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The Ancients' Crossroads
Dwarven Grudges: Healing an Old Wound

Upon arriving back at the keep, they meet a young warrior standing at the outer gate while dozens of dwarven workers mill about the area. The warrior introduces himself as Roc, a fighter from the outlying areas of Sembia. His life up to this point has been spent raiding the Sembian merchants, who in their greed, drove his people from their lands and left them impoverished. However, when he heard about the recent exploits of the "Heroes of Dagger Falls", he traveled to the area with the hopes of joining the adventuring group.

The group is still mourning the loss of their friend, and they are rather reluctant to "replace" him so soon. However, they still have a mission to complete, and could use the extra help. They offer him the chance to tag along for this mission, both to prove himself and to see how well he can get along with the other members.

After a night's rest, the group heads for Dagger Falls. They first do a little shopping around town to unload their recent treasure finds and restock their supplies, then head to Randal's headquarters. Upon meeting with Randal, Zendril explains to him the events of recent days, including the loss of Silver and the dwarves' terms for a truce between them and the House of Morn.

Randal and the group leave for the Tethyamar mines the next morning. When they arrive at the entrance to the dwarven settlement, they are met by two guards, who bristle at the presence of Randal. Only the reputation of the group and Theranion's mood-softening skills defuse the situation so they can enter the stronghold beneath.

Once inside, they are quickly escorted to the leader's hall, passing dwarf citizens who stare in disgust and barely contained outrage at having the grandson of Colduran Morn in their midst. They are brought before Mordran, where Randal presents the remains of the dwarven warriors, carefully wrapped and prepared by Nataya, for burial as dictated by dwarven custom. Theranion then presents Mordran with the sword "Mage-killer", fulfilling all of the conditions for Randal's penance.

Mordran is both pleased and surprised. While he expected the group to return with the bodies and the sword, he did not expect Randal to so readily accompany them back here. Also, he was very impressed that the group went to the trouble of observing dwarven burial rites before returning the bodies to the kingdom of the dwarves. Mordran gives the group his heartfelt thanks, then convenes a private meeting with Randal.

While Randal and Mordran discuss the end of the feud and the possibility of renewed trade, the group explores the dwarven community. Theranion heads straight for the smithy with a list of materials and work orders to spruce up his library, while Nataya and Zendril split up for a little site-seeing to pass the time. Roc stays just outside the clan leader's hall, ready for trouble if the talks do not go smoothly.

Theranion dumps almost half of his accumulated treasure into ordering special materials and custom work for his library. The work includes the construction of engraved solid oak doors, using the strongest metals for the hinges and locks, and inlays of gold and silver ornamentation. Other work includes special lamp sconces, tables, and chairs for the library.

When Randal finally emerges from the meeting with Mordran, he has a tired but relieved look on his face. The talks have gone well, and Mordran has agreed to re-open trade between the dwarves of Tethyamar and Dagger Falls. He also makes arrangements to deliver the warriors' remains to the families of the Bladebright clan, along with statements declaring an amicable end to the feud...