A (3:07)

To remember the Harbingers is a fiction podcast about the first two magicians of our modern era. Adam and Amy were both grad students studying a long dead language, academic rivals and brief paramours.

C (3:22)

Yes, I found her attractive and we.

A (3:24)

Went out one time. If you suddenly had the power and influence to change the world, how would you use it?

D (3:30)

Literally, the only thing that's a wrong answer to the question what do you do if you get magic powers? Is exactly the same fucking thing you would be doing if you didn't get the goddamn magic power.

A (3:43)

The Harbingers is a new fiction podcast from the mind of Gabriel urbino, creator of Wolf 4 359. If you like magical rivals, political machinations, snappy dialogue, and dreaming of saving the world, the Harbingers is a show for you. So now what? You can find the Harbingers in all the places you usually find podcasts. Lyra could follow Sindri, or she could take part in whatever fight was taking place.

D (4:15)

Oh fuck no.

A (4:17)

Elias slammed the door behind Liro and it simply vanished into thin air, never to be used again without the imminent threat of death by demigod. Lyrel began to relax and examined her surroundings.

D (4:32)

Where are we?

A (4:35)

She was unsure of how much time had been lost traveling through the door, as such magics could stretch moments into months, but the others seemed at ease, which helped. While her flaming blade offered illumination, it was not necessary for her companions, as three sconces presumably lit by the human, began to warm the air. The room felt short and was a storage space of some kind, housing rows of wooden crates, organized and sealed but not labeled in a way she could understand. A stone doorway large enough to accommodate the boxes sat to the right as the room's only entrance now, and in the center of the room's back wall was a short platform with a pulpit table and green banner bearing symbols similar to those on Father Westpike's shield, A shield that he had, unknown to her, taken from a deceased friend.

D (5:26)

Lyrul takes out her ring and hands it to him. It reads any language she's hoping it will help.

C (5:34)

Thank you, Lyrulp. I don't think we'll need it, though. I can sense that we are beneath the stone of a mountain, but I do not recognize this room in particular. It doesn't look like a mine, thankfully, and that looks like the symbol of Eluvian, so I suspect this place is some kind of a temple storehouse, or perhaps someone's. Someone's basement.

E (5:59)

Makes sense to me. Think we're in Westmans, though.

C (6:02)

I hope so. I feel like we've been running for so long that we not had the opportunity to just sit down and catch our breaths. But I don't remember Eluvian being worshipped. If we infect our investments, we should start by finding a way out of here.

E (6:22)

There's a door right there. I already checked and it's locked, but I was gonna try to pick at it with my tools for a bit, but I was waiting for y' all to get here, so I'll get started on that now, if you don't mind.

D (6:32)

Litto would like to open one of the boxes stored in the room, but doesn't have a crowbar and they appear to be pretty well hammered shut. They look like shipping crates and she's gonna use her flaming blade to cut a corner off one of the boxes to see what's inside.

C (6:46)

As Lyrull starts bringing the flame close to the box, you can hear Father west pike behind you. Go, please. Can you. Not right now. As he's laying Rowena down on the.

A (6:57)

Ground, Lyrul, unsure of the proper words to use, gestured toward Father Westpike's hip and mimed using his hammer.

C (7:05)

Lyrol, not now, please.

D (7:09)

Liriel disregards the old dwarf and pries open one of the boxes with her flaming sword. And after seeing that the first one was full of coal and is rather quickly catching fire, she's just going to step back and shrug and say, hm, nothing useful.

C (7:27)

Put that thing out, Lyrel.

A (7:29)

Lyra looked around the room, confirming that the ceiling, floor, and walls were stone in the rows of wooden boxes. She couldn't find a good way to separate the smoldering box from the others, and pondered magic as the solution to her predicament. The room would likely be filled with smoke soon. Meanwhile, Elias had failed to open the masterwork dwarven lock with a 14.

C (7:49)

For the love of God. Father Westpike stands up, turns to Lyrull. Please pick up Rowena. As Father Westpike walks towards Paine, he takes out his hammer. Payne, please move aside. And I'm gonna pass the door at the lock.

E (8:02)

The fuck did you do? Oh. Oh, God. And I move out of the way.

C (8:07)

Just had to be quality dwarven craftsmanship, you know? I think the door is going to give away before the lock does. Nope. Looks like a volt door.

E (8:22)

We're gonna die in here. Because the smoke inhalation.

C (8:27)

This will take a while.

A (8:28)

As Father Westpike began a task that would take upwards of five minutes, Elias approached the pulpit, finding its previous contents thrown to the ground to make room for Rowena's body. By Lyrel, who picked up a discarded Elven scroll, glanced at it, and calmly moved to join Father Westpike.

