Into the Deep Before it Begins (Prologue, Part1)
Many months prior to the Dwarves expedition into the Mines of Moria another journey was about to commence...
The Prospector took his sword from Sally Marshfell with a polite smile and a nod thanking her. He held it out, admiring its finely honed edges before walking out of the forge area to gather the rest of his supplies.
Tully Hopwood the vendor in the common area of the Bree-town hunting lodge was saying his goodbyes to another customer when he noticed the Prospector approaching.
“Ah, Prospector, it is very, very good to see you again sir. Everything is in order. Right up to your precise specifications, as requested. The supplies are packed, loaded and your horses have been well fed. We've outfitted both of them with brand new shoes crafted from our best ferrier...ah yes I see you've already retrieved your sword from Ms. Marshfell.”
“Excellent, Mister Hopwood. You've done exactly as I've asked and earned every ounce in this bag for your...” Duramarth paused and his attention shifted to the hooded woman sitting quietly in front of the large stone fireplace. “Thank you Tully,” he finished abruptly, dropping the bag into the mans hand as he attempted to walk off toward the woman.
“Oh, Prospector one last thing,” Tully called out. Duramarth turned arching a brow. “Your, your axe sir,” the vendor stuttered as he handed the Prospector the pickaxe. “I sharpened it myself, it's quite beautiful really. It appears to be of elvish make eh...”
“Thank you Mister Hopwood but I must be going, that will be all,” Duramarth answered curtly as he grabbed the axe and walked off to meet the lady.
The prospector walked past the hooded woman and stood facing the hearth with his back to her.
“Greetings Prospector and I hope you are faring well since last we met,” the soft voice spoke.
Duramarth remained still staring into the fire as if contemplating his next words.
“I am curious. Why have you called on me?” the woman asked.
Duramarth craned his neck, meeting the eyes of the woman seated behind him.
Her gaze was dark and emotionless under the shadow of her covering but on occasion, the light of fire would reveal her bright green eyes. The woman looked up at the prospector tucking back a piece of sandy blonde hair that had escaped from beneath her hood. Her pupils drew back and forth dancing with the flame and her eyes shimmered with subtle flecks of gold.
“First Lady Sybri, let me say thank you for introducing me to our mutual friends. You all have been of great help to me,” Duramarth began.
Sybri smiled. “We would like to thank you for your service as well, Prospector.”
Duramarth nodded politely and then continued. “I have a favor to ask. My associate and I are traveling a great distance to survey an area for a new quarry of precious metal...”
Duramarth paused as the door to the lodge swung open and a hooded man wearing worn hunting leathers with a large crossbow slung behind his back walked in. “Ah, Mister Cynraede is here.” Duramarth motioned for the man to join them.
...to be continued.
