Smoking yet another round of pipeweed to keep the mind soothed, Hilfar was hanging around the main gate awaiting the Uzbad. Master Thalamath returned once more with no news " no sign of anyone for miles". Hilfar shrugged, " he will show up, he always does". Thalamath continued patrolling the road while Hilfar was watching the sun fall in the distant, smoking a pouch of south-farthings finest. As the stars started to appear in the sky, Hilfar was accompanied by an unfamiliar face. An elder dwarf with a very long beard, yet with a friendly face. He bowed and introduced himself as Master Skaril Stonehand. After some idle chatter and introductions, Hilfar figured out Skaril walked up to him for a reason. Within an hour Skaril has signed a contract as Subj of the DFTC. Hilfar had his doubts at first as he was actually looking for a less dangerous job. Yet he figured that another grey beard was necessary in this company full of younger beards, one with some more experience under his belt. They walked to a beacon that master Thalamath found to catch any sign of the Uzbad.
Nothing, its a clear and beautiful night, but no sign of our Lord. Skaril and Hilfar walked back to the central plaza of Othrikar when they heard raised voices. Hilfar recognized the voice of his father bellowing in the night, and a higher pitched voice shouting over him. When they went around the corner they saw Fryjpora and Ullfar arguing fiercely, while the young miner Tholdurin tried to calm them down. When Hilfar reached the plaza, Fryjpora walked off in anger while Ullfar was grumbling along. Hilfar guessed their arguement and had no need to ask what transpired. His father is not gifted with a lot of tact, especially around women, that there is a woman in the company will be a hard lesson for him to learn. That in combination with one of the most fiery maidens Hilfar has set his eyes upon. Hilfar mumbled to himself "Mahal guide me..". Skaril was properly introduced to the group and even Fryjpora returned, but within a minute Ullfar and Fryjpora were at eachothers throat again. Hilfar ignored their bickering and still saw no sign of Duinn, he decided to walk up the stairs and start the opening speech without him. Not the party one could hope for, yet the ale keg was well received!
Either by the ale or the speech, I believe Ullfar and Fryjpora made their peace. Dawn set in and that would be the end of the merriment. Hilfar went to Birgir Listmaker who had just received a raven from the west. Hilfar opened the letter as he walked back to the group, the message was a hasty one, and a chill crept up Hilfars spine when he read it.
"To whom it may concern,
Uzbad is abroad, going to Othrikar for formal opening. Plot to kidnap him confirmed, other Zabad in danger too; Dourhands at Othrikar! Danger. Confirm that Uzbad is at Othrikar. If not Mobilize the Sabaj. Byli is in Bree. Do not lift the siege!!"
After the first amazement lifted and the rest turned to see Hilfars pale face, they heard the news as well. Dumbstruck and amazed the news settled in their minds. Everything went rather fast after that, Thalamath doubled the guards, Skaril made himself ready to ride out together with Fryjpora. And the Uthâk Ullfar and Tholdurin made themselves ready to get back to work. Hilfar started sending out a raven to the Izbad.
Not an opening ceremony to be proud of one may think. Hardly any visitors, our lord gone missing and an arguing team.. Hah! But when things needed to be done, they were all ready and able within a minute. When the odds are against us and the need is dire, they suddenly cooperate like brothers and sisters. That is how things transpire in Othrikar.
