Armand gladly accepted the enchanted sword and added it to his equipment. He went on to explain they were headed to a roadside Inn about a day away from his hometown called the Iron Mountain Plateau. Armand’s family home Desentes Keep is located there along with a garrison of King's Knights. The laws of Iron Mountain are a little different than the fringe Deacon has grown accustomed too. Elle warns that fighting in the streets is prohibited and should be avoided. There is a prison and often people end up there who can’t be civil. Deacon wondered why that was specifically directed at him. Typhus filled in some of the gaps, saying the town is supported by three guilds; The Thieves Guild named The Mountains Shadow, the Mages Guild named The Tower, and the aptly named Adventurers Guild. The last one holds their contract as Lord Desentes Triumvirate representatives.

The conversation switched over to the Triumvirate Accords. Within the Griffin Kingdom lies three capital cities. The Shattered Sky, capital city of the Deep Dwellers. The Crystal Cascade seat of the Griffin Kingdom, home of human royal family. Finally, the Kakiat Forest, a deep forest to the north and home of the local Elven faction. Each of these places has their own political structure and representatives meet once a year to address issues of the realm. The Deep Dwellers govern by committee, the Elves have a matriarchy, and humans have a royal family. The accords ensure balance between them by sending the third child of any nation to populate the ranks of the adventurers guild when they come of age. If you have third child of royal blood they must live in each society for a specified period or until a group of three can be made.

“Why?” Deacon asked as he tried to consume all this new information.

“I’m getting there. Don’t be impatient. No one likes that.” Elle said.

With more grumbling than necessary, Deacon quieted down. Apparently, he had run into the latest collection of three royal lineage adventurers. They are typically referred to as a Cardinal Unit. Often sent out to trouble regions since they would be given the best training due to their upbringing. In times of crisis other adventures would look to them for leadership. The guild is often administered by the oldest living cardinal unit. It’s another way for the families to achieve a level of prestige.

“Or for the rich to stay rich. Its nice to know society is the same no matter what universe you’re in.” Deacon snapped.

“I disagree,” said Armand, “think about other societies that just have rich, fat, useless royals that cause more problems than they solve as lords and ladies. Just sitting around scheming for more power than they need. This way we have responsibilities and oversight. I dare say we have developed a fine system.”

“You do have a point. I didn’t mean to offend.” Deacon replied.

“You’re not wrong though, Cardinal Units often get special treatment.” Typhus interjected.

“I’m sure they are all like you three. Pillars of the community.” Deacon said with a smirk.

Elle and Typhus looked at each other with eyes that said, "You tell him", "No you tell him." The reason the accords were enacted, was a war between all three kingdoms and an outside aggressor. It was hundreds of years ago and most only refer to the war as the cataclysm. It was bad enough that they all had to band together to survive. To keep the peace, the accords were drafted. All sides had a citizen in the game always. It also helped with repopulation, mandating three children for the first one hundred years. Deacon started squirming in his bandages until he felt a tinge of pain. He settled back into place on the carriage before sliding toward the edge. Caught at the last second by Typhus, he breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thank you. So, you are all Adventure Guild members and part of a Cardinal Unit. Where does that leave me?” Deacon asked.

“Well, we think we can get you provisional membership. That allows you to stay with us.” Armand said.

“Unless you want to try for one of the others.” Typhus said but didn’t really seem like he wanted that to happen.

“I’m good.” Deacon said.

“So, the Inn we are going to is called the Cow's Udder,” Elle spoke up, “Most people traveling the King's Road will stop there before moving on to Iron Mountain.”

“Anything else I should know about Iron Mountain?” Deacon asked.

“There are some shady spots but if you stick with us, you should be fine.” Typhus said.

“Most importantly, we need to report to the Guild and my father. He will want to know what happened.” Armand replied.

They continued down the road toward the Cow's Udder which could be seen in the distance. Once they arrived, they had the wagon stowed and carried Deacon into the Inn. The building was huge. Easily four stories and shaped like the letter u. Deacon protested saying if they would unbandage him he could walk on his own. His tirade was cut short once a staggeringly beautiful woman met them at the entrance.

“Welcome to the Cows Udder!” the woman said. She had almond eyes the color of sunset and white bunny ears. Her hair was a golden yellow, but Deacon got stuck on the ears.

“My name is Dawn. How can I help you today?” Dawn said.

“We need three rooms. Please put them on the Adventurers account.” Armand said.

“May I see your seal please?” She asked. Armand pulled out a seal on a lanyard around his neck.

“Oh my, a Cardinal Unit. Right this way sir. Shall I call our Mage to heal your friend?” Dawn asked alarmed.

“No, he just needs rest at this point. If you have an alchemist, we’d love to buy some potions from him.” Elle jumped in and said. None of this was important to Deacon because as soon as Dawn was alarmed her ears shot straight up into the air. He was fascinated.

“Quit staring its rude. Nobody likes that.” Elle whispered as she jabbed Deacon with a finger.