"What do you think is really going on here? Gerwyn asks, quietly. "There's... definitely something wrong with this merchant, don't you think?"
557 CY - 11th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest – 10th Night of the Trip
Soon enough, the bodyguard returns from his jaunt into the forest, none the worse for wear.
Those who are paying attention see a whips of smoke emit from the forest but nothing else unusual catches their attention this night nor do any threats rear their heads this night.
The sun's rays begin to crest from the east and the camp comes alive once more...
While working out in the morning with Kate, Rhun in a whisper tells Kate not to go off alone with any of the merchant's bodyguards, or the merchant. She won't explain why, just warns her, and to especially not go into the last wagon. If pressed, she'll just say something has her worry knot tensing and if she had anything specific, she'd tell her. Just don't go off with them, and if they try to get her to go off with them, come and let Rhun know.
Beyond that, she takes her normal naps during the day.
The young hunter watches the scene with the guard unfold dispassionately. He had a feeling he knew what was in the sack, but didn't honestly care.
When the guardsmen exit the woods Griswold will wander in. Once he's a out of sight of the camp, he will transform into his brown bear form, rushing towards the strong smell of cooking meat.
557 CY - 11th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest – 10th Night of the Trip
Griswold, you rush through the woods until you come to the edge of the clearing. You see Vaki kneeling down inspecting the source of the burning smell which you can see quite clearly is a larger than human sized sack. Enough of the sack has burned away that you can identify the body of one of the gnolls, badly burned.
Vaki leans down and closely examines the body, trying to tell if there was anything interesting that lead to it's death.
Fenrarem notices the wisps of smoke coming over the tops of the trees, but decides that there is not enough smoke to indicate a large enough fire to be worth his attention.
Noticing that Griswold is not at his post, Fenrarem briefly considers whether or not he might be the source of the smoke, but dismisses it as unlikely. Griswold wouldn't light a fire for no reason and would use other means if he was trying to get their attention. Despite his curiosity he decides to stay at his post, mindful of the merchant's orders... for now. He resolves to go look for his wayward companion if he does not return soon.
Griswold in his bear form circles around the clearing to face Vaki. Out of the clearing appears a great Kodiak bear. The bats at the ground, it comes closer to the burnt corpse. Stopping merely a few feet away from Vaki, the bear shakes its fur and reverts back into Griswold's dwarf form.
"Aye I knew something was up when I met this group. So yer a lycan, that's fine I don't think of yah any differently. Are we the only ones?"
Griswold seems to be rather inquisitive, perhaps more curious than anything else.
He bends down to inspect the charred corpse, examining it.
"Aye let me help yah look over the body for anything suspicious."
Gerwyn shudders at the sight of smoke, but says nothing more.
Vaki turns from where he's examining the body "Who said I was a Lycan?."
Griswold stares blankly at Vaki, he shakes his head and looks displeased.
"Oi don't poke the f+$@ing bear, I wasn't born yesterday boy. I saw ye change, I know ye ain't no powerful druid. So either yer a lycan or yer more powerful than we any of us here. There's no need to lie to me, I don't care that yer a lycan. As long as you treat me for who I am, I don't give a s!+#e. In fighting ain't going to save us from extinction."
Griswold ends the lycan talk, more concerned for the dead gnoll and the lives of the other passengers.
"What's the damage Vaki? I can tell you I don't like this, I fear for the others. I don't trust that pompous f*!*ing merchant. If you ask me, I think it's about time gather the others, including our new woodmens friends and what guards we can trust and kill that merchant c%*&."
Vaki shrugs at Griswold's comments about his true nature "Believe what ya want about what I might, or might not be. As you said, it doesn't matter."
He takes a closer look at the body and grimaces "What does matter is this body is lacking the proper amount of blood for a corpse in this state. It's covered in tiny slashes and cuts, as if by a needle thin dagger. But, a body wouldn't bleed out this much from that, and the fire wouldn't have boiled the blood away. Which means either there's a lot of blood left in the wagon where this body was kept, or there's something else going on here." He states all of this matter-of-factly, not seeming to be upset or freaked out by what he's found.
557 CY - 11th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest – 10th Night of the Trip
-------
The camp is nearly packed up and ready to go. A single line in many ways led to a tighter formation and less sprawling so a quicker time to get things re-packed and ready to move in addition to the fact that time need not be wasted realigning the wagons.
In the morning Kate approaches Rhun, "Why the tension last night? Did something happen?"
Rhun walks past 'the wagon', her nostrils flaring minutely as she does so.
