Chapter 4
The Gnomes in the Ruins
The party’s journey was uneventful, mostly discussing what they intended to do. Orensland gleefully suggested stealing the human’s supply of this yellowleaf and bribing the goblins with it. The thought of turning the drugged hordes back on these “dealers” made him grin so much Jenika wanted to wipe the smirk off his face. And Rynn had to tell him to stop giggling randomly after he suggested it.
Kirza had already given then a good idea of what to expect, and from the outskirts of the trees they could see the ruins in enough detail that they could confirm the raven’s assessment. The camp was atop the hill, so there was plenty of visibility. Sneaking up would not be easy. The faint outline of the skyship could be seen. It was definitely of the smaller variety, but still probably capable of holding several people. Much more couldn’t be seen at night.
Orensland offered to sneak up and scout the ruins, and everybody agreed that he was probably the best person to do so. Even Jenika begrudgingly agreed, though Khaska still heard her utter under her breath something about rogues being too sneaky for their own good. After Orensland had slipped off, of course. The Maha’i smiled at this, then sat down with the others to wait for the rogue’s return.
Orensland snuck closer, taking his time to move from ruined wall to ruined wall, stepping lightly, and trying to watch for those at the camp. There was no way of knowing what their numbers were, or what their inclinations were, but he thought it best to take no chances. He was pretty confident that he had not been spotted as he made his way up the hill.
The ship was coming into more clear focus as he got closer. It wasn’t really all that large, probably only about thirty feet long and fifteen feet wide. It had a single mast, and was hovering about ten feet above the ground and was tied to one of the columns. The humans had set up camp right by it, on a small patch of grassy earth near the main building (it looked like a temple to Orensland, but what did he know about religion, really?). He glanced quickly inside, seeing a large stone slab sitting in front of a large circle of stone. Must be the altar that the locals had spoken of. But he wasn’t here to look at the pretty ancient architecture. He snuck closer to the camp.
It was apparent from the setup of the camp that it was meant to be more permanent. There was a tent set up by some more crates and supplies. A horse was tied off by the tent, and it was clear that the horse had been eating and trampling that spot for some time. The remains of a fire could be seen, and there two figures sat next to it on makeshift chairs of some crates, one human, a big man, wearing plate. The other was a gnome. The human was absentmindedly poking at the dying embers as the Orensland began to sneak closer, moving as quietly as he dared.
“ . . . not sure when we’ll be done here,” the gnome was saying. “Could be tomorrow. Could be next year.”
“The goblins aren’t gonna keep the humans away that long.”
“Not rightly sure you’ve picked the best way to handle that.”
“It was my call. You wanted the rod, they were the best way to get it. You wanted privacy, we’ve scared off the local farmers. Hunting season will begin soon and I venture you don’t wanna bunch o’ idiot farmers messin’ up yer brother’s . . . well, whatever it is he’s doing.”
There was an awkward silence. The gnome spoke back up.
“At least you’ve learned not to keep asking. We’re not paying you to ask questions. Just to help us maintain our privacy.”
A small dark shape scurried down the rope tying the skyship to the base of the column, and came closer to the dying fire. It scampered up to the gnome and the two looked like they were in conversation for a moment. It looked like a weasel, but in the dying light it was difficult to make out. Definitely something furry, though. Maybe a rat? The gnome started for a moment, but then reached into his pocket and pulled out something that the creature ate before scampering away and then back up the rope.
“Well,” the gnome said. “I’m going to turn in. You’ve got first watch tonight. One of my brothers will be up in a few hours to relieve you.”
“If it’s Greygook, he’d better not ‘forget’ to be waking up.”
“He’ll get up. Night.”
The gnome got up and moved over to the skyship. A ladder hung over its railing, and the gnome deftly climbed up it. The ship shifted a little as he boarded. The human went back to poking the fire, eventually getting up to toss another log onto it.
Orensland snuck behind the human to the tent and the crates, sniffing around, trying to find if any of the yellowleaf was there. It wasn’t hard to find, really. Luckily the stash of these men wasn’t up on the skyship. It was among the crates by the tent, but not easily accessible. He didn’t want to get that close without backup nearby. Only the human was visible, but there were at least two more up on the ship, and who knows who else? He thought it best to sneak back to his allies and report on his findings. He slipped away into the night, and returned to the others without incident and told the others what he had seen and heard.
