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Kalendryas ~ 1st cycle Era XIV
The small party reined in their horses at the gates of the Kallimeyra estate J’lyara , Hassan Bey the sorcerer. The four knights, Sirs, Tristan, Gareth, Tarquin and Percival
all knights of The Argent Sword acted as guards. Palacrisis had explained to them that he was now a private citizen and they were free to go and search for their fortunes but the knights simply echoed the statement of the sorcerer saying “ life was interesting around Palacrisis and with his leave they would stay around to ensure his and his families security”
Their unannounced arrival had not gone unnoticed and two figures ran towards the gates , a hulking Dorin, Kallick and a blonde haired young woman, Meyra. After the greetings were exchanged and the babble of conversation faded Pala had a moment to survey the estate, the fields were bare stripped of foliage and lying fallow ready for the next planting season.
A weary collection of workers huts marred the perfect vista and Pala raised an eyebrow at the sight. A few strangers were hanging around the shanties kicking up the dust in idle boredom.
He nodded his head towards the shacks and Kallick walking beside his fathers horse simply replied indentured workers father …..Mmmm, tell me all later my boy was all Palacrisis said.
The tobacco was drying in heavy bales in the barns and even a cursory glance suggested that the harvest had been bountiful but more of that later.
The two family retainers Clarisse von Dribblepot and her husband Cedric Rioja were standing on the porch that surrounded the house beaming at the sight of their old masters arrival, they might be a bit cramped in the house but for the first time in eras they were all together and that alone made up for cramped conditions.
Over a huge table set out on the grass in front of the house a brimming feast was prepared by the adroit master chef and the happy sounds of laughter and conversation were ringing out into the Sherian darkness. Over a plate of crisp barbequed pork Palacrisis got filled in on the details of the workers and his brow furrowed at the sorry tale.
Very well Kallick I cannot say I approve but I recognise the need and the dilemma you were placed in. these people are free to go or stay as they decide. If there is any problem the lads referring to the four knights can organise these people and get them to safety .any way I have an army of 15,000 Arakmatians coming here to Sheria and I am sure I can get a detachment of Nairu tribesmen to help out. Which reminds me my boy there is someone I want you to meet General Pasha Godah a noble Dorin of the highest moral fibre. You could learn a great deal about your people from him and no doubt there is nothing I can do if you want to go off and join your brothers in the forthcoming battle against the Orcs.
Meyra put her hands up to her face …. No daddy, not Kallick ….. Palacrisis looked over at J’lyara , she loved these young people dearly …but …. It is Kallick’s decision he is Dorin, it is time he found his destiny and his heritage the Dorin is proud noble and most of all honourable. I cannot give him his birthright only his brothers can do that. What is coming is a dark shadow and each of us around this table must do his or her part to ensure that Sheria and the empire does not have to suffer the Orc’s anymore.
A few minutes later he excused himself from the table and lighting his pipe strolled away to stand by the stream and contemplate the brown trout swimming lazily along the gravel bottom .
He had much to think about and sometimes thinking out loud to someone he loved made more sense than talking in whispers to a deaf fish.
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CIR
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