The Three Swords #20

The Three Swords is one of the few solid structures you notice throughout the tent city. Erected by the rich merchants of Roland, over one hundred craftsmen and three dedicated architects were employed to build the lodge in a single season. Crafted to entertain eight hundred soldiers in its great hall and house nearly a hundred visitors in the rooms upstairs, The Three Swords is praised for it’s food, and its drinks are legendary. It is considered the most important structure outside the Castle itself.
When you ask Dagan why a tavern would be so important, he responds boldly.
“Because The Three Swords is a tool to soothe the three armies, trying desperately to coexist in peace.”
Aggie introduces you to Egerton, the taverns steward. The fat old man is nearly overcome with grief as the young barmaid explains the peril she experienced. He promptly sends her to her room to wash and rest herself—there will be no work for her today. Egerton expresses his profound gratitude to each of you by offering your party a room upstairs. The first week is free of charge.
“Well that was a nice surprise,” chimes Valda.
You’re all famished and thirsty, so you sit down in one of the booths. The hall is mostly deserted at this time of the morning, the military performing their drills in the fields. Out of habit, you pull the light red curtain across the opening anyway.
“I really should be getting back,” says Dagan.
“Nonsense, lad,” chuckles Dorbane, “At least let us buy you one drink. You look like you could use one.”
The young Kutollum considers the invitation. “Only one.”
Dorbane winks at you, “Of course.”
Seven rounds later, you begin to wonder if you’re going to be able to find your bed upstairs. Valda is snoring, face down on the table, her drool pooling under her cheek. You only had three pints yourself, but Dagan and Dorbane are still going at it. Slumped in their seats, they order another round and start singing songs of their ravaged homeland. The base pitch of their voices rumbling the liquid in your mug.
All of a sudden, there’s a scuffle in the booth next to you. Then the sound of a shattering mug. You see liquid flowing across the wood floor from under the corner of your booths curtain.
“Blast you, Corey!” snaps a familiar voice, “Watch what you’re doing, fool!!”
Dorbane’s recognized the voice as well…and he’s struggling to get out of the booth.

Pin Dorbane with your foot and keep quiet… go to page #21
It’s time for payback… go to page #108