“It sounds like these gnomes aren’t exactly happy with this human,” said Rynn.
“But they do want their privacy, and he seems to be making that happen,” Khaska said. “So what do we do?”
“I still think we could use the yellowleaf to our advantage. Either destroy it or steal it and bribe the goblins with it to attack them!” Orensland was still keen on turning the two groups against each other.
“No!” Jenika said. Perhaps a little too loudly. She glanced up at the ruins, but they were far too distant to have been heard. Still, she leaned in closer and whispered. “Not until we have more information.”
“Well, how do you suggest we get more information? It’s not like they’re just going to come down and tell us what they’re doing up there,” Amara snapped. “I think we’ve bit off more than we can chew. The Knights need to be alerted. These gnomes obviously have some serious resources.”
“It’s not that big of a ship,” said Orensland. “But point well taken.”
“I have an idea that might help solve all these problems,” Rynn said. “I’ll just go talk to them.”
Khaska straightened quickly, and Jenika and Amara both looked at the ranger like he was newly arrived from Arkenos. Orensland merely raised an eyebrow.
“Look,” he continued. “I’ll go up in the morning, and say I’m a ranger passing through these parts. Ask how they’re doing. What they’re up to. Things like that.”
“That’s dangerous,” Khaska said. Rynn was beginning to get used to the Maha’i’s facial expressions. He was pretty sure the one currently on the cleric’s face was concern.
“Well, better than sitting around waiting for them to discover us. They’re gnomes. They may have spies around these areas. Squirrels. Foxes. Animals like that. This is the best option. If things get dangerous, I’ll high tail it back here, but be ready to help if need be.”
“I’ll go with you part way,” Orensland said. “At least have some help closer than the treeline here.”
Rynn looked at the elf, then nodded. “I was thinking of going in the morning, at first light.”
“I’ll sneak up just before daybreak, then.”
“I’m still going to send Kirza to Lord Yellman to alert the Knights,” Amara said. “Backup might be important here.”
“I think that’s wise,” said Rynn. “But it’s late. Let’s get some sleep.”
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The next morning, Orensland snuck off just before the light of the sun began to peek over the horizon. Rynn gave him a half hour, then just as the sun appeared on the horizon, set off, whistling a tune to himself, an old tune from his hometown of Camden.
As he approached the top of the hill, a gnome appeared, watching him.
“Hello there!” the ranger called, raising his hand in greeting.
“Hi.” The gnome’s tone was slightly curt, but Rynn continued forward.
“Must say, didn’t expect to find an airship here in the wilderness. You guys broken down or anything?” The human appeared, but without his armor on. It was obvious he had just awoken. His hair was sticking every which way. But he had a sword drawn, though. Rynn paused. “Sorry. Just passing through, and wanted to see what was going on. Don’t mean to intrude.”
“Nathan,” the gnome said to the man, “no need for alarm.” He turned back to Rynn. “Our business is our own, but no, we do not require assistance. But what brings you out here?”
“Exploring!” Rynn beamed. It was not difficult to bluff this part. He genuinely loved exploring the world, and really had not spent much time this far into the living side of Jenoa. “I’ve lived too long in the deadlands. Wanted to see the living side of our fair moon.”
The human snorted. “Wouldn’t call our moon fair if ya lived on the death side at all. I’ve been to the edge. Took one look and came right back to Gallidus, where the sun actually shines.”
“Well, maybe I’m just overtaken by the beauty of this side.” By now Rynn was just a few feet from them. A second gnome was climbing down a rope ladder. “Haven’t been here long, but you’re right, Nathan, is it?” He flashed a smile at the human. “The death side is not fair at all. It is good to be away from there.”
“So, stranger, what’s your name,” asked the gnome.
“Rynn! Rynn Fowler!” Rynn stuck his hand out to the gnome, and the short being shook it.
