Paladin's Quest

Chapter 3:Robbery

"All right I think that's everything" Sir Rolland said as he placed another sword on the pile that they had all assembled on the kitchen table. The entire surface was adorned with an array of deadly weapons - daggers, arrows, swords, and small throwing axes. Amongst the collection, Rolland stumbled upon a morning star, a rare find from one of the dusty old chests that were filled with useless junk in the attic of the house. Although nobody had the faintest idea of how to wield it properly, risking self-inflicted injuries rather than harming the enemy, Rolland decided to include it in the pile nonetheless.

"I'm getting too old for this" he said with a groan., holding his back.

"Your hair hasn't even grown white yet, old man" Gareth replied with a smile.

"I'm afraid they won't have the time to..." Rolland said indicating his bald spot and then the weapons on the table. He was already losing hair rapidly and any one of them could die in the upcoming fights.

"Don't be silly. I won't let anyone harm you." Gareth said with a determined voice.

"Oh...the irony. A few years ago you were a sniveling little boy who couldn't even swing a sword".

A burst of laughter escaped Adelaide's lips upon hearing that comment, causing Gareth's face to flush with embarrassment. He chose to remain silent, refraining from responding to Sir Rolland's tactless remarks. In moments like these, Gareth secretly yearned for Sir Rolland to simply keep his thoughts to himself, especially when he made uncomfortable comments about him in the presence of the woman Gareth held dear to his heart.

Darren positioned himself in the corner of the room, his gaze fixated on the others with a keen sense of observation. His eyes meticulously absorbed every minute detail, as if he were deciphering a complex puzzle. With a calculating demeanor, he assessed their probabilities, meticulously weighing their individual strengths and vulnerabilities. It was evident that Darren's mind was working tirelessly, strategizing and analyzing the situation at hand.

Despite Gareth's lingering doubts about the man's trustworthiness, they found themselves in a predicament where they had no alternative options. In order to uncover the whereabouts of the elusive Hercling, they reluctantly had to rely on his assistance.

"We move at night time." Darren stated. Frolkir muttered quietly to himself, expressing his discontent about being commanded by a thief, while he diligently honed a petite dagger he had stumbled upon amidst a heap of weapons, using a wetstone. Gareth had a strong conviction that at the earliest opportunity, Frolkir would swiftly plunge that sharpened blade into Darren, catching everyone off guard before they could even utter the word "Hercling."

Branwyne occupied herself in a distant corner, her mind seemingly consumed by deep contemplation. It was still day and this meant they had ample time to spare before embarking towards Lunborn's Library. Gareth, on the other hand, carefully examined the assortment of weapons before his eyes settled on a decent dagger. Securing it firmly to his belt, he knew it would serve as a valuable backup in case he were to misplace his sword during a heated confrontation. In contrast, Adelaide remained indifferent towards the weapons, confident in her ability to dispatch an adversary with a mere flick of her fingers. Frolkir, however, opted for a selection of throwing axes and a slightly worn sword, acknowledging its slight rustiness but acknowledging its capability to fulfill its purpose.

"If they don't die from it's sharpness they will definitely die from contamination" he said receiving a laugh from Branwyne.

Gareth's ears perked up as he detected a faint sound coming from the upper level of the house. Curiosity piqued, he swiftly made his way out of the bustling dining hall and into the serene ambiance of the salon. The room was adorned with two plush couches, perfectly positioned near the crackling fireplace, while an elegant staircase beckoned him to explore further. Gareth's gaze was suddenly captivated by a glimmering object concealed behind a delicate vase. Could it be a key, he wondered, his heart racing with anticipation. Just as he was about to reach for the vase, Darren materialized, casting an enigmatic shadow over the scene.