7. Return to the Halls

Thrud circles the plinth, brushing away any dirt or debris to clear any hidden markings. He looks down at Jacky's burgundy boots, then back up at the massive marble ankles, trying to imagine the size difference.

"That be very much magic!"

Ellagel stands back from the plinth and her companions currently examining it. She observed the area around, keeping watch for any unexpected movements in the environs.

The feet are not bare. They are depicted as wearing armoured boots, as if the statue is of some great warrior.

There is nothing else about the feet, or the plinth upon which they are mounted, that gives a direct indication as to who they belong to. And, whilst there is plenty of rubble lying around, it is mostly stonework. There are no marble-like materials similar to those used for the feet.

---
6:20 pm, Totsday 25th Lucrios (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 2: 13/13, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 2: 7/7, 60’
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 2: 14/14, 60’
---
Eric, Labourer, 90’
Hector, Linkboy, 90’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Grim begins rummaging stubby fingers along the grounded stonework. And inspects the armored boots, in context of the stone, if penance his clerical ways might glean knowledge of its true origin and intent.

"There should be twenty of these figures in total, hmm," Jacky muses. The halfling scratches his ear. "I can't think of anything else to do here at the moment, but I'll happily take a turn with the fishing pole if the rest of you want to linger."

Ella nods silently while she keeps watch on the environing area. As long as Jacky didn’t fish a wyrm or a giant eel, she could agree to wait. Her eyes moved regularly, and nervously, toward the far tower from where they had seen the dragon crawl out of.

Overall, Grim is impressed, as much by the apparent scale of the statue as the quality of the workmanship. If the statue once stood complete, it must have been an impressive feat of engineering and logistics, as well as one of artistry - something that wouldn’t have looked out of place in most dwarven halls.
All seems quiet in the tower away to the far south-west where the dragon was seen previously.

---
6:20 pm, Totsday 25th Lucrios (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 2: 13/13, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 2: 7/7, 60’
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 2: 14/14, 60’
---
Eric, Labourer, 90’
Hector, Linkboy, 90’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Zach stays alert and watches for dragons, trolls, or—and here he shudders—bullywugs.

"On the other hand, if there's nothing for you all to do, I won't make you wait. Even if I might reel in a catch for supper!"

Thrud gives an exaggerated yawn. "Fish good, but inn have more food and Thrud tired."

I'm going to move things along. However, if there's anything you'd like to do en route to the Broken Head, let me know and we can rewind ...

---

Leaving the mysteries of the stone feet and the obelisk intact, you head north towards the sanctuary of the Broken Head. Keeping the river on your left-hand side, you pick your way through the ruins. As you pass through a gap in the city walls, the guards at the northern gate, away to your right, wave cheerily.

It’s almost 7 pm by the time you stamp the mud from your boots and pass beneath the colossal marble head of Arden that guards the inn's main entrance. Although it’s been over three weeks since you were last here, everything is reassuringly familiar. Kronos and his wife Estelle are chatting behind the bar. The three statue brokers from the Factors are gathered around a table by the fireplace, playing cards. And the Wiskin merchant, Dagmar, is enjoying a large bowl of stew.

"Well, well, well …," bellows Kronos as you file into the common room. "I was wondering if I’d see you lot again. You caused quite a stir last time, and no mistake."

---
6:50 pm, Totsday 25th Lucrios (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 2: 13/13, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 2: 7/7, 60’
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 2: 14/14, 60’
---
Eric, Labourer, 90’
Hector, Linkboy, 90’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

"Not by any intention, I assure you, master innkeeper," Jacky says, greeting the man. "But I'm glad you remember us! It's always good to see a friendly face."

The halfling goes toward the bar to arrange the party's lodgings for the night. "Will we be so lucky as to sleep on your fine beds this evening, or have all the rooms been taken once more?"

The familiar smells of stew and ale immediately lifts Thrudmarr's spirits after the long day of climbing and exploring. He grins widely at Kronos, then notices Dagmar with his bowl of stew. His stomach rumbles loudly

"Stew before bed! And ale!" He approaches the bar behind Jacky, fishing coins from his pouch.

Dice rattle hopefully in the far distance ...

The Broken Head
"Well, now that we don’t have to keep you and the Darlings from each other's throats, there’s plenty of space in the bunkroom. The private room’s taken, though. A patrol of Knights of the Azure Shield has it booked for the week."

The bunkroom costs 10 sp/person/day, or 3 gp/person/week.

---
6:50 pm, Totsday 25th Lucrios (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 2: 13/13, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 2: 7/7, 60’
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 2: 14/14, 60’
---
Eric, Labourer, 90’
Hector, Linkboy, 90’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

"The bunkroom will suit us nicely," Jacky says with a nod.

Once the lodgings are settled, the halfling wanders over to three brokers' game. If they seem open to adding a new player, Jacky will ask about the table stakes. Joining in seems like a good chance to while away some time and make conversation with the trio.

Ella is exhausted from the trip. She will eat her stew, and drink tea made from leaves she brought from town. She looks about quietly, but does not engage much with her companions and not at all with the other patrons. She is always impressed by Jacky’s willingness to talk to anyone. So hasty in all things. She wonders if they’ll be rid of the darlings for all time, or if they might return to harass her party.

Zach appreciates letting his pack down at his bed in the bunkroom. Checking his pouch, he figures, carry the two, or was it three? and carry it where? I'm confused he can pay for three or four weeks worth of lodging. Heading downstairs, he walks over to where the rest of his party is, considering if there is anything they need to do before dinner and bed.