Once Kate talks to her, Rhun begins the morning training katas, and speaks very softly while showing Kate how to stab with the knife. "Something happened last night with, I think, a body. I'll know more later, after I talk to a few others." She whispers. "In the meantime, don't be alone with the merchant, or the merchant's bodyguards. One of the body guards threw a heavy sack out of the gnoll prison wagon. It's possible one of them just died from sepsis, but I'm kind of paranoid, it keeps you alive longer." She smiles at Kate, and then continues in a normal voice. "Well, I do believe you've at least learned that the pointy end goes in the other person, so I think we can move up to using real knives instead of training knives. We can also work on teaching you to throw them. Never throw your last knife unless you have no choice." And the rest of the morning work is training with throwing blades.
557 CY - 11th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest – 10th Night of the Trip
As Rhun walks by the wagon, the scent of death is muted but there. One of the Bodyguards steps out from the back of the wagon and grins at you Rhun. It's the first emotion you've ever seen from one of them and without question it is the grin of a predator.
He says nothing, just watches you walk away with that alarming grin on his face.
---
Kate nods in response clearly worried but trying to hide it. You understand her concern, the group is out ion the middle of dangerous woods and if there is danger within and without, only a fool would not be concerned.
---
[ooc]Assume Vaki relayed to you what he relayed to Griswold in the spoiler above. I will assume you won't tell Kate that particular information![/spoiler]
Rhun ignores the grin, and continues on, but she alerts Vaki about the guard, and asks him to pass it around to the others when they talk.
Rhun tells Kate that there was a body, and it didn't look like it died from sepsis, so she should be careful and stay far away from the bodyguards, and never go off alone anymore, always stay with her or one of the other caravan guards, even if they are smelly and annoying.
Griswold nods,"Aye boy, what are we to do now? I don't like this one bit, we should warn the others. I will let Fen know, that fairy boy might have c@** of a tree growing out of his arse. But I trust him."
Griswold begins to make his way back to camp in his dwarf form, tried from a long night, it was time to sleep for the old bear.
------------
Griswold makes his way to Fenrarem when daylight breaks.
He pulls him aside and have a quiet word, which was uncharacteristic of Griswold.
"Oi Fairy boy Fen, I don't like what's going on here. I followed Vaki into the woods, the merchant's guards tried to dispose of the gnoll body and there was foul play involved. I don't trust that merchant, I think it's time we do something about it."
Fenrarem regards Griswold for a few moments, saying nothing as he gathers his thoughts.
Finally he grimaces and shakes his head.
''This is grim news. I don't think that it is time to rise up however. We don't know how the rest of the night watch will react. While I agree that merchant is bad news, I don't relish having to fight him and all his guards when the night watch might chose neutrality or even to side against us.''
Fenrarem nods thoughtfully and places a hand on Griswold's shoulder, squeezing it for a moment before stepping back.
''I suggest that for the moment we continue as we've been doing, we watch and wait for a better opportunity and maybe see if we can get some of the watch on our side. Also, i've told you maybe times you cur, stop calling me Fairy Boy.''
Gerwyn is happy to get some rest if no one tells the rest of the group what happened. He's nervous about the whole thing, but if there's something going on, all the more reason to be well-rested to face it.
Once she's done talking to Vaki, Rhun will track down our leader, and inform her about the missing blood in the corpse that was put into the woods, and the fact the wagon smells of death, but not of massive blood loss. There are other things than werewolves in this area that mortals fear, and with good reason. Blood missing, and from small puncture wounds all over the body, sounds entirely too much like vampires for her taste, and that's something that could affect the mission. However, she keeps Vaki's name out of it, since he told it to her in apparent confidence. So she just lets the party leader know what happened without going into details about how she found out.
557 CY - 12th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest –
Marya listens to what Rhun has to say off to the side before the caravan rolls out, "I'll call a meeting before next watch to discuss this. For now, say nothing to anyone".
The caravan rolls along all day, the Lycan's under tension as some know and some don't and feel tension only because of the dangerousness of this journey.
The day goes by uneventfully and the Night Watch gains much needed rest.
---
557 CY - 12th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest –
As the group wakes, Marya pulls you all into conference in the woods while the day shift sets up camp. The dirty looks they receive from the rest of the mercenaries are ignored by all.
"It seems that some of you found some disturbing evidence last night. Please go ahead and share it with everyone Rhun and Vaki".
Raze grins, "If this trip continues to be this boring it'll be disturbing for sure..."
Vaki, with Marya's permission, fills everybody in on what he found. Again, his tone indicates no disgust or outrage over what was done, just merely stating the facts, as he observed them. He doesn't even bother to speculate on to what might have happened to the blood.
