Chapter 7 Things That Make You Go Hmmmm
General Summary
While I sit here behind the Presidential desk of Marganation I bear the weight of a nation upon my shoulders. Oh, to be young again and address the horrors my advisors inform me are coming. I would be out facing down evil wherever it is found. That is what I did in my youth, that is what I desire now but the people want me to lead from behind while sending our youth into danger.
I would make a few observations regarding recent events. Since the “Summoning” on the occasion of the Autumnal Equinox I have had meetings with representatives of the Dwarves, Elves, Gnomes, Halflings, Humans of Marganation and the Emperor of Akkalion. These representatives were also steeped in the knowledge of Religion, the Court of the Elves, Information Gathering Services, Oral Histories, Magic and the Mystical. I insisted that our boots on the ground the “Force Patrol” be present as well.
After the first of two days of discussions I could see the eyes of the members of the “Force Patrol” were glazed over. What to do? We will need these young people to do the things that the leaders of the dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings and myself cannot given our responsibilities. So, looking for a way to give those the information they would need and give them breaks from the monotony seemed impossible at the time. However, the earthquake, rumored to have been the first in over 100 years in Caesion, disrupted things and provided me with an excuse to cut short the days discussions while I used the time to determine how much damage my city had suffered. I cut the meeting short and scheduled a second day of meetings for the next morning in order to resolve what actions should be undertaken given our circumstances.
The during the second day of discussions we reassembled early, although, the Emperor was late in arriving. Options were discussed resulting in the dwarves agreeing to reconstitute their army and the smithies set to weapons-making. The Druids agreed to determine, if possible, where the “Demons” were entering Calandyrion. The Elves whose armies are constantly training would send out “Rangers” to patrol the lands. The Gnomes agreed to see what new creations they could invent to help should war break-out. While the Halflings agreed to work with those who made their livelihoods growing crops and raising livestock in order to ensure foodstuffs would not run out in time of war. Finally, our intrepid adventurers agreed to search out the ancient dwarven forge known as “Gar Cavern” which appears to be a most difficult and harrowing task. With luck they will clear the forge of whatever creatures have inhabited it over the centuries and find the famed “Sword of Hope”.
It was fortuitous that at this point the Emperor arrived and provided our “Force Patrol” with gifts of magic to aid them in their quest. Those items excited our seekers to the point of distraction. Of course, no one bothered to questioned how the Emperor came to possess and distribute these items but good-fortune should not be questioned in a time of need. Afterwards, the Emperor indicated that, at the urging of Death, he would be searching to learn the location of the Lich Sulzex. That ended day 2 of discussions and planning and I asked the “Force Patrol” to make up their dungeon exploring packs that evening and speak with me one more time before heading out in the morning.
On 3 July the “Force Patrol” patrol arrived for a final conversation before heading out on their quest. It has been snowing for over a week and their does not seem to be any end in sight. So, I suggested that they take warm garments, snowshoes and crampons and to expect the mountain weather to be fierce. In addition, I provided the group with summaries of the histories shared during the previous two days of meetings and a note from the “Council of Glend” giving hints as to what they believe would be the best approach to take while seeking the “Sword of Hope”. I noted, much to my chagrin that while they perused the scrolls, they did not seem all that interested in the details that were contained within. What I had hoped would provide them with guidance upon locating “Gar Cavern” appeared to be more of a distraction to them. With that they went their way. I wish them safe travels on this assignment but the objectives are difficult, they will face great dangers and we have no way to support them along the way. They are young, impetuous and may die before this quest can be completed but I suspect there is more to them than can be seen on the outside. I also sense that the sword will play some vital role before the end.
Ruminations of a President Submitted to Nabnivar Snodgrain Chief Force Patrol Records Officer
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