#kc_necropolis

"A... a counter-strike." Sylvi nods thoughtfully. "Will he sense it, even while he is here? Or...should we do it first, then show him the booty we have raided as he fights?"

"You must wait until the fight is underway, else he might move to you and kill you all before the three can engage. You must not touch one coin until the time is right." The Dragon warns. "Once he is engaged with the three, he must fight to the death with them. But it will make him thoughtless, reckless, and yes, more vulnerable as he is looted. It may even sap his strength."

Sylvi's eyes widen. "That's...good to know. I wonder how big the hoard is. We need to know how many to have in the raiding party, and what arrangements to make to move the booty...and where to put it all. I don't suppose...." sip "...you might suggest a worthy recipient for most of it?"

Siv's jaw has fallen

"Please, without my aid you'll never get close to the hoard, let alone where he keeps it. So you will let me have it." A draconic grin like a moon shifting phases. "Dragons are forbidden to raid other dragons... it's simply not done. But you trolls are not so constrained."

Sylvi pauses, considering. "Nocturnus, I would agree with this, but with one exception. If there is a dragon-killing weapon in Skallstrike's hoard, I would ask that we might borrow it to bring to those who fight him. We'd return it to you afterwards, if it survives the battle."

"The hubris," The wyrm rumbles "Tell me, if there were a troll slaying weapon, would you trust it for even a moment in a non troll hands?"

"Not willingly, no. Not if I didn't trust the other. Nocturnus, how can I gain your trust in this?"

"Take no more than seven, no fewer than three, yourself included to do this. I will clear the path for you, but there will be defenses in the hoard cave itself. Watchdogs of a sort. You will bring the whole of the hoard to me, assuming you live... but each thief may take one item or treasure of your choosing. Only one. If you wish then to seize the dragonbane weapon there in, you may."

Sylvi stares. "That is most generous. I thank you." She bows.

"We are not done yet." the dragon warns, "There is a singular gem stone there, a tear drop of Amber. Within you will sense movement of.. something. That amber is mine. It is not to be claimed. It is not for the bargaining. The Amber tear is something I will have. Anyone who seeks to cheat me of it will know my eternal hatred. Skallstryke is powerful, but I am crafty and very, very, patient...and my deathfate is not to fall to trolls. So make sure all you gather understand this. The Ambertear is for me. " A threat, a promise, a, borderline oath in this warning.

She nods. "I will tell them what you have said." She knows better than to ensure the delivery of the amber tear...who knows what stupid notion others might take, but at least they'll be informed about the consequences.

"What's in it?" Siv says

Nocturnus gives a slow three blink of his ruby light eyes at the sailor, then looks to Sylvi, " One can see why you are the emissary"

"Siv..." Sylvi hisses.

Then louder, "We will need to know how to reach your lair, and a means to transport...but I believe we can arrange the second part." Her mind's already thinking about party members.

"You will know when it is time. I will come to you. " He says.

"Thank you. That would be really helpful."

"Understand, little trolls. Did I not hate Skallstryke in a way only a dragon can know hate, I would not aid you at all. As it stands, yes, gratitude is due even if you fail. I hope you will not. Again, this is dangerous. Not as dangerous as facing skallstryke himself, but you risk lives. "

Sylvi nods. "If it has even the chance of helping those we care about, it is worth the risk." She bows, then straightens. "I think we should go, so we can start planning."

Nocturnus breaths upon them, the fire rushing upon them in emerald waves

Colton raises his shield. Siv darts too late to the side...

And SYLVI maybe the first to realize it didn't burn, didn't even singe or blind.

A gasp, fear, and then... oh, that's beautiful....

"Yes, I will be able to find you for a time... even the one born of another's dark fate." Nocturnus rises wings spreading. "And certainly you, Daughter of Tyrantsavior and Gatebreaker. Strongarm....your trials will not always have the lady at your side."

And off he flies with a snap of his tail and flash of his wings that makes the trees blow as if a storm were passing through fast.

"Wait!..." But the dragon is gone, and Sylvi closes her eyes and mutters, "Tyrantsavior, Gatebreaker, Tyrantsavior, Gatebreaker, Tyrantsavior, Gatebreaker." A sigh, and she opens her eyes. "I gotta find out those stories."

"Dark Fate?" Siv says "That's a hellofathing to bring up as your last line"

"Seriously," Sylvi agrees, then she looks to her boyfriend. "Colton? You okay?"

"Was Strongarm a dig? I feel like it was a dig" The squire says

"I don't think so. I mean...it's a really strong arm."

"I'm fine." he says, "Just never seen anything like that up close before. " Then a pause " I wonder if we could take him? you know, just in theory."

"I'm kinda thinking I don't want to find out."

"I'm with you, Sylvi. Not that I'm not curious about a million things now. Why the Ambertear out of all the treasures? What the hell was that a stuff he said before flying off all about ? What form wil lthe watchdogs take? Do we tell the elders or better they don't know?"

"I think they should know we're doing something during the fight. Otherwise, they might rely on us for something we can't be there for, like refugees and stuff. But we shouldn't tell them the specifics." She looks at them. "He said I have to be part of it. What about you two?"

"I want to say yes ,but my boats maybe the way to save the day in case it falls" Siv says with a wince

"And if something's moving inside the amber tear, I bet it's some kind of egg."

Colton says "I'm in. "

Sylvi nods to Siv. "Yeah, you're needed here."

"Damn it," Siv kicks soem grass

A slight hesitation. "Colton, you're sworn to Lady Sparrow. You've gotta make sure she'll let you help."

"Oh.. I.. yes." he frowns "But your'e ... we're... " A breath "I'm sure she'll understand."

"She'd better," Sylvi mutters.

"Okay, so...I gotta figure who else. Should it be all wilders, or should some of the grumps come too? I mean...I think they're needed here, like you are, Siv. But they're also crazy experienced and strong."

"It's on you, Sylvi. I think the Dragon just put you in charge"

"Well, yeah, but only a stupid leader doesn't listen to advice."

A deep breath. "I'll figure it out. Okay, so...I guess we should get back...." But she looks at Firnost...then at Colton.

"then..." A breath, "Shake Vali and see if helpful prophecy comes out"

"Maybe, yeah."

Colton says "You realize that, if the Hearth and Mountain used are from other lodges, that means that Hearth Kerri and Mountain Frank might wnat to be in on the robbery."