Baron Grember's Prize Map

The Baron looked at the discolored stone upon his chamber wall where his valuable map had been. "Hmmph," he groaned. "I must stop being so generous with..." he said as he was interrupted by his son.

"Father. I've assembled six of our finest from of the men that remain. Will you look after yourself well while I am away in your service?" Eldin asked with a tone of concern.

"I've still got eyes in me head, son. An' a gut that knows when trouble's about me. Take heed against the Zhentarim. Animosus told me all about the attack upon Kurth. Watch ye, that their soldiers not be among those ye pass on the road to Russet Hollow," the old barbarian said with a nod.

"The ride between the Valewood 'an the Flooded Forest 'taint what worries me. It's what I'll find when we get there. Do ya think it would've taken a mighty wizard to have undone what Elminster enchanted?" he asked, squinting his eyes as though bracing for the answer.

Baron Grember replied solemly, placing a hand upon Eldin's shiny shoulder plate, "Son, n'eer you mind what was undone by wizards. Don't fill yer head with ideas of loss—that's what Shar wants of ya."

"Do you think Animosus will find what drove the Blackscales out of the swamp?" Eldin asked, just to shake the grim expression from his dad's face."

"I suppose he'll find the fate that await's him, adventurers always do. I'll expect all of 'em to lose some blood, shed some tears, and grow up a bit—a lot of 'em would make great lords if they survive." Gradur said with a smile.

Eldin raised an eyebrow then sighed, nodding his head in agreement.

"Besides," the baron concluded, "Animosus promised to return my map. Go now—Tempus on your side, son. Off with ye!"