The elf almost looks angry at first when Author speaks out of turn. His eyes then change a bit as he listens to him speak. He holds his hand out in front of him,
"I understand your points precisely Author. My biggest concern is that we barely managed to hold our town together during their first incursion. We still aren't fully sure how they got so deep inside our city before we noticed their attacks. Still... if they are under attack themselves, they would be less likely to attack us."
He covers his face for a moment as he weighs the options. He sits straight up in his chair as he speaks again. There is a tiredness to his voice, The rest of the council will likely have my head for this, but okay. I will send you four men to take the places of those you have lost.
"Author since you volunteered to go, I will send you in command of the others." He points to Paldorn standing silently at the back of the room,
"You'll take Paldorn with you as well as Draco Stoutburner. They are both fairly new to the militia, but under your guidance I think they will serve the city well. Also Stigley is a good suggestion. Honestly he frightens me a bit -- not sure I like having a Deva in our ranks. Take him with you, even if he dies, he'll just come back in a few weeks or years."
His words about Stigley are a little confusing to Dawn, Panitari and Paldorn. They haven't been around to know the strained history of the silent soldier. In fact Stigley was last seen in the fight against the original Red Hand 10 years ago and died in that battle. When he returned from the dead (for the second time if truth is told) a week later, he returned to his duties as a guard and has been here ever since. There are many rumors surrounding Stigley: He's a deva, he's a construct, he's undead. No one is really sure. He has been a member of the guard for three generations and never advances in rank. He seems content with his place as a soldier for Brindol.
"I do have a few stipulations. As I am reluctant to send my men in the first place, I want them to return here immediately if your friends are found alive. Their place is here inside the walls of Brindol. Even if they have to come back one at a time, so be it. I want them back here as soon as possible. If your companions were killed, then I want them to continue with you until the situation has been dealt with. In this case, they will be entitled to the share of treasure that would have been given to your fallen companions." Eoffram's voice suddenly gets loud, as if he wants to make sure that Dawn and Panitari understand what he is about to say clearly.
"HOWEVER, I want it understood that my soldiers put their lives on the line for only 5 silver a week. Should I lose one or more of them to this quest of yours Then I will take a years slaray out of your reward to give to their family to help them with their loss. If you agree to these terms, then we have a deal."
Diplomacy Assist
