Khûm – Chapter 22

“Spring of 68, Second Age. Firewood.
That cheeky little bastard. Here I figured we might recruit those little pine-devils. Irritating as all hell but I’d sure change my tune quick if they was shooting the other guy instead of me.
Moot point, now that Mouse’s run oft with ‘em. Tell you the truth, I never did fully understand what all that marux business were about. Dragons never were my specialty but I do recognize a chain of command when I see one. That little one’s got quite the responsibility now.
If you was to summarize all these accounts into three words, it’d probably be 'Command ain’t easy'. Or maybe 'Don’t go mercenary'. Or probably “My feet hurt.'
Point is, Mouse’s about to find out real soon that there’s ain’t a lotta sunlight between victory in battle and logistical headache. And they ain’t the one’s cruising to learn that.
I wish them well, whatever they’s doing. And I ain’t surprised they couldn’t hack it. Few enough of us left that can.”
– Beholder's Log, 10th of Mutson, Year 68 of Ondûn's Second Age

Reeling from the bittersweet departure of Mouse, the Menagerie finished their crossing of the Firewood and arrives back at the ruins of Timberhall, already under construction by Clan Axebite. Laden with gold, Remorhaz convinced the rest of the company to help fund the dwarven reconstruction effort. Meanwhile, Griffon convinced Khosava Bracebow and her team of Clan Bracebow engineers to accompany them on a tour. Thane Zazav Bracebow made his peace with the company, offering a gift of new crossbows while Umber finally met with the disabled Dûnya Dragonbane. Her bones mangled by the dragonfire, she'd lost hope in ever fighting again but, encouraged by Umber, the two shared a night together. 
With both dragons slain and no other recourse, Dûnya knew she'd need to face the Mystriarchy's music at Truethrone and accompanied the departing company as far as Krazvadan. En route, Griffon left a small gift for the kobolds of the Firewood and Remorhaz shared a moment with Willow – just as friends.
Upon arriving at Krazvadan and faced with the choice of separating from her mercenaries, Dûnya made a shocking choice. Performing a short ceremony with Umber's help, she gifted the Dûvadaz and the throne to her surprised squire – Makem the Mumbler. Assisted by Axebite dwarves and Pudding, departing the company to reconnect with his family, Makem headed for Truethrone, ready to break the bad news to the Mystriarchy – that a lowly dwarf from an underclan inherited the throne.
On the long march to Yadsurov and the way out of Khûm, Chimera showed approval for Griffon's recent difficult choices and assigned Umber to work beneath Remorhaz to prove his worth. As they neared their destination, however, a long series of howls – a warg-to-wolf-to-warg message system called the hrolsh – brought urgent news to the Commander. Throka Thrak, the ruler of Throka's Cradle, her erstwhile lover and Umber's father, called for Chimera's aid.

Campaign: The Menagerie
Game Date: Mutson 13–25, 68 2A
Starting Point: Firewood
Characters Present:

• Griffon
• Remorhaz
• Umber