Responders to the Man in Black’s invitation trickled into the highwaymen’s camp. The Kobold chieftain Beeyo and his entourage were first to arrive. Like all Kobolds, Beeyo hated Gnomes and Dwarves, but his hatred for Thynna and sorcerers exceeded his enmity for the smaller folk. Beeyo hated Mayard Klarje most of all. His father Narg had been the Kobolds’ most effective leader in a long while. Narg’s efforts organized the chaotic Kobolds. He jumped at the opportunity to follow the renegade sorcerer Bailiwick. Narg died in the battle between the sorcerer’s troupe and sentries from Gnome-town led by Storming Norman, Longbeard, and Mayard Klarje. Beeyo continued his father’s efforts to organize Kobolds and gather a force strong enough to one-day challenge and destroy Dry Creek and Gnome-town and return stewardship of the Copper Mountain foothills to the kobold ilk. The Man in Black’s lieutenants Red-headed Stranger, Straight Arrow, and Waymore soon joined the meeting. The robed figure was the last to arrive. He entered the cabin with two kobold escorts and took a seat at the roughly hewn table. The Man in Black sipped his beverage and barely acknowledged the new arrival. However, the Kobold chieftain Beeyo scarcely contained his excitement and said, “Lord Bailiwick, I’m so glad you could join us. My father spoke so highly of you.”
Bailiwick grunted, “Your father… you are?”
Beeyo puffed out his thin chest and proudly said, “I am Beeyo, son of the great Narg. He served you steadfastly. I shall do the same.”
Bailiwick accepted a mug of steaming beverage and replied, “Best I recall your father had his chance against the Gnomes and Mayard Klarje and failed miserably. I had Mayard Klarje and the others in dire straits, and then Narg got his a** kicked by a female Gnome. I barely escaped. Are you any better?”
Beeyo cleared his throat and answered, “My warriors and I are well trained. Our hatred makes us strong. I seek vengeance.”
Bailiwick said, “That’s all well and good. If the message I received is true, you may soon have your chance, Beeyo, son of Narg. I am waiting, Captain.”
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