3. The Trade Way

Not even the summer sun can warm the air chilled by Ida's spell. The dead dwarf sits straight up. The state of his face is better left undescribed, but where used to be healthy eyes now glows that menacing red light, like the dying embers of a shadowed fireplace.

Kagain's head turns toward Ida expectantly.

A few of the companions might remember Kagain's voice in life: wheezy, as though he'd suffered a throat injury at some point. Now his voice is almost inaudible, but still bears his distinctive accent.

"Cowards! They took the boy. I'd never break a contract, but for them dogs the promise of gold weighed heavier than their reputations. I bet my beard Ajantis is the one who paid them. I'm sure he was the blaggard who shanked me. Heh, never woulda fought me face-to-face."

"Three...Carlan, Jepson, Brend."

Dieter can remember a few details about these men, foremost that they are cruel ruffians who revel in violence. He emembers them being berated for dealing too harshly with common folk while on the job. He probably received a backhand or two himself from them in the past, just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In fact, he thought they'd been banned from working in Beregost after pushing an old lady down a flight of stairs. Perhaps Kagain grew desperate enough in recent days to hire them again.

"Ajantis got me good. Always hoped I'd go out facing my death. He robbed me of that! They're taking the boy to the bandits. They figure with him as an entry fee, they'll be let right in."

"I always thought I'd be buried in Beregost, the place I called home."

The carriage has been thoroughly burned, but amongst the party there is sure to be an expendable blanket.