“Greygook Glittersail. And this here is my brother, Greydale.” The family resemblance was immediately apparent. Greydale was walking over, and it looked like he had not slept well. He had dark circles under his bloodshot eyes, and his face had a hollow, gaunt look to it. He was carrying a book in one hand and had a knapsack slung over his shoulder with a weasel clinging to it. Greydale merely grunted before moving over to the fire. A pot was sitting suspended over it, and something smelled good. “You’re welcome to join us for breakfast, Mister Fowler. Nathan here caught a rabbit a few days ago, and we’re cooking the last of it up now.”
“Please, just Rynn. No need for formality. Civilization is far from this place. Though,” Rynn looked around at the ruins, “looks like it was here once. Wonder what this place was.”
“That’s actually why we’re here,” Greygook said, motioning for Rynn to sit. Rynn moved to sit down on one of the crates. Orensland’s description had been quite accurate, and he could tell where the yellowleaf was. The barrel was in plain sight atop a pile of other crates and supplies.
“We’re here to study the ruins.”
“Found anything out?”
“That they’re old,” Greydale snarled, moving away to where he could sit atop a crate.
Rynn raised an eyebrow, but turned back to Nathan. “So, Nathan. Are you a hunter then? Catching rabbits and the like?”
Nathan was laying his sword down in his tent. “Just been setting traps around. Haven’t really caught much.”
“Ah. You have to set them in the right place. Trails. Places like that. Hard to know where to set them if you don’t know what you’re doing. I’d be happy to take a look for you, if you like.”
“You have experience with trapping?” the human asked. Greygook was using a wooden ladle to serve some of the stew into a bowl. Greydale was sitting off to the side, writing in the book while occasionally eating a bite of the stew. The weasel sat by his side, curled up with head resting on one of the gnome’s legs.
“Some. Hunting mostly. I’m a ranger,” Rynn responded, taking the bowl from Greygook.
At that comment, though, Greygook looked surprised. “A ranger, and one who has traveled the death side?” He and Greydale exchanged looks momentarily. Rynn didn’t miss the gnomes’ actions. Greydale shrugged, then got up and trudged into the temple with his book and knapsack. The weasel followed him
“Well, it’s dangerous. Just like this place is old. Shouldn’t go without a guide of some sort. I’ll say that much.” Rynn looked down and realized he had finished the entire bowl. “That,” he pointed at the cleaned out bowl, “was good stew. Thank you!”
“The trick is the spices,” Greygook said, taking the bowl back. “So, tell us more about your adventures on the death side.”
While Nathan ate, Rynn and Greygook talked back and forth. Greydale had long since vanished into the big building. Now that he was closer, Rynn could more easily evaluate it, but still had no idea what it was. Orensland had mentioned he thought it was a temple, but Rynn had no knowledge to compare it to. As they spoke, Nathan disappeared into his tent, then came out with his armor, which he began to put on. “Will you be coming with me to look at the traps, Rynn?”
Rynn looked at Nathan, and laughed. “Well, you won’t need your armor, I guarantee it! Not for rabbits and other critters. But of course, I would be happy to help.”
Nathan smiled. “Excellent. Could use a ranger’s expertise in this matter. And I find it best to be prepared.” However, Rynn noticed that something was off. His smile held no warmth. The man was up to something. Nathan sheathed his sword and also grabbed his shield. “Shall we?”
“Certainly!” Rynn stood up, donning his pack and slinging his bow and quiver over his shoulder. He pointed towards the treeline, where the rest of the party would be hiding. “Just over here near the treeline I saw some evidence of rabbits. Come, I’ll show you how to set a trap! Then we’ll see to yours. Come along!” The ranger waved his hand for Nathan to come, and then strode off quickly. Nathan followed, his full metal plate clanking.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Rynn looked for his friends, but they had done a good job of hiding. He just hoped the reason he couldn’t see them was that they were not around, but that seemed unlikely.
Once they hit the treeline Rynn continued to glance around and eventually he was able to see where Khaska and Amara were. The Maha’i’s horns helped mark him in the bushes, and Amara wasn’t exactly wearing camouflage, but they were still well hidden, and Nathan seemed not to notice. Rynn assumed Jenika was nearby, and figured now was as good a time as any. Orensland had probably not followed, the sun up enough that it would have been very difficult to follow.
