A Living Dungeon's Madness

by Allan Joyal

  “Dwarf fortress?” Wynterhold asked. “You have no dwarves in the dungeon. I’d sense them.”

  “The fortress just looks like what I believe a dwarf fortress would look. Well a ruined one. The humanoids in there have bug-heads and lots of fur. They are fierce though,” Faestari said.

  “I’ve heard of those,” Wynterhold said. “But I never heard of any on this continent. How did they come here?”

  “They arrived right after I finished setting up the dwarf fortress area. I was going to use stone creatures, but offered it to the Kodak Stag Tribe once they came. They have been excellent monsters. I receive more mana from them than I do from the orcs,” Faestari said. She frowned. “The orcs actually don’t give me much mana. I don’t care for them.”

  The old dungeon nodded. “I don’t care much for orcs either. Its why I don’t have any in my dungeon.”

  “Did they even have orcs back when you woke up?” Faestari asked sarcastically.

  The old dungeon laughed. “I like you. Stay wise and I might visit again. And if you find any truly powerful adventurers. You can send them to me. Let me know and I’ll provide you with some maps you can have them find.”

  “I know of one,” Faestari said. “But from what I have seen she’s retired.”

  “The good ones often stop delving before they die,” the old dungeon said. “I must go.”

  The old dungeon’s avatar vanished. Wynterhold sighed. “I should go as well. There are adventurers in my dungeon. I just came because of the strange spikes of mana.”

  “I’ll try to keep track of what the new dungeon is doing,” Faestari said. “But I won’t visit.”

  “I understand,” Wynterhold said as dirt began to swirl around him. “The news about the new dungeon will be spread out to other dungeons.”

  The dirt flowed up from the floor, obscuring the avatar. A moment later the dirt dropped down, leaving empty space behind.

  “They left,” Aylia said happily. “And I can’t believe that dwarf wanted me to move to that snowy wasteland around Wynterhold dungeon.”

  “He obviously wants to make some changes,” I said.

  “I doubt it,” Aylia said. “Now what will you do?”

  “What I told the dungeons. I’ll watch for what this new dungeon is going to do. That’s all I’m going to do for now,” Faestari said firmly.

  Chapter 10: Entering Fairview

  A day and a half after visiting Oersteglen and eating in the tavern there, Jerisa looked up at the gates of Fairview and sighed. “I still can’t understand why a merchant city has gates.”

  “They want to be sure they collect the tariffs for trade goods,” Roquel said. “Its been that way in merchant cities for ages.”

  “But I thought they bragged about not having walls,” Jerisa said looking at the stone walls to the left and right of the gate.

  “They don’t have battlements and guards, but what they do is build homes and stores in a way as to allow the backs of the buildings to become walls. Doors aren’t allowed and then they control entry to the interior,” Roquel said.

  Dared nodded as they joined the line of people waiting to enter. “That makes sense. I never thought about it. Rockgar has a rather thick wall.”

  “I’ve heard that Rockgar has engaged in wars of conquest more than once,” Roquel said.

  The line had been moving forward rather swiftly. Dared was about to reply when a guard holding a halberd used it to block their progress. “Name and reason for visiting Fairview.”

  “Dared, I’m here to visit the Dwarf Bank of Fairview,” Dared said.

  “And your companions?” the guard asked boredly.

  “Jerisa is my wife, she’s with me,” Dared said.

  Roquel looked at the guard. He was staring at her bare legs. “Do you have to? I am Roquel, Windmistress of Zathmorlu. I’m here to visit with the merchant’s guild and send out some messages.”

  “Messages?” Jerisa asked.

  Roquel blushed. “I am older than I look and I had children. I want to let several of them know that I have found a new home.”

  “Your children?” Jerisa asked.

  Roquel shook her head. “I’m not going to explain it or tell you how old I really am. Let’s just say they are family.”

  Dared snorted. “Don’t cause the great adventurer distress,” he said as the guard watched the interchange. He turned back to look at Dared.

