Important names -
Hadrigus - Archbishop of Pelor (Verbobonc)
Juelihm - Master of the Silver Consortium
Langard - Viscount of Verbobonc
Archbishop Hadrigus of Pelor walks calmly down the hall leading to Langard’s study, striding beside Juelihm of the Silver Consortium, who now wears a curiously formed golden medallion around his neck. Written in elvish is the word cor’toloth. Circle of Eight. Hadrigus eyes the medal and gives a small, knowing smile, a barely perceptible turn of the corners of his mouth.
The two men reach Langard’s study and Hadrigus moves to rap on the closed door. “Wait, my friend.” Juelihm’s expression goes vacant for a moment. “Something is strange. There is an unfamiliar aura inside. It’s as if magic cannot penetrate the walls. Curious. No matter,” he says. “Give me a moment to compose myself and we will proceed.” Hadrigus looks at Juelihm quizzically as he mutters under his breath in draconic.
“All right. Lets press on. Maybe this time, we can persuade the Viscount.
Heavy green drapes cover the sturdy stone windows of the study. The room is lined with brightly flaring torches. Langard sits at his desk, eying the two older men proudly. He offers them seats at the burnished conference table with a wave of his hand. A handful of suited knights are placed throughout the room, as usual, their armor and weapons gleaming.
They begin discussing recent developments and messages from their spies and informants. Hours pass.
“It cannot be, Juelihm,” moans Langard. “Your informants must have made a mistake.”
“I wish it were so, milord.”
Hadrigus nods his head gravely. “My contacts have also confirmed the rumors.” He takes out a folded sheet of parchment and reads—
“…Unearthed a stone box with archaic glowing symbols in a mountain cave near the town of Westburn in the Yeomanry.”
“…the cave is believed to have been part of Slerotin’s Passage…”
“…Slerotin’s Passage was the tunnel used by the Archmage Slerotin and his house to escape the Rain of Colorless fire.”
“There’s only one object that could have been contained in a box like that, Langard.” Juelihm states pointedly. The Scepter of Slerotin. Do you remember your history lessons, your Grace? Do you know what that artifact will do in the hands of someone like Hedrack. He’ll be nearly invincible in combat. And it’s no doubt that this next passage must only refer to the Coat of Lumiesse feu Sainte.” No doubt you’d be happy to regain Lumiesse of the Holy Fire’s coat, Hadrigus.”
Hadrigus smiles wanly at Juelihm and clears his throat. “We must get this information to Degolar’s party as soon as possible. They must know about this new threat. I have contacted the neighboring fathers of the Church for advice, and Juelihm has spoken to...” Hadrigus looks shrewdly at Juelihm, who shakes his head almost imperceptibly, but Langard, who has his head in his hands, misses the exchange.
Noticing that Hadrigus has stopped speaking, Langard lifts his head. “Spoken to whom, Master Juelihm?” His voice has an edge to it. “The leaders of all the countries of the Flanaess? Will they ally themselves against the growing threat, perhaps? Would Wilfrick would have sent emissaries out to surrounding nations for aid long ago? Well, I’m not my father.” Langard stands abruptly, motioning to the plated guards around the room. “And I can’t have my ‘trusted advisors’ acting independently of my will. Hadrigus and Juelihm both look at each other, slightly startled. “That is all, advisors. You are dismissed. Guards, take them.” he says coldly.
Hours later, the two men are in the dungeon below Castle Greyfist.
Hadrigus sighs and pulls his robes closer. “Would that he was his father, we may not be in this situation,” he laments.
“You know what we must do, Hadrigus. We didn’t have to come to the dungeon peaceably. We must get word to the party. We must leave these depressing surroundings. We cannot wait and hope that Langard comes to his senses. Pelor and Boccob have it in their power still to help.”
Hadrigus sighs again and looks at Juelihm. “The seals will be broken. Tharizdun will break free.” Hadrigus states.”It is doubtful we can avoid that now, but that’s not necessarily completely bad. The seals don’t stop only Tharizdun from escaping…”
At these words, Juelihm smiles faintly, as if just remembering something. “We must hurry, my old friend. Gather your supplies. We will meet in my tower at sunset. If our preparations succeed, Degolar and the others will receive some small amount of aid which may prove crucial to their success, though they’ll scarcely be expecting it.”
“I suppose, if we fail, we won’t have to worry about Langard anymore.” Hadrigus says dryly.
