Albie Kirkey replied, “Figured as much. Mayard and Roswell go back a long way. Mayard’s voice alone speaks for the miners in Thynna.”
Rhiann countered, “Not everyone in Thynna is callous. Admittedly, many are.”
Baron Albie Kirkey said, “Not all voices in Flat Rock and Gnome-town speak for peace and good relations with Thynna. Our mutual enmity for Kobolds and the need to defend against lawlessness unites Gnomes and Dwarves more than kindred spirit. The highwaymen remain a threat. The fearsome foursome grows more brazen. In fact, I come to Gnome-town to obtain more support from the Burgomaster in my fight against them. We must step up patrols. I also have an order to send to my brother in the mines. My sentries require more swords and axes.”
Rhiann talked with Baron Kirkey until the hour grew late. Madam Darktop brought nightcaps and suggested they turn in. She allowed her spouse would be in no shape for meaningful discussion. The Burgomaster and Mayard Klarje’s escapades were the stuff of legend. Iyaca Vassi helped Baron Kirkey to his room. Albie Kirkey preferred the solarium where he could look up at the stars. His favorite night visage was a distal nebulous object oldsters called the Milky Way galaxy because of the thick number of stars at its center. Rhiann returned to his comfortable room that looked out onto the plaza. Sleep evaded the young sorcerer. Rhiann’s thoughts returned to the tragic story of Iyaca Vassi’s parents and the highwaymen. But for a glimmer of mercy in the outlaws’ leader the Man in Black’s heart, young Iyaca would have shared his parents’ fate.
Loud noise from the plaza startled Rhiann.
Voices rang out from the courtyard. Burgomaster Storming Norman Darktop, Longbeard nineteen-names, and Mayard Klarje’s doppelganger were returning from a night of too many rounds at the tavern. Madam Darktop met them at the door and administered a rather severe scolding.
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