The Cragxan Estate

The Sect begin to make their way towards the city. None of them have ever been to this city before, but through their reading in the Columns they were able to ascertain that the Cragxan estate is located just south of their location. The city is surrounded by farmland with a forest on its eastern edge and a large river on the western side.

The Cragxan estate is situated just outside of the city. A family of wealthy landlords that extends from a long line of prominent fighters, some of which challenge in the Ascension Trial. Bron Cragxan was the expected favorite to be selected as Orlan's Champion until the King changed his mind and chose Maximus Desa. Bron is the eldest son of Lord Cragxan, a powerful and feared political figure and landowner who, besides the King, owns the largest amount of land in Orlan.

The estate began to come into view as they marched through the various fields of corn, wheat and grains.

"Is that it?" Rothox asked, pointing to an enormous castle on top of a hill overlooking the area.

"I believe so," Harim replied, dodging around the last bit of head height corn.

Stone walls, at least thirty feet tall, surrounded the inner grounds of the home. The castle used to be a keep from centuries ago and the family since established it as their family home. They kept a lot of the defenses and stronghold design but refurbished the living and main quarters of the interior. Lord Cragxan was a cautious man, he had acquired a vast wealth from his father and his father before, as well as generated his own fortune. They had plenty to guard and protect.

"What's the plan? It's not like we can just walk up and ask for the sword. Hey, so we are trying to stop some evil bastard and we need your family sword…yeah the one that's a priceless legendary artifact," Rothox said.

Harim rolled his eyes, "Of course not...we are going to steal it." That got everyone's attention. "Unless you have a better idea?"

"I'd like to see Rothox try and ask, just like that," Erigos laughed.

"How would we steal it? We don't even know where it is, it could take days to find its location." Alissa stood on her tippy toes as if she could somehow see over the walls in the distance and see the sword laying in the lawn.

"I have an idea," Harim stopped walking and sat on the dry ground in the middle of the field. The others kept walking before realizing he wanted them to join him in the dirt. He patted the ground with his hand. "Sit."

"What's this idea of yours?" Erigos asked, still standing even though the other two sat.

"Sit."

"Fine," he grumbled.

"Alright." Harim grabbed a stick and began to trace the ground. "This is the castle," he drew a square. "I figure, a family heirloom will be in one of two places. Either they display it proudly, which, if that is the case, is much easier--."

"And the other?" Erigos interrupted.

"I'm getting there, patience Eri." Harim used his nickname.

Erigos didn't like that, only Alissa called him that now. He glared angrily at Harim.

"Sorry...Erigos. The second place is that it could be locked away in a vault. Based on the defenses I can see already and what I know of Lord Cragxan from passing conversations and gossip is that he is extremely cautious. Most likely the sword is locked away behind traps and whatever else this keep has to offer. I know a little about the history of construction back when this keep was made and they are no joke when it comes to security.

"What are the chances it's just mounted on the wall?" Rothox asked.

"Slim."

"So how do we find this vault, access it, steal the sword and get out, all without being seen because I assume he has a small army on there?" Rothox twiddled a piece of grain between his fingers.

"We will have to scout the place out first and see if it's even possible."

"How do you plan on gaining entry to a paranoid man's home?" Erigos asked.

"With that," Harim nodded to Rothox's hands where he twirled the yellow strand of wheat.

A couple hours later two of the Silver Sect, Erigos and Harim, disguised as farmers made their way up to the gate of the Cragxan Estate. Erigos reluctantly smeared dirt on his breast plate to hide his family crest and appear poorer. He had refused to take it off and was not quiet enough to sneak in with Rothox and Alissa. Rothox and Alissa waited from a distance, hiding in the fields, waiting for dusk.

"Halt!" The guards at the gate placed their hands on the hilt of their swords followed by the sound of two crossbows clicking into place from atop the wall. "Who are you and what business do you have with Lord Cragxan? He eyed them both, doing his best to figure them out and gauge their abilities based on their appearance.

Harim changed his voice to match his farmer appearance. "My apologies, he kept his head down, but we urgently need to see the Lord."

"The Lord is preoccupied today, no visitors."

"Please, it is important." Harim slowly reached into his pouch and pulled out a handful of wilted grain. He showed it to the guard. The guard studied the grain from a distance. Harim crushed it in his palm and the grain turned to powder.

"Where did you find this?"

"Our farm. We noticed it a couple days back and set out to inform the Lord as soon as possible in hopes to prevent it from spreading to others."

"Open the gate, let them pass." The guard stepped aside as the portcullis rose up allowing passage.

The two false farmers passed through into the inner court of the castle being led by another guard who patrolled the inner wall.

"When did you learn that trick?" Erigos whispered to Harim.

"Helpful isn't it." He had always been able to create illusory images but this was the first time the illusion had fooled anyone other than children. Maybe his return to the monastery had added to the growth in his abilities.

From the gate, a cobblestone path led up to a grand entrance, wrapping around a fountain before heading back to the gate. Various statues, hedges and shrubs decorated the courtyard. The family had clearly tried to make a military style fortification elegant and fitting of an elite member of society. A large ten foot tall, thick wooden door loomed over them. The guard knocked and backed up, watching the two farmers closely.

"You'd think they'd be used to getting visitors, being a landlord and all," Erigos leaned in again while keeping an eye on the guard.

"What're you whispering about?" The guard asked. He gripped his crossbow nervously. He was

young, maybe a few years over twenty, either new to his post or nervous for another reason, perhaps he feared disturbing the Lord.

"Lots of security, is the Lord expecting an attack?" Erigos asked, rolling his eyes towards Harim who nudged him to smarten up.

He narrowed his eyes but said nothing. The left side of the large door opened and a slender man stepped halfway through. His black hair slicked back, revealing two pointy ears and dark blue eyes. He too squinted at the two farmers before turning to the young guard.

"These men claim to have a blight infecting their farmland."

"Interesting…I'll inform the master." The slender man disappeared inside before returning after a few minutes, he stepped fully outside the door and showed his hand inward.

"Gentleman, welcome to The Cragxan Estate." He had a slimy voice, one that fit his depiction.

The antechamber had three large portraits of strong pale looking men, underneath each of them a bench. This would be the room, guests and tenants would wait before addressing the Lord. Beyond the first room a large wide hallway extended with more portraits and armaments mounted on the walls. A deep red carpet covered the stone floor. The rounded ceiling had intricate beams and chains with sources of light attached to them with a large chandelier in the center. With an echoing slam the door closed behind them, sealing them inside. The steward gestured for them to sit and wait. He disappeared for a moment.

"This place is insane."

Harim nodded, "It's a bit much."

The slender elf returned, "If you please follow me." He waited for them to stand before setting off down the hall and turning right right into the first open archway into the main hall which made the first room feel obsolete. A man with a thinly groomed graying beard and short white hair, a true militaristic appearance and air about him, sat on a raised chair at the back of the grand hall. There were rows of guards on each side of the carpet leading to Lord Cragxan who clearly saw himself as a kingly figure. He said nothing while they walked across the large distance, just watched them with every step. They reached the stairs, and kneeled as part of their act.

"Show me." His deep voice echoed throughout the grandhall.