D (8:45)

Take the seed in the glass. Do not lose it.

E (8:48)

All right, all right. I'm gonna talk while I look through stuff so you all know what I find. We got two silver goblets, a glass container with weird brown seed in it. Not sure what kind of seed, but I'll pocket it because the Lyrel asks so nicely.

D (9:03)

I examined the rest of the room visually to see if there's anything else that might be important to take or examine before we get out of the burning room.

A (9:15)

Lyrel reasoned that the large green banner could be used to potentially smother the fire.

D (9:20)

Lyrel walks over to the banner and uses it to try and extinguish the flames. She'll point at pain and gesture like, can you help me with the other side?

E (9:29)

I'll help.

A (9:30)

With their combined efforts and the subtle casting of Lyrul's frostbite magic, they were able to reduce the heat enough to extinguish the fire entirely. Over the next few minutes, though the choking smoke was still present in the room in the background, Sindri continued to swing at the door with his warhammer.

E (9:45)

Not bad.

A (9:47)

Sindri was still striking away and he had about two more minutes to go.

E (9:52)

What did you find on the. Why is the seed important?

D (9:56)

Lydel speaks to Elias and Elvish while still reading the scroll. According to the rituals described in this scroll, it is a graveroot bulb, a plant kind of like an onion that. Well, let's just keep it simple. It looks like a seed, but is a plant that has fed on death in quantities that are too terrible for most to imagine. If planted within a body, and if the proper ritual were performed, it can supposedly restore the Dead?

E (10:27)

My elfish is a little bit rusty, but did you say it could bring back somebody from the dead?

C (10:33)

Sentry. It stops heading.

D (10:34)

Yes. It's an old magic. But if this scroll was truly authored by the name on the signature, it will work. I will need a safe place to follow the ritual. If the two of you would like me to bring Rowena back in this.

C (10:48)

Manner, follow us by guess, like strutting towards you guys like. Wait. What do you have? What is that?

D (10:58)

A scroll? And a seed. He has the seed.

C (11:01)

We can use this to bring Rowena back.

D (11:04)

According to the scroll, yes.

C (11:06)

No, we're. We're doing this now. We're bringing her back right fucking now.

D (11:10)

I do not think it's safe now. We don't know where we are.

C (11:12)

Whatever's outside could be worse than whatever's in here. I've been breaking out that door for two minutes. If there are guards or whatever outside, they will take the seat. They will take the scrolls away from us. They will take Rowena away from me. We are doing this now.

D (11:26)

Fane. What do you think? I don't think it's a good idea now. I think we should hold onto it and attempt it later.

E (11:35)

I think it's probably best we do it now. Otherwise, how are we gonna get a body out of here?

F (11:39)

She's.

E (11:39)

She's real fucked up. We can't just carry her down the street like that.

D (11:43)

All right, then. Two against one. Let's try it.

C (11:46)

I'm sorry. You don't have voting rights. You're not of age. Father Westpike tries to take the scroll away from Lyrul, but she sits in Elvish and backs off. All right, what do we do? How do we do this?

D (12:00)

My ring. Please return. This is not my Elvish.

C (12:04)

Of course. Of course.

A (12:06)

Lyrul read the scroll two more times in full before beginning the slow ritual. Rowena's body was prepared on the altar, and the bulb the others called a seed was given, a special mixture that Lyrul concocted from the herbs and salves she kept on her person. She was first and foremost a Druid by calling as roots poked and twitched from the edge of the bulb and as she read aloud incantations, she lowered it into the hollow cavity of Rowena's back. Over the next 20 minutes, the seed expanded upward, wrapping around Rowena's spine, creeping around her ribs and the few remaining organs, secreting a strange new ooze that resembled blood or flesh, filling and obscuring the cavity from view. The others waited while Iryl continued her quiet chant and assumedly organs were formed beneath growing flesh. Even wounds far from Rowena's back seemed to heal with the growth. And her body was made whole, free of damage. Though no life stirred within the dwarf, as Lyrul's bloody hands stained and marked the scroll with pre traced symbols, mirroring the marks on Rowena's body. A final magic ignited, pushing air into the dwarf's lungs as Lyrel pressed down upon the body with a sharp jolt. And all at once, Rowena began to cough and rolled to his side, eyes wide and confused.

C (13:27)

As Rowena gasps her first breath, Father west pike hatched his hands around her shoulder. And he's pulling her close and he's just like Rowena.

E (13:37)

It's okay.

C (13:37)

It's okay. You're gonna be fine.

E (13:40)

It's gonna be fine.

F (13:42)

What happened?

C (13:44)

That creature that possessed you left. It took its own form.

E (13:50)

I'm gonna offer her a flask. I feel like you need this lid.

