Success! You have completed a hidden quest: Gain Entry to Sonadin’s Great Palace. Many adventurers travelling the Mountain Kingdom seek the favors of the Great Palace of Sonadin but only the very persistent manage to gain entrance into its grand halls - not to mention a personal conference with the ruling lord of the city. For this feat, you receive the following boons: Shared XP: 3,000 (base 1,500 + 1,500 for completing this quest nearly all by yourself, you mighty Beacon) Personal XP: 1,000 (current XP: 30,450. Points to next level: 5,550) Hero Points: 150 (current: 1,150. Points to next tier: 1,850) Identify +1 (subsequent bonus to Perception: +1) Intelligence +1 Fame + 1

Ben watched the party from where he sat in his place of honor: a cushioned chair by a round glass table, positioned on a raised platform overlooking the great hall of the palace of Sonadin. On the other side of the table sat Lord Viridion Darkblade, leaning forward on his elbows and stroking his beard, his eyes twinkling in anticipation. Between them, the table was gradually being loaded with food as servants came and went, each bringing another type of delicacy and presenting it loudly: “Roasted scallop with honeyed peas!”; “Boiled mutton on greasy rice!”; and a dish that nearly made Ben choke on his scallop: “Dried cave dragon meat, heavily salted!”.

That last proclamation caused Ben not only to choke and sputter (he didn’t know how to eat scallops in the first place) but to tear his eyes from the festivities below and look at the plate that was placed on the table. The meat looked like any other steak he had seen, but the chef decorated the dish with what looked like black and shiny scales. Ben gulped, finally managing to swallow his bite. “Are these - “

“Dragon scales,” confirmed Lord Darkblade, watching Ben with unhidden amusement. “You should really try the meat, Ben. It belongs to a beast who slew nearly a whole village a few months ago. She came out of Norgoth Abron and was wreaking havoc across my kingdom, but my troops are well trained in hunting such monsters. It wasn’t before long that we had her trapped in her own cave…” He smiled, clearly satisfied with himself. The lively music that came from the lower platform - led by Bard Endrin - added an exciting flavor to his story.

The lord picked a glass of red wine from the table and started swirling it, looking every bit the high nobleman. His eyes were still on Ben when he continued: “As it was, I delivered the killing blow to that she-devil myself. After we trapped her, my earth mages dropped boulders on top of her treasure hoard. She managed to kill half a dozen of my men before I finally drove my spear through her eye…” He sighed in fond remembrance and gestured at the steak that lay before Ben. “This slice here is one of the last that remained of that monster. I wanted to save it for a special occasion and, well, what’s better than the arrival of a Beacon into my city? Go on, eat it. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

Ben slowly nodded, though he was growing more and more uncomfortable by the minute. The confidence and justified smugness that he experienced as he marched through Sonadin were now replaced with doubts and uncertainty. He felt he was severely outmatched; that for every point he had in Charisma and Diplomacy, this lord beat him tenfold. He found himself avoiding the gaze of the mighty ruler time and again, preferring to look at the revelers that were dancing and singing on the lower platform.

Red and Milenna couldn’t help him. After the three adventurers had entered the palace, his two companions were asked politely to accompany some of the lord’s aids. Both of them had looked at Ben then, silently asking him if he approved - which he did, figuring that it wasn’t the time to act defiantly; for now, he had to play the game and see what this Viridion Darkblade wanted of him. And so, the warrior and the sorceress were now mingling with the nobles of the court, who surrounded them in their dozens, wooing for their attention. Both the dark-skinned mercenary and the beautiful sorceress seemed to enjoy every moment of it, and Ben realized that the two were in their element. They’re used to these social encounters, he thought, vexed, and they left me alone to deal with this asshole.

It wasn’t a fair thought, of course - he knew that Milenna and Red would fight the whole court if he asked them to - but he was irritated enough so he could think whatever he felt like. He, a street urchin, was sitting at dinner with a haughty highborn lord, over a plate of dried dragon meat. It was almost as strange as speaking to the undead in a language he never knew before.

