Daniya did not appear outwardly afeared of Yetara and Tairin looked upon her to determine if the girl was telling her truths or half-truths to evade her questions.
As she bid Tairin good night, Tairin smiled, "I am certain we will have time on this journey to get to know each other better. Sleep well, Daniya."
With one last look at the noble's tent, Tairin turned and moved back to the camp fire and her companions. She briefly spoke to Bjoern to ask him what watch shift she had been assigned and then sat down by the fire, opened her pack and ate some of her trail rations in relative silence. She hadn't realised how hungry she had become. Unstoppering her waterskin, she drank a little of the water; careful not to waste it. Her eyes scanned the surrounds now brightened by moon, torches and fire. She pulled the hood up over her hair/headscarf and listened to the crackling wood.
When her eyes began to flutter close, Tairin roused herself enough to put away her food and water and then stand and make her way to her small tent. She bid a quiet "Good night. Please wake me for my watch," to anyone still up before slipping inside, closing the flaps, placing her weapons by the side of her bed roll (within easy reach) and promptly falling asleep.
The party goes about the business of setting up camp and getting ready for the night, including getting to know each other. During that time they have all done the tasks which they felt were best suited for getting the camp to be organized and safe.
Samir watches the others thoughtfully for a moment, then he meanders over and assists the slaves while they work, talking quietly to them as they go about their business. Later, he movfes and talks to Sefu for a while, all the while watching the slaves work.
When the time comes to sleep he shares with them his food and drink and then heads to the wagon and sets up his bedroll under the wooden planks and quickly goes asleep.
When the dawn breaks the company gets up and prepares to journey again. After roughly an hour they have eaten and made sure that their gear and equipment has been packed up and then advance toward the west.
After nearly two hours of travel it is now nearing 11:00 AM and the party has only traveled about six miles from its starting point given the pace of the wagon. Samir turns his head and looks to the north thoughtfully, his eyes studying the terrain as if he recognizes something. He turns and studies Bjeorn, Red and Tairin for a moment, looks back the north again but says nothing.
He then turns a glance at Ala’lhys and gives him a curious expression, but he says nothing at this point, only nodding to the north thoughtfully and giving him a look as if to say – ”Well, what do you think?”
However, he says nothing at this point and continues to relax easily on the back of the wagon and waits for the others to offer their opinions on the matter.
Clicking his tongue at ‘Tugs’ he moves his camel up nearer to Tairin trying to position himself so she and Red could hear him.
Samir swings himself off the wagon and strides over to Ala'Ihys and listens to him.
He glances at the leader of the caravan and grunts.
Then he moves over to Ala'Ihys and looks up at him on the camel.
"Perhaps the others are not interested," he says.
Then he swings himself onto Ala'Ihys's spare camel.
"If the noble won't examine the town to the north, I shall do so myself. The camel can run fast enough that I should be able to get there and return before you travel that far forward," he adds with a dry grin.
He urges Ala'Ilhys's camel forward.
"Don't worry; I shall bring back your mount to you, unless you wish to come with me?" he adds.
He turns and looks at the others from the back of the camel, his eyes flicking over them casually.
"Perhaps, if they want to follow, they'll get the noble and the others to come with them, but only time shall tell."
He pulls out an apple from his gear and takes a bite out of it.
"See you soon, then..." he says to the others with a grin, then turns the camel and rides off to the north.
Looking from the ladies to Samir, then back again as Samir turns to leave. The ranger shrugs and smiles. "I will go with him to watch his back, but if we're looking for information, perchance someone a little more tactful should come along as well."
The two ride forward into the northern dust.
Samir’s hard eyes grind into the desert as they move forward.
”The bodyguard – the one from Shoma? I spoke to him last night,” he says they ride.
”He is loyal as a dog to that noble, or whatever that Lamuran is supposed to be… I mistrust this noble, if noble he is… but even so, the bodyguard is not so easy to glean information from.”
”Now, as for the two slaves? I am not sure about them – the carpenter seems docile enough and is likely manageable, but I think that the herdsmen may not wish to linger long with us but simply waits for a good time before he decides to flee,” he adds as they ride forward.
He looks back at the caravan.
”Do you think that the others will come with us to explore this village? I wonder…”
You come up to the ride and Samir checks his camel suddenly before moving up to the edge of the hill and seeing what is beyond.
His eyes narrow.
Samir says slowly to Ala’Ilhys.
”The wind smells damp – that should not be…”
”What do you wish to do?” he asks the Ranger.
Red was profoundly exhausted and slept very soundly indeed. She spent most of her watch on her feet, slowly circling the camp, partly to keep warm and partly to stay awake. When she discovers Ala'Ihys has fed her camel she thanks him politely.
When Samir and Ala'Ihys announce they are leaving, she steers her camel Bishop after them saying "Tairin is the best of us at handling people, but I will come with you."
Red's camel Bishop adds to the cloud of dust thrown up as they depart. When Samir says the wind smells damp, Red searches her mind for an explanation.
Tairin roused and stretched. Then sitting up, she began her morning ablution, wiping the sleep from her eyes and restoring her hair to order and brushing it until it shone. She placed a dab of the lotus scent at her wrists and neck. Donning her lighter attire for the day to come, she wound the headpiece around her hair and let the veil hang loose until after she broke her fast. Dismantling her tent and righting her gear, she met the others, bid them "Good morning" and ate some food before packing and readying for the day's journey. Having heard that Ala'lhys had fed Haji, Tairin nodded and with a polite smile she thanked him, "It was kind of you to see to my animal. Thank you, Ala'lhys." She mounted her camel, lifted the veil in place, and, when the call was given, set off.
