Tie him up and take him back to Andilain #72

“These men are not getting away with this,” you growl. “This has to be stopped.” You look at the heavy body. “Valda, how strong is that spell?”
She shrugs, “I’m not sure—but he shouldn’t wake up for the rest of the night.”
You smile, “Good. Dorbane, grab a leg—we’ll drag him back.”
“That’s going to take some time,” she adds.
“Don’t wait for us,” you direct, “get back to camp, tie of the other soldier and look around for any other backup transportation these men might have hiding in the shadows.” You grab her arm, “And if he’s awake, don’t use magic. Just kill him. I don’t want you to risk yourself, alright.”
Without a word, she leans over, kisses your cheek and dashes off into the night.
“You really ought to marry that girl, you know,” says Dorbane.
“Oh shut up and pull.”

Before sunrise, the hostages have awaken, you’re back at camp—and Valda has secured the other soldier. He’s also still alive. Fortunate for you, there were three horses stashed in the hills, their location revealed courtesy of the young captive soldier.
Of course, Dorbane broke a few of his fingers before he felt generous with this information, but you were grateful regardless.

You escort everyone to Castle Andilain.
With Dorbane’s help and that of the young Kutollum hostage, Dagan, you receive refuge in the dwarf camps. You refuse to release your prisoners until Marshall Golace from the Royal Court can be retrieved. You explain the adventure in full, accompanied by the testimonies of the hostages. The proof is overwhelming. After the interrogation of the two soldiers, the true plot is revealed. Their leaders are exposed. Several key members of the military are charged, arrested and executed for treason—the event held for all citizens to see. The Four Kings are present during the proceedings to cement their unity in sustaining the Law.
Violence against the innocent will not be tolerated.
You are proclaimed heroes. Not only among the Human military and citizenship of Andilain, but among the Kutollum. You saved the life of Dagan, son of Deron Erdmuth, Captain of the Northern Warriors.
High King Gaston awards you, Valda and Dorbane with the Red Rose—the greatest honor the kingdom can bestow upon a civilian.
Erdmuth, as is custom, bestows you with a treasure gift from his personal estate, along with the hand of friendship. You are now, officially, known as Kääpö-Ystäv among the Kutollum…
Dwarf Friend.
You have money, fame and freedom to do anything you desire. If that wasn’t enough, King Gaston grants you with a personal recommendation from his own hand.
The future is yours for the taking.

THE END