[HQ Ignorance] Scene 102: Working and Arriving at Lei Tabor

[Lev Lafayette]

Nota bene: Apologies for being so terribly, terribly late with this
update etc.

Over the following several days, the slaves in Lei Tabor are put to
their various tasks. When Azhur's regal status becomes known, he is
officially no longer declared as a slave, as that would not becoming to
nobility, but in the diplomatic legalese that he is familiar with it is
made clear that he is effectively under house arrest and possible ransom
for the time being. At least Jin Ral talks to him directly know, and
indeed, is even exceptionally polite. After all, Azhur is a King and he
is but a Duke.

The people of Lei Tabor, Azhur learns, are made up of both exile
families from Kralorela and nomads who have adopted an urban life. The
former have become a ruling class, and desire nothing more to return to
their land of their ancestors. The dominant religion however, is derived
from the barbarians, a version of the Orlanthi pantheon.

The rulers of Lei Tabor wish to arrange an assault on no less than one
of the famous Iron Forts of Kralorela, the famous protective ring that
keeps the rabble out of their country. It is their belief that if they
take one of these forts that the ruler of the eastern Kingdom must come
to an agreement with them. The Black Iron fort looks particularly
promising*

Jareena, having been assigned the task of preparation of logistics for
such a task, has had the opportunity to discover the view of more common
people. She discovers that the town is full of opportunists and
con-artists of various persuasions. There is a political opposition to
the current rulers, but they are few in number and have been largely
relegated to petty banditry. As a whole, the native Wastelanders avoid
directly challenging the rule of the Kralorelans and spend most of their
time trying to con each other.

Karala is assigned to a scouting part, and she learns much about the lay
of the land and forms a strong rapport of the members of that group.
They show her the various ways that one can receive food and drink in
these rough lands, and especially the more fertile areas near the Iron
Forts themselves. She provides a map (below) to Azhur.

Poor Kalen is assigned to the armoury with the ignoble job of improving
the weapon-smithing there. He is constantly harangued to produce 'secret
dwarven weapons' to which he makes some half-hearted efforts. After a
few days of this he is told by Master Lei Tse that unless he makes some
genuine effort Jin Ral shall "dispose of him".

It is that night that Kalen hears a familiar shuffling by the window of
his rather plain accommodation. It is none other than his old friend
Rotterex. "Listen ironman, I feel bad for what's happened to you. I've
talked it over with my Master Faust and we're prepared to help you out
of here. So all you have to do is say the word. So think it over; I'll
be back in the morning - somebody else I have to visit.."

Unbeknownst to Kalen, Rotterex makes another visit that night - this
time to the more comfortable, albeit more seriously guarded, quarters of
Azhur. The King, less familiar with the sounds of the rubble runner is
startled at first, but smiles when the creature makes its appearance
clear. "Eh, excuse me you highness", the rubble runner begins, clearing
its throat. "I have a message from my master, Guillaume Faust**. He says
that although he is far from home, he is still a loyal subject of
Seshnela. And although there have been remarkable changes in that land,
from what he hears, he is still your subject. So if you have any
orders..."

Rotterex waits for the King's reply before scampering off to visit Kalen
one more time..

The following morning however there is a different commotion. A motley
group stumble in from the desert; Isma, Rikku, and Serendipitous make
their way into Lei Tabor. As they reach the gates of the city, gongs are
rung and people line the streets, staring but silent. When Serendipitous
enters, the people bow their heads in respect. Finally, a functionary
approaches the Dragonewt. 

"We are so honoured to have a real dragon man and your servants come to
our most humble village. We shall bring you salted fish immediately. How
can we assist you?"

It takes him a moment but Serendipitous realises that they're talking to
him..


*
http://www.celtic-webs.com/glorantha/graphics/middle/maps/shayar_map_download.jpg

** Oh, and a free Hero Point if you can work out where I got that name
from...