The camp turning to town was busy. The war with the Orcs was slowly turning against the greenskins. Though it was a lucrative matter for those supporting the war effort. With the return of his property, hunters, and hunting grounds, Lucian was ecstatic. The old trader and merchant let loose the strings of his purse and showered the little band of adventurers with several nights of dining, drinking, and dancing the likes of which none of them could have imagined.

By way of payment and thanks, the party was given access to the stores of the trade center; fresh meats and produce, wines and ales, camp services of smiths and carpenters, new clothing, a mountain of mundane equipment, new mounts, a covered wagon, and money. The little bags given to each with a vigorous handshake by Lucian were heavy with coins and jewels. Each, they would soon learn, contained thirty platinum coins and a dozen masterfully cut rubies (100 gp each) without jewelry settings. He also had a letter for them.

"This letter," The man began. "Is a letter of introduction to a Dwarf by the name of Augustus Krieg. He resides in the mountains to the north, some twenty days ride. I know of Master Krieg, he is lifelong friend, and I can honestly tell you that the elder and his clan are in real trouble. They are besieged in their mountain abode by a sinister foe that comes for them from the deep shadows. Travel to the Alamygh Mountains and seek out the village Loch Hudron. Wealth for payment is of no concern for the Dwarves there. And should you find it possible to come back this way I would gladly pay you your worth for any correspondence delivered to me."

Amazingly, despite his drunkeness, Barg managed to not forget anything at the camp, or after another round of celebrating. A bag of shiny silver coins and shiny red rocks were fine by him for payment. Opening the gem bag and dumping in his own mossy agates, he frowned when he noticed he'd lost one.

The sullen episode lasted a full half hour

"Barg has lost one of the five sacred moss stones! Now Barg must bless other stones with MORE blood to make up for losing one!"

Soon enough though there was arm-wrestling and roast chickens and singing to be had again

When the idea of visiting dwarves came up, Barg's eyes grew wide

"Dwarf gold! Dwarf gold is most magic, most potent gold. Is blessed with magic which attracts dragons and breaks kingdoms. If Barg could find some dwarf gold, misfortune is sure to follow, and strong enemies will appear!"

Thamkis' head turned from her heavily watered wine to stare at Barg

"Dwarf . . . gold? No no Barg you're not understanding . . . the thing is that those attacks are . . . there's nothing . . . "

She put her head down, the pain between her eyes already throbbing as she tried to come up with a way to make Barg understand

Brengalyn took the letter and turned it over a few times in her hands, nodding in thanks

"A letter of introduction too. A suspicious person would wonder why you're being so helpful. I trust that this Krieg's life and success is dear to you, then."

Brengalyn's ruthless negotiation faltered though, and she grew quiet for a moment, seeming to be weighing two things in her mind

"I misspoke, I think. Too long on the road, too long fighting. I imagine your profit, such as it is, this is not just that. We'll put our weapons, our spells and our Barg to the service of defeating this evil that has arisen. While we travel there, I wonder if you might know of a way to get a letter elsewhere in the world. If I left something in your hands with payment, could you manage to see it sent off?"

"Master Barg, the dwarf holds of the northern mountains are known for the power of their gold. To that end I wish you good fortune." Lucian said. "And if it is within my power to see to the delivery of your letter, Mistress Brengalyn, it would be my pleasure to assist you. Where would this letter of yours need to be sent?"

"Who's a good boy! Who's a good boy! Yes you are!" Penny said scratching the ears of the newly dubbed Spot her new mastiff riding dog. Spot was easily larger then the gnome herself but seemed very happy to take all the pats.

"Penny . . . where did that dog come from?"

Brengalyn eyed the mastiff warily

"Did you . . . steal a dog?"

Barg's eyes grew wide as the dreaded hateful dog came into seeing.

"Ack! ACK!!"

Slapping a hand on the table he drew his dogslicer

"You be getting away from bad dog Penny Purse! Dogs are hateful tricksies!"

"The Brotherhood of Eagles is a mercenary band. As I understand it they are currently contracted to the Golden Orchard, an elven druid circle, many leagues south of here, until the fiendish infection of those woods abates with the seasons. I have a brother by the name of Hagetur who is indentured to the Brotherhood, and he is the person I'd like this letter delivered to."

Brengalyn produced the letter, already written and sealed, from within her pack, and produced five gold pieces

"Would this cover the expenses and travel for a messenger?"

In reply to Brengalyn (msg # 9):

Penny looked at the other sheepishly "Noooo, he just kinda followed me..." Then she threw herself onto the dog, "Barg, you will not touc him! He is my new friend!"

As Barg stared in disbelief two completely unrelated and totally disarming things happened at once. His frog jumped into view in front of the dog and was promptly licked clean in a single swipe of its tongue. Secondly, when Barg inhaled sharply debating whether to rescue the frog or assassinate the dog the big furry mount took a bound forward and planted a near body length lick down Barg from brows to balls. Subsequently the big canine immediately began spitting and hacking as if it had swallowed a bag of nails.

Laughing at Barg's predicament, Lucian spoke to Brengalyn, "Of course mistress of battle, your letter will go out on the next caravan headed there. I run a mail delivery service with many of my wagon trains. This one is one of my more common, and lucrative, stops. There will be no charge, of course."

"ACK!"

Barg tumbled back, falling from his seat and shielding his face

"Barg has been attacked! Barg might be poisoned by tricksy dog lick!!"

Thamkis extended a hand to the dog, letting the veil of the woods and rivers slip for a moment so she smelled as she should

"Come away, you've no idea where he's been."

OOC: wild empathy 20 to get Spot to leave Barg alone

Spot bore in on Thamkis as if he had known the crone for decades, not moments. It was surprising to see. Barg didn't see it, however, as he busily wiped away all traces of the slobber he assumed would soon be polluting his soul.

"I will arrange some transportation for you into the town of Tropanstan. It will put you within four to six days travel to get to the dwarf hold to the north. Depending on weather, of course." Lucian said. "Enjoy tonight, the caravan leaves in the morning. Sorry to rush you, but I had this caravan organized for this expedition weeks ago."

"That will be sufficient, do you know if there's anywhere in town where gifts could be purchased? Examples of local craft, fine spirits or that kind of thing?"

Brengalyn wathced the whole debacle with her small companions with no small amount of amusement. They were all of them capable, and if Penny was going to steal a dog . . . well they'd handle that problem later

"Why yes, the bazaar here is full of exquisite artisans and artists. It is why I ship so many good from this location."  Lucian said. "Furs, clothing, silver works, fine spirits, some sweets, astounding breads, river pearls, good weapons, especially the daggers here, and works of bone and horn. It is a wondrous market indeed."

Penny took out her handkerchief, holding in laughter "Here Barg, wipe yourself off with this"