Chapter 8 The Gathering
Being a scholar and historian, Durem had always been the inquisitive one among the companions. Even when they had all left to pursue their own paths, he remained in touch with them and would frequently ask of their adventures. One day he might even write about his friends, Durem had told himself.
That night, Durem was not able to get much sleep. He had been thinking of how he would tell his companions about the discoveries he had made about his father’s death. His thoughts kept circling. It was sheer mental exhaustion that overcame him, allowing him a few hours’ sleep.
The following day, they were now gathered together. Unknown to Durem, his companions could now see that his demeanor had changed considerably. He was pacing back and forth organizing his thoughts.
“You seem anxious,” Kort said to him.
Durem stopped pacing and glanced at Kort momentarily. He looked around the room and could see that they all waited in anticipation for what he had to say.
“As you all know, father had been one of the scholars of Arkam who studied the events that took place during the Time of Despair,” Durem began. “He had traveled to the great libraries of nearby towns and cities reading ancient accounts by those who had lived back then.”
Even when they were young they had all been told of how an evil almost destroyed the kingdoms during the Time of Despair were it not for the gallant efforts of the Royal Knights of Arkam.
“The more he studied however, the more he seemed convinced that the official archives in Arkam did not tell a complete story,” Durem continued. “He believed that the defeat of the armies of Qorath was not merely the work of the Royal Knights as we have all been told.”
Upon hearing this, the others glanced at Beret who became visibly discomfited upon the mention of his Order.
As Durem continued his tale about his father, Kort appeared to be listening more intently than the rest.
“I beg your pardon my friend, but how did Master Omed die?” Kort asked.
“His heart had stopped beating, according to the apothecary,” Durem answered, “though he had no ailments that would explain why this happened.”
The sadness that crept into Durem’s eyes was visible to everyone.
After a brief moment, Kort suddenly stood up. “Where was Master Omed found when he died?” he asked. There was tension in his voice.
“Inside one of the private chambers in the library of Torinth,” Durem answered wondering why Kort became agitated.
“Take me to the library,” Kort said with urgency.