As Lisbet approaches the body -- but before she gets really close -- its bloody lips part to shout a message in a low orc voice: "Do čerta zúrivosť kmeň vyžaduje napoly ork Vegaz. Do tej doby budú čerti chodiť medzi vami. Odmietnuť, a to nebude posledný subjekt, ktorý padá."
A second later, it repeats itself: "Do čerta zúrivosť kmeň vyžaduje napoly ork Vegaz. Do tej doby budú čerti chodiť medzi vami. Odmietnuť, a to nebude posledný subjekt, ktorý padá."
And again: "Do čerta zúrivosť kmeň vyžaduje napoly ork Vegaz. Do tej doby budú čerti chodiť medzi vami. Odmietnuť, a to nebude posledný subjekt, ktorý padá."
And again: "Do čerta zúrivosť kmeň vyžaduje napoly ork Vegaz. Do tej doby budú čerti chodiť medzi vami. Odmietnuť, a to nebude posledný subjekt, ktorý padá."
The voice continues as the eagles wing after the devils, the dire message issuing forth again and again.
“The Hell’s Fury tribe demands the half-orc Vegazi. Until then, devils will walk among you. Refuse, and this won’t be the last body that falls.”
Qiola jumped atop Rizu and rode him out with the others to see what the trouble was. She watched the flying devils in the sky and noted the Half-Elf's magic eagles go after them.
The Halfling hunter moved out of the saddle. "Stay, Rizu" she quietly instructed her warcat, before drawing her healer's kit from her pack and moving to the body to stand beside Lyra and Lisbet.
That was when she heard the message spoken in Orc and repeated over and again.
"The Hell’s Fury tribe demands the half-orc Vegazi. Until then, devils will walk among you. Refuse, and this won’t be the last body that falls,” she translated aloud, not knowing who among the original party knew the Orc tongue.
She knelt by the bloodied human on the ground, and rolling up her sleeves, began to examine them, hoping to provide some aid/relief with her modicum healer's skill. Qiola wondered if they would live yet or if their injury was too deep at the torturous hands of the devils.
"Seems that since they have failed to capture her they are going to get someone else to do it."
"Morbid. And cowardly. Looks like we will be taking a nap and then enjoy some time raiding with Qiola, Rizu and their man!" Lisbet is a bit more excited than one would expect, but then again, many enemies bring much honor.
"Nothing fancy, just irrig-" Argus is cut off by the commotion for outside. He sighs as he stands up and rushes to the door. "Ain't no justice."
"Vegazi are you OK with this. I doubt they will let you leave again, but then I don't expect that they will let us leave again if we escort you."
"Perhaps your sister can be disguised well enough to let us get close. Then maybe we can better figure out what is really going on here?" the half-elf suggests.
The human is clearly dead, his head barely attached to the rest of his body by a thin flap of skin.
"I do not wish to have anything to do with my mother," Vegazi says nervously. "I think they mean no good."
After a few minutes, Terrin -- the scoutmaster -- arrives. He looks down at the man and shakes his head.
"Damn," he says. "That's one of my scouts."
You can see his jaw tighten as he looks over the scene, listening to the body's message before it finally falls silent a few minutes later.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to see to this. Hektir's family will need to be told what's happened here before they find out from gossip."
"I don't consider myself a violent person, but I can't stand bullies. Give 'em what they want and they just come for more later. We gotta end this. We have to end them."
Qiola could not help the man - the dead scout named Hektir, so she closed his eyelids and whispered a quiet prayer. The man's suffering had been needless - a cowardly way to send a message to this Half-Orc, Vegazi. Qiola's scowl deepened as she looked upon the female Half-Orc with ill-disguised contempt. Her hands clenched around the healer's kit. She's a friend of theirs or an ally, but how could this be ..., the Halfling thought to herself; her hearbeat quickening. To turn her focus from killing the Half-Orc or demanding she return to this Hell's Fury tribe, Qiola addressed the scout master, "I'm sorry for the loss of your scout. My Rizu here can transport Hektir's body, if you wish it."
