With all of her guards defeated, the woman turns to run, but is stabbed by Yanos and Haris, then clobbered by Barlor. Hurtling face down into the mud, she slides to a stop about ten feet away.
threat
nope
hit
Though she appeared dead after suffering such wounds, the woman smiles gently as Haris turns her over. “Travel safely, Pathfinders, but travel swiftly,” she says, growing weaker as blood pools beneath her head. “I’m far from the only Consortium vulture looking to pick your bones today.” Her eyes glaze over in death.
"Caiden's c*(k!" Raimondo curses, pointing at something back along the road to Bloodcove. "That looks like an army!"
In the distance birds and chattering monkeys scatter from the canopy as if frightened by a large force moving in this direction and, at best, two hours away. Looking at one another, you all realize that combat against such odds all but guarantees death, and that the only tentative safety lies inside the protective walls of the Society's fortified expedition camp - 2 days’ journey away...
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Shel is fine with leaving the bodies at the roadside. In fact, with an army following, she doesn't want to take the time to carry a body. "Loot the corpses. I'll handle it, Haris. Be right back. "
Shel will walk down the hill and get out of sight of the others before dropping the idol into the river.
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As the other's are doing their thing, Yanos will Channel to Heal everyone.
Walking away a bit, he finds something sturdy to stand up, then grows taller for a bit, following Raimondo's gaze. Seeing the army of Consortium on their trail, he holds the key in his hand, wondering just what it is that makes it so important. Reverting back to his normal size, the key shrinking as well, he leaps down and returns to his friends. "He is right. A storm's coming, and I'm not sure you would survive it. Your strong, no doubt, but with those numbers, . . ."
"We need to move quickly. Not only for our sakes, but we have other depending on us to get this stuff to them."
Peri determines that the scroll contains a sleep spell.
Shel returns shortly, lighter one cursed statue. After going through bodies for useful items and pockets for loose change, the group gathers back at the caravan. Seeming intent to push the horses all the way to Azlant Ridge, Raimondo shouts and flails the reigns and the wagon bumps and lurches off along the rough trail.
The lone corpse of the Aspis woman shrinks slowly in the distance, silhouetted against the setting sun atop the hill behind.
End of Part I
***
Prelude to Part II
The sun was setting and dusk was upon them. The big man rode his horse near the front of the men, eager to lower the point of his lance against the Pathfinders he was told about. Did they really think they could come to Bloodcove, murder members of the Consortium, and expect to escape? Gripping the reigns tight, he gnashed his teeth at the thought.
Dust appeared on the hill ahead and a scout materialized atop another horse, fast approaching. He spurred his own to meet him sooner, a handful of his men following close on horses of their own.
"Sir!" The rider called as he neared, recognized his superior. "We found a body. A couple hours old."
"Show me."
It wasn't far. About a quarter mile, laying right on the path near the crest of a hill next to a gorge.
"Xeanja." He growled, crouched over the woman. He was annoyed to find a rival ahead of him in the game.
"The witch?" One of his men asked, taking another step back. Another made a sign against evil.
She had attended the same meeting as he did. Had been told the same divinations. While he was gathering his men and supplies, she must have set out directly. Or benefited from some kind of witch-magic.
"Did she think to take them by herself?" He had always thought her power lay more in mystique then true magic, but he was no expert on such things.
"She had allies, but from the signs, I'd say they suffered the same fate." The scout pointed at areas along the trail, but whatever he saw was invisible to the big man. "Appears they were dragged that way, probably tossed into the gorge. Should we send down climbers?"
The man thought about it for a moment as he searched the woman's corpse. Inside one of her pouches he found a sealed document that made him frown. Cracking the seal he read the contents, a scowl tightening his jaw. "No." He said, remounting his horse. Handing the document to one of his men he pointed to the gorge. "Send her to join her men, then return this to Bloodcove and tell the captain it was found on her corpse."
He turned to the scout. "The Pathfinders are not far ahead. We pursue."