Thinking about his deeds in the Dungeon of Dwarven Despair cheered him up a bit. The trickster scout straightened in his chair and all but attacked the meat that waited for him. He had to struggle to cut a piece of it and struggled even more to chew and swallow it - but when he did, he was in for a sweet surprise:

You ate the meat of an adult cave dragon and receive the following boons: Strength +1 (boon elapses in 12 hours) Constitution +1 (boon elapses in 12 hours) Chance to identify cave dragons: +1%

Which was immediately followed by another exciting prompt:

Good job! You have discovered a new sub-skill: Monster Lore (level 1) Killing monsters is all good and well, but you know what they say: to truly understand a monster, you must eat it. Or do they say it? Never mind. The important thing is, you now have the skill to learn useful traits of monsters and more so - to enjoy (or suffer) some of their attributes. Keep developing this skill to gain better bonuses and to improve your knowledge of the monsters of the world. Bon appetit! Associated ability: wisdom. As this is a sub-skill of Identify, raising this skill will also contribute to the progress of your Identify skill (1 Identify level per 3 Monster Lore levels).

The meat wasn’t tasty by any standard - it was like chewing a heavily salted rubber band - but Ben immediately felt the changes his body was going through. His eyes widened, and Viridion laughed. “Yes! You feel it don’t you? It’s amazing that after all this time the flesh of that dragon can still grant such boosts.” With that, the lord picked his knife and sliced his share of the dragon’s meat.

“It is… I am honored, my lord,” said Ben. It was the second gift he was given since he met the man, but instead of gratitude, he couldn’t help but feel suspicious again.

Viridion watched him as he ate. The bearded man swallowed, put down his fork and nodded. “Yes. You probably wonder what you’ve done to earn all of these favors.” He raised his hand to stop Ben, who was about to say something. “No, no, don’t try to deny it. I can see the question in your eyes. Well, formally speaking, you didn’t have to do anything; your status alone gives you the right to enjoy the best of my hospitality, and I am not one to disregard the old rules. Besides, you also deserve my gratitude for clearing the dungeon of these wretched undead Duergar. You did clear it, I presume?”

Ben was caught unprepared but did his best to hide his surprise. “Of course,” he lied. “It was the only way to claim the Power Crystal.”

Viridion cleaned the sides of his mouth with a napkin and gave Ben a long look. “Yes,” he said at some length. “Well, this is one less threat I have to worry about now, so as I said, you have my gratitude. I will, of course, send some of my troops down there to see what can be scavenged from that grim place.”

Ben felt his cheeks slightly flush. If he wasn’t mistaken, he not only hadn’t cleared the dungeon, he made the situation worse by failing the Eye of Paragmir Quest - which probably resulted in a bunch of some angry undead Duergar still roaming the tunnel complex and seeking revenge. “Ahm, I wouldn’t hurry to do so,” he said, somewhat meekly. “The Duergar are gone, but there are other monsters lurking in the lower floors. If you go there, do it with caution.”

Viridion frowned, and Ben inwardly cursed himself, surprised that his Bluff skill hadn’t plummeted all the way to zero. Fortunately, the lord didn’t pursue the issue. “I’ll keep that in mind. Be that as it may, there’s another reason I am bestowing you with my gifts. You see, Ben, I want to help you get stronger for what is to come…”

He raised his eyebrows and Ben was compelled to finish for him: “A Power Quest.”

The scout didn’t know if it happened by design or by chance - he suspected the former - but the music in the great hall suddenly changed: instead of a thrilling and stirring tune, Endrin’s mandolin now produced a quieter melody that had a sort of ominous quality to it. The dancing ceased as the nobles went to their tables or regrouped in small clusters around the chamber, speaking in hushed tones. Many eyes turned toward the upper platform, where the lord and the young hero sat together, though none were close enough to hear what they were saying.

Viridion relaxed in his chair, studying his guest with those dark and all-knowing eyes. “Yes,” he said quietly. “A Power Quest. And who better than you - who have already finished one - to complete it? Though I must say, I never heard of someone as… young… as you, managing to claim an Epic Power Crystal. Especially a crystal that had remained unattainable for so many centuries. How did you manage? You must tell me.” He put a slight emphasis on the word must, and his eyes glittered.

Ben felt something pull at his mind. Gentle, but persistent. Probing. The lord’s eyes seemed to become the focal point of the entire chamber, of the whole world. Ben felt as if those dark orbs were pulling him in. His will crumbled as easily as a wall made of straw before a storm. He started to open his mouth, ready to tell Viridion everything about his second identity and his connection to the hero of old. A very small part of him tried to resist, to shout, to tell Ben that his mind was being attacked, that he should use his new Perseverance Power to protect himself, but the shout was feeble, distant. Lord Viridion wanted to know how he got the Power Crystal, and he would tell him.

