The light from the cook fire below cast a soft glow over the room, but the ledge blocked most of the light from reaching far into this raised alcove and shadows danced around the small chamber. As I reached the ledge, I cast Light. The room was suddenly filled with a bright radiance. At the rear of the cave, I observed a human male who has been bound with thick ropes and gagged. I noted that his eyes were open and that he was currently staring at us. I cross the room and as I drew closer, I got a better look at him. He appears to be in his late forties, possibly early fifties, white haired, fair skinned. Kneeling down, I pulled the gag from his mouth and asked, “Who are you?”
He tried to speak, but his throat was dry and he left out a hacking cough. I helped lift him into a sitting position and pulled my water skin from my pack. “Here. Take a drink.” He tilted his head back and I carefully poured water into his mouth, careful not to give too much at once. I gave him several mouthfuls and then put the skin away. The others had gathered behind me by this point. “Better, I hope?”
He nodded and cleared his throat, “Yes, thank you. It’s been several days since I was captured and I’ve had neither food nor drink in that time. The goblins weren’t big on hospitality. However, they were big on torture. Say, would you mind freeing me please? I’m in pretty rough shape, if you haven’t noticed.”
I glanced at the others and then turned back to the captive. “Just a moment, good sir. For everyone’s safety, we would like more information before we free you. Who are you and how did you end up here?”
He looked disappointed, but not surprised at my response. “I am Sildar Hallwinter, of Phanadlin.”
“And how did you end up here in this cave?”
“You can ask your friend there. He was with me when we when we were attacked.” The group turned to look at Xarus.
“Is this true, Xarus?”
He nodded in affirmation. “Yes, Gundren hired me to travel with them as an extra sword. SIldar rode with us. I’m glad to see that you are still living.”
Sildar smiled, “So am I, Xarus. Gundren asked me to visit him in Neverwinter and then ride with him to Phanadlin. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it. Please, I must get to Phanadlin as soon as possible. I overheard the goblins say that Klarg was sending Gundren somewhere else and I must find him.”
“Klarg?”, VItarri asked. “Who’s Klarg?”
“Have you not seen a bugbear here in this cave? If you haven’t, we need to hurry.”
“The bugbear is dead. That was Klarg?”
“Yes, he was the leader of this goup. I’m glad to hear that you’ve dealt with him. Now, will you free me? I really must get to Phanadlin. If you free me and escort me to Phanadlin, I can offer a reward, say…50 gold apiece?”
Vitarri spoke up. “A moment, please.” He turned and moved a few feet away and we followed. “I don’t trust him. I say leave him behind. Who’s to say that we found him? Maybe take any valuables he has before we leave?”
“I can hear you”, Sildar called out.
VItarri grimaced and gave Sildar a dark look, then turned his attention back to us, this time whispering. “What do you think?”
Xarus said, “I oppose leaving him behind. I’ve traveled with him and I judge him to be an honest man.”
Vaneiros said, “Vitarri, if we don’t deliver the supplies for Gundren, we don’t collect the money due us. I suggest we take Sildar up on his offer to escort him and finish our delivery.”
“Assuming that our wagon is still there when we get back”, I said cynically and gave Redium a glance. He looked nonchalant. “I agree with Vaneiros. Let’s free Sildar and get moving. I’d like to make it to Phanadlin before nightfall.”
Vitarri considered and nodded agreement. He moved to where Sildar sat slumped against the wall and cut him free. Helping Sildar to his feet, he said, “Sorry about that. Just considering all the options.” Vitarri flashed him a wry grin, which Sildar returned.
“Of course. Think nothing of it. It’s a hard world we live in. Now, if we can get going? I must find Gundren as soon as possible. He has something very important in his possession that mustn’t fall into the wrong hands.”
“What does he have that’s so valuable?”, I asked.
“A map. I’ll tell you once we are back in Phanadlin, if you don’t mind”, he said, with a sideways glance at VItarri.
“I understand. However, there are several crates in the cavern where we killed the bugbear. They have a lion symbol stenciled on them. I broke one open and they are filled with provisions. Seems a waste to leave them here. I’d like to gather them before we leave.”
“Well, then, let’s grab them and go.” SIldar moved to the edge of the ledge, stooped to pick up the dead goblin’s scimitar and carefully made his way down the stairs. I noticed that he limped as he walked.
“Are you badly injured?’, I asked.
“I’ve definitely been better.”
“Stop a moment.” I laid a hand upon his shoulder and cast Cure Wounds. With a sigh, he stood up straighter and turn to me.
“Thank you. That was kind of you to heal me.”
“Of course. We have far to walk in order to reach our wagon and you were in no shape to travel that far. Now, let’s be on our way.” We made our way back to where the crates were stored. “Scuttle, please keep watch while we gather the crates.” Scuttle nodded and took up watch at the cavern’s stone steps. “The crates are there”, I said, pointing at them.
Sildar walked over beside me. “These supplies belong to the Lionshield Coster in Phanadlin. I’m sure they’ll reward you for their return. I know that they’ve had problems with caravans being raided and supplies stolen.”
“Good. Then it will be worth the hassle to carry these back with us. Everybody, grab a crate and let’s go.” With a grunt and not a little bit of effort, we each managed to get them out of the cave. As we were nearing the cave’s entrance, Vaneiros stopped and set down his crate.
“What about them?” he asked.
“Who?” I asked.
“The wolves. We can’t just leave them here. They’re chained up. With the goblins dead, if we leave them, they’ll die.”
“You mean the wolves that tried to attack us? You want to let them off their leash?”, Scuttle asked.
“They didn’t harm us. I think it’s only fair that we let them go.”
“How do we know that they won’t attack us now?”
“I’ve calmed them. They recognize me as a friend.”
“Well, okay, I guess. But you are the one unchaining them.” Vaneiros walked up the stone steps and we followed.
The three wolves were still chained to the ground where we left them. As we entered the room, Vaneiros walked over and knelt before them. They growled a low threatening rumble. I started to say, “I think maybe your spell has worn off” when suddenly the center wolf snapped at Vaneiros, missing his face be mere inches. This set off the other two and they started thrashing and pulling, trying to attack. The metal rod hammered into the ground moved. I saw this and started to raise my mace, readying myself for an attack.
Vaneiros raised his hands and muttering under his breath, casting Animal Friendship. The wolves stopped their frenzied attack and sat back on their haunches. Vaneiros reached out a hand and started rubbing their muzzles. He whispered to them and they became still. I heard Vitarri let out a long breath and I realized that I was holding my breath as well. I let it out slowly. Acting as if nothing had happened, Vaneiros unlatched the wolves. One at a time, they ran out of the room and disappeared into the forest. Standing up, he said, “Alright. Now we can go.” He picked up the crate and left the cave. I glanced at the others and they looked as surprised as I did. We followed him all the way back to the Triboar Trail without a word.
Much to my surprise, our wagon was still where we had left it. We loaded the crates into the back of the wagon and Vaneiros took up the reins. The horses seemed glad to be moving again. The ride passed without incident and as night fell, we rode down into the town of Phanadlin.