”Ladies, About half a mile north of here there is a small gorge which has caves carved into the sides of the cliff walls. These caves are the homes for a village of herdsmen. I don’t know if you visited there on your way to Belthaar, but it may be a useful place to pause during the noon hours to get information about bandits or dangers from the north.”
A soft sigh escaped Tairin's lips. "Yes, we know of this village - we rested there during the hottest part of the day and purchased some water. Their leader was not overly pleased with us for we did not spend enough coin there and he seemed to want us to move along than linger longer than we had to. His people charged us more for the water than the guards at Kharjah Pass."
"Perhaps, if they want to follow, they'll get the noble and the others to come with them, but only time shall tell."
"I will go with him to watch his back, but if we're looking for information, perchance someone a little more tactful should come along as well."
When Samir and Ala'Ihys announce they are leaving, she steers her camel Bishop after them saying "Tairin is the best of us at handling people, but I will come with you."
Having heard what her companions had to say, Tairin nodded her head and quietly spoke, "It appears it is the best course, to travel to this village. I would join you. Let me see if I can convince our noble employer to bring the entire caravan there."
Nudging her camel, Haji, closer to Yetara and his people, she looked at them, a polite, respectful smile graced her lips,
"Sir, if we continue on, during the hottest hours of the day, we will wilt and succumb to heat exhaustion sooner than we care to. There is a village, to the north there. We can find shelter for a few hours, until the sun begins its descent and then we can continue to travel through dusk and early evening to make up some time. We have met the villagers once before and they are pleasant enough if we purchase something from their stalls. One of our men has started riding there and if we follow now we will not lose the trail. Please, this is our wisest course for the noon day sun shows no mercy." Tairin's eyes briefly lingered on Daniya, hoping the girl could sway Yetara if the man would not listen to reason.
Chuckling at Caslav's question and simply smiles back and says, "Practice."
"Oh." Caslav nods. "That makes sense. I guess I'll get a fair bit of that on this journey." He looks across camp at his camel, a dubious expression on his face. "I think I'd like to learn proper methods of dealing with animals."
Caslav sleeps soundly until woken for his turn at watch, but when he rests again his slumber is troubled, as if whatever powers hold sway over him know when best to torment him. Darkness, suffocating and complete, with the weight of the world above pressing down on his senses. And beneath, knowledge of a yawning abyss whose bottom holds a sea of living horrors, scuttling beneath and over top one another on countless legs while massive tubes of cold, pale flesh squirm between, always lurking beneath the feet of those that live in sight of the sun...
He awakes with a start, heart racing and clothes plastered to him with sweat. He could feel that the darkness at the bottom of his mind had grown deeper, and he turns his thoughts away from it before he makes himself sick. I'll bury you under the knowledge of men! He quickly breaks his own meager campsite and heads over to observe Lysander with his mount, paying attention to the man's routine and treatment of the horse. He attempts to use anything he gleaned on his own camel when the time comes to head out, and he laughs in delight when the creature seems to show him a degree of compliance. I can really do this!
Later, as the sun hangs in the sky and others began talking of the northern village, he becomes worried. Riding out in this heat? I thought we were stopping to avoid just that! He resolves to rest until he realizes that will leave him alone with the Lamuran noble and his daughter. Fidgeting briefly with his reins, he rides over to Ala'Ihys and the others.
"I'll go too!" he announces eagerly, managing to sound enthusiastic rather than desperate.
When Samir and Ala'Ihys announce they are leaving, she steers her camel Bishop after them saying "Tairin is the best of us at handling people, but I will come with you."
As Red is about to ride off, Caslav indicates he wishes to join.
"I'll go too!" he announces eagerly, managing to sound enthusiastic rather than desperate.
Nothing comes to mind; you would have to guess the presence of more water, but that explanation seems very unlikely and unusual given what you know of the terrain. In short, something is very unusual...
Tairin attempts to convince the leader of the caravan if he would elect to visit the village.
"Sir, if we continue on, during the hottest hours of the day, we will wilt and succumb to heat exhaustion sooner than we care to. There is a village, to the north there. We can find shelter for a few hours, until the sun begins its descent and then we can continue to travel through dusk and early evening to make up some time. We have met the villagers once before and they are pleasant enough if we purchase something from their stalls. One of our men has started riding there and if we follow now we will not lose the trail. Please, this is our wisest course for the noon day sun shows no mercy." Tairin's eyes briefly lingered on Daniya, hoping the girl could sway Yetara if the man would not listen to reason.
Daniya sees Tairin’s look, but the Yar-Ammonite quickly gleans that whatever the private opinions of the young girl might be, she is not willing to gainsay the will of her “father”. Even so, Tairin can tell that Daniya is sympathetic to the idea.
However, Sefu sees both Tairin’s look and Daniya; he says nothing, but his expression seems to mirror agreement.
Yetara turns with a somewhat contemptuous glance to the north.
”Hmph! We already wasted quite a bit of time lollygagging at Belthaar for shopping. I am not over eager to linger longer when we have a long journey to complete,” he says with a wave of his hand.
Sefu glances at him, then at Tairin, then clears his throat.
”Begging your pardon, lord, but it is close to the time of our midday meal. Surely one of your position may enjoy such a meal in the peace of a village rather than on the sands of the wastes? Further, we shall make up for the lost time – no doubt – on our journey westward,” he adds and gives Tairin a nod.