“It started when I had a vision - “ he began, and the Lord of Sonadin leaned forward in his chair, eager to hear the story -

Someone shouted. The sound of porcelain breaking. Something - a dirty towel? - appeared between Ben and Viridion, blocking their eye-contact. The pull on Ben’s mind seized abruptly and he blinked and threw his head back, disoriented for a brief moment. A young woman - another servant to judge by her apron - leaned against the table, holding a broken plate with a bloody hand and a towel with her other, trying to clean the table but making more mess as she fussed about. Ben saw that some of the food had spilled over the table, obviously after falling from that plate, which she had somehow managed to break.

The Lord of Sonadin, with splotches of gravy on his face and beard, sat fuming in his chair, staring at the poor girl - as were most of the other people in the hall. Even the music stopped. “Take your sorry ass out of my sight,” said Viridion through clenched teeth. “And leave my palace at once.”

The girl, plain-faced and with blond curly hair, looked horrified. “I’m sorry, milord!” She cried. “I just tried - I didn’t mean - he told me to bring you more food but the plate suddenly broke - and my hand - “ She waved around with both hands, which resulted in more gravy flying in all directions, as well as some drops of blood.

Viridion’s eyes narrowed. “He?” He repeated, managing to look dangerous despite the gravy dripping off his beard.

The girl pointed shakily - blood dribbled from her hand where the broken porcelain cut her - “your… your guard, milord, he told me to come here at once, I swear, I swear -” and both the lord and the scout turned to see where she was pointing to.

At least a dozen of the palace guards stood at attention not far from the table, their hands on their weapons. When the servant girl pointed at them, they all looked at each other with narrowed and suspicious eyes and Ben nearly laughed at the comical sight.

“Who?” Barked Viridion, but the girl shook her curly head. “He’s not there now, milord! He - I think he had black hair and no beard - “ she started to sob, shivering. “I never broke that plate, milord, it broke on its own, I swear, I swear…”

Viridion snorted and then there were more servants fussing about. Someone took the poor girl away; others cleaned the table. Down on the second platform, Endrin started playing again - a serene and peaceful tune this time - but Ben didn’t listen. The scout’s mind, freed from whatever Viridion had tried to do, was clear. He didn’t know who it was that sent the girl to their table at that opportune moment, but he was sure beyond any doubt that it wasn’t a mere coincidence. Someone was trying to help him in his battle of wits with the lord, and Ben wasn’t about to let the opportunity go to waste.

When the servants finally drew away from the table, it was Ben who took the initiative. Making sure to keep his eyes away from direct contact with the other man, the Beacon leaned back in his chair and took a glass of wine, trying to swirl it as he saw Viridion did. Some of the red liquid splashed on his fingers, but Ben didn’t mind - he just needed an excuse to keep his eyes focused on something other than the Lord of Sonadin. “The story of how I claimed the epic Power Crystal is a long one, my lord,” he said, “and I’m sure you’ll forgive me if I tell it some other time. For now, I would ask that you tell me about the Quest. I must know of your intentions before we talk about anything else.” He put a slight emphasis on the word must, just for good measures.

Viridion didn’t look pleased. “You must, do you now?” His voice was irritated, threatening.

“I do,” said Ben. He had a sudden inspiration. “As bound by the Pact.”

Viridion took a deep breath. “Indeed.” He took his glass of wine and joined the act of swirling. Ben could feel his eyes on him but dared not look back. For safety measures, he mentally accessed his list of powers and prepared Mind Lock for quick use.

When Viridion spoke again, he did so in a quiet voice, but every word he said was scorched into Ben’s mind. “This is what I need from you, Beacon. You will travel to the High Elven City of Ronadin and find your way into the Temple of Bree, located in the heart of the Forest of Banished Gods. You will claim the Power Crystal that protects the temple. By doing so, you will destroy the elves’ magical defence and enable my troops to conquer the city with little to no bloodshed, which will result in the unification of the RonSonDin Kingdom. As a reward, you will receive all the boons of the crystal - rumored to be at least Epic - as well as the undying loyalty of all the people under my rule.”

