Storm and Augustus arrived at Twin Rivers by late afternoon.
Causing a brief moment of panic for the base commander that had been assigned to the post.
They believed that Storm had come for a suprise inspection of the troop's readiness and their fortifications.
After assuring them that all was well and that wasn't an official visit, he took a brief tour of the settlement at the commander's insistence.
The man that his advisors had choosen to place in charge of the settlement was an older dwarf that was affectionately nicknamed 'Old Iron Bones' by his men.
At almost 2 centuries old his fighting days were long since done.
He earned his nickname for his impressive endurance and fortitude.
He had plenty of experience in fighting, particularly in sieges in both the role of attacker, as well as defender.
It was for this reason that he had been assigned to the post.
As the settlement was meant to act as a buffer to block invaders, instead of a proper settlement.
Most of the buildings inside were constructed to serve an army in some capacity.
Instead of regular houses, their were barracks constructed to house a large group of warriors in a small amount of space.
Most of the soldiers were beast-kin of some kind, although there were a few dwarves mixed it and even a single unit of lizardmen scouts.
A particularly rugged unit of dwarves that was handpicked by 'Old Iron Bones' himself. And was named 'The Iron company ' in honor of their founder.
Clad from head to toe in heavy plate armor and holding tower shields as big as they were tall, they were a near unbreakable defensive wall that could hold back even Troll sized opponents.
While their warhammers ensured that they could give back as much pain as they received.
This unit served as both Iron Bones's personal retinue, as well as trusted lieutenants and drill sergeants
The wooden Palisades surrounding the settlement had been thickened and reinforced so that it could stand up to modern siege equipment.
The gates leading into the settlement had been reinforced with iron to further strengthen the obstacle.
Several large ditches had been constructed to divert the nearby river to create a moat that made reaching the walls even more difficult.
As the settlement was built for military purposes, there were few comforts for it's inhabitants other than training fields and barracks.
No markets, no parks or plazas. Just a small smithy to maintain equipment, a tavern for the men to drink in, and a small arena to settle disputes and provide entertainment.
On the outskirts was a small graveyard and memorial to honor those who gave their lives taking the settlement.
Storm congratulated the men on a job well done and told them to keep up the good work before continuing on his journey.
They were warned that due to the war currently on, patrols along the roads had increased, and they were advised to stick to the ground after leaving Twin Rivers.
To help speed up their journey, the local druid in the settlement, who also acted as the base's healer and beastmaster, charmed two wild horses into carrying them to the Wanderer's Rest.
At the outskirts of the settlement, they were told to release their mounts and the horses would find their own way back.
Storm shifted into his human form and they traveled the rest of the day using the constructed roads.
Due to their delay at Twin Rivers, they only arrived at Wanderer's Rest by sundown.
As the carriage hiring services closed at sundown and didn't hire out transports during the night, they were forced to rent rooms at the local inn.
Storm wore an iron mask over his face similar to the ones worn by the Matriarch's former handmaidens and let Augustus do the talking for him.
Taking on the persona of an arrogant noble that couldn't even be bothered to speak to people himself.
Storm was told by the Matriarch that such behavior wasn't uncommon among nobles.
Especially well known royals, who wished to travel incognito and was forced to rely on others to speak on their behalf due to their voices being well known.
As long as his paperwork was in order, the guards were trained not to pry into the affairs of these nobles as it could potentially cost them their job.
... or in certain cases, their heads.
The next morning, they rented a carriage and set off on their journey.
Augustus sat in front with the driver, while Storm sat by himself in the interior of the carriage.
Everywhere were signs of turmoil as guards were regularly seen patrolling the countryside and inspecting travelers, especially when they got closer to Stone Helm.
As they weren't planning to actually enter the city, they only gave their carriage a brief inspection before allowing them through.
They traveled for several days before they finally arrived at their destination at noon.
The few damages they had caused the last time they were here had long since been repaired.
Though security around the gates were even tighter than before.
The Matriarch had warned Storm that the old tunnels they had used to escape had been sealed by the defenders in the aftermath of their escape.
Instead, they should make their way to 'The Fox's den', a run down ale house in the poor quarter of the city outside the walls that was secretly run by Leyocan's clan.
The carriage dropped Storm and Augustus off at the main gates to the city, then set off on the long return trip back to The Wanderer's Rest.
They waited until he was out of sight, before making their way to the tavern.
As it was still early, the tavern was mostly empty except for a few patrons.
They sat together in close groups and eyed anyone approaching too closely with suspicion.
Based on their ragged, travel worn clothes and messy hair and faces. Storm suspected that they might be refugees fleeing from the conflict and attempting to find safe harbor at Northburg, only to get turned away at the city gates.
Storm ignored the other patrons and made his way straight to the inn keeper.
"I've got a meeting with your leader, can you lead me to him?"
"Depends, you got a pass phrase?" replied the inn keeper.
"Come on!! Do we really need to do this?!" Asked Storm.
The inn keeper raised an eyebrow and tapped his fingers on the counter.
Storm sighed in response.
"The Golden dragon chases his own tail." Storm said flatly.
The inn keeper nodded his head.
"Good! Can't be too careful nowadays! Especially with the Order lurking around!
Go to the wine cellar behind me.
There's a secret room behind the central wine rack." Explained the Inn Keeper.
Storm and Augustus went to the rack indicated and pulled it aside.
As they entered the room, they were met with several drawn swords.
Hooded men with black leather armor and cloth masks surrounded them quickly.
Leyocan was standing at the head of a table looking over a map of the city.
As he recognized Storm, he called off his men.
"Easy there! He's on our side!" Said Leyocan.
The men sheathed their swords a moment later.