  “Are you carrying any trade goods?” the man asked.

  “No,” Dared said. “Although we are associated with a wagon that should be arriving in three days. We plan on leaving Fairview with them.”

  “Will the wagon have trade goods?” the guard asked.

  “I believe they will be carrying some potions,” Dared replied. He looked over at Jerisa.

  “If you consider five dozen as some that would be true,” Jerisa replied with a smile. “Most are simple healing or antidote potions, but there are a few stoneskin potions and even three that should allow someone to command plants.”

  “Command plants?” Dared asked.

  “Its something my father wanted to try. He thinks it will be something farmers can benefit from,” Jerisa said with a smile.

  “Interesting,” Roquel said. “Was that from some of the fungus found in Faestari’s dungeon.”

  “Dungeon?” the guard asked. “What’s this about a dungeon!”

  Three more guards rushed forward to block the horses in against the right wall of the gate. They held the spears with the pointed aimed directly at Dared.

  The young man stayed calm. “Is something wrong?” he asked.

  “There are no dungeons near Fairview,” the guard said firmly.

  Roquel started laughing. “Do you know why I have my title?”

  “Why would that matter?” the guard asked.

  Roquel’s legs appeared to glow as runes appeared on all of her exposed skin. “I am an adventurer. In fact, I’m the most experienced adventurer on this continent. Dared does not lie. A new dungeon has emerged in the mountains west of here.”

  The guards appeared uncertain. “You’ve been to the dungeon?”

  “I’m building a home at the foot of the mountain,” Dared said angrily. “All this summer the Impaled Cats and Flame Vultures adventuring groups have been visiting the dungeon. Jerisa and her father have been purchasing some of the treasure and turning the items they purchase into potions.”

  “So you haven’t been in the dungeon?” the guard asked again.

  “I have. I’ve even talked to the soul of the dungeon,” Roquel said.

  “Dungeons don’t talk, everyone knows that,” one of the other guards said. “Let them in. They are just crazies who want to interest people in moving out to the wilderness.”

  “But that might cause a problem,” the first guard pointed out.

  “The only ones who will listen are the unemployed and the beggars. The hard workers will remain. It will benefit Fairview,” the second guard said as he waved the other guards back. “Enter, but leave in three days.”

  Dared kicked his horse hard, causing it to sprint forward and enter Fairview. He allowed the horse to trot quickly past about a dozen homes before pulling the reins and looking back.

  “What was that?” Jerisa asked as her horse came to a stop next to Dared.

  “Dungeons have a bad reputation with many city guards,” Roquel said. “Unless the town is near one, they tend to only know that dungeons are filled with monsters.”

  “And they worry that the monsters will escape and attack the town,” Dared said with a nod. “Didn’t you tell me that Faestari has promised that the orcs from her dungeon will raid to the north and west of the mountain.”

  Roquel nodded. “And I think she’s got some method of maintaining control over the orcs. However, we will need to warn travelers who travel towards Dungeon Sea Spray.”

  “Once we have Montgar built, I’ll put in a keep, stable and shelter a day’s travel down river. So that those heading
that direction have some protection,” Dared said. “Now we should find an inn. We’ll be staying until Narhert arrives.”

  “How will his and his brother’s wife travel to Montgar?” Jerisa asked.

  “They are experienced caravaneers,” Dared said. “They will walk back with Narhert and the wagon.”

  “Should we travel with them?” Jerisa asked. “I mean, they might need help and protection.”

  “Let’s find them,” Dared said. “I believe they are staying at The Boiled Turtle.”

  “The what?” Jerisa asked. She had a hand over her mouth.

  “I know, we are not in a place where anyone eats Turtle,” Dared said. “But I guess the owner is from someplace far to the south.”

  “We should have asked the guards where it is,” Jerisa said. She looked back at the guards, but they were dealing with the line of people entering the town.

  “Or we can just ride forward a short distance,” Roquel said as she pointed down the main road. “Looking at that one sign, I think we’ve already found it.”

