Hrothgar folded the note, and slipped it into a pocket.
"Our meeting has been delayed,"he said, and turned to the priest. "Is it alright if I stay here till she arrives?"

The Note

Hrothgar opened the not. It was written in very beautiful script.

"Hrothgar,

I have been summoned to Lord Northewode's keep because of the daggers we sold. I don't think they mean me harm, but want to discuss where we found them and what we saw. They mentioned they were summoning you, but I suspect that has not gone well. I will meet you at the graveyard when I am done. I have discovered many interesting things in the tomes I secured from the Tower.

Enelye"

"Is everything alright son?" questioned Apollonius touching Hrothgar's shoulder. "Why don't you tie your horse up here and we can talk?"

Hrothgar felt an overwelming sense of goodness slowly creep over his body from his shoulder to his toes.

Hrothgar what do you wish to do?

Apollonius

"Well, I'm no Father, except to my daughters, but I would welcome you to be my Brother, and I yours," said the holy man. He chuckled at the father comment. It was a remanant from the old, failed religion of the west. "I am Apollonius, High Cleric of Purl, and this is His Church. I am its caretaker and caregiver."

"I don't believe I recognize you from around here. Is your lady friend from around here? Maybe I know her father. Maybe I could help?"

As Apollonius was speaking to you, you see Enelye leave the front of the Collective House with the guards of Lord Northewode. She walks and talks to the sergeant in what appears to be a pleasant manner. She is carrying the books she took from the Tower. She follows the guards up the hill to the keep.

As she disappears behind the keeps' gate, the halflling boy from the Collective House walks across the street and up to Hrothgar. He hands him a note and runs away.

Apollonius chuckles at the boys' hurried run away from the grizzly looking Hrothgar.

Hrothgar, what do you want to do? 

"Well, you've caught me, brother. I guess you could say it's mischief". Hrothgar tried his most sheepish look. "I'm waiting on a lady. Her father's not particularly found of me, and this was the only place I thought we could meet."

Hrothgar waits...

Hrothgar darted to the church to the north of the Collective House. The town was bustling as it was almost mid day. The road between the collective house and the church was dotted with merchants and farmers, coming and going to the pallisaded main part of Harm.

Hrothgar dismounted and lead his horse to the back of the church near the graveyard, shielded from the main road, but with a clear eye to the front door of the Collective House.

His horse grazed and he watched.

"Hallu there my good fellow!" said a boisterous voice behind Hrothgar as he peered around the corner of the church. " Is there something I may assist you with?"

Hrothgar turned to see a hugely rotund man in blue, faded, peasant cloth robes tied with a piece of frayed yellow dyed rope. His puffy cheeks and bulbous nose show a face thais almost entirely red and he seems to be breathing somewhat heavy with each sentence."My name is Apollonius and this is my church. Well, his church, but mine to run all the same. Are you looking for someone or are you up to some mischief?"

Hrothgar what do you do?

Getting the message

Hrothgar froze. Enelye saw him, but gave no indication she had. She kept talking to the soldiers. Hrothgar pointed to himself, then pantomimed running really fast. He slowly backed out.
He dashed over to a halfling lad who was feeding Hrothgar's horse an apple.
"Boy." Hrothgar tried not to shout. "You there, boy." Hrothgar began mounting his horse.
"When the elven lady inside is done talking to those thugs, tell her Hrothgar awaits her at the old church." He flipped the lad a silver piece and put spurs to the horse.

Ride On!

Hrothgar rushed into the stable and grabbed the reins to his horse. The stable master was supposed to take off her saddle and wash her, but he was laying face down, drunk in a pile of hay, oats, and his own filth. Hrothgar mounted his horse and saw the side doors to the stable were open to the stream and the orchard and fields outside the pallisade, where the horses from the stable grazed. A stable boy was in the doorway, walking a grey mare outside. Hrothgar shot past them and dashed to the stream. He oriented himself, jumped the stream, and headed to the Collective House, where Enelye, and most other "touched" races stayed when they were in Harm.

The Collective House was really a great sprawing mansion sitting just to the north of Lord Northewode's keep. It was run by Fenius Lighttouch, a halfling who had gained some renown, and wealth years ago for his exploration of some parts of the West Marches. He now ran a boarding house/sanctuary for demi-human people who were staying in Harm. It's gardens, inn, and tavern were closed off to human, unless they were accompanied by someone staying at the House.