He was a number of yards ahead, having pushed through the brush quickly. He dropped his pack, drew an arrow, and nocked it all in one motion, turning to face Nathan as the man pushed through a bush.
“Nathan, you are a murderer. And it’s time to pay for your crimes!”
Nathan stopped, and smiled. “Well now. You gonna try to take me out?” He drew his sword. “Guess we both came here for the same reason. And it weren’t about rabbits.”
“No, but it was about traps.” Rynn smiled.
Nathan glanced around as Khaska stepped out of the bushes. Jenika also emerged.
Nathan smiled. “Then let’s have at it!” He charged right at Rynn.
Many things happened almost at once. Rynn snapped his hands up and aimed at Nathan, firing in rapid sequence. Two arrows bounced off of the man’s full plate armor, but Amara stepped from her hiding place, hands raised, and blasted Nathan with Burning Hands. The man deftly stepped out of the way, only slightly singed, and then closed with Rynn. Khaska and Jenika arrived at almost the same time, and battle was joined!
Rynn noticed, with dismay, that despite all the additional targets, Nathan seemed quite focused on him. The ranger dropped his bow and drew his sword, parrying Nathan’s first attack. With Jenika and Khaska in the melee, Nathan was easily flanked, but the man was content to let his armor take the brunt of their attacks. Rynn slashed at him, but the blow simply grated on the armor and didn’t penetrate. Jenika’s attacks didn’t connect, and Nathan blocked the Maha’i’s scimitar with his shield. The four of them exchanged blows as a Ray of Frost hit Nathan from Amara’s position. He whirled to face her, trying to keep the three others between him and the sorceress. Rynn, Khaska, and Jenika all continued to press the human, but his armor was simply too much to get past. Luckily, however, Nathan’s second attack at Rynn also swung wide as the human jockeyed for position to avoid being flanked. Amara hit him again with another Ray of Frost, yet despite being hit with three spells, Nathan was clearly unfazed.
Rynn was beginning to get worried. True, Nathan hadn’t landed any blows yet, but neither had any of them. The man swung at Khaska. “Didn’t expect to see one of you rutspawn here!” But he overextended his reach, and Rynn stabbed forward, managing to find a spot just under the arm where his sword penetrated. Khaska blocked Nathan’s blow with his shield, and stepped forward, swinging his scimitar down at the man’s face. The blow connected right under the chin, and Nathan’s eyes rolled up into his head. With a clatter of armor, the human collapsed to the forest floor.
Rynn took a deep breath. Khaska looked shaken, and the cleric turned on the ranger. “That wasn’t part of the plan. You should have . . .”
Rynn cut him off. “He came here to kill me. I thought it best to have friends around when he made his move. Sorry. I was improvising.” He glanced down at Jenika leaning over Nathan’s prone form. “Is he dead?”
“No, he’s not,” the monk said.
“We should stabilize him and tie him up,” Rynn said.
“Why?” asked Amara. She was looking rather happy, pleased that her magic had come to her aid in new ways.
“No need for killing if we don’t have to. But I think we should go talk to the gnomes now,” said Rynn. “Get to the bottom of this.”
Khaska reached down to heal Nathan, and a very small spark of white light moved from the cleric’s hands to the human’s body. Nathan’s labored breathing grew more regular, but he did not awaken. Khaska stood up.
“By the way,” he said, to Amara and Jenika, “what does ‘rutspawn’ mean?”
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Orensland watched as Rynn and the human walked down through the ruins towards the others. It would be far too difficult to try and follow them. Surely either this human or the gnomes would notice him, and Rynn’s pace wouldn’t really allow for sneakiness anyway. However . . . Orensland smiled, and began creeping closer to the camp and the large building. He wanted a good look in the daylight, and with the armored man away, this seemed as good a time as any.
He managed to get inside the towering building without being seen. One of the gnomes was sitting on the altar, several books and parchments spread out in front of him, a quill in hand, making notes in a small leather-bound book. The gnome was facing the large stone circle, away from Orensland, so the rogue was able to sneak closer. As he got closer he saw the weasel was moving around the base of the stone circle, examining what looked to be the legs of a statue that had long since crumbled. The remains of the statue were lying on its back behind the stone circle, and the area where the top had shattered off of the legs was smooth. This was not a recent event. He didn’t want to risk getting closer to look at the shattered statue to try to identify it, so instead turned his attention to the altar and the stone circle.
