The Frontier #5
The battle with the bandits, and the shouting, is over. Using tools provided by Trevor, several graves are dug. (Several members of the caravan died in the attack before the party arrived.) In a quiet ceremony, Merlin and their bodies are laid to rest.
Upon hearing Finrod's plea for the spellbook, Cereld decides to allow him to keep it.
That task complete, those with healing skills tend to the party's and caravaners' wounds.
Flint, Dalliance and Finrod find the treasure on the bandits and the cleric. Finrod examines the box, searching for a method to open it. He plays with it for many hours, but cannot open it.
Cereld examines the remains of the Cleric of Hextor for himself. He produces a flask of Holy Water and pours a few drops on the evil cleric's Holy Symbol. The Holy Water acts as acid and quickly destroys the symbol.
Trevor suggests that the caravan move on, just in case of another attack. After an additional two hours of travel, the train puts up for the night. Camp is made next to a stream and dinner is served.
"You are all more than welcome to share in our meal," Trevor says. "I fear that a financial reward is out of my hands. This caravan is in the employ of the Crown. However, I am sure that General Logan will give you a reward on your arrival at Gateway."
The night passes without incident. Next morning, Dalliance memorizes Detect Magic. She casts her spell on the items found. She discovers that the cleric's armor, shield, flail, as well as the box are all magical.
That evening, while around the campfire, Trevor speaks of Gateway
"As you know, Gateway is the home base in the expansion into the Old Keln Empire. The city was reclaimed two years ago. A military force battled a goblin clan over the city. Since then, much remodeling has occurred. The city has been totally fortified from its rundown state."
"As adventurers for the Crown, you'll be given a mansion to use as quarters. Now, don't let the sound of that fool you. The mansions in Gateway date back to the Keln occupation. The walls and roof have been repaired, but you'll be lucky to have furniture."
The rest of the trip passes without event. During the afternoon of the fifth day, you arrive at the City of Gateway. Gateway is situated on a cliff overlooking the lands of the Frontier. The cliff averages only fifty feet in height. Roads going north and south lead from Gateway down the cliff face. The city itself is walled. As Trevor suggested, the wall is a mixture of old and new construction.
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