  Jerisa and Dared looked in the direction she was pointing. They could see what appeared to be a shield hanging from a pole in front of one building. The shield had been carved to show a turtle in a kettle.

  “Interesting sign,” Jerisa said. “Shall we go there?”

  The trio rode over to the entrance to the building. Dared jumped off his horse and looked for a hitching post.

  “Stable is around to the left,” a boy said. “Want me to take your horses?”

  “I need to arrange to stay for three nights,” Dared said. “I haven’t talked to the master of the house.”

  “He’s inside. I can take your horses. We have empty rooms,” the boy said eagerly. “Just walk in.”

  “We might as well,” Jerisa said. “We have to stay somewhere and you said that Narhert’s wife is staying here.”

  “Varia and Pauly?” the boy asked. He smiled.

  “Varia would be Narhert’s wife,” Dared said.

  “They are visiting the market,” the boy said. “Coulette is with them.”

  “Coulette?” Jerisa asked.

  “My sister. She’s been helping care for their babies,” the boy said.

  Dared smiled as he walked into the inn. The ground floor was rather open with several circular tables set up. A thin man wearing leather pants was sweeping the floor. He looked up as Dared entered. “Evening meal won’t be ready for another span or so. We usually start serving when the sun touches the horizon.”

  “I was looking for two rooms for three nights,” Dared said. “One for me and my wife and one for a friend of mine.”

  “I can pay for myself,” Roquel said as she walked into the room.

  The man looked over at the three dust covered travelers. “If you want breakfast and the evening meal it will be a silver a night per person.”

  Dared reached into his money pouch and pulled a handful of silver coins. He counted out nine and then held them out to the innkeeper. “Here we are.”

  “I said I could pay for myself,” Roquel said.

  Jerisa looked at their friend. “Oh, allow Dared to pay. He really enjoys helping out others.”

  “I try,” Dared said. “Oh, I understand that Varia and Pauly are staying here.”

  The innkeeper frowned. “How do you know them?”

  “I employ their family to handle my caravans,” Dared said. “Varia’s husband Narhert is about three days behind us. He should be at Fall’s Pond tonight.”

  “You’ve met her husband?” the innkeeper asked. “And Pauly’s?”

  “Berhert?” Jerisa said. “He’s much quieter than Narhert, but such a nice man. I guess he’s probably already heading back to Montgar.”

  “Montgar?” the innkeeper asked. “I’ve never heard of it.”

  Jerisa smiled. “Well, I’m sure the inhabitants aren’t aware of the name yet. Dared and I came up with it during our journey here so we haven’t told the rest of the town about it.”

  “So it might have another name?” the innkeeper asked.

  “I doubt it. Any other name would probably have to come from Faestari, and from what we’ve seen she really doesn’t think about things like that,” Dared said.

  “Faestari?” the innkeeper asked again. “Oh, I’ll have Coulette set up a pair of rooms once she returns from the market. Do you have much?”

  “We’ll want to collect our saddle bags,” Dared said. “And I probably should brush my horse down. We rode hard the last two days.”

  “Not too hard,” Jerisa said. “I live that amble the horses you selected know. It’s comfortable and the horses appear to enjoy running at that speed.”

  “Hard to find horses that know it,” Roquel said. “Where did you find them.”

  Dared shrugged. “I heard about them from my father when I was ten. He agreed to have one of his merchants bring some in. I should probably get in touch with the man who raises them for me. There should be ten or so more that I haven’t moved to Montgar.”

  “Chostifur can handle your horses, and I’ll let him know that he’s to bring your saddle bags in. Don’t worry he won’t take anything. The council are rather strict on their punishments for those who anger travelers,” the innkeeper said.

  “Where will our rooms be?” Dared asked.

  “Your friends have the first room once you climb the stairs. I’ll put you into the first two on the left. The doors have internal bars you can close at night, but that doesn’t prevent someone from sneaking in during the day. If you have valuables keep them with you,” the innkeeper said.

  “Do we?” Jerisa asked.

