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Events as they happened on the 1st of Moonstone.
Many had thought that the cold winds of winter had come weeks ago. Winter was never far removed from Nist Akath, but somehow today seemed different.
Xotes and BurnedToast stood in the Captain's office, waiting for his return.
Finally, he opened the door, and closed it quietly behind him.
"My old friends, I apologize for my lateness." he said. "Silverfinger is dead."
The other two stood aghast.
"But... why? It makes no sense! His wounds were not so bad they would not heal!" protested BurnedToast.
"Were you tending him?" asked the Captain.
The others shook their heads.
"Neither was anybody else." said the Captain, seating himself. "It appears everybody was too scared. Why do you suppose that is?"
There was a quiet moment.
"The Baron..." murmured Xotes.
"Got it." said the Captain, nodding.
"Why would he do that?" asked BurnedToast.
"Delusions of Grandeur, I fear." replies the Captain.
"The mandated crowns? Bubbles died for that... and that was just awful!" cried Xotes.
"Yes. Silverfinger clearly tried to shift the blame. I guess the Baron didn't buy it. Do either of you know who attacked Silverfinger?" asked the Captain.
"I may have heard something." said BurnedToast.
All eyes were on him.
"Yes?" the Captain and Xotes ask at once.
"I heard the Baroness attacked somebody." answered BurnedToast, "I don't know the details. I didn't even hear who was attacked. I heard nothing afterwards, so thought nothing of it. More Nobles being jerks, I figured."
"I heard about that, too." said Xotes, "It coincides with Silverfinger's injuries."
"I see," said the Captain, sighing, "it appears we have a problem."
BurnedToast slammed his hand down on the desk, gripping its edges so tightly you could see his veins.
"DAMMIT! Captain, we built this place! WE did! Sweat, and blood, and toil and tragedy. The world above is a field of bones, thanks to you, Captain. Without you, they would be our bones! What makes this... bastard, think he can come in here and do as he pleases?!"
Xotes nodded in silent agreement.
Sighing again, the Captain stood. "You're right, old friend. We can't allow it. Action must be taken. We must discover, however, who stands with the Baron, and who merely fears him too much to act against him."
"The military will be with us, Captain, should we... press our point. You're a damned hero! A legend even!" said BurnedToast.
"I don't doubt that. But I'd prefer to keep bloodshed to a minimum. The Hammerer perplexes me. Is she with the Baron, or merely forced into servitude?" ponders the Captain aloud.
"They're related." said Xotes.
"What?!" cries the Captain, in surprise. "Related? Are you certain?"
"Yeah, they come from my own mountainhome. I remember them, vaguely. I know that much, at any rate." said Xotes.
"My dear Xotes, you never cease to amaze! With that, we have a fairly accurate idea of who is on our side. I believe our Captain of the Guard remains on our side, yes?" asks the Captain.
"Hard to say, Captain. I think she feels conflicted between duty and honor. I don't envy her for that." replies BurnedToast.
"Well... she may have to decide one way or the other in the near future." states the Captain simply. "And I suppose that concludes our meeting. Be safe, old friends. Don't tempt the Hammer before the time is ripe."