Part 8. The Story of the Adventures of Roi; a pleasant yet introverted, middle-aged Dwarf who is not intrepid but who has to overcome his fears to begin an unwanted life as an Adventurer.

Tentatively Roi and his crew approached the wooden door at the far end of the room, sidestepping the corpse of the marsh troll. All seven of his comrades in close proximity.

The room was empty. There was a stone staircase leading up to a hatch in the ceiling where a shallow beam of light danced across the bare wall behind them. With some relief Roi led them up the spiral stairs and raised the hatch.

Outside they found themselves on a wide cobbled street facing a tall, dark and lopsided tower. Multiple small rooms were seemingly tacked on it's side and different stages of upward extensions were visible, giving the tower an almost organic presence. A small entrance stairway was carved into the rock, beside a large carved skull. At the top of this staircase was a small wooden door.

It opened and from within two stout Dwarves in a variety of blue garments descended. One was slightly taller and thick-set and had a dark blue fabric hat on his head. Something green hopped from the brim of his hat into his hand. His companion looked somewhat older. He scratched his shiny bald pate with the end of a large quill.

"Congratulations young man" came the booming voice of the broader dwarf. "You have passed the tests and proven yourself of worth. Let me explain. This here", pointing to his colleague, "is Valmore. He has been watching and assessing you on your travels and has set many tasks to measure your progress, initiative and bravery and with the help of your friends he has been impressed. Every facet of this journey has been recorded by him and it has been my pleasure to read his accounts. In fact it is your ability to be kind, non-judgemental and to make others feel wanted that has set you apart. These challenges should not and need not be faced alone and your comrades have come together and worked admirably. He and I feel you are now truly ready for adventure and will be working for me Thorin the Wise."

You should consider yourself now turning to page 400. And then you will start again, as we, the Wizard's Guild of Oakenshield are sending you and your warband to two cities, one named Mordheim and the other Felstad. There you will have to delve into your resources", pausing and pointing to the other Dwarves, "And learn to live, fight and survive in places of danger. But the wealth you can accumulate is invaluable. Wealth of knowledge of other species and yourself." A pause, a snigger "and of course the other type of wealth." Silence from all. "Is this not what you wanted young man, when you began this journey?" Thorin's voice seemed louder and deeper, slightly hostile.

Roi pulled himself together, gripped his mace and pulled his shoulders back. "Yes. Yes it is. My friends and I would like nothing else." He reflected on this confidence to speak on behalf of others, slightly surprised and ashamed. He hadn't asked them, only assumed. And this bravery, how he had changed. 

Thorin seemed to calm and then addressed the frog that was in his hand in a much softer voice; "Very well then Roi, Valmore will instruct you further on the tasks ahead, but first here's some coin for you to prepare." Out of thin air dropped hundreds of gold coins, surrounding the party with their clattering as they hit the cobbles. "Enjoy" and Thorin and Valmore turned back to the tower and disappeared inside. The Dwarves, bewildered looked at each other in astonishment at all that had just happened.

"Drink?" questioned Roi to his friends. The laughter suggested yes.