Hello, Everyone!
Glad to see you here! I don’t get many comments these days but I can hope that you’re reading and enjoying our story.
Last time, our heroes went to look for information on the undead attacks they’d witnessed during their travels. They found out that such events had happened two times already – 18 and 6 years ago, and that the investigation on the latter had resulted with a culprit who had confessed and was imprisoned in the elven city of Myth Adofhaer. They were appointed to investigate the current case as Agents of Pamagos.
Mary, Aurum and Bruno went out of captain Roche’s office and split up.
Bruno went to Rafael di Pitoya in the Gallery. Mary had asked for a portrait of Dorina Dwendel to show to Gillean when she was able to talk to him. Captain Roche had given her the one from the Agent’s file but they were supposed to copy it and give it back before the end of the workday.
Mary and Aurum went to try and visit Pamagos’ ruler, Dynatos Perres. As the bard had pointed out, it was one thing to have access to Myth Adofhaer as an 'agent of Pamagos', but another entirely if you were personally recommended by one of the people responsible for the Pamagos Agreement. Even Dorina, as far as they knew, was working directly under Mr. Perres.
The building Dynatos Perres was working in was on No.1 'Freedom Street'. It was taller than all the houses in the neighbourhood and took up almost an entire block. When they entered, Mary moved closer to Aurum because the space was too crowded for her liking. There were people entering and exiting, people walking around, people waiting on cues or sitting on chairs, people talking and glancing at them as they passed.
They went to the front desk and asked for an audience with Mr. Perres (or, more accurately, Aurum asked, while Mary was practically hiding behind his back).
The clerk sent someone to check if the man could see them, and they sat on some yellow chairs, surrounded by other waiting people. After only a few minutes Mary and Aurum were called to Perres’ office.
It was on the highest floor, at the far end of a long hallway. Sitting or standing in front of it, a flock of Bearers were waiting for assignments. They entered one by one when called, and then hurried up to deliver whatever message they were entrusted with.
Almost by habit, Mary surveyed their faces for the one person she knew. Alas, Volos wasn't there. It was interesting, though. She wasn't as eager as before to find her childhood friend. Was it because she already had other people to care about?
Aurum led the way into Dynatos Perres' office. It was spacious and bright, with wooden furniture and an open glass door leading to a small balcony. A map (much bigger but simpler than the one the party had) hung on the far wall. Mary had the feeling she’d seen this place somewhere and when she noticed Mr. Perres standing behind his desk, she realized that this was the room from the painting of the Pamagos Agreement. The only thing missing now was the huge round table from the picture.
The ruler of Pamagos was surprisingly tall and athletic. His hair had some greys in it, and his eyes – green with little specks of brown and gold – flashed to a few specific places before he proceeded to greet them: Mary’s wand, Aurum’s bell and the rest of their weapons.
"Miss Windfiddle and Sir Aurum," he greeted them with a nod. “Welcome.”
"Sir?" Mary frowned at the beaming Aurum. "Did anybody knight you while we weren't looking?!"
"No," he grinned. "But ‘Sir’ has a nice ring, I’m sticking with it."
Dynatos Perres gestured to the two chairs on the other side of his desk.
"Can I interest you in some coffee or…" he glanced at Mary, "perhaps tea?"
A thin woman appeared from a side door and brought in a cart full of drinks and delicacies. She served them whatever they asked for and disappeared back to where she’d come from.
"Bruno's going to be so mad that we had sweets without him. Again!" Mary whispered.
"Then we're not telling him. Again!" Aurum whispered back.
"So," Mr. Perres spread his arms, "what can I do for you?"
Aurum leaned forward and told the man all about their new employment as Agents of Pamagos. Dynatos Perres gladly agreed to give them the special recommendation they asked for and pulled out some papers from the inside of a drawer. While he was filling them in, he glanced at Mary.
“I’m a fan of your book, Miss Windfiddle,” he said.
Mary frowned and opened her mouth to object that it wasn’t exactly hers.
“I know,” Mr. Perres raised his hand. “Rumors spread fast these days. But I’m sure things will sort themselves out in time.”
He handed them the documents.
“Say," he continued, "is the dragon, Nurvureem, as frightening as she was in the book, or was it just a hyperbole?"
Mary looked down at her hands. That was the last thing she wanted to talk about.
“I think that part is behind us,” she murmured. “We left Nurvureem in the Underdark and I hope we’ll never have to meet her again.”
“All right,” Mr. Perres said. “Then, what can you tell me about…” he paused as if to remember the name, “Gillean?”
Mary smiled sheepishly.
“I know what you must be thinking,” she said. “Who in their right mind will make a pact with an unknown creature only to get some magic powers? But you don’t understand, he’s really kind and caring!”
“Oh, I don’t think you’d be the only one who would make such a deal,” Dynatos Perres said gravely. “In fact, many people would do much worse things to achieve their goals.”
Did you like the ruler of Pamagos? I like him very much. I hope he doesn’t turn out to be a bad guy!
See you next time?
Until then, take care and be well!
(Also, here's a link to the Chapter Guide and the Glossary for the series. You're welcome!)