The altar was made of the same material that the building and the statue itself was made of, a kind of sandy-looking marble, he expected, but he was no expert on rocks. Most of the ruins looked to have been made out of bricks of this marble. The altar looked like it had been subject to wear and tear, much like the statue had. The roof had holes in it here and there, and he imagined that rain frequently blew into the building.
However, the stone circle, more of a tall ellipse, really, was clearly of a different material. It was dark gray, almost black, and there were several symbols carved into it, one at the top, and several down the sides. It showed no signs of weather damage, unlike the rest of the ruins. After satisfying himself that the gnome hadn’t seen him, and that there was nothing more to see, he quietly crept back to where he could see where Nathan and Rynn had gone, as well as keep an eye on the gnomes’ camp.
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Rynn had immediately busied himself with removing Nathan’s equipment, first taking care to make sure the man’s longsword was out of reach. The armor was a bit more problematic, but after much grunting, tugging, and pulling, Nathan was free of his full plate. As he began tying Nathan up, Khaska spoke.
“You just want to go talk to the gnomes? Is that wise? They probably have good reason for wanting to not be found.”
Rynn pulled a knot taunt. “I’m not sure how much they know about what exactly Nathan has done under their payment. They only seem interested in the ruins. They don’t seem malicious — certainly they were friendly enough — but they are partially responsible. I think we should tell them what’s been going on.”
“If they are criminals, why should we help them conceal their activities? And what reason would they have to not arrange for our deaths, so as to cover their work? I do believe that we should exercise much caution in dealing with them.”
“The seemed friendly, but that could be a ruse,” said Amara. “Elial had us all fooled, remember.”
Rynn was now working on Nathan’s legs, having made sure the man’s hands were securely trussed behind his back. It only took a few more moments, but he was pretty sure that Nathan wouldn’t be going anywhere when he awoke. He grabbed his sword from where he had rested it on the ground, stood and sheathed it. “Well, I’m going. I don’t think I’ll be in too much danger. Anybody care to join me?”
It was obvious that none of them did.
Rynn nodded. “Alright then. I’ll be back soon. Keep an eye on Nathan.” The ranger disappeared into the bushes.
On his way up, he saw Orensland poke his head out from a dilapidated wall, but Rynn waved him off surreptitiously. The elf nodded, and disappeared again. Rynn approached the gnomes camp. Greydale was standing up on the ship, and was clearly concentrating—holding his hands out. A moment later a large chest lifted up from the deck of the ship and levitated down to the ground. Greygook was on the ground, and next to him was another gnome. This new gnome was wearing a black vest laced with gold trim and had a set of pipes hanging down around his neck.
Greygook and the new gnome stood, Greydale smiled, and moved to come down, his weasel clambering onto his shirt as he began climbing down the ladder.
“My friends,” said Rynn, “I have to apologize; I haven’t be entirely honest with you.”
“We know,” said the new gnome. “I’m Greyran, Mister Fowler, and I’ve got a proposal for you and your friends. I assume you’ve killed Nathan?”
Rynn stopped dead in his tracks. “How did you know?”
“We knew there were at least two of you. The fellow here last night that tripped our wards was an elf, and you’re not. Nathan was going to try to kill you, but the fact that you’re here means you’ve probably killed him.
“He was incompetent. Getting the job done, but at any cost. His recklessness has led to you finding us. And we do value our privacy.”
“You’re right that rather than maintain your secrecy, Nathan’s actions have revealed your location. The farmers and their lords already know you’re here,” Rynn said.
“They know we’re here?” Greydale snarled. He stood up and began snapping at Greygook in gnomish, but Greyran shouted a single word that shut him up. Greydale folded his arms, and his weasel hissed at Greyran.
Greygook looked at Rynn. “How did they know we were here?”
Rynn relayed the events of the past few days, including the involvement of him and his friends. The goblin attack on the outpost, the attack on the farms, and the request by Lord Yellman to investigate Kirza’s findings.