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Rhun has no trouble speculating. "Blood is a valuable commodity in many spells, but all of them are black magic, everyone knows that." "Vampires like it to, although I'm not sure how a vampire could have survived in the caravan unless they've been locked up in the same wagon the whole time. Either way, even if it's just the body guards getting off on killing someone, there's not enough blood smell around the wagon to explain it all being gone, so something happened to it." She taps her nose.
Griswold steps forward,"what said is true. I was with him when we found the charred remains."
Running his hand down his face, stroking his beard. Griswold expresses both outrage and concern, remaining uncharacteristically calm.
"I don't trust this merchant c*$%, the rangers are sworn protectors of the forest and the inhabitants. This merchant rubs in a way I don't like. It's high time we come up with some ideas, because we're next. If not us, the passengers and that makes me pissed. You don't want to see this dwarf angry."
Igdus sighs, making no attempts to hide it. He ignored some of the nonsense to focus on the point.
"I was hoping they would not be so sloppy. Even before we left their were signs, the gnolls were a blessing really. Yet it seems they have gotten comfortable and now noticed."
He raises a hand at any incoming accusations.
"I had no proof and thought it best not to share suspicions for this very reason."
He looks at the dwarf, as he was reacting in the exact manner that would get them all killed. Justifying his predictions all to well.
"At first I thought Maya knew of our employer's association, I noticed at our first meeting with him. Over time it became clear that was not true. Unless I am mistaken in that."
He glances at Maya.
"Ether way our job remains the same. As does the merchants objective, safe passage through the forest. Nothing good with come of pushing the merchant or his cargo. Their only interest seems to pass, I say let them."
Rhun narrows her eyes at Igdus. "You are a hypocrite, and a fool." She says, coldly, no emotion at all in her voice. "You complain of others not keeping you informed of things, while you yourself hide information that places all of us at risk. I may not tell everyone everything I do, but I do not hide danger from those I am working with. Do not complain about anything I do going forward, you have lost all rights to complain about other's activities."
Was it so surprising that he did not share every suspicion with someone that dismissed them or acted impulsively.
"My rights are my own. I have no interest in debating you, I rather deal with the problem at hand. Not throw a tantrum."
He expected another rebuttal that he intended to ignore. City folk would talk themselves into the ground after all. That's why they were so blind to everything around them.
"If we fight among each other, what chance will we have if something does happen?" Gerwyn pleads, distressed as always by contention in the pack. "We may not want to take the offensive, but we should agree on how we'll keep watch for danger and what we'll do about it, right?"
Rhun ignores Igdus, as if he were no more important than a pile of dung on the side of the road, merely something to be avoided with distaste. "Ger, I am unsure of the others, but I, for one, have no intention of allowing innocent bystanders to become food..." She eyes the group, from Vakit to Griswold, and finally Ger and then Igndus. "...for anyone, and I mean that, there will be no eating of innocent people on my watch, no matter what. So while I will agree not to rock the boat for now, if anything other than things that attack us are fed upon, by anything, I will start blowing peoples heads off."
Griswold shakes his head when Igdus drones on.
"Yer mistrust in us is what's going to get us all killed, Igdus. We all need to work as a team if we want to get through what might be coming."
Quickly he looks over to Fenrarem and nods, both of them were privy to information on the dangers building in the forest.
"Aye I agree Gerwyn and Rhun, I too don't want innocent people to die. Again we need to work together, whether we like it or not. Also I would start making allies, I already know two of the mercenary. The young lads, Kensith and Joten. Maybe just maybe, I could get them on our side. There is also the woodsmen, one of them is a Ranger. I will talk to him. The more people we win over, the easier the battle will become if it comes to that."
Igdus did not have infinite patience, more so for a blood thirsty dwarf.
"I agree on keeping up our guard, as I have been doing from the start. Just as I have given warnings before. But if you think the merchant and his associates weak or foolish, your wrong."
Did they think vampires or those that served them were easy enemies. It was only their desire to reach their destination that kept them in check.
"If they suspect or are provoked, then without a doubt innocents will die. Considering how easy it was for one of them to get near you two and pass me. I suggest you leave well enough alone and do nothing to draw attention."
He motions towards Rhun and Griswold. While he had not seen the event, based on what he was told after the fact. They already nearly met one of their cargo, only it's restraint saved them. It seemed they hadn't pieced it together.
Ignoring Igdus, Rhun looks to Maya. "We need to ensure we have weapons, in case things go sideways. If we'd been told sooner, we could have had them already. As it is, we need to work on them without arising suspicion. Fortunately, the wooden training weapons I've been using make decent stakes. I'll work up some more training weapons out of wood, short swords, even swords."
When she next has some time alone, Rhun will make some special rounds for her gun, lead wrapped around a sliver of ash.
