-----Bidding everyone to sit at the benches in the middle of the hall, Sarius takes his place behind the high bench. Looking across the room, as the light of the dull cloudy morning comes through the windows, he begins.
-----"As you know over a month ago, our area was besieged by marauders in the form of bandits and humanoids. As events came to light, it was discovered those that were responsible were in fact a traitorous knight called Krondor and followers of the Dark Goddess. Much of the evil was stopped due to the courageous actions of those of you in attendance this morning. However, though the area was secured, some of the major participants in this evil slipped away."
-----"Over the past month, those loyal to the righteous people of Hearthorn have helped us track the escape and progress of those we seek. There is no doubt the evil ones have slipped to the south."
-----"It is learned that in the Fief of Oakwood, the Dark Followers lie hidden. Also there has been detected the horrid life draining devices the Lord Wizard refers to as the Darkening Crystals. Among the forests of Oakwood, there are settlements of the elves of the woods that are in conflict with the humans who live there. It is believed that somehow the evil ones’ manipulations have pitted the two races against each other. We believe the whereabouts of the traitor Krondor to be somewhere in the Fief of Redmarsh."
-----"The Court of Hearthorn is asking you to venture south to the Fief of Oakwood first. Possible objectives include stopping the fighting that exists between the humans and the elves, destroy any Darkening Crystals found, and root out and destroy once and for all, those who follow the Dark Goddess. From there, you are requested to journey on to Redmarsh and find the scoundrel, Krondor."
-----"For this mission, the Court of Hearthorn can offer to each person, a commissioned payment of 300 gold pieces each month the mission takes to accomplish, a provided steed if needed, necessary supplies and security offered for those maintaining a business in the Town of Hearthorn, if requested. If the traitor, Krondor is returned alive to the Town of Hearthorn to stand trial, each of you will receive an additional 200 gold pieces."
-----"I shall hand over a Writ of Authority on behalf of the Lord of Hearthorn to be carried by Raven or Sol Herron. I shall also supply to you a map detailing the surrounding area of the Town of Oakwood."
-----"These things I have the authority to provide to you in the name of Lord Lambert and the Estate of Hearthorn. On behalf of the people of Hearthorn, do you accept this mission?"
-----The Lord Chamberlain pauses for comments and questions.
-----The Dread Pirate bows low at the Chamberlain's apology, "Aye, milord, I accept yer apology, it was a mere misunderstanding. Anywise, on behalf of meself and me little ones, I vow to root out this evil and expose it to the holy light of Joren. And then send it on its way to the depths of Hades."
-----Raven rubs his chin as he listens to the Lord Chamberlain. Raven says, "So those dark sons of bitches think they can hurt good folk and no one will stop them? I say we go down there and shove those Darkening Crystals where the sun don't shine." Raven reaches down and pets the wolf's head, "We need to leave as soon as possible. Sol, why don't you take that Writ of Authority thing. I think people be more likely to believe they're real coming from you." Raven gives Sol a quick smile.
-----Raven says, "Thank you, Lord Chamberlain, for trusting us with this task. We'll not let you or the good people here down." Raven turns to face the group, "I'll be waiting outside. I'm..." Raven looks over to Rinda, "We're ready to leave now."
-----As Raven leaves, he reaches up, places a hand on Sarah's right shoulder and gives her a reassuring smile.
-----Seth sits down at the indicated benches and listens intently as the Lord Chamberlain explains the mission. His face visibly pales at the mention of life draining crystals, only to be replaced by a look of anger at the mention of elves and humans in conflict in the Oakwood. He more than cheers up at the mention of pay and steeds.
-----Seth raises a hand at the end of the Lord Chamberlain's message, "My Dear esteemed Lord Chamberlain, even though I am not a warrior or even a great wizard, I would be glad to take up this mission for the sums you have mentioned. Indeed a Steed would be most useful as I have none, in fact I have never been on a 'steed'. I have experienced travel by wagon and most enjoyed the experience. It affords one a chance to appreciate the scenery and provides protection from the elements as one travels without undue strain on the physique. If possible a wagon is preferred and a waggoner to steer the contraption."
-----Seth now takes on a very serious and concerned and worried look to his face, "If however a steed must be used for conveyance due to a need for speed then I guess I must. However it would be appropriate if I was to receive some instruction in the use of a 'Steed' ."