Greyran’s face darkened as Rynn finished his tale. Greygook began muttering words under his breath. Rynn was decently sure there was some gnomish cursing going on.
Greyran turned back to Rynn. “Well, that means our proposal has a bit more of a sense of urgency, but this may be to our mutual advantage.
With Nathan gone, we are in need of someone else to be our go-between. To help us maintain our secrecy while my brother continues his work.” Greyran indicated Greydale. “We mean no harm to anybody, but the nature of what Greydale is doing is . . . delicate. We don’t want interference. Also, after our work here is done, we likely will be headed to the death side of Jenoa, and a ranger who has travelled those lands would be valuable indeed. I assure, you, we can make it worth your while. And we’ll start by simply handing over the remainder of Nathan’s fee and his equipment. We had contracted him through June.”
“You can go talk it over with your friends,” Greydale said. “Or bring them here. However you must understand one thing—our work and our discoveries are for us alone. We simply are looking for someone to do a bit of day-to-day tasks, so to speak, and to act as a go-between so we can maintain our privacy. On the death side of the moon, there will be many dangers. You and all your friends would be most welcome, and there would be payment.”
Rynn frowned. This was certainly an unexpected development. “I will go talk to my friends.”
“Take all the time you need,” said Greyran. “If they want to speak to us, I promise you that no harm will come to them. We have no need for unnecessary killing. Nathan has created enough of that.”
Greydale grabbed his backpack from where it was lying on the ground. “I’d like an answer sooner, rather than later, though.” He looked inside it quickly, then tied it shut and put it on, with his arms folded.
Rynn looked at the three of them, still not quite sure what to make of the situation. Then he turned and began to head down the hill. With the gnomes watching, he didn’t want to wave off Orensland again, but the rogue stayed hidden.
He arrived back with the others a few minutes later, and explained the situation.
Jenika was the first to speak up. “I do not want to help these gnomes. It seems they are not unhappy with Nathan for killing as much as they are for his getting them found out. I say we take Nathan with us and head back to Lord Yellman. Report what we’ve found.”
“I am inclined to agree,” said Khaska. “Though I would like to speak to them myself, before making any final decisions. But I will not bank my life or reputation on an unknown reason.”
“I would like to get a closer look at the ruins and their ship,” said Amara. “Maybe get some clue as to what they’re about. With Nathan gone, could be that working for them will help us discover that. Even if we only work for them while they’re here before they leave for the death side.”
“I’ll stay here,” said Jenika, sitting down a few feet away from the still-comatose Nathan. “Keep guard over this one. Don’t be long. And make sure Orensland is okay.”
“He is,” said Rynn. “I saw him on my way up.”
“Let us go talk to these gnomes, then,” said Khaska. “See if we might determine their intentions and designs.”
The three of them headed up the hill to the ruins. As they arrived, Rynn noticed that Nathan’s tent had been struck, and the horse loaded up.
“We took the liberty of trying to gather up all of Nathan’s things,” Greyran said. “For you, as promised. We have little use for it, but to be honest, he packs light. His armor and weapons were probably the most worthwhile thing he brought.” He smiled. “Greetings, newcomers. I’m Greyran Glittersail, and these are my brothers, Greydale, and Greygook. Have you given our proposal any thought?”
“I would like to know the nature of your venture, first,” said Khaska. “You don’t seem overly concerned with the loss of life that Nathan incurred. How do we know that working for you won’t put us in compromising situations?”
“I can assure you that my research is completely benign,” said Greydale. “If you are put in compromising situations, that will be your own fault. As it was Nathan’s. He got the job done, no doubt, but at too great a cost.”
“And what was his job?” asked Amara.
“We value our privacy. What we hope to find is very valuable and others would be most interested in it. His job was to be the one running around getting things, making sure we were left alone, things like that.”
“What kind of things?” asked Rynn.
“Things necessary for my research.”
“Such as?”
“I really don’t want to tell you right now.”
“Like the ‘sacred stick’ the goblins were sent to retrieve from the outpost?”
Greydale’s eyes narrowed. “Sacred stick?”
“Yes,” said Amara. “My familiar saw them taking something out of the well.”
