Redtime Story-Spectre King 03

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Red made her way down the bluff and to the bridge, where she was eager to have her curiosity satisfied. She quickly made introductions with the guard at the head of the span. He was named Garrick, a salt-and-pepper bearded man of unassuming stature. Red was pleasantly surprised that he was not taken aback by her size, build and dress, all of which tend to distract and intimidate most men.

There was something behind Garrick's eyes that spoke of vast experience as well as truth and honor. The pair struck up an easy conversation.

"Ah!" mused Garrick, "The traffic into Furtheld is due to the coronation ceremonies for the new King. Residents, traders and frontiersmen for leagues around all converge for the complimentary feasts and parties in honor of young Amaroy, the King to be! A horde of freeloaders for the most part, but the crown is generous here!" Garrick was informative, and shrewd as well. " So tell me, then, lady. If you be here ignorant of the festivities, what's your business in Furtheld?"

Red weighed her options. It wouldn't do well to announce herself as a meddler in the affairs of good and evil, as many have different opinions of what they are. Garrick waited patiently, and Red found that the demeanor of the old soldier seemed to warrant trust.

"I sense evil here..." she began, "and I am sworn to meet and exterminate evil in all its' myriad forms, Garrick. I pray you keep this to yourself and not think me deluded."

Garrick laughed. "If you are a lunatic you believe in your fancies with all your heart, and I perceive that heart is good and true! Your mission is in confidence with me, Red the paladin!"

"I give you thanks, Garrick." obliged Red with relief. "You, too are good and true! But tell me, veteran, if Furtheld heralds a new King...what of the old King?"

Garrick made a low growl in his throat. That growl wrote a short and eloquent poem of duty to his station, fealty to his command and constrained ability to speak freely.

"Were I to say what I know to be true, Red," he confessed, "I could soon find myself meeting the old King Amawar again." He sidled closer to the mighty woman and spoke softly, "The evil you seek is not well hidden, paladin. This fort is home to many pubs and speakeasies where drunken pundits will shout what I dare not whisper. I see you carry no purse, so it is providence that you are here this day. Until the final day of ceremonies, all food and drink in Furtheld is gratis, compliments of the King's own bountiful larder. Smile broadly for show and be on your way, Red."

Red smiled broadly, as instructed. "I owe you more than thanks for this, Garrick." She placed a hand on his stout shoulder and bid him well.

Garrick smiled broadly as well. "Good luck, Red the paladin. I hope you find what you seek and not the other way around!"

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