1.10G - The Runeguard

Gwenllian returned once more to Hammerlord Post.  Thomas was waiting for her at the bottom of the steps.

“We watched the Abyssal flee from the woods.”

Gwenllian smiled, pleased with her work, but dropped it quickly as Holden joined them.  The sight of him reminded her of her vision of a spiteful return, however, her near death and failure in her rescue of the messenger had reminded her of the need for companions.

“I don’t even need to ask.  I can tell by the look on your face that Dorim won’t be performing any more rituals anytime soon.”  Thomas continued

In spite of herself, she beamed.  “No, she won’t, and no one will be continuing her torture of that messenger, either.  He’s free now, but I was given a message before they vanished.”

“You actually spoke with the Messenger?” Thomas said with surprise.  “You are blessed! “

 “If the messenger speaks with the word of Bahralt, then we’re in trouble.”  Holden said.  “This Tidelord Brenin is the leader of the Abyssal cult, and if he believes that the secret to releasing Akylios lies within Hammerknell Fortress, there’s no telling what Chaos they’ll unleash to please their dragon god.”

Thomas nodded.  “We cannot allow the Abyssal to search Hammerknell for a means to release Akylios.”

“But how?” Gwenllian asked.  “Hammerknell is impenetrable.  No one has been able to breach the wall.  The doors were sealed shut years ago.  Not even our own have found a way to breach Hammerknell.”

“They will find a way, Gwen,” Holden said, “and to stop them, we’ve formed an alliance with the Runeguard.  A group of them have been acting as a bulwark against the corruption at the base of the fortress. “

Gwenllian bristled at the pet name, but said nothing as Thomas continued.

“Borrin already knows to expect you, Gwenllian.”

Gwenllian started the short walk to Reclaimer’s Hold.  Borrin Gammult was indeed waiting for her arrival.

“Welcome to Reclaimer’s Hold, Gwenllian. “

“Welcome home, Borrin.” Gwenllian said, half teasing, and Borrin chuckled.  She wondered how long it had been since Borrin set foot in Moonshade.  She knew it was he who built the great city of the Sanctum of the Vigil.  Assisting in its day to day function with Cyril and Shyla must not allow much time to travel.  “What are you doing here?  The Runeguard must be happy to have you to assist them.”

 “I have come here to offer my support to the Runeguard and their efforts here.  I may not agree with their lax standards when choosing allies, I share their desire to reclaim Hammerknell for the dwarven people.    I’m not a fool.  If the gates of Hammerknell open once again, and by Bahralt’s grace they will, I will be here to make sure that the Faceless Man and his Defiant forces do not get the chance to claim that great city for their own.  These Runeguard chaps have more appreciation for dwarves like us than for the Guardians.  And thankfully they show equal disinterest in allying with the Defiant.  They only seem to care about one thing: reclaiming Hammerknell Fortress.”

“Well then they are good friends to have in a time like this.”

Borrin nodded his agreement and continued.  “You have news for me?”

“The messenger believes Tidelord Brenin and the Abyssal will try to break into Hammerknell.”

“And those of us here who put no stock in the gods would say, let them inside if they had good intentions.” said a member of the Runeguard from behind them. 

Gwenllian and Borrin turned in shock. 

“The Abyssal?  Have good intentions? “  Gwenllian said.  “You do realize that it’s a dragon cult you speak about.  Trying to break into Hammerknell to free their dragon lord is not something that can be allowed to happen.”

“Ah, tosh.” The guard said, waiving away her arguments.  “It is only the gods that tell you this.” Gwenllian starred at the guard, who returned her look with equal distrust.   “And besides, we have a greater threat in our sights.  A demon named Gorvaht has spread his corruption across Moonshade.  We can clean up his mess all we want, but it will be quicker to cut off the source.”

“You see for yourself that the Abyssal are here in Grey Gardens looking for something.” Borrin said.   To his credit the guard had the grace to look away.  “Captain Haghen,” Borrin called, “you cannot be saying you are going to let the Abyssal walk right through the front gates.”

“Of course not Borrin.” called another of the Runeguard, who Gwenllian assumed to be Captain Haghen, as joined their small group.  “We were the dwarves who guarded the fortress from outsiders, and it was the selfless act of General Stanig, the leader of the Runeguard at the time, that gave the dwarves inside Hammerknell a chance at survival.  As the shroud of death corrupted the Grey Gardens, Stanig heaved the great doors shut and uttered the dwarven words that sealed it off from the planar assault.”

“Yes, Haghen, we’re aware of the history.”  Gwenllian said, regretting her tone at once.

“Well then you’ll know it was Gorvaht who slain the General afterward.”

“Yes but...” Gwenllian lied.  She had not been told it was Gorvaht, but wanted the Runeguard to remain focused on the Abyssal.

“We know the kind of damage Gorvaht can do.”  Haghen said, cutting her off.   “Since that day we have not heard a word from our people inside the fortress.  Some believe they were tainted by planar power and eternally damned, but we won’t know until we set foot inside.  For that to happen, Gorvaht and his minions must be purged from the Highlands.”

“But the Abyssal...”

“If the Abyssal want to break in, then it’s less heavy lifting for us. “

“I’ve already cleared the threat of Gorvaht.  In the Faering Woods I used Rune stone.” Gwenllian said impatiently.

“Then you’ve done your job poorly.”  Haghen fired back.    “After the shade, Regulos, through Gorvaht, released the demons from the Runebinding vessels, who then in turn, possessed the artisans who had bound them.”

“You ignored the Vigil and gave yourselves to the dark arts.” Borrin said.  Gwenllian gave him a look of question, wondering why he had suddenly switched focus from Abyssal to Endless, but he either did not notice or did not plan to share his thoughts.

 “The Runeguard is here to correct this.” Haghen said, looking slightly ashamed at the mention of the dwarves past failures. 

“We must destroy the corruption within these foul vessels.  It is the first step in proving your loyalty to the vigil.

Haghen looked relieved to have finally persuaded the Guardian contingent.  He nodded at Gwenllian, “We need fragments from the shattered vessels.