Company revived
Tarnon was looking through the magnifying glass at a small ruby. It had practically no flaws, perfect material for further cutting. He put it away to a small pile of others.
Checking the usual shipment of gems from Thorins Hall was a routine, but always a pleasant routine. Doing mechanical work by hands, his thoughts were wandering in his mind on winding paths. It was so pleasant, so refreshing to welcome so many new faces in the East Road Company.
It is same colourful bunch as back then, and so far it seems that also same in their hearts. Cunning, able, sincere.
As time has taught him, misfits usually emerged few days after joining the Company. And then, they didn’t stay for another week.
But the new blood has acclimatized well. Many of them have proven their skill already, but also others look promising.
And it is needed now.
After the leaving of captain Furley and commander Altheric, things were crumbling and sleepy. Gradually dangers started to emerge again: brigands mostly. But times have changed. There were rumours of monsters and of something even darker in the far east…
Tarnon took another rough gem, this time an agate, and inspected it only briefly. The glamour of agates is revealed only after cutting and polishing, and there is rarely a bad piece. Alas, this was one of them – a branching crack was going through whole stone. Not worth cutting.
“Bugger…” He threw it away.
And also… Tarnon’s thought continued - the boss is back! Deorla is all the same, as before. She managed to get the Company a new house, though it needs some work of rebuilding and decorating.
So far his small jewel business had helped a few people in Bree, but more dwarves in Ered Luin. Nisti and Moror were stable suppliers and welcomed enhancement of their trade. Since not long ago also many of the hardy folk from the arid Lone Lands were happy to trade with the Company. But since Deorla is back “in the saddle” and also others are active, there will be even more business.
And the East Road might be - after a long while - perfectly safe.
If only… he clenched fist. If only we could silence the evil tongues. Slandering gossip about Deorla and the company were omnipresent. Even though people could see the deeds that company have done. Filled bellies, safety on the roads.
Bugger, once we were nearly hand-in-hand with Bree-watch, don’t the dickheads realize?
Another agate looked firm, so Tarnon put it on the pile “to cut”.
But we gonna deal with it.
New season was coming, a busy period.
And we will be ready.
