Khazdorum looked over the crowd milling about in the briefing room in Sinfall. Venthyr Hopebreakers and huntsmen and enforcers looked at him with varying levels of enthusiasm and interest as they milled about and talked amongst themselves. He looked away from their grey faces, a shade not far from his own complexion, to look at the pamphlet in his hands. The parchment bore a rough illustration of a shapely Ren’Dori in robes and the name Seraanna Longveil. He’d promised Tyra’s friend Sam he’d look into her disappearance where it might concern Revendreth. A promise made, to Khazdorum, was a promise to keep. And so he stood before the Court of Harvester’s finest trackers and huntsmen. To loose the Gargons. To set the searchers.
The Mad Duke at his side called the room to attention.
“I must beg your attention, my dear companions! The good mortal by my side needs no introduction, of course. A Maw Walker, and one of our own by oath and action, the most splendiferous Count Khazdorum is to set you to purpose, as I must set myself to... TEA!”
Khazdorum shook his head, amused and, if he was honest, charmed by Theotar in every interaction they’d ever had. So much so that he’d voluntarily bound himself spiritually to him. He was a good man, provided one kept him on track.
“Thank ya, Duke Theotar. The purpose, like everything else in Revendreth, is simple in concept, but complex an’ exactin’ in practice. There may be a livin’ mortal kept against her will in Revendreth.” He holds up the parchment. “This Ren’Dorai lass was abducted under exceedin’ly strange circumstances, an’ may be being kept here. The Ren’dorai are a recent development in Azeroth, an’ frankly there should no be many of them here legitimately, aside from other Maw Walkers like m’self. Ye are ta search for her, and if her safety cannae be guaranteed, ye are ta report ta me or Duke Theotar. She is NOT ta be harmed. She’s here outside of our normal rules, our jurisdiction. She is no ta be harvested or drained in any way or manner.” His voice became quite cold, and the ambient temperature of the room dropped to match.
“I... trust ye understand th’ consequences should I find she was treated otherwise. Ye’ve come sae far, th’ lot of you. Proof that th’ system works. That redemption fer th’ wicked is a real thing. It’d be a cryin’ shame ta spoil all that good work, aye? Eternity is long. Eternity entombed in ice? Unthinkably long. Have I made myself clear, lads an’ lasses?”
There was a smattering of assenting answers from the crowd, but their expressions told a saga. They understood it was not good to cross the archmage standing in front of them.
“Good. My valet Higgins is providin’ ya with copies of this paper, with her description. You’ve yer tasks. Be about. it. If she’s here, I’ve faith th’ lot of you will find her. A thousand drams of anima t’ be split among the ones who find her, and fifty anima infused rubies ta yer gargons. Off with ye!”
He watched them disperse. A promise made, a promise kept, he thought. I remember most of it, Mama. I keep to most of it. He touched the jade hanging from his neck. Where I can, how I can.
He hoped it would be enough for Miss Longveil.