most powerful rumor came to me from a winged friend the night before your arrival, Adacon. It is to go north, that I propose—out of this desert to reach the Vashnod Plains. It is on those plains that there lie two stone towers, prisons of Grelion. Rarely is there more than a handful of guards at each, I have noticed of late; and under cover of night I would have us assail one of the towers. Gaining that prison would strengthen our force a great deal, if the rumors hold true; an old friend of mine is being held there. His rightful name is Flaer Ironhand, and Grelion still knows not who he has captured—for if he did the tower would be guarded one hundred times stronger. If we can have this prisoner alone join us, we will be many times more powerful than as three,” Krem said.
“Sounds like a plan to me, eh Addy ol’ lad?” joked Erguile, tipsy with wine.
“Alright. We’ll do that then, Krem. I trust you have a mind well enough for getting this rebellion off its feet anyhow. How do you think we should go about this attack?” asked Adacon.
And with that question, Krem began to lay out his plan, and it sounded well thought out to Adacon and Erguile, as if he had been contemplating the strike for some time. After a good while they finished outlining the plan, and Adacon and Erguile grew tired.
“The night grows old on us; it is now time to get some needed rest before our departure tomorrow. Tomorrow afternoon I will fill your bags appropriately, with enough stores to last us a good few weeks. Come—let us turn now to our dreams for restoration. I’ll show you to your beds,” Krem ordered as he stood up and extinguished his pipe. He walked out of the room, beckoning them to follow. Adacon and Erguile extinguished their pipes and stood up to follow. Krem led them through several intertwining passages and they reached first a luxurious room for Erguile, who said good night to both of them and went to his bed. Krem continued on, leading Adacon a little way farther to his room. Adacon reached a room, just as fantastic as Erguile’s had been, and said good night to Krem, thanking him again for dinner. Krem turned and started to walk out, leaving Adacon to his peace.
“Wait, Krem…” whispered Adacon just before Krem was lost from sight. For a moment Krem disappeared into the hall before suddenly returning to the doorway. Something forgotten had suddenly flared into Adacon’s mind, and his voice was filled with fright.
“What is it lad?” Krem said, facing him.
“I didn’t want to speak of this in front of Erguile, partly because he doesn’t know the tale in full. As we camped last night, and I sat watch, I heard a creature howl twice—I searched at length each time, but in the black abyss of the desert I saw nothing. After a long while my fear was lost to weariness, and I didn’t hear it again. I went to sleep. When we awoke, we found that one of our swords was missing—one of Erguile’s. We traced odd tracks leading away into the desert, out into the direction we were not intending to travel. I don’t know what it was, but it scared me deeply; do you have any idea what it may have been?” asked Adacon, hoping Krem would have the words to dissolve his gnawing fears. Krem’s visage was overcome with a look of despair that lasted only a moment, and then it returned to calmness.
“No, lad. I cannot say I know what it was. Do not worry yourself tonight though, boy, for you are in Krem’s keep at least one night longer. Now get to sleep.” Krem left and closed Adacon’s door behind him.
IV: THE VASHNOD
Krem awoke first the next morning, uncannily early, and he made the others breakfast. Adacon and Erguile arose to the smell of freshly brewed tea and pastries, and the three ate in silence for a while.
“I have decided to make another slight change to our plans,” said Krem, breaking the silence. Adacon and Erguile were still groggy, but Krem was not; he had been up since sunrise.
“What do you intend to change?” asked Erguile. “Do you mean to say we’re not going to battle?” Erguile seemed upset.
“Hah, lad, don’t fret—you’ll have your fair share of battle; that I’m sure of. No, the change does not alter our chances of