Viridion’s next words took on a more formal intonation. “As bound by the Pact, I give you this Quest to complete on behalf of my city Sonadin. You, a Beacon of Nolxar, have accepted my hospitality and my gifts, and thus must accept this Quest if you deem it just. Do you accept, Beacon?”

A prompt appeared, blazing in his vision.

You have been offered a Power Quest: The Price of Unification. For many years, Sonadin and Ronadin have looked upon each other with hate and mistrust. The twin cities, once united, had never learned to co-exist since the Day of the Reckoning. As a result, the elves have become a rare sight in the Mountain Kingdom, humans are not allowed into the Eloveen Valley and the very fabric of Nolxar has become unstable. Now, the Lord of Sonadin has found a solution: Viridion wants you to infiltrate the Temple of Bree and claim its Power Crystal. Doing so will shatter the elves’ defence and enable the Sonadinians to easily capture Ronadin and return the kingdom to its former days of glory. Time to complete this quest: one week. Personal Rewards: Epic Power Crystal, Viridion’s Ultimate Favor. Party Reward: 5% of Sonadin’s Treasure Vault (items included). Penalties for failure: Unknown. Note: You may refuse this Quest only if you deem it unjust. Refusing or abandoning this Quest for any other reason may result in immediate action against you by the quest-giver, as well as severe penalties to your Fame, Honor, XP and Hero points. You have one minute to decide. Failing to meet this countdown will be considered as a refusal. Choose well, Beacon.

The prompt vanished - leaving only a small timer in the corner of his vision, counting down from 60 - and Ben found himself looking straight at Viridion, though this time he didn’t feel anything pull at his mind. The lord examined his young guest with a cold expression, silently waiting for him to speak, and Ben understood: no external force could influence this moment; the decision was his and his alone. Below, Endrin’s Mandolin produced a keen note that seemed to stretch, not unlike suspenseful music themes in the movies.

Ben hesitated. One minute to decide! That was quite a significant decision to make in such a short time. Pressing his lips, the young hero tried to think of everything he knew about the conflict between the twin cities, but it wasn’t much. He knew there was a cold war, sort to speak, between the two cities, which was affecting the geopolitical balance throughout the region. So, for all he knew, Viridion’s plan was indeed a good one - without their magical defence, the elves would perhaps yield to the powerful human lord and peace once again will be restored.

Then again, maybe the elves were justly defending against a possible tyrant, who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He remembered the cages he had seen when he first looked at the city. The Bane of the Elves, said Captain Robert, used to hold elven spies, until they’re broken. He guessed it made sense, considering the enmity between the two cities, but the very notion of holding people prisoners in cages and then torturing them until they broke did not sit well with Ben’s moral compass. Surely, helping a ruler who tortured people in broad daylight would not be considered just in anyone’s book. It meant he could refuse the quest without risking any severe penalties.

Ben started to shake his head -

- but stopped before he even moved one inch. Could he really refuse? Another Epic Power Crystal was waiting at the end of the quest! Considering the incredible powers he had gotten after crushing the Eye of Paragmir, he could only imagine the awesome boons he would get for claiming a crystal that was the source of the elves’ magical defence. From what Ben knew of the magic system of Raxlon’s world, he was almost positive that this crystal will turn him into a powerful magic-user at the very least. How could he refuse such a reward? And that was without even taking into account the other rewards for completing this quest. With one stroke, he will become not only powerful and wealthy but will be the true champion of this entire area. From that point on, there will be nothing to stop him on his quest to achieve even more power. Power that would make him all but invincible in real-life as well...

Ben’s mind reeled. The timer clicked down to 20… 19...

Viridion watched him, his eyes dark pools of mystery. The most dangerous NPC I have met, said Gilly. Gilly, who preferred to log out and lose XP instead of falling into the hands of this lord.

15… 14...

Ben started breathing hard. He should refuse, that was the right thing to do. But… but, he suddenly thought, maybe he was thinking about it all wrong. The Bane of the Elves wasn’t necessarily the act of an evil ruler. Robert had said something else when he told them of that place: Until they’re broken and freed. Freed! It meant that Viridion freed the elves he captured. Was this an evil act? And besides, who’s to say that the elves don’t have similar cages in their own domain, where they hold human prisoners and question them? Just because Noah’s D&D adventures always portrayed elves as good and noble creatures, didn’t mean that was how the game was played here as well.