Yetara lets out an impatient sigh.
”Oh very well; but the contract stipulates that their payment shall be at the end of their journey. I do not breach contracts – they shall not receive their coin early simply because we reach some semblance of civilization,” he adds with an imperious tone.
Sefu nods his head in courtesy at Yetara’s back, though the noble cannot see him. Then he does what he can to urge the company to tack their position northwards and they begin the short trek to catch up with their companions.
With the caravan deciding to go north as one the others who have advanced seem to have elected to wait at the base of the small hill leading to the camp. This way they shall all advance as one and – hopefully – be better received as they come in a large company.
Those of who have been to this village before are somewhat skeptical of its inhabitants, knowing full well that these villagers charge a higher price for water and food as the folk in the wastes are less likely to find fresh supplies before reaching Belthaar and are thus in a better position to “squeeze” money from customers who have no other option.
In any case, as they come over the ridge together they are greeted with a grim site.
The village seems to have been hit by some sort of threat. There are bodies everywhere and there are carrion birds feasting on the corpses. There does not seem to be any sign of life at this point, except from the birds.
This naked barbarism seems brutal, yet it is not wholly surprising.
Instead, what is perhaps more surprising is the fact that the carrion birds seem clustered around the side of the western edge where a small stream or river had once flowed but must have dried up long ago.
However, at the base of this area you see what looks like a stagnant and dirty pool of water; this is attracting more attention than the bodies.
It had not been a restful night, but in the end it was enough!
Bjoern rose for the last watch, keeping the eyes open, listening into the night over the snoring noises of his travel companions and absentmindly sharpened his weapons with slow, methodical motions.
When the sun was rising he had already put water in the pot and stirred the fire so that the embers would again warm the water, to gain some tea.
He slowly increased the noise so that the others were awake and watched one after the other slowly emerge from the tents.
Slowly he drank a mug of tea and ate some of the fresh fruits and a softer sausage, items that would spoil soon.
Together with the others he undid the tents and helped with the more muscular tasks, smirking when some insisted to do it themselves, not noticing how much help he truely was giving.
The village seems to have been hit by some sort of threat. There are bodies everywhere and there are carrion birds feasting on the corpses. There does not seem to be any sign of life at this point, except from the birds.
This naked barbarism seems brutal, yet it is not wholly surprising.
Instead, what is perhaps more surprising is the fact that the carrion birds seem clustered around the side of the western edge where a small stream or river had once flowed but must have dried up long ago.
However, at the base of this area you see what looks like a stagnant and dirty pool of water; this is attracting more attention than the bodies.
For those of you who had visited this village recently; there was no pool of water at the base of the cliffs. Also, you do not know when the massacre happened until you get closer to study the terrain and fallen, but it seems very unlikely that if the villagers had been alive that they would have let any water collect in the pool at the base of the cliff without trying to collect it for drinking later.
Sefu had a way of appealing to Yetara's selfish side and she inclined her head respectfully for his help in getting the noblewoman to turn the caravan toward the northern village.
Alas, as they entered, Tairin could not believe her eyes. It seemed the entire village had been slaughtered. For what purpose? The thought came to mind. To the nobleman and his people she quietly advised, "Do not draw closer. A tragedy has struck this village. My companions and I will investigate."
Tairin kept a firm hold of Haji, so the camel wouldn't trample over any body or get too close to the feasting carrion birds. She was glad to have the veil across her nose and mouth. She carefully manoeuvred her camel around the bodies, examining any obvious wounds or markings.
She quickly cast her eyes about the surrounds, wondering if there was any one left alive. She listened, too, for any groans or sounds of life coming from the still bodies.
Turning in her saddle, she softly said to the others, "There was no pool of water when when we here last. That they left it so without collecting it for drinking water is very strange."
Drawing closer, yet still keeping a prudent distance from the edge of the stagnant water, Tairin attempted to determine what was within the pool to attract such attention. She lowered the veils just a little and sniffed the air near the water to see if there was any notable or familiar smell.
”This is strange, especially the water, I doubt if whoever did this is still here, but we need to be careful.”
"There was no pool of water when when we here last. That they left it so without collecting it for drinking water is very strange."
Samir looks at the others in the place with a glance.
Saying nothing, he moves to scout the terrain before any tracks can be damaged.
He frowns at what he sees.
He moves to the dead bodies and studies them thoughtfully –
He pats down some of the armed and armored men gingerly; but whatever he found – or didn’t find – causes him to step back and study them for a moment.
Finally, he goes to where the primary well is and stoops down and studies the animals there.
Then he moves over to study the birds gathered around the muddy water and looks at the ground near that point.
At this point he scowls and then turns and heads back to Tairin.
”What do you wish to do?”
Dismounting the camel, and holding Haji's reins, Tairin attempted to determine how long ago the villagers died.
Then moved closer to the soldiers to see if they wore any insignia denoting loyalties and houses.
At this point he scowls and then turns and heads back to Tairin.
”What do you wish to do?”
"There are too many dead to bury them or dig pits under this glowering sun. If we burn the bodies, the fires may draw unwanted attention. Soon, there will be other scavengers coming for the bodies; possibly jackals. I barely succeeded in getting the nobleman to turn his caravans to this place and Sefu promised he could eat. We must find a place on the other side of the cliffs to set up camp/shelter for a few hours. If we can do that, we will be away from the death and smell and have shelter from the noonday sun. If we leave this place, there will be open sands and we will swelter until we drop. If you and Ala'lhys can scout for a good place to shelter on the side of the cliff away from the bodies, I and the others can look for any clean food and water we can take and use on this journey. We can set up a watch, if needs be, in case some threat is nearby and waiting."
