By Kim Richards and Sam Soza
Excerpt:
Unsettled times often call for unsettling relationships. So it came to pass that a dwarven cleric and a human mage sought assistance from a human barbarian and a Kagonesti elven ranger.
At first, Arlo remained skeptical and stoic. How could this barbarian and ranger be trusted? Nomads and survivalists, Arlo thought. He, a dwarf and apostle of Kiri-Jolith, found it hard to trust those who didn’t live in proper cities—above or below ground. He believed only criminals or those who simply hated their fellow man, desired such a ‘solitude’. However, Orinda reminded him the artifact they wanted would benefit both their peoples. If this man and elf truly knew where it was, then it was worth the risk. She argued that a modicum of trust came with the payment of steel. He reluctantly agreed.
The ranger, a Kagonesti elf eyed the crate of dull gray ingots. “I have no use for steel money. Why should we go anywhere near a dragon’s lair for it?”
“Garwood,” said the elf’s partner. Malin was a towering man clad in fur with feathers woven into his braids. “The steel can be be forged into weapons.”
“I suppose I could use this for arrowheads.”
Malin shrugged his broad shoulders. He lowered his voice and said, “Besides, we can just point to the lair and let them have at it.”
That’s when the deal steeled, so to speak. Arlo grumbled as he handed over half the promised steel. The after-morn sun finally flashed above the Vallenwood trees surrounding the hamlet as the four of them—mage, cleric, ranger, and barbarian—took to the dusty road…
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