5… 4…

And then Ben knew what he had to do. He didn’t have enough reasons to call Viridion’s Quest unjust, so in the end, it came down to picking sides: will he side with the elves and risk the wrath of this vengeful lord? Or will he accept this quest and claim its amazing rewards?

Ben looked into Viridion’s eyes, putting on his best hero look. “I accept your Quest, my lord. The Power Crystal of Bree will be mine before long.”

Viridion’s cold expression vanished as if it was never there. The lord grinned, and Ben felt an immense sense of relief washing over his entire body. It was as if something shifted inside him, something he couldn’t put his finger on, but he suddenly felt… better. More whole. Confident. The feeling was uplifting and reassuring, and Ben knew he had made the right decision. As if to emphasize that, Endrin played a concluding and happy chord on his mandolin - just before he started on another piece, this one filled with joy and with a promise of brave and noble deeds.

Lord Viridion Darkblade stood up, still grinning. “Banished Engill, you had me concerned for a moment there! But I should have known I was dealing with a true Beacon, a true hero of the land.” He turned to face the dozens of nobles that gathered on the lower platform and raised his voice. “Sonadinians, rejoice! As bound by the Pact, the Beacon has accepted my Quest! As Bound by the Pact, I hereby pledge my palace and its resources to the Vindicator and his loyal companions. I advise all of you to do the same, as the Beacon’s fate is now truly tied with ours. Remember the ancient words: ‘Through his courage, our world may once again enter an era of fame, hope and glory!’”

The people cheered, raising their fists in the air. “Beacon!” Some cried. “Lord Viridion!” shouted others. “Sonadin! Sonadin!” exclaimed even more. Some of them even hugged each other, while others started to weep openly. Ben could see Red and Milenna amongst the nobles, prominent in their adventurers’ gear. The Red Mercenary seemed as enthusiastic as the people around him - even more so when a pretty young noblewoman turned to hug him. The warrior returned the hug with gusto. “Beacon!” He bellowed. “Oh yeah, Beacon!”

Milenna didn’t add her voice to the tumult. She just stood there and looked at Ben, and he could see the familiar line appearing between her eyebrows. The scout ignored her - he was beginning to get used to her distrusting nature - and waved to the crowd of people, smiling. Viridion stepped closer and put an arm across his shoulders. “You’d better get used to that devotion, my friend,” he said. “You have just taken the first step toward your real path to power. Now,” continued the lord before Ben could say anything. “I have many things to prepare before you leave for Ronadin on the morrow. I will make sure my aids supply you with everything you need to complete our glorious Quest. Until then, my court is yours to enjoy.”

Ben nodded, still smiling. “I will - “ he began, but the lord was already walking away, accompanied by his guards. Ben watched him go - but when he turned to look back at the crowd, he froze. At least twenty different noblemen and women were making their way toward his table, eager to speak with the Beacon now that he wasn’t in the Lord of Sonadin’s presence.

Ben gulped. Waving to an admiring crowd was one thing; answering their questions and trying to play the nobleman was quite another. The trickster took a step back, turned around - and his eyes widened in alarm. He was surrounded. People were approaching from all sides, like a pack of wolves closing in on their prey. He stretched his neck, trying to see beyond the heads, and spotted an exit: a shadowy archway, clear of people, that led to one of the many balconies that surrounded the grand hall.

“Beacon!” The first group of nobles was almost on him. They were led by a fat and sweaty fellow with a yellow coat and a thick moustache. “So delighted to meet you at last!” Said yellow-coat, raising his hand toward the young hero. “I have the honor to be - “

But the excited nobleman didn’t get to finish introducing himself. His hand froze in mid-movement and his mouth hung open, as he looked at where the young hero was standing just a second before. Alas, where the Beacon stood was now just a screen of smoke. The man had vanished!

Ben appeared 30 feet away, in the shadows next to the balcony. He was extremely satisfied with himself as he watched the stunned expressions of the nobles who gathered around the place he had teleported from. Some of them were even bending now, looking under the table. “Bilbo Baggins, I’m right behind you,” he whispered, thinking of the classic scene from the first Lord of the Rings movie. His vanishing act was nearly as impressive as the one the 111-year-old hobbit had pulled on his guests, he mused.

“Who’s Bilbo Baggins?” Asked a familiar voice.