Listening to the Argus fellow speak of his violent contempt of browbeaters, Qiola found herself nodding upon his declaration of ending the tyranny, once and for all.
"Tell us about this Hell's Fury tribe. Why do they mean this one ill?", she bid the group plainly and clearly referring to the Half-Orc.
Xorrin nods at his wife's words and says Yes, please tell us. I need to know whom to punch.
"Ah, well, I hope the man put up a fight." She turns to the halflings, "You know, I haven't a clue as to why these rocs want so badly to have Vegazi returned to them, but she's been an all right sort since I have been here." She cracks her knuckles, her spirits animating everything around her and she says with a smirk, "And I don't mind making sure we end this threat. By whatever means at our disposal."
Lyra nods in agreement with the big woman. "One way or the other, I think the only end is to go to the tribe. I will fill you in on the story, so far as we know it," she says in answer the couple's questions.
"My thanks, good halfling," the scoutmaster replies to Qiola, "but my men will handle it."
Even as he speaks, several more guards come, one of them laying a blanket over the body. Two others begin assembling a rough stretcher, clearly to take him away.
Vegazi looks unhappy.
"I do not know why they want me. I left when I was very young and they have not bothered me much since then. Though maybe they did not know where I was, as I did not wish to be found."
"Vegazi, I think they just don't like that you aren't theirs. Many tribes both human and orc get possessive of their blood." Lisbet shrugs, not really knowing what else to say on that matter. She does however state, "No matter. Tomorrow we will go and poke them in the eye with a sharp stick, or steel. I think the result will be much the same." She turns to leave, muttering over her shoulder, "But for now, we eat drink and be merry. We don't know who will be with us tomorrow at sunset."
"I agree, today we can visit the tribe after a rest. Vegazi, if your presence has drawn the Hell's Fury fury here I suggest you leave. You are an asset and welcome to join us, but you needn't sacrifice anymore," she looks around to the others to make sure everyone agrees. "I hope we are all rowing the same raft Vegazi's involvement. I can't ask her to do any more."
At the scoutmaster's assurance that his people could handle the transportation of their own, Qiola affably inclined her head, and quietly added, "Aye, he is one of yours," and watched silently as they covered him and built a rough litter to take the body away.
Both Lisbet and Lyra gave assurances as to the character of the Half-Orc female. Qiola cast a sharp look toward Vegazi, when the female answered that she did not know why the Hell Fury tribe pursued her. They will not stop until they have this Half-Orc, to be sure, Qiola mused silently.
As to what they would do now, Qiola listened to Lisbet and Lyra, who seemed the more vocal members of the their group.
"The Half-Orc should leave town and travel far away or turn herself into this tribe so the town can be spared from their unceasing wrath." Qiola bristled in the presence of Vegazi, for such creatures only brought violence wherever they went. She certainly did not trust Vegazi, nor readily admit her as travelling companion.
Looking back to the others, Qiola agreed to setting off in the morning. "Let us eat, plan and prepare this night and then meet our fates come dawn."
Philgor runs all the scenarios through his military mind and says,"It will not matter whether Vegazi stays or goes. The Hell's Fury tribe will not let the town off the hook. It she leaves they will see it as the town has let her escape and if she stays the town will be harboring her."
"Let us rest tonight and head out in the morning. If they see us coming in force they may leave the town in peace."
Vegazi frowns at Qiola's words.
"Who are you to say what I must do? I am not sacrifice for them, no matter what they do. Is my life less important than humans?"
"Tis not a matter of worth. You drew them here, to these good people. They deserve your consideration." There is no warmth in the Halfling's tone and even though her voice is low, the meaning is undisguised.
Xorrin says gently to his wife, My dear, these people do not think she drew them here willingly and know her much better than we. If they are comfortable with her here then we should respect their judgment yes? As Philgor says, it may matter not whether she stays or goes at this point. He whispers into her ear and says in halfling I understand your distrust my love. Though in this case I would rather her closer where we can keep an eye on her.
