Bargain for a bargain

You are led by Adranna through the city and the crowded streets. Soldiers of all different stripes and experience issue prompt and sincere salutes to the Grand Aluf as she passes by, and while hers is as swift as theirs, it lacks the enthusiasm. She seems visibly annoyed by the time you stop, having arrived at a tower in the far corner of the walled city. The tower is built of stone like so much else here but of a darker color, smoothed and shaped into a circular shape, and without the jagged edges that typify the material. That alone would show the structure holds greater importance, but inside was another matter alltogether. A dark green carpet was laid down, and seemed clean and comfortable enough that one could walk barefoot on, if it wasn't seen as bad manners. The artwork was impressive as well. Multiple statues filled the space, many seemed to be miniature depictions of the massive statues on the road into the kingdom, made of bronze or marble. Some, small enough to be held in hand, were cast in gold or silver. Intricate paintings, depicting important battles, or the Kingdom's sacred deity and his sons, were also frequent as you were led up the spiral stairs to the top of the tower. As you reached the top, you heard the first words out of the lead Wizard since you left her academy.

"We are about to enter the chambers of the General's Counsel. There are important people here, and do not have time or interest for you. Many will be surprised that you are even here. Allow me to speak for you, lest you be thrown out the city."

You all nod quietly as Adranna opens the door, revealing a circular room, with a series of ornate chairs aligned to the wall, with two larger and immeasurably decorated thrones sat on the other end, with one more in the center. The room was filled with men and women, all having gotten on in years. Many were in robes indicating some form of high rank, as Adranna was wearing, where a number of them were wearing armor and weapons. The man in the center, in a suit of full plate, adorned with a clock of red and gold, was arguing loudly with the others.

"How is it Demarchus, that you won't marshall the soldiers to war, even for your own daughter?"

"Because he's a pretender! He is no child of Glokrei. He merely gives the cadence to be accepted! Vyrmar was right to challenge your authority!"

"Vyrmar is a traitor!" Adranna called out, her voice having rosen above the din of others. All heads and eyes turned to her and you.

"Well, if it isn't the Sovereign General's favorite sycophant. Exceptional claims require exceptional evidence." One of the generals in armor responded "evidence that I hope doesn't involve your foreigner, civilian guests."

"Enough!" Demarchus, the Sovereign General shouted, before turning to Adranna "What do you have to say?"

"Our Brigadier Archivist is missing. The same evening that Tervegn has gone."

"He always fancied the General's daughter, perhaps Demarchus finally killed his rival and would be son in law"

"At least than he would have shown a spine" There was muttered laughter in the room.

"All of Vyrmar's affects are missing as well. More so,he held a trap in his office. A mimic, that was used to try and kill our civilians here."

"And you believe that he has left Vilory with Tervegn and is holding her captive?"

"Yes, General" Adranna stated, raising one hand up. A bright orb of light appeared from her palm and grew, floating in air. As it moved into the center, just before Demarchus, it began to show an image inside. A dilapidated tower, a fort of some kind from a time long forgotten. Fires stoked in the tower and the surrounding debris, showing inhabitation. The scrying orb went bright white and fizzled into nothingness.

"Tervegn is there, General, and I'll bet Vyrmar is there as well. There's a spell there protecting from scrying, which is certainly his style"

"But Vyrmar never learned magic." One of the generals said.

"Not that he ever showed, you mean" Adranna replied "He never went through my Academy, that much is true, but someone that resourceful could find any number of ways to learn on his own. Vyrmar is that smart, that crafty, and that deceitful."

"There's a problem." Demarchus replied "I recognize that tower. It's ancient tower of lost battle mages from Ipsola. It had been intact until the last century or so, when battle finally brought it down. That tower is in Grushta territory. I will not be sending our army."

"Demarchus, have you gone mad, or just soft?" A general in full plate armor called out, marching towards him "Vyrmar has allied himself with our eternal enemy, and you're just going to sit there and do nothing? Let him claim his victory, and your own daughter?"

"I didn't say that." Demarchus replied "marching our forces to the border will lead to complete provocation of war. I will not risk hundreds, even thousands of soldiers to save one person, even my daughter. When we fight the Grushta, it will be for honor and glory."

"Than what do you suggest?"

"Excuse me, General" Bruce chimed in, causing all attention to pivot, and an audible groan from Adranna "We're not from your Kingdom, obviously. We won't be seen as invaders. We can bring your daughter back"

"Mercenaries" The Sovereign General replied to himself. The other generals looked to have their own opinions, but he dismissed them with a wave of his hand. "If you're willing to do this, you must have a price."

"We do, General" The old soldier replied with a nod "We were sent here on a mission by Stravaria, an elf. She had discovered that Vyrmar was in possession of the last copy of a religious text that is important to her kind. We had hoped we could convince him in person what he refused by letter."

"Heretics" one of the generals muttered loudly

"Enough" He turned to silence the other general "You are putting yourselves in grave danger. One book, even such a rare text, seems insufficient for the risk you are taking, but if the four of you will be content with such an arrangement, than so be it."

The Sovereign General sits in his empty chair, causing the others to do so as well. By all appearances, the matter is final "The four of you will be my advance party. You will go to this tower, retrieve my daughter Terveghn. Any minions or monsters he has enthralled or employed will be dispatched, but you will detain him and return him here to answer for his treason."

Demarchus leans forward "I will be sending a covert **** behind you, one that will evade notice of the Grushta. They will be on orders to eliminate anything in the way of their mission. This includes the four of you, if you are caught dawdling, or if your honesty has been found lacking. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal, general" You speak up.

"Than see yourselves out and prepare accordingly." You do as instructed, leaving the tower alone, now with an even greater mission than you had before.