The Caravan of Shadows – When Durakiss and Sambrune Outwit the Druegars
« The wind that bloweth o’er the Royal Forest doth whisper tales that even the trees dare not repeat. » — Elven proverb of Tal’Malelee
Whilst the skies o’er Delbrook Inn had darkened ‘neath the threat of the druegars — those grey creatures as sly as they were cruel — a cry of alarm had swept through the realms of Arche Terre. The walls of the inn had been broken, the stores plundered, and the folk, though valiant, found themselves without sustenance nor hope. Yet who, if not the twin cities of Sambrune and Durakiss, could answer such a call with the resolve of a united people?
Sambrune, ever pragmatic, had unearthed from its dusty warehouses provisions meant for Black Lake Drall — the very same supplies that, by cruel irony, had never left its docks after the city’s defection to Oloth.
A short stop in Durakiss West Docks
In Durakiss, King Alak himself had overseen the unloading of the supplies, adding to Sambrune’s reserves bread and salted vineson from the forest and few casks of wine produced in his own domain (« To warm the hearts, not merely the bellies », he had quipped with a wink), as well as tools and materials for rebuilding. « A caravan, » he had decreed, « must be as generous as possible for our friend. »
Thus did the Caravan of Shadows — so named for having traversed night and peril — set forth, winding its way through the Royal Forest under the discreet protection of the Durakiss Guards and some adventurers, mostly from Durakiss and Sambrune. But shadows, alas, were not the only ones watching its path.
First came the Inquisitors, those men who saw heresy in every use of magic even for charity. The inquisitors, tried to intercept the convoy, targeting the drivers specifically. Then came the vampires of old cemetary, drawn by the scent of blood… and, more tantalising still, the casks of wine. But the adventurers, armed with bravery and kindness, had kept them at bay. Lastly, the cultists — the very same fanatics who had kidnapped Vincent D.Ryder (see Gazette n°11: « Of Chains, Shadows and a Voice from the Depth: Vincent D.Ryder adventures) — had attempted a final assault. But again, the defenders defended the precious goods and saved the poor drivers.
When the caravan had at last reached Delbrook Inn, it was not merely provisions it brought, but a message: « even in darkness, the light of solidarity may pierce through ». The folk, their eyes alight with tears and gratitude, had welcomed the guards and merchants as heroes. « Ye have saved our lives!» a mother had whispered, clutching a sack of flour to her chest as if it were a treasure more precious than a pile of golden hundos.
Travel Advisory – South of Delbrook Inn
Travelers are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when venturing south of Delbrook Inn. A recently uncovered tunnel has been found to harbor a dangerous band of duergar, whose presence has already brought fear and bloodshed to the region. Only a few days ago, a daring raid was mounted to rescue villagers who had been abducted and dragged into the depths.
Those wishing to learn the full account of this grim affair should read our recent feature, « The Shadow Beneath the Earth: A Tale of Fire, Betrayal, and the Depths of Doomwood, » which recounts the courageous expedition and the horrors discovered beneath the forest floor.
« The druegars do strike in shadow, yet Erevan’s cunning doth dance in the light. A caravan of provisions is a jest against hunger… and the fairest jest of all is the one that saves lives. Remember: even a trickster god knoweth that hope cannot be stolen. »