Hrothgar had dropped Enelye there as they made plans to reunite in a few days to continue the exploration of the tower of Udd. He raced there now, the hhigh hill and keep of Lord Northewode looming above him to his right. He rode right into the rear courtyard, scattering a few halflings and not even disturbing  a rotund dwarf sleeping in a chair. He dismounted and raced into the garden, assuming Enelye would be studying the books she had taken from the Tower. She was not there. He raced inside to find her and as he turned the corner to the lobby he saw her standing next to three other soldiers in the livery of Lord Northewode.

They have not seen you yet.

Hrothgar, what will you do?   

The Chase Continues

Hrothgar tore out of the front doorway to the Tankard and turned right. He headed for the stables for his horse. He dodged around four saddled horses that stood at a hitching post and then turned the corner around the Inn Keepers tower and sprinted to the stable. They wee open, since it was mid morning. and there stood Hrothgars horse in a stall eating oats. His pursuers had not rounded the corner yet, but soon would.

Hrothgar what do you wish to do?

The Chase is on!

The Captain turned to flip the barkeep a few silver coins for the busted tankard. "Sorry Rufus, this one had an attitude about seeing his lordship. I'll buy you a spirit at the Marsh next time we have a chance."

As he had turned his head to speak with Rufus, so did his men. As they all chuckled, Hrothgar bolted out the front door and into the walled courtyard of the Inn and Tavern. The front arched gate was open. It was 30' away from the front door. Four horses were saddled up and tied to the ring out front.

The day is drizzling rain, and mud puddles are starting to form on the courtyard grounds.

Hrothgar, What would you like to do?

"Well, seeing as you asked so nicely,"Hrothgar said as he wiped the blood from his lip. "Barkeep! If my men ask where I'm at, you can tell them, I'm in the company of these fine gentlemen".
He flipped the bartender his coin and walked out with his escorts. As soon as he was free of the inn, he took off running...

An armored fist struck Hrothgar in the jaw, (3pts). The Captain had reached over lightning quick and struck Hrothgar. Knocking the clay tankard to the floor and shattering it. (end of surprise round)

"You have one more chance to walk to see Lord Northewode, otherwise you will be dragged there by horse Do not delay in making your decision." The Captain stood with an easy stance, but one that was fully prepared to strike or give the command to.

Hrothgar, what do you wish to do?

Hrothgar wiped the foam from his mouth and burped. "The only thing I NEED to do, is finish this ale. I owe no allegiance or fealty to this Lord, and am therefore not at his beck and call. Come again in the morrow."

Hrothgar at the Weary Tankard

Hrothgar sits at the Weary Tankard Inn and Tavern. He takes a well deserved draw from a strong stout beer the Tankard is known for. The barwench comes over and asks if he wants another. It not even lunch time. He nods and she shuffles off to retrieve another tankard.

Hrothgar scans the room for potential hirelings to help further explore the Tower of Udd. Enelye indicated she would join him at the town gate tomrrow at dawn to move further. She told Hrothgar she was thankful of their new arrangement. She would receive half, as would Hrothgar, of all they retreived, but she would be totally responsible for all of her expenses and she would be responsible for paying half of all group costs, like retainers. It seems that Hrothgar had found a partner.

Enelye had indicated she had some things she wanted to do before they went back. Hrothgar had too. He fixed his armor, bought a crossbow, and went to the Church of the Sun for some blessed water to hopefully combat the undead that seem to infest the ruined tower complex.

As Hrothgar drained his second tankard, a group of well armored men, with tabards emblazoned in white, red and gold came in, looked around, stared at Hrothgar, and came over to his table.

" Are you Hrothgar, adventurer?" The man asked. He was tall, with a neatly trimmed beard and was obviously an officer or nco of some kind. "Are you the Hrothgar who has recently sold these daggers?" He pulls the two bronze ceremonial daggers from a pouch dangling from his belt? "You need to accompany my party to Lord Northewode's Keep to explain where you retreived these items and whatever questions he may ask. Please, this way." The  officer points towards the door motioning for Hrothgar to follow. He has three other soldiers with him, all weraing chain armor, with swords. One stands in front of the door.

Hrothgar What Do You Want to Do?

Hrothgar, refitted and ready

Back to Harm

Hrothgar and Enelye leave the library, knowing that more awaits them, even though no doors were found in the room.

