Return to The Bent Pike
The Bent Pike is in the middle of its usual afternoon racket when, without warning, the air in the dining hall gives a violent crack.
In a flash of blue-white light, Gustave, Zaleria, Auogven, Stoyko, and Grell appear in the middle of the room—along with a massive mirror.
Several patrons leap from their chairs. One drops his drink. Another immediately reaches for his sword.
Oberyn stares at the newcomers, then at the mirror.
“...Well. That's new.”
The image of Middendorf appears within the glass.
“Do not be alarmed! I mean you no harm. I merely wished to make use of the services of these kind adventurers and hopefully the Hounds. In the future, I shall have need of brave souls to retrieve certain artifacts for me. Those willing to assist shall be rewarded handsomely.”
The image fades. Oberyn looks around the room.
“So... a wizard just dropped five adventurers and a bloody talking mirror in me dining hall.”
He sighs and reaches for a mug.
“Welcome back, Hounds. Try not to break the furniture.”
Gustave’s Tale
Taking in the reaction to their return, Gustave stands, holding the big mirror, an extra shield, and a fat purse. He smiles as Numbers rushes forward and hugs Stoyko. He sees some of the mud and grime they all wear transfer to Numbers. Gustave laughs heartily.
“Ha! I forgot the ship returned without us I know not how many days ago. Aye, it goes without saying that the Wizard Middendorf lives, is well guarded by companions of his own, and the lights from his tower are signs he is about his business there. He sends this mirror as a gift to you, Oberyn.”
Gustave leans it gently with its back to the bar near Oberyn. He sees himself in the mirror. He knows he is not much changed, but he feels older and taller. He adjusts the wreath of ivy he now wears on his head. He sniffs. Ooff. Stoyko was right. They all need a good wash.
Gustave raises a hand as he leans on the bar to rest, favoring his injured right shoulder. As folk quiet a bit, he continues.
“The Wizard sent us to recover an artifact of great power, although it is merely part of another strange work of The Art in his possession. This fragment lay in a ruin once devoted to The Devourer. We slew the creature guarding the entrance, a feat only possible because we stood together, supporting one another. Inside, we found tombs of warriors: Hobgoblins once serving Vormagg. Alas, one of the many traps Grell overcame in that foul place bested him, unleashing the vengeful dead upon us. Grell and I fell, but our companions rallied to our aid and bested those skeletal warriors. We destroyed two goblin zombies before we encountered the lord of that benighted ruin: A massive, putrid troll. Auogven and Stoyko held it at bay, suffering many wounds. The good fortune of finding a healing potion in the tombs saved brave Auogven. Their sacrifice allowed us to coat the abomination with oil and burn it to death.”
“After I documented what I could about the fragment, we delivered it to Middendorf, who transported us here.”