D (13:55)

I'll extend some bread to Rowena as well. Eat, please.

F (14:00)

Thank you. I don't know what you did, but thank you.

A (14:06)

As Rowena ate the bread and was free from these terrible influences, it didn't matter where she was. She was alive, at least for the moment. And so was Sindri. So she recovered.15 stress.

F (14:20)

I'm no longer insane.

C (14:22)

Lucky you.

A (14:23)

But before she could finish her meal, a click of metal was heard coming from the door, followed by a flustered curse. Whoever it was attempted the lock a second time as the door was forced open and a cloaked dwarven woman in heavy armor peered within, torch at the ready.

C (14:39)

What?

E (14:40)

Uh, now, hold on, hold on.

C (14:41)

Let's.

A (14:42)

She reached for her mace.

E (14:43)

All right, we're gonna do this. I chuck a dart at her. 22.

A (14:46)

The dart caught the woman in the cheek and she dropped her torch in surprise as Rowena, confused but trying to help, began to cast. Hold person.

F (14:53)

Here you are. I don't give a fuck, so right now you're just gonna get stuck.

A (14:57)

Which was resisted, but did give the woman pause enough for them to get a few words in while she removed the dart.

F (15:02)

Look, we don't want to kill you. We just.

C (15:04)

Please, we are holy people. This is a misunderstanding. We didn't mean to find ourselves here.

A (15:09)

The woman didn't seem convinced and drew closer.

D (15:12)

Lydel is going to hold her staff out defensively to give the message. Come any closer and I'll hit you.

A (15:17)

She walked closer and Lyrul struck her with the staff as promised, cracking her in the head. And likely giving her a concussion, interrupting the strike intended for Payne's head, which missed.

G (15:28)

Leave that woman alone.

C (15:29)

Father Raspike is running towards the woman and he throws down his hammer and picks up his shield. We don't mean you harm. They are just not very smart.

G (15:38)

Please.

D (15:39)

Did he call me stupid?

A (15:40)

The woman seemed enraged as Father Westpike approached and didn't hesitate to strike him with a mace across the shoulder for 12 damage. Following her attack up with another and another which began to dent his shield. Her fury only increased and Father Westpike could feel the sting and strength of radiance in her strikes.

C (16:01)

I reach out with my hand and I want to cure wounds on her. I don't know how it works to attack somebody with a heal spell.

A (16:08)

Father Westpike was now kneeling and reached a tentative hand out under his shield to heal the woman's wounds, working to distract her hatred on the shield itself.

C (16:16)

We are not here to harm you. Please calm down.

D (16:19)

How dare you.

A (16:21)

Though she healed half her wounds, her attacks did not cease. And for his efforts, she smashed his wrist with iron and fury, dislocating it momentarily.

E (16:30)

Yeah, whatever, lady. I'm gonna punch her right in the gut to knock her out. 2510 damage.

D (16:35)

You know, if you hadn't healed her.

C (16:38)

I know, I know.

E (16:38)

I'm gonna spend the ki. Point and flurry of blows. Natural 20. That's a crit.

C (16:43)

Oh, no.

E (16:43)

And a miss.

A (16:44)

Before rolling on the critical hit shard, Elias struck the woman in the gut, knocking the air from her lungs, before a right hook cracked into her forehead, slicing skin and leaving a permanent scar to remember him by. Elias was so impressed by his hook, he almost forgot to follow up with an uppercut and was too slow to land the attack. Bloodied but still standing, Rowena stood and charged the woman, hoping to grapple her or tie her hands up with the cloak Father Westpike had given her. It felt good to move, and for the first time in a long time, Rowena felt present and almost held healthy. But now is not the time to ponder such things.

F (17:19)

For God's sake, stop trying to kill people.

E (17:32)

Go for the legs.

A (17:34)

While Rowena and Elias failed to subdue the very lively dwarf before them, Blirrel pulled a dart from her bandolier and sprinkled a non lethal powder over it. That was normally to subdue animals, calmly moving before the woman and stabbing her in the neck with it. But perhaps something was wrong with her poison. Or perhaps the dwarf simply was more hardy than the animals that normally fell to such tricks. Because beyond more blood spilling from her neck, the woman continued to struggle.

D (17:59)

God damn it. It's okay. I'll just beat her to death.

A (18:02)

The woman began casting a form of magic, but Father Westpike was faster, casting a spell of restraining.

C (18:08)

For God's sake, be still. Finally, can we please restrain her with something? Larry, you still have that rope and seem to be good at tying these knots.

F (18:18)

What kind of knot would you suggest? Knot, nerd.

E (18:20)

I don't tie people up, so I wouldn't know. Ask me when we're fixing a fishing net or something. I'll tell you then.