Ben, startled, turned to see Valla, the young half-dwarven princess, standing in the shadows next to him. The short girl seemed nearly a part of the wall and only when she spoke did the scout realize she was there.

“Valla!” He exclaimed, stunned. “How - “

“Camouflage spell,” she said and smiled that beautiful smile of hers. “One of my favorites. Managed to fool you didn’t I?”

The scout laughed. “You sure did! That’s quite a useful trick.”

She grinned. “I watched you the whole time. Lucky for me you decided to escape, so now I can talk to you. Like you promised.”

Ben was about to deny he needed to escape from anyone but then thought better of it. He did run from these nobles, and besides, he liked the look in the half-dwarf’s eyes. He decided to be candid with her, and kept his smile on. “Indeed. And now is as good a time as any, I guess. Here?”

In response, the small woman took his hand in hers - her hand was soft and warm - and led him outside, into the balcony. Ben followed, curious. Out on the patio, under the open night sky, the cold air seemed to clear his mind. The sounds of merriment drifting from the great hall diminished. He walked over to the parapet with Valla, watching the mountainside and some of the city’s neighbourhoods sprawling beneath them. Several spires rose to the air, emanating gentle, colorful auras around them, and Ben thought that Sonadin was as beautiful in night time as it was under the sun.

The novice earth mage let go of his hand and looked at him. Her blue headband sparkled under the moonlight. “Beacon,” she said quietly. She wasn’t shy, and there was an urgency to her voice that caused Ben to turn his full attention to her.

“I’m listening,” he said.

She took a deep breath, as if deciding something, and said swiftly: “we need your help.”

Ben looked around. They stood alone in the balcony. “We?”

She nodded. “The elves,” she whispered.

Ben felt the blood drain from his face. “What are you talking about?” He whispered back.

The half-dwarf’s eyes were big when she continued. “My father, he is… misguided,” she said. “He wants to ruin the elves, to take over their lands. He doesn’t care how many will die along the way. He just wants the power they possess.”

Ben started to shake his head, to deny her words. “How do you - “

“I work with Ronadin,” she whispered. “I spy for Talia.”

He knew the name. “The elf queen? This is madness! Your father - “

“Doesn’t know. Beacon,” she said and took his hand again in hers. “The Quest he gave you, the one you just accepted - “

Ben pulled his hand away, suddenly sickened to the bone. “I can’t help you,” he said, looking away.

The girl was more stubborn than that. She took his hand in hers for the third time and squeezed until he looked back at her. “He made you help him ruin the elves, didn’t he?”

When Ben didn’t answer she stepped even closer to him. She smelled like herbs and earth and perfume. “It can be fixed, Beacon!” She whispered urgently. “You don’t have to do as he told you! Talia is a powerful druid and mage, more powerful than my father. Whatever will happen to you for failing his Quest, she can undo it! Please, Beacon. You don’t know him. My father, he’s… he’s ruthless. All he cares about is power. You must help us!”

Valla put a slight emphasis on the word must, and Ben straightened, his expression turning grim. He extracted his hand from her grip and looked down at her, angry. His fists clenched. “I am getting tired of people telling me what I must do, child,” he said cooly.

The betrayer princess’s eyes widened, and she took a step back. “I didn’t mean - “ she began. Her confidence seemed to falter before his anger. “I just wanted to tell you, to let you know before it’s too late. If you knew what’s about to happen - “

But Ben couldn’t afford to listen to her. He had made up his mind. “Begone, Valla,” said the Vindicator, and he didn’t recognize his own voice. “I can’t help you, and I won’t tell you anything about my Quest. I’m sorry. Now go, before I tell your father of your betrayal.”

Valla opened her mouth, closed it. “You can still be saved,” she whispered. Then the princess turned from him and ran away, back through the archway and into the grand hall. On her way, she had to bypass a tall man who was just stepping into the balcony.

Ben stared after her and then turned to look at the man who now blocked his path back to the main chamber. He was a soldier, clad in the black uniforms of the palace guards, and clean-shaven. By the moonlight, a certain half-moon scar was clearly visible next to his left eye. His face was familiar; Ben had met him twice before, in two different worlds.

“Jarod,” said the scout. His hand dropped down to grip the hilt of his dagger.

The soldier smiled. “Ben. We have to talk.”