[Nerindel]

"And she call's herself a priestess. All she has done is murder and hurt."

Ghurdan laughed darkly, fool does he not know that our dark master specialises in death and pain. But he will when the eye deems him unworthy and releases him from his service a cold dark voice echoed in his head. And you Ghurdan shall have the command you desire, Now go to Sevora and Do as she commands.

"Ghurdan" Sevora called sharply, still obviously angered by Thorgoms words. He quickened his pace to join her, "yes, oh loyal one to the eye" he grinned, she raised an Eyebrow as her suspicions about the sea captain grew in her mind, 'So he too is favoured by the Eye' she chuckled to herself wondering what promises their master had offered the sea captain.

"There is a village west of here that is loyal to the eye," Ghurdan nodded he knew of this village "take two others and go, recruit soldiers for our dark lords army," she ordered. As he turned to leave she whispered so that only he could hear "the tribal warriors already know of our coming!"

Ghurdan nodded knowing the source of her information, He looked at the warriors before him and decided to take Damodred and one of his crew. He respected the older man's self control and wisdom.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Lyra's Post

“Damodred”
Damodred turned with surprise at the sound of his name. Sammael surely hadn’t been let off his punishment? No, it was the Sea Captain, Ghurdan.
“Damodred, I want you to come with me. I understand you know this area?”
“Yes” Damodred replied uncertainly.
“Very well. I need to find a village which I understand is somewhere around here. We need reinforcements to fight the savages. You can show me the way.”
Oh can I indeed? Damodred thought privately. Would you talk to Sammael like this? Well perhaps you would, he recollected, but I have a feeling you think I'm just a useless old man anyway. Well, we shall see.
"I can show you the way, yes" he answered with little enthusiasm.

Luckily the village was not very far out of their way- only about 3 miles. The rest of the party continued their journey as Ghurdan, Damodred and one of Ghurdan's crew broke off over the sand dunes.

When they reached it they saw a dusty little desert town, slightly bigger than the last. At the sight of strangers, townspeople appeared, standing around egarding them or peeking out of doors and windows. Once they reached the central square, Ghurdan motioned to the crewman, who pulled a large bell from the bag he had slung over his shoulder. He rung it, twice then put it away and stood silent.

Curious townsfolk began to pack the little square, until Damodred estimated there were about 150 of them talking quietly.
"Friends before the Eye" Ghurdan began "I am here to tell you of an important mission. We are going to convert the heathen tribesmen of the South to the great Dark Religion. We call for your help as loyal subjects of the same master. You receive great freedom here, now it is time for you to repay your debt to the great Eye! Volunteers come and report to me."

Damodred looked up at him. That was a clever speech- the hint of a threat was inherent in the mention of their freedom. Yes, no doubt about it, Ghurdan had brains. But then, so did Sammael unlikely though that often seemed. Between the two of them, there was a good chance that this mission would go very well.

[ July 25, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]