While Samir moves into the Village searching, He moves to the southern entrance, checking there for track of any possible raiders. Continuing his search for tracks or any other signs he moves clockwise west searching there, then the northern slope and finally the eastern face.
The tracks are faint; they must have happened at least a day ago, possibly more...
You see what looks like mounted men which rode from the north east.
From what you can tell they rode in from that point - a few of them surrounded the edge of the cliffs while the bulk of them rode around to the edge of the cliffs toward the south entrance and rode down hard into the village; then, they circled around and seemed to have headed south.
One thing you cannot be sure of, but you think that when you searched the western flank there may have been tracks leading to the west, but you are not sure - they are faint and there seems to be far less in number, you are not sure...
1. Heal - you are not sure; but your expertise at Heal suggests that the villagers have been dead for some time. Given your total check you believe that they may have been butchered toward the evening on the same day you encountered the sandstorm.
2. You are not sure about the nuances of the Nobility - but you'd wager that anyone local to the area would be able to recognize it with ease; certainly both Ala'lhys would recognize the symbols - but they haven't said anything about them.
Even so - you are able to glean that the symbol belongs to the City State of Gezath.
"There are too many dead to bury them or dig pits under this glowering sun. If we burn the bodies, the fires may draw unwanted attention. Soon, there will be other scavengers coming for the bodies; possibly jackals. I barely succeeded in getting the nobleman to turn his caravans to this place and Sefu promised he could eat. We must find a place on the other side of the cliffs to set up camp/shelter for a few hours. If we can do that, we will be away from the death and smell and have shelter from the noonday sun. If we leave this place, there will be open sands and we will swelter until we drop. If you and Ala'lhys can scout for a good place to shelter on the side of the cliff away from the bodies, I and the others can look for any clean food and water we can take and use on this journey. We can set up a watch, if needs be, in case some threat is nearby and waiting."
Samir glances at Tairin thoughtfully.
"Why bury them? Why not just dump them in the well," he says with a jerk of his head to the well that the dead animals are collected around.
"Meanwhile, if you'd like, we can search the caves for any trinkets or gear that has been left behind," he adds.
"But the best place to shelter would likely be the western side as the sun is already starting to dip to the west and there will be the most shade there and it will be closest to the cleanest source of water - well, the safest," he adds.
After a period of time walking the perimeter, and checking for sign Ala'Ihys begins to walk back to the western face of the valley, calling to the others, "Happened at least a day ago.Raiders from the north east, attacked then headed south. I'm going to double check the western slope, looked like different tracks." He then moves to the Western flank and looks carefully around.
[dice=perception]1d20+8
[dice=survival (Tracks)]1d20+8
** spoiler omitted **
1. Your initial roll of Survival on the west face beat this already - you need another person with the skills to have the ability to look.
2. Also, you believe the armor comes from the City State of Ghezath; the same City State you had visited in recently - the same one that sent troops hard after the soldiers from Belthaar a few days aog.
3. You think the mounts used horses - this is consistent with what you encountered when they were riding hard/fast south a few days ago.
'I thought I would find more.' Returning to where he left 'Tug' he takes the camels lead and calls to the others. "The style of mounts and armor are consistent with Ghezath. Not sure why they would strike here though. I didn't find anymore to the west, though I thought I would. Are we staying here longer or are we on our way?"
Samir looks at the rotting bodies and then he turns his gaze to the south where the caravan has moved to the edge of the village.
"If we move on we move during the hotter part of the day; if we stay we stay near rotting bodies, but they can be dealt with if we need..."
"Still, there may be concern that disease may effect us, even if we do dispose of the bodies."
He looks around with an angry expression and shakes his head then looks back at Ala'Ihys.
"Stay away from the well; the water is bad..." he adds somewhat cryptically.
Then he moves to the first villager on the ground and begins to pat them down for goods or gear of note.
As the caravan reached the site Bjoern was somewhat surprised.
The once lifefull village was nothing more than a graveyard.
Holding the caravan back the burly warrior drew his long blade and brought his shield at the ready.
But after a quick view, it was clear that the dead were slaughtered some time ago.
Hearing that Samir wants to throw the people in the well the barbarian snarls at him."You want to spoil the well. Men kill each other, but the desert is the enemy of all. If you spoil water, you are not better than the people who made this!"
Slowly moving among the dead he checked the weapons and armor, the food stuff for items still useable.
"This was no raid, they were not interested in loot, just killing."
Bjoern then makes his way to the western flank, carefully checking the surrounding land, intent on what causes the carrion birds to concentrate here.
Seeing the ranger standing close over some tracks Bjoern moved over to have a look himself.
Hearing that Samir wants to throw the people in the well the barbarian snarls at him."You want to spoil the well. Men kill each other, but the desert is the enemy of all. If you spoil water, you are not better than the people who made this!"
Samir turns from Tairin to regard Bjeorn somewhat laconically.
Then he turns back and looks at Tairin.
"Your Northman searches as well he fights," he says dryly.
He stabs a blunt finger at the dead birds and rats who surround the open well that he had examined earlier.
"The birds and beasts around the well? They have died more recently than the humans - and the way they died? They were not killed with blade nor bow; there was flecks of blood by their mouths, eyes and noses and their was a consistent and unique dark pallor to all of their flesh."
"They died of poisoning... Whoever did this slaughter wished to make sure this village would be useless to any that might wish to come here in the future and resettle it."
