The Kingdom of the Empty Throne (Act III)

The journey out of the Bronzebark Forests is quiet and peaceful, and the remaining distance to your destination is pleasantly unremarkable. The roads into Vilory are well paved, and patrolling soldiers keep the path free of vagabonds and thieves. With a small spot rising from the ground in the horizon, amiable spirits took over the group.

"Well, there we are" Kraig called out "That wasn't so hard, was it? That book is as good as ours already."

"Please," Bruce countered with an eye roll "You should know better than to think it would be easy. If it were, Stravaria would have gotten it herself without us."

"Why do you have to be such the downer, old man?" He asks in response "Sure, there's going to be some challenges involved. Probably some heavy lifting, sneaky shenanigans and the like, but we can handle whatever this city will throw at us. I mean, we just need to get an old book. How bad can that possibly be?"

"Everytime you say that" James piped in, "It gets just a little worse."

The city coming into greater focus, it's a large city of imposing dark stone walls, a severe contrast with the generally bright farmlands around it. There was only one entrance in or out, and the path was decorated with sculptured monuments. Each statue was paired with another on the opposite side, and the row of monuments grew larger with each preceding statue, until the end. The arched gate into the city was immense, articulate, with the final two statues acting as the ends and cornerstone as the arch, their arms reaching up and crossing each other holding identical swords.

"Man, hero worship much?" Kraig said "These guys could challenge the Empire when it comes to its idolatry."

"Whatever this is about, I'm sure we'll find out soon enough" You reply as the lot approach the gate, waiting in a line as those seeking entry are vetted. As you get closer, there are two desks manned by clerks, assisted by a small group of armed soldiers, ready to enforce the rules if necessary.

"Please state your names and purpose for being here." One of the clerks stated, barely looking up to see the four of you.

"Fiana Windblossom, and these are my friends Bruce Clifton, and James and Kraig Dowton" As he writes the last name down, he repeats his question "and what purpose do you have here?"

"We were told that there was a rare book to be found here. We were hoping that we could talk to it's owner about it."

The clerk spoke with uncomfortable coldness and efficiency "Any book or publication not personally owned by a Vilorian Citizen is the property of or under the jurisdiction of the Brigadier Archivist. Such materials owned therein may not be purchased, traded, borrowed, or lent without his express authority."

"Well, may we at least come in to try and make our case?"

"Very well." His monotone continued "Vilory welcomes all guests who abide our rules and respects our culture, but we will not tolerate violators, dissidents, and heretics."

"We understand, and thank you." You slowly make your way into Vilory proper. It's a very different sort of place than you've seen in the past. Nearly all of the buildings are identical in size and shape. There are countless banners and insignia to the government. Most notably of all, are the natives. Practically everyone outside is outfitted with a weapon and is wearing bands around their forearms in different colors. There seem to be soldiers everywhere, including many practicing marching and drill open in the street.

"Something tells me Fiana, these people don't put too high a value in song and dance" Bruce said in the understatement of the day.

"No kidding. We still need to figure out our bearings, and at least find a place to stay for a little while until we figure things out." After a little bit of exploring, you find a small venue to care for your horses as well as put up for the evening, an establishment joyfully known as the Inn Too Deep. Making your way inside, you find the place relatively empty, except for the probably owner. This works fine for you, given it's small size.

"Welcome, fair elf and gentlemen!" The woman behind the bar was somewhere between The Dowton's and Bruce's age, tall and squarely built. "You all look like you've seen a ghost or something"

"Technically, yes, but not today." James replied

"Really?" She said as she pulled four identical beers out "Well, I'm sure that's an interesting story, but I won't press you for details. Can call me Yirost, and I'm guessing this is your first time vising The Kingdom of the Empty Throne."

"Yes, it is. Is it that obvious?"

"You all have a bit of a dumbfounded look about you, but don't worry. All of you tourists have it the first time. I'll admit we do things a bit differently out here. I'll try to answer any questions you have."

"Why did you call this the Kingdom of the Empty Throne?" You start off with.

"Well, if there's any one question to ask, that's probably the one to go with. It's a bit long winded, so sit down and get comfortable, enjoy the beers." The four of you promptly sit down at the bar and listen intently.

"This kingdom is the chosen people of Glokrei, The God of War. Our ancient ancestors were his favored people, as they were the greatest and most honorable combatants in the world. As a gift, he gave us his two mortal sons, Diminus and Phitus, the first of the Zwiebrus. They banded us together to as one kingdom. They and their descendants led our people to glory and prosperity."

"So? What happened? Who are the Zwiebrus now?" Kraig asks.

"There are none. The last two Zwiebrus led a campaign against our bitter enemy, the Grushta. Neither they or their armies ever returned to Vilory, and the Grushta insist that the Zwiebrus never reached them to have battle. So, the Vilorians wait for the Zwiebrus to return from their campaign and lead us again. Until than, the Army runs the Kingdom, with the Sovereign-General ruling as steward of our people."

"Wow" You reply sincerely "Thank you very much for sharing. I feel like that does explain a lot. Is that why?"

"There's so many swords flying around and everything looks the same?" Yirost cuts you off "Ya. Everything is owned and operated by the military in some fashion, and every Vilorian is a member of the Army. Even an innkeeper like me."

"So, with that" Bruce plies to the leading question "who would the Brigadier Archivist be? We need to talk to them about a book."

"Good luck with that" Yirost replies morosely "The current Brigadier Archivist is a curmudgeonly little weasel named Vyrmar, but you didn't hear that first part out of me. There's not too many who like him, but basically everyone has to respect his authority. Whatever you're hoping to accomplish, I wish you the best. In the meantime, make yourselves comfortable."