Her husband's words broke through the thinly veiled contempt Qiola felt for the female Half-Orc. She looked into Xorrin's blue eyes and then gave a small nod as his meaning registered. In their native tongue, she replied very quietly, "Rydych yn siarad gwir, annwyl o' fy nghalon. Rydym yn cadw llygad barcud ar y un."
"You speak truth, beloved o' my heart. We keep a watchful eye on that one."
Casting a glance at Rizu, she informed the group, "We're returin' to the inn," and calling Rizu, the Halfling hunter moved to go back inside, hoping Xorrin was following.
"No Vergazi I, your life is as valuable as any other's. And you have willingly risked yours for the people here since we first met you saving their scout from those devils. I would only ask that you do whateveryou must to draw the Fury's attention from here." the half elf will describe the woman's bravery to the halfling as best she can.
"Be patient Miss Q. Vegazi will surprise you soon enough. But yer right ninety-nine of a-hundred times." Lisbet turns, well tries to turn her head to Vegazi when her haunt gives one of her braids a hard yank. "Dammit to Pharasma's Yard with you!"
"We need a proper plan. I'm sick of gettin' bushwacked. We should stage an ambush of our own."
"Great idea Argus, let's have them meet us... Uhmm, here."
Looking over her shoulder at the females and their ready speeches, Qiola gave a quick nod upon Lisbet's words. "Don't much like surprises, but I do enjoy seeing someone true to their word." When the fair woman cursed, Qiola's brow rose and she enquired, "Ye alright, Miss Lisbet?", wondering who she was speaking to.
When Argus agreed to planning the attack, Qiola amiable concurred. "As I was sayin', let's move inside to fill our stomachs and plan the end of this Hell's Fury tribe. You know the town better than us, if we bring them here, where could we set the ambush? I'm all for ambushin' Orcs,", there was a glint in the Halfling's eye as if she relished the chance to kill some Orcs.
Before sitting down at the table the summoner says, "If the ambush is in town, we should invite the mayor. Maybe the scoutsmaster can offer a better place and some intelligence on the tribe itself. I'll get him as well."
As you make your way back to the inn to finish your food and then rest, the half-orc retreats to her room, clearly feeling unwanted at the table, especially after Lisbet's outburst seemingly aimed in her direction.
You settle back at the table, but are again interrupted, this time by a messenger who looks around and then approaches the table, asking you to meet Mayor Proum at the Arwyll Estate. He seems to focus on Lyra, Argus and Lisbet -- not recognizing but unconcerned about the halflings' presences -- but departs quickly after delivering the message.
You arrive at the manor and are led into the parlor, where several of you previously met with the mayor, though he looks to have aged a year in the few days since then.
Also there is Grev, the homesteader some of you have rescued.
"Thank you for coming. You've already, many of you, done a great service to the town, and I've tried to show my appreciation. Grev has filled me in a little more, and told me how Vegazi saved countless Steaders not that long ago.
"Between you and me, I hope Vegazi’s relationship with the Arwyll family might be enough to appease the townsfolk, who feel hopeless without an Arwyll protecting them. I plan to try to persuade her to remain in town if the Steaders accept her.
"But with the orcs demanding her head -- and why are they seeking vengeance now, after so many years?! -- I fear the people won’t be receptive to news of the half-orc’s heroism. Please, I'd appreciate if you could keep this all to yourself now."
[b]"I've sent to Vigil for reinforcements -- Shackleton volunteered, or rather demanded, to be allowed to go -- and in the meantime I've decided to close the gates and have ordered the militia to bar anyone from entering or leaving. It would be a disgrace to the Arwyll name to give in to the orcs' demands, Proum reasons, and I believe this is the safest course of action until reinforcements arrive to help track down our missing scouts and put their killers to justice.
