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[Thraxas]

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"This is absurd! What sort of "renovations" are you speaking of?! And why should I close the doors until they get done? You say they will be on the rooftop---so that won't get in the way of tavern business; what is it you intend to do?" The voice was loud and more than a bit riled. Malenthalus, the owner and proprietor of Covenant Castle, was not an easy man to deal with at the best of times, and he certainly did not like the proposals just offered him by Lord Regent Thraxas.

On the other hand, Thraxas kept unusually calm as he continued to describe and explain his plans to the agitated man. "Good sir, you are not addressing some whimsical dandy from Britain; I am the Regent of Yew... royalty, for all intents and purposes. I desperately need control... unlimited use... of this castle. I assure you it will be a boon to your tavern business, if that is what you are worried about."

"Tavern business be cursed!" the man swore. "I want to know what you intend to do to my castle!"

"As I said, I need to make a few renovations. The dining area on the roof must go, as must the parlour on the second floor. I will need a few other areas for my office, my private quarters, and a small holding cell. Surely you can understand the need for these things, for one of my new status?"

Malenthalus scowled and crossed his arms. "All that is well and good, but what about the rooftop?"

"I plan to build an expanse to entertain very special guests, and perhaps execute certain criminals. It will not be a tidy place, nor one I would want just anyone to see. I will make certain it is veiled from view on the other tower tops and from below."

"How do you plan to do that?"

"I am quite adept at magic tricks... illusions... but not much of that will be necessary. I can position statues, erect hedges, and generally conceal it as needed. Trust me... it can be done easily enough."

"What criminals are you talking about?"

"The brigands which roam the area for starters. I intend to make examples of them for their fellows. Then, also, should it be necessary to execute criminals in Yew, this would be a better place than the Court of Truth which should not have blood spilled there."

The middle-aged proprietor thought for a moment, then shook his head. "The rooms you can have; the rooftop... no."

Thraxas expected the obstacle. He retrieved a hefty, full, bag of gold from his pack. "Here is enough gold for one month's rent of the rooftop. Let me build there, in private, whatever I think I need to make it viable. If after that time you decide you do not wish me to use it, then say so and I will move everything. But if not, then we have a deal for its lease for one full year. Fair enough?"

Malenthalus rubbed his chin, eyeing the gold. The tavern did not bring in a lot, nor did his vendor. He reached out and took the gold, offering his free hand to shake," Deal!" he stated.

Thraxas clasped his hand and lower arm, shook it once, and nodded, smiling all the while.

The new temple is yours, O great Oggaroth. The vow is kept. Reward thy servant.
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"If a criminal has what you want, you do business with him."