"The next set of settlers who come here will not know the well was poisoned, likely, and they'll also drink from it without thought and die just as those beasts did."
"But do with it what you want."
"This was no raid, they were not interested in loot, just killing."
Samir glances at Bjeorn then back to Tairin.
"In this your Northman is right. Mark you well the gear those dogs from Ghezath carry? Arms, armor and naught else."
"If they were truly wanderers looking to raid these people then we might see them carrying their own personal items - a pouch, some trinket or two... but they had nothing. Yes; the soldier types who fell were lightly provisioned for the purpose of speed. They intended to move hard and fast and so did not carry anything on themselves other than what they needed to kill."
"Likely some folk in their company had supplies on the beasts that they rode; but who knows?"
Bjoern then makes his way to the western flank, carefully checking the surrounding land, intent on what causes the carrion birds to concentrate here.
1. You believe the birds congregate there because the water you found - though dirty - is neither poisoned or contaminated. However, this is a bit mysterious, for if the riders did indeed poison the well, why leave this water source fresh? Unless the water that collected there did so after the riders had left...
2. Your attempt to aid Ala'Lhys in the search is, unfortunately, not successful.
Red winces as she sees the slaughter in the village. She guides her camel Bishop to the near where the bodies lay, observing without dismounting.
On hearing the discussion of the poisoned well, Red voices agreeemnt with Bjoern saying "Aye. The poisoning of the well is a fell deed. I have an idea."
Red is going to find something with which to improvise a sign. The roof to where the group sheltered from the sun when last here may well serve, in which case she will ask Bjoern to carry it to the cliff face not far from the poisoned water. Otherwise Red will search for some cloth. She then takes her pen and ink from her gear, draws a stylised skull and writes on the sign in the local language:-
"BEWARE, WATER POISONED "
She will repeat the message in smaller letters underneath in the other languages she knows, Yar-Ammonite, Khazistani, Bhangari, Djaka, Nabastissean and Zadjite.
"That should warm others, those that can read anyway. Let us get away from here. Sheltering from the heat on the other side of the cliffs as Tairin suggests, out of the sun and away from this place seems wise to me."
"I don't think so Ala'Ihys, I will help you search if you like. And the killers did not loot here, so we could do so. Sounds ghoulish but the dead have no need of it and someone will loot the place eventually. I am broke I am afraid. I think someone should go back to the caravan and get them moving to the other side of the cliffs while we do so."
Lysander woke up feeling human again, he grabs a bit to eat then sets about striking camp. Once camp is struck, gear is loaded, waterskins and bellues filled, the caravan sets out.
Close to midday Lysander hears chatter of a village nearby. Ala’Ihys and others head out in advance as the caravan swings toward it. When he hears reports of dead men littering the ground he unties the rope connecting the herder's camel to Rock's saddle and rides forward to survey the human wreckage.
Tairin sighed inwardly and cast her eyes in the direction of the caves.
"The well is poisoned, but the water at the foot of the cliffs does not seem to be - it is only murky due to dust and filth falling down from the sandstorm. I examined the bodies of the villagers and they have been dead a while - since the night of the great sandstorm - the day we entered Belthaar. If the caves require searching, then do so. If there is room inside for people to shelter, and the interiors are safe, they could be even more useful. The western side of the cliffs is the shadiest place to set up a camp and is away from the basin of poisoned water. Scavengers are still an issue, yet if we pile as many of the dead bodies inside the poisoned well and then seal it with the awning containing the warning, the smell and chance of disease will be lessened."
Looking to Samir, she added quietly, "You are probably right about the Ghezath soldiers wanting to travel fast and light." After a moment of quiet contemplation, Tairin ran a hand over her forehead and then looked to Yetara and his people. "I will go to Yetara, explain what we have discovered and help move the caravan to the western side so preparation can begin to set up camp for a few hours. The sun, even now, advances with purpose in the sky."
Turning, she pulled Haji carefully along with her, and made for the nobleman's caravan. "Lord Yetara, it seems the village was slaughtered and their well poisoned by Ghezath soldiers during the evening of the great sandstorm. The water at the base of the cliffs is dirty with dust and debris, but not poison, as much as we can tell. Let us move to the western side of the cliffs and take advantage of the shade and protection to be found there. Come, let us begin preparation as my companions finish with the village." Tairin did not mention the cave/s as she wanted to keep that to herself. If her companions found anything useful within, then it would become the property of the party and not the nobleman.
Bjoern spits out and nods to the Susrahnite.
"I will help you with the caves. Maybe some were hidden behind heavy objects and you will need my strength!"
Red rides Bishop over to near the caves, dismounts, hobbles the camel and then follows the two warriors into the caves, her senses alert for any sign of danger.
Caslav gapes at the scene of slaughter. As the others disperse to their various investigations, he dismounts and makes a study of the new pool of murky water present in the village before making his way amongst the corpses, closing their eyes before gathering their valuables.
Does this place even get rain? Perhaps this water came from some underground source, exposed by the shifting rocks... He is searching bodies when talk of a cave comes up, and he blanches somewhat. I suppose if anything unnatural did this, these corpses wouldn't be here undisturbed.
"I'll take a look with you." He hurries up behind those headed to the cave mouth, ready to help.
As the party has traveled across the waste they are surprised and confused to see various signs of moisture in the previously dry stream bed that they had passed. From occasional groupings of birds collected by some damp pool to drink to the appearance of jackals congregating around water you are more and more confused at what may have happened.
However, this mystery is soon solved when you reach Kharjah Pass.