  “I didn’t bring anything,” Dared said. “Once we talk to the bankers, we’ll have something, unless I can set up a new account.”

  “I’m going to head out,” Roquel said. “I want to get my messages out today. Just keep my saddlebags with yours.”

  Dared nodded. “I was thinking we’ll enjoy just sitting here and resting. I expect Varia and Pauly will be arriving soon and I know those two ladies will want to hear all about the summer’s adventures.”

  “They will?” Jerisa asked. “But you didn’t really adventure. I remember you talking to Joward, Koltiss and my father and then helping place foundation stones. I don’t even think you drew your sword that horrible day.”

  “What day?” the innkeeper asked interestedly.

  “What?” Jerisa asked as Dared led her to a table.

  “You talked about a horrible day. Stories of adventure are valuable in inns like these. Right now, we don’t have any bards in town, but someone who knows a good story can fill the inn by telling it. If you have an interesting story, I’d love to hear it.”

  “Me?” Jerisa said. “I guess I have one, but its not about that day. Mine is from my time growing up in Ridneg. But I prefer to avoid talking about it.”

  “Well, what about this Montgar. Obviously its new or I would have heard about it,” the innkeeper added eagerly.

  “How can you be sure?” Dared asked. “I mean I know that innkeepers like to know what’s going on in the world, but you can’t know everything that happens in these lands.”

  The innkeeper seemed to grow nervous. He looked around and then slipped closer to the couple. “Oh, have you heard about the farms getting raided to the southeast?”

  “The men of Oersteglen seemed to be very upset by the tales and had taken a number of measures designed to limit the ability of bandits to approach the farms around there undetected,” Dared said with a nod.

  “It goes deeper than that. The edge of the farmlands is about a day’s journey from the Grudral Mountain Range, but that would be if the forests were not there. No one knows of any villages or paths through the forest, but evidence suggests that the raids came out of the forest,” the innkeeper said with a furtive glance towards the door.

  “You seem nervous about that,” Jerisa asked softly.

  “The council doesn’t want it talked about. Several farmers and ev
en some minor merchants have demanded that a garrison of troops be set up, but the council doesn’t want to pay. They have imprisoned some for speaking too openly about the troubles,” the innkeeper said.

  “Any evidence beyond the trails?” Dared asked.

  “One,” the innkeeper responded. “There were two survivors from one of the farms that was raided. They had been tending a flock of sheep and were almost a day’s walk to the north of the buildings. After they found that it had been raided they came here hoping for help searching for two others who had gone missing. They brought one item with them.”

  “Oh?” Dared asked.

  The innkeeper reached for his belt and then held out a strange pouch. It appeared to have been made from a single ratskin and used the tail as a closure. “This,” the man said.

  Jerisa hissed in surprise. “Dared!”

  “Kobold made,” Dared said with a nod. “Or at least its looks much like the ones that the adventurers bring out of Faestari’s dungeon occasionally.

  “Kobolds?” the innkeeper asked.

  “They walk on their hind legs like humans, and can handle weapons, but are about the size of a ten-year-old and have dog shaped heads,” Dared said. “Or at least that’s what the adventurers tell me. I have never gone into the dungeon to see what they look like.”

  “And they are dangerous?” the innkeeper asked.

  “Not to an experienced adventurer,” Dared replied.

  “Farmers are hardly experienced adventurers and the attacks come at night,” the innkeeper pointed out.

  “We must help the farmers,” Jerisa said.

  “I’ll see what I can learn,” Dared replied. “And we’ll talk to Kalacho and Gee’if once we return home. The guard is too small to do much, but its possible a few adventurers would be willing to investigate.”

  The innkeeper looked at the couple. “You don’t seem too upset by this.”

  “I am,” Dared said. “But mostly at the council. They should care more about what’s happening to their people. And once I return to Montgar, I’ll be pushing Joward to get the walls built quickly. I’ll even have Sergeant Koltiss increase patrols in the valley. That’s about all I can do.”