The Stolen Candle - Chapter 2

You return to Castle Refuge, Chay driving Echo flawlessly, along the route from Cartouche back to Grief and then on a long meandering journey through the Arkansas hills.The fortress was originally a human fort but the rift-born Hammerheart dwarves who made it their home have improved it significantly. Now the home of the The Tomorrow Legion the fortress represents one of the best examples of integrated mystical and technological know how. On a more social level, it is making a name as truly a place of refuge, and the home to a growing army of heroes and adventurers set out to defend against threats, for a better world for all.

You drive up through the small town that surrounds the castle, and arrive at the main gates. With Ben's credentials, they wave you though and you find a place to park near the gate. A dwarf in old fashioned, almost glitterboy-shiny plate armor comes up and waits for you, clipboard in hand.

Chay skids to a halt in his usual dramatic fashion, hopping out of Echo enthusiastically. We're baaaack! he says playfully to the glittery dwarf.

The dwarf looks up at you with no sign of recognition. "Name?"

It's always the same with this one, dogmatically following the protocol he probably set for himself. You know his name is Grimwold.

Why it's Chay of course Grimwold! Surly you recognize me? And if not me....what about Echo?

Chay pats Echo affectionately and gives the dwarf the side eye. I know you recognize me.

Grimwold pencils your name down. "Are you bringing in any passengers, meat, magical talismans, or contraband?"

"Ben Volent and company returning from the field, Grimwold," Ben says somewhat authoritatively. "We'd like to debrief and prepare for the next outing if there is one."

😂

"Kyron, member of Ben's group. Nothing to declare."

The dwarf writes your names down in his ledger, whether provided by each of you or simply recited by another. He then says, "Come with me," and leads you inside the inner walls, and then into the Hall of Hope. Finding a table along an outer edge, he asks you to wait there while he fetches the watch officer.

You sit (finding a stool large enough for Tipolei nearby) and don't have to wait long. A junior soldier brings a cart with water, mugs, and some fruit.

A man in a tidy Tomorrow Legion uniform soon comes up and shakes Ben's hand. "Ben you maniac, you brought new friends! Introduce us and then give me a summary of your report."

Ben smiles slightly at warm greeting and familiar face that greets the troupe. "Hello, Lord Coake," Ben says smiling. "I'm pleased to say that my team has settled a grave matter, and have come through it largely intact." Stepping aside to make sure the group is visible, Ben says, "without their skill, I might not be here. Let me begin introducing Chay, a top soldier who lent us the use of his abilities as an operator to drive his fantastic vehicle Echo out to confront demons that had trickled through a rift a way out from here. Along with the ferocious Tipolei, Kai, Kyron, and Ana-don't be fooled by her coy appearance- collaborated to stop the demons. Lord Coake, this is my team. Team, please respectfully greet Lord Coake, founder of the Cyber-Knights and honorary member of the Council of Hope that runs the Tomorrow Legion. We were fortunate that the rift they appeared to spill forth from closed during our battle. A temporary respite, but one we should take stock of. We don't know what else may have come through while it was open. The village that had been terrorized is safe for now, but as a precaution, we set up a simple surveillance system that is now under the town's control. I think it would be in our interest to furthers our relationship with this town as their location as an outpost could be strategically advantageous for everyone involved." Turning to the others Ben says, "my apologies if I left anything out. Please, if there's a crucial detail missing would you kindly do the honor of adding it to the report now?"

"I'm a dragon and I have a pile of demon spears and shields, some have chew marks cus they feel nice on my teeth" Kai states in his normal dragon form.

The knight greets you all warmly with fatherly smiles. Excellent, the Tomorrow Legion needs those willing to defend others against these threats. I'm glad you were able to help those people and have escaped without serious injury. I'll let you rest and have lunch. Ben, when you're ready for the formal report, come up to my office on two floors up. As to the rest of you, welcome to Castle Refuge. I'm sure some of the team will want to meet you."

"Nice to meet you Sir Coake." Kyron reaches out to shake his hand.

"Never though I would meet a living legend."

Tipolei advances near Lord Coake with his tail between his legs, with a sad look on his face...
Lord Coake... Tipolei want say... Typolei sorry. Me killed many in Tolkeen war, some be cyber-knights... Me not know then...
Typolei looks like he had more to say, but just couldn't speak anymore...

Hello. Nice to meet you, Chay responds, shaking hands, feeling proud of their group but a little shy. For one scary moment he thought he saw the Lord's eyes settle on his missing nose, but then chided himself for being so self-conscious still.

Ana waved awkwardly at the Lord, leaning against Tipolei in an attempt to comfort him [Thank you, Mister Coake. I didn't really do much. Ben is just being kind by making me seem useful.]

He sits down and waves you all to do the same. "Okay, you're right, we should do this now. Kai? You're not the only dragon in Castle Refuge. Plato is around here somewhere, and is an honorary council member like me. Tipolei? Thank you. War is hell, we all understand, and I hope that the others come to see you as valuable as you've been so far."

He shakes Kyron's hand. "If I were to guess, I'd say wizard? There are a few mystics around here, from technomancers, to psychics, to ley line walkers. This place wouldn't be the same without magical know how."

After shaking Chay's hand, he says, "You're a driver, and have a vehicle, right? A Mountaineer?" He looks questioningly at Ben for confirmation. "That's a fantastic piece of equipment, I'd love to see what you've done with it."

To Ana, he at first looks confused, but reads her texting device. "Ah, well modesty is a virtue, as they used to say. Me? I say be clear about what you can do, and we'll find a place for you to shine. There's an old saying, how does it go? Happiness is the exercise of vital powers, along lines of excellence, in a life affording them scope. But as to your text device, it's slick but our tech crew might be able to improve that for you, if you're looking."

Ana nods at Cooke's words, looking excited when he mentioned the tech people and the possibility of upgrades. However, she did feel guilty now for lying to him...but, to be fair, last time someone found out (present company excluded), she was forced on the run so...

"Thank you Sir, yes Ley Line Walker."

He noticed Ana playing down her help and wondered if she was embarrassed about her powers.

Chay's eyes light up at the mention of his vehicle. I'd be very happy to take you on a tour of Echo, sir, when you are ready, that is.