Your advance into the pass you see the stone barrier built to dam rainwater from the mountains and collect it into a well as some sort of man-made “oasis” to capitalize on the business of selling water to caravans has been destroyed.
In fact, the small house that the guards or mercenaries lived in has been razed to the foundations.
It seems clear that back by the village in the gorge when your party found tracks on the western side that those must have been the tracks of some scouts who were sent to ride hard for the pass and destroy that water source.
You do not know, but you assume because of the clues, that the soldiers from Ghezath, angry about the military action against them – but unable to take direct action against Belthaar – have instead elected to travel to outlying villages and destroy or contaminate the water sources. This will naturally force the villagers to the city proper as they seek supplies and create strain on the City State via resources, but it also prohibits the citizens from getting supplies if the ones in their city runs low.
In any case you are disgusted by this turn of events and uncertain as to how to proceed.
The pass itself is at least a day’s journey through – possibly two with the wagon – and you only have enough water to last you one more day.
As you consider this you notice the presence of a strange figure standing near the foundations of the ruined buildings.
You cannot be sure of the figure’s feature, but whoever it is seems to be watching you. You can see they have either a staff or a bow in their hand, but you cannot make out any features.
They are on an elevated position from your current location and the approach is narrow; only twenty feet wide.
The figure is roughly 200 Feet from your current location.
What do you do?
Seeing the destruction at the guardhouse in Kharjah Pass, Red dismounts, hobbles Bishop and closely scans the area for further clues as to the details of the raid. Red then moves over to inspect the destroyed dam and realising the water situation, scans the mountains on either side of the pass for signs of streams or other sources of water.
She then addresses her traveling companions "These attacks are part of a military campaign and a well thought out one. The soldiers from Ghezath are retaliating to the attacks on them. They don't have the strength to take direct action against Belthaar and are attacking outlying villages and destroying or contaminating their water sources. This will force the villagers to the city proper as they seek supplies and create strain on the City State via resources, but it also prohibits the citizens from getting supplies if the ones in their city runs low as Ghezerath has made the desert near impassable. Brutal but likely effective. We need to find water, unless someone can create it, Tairin, Caslav?"
Bjoern points to the figure and nods."Shall I investigate?"
One person. Maybe an archer and far away. But against a shielded fighter he is by far less effective."
As she rode on Haji and contemplated what had come to pass in the herder village, Tairin was at least pleased that she was now in good standing with Yetara and his people.
Tairin recollected the detail of the noble's ring and pondered if she'd seen/read or heard of such an insignia.
The pass itself is at least a day’s journey through – possibly two with the wagon – and you only have enough water to last you one more day.
"We need to find water, unless someone can create it, Tairin, Caslav?"
Red's question finally filtered through her thoughts and she answered, "I do not possess such magic."
As you consider this you notice the presence of a strange figure standing near the foundations of the ruined buildings.
The figure is roughly 200 Feet from your current location.
Bjoern points to the figure and nods."Shall I investigate?"
She was glad for the full moon and its long/bright light.
Looking across at Bjoern, Tairin replied, "I will come with you. I would speak with the stranger before you attempt to beat their skull."
Looking to Yetara and his people, she advised, "Please stay here for your safety. My man and I will approach the person by the foundations, there, and speak with them."
Pushing back the hood of her cloak and turning back to Bjoern, she said, "Let's go."
She nudged Haji forward, keeping her posture and manner as passively as she could, endeavouring to portray that she was coming in peace. She hoped the moon illuminated her figure/features well enough. There was still enough light in the sky for Tairin to be discernible atop her camel.
When she was about 130 feet from the figure, she looked up to where she had last seen them, stopping Haji and halting Bjoern. Quietly, she advised him, "Bear, I will set up a message link with them before we move closer. I will include you in this link, as well as Samir."
As discreetly as she could manage atop the camel, she attempted to disguise her casting from any curious eyes on her person.
Pointing her finger in a very subtle manner toward Bjoern, back at Samir and then the figure, she whispered, //"Risaela"//, casting her Message spell.
//"Greetings, stranger. I am Tairin and we wish to speak with you peacefully. As you can see, I have no weapons drawn. Will you meet with us to talk? If you answer, I will be able to hear you."// She mused privately to herself, I do hope they are not afraid of magic.
Patenemheb had spent many hours contemplating his situation. Susrah had not provided the opportunities that he had hoped for, to say the least. Instead of temples to examine and religious texts to pore over, he had nearly stumbled into a military campaign. And it appeared that he had not fully escaped its reach even here.
An onlooker would see a robed man, with little flesh visible. Though that flesh has the distinct colouration and shape of a noble Yar-Ammonite. His hair and eyes are dark, untouched by the greys and whites of middle age. His staff is of finely carved wood and he carries a artisan's work of a bronze dagger on his right side. A camel lies nearby, currently content to be resting despite a significant load.
And then he hears the message in his head. And the accent in which it is spoken.
He takes a moment to compose himself, as even he is not used to seeing -hearing- magic so often. And then replies in the same language that the sender used, in a calm and even tone of voice.
//"My greetings in return, Tairin. I hear you clearly. I am Patenemheb Sitayet of Yar-Ammon, as I believe you are. I would gladly speak with you and your companions in peace. If it is the same with you, I would meet you near my camel and supplies."//
He stand still, awaiting a response and watching the group with some slight interest.
Patenemheb searched around the area of his one man camp. He would know whom had passed through, and perhaps even why.
The familiar accent was a pleasant surprise and she smiled to herself.
