Chapter 4.0: Gathering at Hochoch

Dell will nod to Berthold"They have not introduced themselves as yet but I over heard them talking about the Dungeon Busters. I figured if they were headed to Hochoch to join up we could all travel together. Safety in numbers and all."

The elf looks between Dell and Berthold. Her initial suspicion is alleviated at Dell's declaration of already being a Dungeon Buster. She stands in an attempt to close the social distance, and says, "I am Amnestria Elyphara. I would be honored to accompany a Dungeon Buster to Hochoch, if you would have me."

Here she gives Antonius a chance to speak.

Antonius recognized the man’s name even before the introduction.

Berthold, Baronet of Dunsdale. A lesser noble house of Keoland, but an old one. Antonius had heard the name more than once during his years in the watch at Niole Dra. Antonius stood and inclined his head politely. "My lord."

His tone was warm without being overly familiar—exactly the sort of courteous professionalism that a seasoned watchman might show a respected noble. A faint smile touched his expression. "Your family name travels well, even to the watch barracks of Niole Dra."

He placed one gloved hand lightly against his chest in greeting. "Antonius Block." He did not immediately elaborate further. Instead he allowed the introduction to settle before continuing in a calm, measured voice.

"I was told I might find Mistress Amnestria Elyphara here this evening. I understand she is seeking companions for travel north to Hochoch." His expression carried a touch of easy charm, though his eyes remained observant.

"I have some experience of the roads of late, and she wishes to travels some that have grown less civilized these days." He gestured lightly toward the door behind him. "The local watch suggested that my services might be of interest, provided she found the arrangement acceptable."

Antonius paused briefly, then added with polite diplomacy: "Though I confess I was equally curious to what circumstances lead a young wizard of noble standing to seek the company of a group called the Dungeon Busters." His tone carried no judgment—only mild curiosity.

Then he inclined his head once more to the baronet. "But that is a matter for her to explain. For the moment, my lord, I am simply pleased to make your acquaintance."

"A fellow Keolander!" Berthold beamed in response to Antonius’ salutation. "And a guardsman of Nicole Dra no less" he continued. "it is a pleasure to meet you, master Block" the nobleman concluded, his broad smile stamped across his face.

He shifted slightly to address the elven scholar.

"And you, mistress Elyphara." The baronet then attempted to make a rather formal salutation in the elven tongue, conscious that he was butchering the delicate pronunciation of that elegant tongue. He had tried to pick up elements of the language in the last few months, but was obviously an inexperienced novice. He spoke in earnest, and with such conviction that, he hoped, his linguistic failures would be overshadowed by the sincerity of this act.

Straightening up, he turned to Dell, and then encompassed all three travellers in his gaze. "So we all head to Hochoch, together, yes? I’m sure my retinue will enjoy the change: my attempts to share my passion for chess has them exhausted. And bored."

Dell will look at the Antonius and Amnestria"Well met good sir. Well met my lady. It will be a pleasure to travel with you. Also if you don't like chess I have dice."

"A lovely pastime, dicing! But feebly stimulating to the mind," the nobleman responded mirthfully. His present company could certainly divine why the young man’s passion for chess might become burdensome over a long time.

"And what drives you all to Hochoch, then?"

"I heard they are a force against the monsters in this world. If that's true, I hope they have a place for me."

Satisfied he knew next to nothing of the elf’s origins, Berthold kept a quiet, tranquil smile, and waited for the others to share why they had come here, and were heading to Hochoch. As a matter of fact the young Paladin did not know whether he could explain why he wandered out of Keoland and came this way. His retinue certainly would like to know why; but Berthold had learned at a young age that the guidance he received was best kept to himself, lest it raise suspicions and awaken superstitious fears.

"Monsters dwell in many lands and in many forms. A dark-hearted person can be as evil as any ogre."

"It would seem to me that if they fight against the evils of the world, there is more than sufficient room for all of us. There is no shortage of such foes," the dour dwarf replies.
"Evil is a learned trait, and it can be unlearned. I once knew an ogre who served St. Cuthbert, and I have known many of my own people who bear ill towards everyone."

"Those who betray their own deserve no mercy." Kazzak reflects for several moments, then tries to change his darkening mood. "Is anyone going to Hochoch from Javan Crossing? That is my destination."

"Aye, Hochoch is where I am headed as well." She extends a hand. "Sora Highforge. I must say that I am glad to be traveling with a fellow dwur." She uses the Flan word for dwarf for no particular reason.

"Kazzak Thunderblood of Clan SkyForge. The honor is mine. It is my first time beyond the mountains west of the Dim Forest."