"If you'd be willing -- and I can dip into the town's coffers and pay you 1,000 gold crowns each if you agree -- I need someone who's not connected to the town to make sure Vegazi is safe until those reinforcements arrive..."
Lisbet steps away from the group, the idea that her new ally is upset with her gnawing her gut. [I]I have nothing but respect for her courage...[/ooc] She tromps up the stairs, two mugs filled with dark ale clutched in her left hand. She gets to the door and knocks softly, "Vegazi, if you're there I'd like ta speak with you."
After a moment of rustling, the door cracks open and Vegazi stands there, "What have you then?"
Lisbet smiles, a pleasant sight, and says "An apology. And those are best given over ale between shield-mates. Mind if I come in?"
"Part of me says yer daft, offering to pay me for something I would do for free. When you stand in the wall, you learn to protect the ones protecting you. But then the other part of me says I'd be daft to tell you not to pay me." She grins, "Hoping it won't come to it, but if your townsmen decide to be damned fools, the coin'd come in mighty handy for paying weregeld." The ulfen shakes her head and her braids shake like wind blown barley. "But it shouldn't come to that."
Philgor steps up at the meeting with the mayor and states, "No disrespect mayor but I don't need to be paid to keep an trusted ally safe. Anyone attempting to harm her will have to get past me first."
Qiola stood in the parlour with Rizu, Xorrin and the others. She listened as Mayor Proum spoke of his plans and then made his offer. Such a large sum of gold...He must be desperate. She heard the one named Philgor say he would protect the Half-Orc for free and the Halfling tried not to show her disapproval.
Instead, she placed a pleasant smile on her face and addressed the Mayor, "I'll gladly accept coin for mine and Rizu's services. My husband can speak for himself, but if I'm to risk my life and those that I love, then I would do it knowing there is reward to look forward to at the end - well, other than killing some Orcs."
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Vegazi accepts Lisbet's apology, having been surprised that her erstwhile comrade had seemed to turn on her so quickly, especially after saying such nice things literally a moment before.
The mayor nods at everyone's words.
"I meant no disrespect to any of you. I hadn't realized you had come to value Vegazi so quickly. Many who do not come from Lastwall need inducements such as gold to be convinced to help. Not that there's anything wrong with that!" he adds hastily, glancing toward Qiola. "After all, we all need gold to let us make our way in the world. Regardless, my offer will stand and it will be up to you to decide what you wish to do with it."
The matter seemingly settled , you return to the inn ... where you find a haggard looking Terrin waiting for you.
The scoutmaster’s face is drawn, and he is obviously still wrestling with his grief over the loss of Wate and Hektir as he gestures for you to precede him into the Blissful Badger.
"I apologize for this clandestine meeting," he says in a low voice once you're all inside, "but I wanted to talk to you without Proum present. He may be content to lock the town’s gates and wait for more help to arrive, but my scouts are still out there somewhere, maybe still in harm's way if they're not dead yet."
He pulls out a worn iron key that he lays on a table in the inn.
“Maybe this key leads to a secret tunnel beneath Arwyll Manor, and maybe not,” he muses. “What I can say for certain is that should someone manage to find a way out of Arwyll Stead, I would be forever indebted to them if they rescued my scouts and put a stop to this mess once and for all.”
Xorrin just says without too much fuss, Where she goes...I go. Gesturing at his beautiful wife.
Lyra's brow crinkles in question. "Oh," she realizes her mistake and steps farther away from the gesture's actual target.
Argus considers.
"I still think we need to stage our own ambush - and if we can do it outside the walls, there are many fewer bystanders who could get hurt or be held hostage if the whole thing blows up in our faces."
"Supposin' I rig someplace full of explosives - How do we get the Hell's Fury to meet us there?"
"If she'd be willin' bringing Vegazi would be a sure fire way to get them to gather round."
"Many who do not come from Lastwall need inducements such as gold to be convinced to help. Not that there's anything wrong with that!" he adds hastily, glancing toward Qiola.