Fenrarem has kept silent up until this point, wanting to hear what everyone has to say before letting his thoughts known. Finally he clears his throat.
''I must echo what some of you have said already.''
He waves his hand to indicate Griswold, Rhun and Gerwyn.
'' Having said that, Igdus is probably correct in that going after the merchant and his guards might be unwise. Not just because we don't know their strength, or rather I don't know their strengths, some among us are not very good at sharing information.''
His eyes shift to the side and rest on Igdus for a moment or two before he continues.
''So having said that I agree that we should keep our guard up and find whatever allies we can, not just because the merchant may turn on us, but because the Gnarley is not as safe as it once was. Not that it was ever particularly safe.''
He chuckles a bit at his little joke before concluding.
''As for you Rhun, are you sure you are not being a little hasty with your vampire theory? The gnoll was exsanguinated this is true, but it seems to me that it was just as likely that he was tortured and bled to death. Im not saying not to prepare for the worst but truth be told I think a vampire would cut through us all with little difficulty.''
Having said his piece, he lapses back into silence.
Rhun hefts her powder horn. "As I said, the Boom at Noon fails no Rhun."
Fenrarem laughs out loud at the human woman's comment.
''Clever little human, maybe you're not so bad after all.''
Rhun seems inordinately pleased by the comment for some reason.
Griswold lets out a hearty belly laugh at Rhun's comment. Once the laughing subsides Griswolds begins to think of other threats that linger in these woods.
"Nah, I'm doubtful on the vampire theory. There have been reports of fey been acting up in these woods and there are two off the top of my head that like blood. Redcaps and Baobhan sith, I'd be worried if we're to face either."
Griswold reaches into his badgerhead sporran, retrieving a waxed bag. Removing a piece of honey glazed jerky.
"Now I still say we gather allies, just be careful not to mention too much. Probably stay away from those guard, unless they head into the woods. Remember the merchant did say leave anyone that wandered off. By the way Igdus, don't concern yourself about Vaki and I. If those guards were too run into me, I assure you they'd be running with their tiny tails between their legs."
Tobar remains silent for much of the conversation, as is his way. He then speaks up.
"If there is fear of vampires in the mystery wagon, why not arrange for it to catch fire before reaching the town? Though I think fey the more likely, the mystery is trouble whether we solve it or not."
557 CY - 12th Day of Coldeven - Gnarley Forest –
Raze whistles, "Not so boring after all eh?" He elbows his cousin, Valar remains silent.
Marya narrows her eyes, "We are here to aid this caravan in moving forward to Dvyers. Along the way, we are to attempt to disable the operations of these Fey that threaten the road.
If these wild accusations you claim are true, are true, the fire by day may slay the creature but what of his living minions? The Merchant and his two guards? Do we slay them as well? Can we?
Do you believe we can turn a dozen mercenaries who are being employed by the Merchant against him without him getting wind of it from one loose tongue?
Think about it.
This is indeed an untenable situation but for now I agree that doing nothing is the wisest course of action. The next group of foes we face, we had best take prisoners...
Now, stay quiet and alert and keep doing what you are doing".
Type
Stealth
Rhun
Igdus
Tobar
Raze
Vaki
Valar
Gerwyn
Unlike the prior night, the camp grounds at this break point are substantial. The night proceeds without incident and Creighton is the man on patrol this night along with all of you. He walks the perimeter along the forest but within the firelight. Running an opposite circuit from him are Raze and Valar.
As per normal, the rest of you stay within the confines of the wagon. This time, the bodyguards shoo Rhun, Igdus, or Vaki off of the top of the two middle wagons citing unusual circumstances of the last night that allowed any of you up there at all.
Igdus was glad at least Marya was sense able. Who would have thought the wolf was the one listening to advice the most. He admitted he did not expect it. Sadly the bats were not surprising him. It had cost him his vantage point, not that he needed it with his abilities but it was a better cover, not to mention some of these people were starting to smell.
His head suddenly flies towards a different direction, breaking his thoughts. He saw them, to close to waste any time. He backs up drawing his dagger.
"On Guard! We got sneaks coming in from the forest fast!"
Vaki, per usual, is up in the trees. He only sleeps during the day on top of the wagon, so he was not to blame for the others loosing the wagon.
When Igdus yells out about sneaks, he tries to spot them.
Gerwyn turns to look at Igdus when he shouts, then turns again to look where the other man is looking.
Griswolds stops in his tracks when Igdus shrill shrieks echoed throughout the camp. He tries to spot the sneaks and makes his way closer to the forest with axe in hand.
Rhun looks in the direction indicated...