Story A Simple Negotiation

Part of 4. Jormag Rising in The Icebrood Saga

1. Goal 1

   Active: Mediate the discussion between Smodur and Braham.

   Complete: The moment I returned to our hidden camp, I heard Braham and Smodur arguing strategy. Neither plan was a bad one, but they were mutually exclusive. Everyone was in disagreement, and I would need to break the logjam.

2. Goal 2

   Active: Find a path forward.

   Complete: I listened to both Braham's and Smodur's plans. Braham was certain he could find a way to convince the Spirits of the Wild to open the stone door by the norn ruins. Smodur, on the other hand, was more than convinced it would be a waste of time and we should put all our resources into a single frontal assault. But before I could make a decision, a bang echoed through the caverns. Smodur went down. Standing high above us: Ryland Steelcatcher, carrying the rifle that had done the deed. Portals opened around us, enemies pouring out.

3. Goal 3

   Active: Finalize your plan.

   Complete: We repelled the attack and drove Ryland's forces back, but he'd accomplished what he wanted: Smodur was dead. There was little time for mourning, unfortunately: if Ryland knew where our camp was, we had no choice but to move up our timetable. Efram and Malice stepped up to lead Iron in the assault on the front gate, while Braham resolved to open the door in the ruins. If we could get that door open, we'd have a straight shot right to Bangar. It was as good a plan as any.