D (18:26)

Square knots are easy to make, tough to break. Right over left, left over right.

F (18:29)

Repeat, one hand me spell off pretty quick, dad. Good job with the knots, though.

D (18:35)

I'd hardly call that a punch, dwarf.

F (18:38)

Look, we're not trying to kill you or steal your stuff. We just. You've already stolen enough. I can't attest to when I was unconscious, okay? And I don't know exactly how we got here, to be totally honest with you. You're those criminals.

D (18:50)

I will make you suffer.

F (18:52)

Oh, believe me, we've suffered.

D (18:54)

Not nearly enough.

F (18:55)

Oh, you'd be very, very fucking wrong about that.

D (18:58)

You're still breathing.

F (19:01)

Look, we're just trying to get our way to Westman's hold, okay? We're not.

E (19:04)

Hey, no spitting, especially in the face, okay?

D (19:07)

Can we kill her now? She's got nothing useful, it seems.

C (19:10)

Father West Pike's, like, grabbing his hand where she smashed it. He's casting cure wounds on it.

A (19:16)

The joints and bones slid, then popped back into place. Father west pike felt much better as he tested movement on each finger.

F (19:24)

What do you think we did? Who do you think we are?

D (19:28)

You are Lady Rowena Grin at Pike of the Cordalum, are you not?

F (19:32)

Yep, you're probably right on that one. Where the hell are we? Cause we're trying to get to Westman's Hold.

D (19:37)

Congratulations, Murderess, you've made it to the hold.

F (19:41)

Hold of what?

D (19:42)

Westman's Hold.

F (19:44)

Oh, Westman's Hold. We're here.

D (19:46)

Shit.

F (19:46)

How did we get here?

C (19:49)

We used the door.

D (19:51)

We concentrated.

C (19:53)

After that, the creature Neverborn came to life.

F (20:00)

Okay. Okay.

C (20:02)

This is a lot to unravel, I know.

E (20:05)

Listen, we don't want to kill anyone.

D (20:07)

Yes, we do.

E (20:07)

We've all established we are not going.

C (20:10)

To kill anyone here.

E (20:12)

Sure. You tell yourself that, then once you.

F (20:14)

Depart, I get free of this rope.

D (20:16)

And I will hunt you down and kill you.

F (20:20)

But why? I mean, I seriously haven't done anything to piss you Off.

E (20:23)

You know, talking like that's just dumb. We got you at a clear disadvantage and if you keep saying things, we're just gonna kill you.

F (20:29)

No.

D (20:30)

But yes we will. And who are you, dwarf? Tell us your mask of kindness slips.

E (20:36)

You can't get mad at me. You just told me you were gonna hunt us down and kill us. This is just self preservation.

F (20:43)

And we haven't killed you, we've just tied you up. So we're trying to do the right thing here. I don't know exactly why you're pissed off at us. I haven't done anything to you. We're just here to solve some things and then we're gone, okay? You've done everything to me and my family. The fuck have I done?

E (21:01)

We definitely have not done anything to you. Except punching in the face a few times.

A (21:05)

She glanced at the bloody dart on the floor.

C (21:08)

We stole her artifacts.

F (21:12)

We did Walt know?

C (21:13)

Were you tasked to protect these things? Is that why you're so angry?

D (21:17)

You. You used the graveroot.

C (21:20)

I am sorry, but we had to.

D (21:23)

If you do not start answering our questions, we will kill you and search you and take anything valuable. You think we are thieves? Now just wait. Keep not cooperating.

C (21:33)

And Lyrl, please, you're no longer in captivity. This kind of speech isn't needed. This lady is either misunderstanding or furious.

F (21:43)

There's no misunderstanding.

D (21:44)

You murdered Samurai.

C (21:46)

We didn't know that.

D (21:47)

Samuraite Cavern's fault.

G (21:49)

Wait, who?

E (21:49)

What?

D (21:50)

Keep your voice down or we will lower it for you. Little's proud of herself because she actually knows that phrase in common.

F (21:56)

Uh, yeah, I actually don't say anything. I just look down.

E (21:59)

I mean, we killed a few folks, but I don't remember that name. Who is this lady?

D (22:03)

A sufferer of Eluvian. A daughter of vaxyphos.

C (22:10)

She speaks the truth. A woman by the name of Lady Savarid Cavensfall. A friend died in our company, but we did not kill her. The tales of our endeavors were vastly changed upon arrival back home.

D (22:25)

The guilt is plain on her face.

E (22:27)

I'm gonna rip off my dirty sleeve and stuff it in her mouth. We're having a conversation here.

D (22:33)

I am glad she's of dwarven constitution. I would have certainly vomited if you had put that cloth anywhere near my face.

