Losechnikov of the wilds and Khurgan the Jeremanian met in secret under the cover of darkness and pine trees.
“It is as we suspected” the outdoorsman said “That is no mine.” They had been among the ruffians hired as outsider muscle by the local boyar to strongarm the locals into working on a dry mine. “It is a tunnel.”
They had both figured out that there were nefarious intentions behind the job and started investigating independently of each other but soon found each other to be allies. “And I think I know who commissioned it.” the merchant-adventurer from the steppes grinned as he held up a golden coin. “Frakia!” Losechnikov exclaimed, but his brow soon furrowed as his eyes fell upon the pouch the Jeremani quickly slid under his coat “How did you manage this? And do you think you should keep those?” he asked, to which Khurgan merely grinned: “What? I too know some tricks none others know and I think these coins are best spent in the service of good rather than evil.” Losechnikov shook his head with a smile of resignation while his eyes fell upon a squirrel that seemed to be watching them from a branch. He suddenly felt that their position was compromised and he motioned for them to move but as they got up the darkness stirred and as if growing out of it a great bear appeared.
Khurgan immediately drew his sword and whispered: “Bear!” but Losechnikov held out his arms in a calming gesture: “Fear not,” he said quietly “For Svarog has given unto me the ability to talk to all animals.” The Jeremanian blinked in disbelief : “You do not have the ability to talk to animals” he sighed as prepared himself to be eaten alive.
The bear raised a paw in a greeting…