Tairin cast her eyes around - hoping she could readily spot the man's camel and supplies.
Through the message link to Samir, she whispered, //"The stranger is from Yar-Ammon and would speak with us, peacefully. If you or any of the others want to join us, come now. He said to meet him by his camel."//
Raising her dark eyes to the Yar-Amminite, she whsipered through the message link with him, //"If you have company with you, I ask for their peace, too. We shall join you and speak."//
She relayed the same message to Bjoern, so he knew what had been said to her. //"He said his name is Patenemheb Sitayet and he is from Yar-Ammon." Out aloud, she quietly instructed, "Let us go and see what he is doing here."
She nudged Haji's flanks to move her camel steadily forward to the meeting place. Tairin scanned the surrounds for any sign of traps or ambush.
Caslav's face falls as they move from one scene of destruction to another. It seems every place they visited on their way into Belthaar has been destroyed. He glumly looks over the pair of men and women he met in the catacombs. Are they hunted by more than this wizard? Are they cursed?
If so, then better I ride with them than innocent travellers.
"We need to find water, unless someone can create it, Tairin, Caslav?"
Caslav flinches. "Create water? I would be a demon if I could do such a thing!" He looks down at his hands. "I could try to find some, however; perhaps there is a source nearby, one which those who dwelt here were not clever enough to find?" He looks to Tairin's face for her response and, seeing her distraction, follows the line of her gaze to the strange figure.
Again he's torn between accompanying his comrades into danger and staying behind with the Lamuran noble, and again decides to brave the unknown rather than risk interaction with the man and his daughter. Cas lets his camel trail some thirty feet behind Tairin and Bjoern as they advance.
After all, we don't want to frighten this man away with a mob if he's apt to be friendly.
Patenemheb searched around the area of his one man camp. He would know whom had passed through, and perhaps even why.
Survival to check for tracks = 20+8 = 28
Knowledge Engineering to gather information about the ruins = 11 +9 = 20
Knowledge History to check if he knew of this place = 8 + 9 = 17
Knowledge Geography for any further ideas on where water might be found = 20 +9 = 29
Your Survival Check was excellent.
You noticed that there seemed to be a single rider which had approached the camp from the east. The rider had a fast, light, horse and dismounted in the middle of a group of other medium-sized humanoids.
For reasons which are not clear, the humanoids fell.
There is then evidence near the base of the cliffs flanking the pass that other humanoids moved forward to the spot where the first group fell and the bodies were dragged to a large building.
It is impossible to tell what happened to the bodies at this point for sure until you examine the building. Inside you find various shattered bones laying under the remains of a burned-out and collapsed roof; but most noted were nine different skulls which are human in the wreckage.
This leads you believe that at least nine men were killed then dragged into the main building and the whole thing was torched.
You are not sure how the men were killed, nor who came and dragged the men; but it seems that the lone rider then turned his horse and rode back to the east.
You also see heavy footprints near the edge of the dam and it looks like the stones there were shattered with heavy mauls or clubs. You see the same footprints split, two sets heading nearly due north; three sets heading south east and four sets heading up the pass a bit to the base of the cliffs.
You believe this may have happened roughly 24 hours ago...
Sadly, that is all you can see with your survival roll.
Via your Engineering Check you don't think these "ruins" were anything special. They look like typical stone houses made by peasants or anyone who wanted to create a homestead of sorts by a somewhat wooded mountainside. You think both the houses and the dam were built by the same people - to block up water and then sell it to passing caravans; possibly for altruistic motives, but more likely from simple greed.
Your History Check reveals nothing of note - except it is an ancient money-making venture in such places to hoard water and sell it out as it is the most valuable commodity for life.
Your Geography checks reveals that a few short miles east of the mountain pass you can find a small group of trees where the streambed would have flowed. Inside that group of trees there is a small pond collected some run-off from the dam and is why the trees are able to grow there.
You also know that if you travel west through the pass you will meander through it for roughly four days. At the end of your journey the pass will widen from roughly 20 Feet in width to about 100 Feet. This is a wide open area that is blocked by a heavy and well-fortified gate manned by the Khazistani people.
They guard the gate and charge a fee for all folk who wish to enter their lands from Susrah - you know that the gate is more like a small garrison and that inside the walls there is a deep well that is good enough to supply caravans and outriders.
Tairin cast her eyes around - hoping she could readily spot the man's camel and supplies.
She nudged Haji's flanks to move her camel steadily forward to the meeting place. Tairin scanned the surrounds for any sign of traps or ambush.
You can see no specific evidence. However, the pass is only 20 Feet wide. Further, it is a four day journey to the other side. Further, the edges of the pass ascend very steeply on either side; you're essentially riding between two tall cliffs or the base of mountains.
The cliffs stretch up for hundreds, if not thousands (depending on the location you're standing) feet. It seems that this pass was once a heavy river long ago and the runoff from the snows high above the flanking mountains which would melt in the winter flowed down to carve the pass in the rocks.
You also know you're traveling up through the pass at a relatively modest incline.
In any case, you don't see any traps specifically, but it would be an excellent place to stage an ambush; though you don't see anything at this spot specifically.
Through the message link with Samir, Tairin conveyed the following information, //The pass ahead is 20 feet wide and the cliffs stretch upward for hundreds and at time thousands of feet. We will have to ride between the cliffs at a modest incline. I cannot see any traps or ambush at present and the journey to the other side is at least four days long. Tell the others."