C (22:40)

Father west pike kind of like straightens his back. But he still goes back to his little hunch and looks at Lyra in pain. There's a lot you don't know about me and Rowena. We owe you a lot of explanations. But I can promise you that we did not kill Lady Caminfall. A cursed blade ended in our hands and it drove itself. It used Rowena as a tool to drive itself, trying to close the gate. Lady Cavanfall sacrificed herself as the blade was about to strike me.

A (23:14)

Father Westpike could roll a persuasion check to see how the bound woman found his story 11 and noticed no change within her.

E (23:23)

So it sounds like you've got some real bad luck out there. And it sounds like you've had some real bad luck there, dwarf lady. On the ground.

C (23:30)

Now.

E (23:30)

We needed the things we took, and everything's gonna be fine. We're not gonna kill you. Probably. We'll all just go our separate ways.

C (23:38)

Father west pike shakes his head when you say we're not gonna kill you. Probably, like by the light.

F (23:45)

Okay, what did we steal? And what happened between when I hit the ground and being back here?

C (23:52)

I don't want to talk about that in front of the Ladybug.

D (23:54)

We should discuss that later.

E (23:55)

Fine.

C (23:57)

No var endeavors. Let the truth be heard for once so somebody knows what actually happened.

E (24:02)

A Dark God came out of your back and you died. And then we ran away. Cause fuck that. And then we found a seed and a scroll.

D (24:10)

Mm.

E (24:11)

And the seed, well, it turned into you. And then the scroll brought you back to life.

C (24:17)

Cool it, please.

E (24:18)

And I realized that was probably worth a lot of money. It was probably some gift from a God somewhere. But, you know, we had more need for it.

D (24:25)

We needed it.

F (24:27)

Hang on. Can you. Can you. Can you. Can you wind back on two things maybe I need.

E (24:34)

Well, your spine and your rib cage were ripped out of your body, so I just assumed you were dead.

D (24:39)

I thought it was an illusion for a while, but it turned out to be real.

C (24:43)

Okay, please, guys, some tact.

E (24:46)

No, no, no, no, no. Let the dwarf lady hear exactly what. What happened. Bad things happened. We had need.

D (24:52)

Then we must kill her. She cannot take this knowledge to others.

F (24:55)

Now that she knows she is tied up here, it's gonna take a really long time for anyone to get to her. Okay, we don't need. Look, you two, I don't know what we need. You. I'm not gonna lie. Some of the stuff on that. Okay, almost everything on that list we've kind of been involved in or is basically my fault one way or another. Other than the drinking on a horse. That was definitely.

C (25:16)

That was me.

F (25:17)

But we need you to help us survive. We've never been on the run as criminals. We got so much shit to do. But you two can't just kill everything we meet.

D (25:25)

Why not?

F (25:25)

You understand that, right?

D (25:26)

No.

E (25:27)

Well, I can kill everything we meet.

F (25:29)

Okay, I'll rephrase this. We can all kill everything. Okay, but let's not do that unless we have to. We have to because more people get pissed off at us.

E (25:37)

I agree. Let's not kill her, okay? As long as she understands it's a lie for her life, we're letting her go. We're gonna go. We will never speak to each other again.

F (25:45)

That's a perfectly reasonable thing. Alright, to my second really important question. Am I now part plant because you put a seed in me?

E (25:54)

No, I actually don't know the answer to that.

D (25:56)

She said she will hunt us down and kill us all. So she did threaten to follow us and she could bring trouble.

F (26:04)

Look, if you guys. If we stole a seed to bring me back, we owe her, okay? We owe her her life because of me. So let's let her have it. And if she tries to come and get us, fine. We'll deal with it then. But we need to give her a chance to understand that we're not complete dicks. And she says that with some trepidation in her voice. Okay.

A (26:30)

The woman on the ground shook with rage.

F (26:33)

I'm just gonna have to ignore her. I can't.

E (26:35)

I don't think she's gonna ignore this. She's gonna come back and then we're gonna have to kill her and it's just gonna be a whole thing.

F (26:41)

I agree, but we need to give her that chance.

D (26:44)

She does not deserve it.

E (26:45)

I'm gonna poke her with my toe. You gonna chase us?

D (26:48)

West pike attempted to heal her several times and she has not gotten the message.

C (26:53)

We stole valuables from her. Exceeding. It's as if I had killed your pet, Lyrel. We have taken something from her which she will probably never be able to get back.

F (27:08)

Someone far more important than me could be brought back.

C (27:10)

Please understand that her grievances are very understandable.

D (27:14)

It is her loss.

