With Hamar safely cremated, the troopers are left in garrison and the return to Aq’Quallat is made by way of Ogrekalé, from where re-enforcements are sent.

In Aq’Quallat the magi analyse the mirror, and scry the Orc Caves, (Dark) The Dragon tower, where after a few viewings their vision is suddenly cut short, and the Orc City of Urgash, of which a blurry indistinct vision is revealed.

Benin Flies to Fana’yiin, holds Conference with Zhahenin, and promptly Informs the Board of Surveyors at College of Cartographers of Hamar’s death.

Benin attends the Tribunal, and is geased to tell all and truthfully. After describing the events as best he understands them, and mentioning his relief at Hamar's passing, He forms a poor opinion of the inspectors, whose attitude he describes as ‘Sniffy’

The Tribunal Visits Aq’Quallat, flying there in the form of Djinni, and after geasing and interrogating the surviving Magi, they pronounce themselves as satisfied, and depart, after a few comments on troop numbers, which Nazeem takes umbrage at.

Benin in the meantime Hires a Mercenary captain, Shilab and, Appoints Man Of Business Uthman to look after trade concerns and money lending.. He awaits the appointment of Fifth Member of Compact, spending his time in relaxation in the civilized environs of the Capital.

Nazeem, Raschid, Rajiir, Djan, Rabaht, & Rabble scout south, Re-enforcing Ogrekalé and Hamarfall keep. After a week of travel they arrive at the final keep, a Pentagonal fort on an artificial Hill, moated off from approach.

Rajiir Scouts around it, and finds Signs of a large carnivore feeding in the area. The Interior of the keep shows signs of inhabitation in one tower. On Rajiir’s reporting back, the group leave the horses with the two troopers, and enter the fort.

A Chimera is discovered! Retreating to the entry tunnel they neatly frame themselves for the Chimera’s first blast of dragonfire! Omar, Raschids potboy is incinerated in the blast. and all others but Raschid are badly scorched. A desperate charge drives the Chimera into the air, which prompts the party to scatter to every corner of the keep, in an effort to avoid all being caught at once..

After some frantic manouvering and the narrow escape of Nazeem and Djan from fiery death, the Chimera is driven off. Screams and sounds of terrified horses drift back into the fort...

• Chapter Twentysix

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