“And that’s what they called it,” said Rynn. “A ‘sacred stick.’”
Greydale laughed and said something in Gnomish to his brothers. Greygook smiled, and Greyran also laughed for a moment.
“So,” said Greydale. “You have a familiar. Where is he? She?”
“He,” she said, after hesitating momentarily, “is back with Nathan.” She stepped forward, slightly in-between each of the groups, the gnomes on one side, and her friends on the other. “Alright, look. If you’re not going to be more up front with us, then we are not going to travel with you to the death side. That doesn’t mean, however, that we won’t be able to help while you’re still here.”
Greygook pulled a handkerchief out and mopped his head. The sun was climbing higher into the sky, and it was beginning to heat up atop the hill with little shade. “Sadly, the only thing we need done here is to keep the farmers away, and Nathan’s incompetence has made that all but impossible.”
“Yes,” said Rynn. “We’ll take Nathan back to the local farmers, because he needs to be dealt with. The question is, what do we tell them about why he was doing what he was doing?”
Greyran pointed over to the pile of Nathan’s items. “I think you’ll find there with Nathan’s things a substantial amount of cash. We had contracted with him through the end of June at 5 gold coins a day, which by my calculation would give you 380 gold.” He held up a small pouch. Coins jingled in it. “It’s all here.” He tossed it to Rynn, who caught it.
“So, you want us to take the money and not tell the farmers that you’re here,” said Khaska.
“Something like that,” said Greyran. “That we’ve moved on. Honestly, it won’t be long before we leave anyway. Who knows?” He looked at Greydale. “By the time they got back here, it might even be true.”
“Are you willing to swear that what you are doing is not illegal, either here, or where you are from?”
“From?” snapped Greydale. “We are gnomes. We owe no allegiance to any nation, you stupid . . .”
“Hey!” snapped Greyran. Greydale shut up. “We owe allegiance to none of the Jenoan nations, and, like most of our kind are sailors of the sky and winds.” He stepped forward, and brought his right hand to his heart. “But I swear to you in the name of Markus the Magnificent, that what we are doing is not illegal and is no cause for alarm.”
“Good. Then you will have no problem coming to explain the situation to Lord Yellman himself,” said Khaska.
“I agree that would be best,” said Rynn. “Avoid any unnecessary miscommunications and put the lord of these lands at ease.”
All three of the gnomes’ faces hardened. There was a long pause as the three of them glanced at each other. In turn both of the two younger brothers shook their heads. Greyran turned back as all three of them moved closer together. “I don’t think so,” the eldest brother said. “We offer you Nathan’s payment in return for your help in maintaining our privacy and a gesture of goodwill to both you and the local farmers. Remember, we wanted you to take care of Nathan. But we will not venture forth to try to explain the debacle that idiot created.”
Khaska nodded. “Then we will be on our way.”
“Take whatever of Nathan’s things you want,” said Greygook. “We aren’t going to take it with us.”
“I implore you,” said Greyran. “Please. Do not fault us for Nathan’s actions. We only wanted to be left alone.” He was looking at Amara. She nodded.
“And to get this ‘sacred stick,” Rynn reminded. “Many died so that the goblins could retrieve it.”
“Those deaths,” Greyran said, pointing a finger at the ranger, “was Nathan’s doing. All we wanted was the stick.”
“Now, if that’s all,” said Greydale, “I must continue my work as I am now severely pressed for time. Please leave.” His tone brokered no argument, and though Greyran looked disappointed, it was obvious he thought their conversation wasn’t serving any more purpose. Greygook’s face was mostly unreadable, but for sure he wasn’t pleased.
Amara went to Nathan’s horse and grabbed the reigns. Khaska asked what she was doing. “Did you want to carry Nathan and all his gear back to the farmers?” Khaska paused, then looked at the ground. Then he moved off. “I didn’t think so.”
Rynn took one last glance at the gnomes. Greyran and Greygook were watching the party leave. Greydale had already disappeared into the large building.
Orensland poked his head out as the party passed. Khaska jumped back. “You startled me.”
“Well?”
“We’re leaving,” said Rynn. Orensland came out and joined them as they walked down the hill.