C (27:17)

I lean down in front of the dwarf woman and say, I'm Father Sintre Westpike, husband of Pia Breitzmachter, daughter of Sylvia Brightsmuthder. I don't know if I will ever be able to pay you, but I will do my best. I will keep continuing my travels. There are lots of darkness in my path, and if you follow me, you may fall prey to it. And if you find us, we will not spare you a second time. Because you came after us. I understand that you are in a horrible situation. Right now, but there's nothing I can do about that. I had lost my cousin and I did what I had to do to bring her back. I'm sorry. You were the recipient of that. And I raised myself up, I put.

F (27:57)

My hand like into his for a little bit. So we all got to leave. And I give him like a side look.

D (28:05)

We.

F (28:06)

We're looking for your family here, right?

C (28:10)

We need to go see Pia. She's probably at our home. Violet Light.

G (28:16)

Our home.

B (28:19)

If.

C (28:19)

If we. If we leave this woman tied up here, she will probably break herself free within a day. She will be fine. If not, we should check on her before we leave. We have already made a lot of noise and I would be surprised if we don't attract some form of attention on our way out. Thankfully, I don't think we're in Bloom or the Noble district, so in theory it should be just curious passersby who will likely not care.

E (28:46)

One problem though. You just told her where we're going.

C (28:49)

It's fine. I have told her what happens if she follows us.

F (28:53)

I haven't exactly been very stealthy about our plans. Like I said, we kind of needed your two's help way longer than. Yeah, I care to admit we're going.

D (29:02)

To be in trouble. Now that she knows her destination, permitting her to live is an unnecessary danger.

E (29:09)

I'm gonna poke the tied up dwarf woman. Hey, hey. I'm gonna leave you here, but you need to just stay, okay? Don't follow us. I'm pretty sure he said what would happen. We're just gonna leave, okay?

A (29:21)

The woman stared at them with a hateful glare that told Elias and Lyrull that they would certainly meet again.

C (29:28)

I stopped walking towards the door.

F (29:30)

Quickly. Just quickly. Rowena is wearing her new leather armor, which doesn't have the cordalum emblem on it. But during the discussion earlier, she's gonna realize that there. There's probably a giant bloody hole in the back of her armor and the shirt as well. And she's going to prestige take the blood out best she can before cutting off the big flappy bit where the armor was cut open or ripped open. And she's going to strap the armor to her with a spare belt and cover her exposed back with a traveling cloak or something. We can always buy a replacement shirt or something later. But this should do for now. And Rowena will follow her cousin.

A (30:02)

As the team passed the broken vault door and turned turned down the hall, a young dwarf was there to greet them. A man with round red glasses, a short beard, Short, matted hair, piercings and a smoking pipe, he seemed to almost be expecting the party. And as the gilt emblem he wore and the gold tooth from his amused and admittedly surprised grin glinted in the torchlight, he moved with the grace of a dwarven diplomat, bowing politely before speaking directly to Lyrul.

G (30:29)

Wow. I did not know the Count's walls had dealings with the Darklands. I must admit that I am now jealous.

A (30:37)

The team, most of them covered in blood that was not their own, looked among themselves tensely before the well dressed dwarf slowly extended a hand toward Lyrel to shake.

G (30:46)

Please, call me friend. I am a Kreel of House Kil Tor.

A (30:51)

Lyrul stared at his hand for a moment in hesitation before appraising the dwarf. An adult on the younger end of the scale of time, dressed in fine green and importantly wearing a house seal, she was unfamiliar with and therefore not.

D (31:05)

An enemy yet she extends her hand and shakes his. I am Liryl, Second daughter of the House of Gigeen.

G (31:13)

A pleasure to meet you. What house did you serve within the Darklands, my lady?

D (31:19)

House Cai Geen serves none, save for the All Shadow.

G (31:23)

Hmm. I've not heard of this house, but it is a powerful name.

D (31:29)

Very powerful.

G (31:31)

For you to be here, you must be very powerful indeed. Are you working with the Count's falls, or perhaps the source of suffering?

A (31:41)

Akril's eyes fell upon Father Westpike and Elias, both covered in blood.

D (31:47)

No.

G (31:50)

Has your business within the hold concluded?

C (31:53)

No, we do not need to answer his questions.

G (31:57)

Very interesting choice of servants.

C (31:59)

You have traveling companions, not servants.

G (32:05)

Traveling companions to the second daughter of House Kenguin.

D (32:09)

Indeed, yes.

C (32:10)

And we must be on our way.

G (32:12)

I would love to assist you with.

F (32:14)

We don't require your help. We don't require your help. The second daughter has business to attend to and you're in our way.

A (32:21)

As he spoke, Akril casually indicated to the blood on their clothing and the broken door behind them.

