Chapter 15 - Part 9

The shadows were growing long when Marlal was allowed into the back room of the very neat cottage to meet with the three humans. All had long beards, and all bore signs of their office. These three men were experienced druids, masters of the Gatekeeper magic.

“We’ve heard some interesting things from our seconds,” the middle one said, stroking the thick fur of a black bear that lay by his feet.

“Convenient things,” added the Gatekeeper on the right, whose shoulders sported a large snake. “Things that Brogan would love to accuse Delegado of, given the history between the two.”

“Brogan enjoying a fact does not make it untrue,” rumbled the Gatekeeper on the left, a stout man with a tankard of beer. He had no visible animal companion, but Marlal had spotted a horse without a saddle next to the house that had peered at him with a great deal of intelligence.

“We have acquired good information,” Marlal said bluntly. “We share it because it is to our advantage to do so, but there is no shame in that. Fact, one of the Wardens, a druid warrior, half-orc by blood, told us that Delegado was suspiciously quiet about Thomas’ nature. Fact, a Vadalis woman has said that she saw something wriggling, attached to Thomas’ neck. Fact, we have only Delegado’s word that Pienna blessed his mission, no other proof. Fact, this Thomas has been holed up at the Tharashk cottage, not allowed out. Fact, it is known in Greenheart that Mistress Greoche d’Tharashk doesn’t seem to have the respect for the Gatekeepers that many from the Marches do, almost as if she respects…something else.” Marlal stood. “Forgive me, I have duties. Decide to investigate this further, or do not, but remember Deneith has never shied away from a contract asking us to battle these unnatural things.”

The half-elf walked out before the druids could respond, and they frowned at his temetrity. Nonetheless, they were quiet for a bit as they thought.

“There is time left until sunset,” the middle druid said. “Let us go seek some information.” The druid on the right nodded, and the druid on the left shrugged, but they all rose as one and summoned their servants for the brief walk over to Greoche’s cottage.