previous otherworlders had something to do with it. When asked, Alz proudly indicated it was something the guild had devised. He studied the city as it went past and made small talk with the guild master who asked questions about Earth. Soon they stopped in front of a large mansion. It was easily the largest building he had seen yet and was made up of a combination of stone and heavy wood beams. It wasn’t a castle but still impressively medieval and had an almost gothic look to it.
A wolf like guard escorted them through the iron gates and into the mansion. They were led to a waiting room even more lavishly decorated than the guild and offered tea and what looked like biscuits. Chuck was too nervous so barely touched his. The guild master told him to take off his hooded poncho now that they were inside, which made him even more nervous. He actually jumped with a start when a hawk like servant told them the governor was ready to see them. “Don’t be so nervous, governor Feli won’t bite.” Alz laughed.
Chuck didn’t know what to expect. He thought they might go to some kind of throne room but instead they were escorted to a large office with maps covering the walls. It was at least twice the size of the guild masters and contained book cases and tables covered with documents. A silver feathered owl person with a fancy tunic but no jewelry sat behind a desk at the end of the room. He looked to be taller than Chuck which was par for the course. The hawk like servant introduced them and then waited by the door. “Welcome, I am governor Feli. Please be seated.” The governor said gesturing to the chairs in front of the desk. Chuck sat down and wasn’t too surprised when the chair adjusted itself to him.
“I’m sorry to dispense with the pleasantries but a situation has arisen that I believe you may be able to help us with otherworlder and time is of the essence.” Feli said eyeing Chuck. “A cousin of mine was doing a survey near our outpost along the dark road and we have lost communication with his team and the outpost. We recently sent an armored wagon to investigate but they haven’t reported back either.” Feli continued pointing at a map that was laid out on the desk. It was hard to tell the scale of the map but Chuck was sure the armored wagon was the one that had passed him. He said as much to the governor and indicated where he thought that had been on the map. The outpost seemed to be a long way to the south where the road started to go through the forest itself. “I was told that you traveled down the dark road without incident which is one of the reasons I am asking you. Also the stories say otherworlders are able to accomplish great feats so I’m hoping you can as well. If you bring back my cousin or his body and word of what has happened then I will grant you my patronage. This will also allow you full use of the translation artifact from what guild master Alz has told me.” Feli said looking at Alz who nodded his head in agreement. “I will grant you a place of your own and resources to make something of yourself in this world.” Feli said looking at Chuck expectantly. It sounded like a good deal but also extremely dangerous. He didn’t think he had any other options though so with a sigh of resignation agreed.
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”How will I recognize your cousin and will I have any help?” Chuck asked his most pressing questions. “Fol also has silver feathers and is about your height. He is the only avian-kin on the survey team and there are none at the outpost. I will give you this seal of authority. If anyone questions who you are just show it to them.” Feli said handing over a small gold plate with an elaborate crest. He didn’t think it felt heavy enough to be actual gold as he put it in his pocket. “I’m afraid the territorial army is away handling border disputes and we can’t spare any city guards. I can get a couple professional hunters to go along with you if I promise them enough. Both have been along the dark road and even hunted parts of the Howling Wood. I will have them meet you at the South Gate at sunrise tomorrow. “Good luck otherworlder.” Feli said rising from his desk. Chuck was getting tired of hearing that particular phrase.