They travel back through the scriptorium, over the hallway trap and to the cellar. They climb out of the cellar to find the day to be mid afternoon. Standing on the ruined tower they can see the stream they crossed to climb the hill to the tower, the thick grassland, rolling until it gets to the River Ox. And beyond that the rolling forested hills. And beyond that, the last bastion in the West, the Village of Harm.

If they hurried, they would be to Harm by dusk. Just in time for supper.

Even with as battered as they were, and as sorry they were at the loss of Rhian, it felt good to be out of the ruins of Udd. And breathing fresh air helped.

Hrothgar walked down the stairs and began his journey to Harm. "Come on Enelye, we can make it by supper time, then a soft bed, and tomorrow, we sell this stuff and find some more people who would like to help us clear out this tower."

~

The trip back to  Harm was uneventful, as both had hoped. The crossing of the River Ox in May was no easy feat, but they had both survived and now were back about to cross under the makeshift wooden gate that marked the entry to Harm. The gate and the wooden pallisade were the latest precautions the village leaders and merchants had taken to protect their interests and themselves from the ever increasing banditry and maurauding humanoids and beasties that now roamed the countryside. It was never like this when the Kings Frontier Forts and Garrison Towers were out west. Now only one fort remained, and none of the Kings army remained in the west. Untold numbers of towns, and villages lay in ruin, or were just unihabited as the people streamed back to the Kingdom, right on the heals of the retreating armies. It hadbeen 2 generations since the Exodus.

So Harm decided to go it alone. Because its leaders and merchants and business men and religious leaders hoped one day it could be the City in the West. So Harm has encouraged explorers and adventurers and warriors to come protect it, and better yet, to take back the West. 

"Come Enelye", Hrothgar said."back to town. We'll see what we can get for this treasure and return healed, better armed and in greater numbers. You can have Rhian's share."

Afterward

Hrothagr sighed, raised his sword and managed to hack off what was left of Rhian's head in two swipes. He met Enelye's horrified glare. "I don't need him rising up and biting me in the ass," he said.


"Let's see if there's any treasure in here. These creatures were here guarding something. After that, we're leaving, and I want enough money to hire some more muscle to come back this place, and clean it out proper."

Hrothgar searched the book shelves and found nothing. The books were rotten beyound use. But inside of one labeled " The Etymology of the 'Malus occidentalis mobilius' and other Bipedal Vegetation" was found a large glass vial with a luminescent green liquid.

Enelye found a chest concealed under one of the tables with a rotten red cloth over it. The chest was not locked. In fact the locking mechanism was torn away. Enelye carefully opened th lid and found it was not trapped. Inside was a small black chest. the inside of the chest was lined with white silk and was still intact and showed no signs of rot. Setting in the silk were two black pearls, the size of a childs fist. Also at the bottom of the chest was a silver skeleton key.

Enelye coveted such a find and considered placing them in her pockets, when she noticed that Hrothagr had walked up behind her. "What did you find?", he said. "Black pearls," said Enelye, embarrassed that she had thought to take them for herself. "They probably came from a merchant who got them form the Shi hul Morrah, the Sea Elves. They dive for them and coax them from the Giant Oysters. They are very rare. It is a great prize.Oh and a there's a key at the bottom of the chest."

Enelye stood up and closed the box. She wrapped the box tightly with twine from her backpack and put the box in her backpack. She walked over to the round table in the center of the room. Several books lay open on the table. One had the cresent moon and dagger symbol from the bronze daggers, scrawled on the inside cover. It had no writing on the spine. On the first page was scrawled, "To the troublesome Etherialist who can now call this tower his own. I hope you keep your head in the clouds, son, but always remember, the flesh is weak, but the mind can live on forever. signed Your Father, Lord Northewode"

The pages are now very faint and the book is well worn, almost rubbed clean. It is also water damaged, not from sitting in water, but from the pages being dripped on. Nothing more can be read in the torch light. Also on the table are crumpled up scrolls with broken wax seals.

Also strewn about the room is a collection of coins, 59 copper pieces and 93 silver pieces in total.

Against the western wall stands another upright wardrobe. Hrothgar opens the wardrobe to find rotten clothes hanging in the wardrobe.

Hrothgar what do you wish to do?   

