The Howling Horde -
Part IV
Official
transcript from the restored court of Lord Finmalking, Ruler of
Glimmerung - 17th of Quaternary Peak, 3816
Lord Finmalking: “Well, what brings you here my son?”
Ari: “Oh, me? I? I was just going for a stroll – you know – following
my nose…”
LF: “Ari, you are standing in the throne room. People don’t just wander
in here.”
Ari: “Yes, yes, I remember times when the guards were better trained
and experienced, but we suffered some very heavy losses. You know, I
could look after the training of the new recruits, teach them Gnomish
sounds, if they ever stop running. Hihi. Shine up the place, polish the
gems and throw some parties. Come to think about of it, I am just the
gnome you are looking for.”
LF: “Well, good then. And here I was standing, wondering whether you
may want to go with the tall folk, your new friends?”
Ari: “Them? No! I mean, yes, they are my friends, but they are so
different. Have you seen them fight? Just walked right into the middle
of that gnoll encampment and challenged their leader. Ridiculous!”
LF: “Hm.”
Ari: “Yes! Ridiculous! I can’t even leave them five minutes alone to
check in Fleshgnasher’s tent for his twin brother. They already climbed
up onto a hill, surrounded by the gnoll army, and challenged
Fleshgnasher to a duel. ”
LF: “A bold move, indeed.”
Ari: “Yes, I went right into the ‘lion’s den’.”
LF: “I meant challenging Fleshgnasher.”
Ari: “You are right. I should perhaps go with them after all. I gave my
word to help find a cure for Lilly, and they require some Gnomish
(common) sense.”
LF: “Hm… Lanaya is staying with the grey elves…”
Ari: “Are you sure you can spare me at least for a few moons?”
LF: “I think we can manage. And if not, I can always have them send for
you. Your cousin Fennedel Addagear Segavan has joined our scout troop.
Rumor has it, he has always been able to find you, even when you were
little and played trick and hide together.”
Ari: “I like my yellow hat! It has timeless style!”
LF: “Seriously, you should work on that. I have arranged for Fennedel
to give you a few pointers before you leave.”
Ari: “Fine. I will go and buy a new hat…”