G (32:27)

If you're doing business within Westman's hold, you will want a guide. It will make traveling through these halls much easier. Please allow me to be your emissary to the Hold. It would be my pleasure to be of assistance. I simply wish for your house to remember. My house?

F (32:43)

Oh, we'll remember your name. Something of House Tor.

G (32:46)

House Kaltor. And again, I am a Kryl. Thank you, but I believe your master can speak for herself, can she not?

D (32:55)

Why is it you want to help us? What do you stand to gain?

G (32:59)

You are a second daughter of a House from The Darklands. Likely a powerful one. But your very presence within the hold. Have you not been detected by the Council up to this point? Further speaks to your prowess and the power your family holds. My family? My house. House Keltor and House Tor by extension. Would be honored to make a favorable impression with your house. In the hopes that we might one day open up a trade agreement. You must have noticed how difficult it is to get anything into Westmans, eh? That means that we pay top coin and better yet, the most precious of metals. Such a trade earns me prestige within my house. And would likely do the same for you. Yes. Just imagine coming home with quality metals. Silver, coal. Westmans does not trade with just anyone. We are always looking for more labor to help with the mines. And I just so happen to be the intermediary who can facilitates us. An arrangement. We could discuss this further maybe. Or dinner perhaps. But for now, simply let me help you with anything you may need while within the wall of our hold. As your humble guide.

A (34:10)

A krill bowed low, his head almost touching the ground.

C (34:14)

Berther. Here in the Fjallarottemhol. I haven't been home in almost a century. Do you know of the Brightsmelters? Do the Bright Smelters still live in the same place?

G (34:27)

Are you? The Bright Smelters moved into their old father's home within the Forge district. But it can be reached easily enough. And judging by your smile, you must be. Sindri, was it?

C (34:41)

Sindri just kind of looks away.

G (34:43)

It is okay. I am not your enemy. Just between us. I secretly don't really like the Council either. Friend.

F (34:52)

I'm gonna insight him. 17.

A (34:54)

Though strangely blunt for a Guild Dwarf, they'd only just met. Akril's words seemed genuine.

D (35:00)

All right. We will take you up on your offer.

G (35:04)

Your Cintria had asked about his family. Is that just asking? Or is this your wish? To help him?

C (35:12)

I need to see them with my eyes. It's been far too long.

D (35:16)

Part of my being here is to help Sindri. So please humor his requests as if they were my own.

G (35:22)

I believe Sindri has been exiled. It's not going to be easy. But if it is your wish, I can see about getting his punishment removed. That would be a thing, right? Something I can make happen for you. It would be pleasing. Yes.

C (35:39)

That really.

G (35:39)

It would take some days to accomplish. But it's something I can make happen. Though that service would come at a cost, I'm afraid.

F (35:47)

I'm sorry. An exile?

D (35:48)

What?

F (35:49)

Sorry?

G (35:49)

Now this old rebel is A criminal and an exile.

C (35:53)

I was exiled from Westmanshold.

F (35:57)

But if you don't like the Council either, then we can just pass through and check in on your family. But I guess you'd want to do more than just see them. Look, if there is a hope to get you on exiled, then it's worth looking into.

C (36:10)

It's been more than half a century since they or the Council has had to deal with me.

F (36:16)

How long's it been since you've been gone?

C (36:19)

What was it? 80 something years?

F (36:22)

Huh. Interesting.

G (36:24)

I formally apologize for any part my family had in your punishments. It was well before my time, I assure you. You.

C (36:31)

It's not your fault. You would have only been a child when I came out of the Crag. If you were even born at all.

F (36:38)

His wife and his children, are they okay?

G (36:41)

I would be happy to facilitate the reunion. And you can speak with.

F (36:44)

So they're okay? If you can speak to them. They're fine.

G (36:48)

They are quite alive. Yes, that much I am aware of.

C (36:51)

If we can have the exile revoked, that would be very good. For me to be able to walk my town again.

F (37:01)

You could go home. And you could stay.

G (37:04)

As I said, I can work on that. And while I do, I have this one little issue you could maybe help me out with. Within the Crag is one who calls himself the Crag Lord. He's a leader of sorts, who helps keep things in order down there. We can talk about the specifics later, but I would like you to speak with him on my behalf about trade while I work on revoking Sintri's exile. That is the favor I would ask, as you are uniquely suited for this work as an outsider. Again, we can discuss this later and over mid Procell.

D (37:36)

Besides speaking with this Minelord on your behalf, is there anything else you would like to barter? Anything else you have not already asked for, I need to know.

G (37:45)

Just a trade deal, really. The Darklands can offer labor, and we can offer the things we mine. Many, many things. An exclusive trade deal with House Tor beyond the Council's control. I think that would be most beneficial. We are known for coal and a few other things, and that would be very, very good for all involved, but especially not the Council.