"I need no gold to do the right thing. But I'm not daft to risk my life or those I love for a Half-Orc I only just crossed paths with. You made the offer of coin and I accepted - If you expected none to take you up on the coin then you shouldn't have offered it." Qiola gave the Mayor a long, dark look. The fool couldn't look after his own town so who was he to cast shadow on those outside of Lastwall.
Xorrin's words that he would follow her lead helped to settle her ire at the mayor's meaning and she smiled at her husband.
"If she'd be willin' bringing Vegazi would be a sure fire way to get them to gather round."
"Aye. We would be thankful for her bow, as well. But the mayor wants her here, and she might not be willing. If the ruse is a prisoner exchange, perhaps someone in disguise, or a stuffed dummy?"
"Does your mayor not think someone should find the scouts? How can we find your scouts? I want to help, but we have promised to protect our friend. If we get out and spend days looking for someone already dead, I fear we would not meet our obligation."
The mayor wants us to protect Vegazi from townsfolk who do not see her value. Could the scouts master be one of those?"
"Mister Argus's idea of a ruse is a sound plan."
Looking about the group, she poses her question to all, "How many Orcs in the Hell's Fury tribe?"
"I've asked that same question. The best answer so far is three less than when we arrived in town." Lyra tips her head as if to say 'thank you, thank you.
Qiola's brow furrows upon Lyra's words.
The scoutmaster, Terrin, was in the room with them, but he and his people had not given word as to the number of the town's constant enemy?
"I'm glad you lot killed three of 'em," the Halfing inclined her head in regard.
Looking across to the scoutmaster, "Master Terrin, your people havin' trouble countin' their numbers? Are they breedin' too fast, allied with other Orc tribes or you can't get close enough to make their count?"
Looking back to Lyra as she waited for Terrin to answer, she asked the Half-Elf lass, "When you last fought the tribe, how many did you see? Just the three you killed?"
"Honestly, we haven't dealt with them that much," the scoutmaster answers. "Maybe occasional raids and clashes, but nothing on the nature of these sustained attacks. The way orcs breed, though, as you say, it's likely hard to keep any damn number of them down for long."
Qiola listened to the scoutsmaster's account and simply nodded her head. "I'll be puttin' a reminder in my head, then. Next fight, count those Orcs."
The Halfling eyed the group, again.
"I'd like to hear what you're all good at - weapons, magics and such. Best to know what resources we have and what needs shorin'. Don't be shy, now." Qiola gave them what she hoped was an encouraging smile. If they were to work side by side to defeat the Hell's Fury tribe, it'd be good to know who could do what and where to place people in the ambush.
"My father taught me the bow and I'm good with animals. I can call them to my aid when needed. Olive, like a turtle, has a thick shell and a whip fast bite."
The half-elf wants to know each person's preference. How many of you want to search for the scouts?
How many wish to stay and guard Vergazi? She includes herself in the latter.
Xorrin smiles mischievously and says, waggling his eyebrows, You know what I'm good at, don't you sweety.
"Demolition and other volatiles are my specialty, but I'm not a terribly apothecary if I have to be."
"What do I do? I am Ulfen, born of sand and sea. My family have been sailors and raiders for generations. I was training to be a shield maiden, to take my place on raids, to earn my own honor. Then my life changed." Her voice takes on a darker tone, and she leans in close, "We were out, trading, getting the lay of the land. We were attacked by bandits in the night and my father was slain. It fell to my brother and I to honor him by getting vengeance for his murder. We found the bandits, and we killed them all. But, the last one alive an old Varisian witch spit and cursed me as my sword punched her guts. The next thing I knew her tattered old Harrow cards swarmed me, much like the ravens we faced earlier." She takes a hard pull on her ale and finishes, "That witch's curse is still on me; the yanked hair, the twisted belts. But, it came with a gift, too. You see, her hatred brought me closer to my nature. Almost overnight I realized I could channel the magic of the Gods. Mostly it's Gorum and Erasti, that answer. But that's fine by me. War and family, eh?"