Chapter 1: Blood and Lightning

"Clear, and full of golden light, aye." Hrafe agreed immediately with Makasi.

Hrafe was visibly pleased at the description of this prize. "I assure you all, nothing could increase my lust for blood. I was divinely anointed with the gift of violence. Glaezen Torg, in my native tongue means "Glass Cutter" a fitting weapon for my talents."

"I'm good to go," Edgar says and thanks the commander for the dagger.

Raphel raises an eyebrow. "What is the advantage to be found from setting out once the sun sets, rather than immediately? I confess I cannot see it at the moment. Do the goblins have some impediment?"

"It will also allow us to use dawn's light to our advantage. A man fights poorly with the sun in his eyes, a hobgoblin doubly so." Hrafe challenged with an eager grin.

"Captain Ameliefor, render your three most promising unblooded archers. I am certain to return them each blooded and hardened. The Priestess gave me to this cause. I am certain to be worth at least that many."

Hrafe stood too his fullest height. Flexing against his sword. He hadnt put it down since retrieving it. Only to point out the runes burned into the haft, and the blade emblazoned with the word "Redeemer." Which had been engraved into the steel. The hardened ash handle, reinforced as it was with brass, still groaned under Hrafe's immense strength. Strong as he was, it was doubtless, one could walk five hundred leagues and not find his equal. Moreover, Hrafe, bearded and brutal looking, was still gangly and awkward - he was merely sixteen. "Though I have never lead warriors, and as such only accept volunteers." He had such incredible potential as his brillant green eyes bore into Ameliefor, not a question that he was her immediate superior in his eyes. He was requesting with words, but his commanding stature left no question he was giving her an order. Still apart from bending the blade, he was at rapt attention defferential to her obvious seniority.

"I thought the vermin could see in the dark," Raphel replies. "Very well. If we are to set out later, I will spend some time in the tower grounds and inspect its wards." He turns to the others. "I shall see you again when we depart for Greenstand this evening."

Makasi hesitates as she considers the enchanted armor. Finally, she reaches out and touches the breastplate. Barely audible under her breath, she says, "I'm guessing you want me to have this. May your spirits protect me."

She nods to the others. "Let's meet here at sunset. Till then."

Just as he says, the elf wizard leaves to patrol the exterior of the tower, examining the construction of its magical protections. Even if there was nothing to be gleaned, he would have only himself for company - a momentary respite.

"I will spend time in communion before we attempt our task. This place is quite unsettling to me and it would be good to recenter."