Through their message link, Tairin asked the Yar-Ammonite, Patenemheb, //"Have you found water? And is it safe to cross through the passage through the cliffs? Have you seen archers or any people high in the clifftops? It would not do to come to you and be set upon from above."//
Keeping his blade sheathed and trusting his shield to work if surprised Bjoern follows Tairin, but keeps a weary eye out towards the lone figure.
"Remember, where is one, there can be more!"
In response to Tairin's comment about company:
//"I have had no company this evening apart from Mehys, my camel. He rests a short distance from where I stand now. However, there are tracks made within the last day from those who slew at least nine men and destroyed the dam."//
In response to Tairin's query about water and ambush:
//"East, out of the pass and a few miles on, there is a small copse of trees where the streambed once flowed. A small pond of runoff from the dam is their secret. West, and four days, the pass widens five-fold into an area guarded by a Khazistani gate. A small garrison charges a toll, but they have a deep well fit to supply caravans. As for ambushers, I see tracks in several directions. It would be easier to point to directions from here, but I can describe them if you wish."
Patenemheb remains standing and watching.
"Remember, where is one, there can be more!"
Upon Bear's warning, Tairin nodded her head in understanding. "You speak truth and I will be mindful as will you. He seems sincere as far as I can tell. We will hear him out and determine his righteousness."
Tairin was growing weary of relaying the messages between herself and Patenemheb to the others.
The final message she would send to Samir was to inform him and the others of the whereabouts of water Tairin also included she was heading to the man to speak with him and if any wanted to join them, they were welcome to. She also tasked Samir with informing Sefu they would determine if the man posed a threat or not and to keep to the well until our return.
She relayed her final message through the link (for now) to Patenembheb, //"We are coming up to you now. We shall speak properly once we are there. At the very least there will be two of us present and at the most six."//
To Bjoern beside her, she said, "Come, let us meet this man of Yar-Ammon. The sooner we finish this, the sooner we decide what we do next." And with that she gently kicked Haji into action and rode toward the unknown man and his camel.
She attempted to get to the man with as much discretion as she could in case there were other eyes on them.
Tairin dismounted when she'd drawn as close as she deemed prudent to the stranger from Yar-Ammon. Holding Haji's reins in one hand, she inclined her head a little in respect and addressed the man. "Greetings, Patenemheb. As I have promised, we have come in good faith to speak with you, and, I thank you for your directions on where to find water. That was kind of you." She paused a little, so the others could catch up, if they were coming up to join them. "May we sit and talk? It has been a taxing, troubling day and we have responsibilities to the rest of the caravan still to attend to."
"”Perchance you would be, but you would be OUR demon, yeah.”
Caslav cannot hide the shock from his face at the archer's words. "Yes, I suppose so..." The youth quickly looks away. To make light of such things! Oh to be so ignorant, so happily ignorant. He urged his camel forward closer to Tairin and Bjoern, putting a small bit of distance between himself and Ala'lhys.
When Samir relays the information regarding the nearby water, Cas perks up. "Should we recover some now, while she speaks with this man? The sooner the better, I'd think; it lies in the wrong direction. If you, I, and perhaps Lysander were to leave now we might even be back by the time any negotiations are complete." He looks ahead at Tairin and Bjoern as they ride up towards the figure. "Though it's probably best if our archer stays here to cover the stranger with his keen eyes and skilled bow, just in case," he adds nonchalantly.
Patenemheb will reply to the last message.
//"I appreciate being informed. If any of your party are wounded, I can offer skilled healing."
And once he sees them in person, he will dip his head respectfully and very briefly. He has the distinctive height, slender build, abnd bronze skin of the Yar-Ammonites. Those familiar with the Yar-Ammonite may realise that he has the facial features and hands of a nobleman, with a signet ring, but is it hard to tell much else with the desert robes covering almost all else. His black eyes are clear and look carefully and unhurridly over the new arrivals.
"Greetings, Tairin, and the companions of Tairin. It is good to see another of the Kingdom out here. You are most welcome to sit where you may and speak. There is no shortage of stone here at least. I am inclined to share what knowledge I have to those who offer respect and no naked blade. I have seen too much chaos and suffering on my travels thus far."
He pauses to catch breath, then continues.
"The city of Belthaar recently seized one of Ghezath's princes. Naturally, Ghezath's sons would not bear this and marched upon Belthaar in number. Seeing Belthaar's strong gates, they proceeded to lay waste to the surrounding villages and country, as you have surely seen."
He points to a large building, with the roof collapsed and smouldering. The direction he points to changes as he describes directions.
"There lie the remains of at least nine men. A sole rider on a light, fast steed arrived from the east around a full day ago, and all the other men fell to the ground, presumably stunned or killed. Other humans - or human-like creatures - arrived and dragged them into the building. The rider turned back to the east. I also saw footprints at the base of the dam, where heavy mauls or clubs shattered the stones. Two sets headed almost north, three south east, and four sets up a little on the pass to the base of the cliffs."
Patenemheb pauses again.
"I left the vicinity of Belthaar rapidly when I heard the news of the conflict. And this evening I spent hours contemplating my next move, hearing of the destruction of the dam. I am inclined to seek opportunity and knowledge in the Empire of the Khazistanis. And after journeying alone, I am inclined to journey in company, should you and yours go in that direction."
Looking at Red, "Well planned and exicuted, but short sighted I'd say. I think this, in the long run, will be terrible for both Belthaar and Ghezerath."
When the caravan nears the pass and the lone stranger comes into view, Lysander releases the tether between Rock and the camel. Keeping a watchful eye and ready to charge if needed.