The music and wine continue to flow but the passive figure of Thornberg, standing back in the shadows of the surrounding tress, finally makes his looming presence felt. His voice is both deep and grave.
“I’m glad that The five of you made it back safely from the void between worlds, but I also want you to know, that I know what you’ve done. Three members of my brotherhood have been killed in the last few months and I knew that you were involved somehow. Koenig, the Three-Quarterling and Zephir.”
The monstrous brown bear growls to reinforce Thornberg’s menacing tone,
“However, Zephir of the oasis was killed before you’d even arrived there and I cannot blame you for carving up his mindless, reanimated corpse. You had a hand in the death of the pacifistic Three-Quarterling but not the murder itself, but his father? You are, all four of you, responsible for Koenig’s death. He may have been over-zealous and acting far beyond his remit, but he was still a member of the university Circle of the Scale and a price must be paid. Balance must be restored and although our creed is usually a life for a life, many voices has spoken up for you. From the little fox to Droofin the Frost-giant. As such, instead of death, one of your group must relinquish their current life and swear allegiance to our order.”
The adventurers respond very differently to this surprising news. Man of few word; Fortu reaches for the hilt of his indestructible sword, Rifkin opens his mouth, searching for convincing words to speak in their defence but Liga Bur does the opposite, biting down to prevent himself revealing his true thoughts. It is the Elf; Arowe though, who breaks the silence.
“I’ll do it. To save my friends, I’ll join your Brotherhood.”
The bulky, bearded Druid’s eyes widen in response before laughing it off.
“Tis a surprisingly noble offer Elf, but the choice has already been made. The Halfling has already received rudimentary training and possesses a natural aptitude for our craft. What say you Liga Bur?”
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