-----"Redmarsh has had enough!" he says with his green eyes ablaze. "I cannot tarry away the hours here in the keep as if I have locked myself away from the world! Some of our subjects say that Lord Lambert has forsaken us; that he no longer possesses the competence to maintain his birthright. Some say that Lord Sintor is our rightful savior; that the forces of Ravenhold can liberate our fair people from the plight on the land."
-----Spinning on his heels, the Knight of Redmarsh continues his speech to full emotional effect. "I say to you now that those others no longer matter. Our affairs are our responsibilities and we do not wait as my . . . former advisors once bid me to do." Sir Zantar seems to pause as if these last few words were a struggle to say.
-----The angry blaze lights his eyes again and he says, "I, and I alone, shall lead you now to purge our town from the curse that has been set upon it. We shall route out the bringers of evil and once they are put down, the dragon shall be next. . ."
-----It is here that Sir Zantar's eyes alight upon the visitors in the chamber. His blazing eyes look over everyone from the huge form of Krord to the brazen diminutive halfling pirate. Setting his balled fists on his hips, the knight stares firmly and asks, "You are those sent from Hearthorn?"
-----"Sir," Brandel says respectfully while glancing at Seth apologetically, "I am Brandel Warnox, a former soldier in the detail patrolling the area of the village of Grute. My employers here have agreed to return with me to not only learn of current conditions of our fair estate, but to do what we can to help rid it of its woes." Brandel extends his hand indicating Kazel, Seth and the Dread Pirate.
-----The fire in Sir Zantar's eyes never fades as he glares at Brandel and then looks at the rogues awaiting their words.
-----The Dread Pirate glances at Kazel and whispers out the corner of his mouth, "That guy is bloody loony. We'd best be as diplomatic as possible."
-----Thus said, Gimplefwick steps forward and replies to Sir Zantar, "Yes, my lord. We are the special operatives sent by your master, Lord Lambert. We would have been here sooner, but one of your keeps, about a day's ride from here, was taken by bandits and the soldiers inside were slaughtered. We felt it necessary to retake the keep and exact justice on the villainous cretins. Otherwise we would have been here sooner. In any case, we are here now and operating under the directive of Lord Lambert. It would be best if you could fill us in on the happenings in your demesne. The more information the better. We've already seen the dragon. Twice actually. And we've seen the effects of the plague. If you have some idea of the location of the dragon's lair, we might be able to assist you in that regard. Or, I believe you referred to 'bringers of evil'. Is it your belief that this plague is the makings of some evil force in your land?"
-----The Knight of Redmarsh frowns and stares slack-jawed at the Dread Pirate as he speaks as if trying to take in the appearance of the halfling with the stuffed parrot on his shoulder.
-----At the asking of Gimplefwick's question, Sir Zantar erupts, "Of course, it is! Have you encountered the plague else where in Redmarsh? Nay, I say to you! Our loyal people in the countryside, and I do mean those who are loyal," Sir Zantar pauses as he glares at Brandel, "do not suffer from the plague though they are troubled by the influx of evil from the hills and the swamps."
-----The angry knight looks over the rogues' party and shakes his head. "You mean to tell me that Lord Lambert has sent the likes of you to help relieve the losses we have suffered to our troops and guardians? You seem more suited to entertaining market squares and country faires! Met the dragon twice indeed!" Zantar rants.
-----"If Lord Lambert sent you, which I sincerely doubt as it would truly bring his competence into question, then you have my leave! If you seek the dragon, then have at him, I say! The dragon dwells in the swamp to the east of this town! Bring me the head of the dragon and you shall not only gain my praise but my sincerest apology!" Sir Zantar looks at the visitors with a dismissing glare.
-----The guards in the room stand a bit straighter at attention.
-----Kazel whispers to Brandel, "So, is this how he is normally, or is he already in a good mood?"
-----The Dread Pirate nods his head at the knight's outburst and replies, "Aye, we'll see what we can do about your dragon. And I'll be sure to pass on the word of your cooperative attitude to Lord Lambert." The Dread Pirate then turns on his heel and stalks out of the room, trying to think up some way to kill a dragon.
-----Kazel holds up a finger to stave off the dismissal for a moment longer. "Speaking of east of the swamp, perhaps you can tell us if there's a Krondor who dwells there, or wherever he's located. Since he probably has something to do with the plague and dragon, it'll only help our duties as us loyal citizens. After all, none of us has the plague now, do we?"