subplotkudzu | Emirikol, Part III scene 6

The next morning saw Cybele and Dietrich renting a small cart and driver to take them and the morbid prizes from Hightower Tor to the intersection of Ferrantino, Scornbul and Serin where, as promised stood the stalwart, Spartan and serene stone structure that housed the city's Paladins. A brief introduction, and the handing over of one of Dietrich's cards (provided in a timely fashion by his new solicitor), led them and the remains in their care to the office of Honesto Merin. That worthy paladin accepted the two nobles graciously, inquiring after their health and sense of the city, and, once he placed the young Von Eisenwald, into a reminiscence of how the old von Eisenwald, Dietrich's uncle, had been a good friend to the paladins and the city. Dietrich took this complement on his line graciously, with the wish that he too could perform such service. Indeed, Cybele took that opportunity to say that if there was ever anything the Paladins needed to not hesitate to call on her services. (Bec: I'll just accept that plot coupon now!)

Then, over the sweet coffee in tall, thin mugs that was the custom in the north, the three discussed the matter at hand: the tems taken from Hightower Tor. Honesto confirmed that he was aware that the Tor had been looted, and was hopeful that these twop were finally coming forward to make clear that claim, and was surprised to know that the pair were part of a second, unplanned expedition into the chaos crypt. With the knowledge of further actions there by multiple parties, he states that he will redouble his efforts to find the previous delvers and see what they learned. Honesto is quiet and serious during their recitation of battles with chaos beasts both in the Tor and at Vulture Point, and sketches out briefly the political problems with arranging a garrison at that location - though he will again take up the cause in the face of this new information.

He was able to identify at least some of the remains, placing the circlet on the most decorated of the skulls as belonging to General Moltalvo de Molro, who fell in the second to last battle before the taking of the Tor. These circlets are no longer used in the armed forces, but the Paladins revere them as artifacts of the empire's past, and Honesto asked that Dietrich give him some time to secure the funds for its purchase before putting the item on the open market - a Paladin's lifestyle is such that they seldom have much liquidity. (Bec: you mean they have a vow of poverty? That sucks! Tom: no, it's that they're always preparing for the next Chaos invasion. Brian: Exactly - unlike everyone else they actually do spend all of their gold upgrading their weapons an equipment for the next fight.) Lord Von Esienwald waves this away, giving the circlet as a gift to the Paladins on the spot.

Concerning the remains, Honesto is willing to have the Paladins take possession of them, but ultimately they will have to go to the Cardinals for their return to the endless ocean and the next tide of life. The pair thank him for this, as the remainder of they have other appointments. As a final request, Dietrich asks what steps might be required for him to gain entrance into the Paladin order. Honesto is thrilled by this, and arranges a time for the pair to meet again, along with Honesto's brethren in the city, so that they might more fully discuss what needs be done.

Their official work completed, the two nobles leave, heading deeper into Serin to their next appointment, and unwitting to their next brush with destiny!

To be continued!