Barbigazl: Part Five

Barbigazl: The Conclusion [by Peter A. Picture is the device of Nikulburg]

Throin of Nikulburg has two trusted lieutenants, each resurrected companions of old. Smali is known to Argon and Panadyn as a former adventuring mate; he is easy going and well-inclined towards other races - or was, until his death. As unnatural as the process has been, Forge-born Dwarves brought back from the dead have a reputation for being grimmer and shorter of tempter. This can certainly be said of Throin's other lieutenant, Slugur, whose sometime enmity with the Dol Curin dynasty is long-burning, and whose former life's experience of Habenath was only slightly less pleasant. In short, some non-Dwarven members of the party could be in big trouble, having been discovered on disputed Dwarven ground, far from the safety of their homes.

Hurin holds his tongue, perhaps aware that Throin himself is no stripling, and bears a formidable weight among his people. But rescue of some form comes from Olbin and Hongur, both of whom were themselves former companions of Habenath and Panadyn. Easing the tension to hear how Nikulburg's army found the halls of Barbigazl, they provoke Throin's appointed spokesman to explain that Nikulburg was altered to the discovery of the halls when they themselves were researching the history of their kingdom and found reference of Orpin. Sending a delegation to Gundolar they were an unwitting audience to the news that spies near Redbeak had reason to believe Dwarven activity had awoken there, and the name of Barbigazl mentioned. Instantly Throin's curiosity was piqued, and only in the days that followed when he had amassed a small contingent of stout warriors to seek the forgotten realm, did he discover the apparent link to Nikulburg. With rage over a past betrayal burning, Throin's fellowship sped across four countries to the Dragon Mounts, and to Redbeak, there to settle the score long ago drawn by Hrothgar of Barbigazl.

Olbin explains that there is a stalemate - Hrothgar is dead, along with his stolen queen, and no heir was produced. The Nikulburgers are stunned and scandalized to hear that the woman in question was no Dwarf, and demand to see evidence. When this is produced, Throin in his wisdom suggests a moot between his kingdom and the men of the pretender Hurin Hewstone to discuss how the remains of Barbigazl may be shared, if they are of any worth. All that remains then is to determine the fate of those non-Dwarves present, for their business is not that of Dwarfkind, and events from this point on would best not include them. In fact, as Slugur says bloodthirstily, it would be best if they were not alive to share its secrets.

Hurin does not reply, and it remains for Olbin to remind his lord of the oath all of the PCs present swore - to serve him until death or his will released their bond. Smali asks who the party is, besides Argon and Panadyn, of whom he is well aware. Olbin, speaking for the group introduces the members of the Pentad and their companions. It does little good that between them the non-Dwarven PCs represent the immediate human neighbours of Barbigazl (and by that extension natural rivals for the territory and resources, uneasy neighbours of Nikulburg, and an elf. Argon, kneeling before Hurin, offers his services anew to the would-be king: he would gladly take the mantle of Hurin's champion in a duel with a representative from Throin's retinue - the winner would determine the fate of those present and claim ownership of Barbigazl for their king. Slugur hefts his great axe Widowmaker, ready to meet that challenge, but Hurin waves Argon away, and Throin watches the Dwarf Lord intently as he delivers his decision. Hurin explains that Olbin was charged with the duties of enlisting the members of his non-Dwarven retinue, and was wise to choose those he did. From the human lands of Gondalia, Angria, Mondasia and Dol Banden's Haven are themselves champions worthy of seeing the glory of Barbigazl - but no further. He charges those present to return to their lands and speak freely of the discovery of Barbigazl; say that it has been found and will have a new king, and is guarded well by the lords of Nikulburg and Khazum, and their allies from Khaz-kimun and Barak-Kund. He orders the Bard create a new song to be sung where ears would hear it, of the great deeds that delivered Barbigazl out of the dark, and finally of the love of Nim, its last queen, for the three peoples she called her own. He trusts them all to state that Barbigazl would be the friend to all, but that it belongs to Dwarves only, and will not look kindly on rivals. This is his last order to the party, and says that if they do this to the last man, their bond is released.

Throin lauds Hurin's wisdom, and states that he would add a further order, that each member swear never to return to the halls of the Kings or invite others to its doors. This is a right only to be conveyed to its king, Hurin, whom he himself will see invested as ruler before the remaining Dwarven kingdoms. Hurin bows as his men cheer, and says that he will release the party from their bond with the conditions set before, and rewards them at length for their trials and efforts. To Argon and Panadyn he is careful in his choices of treasures, but no less generous, and to Morf he grants his mercy, for although they met with deadly intent, the Gnome proved his worth several times since in service. As the party is escorted to the foot of the mountain, Morf asks that the remaining Pentad stay near while he clears the forests of Azhfelton. Though he has Hurin's mercy, he is still under oath to Orpin though nothing can be returned to the Gnome king save Nim's harp, which the Bard himself offers to return anonymously. Morf says that he is persona non grata, and to Orpin his life is forfeit, and to Azhfelton a likely exile. His fate lies in the hands of those he is with. Kogaun, as unofficial leader of the Pentad tells him not to worry, that in the Pentad will have friendship and protection, and as a new party as yet unnamed, Kogaun, Habenath, Alric, Morf and the Bard leave Hurin's kingdom for new adventures. [For example...]

[END]