Snippet #2532520

After the business with the Dwarf and the Girl had resolved, the party reassembled and headed eastward for Andril. At the end of the first day for the group, they stayed at a roadside inn named, The Weary-Eyed Traveler. The following day after a good night's rest, the group loaded up their wagon with the supplies they had stored in a shed near the stables. The Innkeeper was paid with the standard currency found in Londe by Randionalia. Another day had passed and while closer, they had yet to reach their destination. Instead they stopped for the night in a nearby hamlet. The following day they would arrive at the gates of Andril before midday, from where they stood they could see the scorch marks across the stone-bricked walls, and bits of debris littered about the grassy fields just beyond these walls. Some of the walls themselves had crumbled and broken over, leaving other entrances besides the gates themselves. Reconstructing Andril has been slow-going because of attacks from hostiles, particularly bandits who have been something of a problem in these parts. Yet, the bandits have only recently became bold enough to launch attacks on Andril, partially because the Dragon attack has greatly weakened their defenses, but mainly because of a rumor that gold is being stored underneath Fort Andril itself.

Two armored soldiers stood vigilant upon the gatehouse having seen your coming for a mile a way. The had their weapons out, bows trained on the group as one of them spoke, "Halt! Who goes there?!" He shouted from on high. The Elven assassin strode to the head of the group, "I am Randionalia Ashengrits! I am the Head of the King's Assassins!" She shouted in response. The two Gate guards spoke amongst themselves. "And what be the King's Head Assassin's business here in Andril!?" The guard asked. "I come on orders from the King to locate the Dragon, rescue the Princess, and slay the beast! We were told to come to Andril, it being the last known location the Dragon attacked! We seek clues and answers to where the beast may be!" She shouted. The Guard then replied, "And what of your traveling companions!?" He asked. "They are all recruited to partake in this quest by me! We only seek to carry out our mission, nothing more!" She spoke. The both muttered something to each other and then nodded. "You will be greeted by our commanding officer, but in the meantime please enter!" He spoke as the other solider ran off to fetch their commander. The remaining solider then raised the gates allowing the group to enter Andril.

Once inside the fortress town, one would noticed a great amount of burnt buildings, all of which were dilapidated and collapsed from the fire. Not all buildings were destroyed, but any Inn and Tavern have been forced to take in civilians whose homes were destroyed. Even one of the barracks had civilians living inside them. The whole town was a rather dreary and dismal scene, with peasants sporting long faces as they mourned over their loved ones and way of living that was taken by the Dragon. There were some children playing in the puddles from the recent rain as their smiling faces was about the only thing to lift the mood in this place. Most marketplaces where destroyed but some shops still remained, a General Goods shop remained open, and the Blacksmith remained in business as well. Otherwise Trade Shops, Scroll Shops, Grocer's Market all destroyed by the Dragon. The only place to actually purchase food is from the Butcher's, whose shop was only slightly damaged and not to the point where it had to be closed off. The Apothecary's Shop still stood, but nearly all of the medicines have been used to help heal the injured and the sick, leaving his selection to be quite sparse. Fort Andril itself still stands but one could see that damage has been done to the stone-bricked building. Scorch marks and fallen towers being the most apparent indicators of this fact. The inner wall that closes off the fort from the town itself, seemed to have been only slightly damaged, as compared to the outer walls. The fort is located on a hill top whereas the town seemed to be built around the foot of the hill extending some into the grassy plains that surround them. There are three gates that are located around the outer wall, the West Gate, the one we are entering through, there is a Gate to the South, and a Gate to the North. Further East behind Fort Andril there is a forest. There is another gate within the town that leads to the fort, it is facing west like the fortress itself. The other thing they would notice about Andril was that it was crawling with armored soldiers, bearing arms as if it were wartime.

As the party entered town the guard raised the gate, closing it behind them. They were soon greeted by the Commander in charge here. "Ah yes your the Company that seeks the Dragon correct?" He was a handsome man about in his thirties. He spoke with a smile despite the devastation that happened in his town. "Yes." Randi quickly answered. "Well I am glad to see someone brave enough to rescue the Princess." He spoke as he bowed to the company. "I am sorry, but there isn't much my town can offer you at the moment, but if there is anything you need please tell my men and we will try and procure any supplies you mention. I am sorry again if we cannot be of any more use to you. As for your issue with the Dragon, if you would please follow me to the keep, we will discuss it there." The Commander bowed again. "Oh and again you are welcomed to wander about the town, but please be mindful, we have had a rough time." He spoke again as he rode off for the keep. "For those that wish to follow me to the keep come now, otherwise I guess your free to go about the town." Randi spoke to the group as she followed the Commander.