Brad had finally regained his composure and his wits. The duo mounted their steeds and set out towards the South Forward Outpost. But before that, they stopped by the Charlatan's Inn and found the miner dwarves. There, they informed Charagast, the leader of the dwarven mining party, that they were seeking a messenger. Upon Charagast's endorsement and counsel, they handed a few silver coins to Camill Berthans, the dwarves' human assistant, and instructed him to dispatch Brad's letter immediately to the Orion Temple.
When they reported to the commander, Brad remained silent. As anticipated, the interrogation wasn't too intense. Captain Stonecold was content because the orcs, ogre, and bandits had been vanquished. The pathfinder Middleton had already been transported to Barnachia, and he was recovering well. Although the commander was slightly annoyed with Brad due to his soldier's injury, he intriguingly didn't bring up the wizard issue. The duo was stunned but relieved, and resumed their regular duties. The next day, Captain Stonecold summoned Brad for a private meeting, indicating that he might have received the news they were anticipating.
"Enter, Silverhilt," the commander said, his face turned towards the window as always. Brad strode to the center of the room and saluted. The captain's bushy eyebrows were knit, his countenance dimly reflected through the pane.
"I received an unforeseen missive today, Silverhilt. A request for transfer from an unanticipated source. Are you familiar with the matter?"
"A transfer request, sir? I don't follow."
"The Orion Temple has besought your temporary assignment under their aegis, and it bears the signature of High Priestess Lady Illaine herself. Thus, let me be plain: this request carries the force of a command."
Brad marshaled his thoughts, which he had previously prepared with Ismeth, and responded, "Sir, Lady Illaine charged me with reporting to her should I chance upon any oddities in these mountains prior to her arrival. I surmise the letter pertains to that. However, I'm at a loss as to why they've summoned me. I only mentioned a tunnel in the mountains that necessitated scrutiny."
The commander wheeled about on his heel and leveled a stern gaze at Brad.
"Thoroughly I investigated," said the man with a stern gaze fixed on Brad. "It appears that once upon a time, you were a candidate for the noble order of temple knights. But for reasons unknown, you failed to make the final cut." The man paused, as if to give Brad a chance to object, before continuing. "Or perhaps you resigned. Either way, it's apparent, Silverhilt, that you haven't completely severed ties with the temple knights."
With a few tense strides, the man closed the distance between himself and Brad. He was a good two inches shorter than Brad. In the cold room, the man's angry breaths billowed a mist on Brad's chest and neck.
"Now make a decision, Silverhilt. Are you a knight or not?"
"I'm afraid I don't understand your question, sir. I took an oath to become an Illuen Knight and to defend the united people of Illuthar with honor and dignity."
"So then, you didn't make any special request to be called upon by the Orion Temple for this mission?"
"No, sir. I must apologize for sending the letter without informing you, but I made no request to be called upon. I only mentioned my location at the South Forward Outpost if they wished to take my statement regarding the matter."
Brad was drenched in sweat, his mind racing. If Ismeth were here, would he be proud of Brad's answers, or would he be amused by his anxiety? Ismeth had spent the entire night preparing him for this interrogation. The captain's gaze softened a bit upon hearing Brad's apology, and Brad felt certain that he had won his trust.
"Regrettably, our hands are tied, and there is no choice but for you to depart. This order emanates from none other than the esteemed High Priestess Lady Illaine, who holds the highest rank in our chain of command. While I'm not thrilled by this development, I must send both you and Ismeth on this mission. However, do not be overly zealous. Deliver your statement and return promptly. You have my permission to be gone for no more than four days."
Brad made a weak protest, "Ismeth can remain here, sir..."
The man's gaze sharpened. "What value does a sword hold without a shield?" he barked, like a hardened drill sergeant, jumping onto his toes and spitting in Brad's face while shouting.
Brad retorted, drawing from his training, "Not more than a fish out of water."
"Very well, set out on the road at once. If you're not in the courtyard by the dawn of the fifth day, at the first count..." the captain trailed off deliberately.
"As you command, sir," Brad saluted crisply and left the room, hastening to find Ismeth, who was eagerly waiting for him in the courtyard.
"So, what's the plan?" Ismeth inquired.
"Pack your belongings. We're headed to Barnachia," Brad replied with a sly grin.Ismeth, who had just noticed the captain watching them from the window, clenched his teeth to contain his exultation. They had been stationed there for almost two months, and the prospect of returning to Barnachia, the land of the finest taverns and bawdy houses beyond Smyrnia, was nothing short of exhilarating for him. Or so he thought.
The duo hastily gathered their belongings and embarked on their journey on horseback, a trek that would last just over half a day, yet conceal a fateful turning point that would forever alter the course of their lives.
During the journey, Brad offered a curt apology for the altercation that had transpired between them in Ismeth, but Ismeth was renowned for his unflappable demeanor and brushed it off with a laugh. Despite the fact that his swollen jaw still throbbed and he harbored some resentment towards his partner, he swiftly steered the conversation elsewhere. The prospect of traveling to the capital had put him in high spirits, and he regaled Brad with tales of the inns and houses of ill repute they would encounter on their journey.
Meanwhile, Brad mulled over how much of their adventure he should divulge to Lady Illaine, the esteemed High Priestess of the Orion Temple. His most pressing concern, however, was whether he would cross paths with Charlotta again and how he should conduct himself if he did. Was the enigmatic sorceress to be trusted as a friend or regarded with suspicion as a foe?