D (38:07)

All right. Let us proceed. In that case, I might have a few information requests for you as well, later.

G (38:18)

Indeed. Thank you.

F (38:20)

You said coal, as in things you dig out of the ground down in the Crag, Cole?

G (38:25)

Yes. We acquire minerals and metals from the Crag to refine up here. As Indri is familiar, Vestmansholt is known for our medals and our unique practice of putting criminals to work within the crack.

F (38:36)

Are you negotiating with free people or are you like negotiating with prisoners? You even bother negotiating with them?

G (38:44)

Well, they're not prisoners, technically. Now the people in the Krak are lawless exiles. And we're not negotiating now because we haven't heard from them in a few months. You see, for maybe 70 years now our hold has found a way to make use of the lawless. They trade minerals and jewels with the Westman's hold each month in exchange for food, water and supplies. The Crag Lords, their leader, made this arrangement with the Council. And now Westmans holds a monopoly on the cracks exports and capitalizes on them through high tariffs. Yes, it sounds less than ideal, but trust me, this is good for everyone. The prisoners can work and be fed and we get certain resources. And I work as a mediator for this trade. The problem is, long story short, the Crag Lord has not talked to us in a while. We've even sent down we built a manor down there too. A stone manor, not too far beyond the lift. Just a mile or so. Certainly things have changed in the last 80 years, Sintri.

C (39:47)

Seems like the people of the Crag have unified or been taken over by a single person. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

F (39:58)

One thing at a time, Cosmic.

D (40:00)

There's always a fight for power. That is common anywhere, it seems.

E (40:06)

Might I recommend that before we accept the offer of help from this guy, tell us in one sentence exactly what it is you want us to do.

G (40:14)

I wish to find out what has happened with the Cracklord and reinitiate negotiations so that our supply is once again secure. That is it. I do not seek violence if it is unnecessary, and I do not think it will be necessary. You don't need to be heroes. I just need to make sure he's okay and bring him back to the negotiating table. Or set someone new in his place. The Cracklord has been loyal, though a.

F (40:40)

Bit eccentric, so I assume people have.

G (40:43)

Been sent down already due to certain superstitions and stigmas. No one from the hold will go down. I have been tasked with overseeing trade within the Crag, but the Council will will not authorize me to bring in outsiders. My predicament is clear.

F (41:02)

Okay, so it's dangerous.

G (41:04)

Probably.

F (41:06)

I'm willing to do this for my cause.

D (41:09)

I believe we have deal.

G (41:11)

Thank you. I like to think my work holds value for many lives. And appreciate you accepting these exchanges of services. I also hope this can strengthen the bonds between our families and that we can continue forward with honesty as allies.

A (41:26)

Hand free of poison, Lyrul allowed the dwarf to grasp her hand within his and bow in a gesture of respect.

C (41:34)

Father west pike just kind of nods like yes, Lady Lyrul, can we please get going to the Bright Smelters?

D (41:42)

Ladel confidently motions for everyone to follow and looks to her new ally. Please lead the way.

A (41:51)

Dark the Long Road Chapter 27 A Life Stolen featuring Hem Brewster as Rowena Granite Pike, Ithur Vitharson as Father Sindri West Pike, Tanya Milojevic as Lyrel, Drew Tillman as Payne, and Travis Van Grof as Dungeon Master. Also featuring the voices of Marcy Edwards and Christian Atlee Himmerson this episode features editing and sound design by Travis Vengroff, mixing and mastering by Finner Nielsen and executive producers Dennis Greenhill, Michael Villegas, AJ Punkin, and Carol Vengroff. This episode featured music by Brandon Boone, Stephen Malin and Travis Vengroff. Please share your thoughts about our show with friends and on social media as it truly helps us grow. And if you so choose, please check out our patreon@patreon.com FoolAndScholar to help the show stay suspended Sustainable. This has been a Fool and Scholar production. Thank you for listening. The holidays mean more travel, more shopping, more time online and more personal info in more places that could expose you more to identity theft. But LifeLock monitors millions of data points per second. If your identity is stolen, our US.

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A (43:16)

Hey Tom.

C (43:19)

You want to tell him or you want me to tell him?

A (43:21)

No, no, no.

C (43:22)

I got this.

E (43:24)

People out there, people lean in.

A (43:26)

Get close, get close.

C (43:28)

Listen, here's the deal. We have big news. We got monumental news.

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We got spectacular news.

C (43:33)

Yeah.

A (43:34)

After a brief hiatus, my good friend.

C (43:35)

Michael, Ian Black and I are coming back. My good friend Tom Kavanaugh and I.

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Are coming back to do what we do best.

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