The Library

Hrothgar stormed forward at the shadowy figure. He swung in a great arc(miss), but the Ghoul was quicker, and met Hrothgar half way, gruesome, filthy claws flailing out front, gnashing his teeth.(hit claw,claw, 3 pts dmg.)

As Enelye knocked an arrow, the zombie to her right lurched forward hungrily and swiped at her, landing a blow on her arm(hit, 2 dwg).

Enelye kept her focus and let loose a fearsome shot at the ghoul that streamed right under Hrothagr's arm and into the crouching creatures throat. It let out a terrifying shriek. (hit 8dmg).

Rhian pulled himself into the room and swung lazily at the other unengaged zombie, but missed. The zombie tried to grab rhian with his hungry hands, but missed.

The Ghoul slashed at Hrothgar as he recoiled from the bow shot(1 dmg).

Rhian gathered himself and swung as hard as he could at the zombie. He was so tired. His aim was true and he hacked into the side of the undead menace.(6dmg).

Enelye backed up, but was agian assaulted by the hugry zombie on her right.(1 dmg)

The fearsome wound Rhian had just put into the zombie he was attacking left it utterly unphased. It reached forward again and grasped Rhian's arms as he struggled to wrench his axe free from the rotting tissue sucking at it. And Rhian should have just let go. Zombie was huge and fat, and very intent on making rhian his next meal. It sunk its rotten teeth into Rhian's face and neck and tore huge chunks from his skull. His armor was drenched in bloody gore as the minster continued to feed. Rhian fell to the floor, with the zombie still attached to his face, feeding. (6 dmg, Rhian killed(-3))

Hrothgar heard Rhian's screams to the left, but dared not turn around. He advanced on the ghoul as it retreated and smashed its skull with a well placed down stroke.(2 dmg, killed ghoul)

Enelye dropped her bow and drew her sword to fight off the zombie that was on her, missing in the exchange, as did the zombie.

Hrothgar turned to see Rhian laying on the floor twitching as the zombie fed. He rushed forward to engage it but in the dim light stumbbled over the debris on the floor.

Enelye, carefully gathered herself and lunged at the zombie, skewering it through the eye cavity and scrambling its brains. It fell to the floor lifeless, again.(9 dmg, killed zombie)

The last creature continued to feed on Rhian's corpse. As Hrothgar and Enelye circled the creature it noticed the other meals and stopped and lunged at Hrothgar, Hrothgar snapped the creatures head to the side with a viscious smash from the flat of his sword. (5 dmg)

Finally, Enelye drove her sword into the creatures head, severing it from its shoulders.

Enelye and Hrothgar looked at each other for a moment, panting and bloody. Then they rushed to find Rhian's lifeless, bloody mess of a body. Rhian clearly was dead, his face half eaten, his neck and arms with huge gouges of flesh missing.

Enelye muttered an elvish prayer under her breath and backed away.

Hrothgar, what do you do?    

"Eleyne!" Hrothgar shouted."Put an arrow in that ghoul. Rhian, keep these rotters off me. I'm taking down that foul beastie".
Hrothgar lowered his shield and charged the ghoul.

F%ck these doors

Hrothgar tried to quietly break the lock. Who knew what could be on the other sideof the doors. It didn't budge. Hrothgar had had enough. He asked Enelye for her mace.

"Screw it. Whoever is on the other sid eof these doors heard us anyway." Hrothgar swung at the lock with all his might.

Pieces of the lock flew ion all directions, showering Rhian with metal shards. "Hey, look out!"

Hrothgar handed the mace back to Enelye and kicked the doors open and stood in the doorway to the room. He threw his torch in on the stone floor so it would illuminate the room.

Before him stood what was once probably a very nice library, larger than the writing room he was in. Shelves still lined the walls some even still contained books. in the center of the room a round table had several books and scrolls on it. On the western wall was a cupboard and a large wardrobe. Both closed. Litter and smashed chairs and wood cluttered the floor over a rotten rug. The room smelled of death. Recent death. As Hrothagr and Enelye scan the room, two figures stand up and start shambling toward them, rotten hands out, mouths open, yellowed eyes fixed on new food. 

Both Hrothgar and Rhian notice another, more shadowy figure crouched at the back of the room.  It is hairless, sickly blue green in color, with a menacing mouth full of pointed teeth. It is staring at you more like an animal than a mindless construct.

Hrothgar what do you do?