Kutollum #18

Dagan leads your party past two heavily armored and armed guards…to a bright blue tent. It dwarfs the smaller dwellings, you think to yourself.
You try not to laugh.
Hundreds of long-bearded warriors stare as you cross the grounds. Many smile and even cheer as your new Kutollum friend walks past.
You look at your friends and chuckle. “Looks like he was missed.”
“Or he owes a lot of people money,” laughs Dorbane.
But you notice that a few of the soldiers bow as Dagan approaches.
“Who do you think this kid is?” whispers the Gypsy.
The guards at the front of the tent pull back the dragon-crested flaps admitting you.
“We’re about to find out,” you mutter.
Dorbane grabs the Gypsy’s arm firmly at the entrance. “Don’t say a word,” he warns her, “You won’t be recognized, so don’t bother. Don’t argue either. It’s not personal—it’s military and women don’t serve int he ranks. Got it?”
She grumbles, but nods, “Aye.”
An older Kutollum walks briskly across the room, up to Dagan, who stands at attention, eyes cast at the ground. The aged face is sun worn and weathered, an expression of joy plain as day.
“My son!” he exclaims, wrapping his arms around Dagan like a bear and hugging him roughly. “Where have you been!? The men searched every inch of this sorry excuse for a city and you were not to be found!” His wise eyes shift to you and Valda, then to Dorbane. His eyes linger on your dwarf friend.
“Father,” Dagan breaks off, “I was…taken hostage.”
“What?!” Thick black eyebrows furrow like looming storm clouds. His eyes once more shift to you and the Gypsy.
“These good strangers saved my life,” adds Dagan, “risking their own.”
The cold, calculating stare softens and the Kutollum offers his gloved hand to you. “Captain Deron Erdmuth,” he announces.
You bow respectfully, “Sir, I am…”
“And who is it that took my son,” breathes Deron, cutting you off. His piercing eyes lock on you. Study you.
You notice the two guards inside the tent shift their weapons at the changed tone of their commander. They’re ready to start a fight over this, you realize. Not good. Luckily, you know exactly what to say.

“We found two renegade soldiers of Andilain, who had left their post and kidnapped four of their own race as well as your son.” Go to #88
“They were human, sir, but…” Go to page #19