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-----After pausing and looking at Raven thoughtfully, Lambert says, "You have been personally bereaved. I wish to place no one in danger, yet I do not ask of anyone to conduct personal vengeance. Once this court learns the whereabouts of, or clues leading to, Krondor and the worshippers of the Dark, I will need a strong and able force to bring him to justice."
-----Lord Lambert steps up to the table and faces Raven directly across the table. Looking the ranger in the eyes with a sincere look, Lambert asks, "If I need someone to bring the evil ones who have plagued us to justice, can I count on you and those who are willing to act in the name of Hearthorn?"
-----Raven's eyes are intense as he listens to Lord Lambert. Raven gets to his feet and places a closed fist over his heart. "I am currently serving Broacter, so I will need to talk with him for guidance. I want to see justice served and I can see you are an honorable leader whose heart is pure. It would be a honor to help you bring these men to justice."
-----Raven then sits down and looks at the party for their reaction.
-----Sol's reaction to Raven's look is an encouraging smile and a left-handed 'thumbs up' signal. Nothing more verbose seems to be forthcoming. In fact, he hasn't spoken all evening.
-----As Lambert and Raven exchange words, Sarah exchanges a whispered conversation with her father. At the end of it, she laughs and puts her head in her hands, embarrassed at something or other, but happy. She glances down the table towards Sol and Raven and then takes another sip of wine. "I'd love to come get Krondor with you guys." She says with a hint of malice in her voice, remembering what Krondor did to Broactor and his people. Sarah is her normal smiley self again, whatever her father said to her, cheered her up immensely.
-----As the evening winds down, Lord Lambert invites the adventurers to stay as long as they like as guests in the castle. He tells Raven that if he wishes to return to Broactor tomorrow, the Court will send for him upon first word of the evil ones’ location. He also tells Raven he is welcome to visit the castle to check on the progress as often as he wishes.
-----As the minstrel plays on, Zentil sits beside the huge fireplace sipping a glass of wine. Thalog gets up and confers with Zepharon. Likewise, Rand approaches the Sun Lord and quietly speaks with him.
-----As Sol stands near Raven and not far from Sarah, the Lord Marshall Kelvin approaches the young warrior. The Lord Marshall stands average height with a young face that extrudes a confident look. Curly brown hair frames his clean-shaven face. He extends his hand to Sol and tells him, "I know that once our enemy is spotted, you shall be undertaking that mission. In the meantime, Hearthorn could use a man like you in the area. I need a man to lead a small troop of medium cavalry to patrol the western region from Myn to Lut. It involves a lot of riding, hard work and the pay is good. Would you be interested?"
-----Sol looks surprised at first as he accepts the Lord Marshall's hand, but that soon fades into a beaming smile, "I'd be happy to. Though, I haven't had any experience leading anyone. And that I'm also not exactly a local. If all that's fine, then you can count on me."
-----Raven nods and says to Lord Lambert, "That sounds good. Thank you for all your help. I'm sure your men will locate those we hunt." Raven pauses as if lost for words, "Anyways, I will leave for Broactor's camp tomorrow and wait for the word that our prey have been sighted." Raven offers his hand to Lord Lambert. Raven then goes for a walk through the grounds around the castle.
-----Kelvin nods his approval, "You may have the day tomorrow to rest up. The following day you can report to my staff and we will ready your troop."
-----As the Lord Marshall moves on, Sol approaches the Sun Lord. Sol speaks with him and Jacian Dawnrider listens patiently. At one point, Jacian laughs heartily and smiles. The Sun Lord then gives Sol some words of wisdom and leaves the young man to ponder his words.
-----Seeing Sarah standing by herself, Sol walks uncertainly up to her, and says, "Um...Sarah...erm, you look absolutely breathtaking this evening. The dress really suits you." His look is one of complete sincerity. He then nods and starts to back off as he nervously reaches for a drink.
-----During the early morning hours, the news arrives at the castle that a detail of Templar Guards from the Temple of the Holy Guardian had rounded up the conspirators in a counterfeiting ring. The four conspirators were quickly whisked away to the town jail where they were placed under special guard.
-----Two hours before the sun rises on the tenth of Dawningtide, the rain stops and the clouds part. The sun shines brightly in a partly cloudy sky, which warms the wet and muddy streets. The wind also stops and the temperatures climb without fear of wind chill.
-----Later in the morning as news of the capture of the counterfeiting ring hits the streets, many of the citizens empty into the thoroughfares rejoicing and frolicking in the sun and the muddy lanes. There is a festive and joyous feel to the market area.
-----Rand had left the night before venturing to the House of the Healing Light with the Sun Lord. Thalog had returned to the home of his aunt in Hearthorn. Zentil left before the sun had risen, quietly leaving without telling anyone where he was heading.
-----Back at Crystal Keep Castle, Raven prepares to leave with Sol and Sarah waiting to see him off.
-----Raven walks up to Sol, "I'll be at Broacter's camp. Feel free to stop by when you get back from your trip. I've grown used to having you around friend." Raven gives him a slight smile and offers Sol his hand, "Have a good trip."
-----Raven then turns to Sarah and smiles, "That offer stands for you also. I can't wait to see what new spells you'll be mastering next. Do you have any plans until Krondor is found? I suppose you'll have your nose in a book like you always do."
-----Sarah and Raven embrace in a great big bear hug. "It's been great!" Sarah says to him happily. "I WILL come see you. I'd ask you to come see me here, but I know you don't like the big cities all that well. If you ever need help with something again, send someone here to get me, I love my books, but they get boring. May Destine watch your voyage." Sarah and Raven pull apart. "Good-bye." She says again.
-----Compared to last night, Sol looks like his old self. Smiling warmly in return to Raven's, he shakes his friend's hand and replies, "Thanks, I'll definitely stop by. Say hello to everyone when you get back."
-----Sol considers something before speaking it, "Are you sure you don't want to stick around another day. I've got nothing to do, and I'm sure now that everything has calmed down, Broacter can spare you. Or do you just want to see Rinda again?" Sol grins.
-----Raven smiles broadly and mounts up. He turns and facing his friends, he waves and, still smiling, simply nods to them. With that, Raven leaves the grounds of Crystal Keep Castle heading through the streets for the gates that will lead him home to the woods.
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