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 Sent: 6/22/99

Guilliam is happy to have the company of such fine knights. The bold protectors were certainly making their mission easier. He appears about to tell them of their findings in the mine. Or more particularly, their suspicions that the mage Dire Luthor is a memeber of the Red Dragon school. However, remembering his lessons in patience with Crayne, Guilliam bites his tongue. Instead, he eloquently and with a great many words thanks the knights for their aid and introduces his party to them by name and latest glorius deed.

"Arhhh! Good to see a friendly face! Good day to you, Jornek. I am Crayne and these are my companions Storm, Canter, Edyrd, Cy and Guilliam. I thank you for the compliment, I think we probably could have survived those men after what we survived in those caves. I think we've certainly earned our money!" Jornek raises his eyebrow at this. "Nevertheless, it seems you did a good enough job yourselves!" Crayne flicks his eyes about the group of knights, "No casualties?"

Jornek clears his throat before responding. "No, actually. Two of the younger squires did not survive the battle. They will be remembered with honor. The rest of my men, though most not Knights, actually, fought with valor and bravery. Bryant will be glad to hear of it." He smiles at the thought of returning to the castle.

As the trip continues, Guilliam manages to bring Rinder's Six together in what appears a natural gathering. "Is this the time and place to reveal our knowledge of Dire Luthor" he asks, "and are these the people that we should reveal that knowledge to?"

"He is a Knight of Rinder," Canter says quietly. "Though if the rest of his men are not, we might not be able to afford them the same level of trust and respect."

Storm, marching near the others, mumbles a little but doesn't contribute much. The others don't seem surprised, understanding that diplomacy is far from one of Storm's strongsuits.

Crayne listens and reaches into his cloak, pulling his hood up over his head to protect himself from the driving rain, which is gradually letting up, allowing the sun to shine through the clouds. "Then perhaps we don't have to tell all of them," he suggest. "Perhaps, we don't have to do any telling at all..."

With that, Crayne breaks from the party and moves close to Jornek's mount. He speaks quietly to the Knight so that his other men can't hear, and does his best to make it look as if the conversation is natural. "Just a small query my friend!" Crayne moves in close now, "Do you know anything of the Dragon school?"

Jornek again raises his left eyebrow, peering down from his high horse at the mage. "The Dragon School?" He asks in a deep whisper. "Just a rumor, a pack of lies. Some tell of their powerful spells and potions, but until I see it for myself, I won't believe them."

Crayne acts intrigued. Canter then approaches the conversation. "What would you do, then, if you did see proof?" He peers at Crayne and then looks back up to the Knight.

"Well, I don't know." Jornek thinks for a moment. "I'd be sure to tell the Duke, for if stories of their power are true, then we may need this ore faster than we think!"

The party continues the journey through the afternoon, approaching the city of Parton. The city looks quite similar to the capital city, Merriam. Small villages and hamlets become more frequent, and the main road seems to narrow as buildings become taller -- two or three stories, even -- as the city grows near.

Soon, the party approaches the gate in the large city wall. Four guards stand ready, taking tolls from those entering. When they notice Jornek approaching, they stiffen, standing straighter and taller.

"Good evening, Sir Jornek!" One guard shouts.

"Good evening, men," he replies, letting the words roll off his lips.

"Are these men and their wagon with you, Sir?"

"Yes, allow them to pass. Waive the toll."

"Yes, Jornek."

With a smile, Storm places the copper pieces he had readied for the toll back into his pocket and continues to march. The city is crowded and the smell of cooking is in the air. It is close to sunset, and shops are closing, their patrons and owners retiring to their homes and families.

The going is slow through the crowded, hurried, street, but soon the great Castle Parton can be seen, it's tall gate manned by four more guards.

"Jornek!" The lead guard says, recognizing the Knight.

"Good herald, these are the men sent by Nigel to escort this ore to the Duke..."

"Rinder's Six!" the herald whispers loudly, his face lighting up and his eyes widening. Guilliam smiles broadly, and even the serious Cy cracks a chuckle at how their fame has spread.

"Yes, 'Rinder's Six.' Do see to it the Duke is informed of their arrival, and direct the miners and their shipment." Jornek then turns to the party, "Gentlemen, from here I take leave of you. I'm sure the herald will keep you in good care, perhaps I'll see you again before our paths split." With that, he rides off toward the stables.

The herald then gives some instructions to Biln and the other miners, then turns to the party. "Mister Biln, you and Rinder's Six will certainly be invited to a feast tonight with the Duke and his court in honor of your mission. I will see to it you are all....cleaned up....before meeting with the Duke. And I suspect you'll enjoy the meal heartily."

The party is then escorted into the castle, where each is bathed and his clothes washed. All are thankful for the "royal" treatment, and Guilliam seems to enjoy it the most. A few hours later, they are reunited in an antechamber, where the herald again greets them.

"The Duke is most anxious to meet you. I will show you into the hall and to your seats. Also joining you will be your friend Biln; Sir Nigel of the Knights of Rinder; Sir Jornek of the Knights of Rinder; the Duke's lovely wife, Rebecca; Towers, the high Cleric; Gladstone, the Duke's Man-At-Arms; Peters Lander, the Duke's court advisor; and Paros." The herald takes a breath after the long guest list. He then walks quickly to Edryd, to straighten his collar before allowing him to enter the hall.

"The Duke is a fine man, a fair man. Do not presume to know his secrets. Be honest with him, and respect him. He is, after all, nobility, and you are in his house." With that, the herald opens the tall double wooden doors swiftly, and the party enter the hall.

The hall is quite large, with its main doors presumably facing the main castle gates. A long table is set in the center of the room, and torches line the walls, casting an amber glow about the place. The table is half filled, pesumably with the mentioned guests, who all applaud politely as Rinder's Six enters the room. At first a bit hesitant (for many this is their first brush with the aristocracy), Guilliam quickly takes charge and leads the group into the hall and to their seats at the table.

Sir Nigel meets Guilliam and his comrades, greeting him with pats on the shoulders and a warm smile. "Welcome to Parton, gentelmen. I'm glad to see you made it back from the mine!"

"Thank you, Sir," Edryd responds respectfully.

"Do take your seats, and allow me the honor of introducing you to Duke Bryant of the Raimead Dukedom." He extends his open hand and outstretched arm toward the head of the table, where a tall man sits in the straight-backed wooden chair. He rests his elbows on the armrests of the chair, clasping his hands together in front of his face, gently stroking his closely trimmed brown beard. His features are gentle, but not efeminate.

At his side sits a beautiful woman, his wife. The other men sit nearby along the long table. Most are in formal clothes of various sorts. Some -- the Knights and a few others -- more toward the military side, while others wear more fancy robes or court costumes. They all look to the Duke as he speaks.

"Welcome to Parton," his voice booms and fills the hall. "Please, tell me of your journey and the events in my mine. I am most grateful for your assistance and want to hear all details of the affair."

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