"I saw one man being dragged to the west by two of the goblins. Two of our group are with him now. I dont know how he is, but the goblins are surely no more." V'Thamuus attempts an untrained heal check.
"What happened here?"
V'Thamuus presses a wad of the critically injured guard's shirt into the cut in the guard's side and places the guard's hands over it so the wound can clot. The guard sighs a bit, nods and smiles wanly back at him.
One moment all was well and a fine night too, and the next these little demons were lighting the place afire. Who would have thought they would come this far south?
The main door flies open, revealing an aged, portly butler in fine clothes unsteadily weilding a rusty sabre. Behind him is the pale face of a middle-aged but beautiful woman. She has been crying and clutches a kerchief to her mouth. From her attire it is clear she is the lady of the house rather than a servant.
"Blast! Do ya have any means ta put out these fires?! A well perhaps?!" he asks anyone that will answer and in an anxious tone.
V'Thamuus looks up with a start at Darnak's exclamation. "Oh! I'm so sorry!" he uncrumples a scroll tightly held in one hand, the same one he first drew from its case what seems like weeks ago. He turns to the burning barn and reads the eldritch runes.
The scroll disintegrates as a powerful stream of water sprays forth from V'Thamuus outstretched hand. It sprays for but a few seconds, but the force of it snaps a few fire-weakened boards, and it produces a truely prodigious amount of water. He turns back to the butler and woman.
"That is all I can manage with my magic, but with buckets and a well we might be able to save more."
Longfeather walks up to the formally critically injured guard and inspects V'Thamuus' handiwork. "Nice work, I'll provide what healing I can and then I would suggest we get back to the caravan. This group of goblins might not be the only group around."
Longfeather grasps his holy symbol and says, "Any who are still wounded, come stand near me," bows his head, and begins praying.
"I'm good, Longfeather. Thanks for that bit o' healin' ya did. It's much appreciated," he nods with a tip of his hat. "While you fellas be takin' care of the injured, I'm gonna tend ta what's left of the fire. Hopefully I can stop it from spreadin' any further."
V'Thamuus's gyser sends great gouts of steam spirling into the night air but the fire almost immediately flares back to life. The barn and other outbuidlings are a complete loss. The fence near the barn is afire as well, but Darnak manages to separate enough of the good posts and rails from those aflame that most of the fence will remain standing.
The guards recover the body of Joquin and gather around Longfeather as he heals everyone nearby. Irra shows up at the edge of the group, dragging an unconscious goblin by one arm. Longfeather's healing burst elicits a groan from the goblin and his eyes flutter open.
Bah, what are you saving him for? says the butler.
The elegant older woman grasps the butler by the arm to keep him from raising his rusty sabre and steps out among the crowd gathered in front of the door. She seems to have composed herself significantly from when you first saw her frightened face.
Martin, take Joquin inside and see that his body is properly tended. Kamos, if you are up to it, I would like you and Gerad to draw what water you can from the well and see to it that the fire does not spread beyond the barn and smokehouse. Wet the ground thoroughly.
The butler and the two guards answer with a swift 'Yes, m'lady' and head off to do as they were bid. For a time you are alone with the woman as she gazes out on the fires.
I wish to thank you for your bravery here tonight. I am Lady Wildhurst, my husband is Lord Wildhurst, of Gulduria. He just took his office - his brother died - the guards ... many went with him to the city ... he said we would be safe. Her composure leaves her for a moment as she begins to tremble but she soon masters herself.
I am sorry, I am rambling and have not shown you proper hospitality. Please, stay her tonight if you wish. We owe you our lives.
V''Thamuus looks a bit green under his dark skin, but that might just be a trick of the firelight. He makes a concerted effort to avoid the dead goblins, especially the ones that fell to his magic. He glances with distaste at the goblin rescued by Irra, not visibly more pleased to see one still living.
When the Lady Wildhurst makes her offer, V'Thamuus looks up quickly. "Oh but we can't. Our caravan lies just a short walk away and we can't leave it untended for too much longer."
He looks back and forth at his fellow guards.
"What would Jeren say?"
"I think he would say something about not getting paid to play hero and tell us to hurry up and set up the camp. I would suggest we leave that to the others tonight and stick to keeping watch though."
Longfeather walks over to where he dropped his pack, picks it up and comes back. "Whatever is decided we need to go back inform the caravan soon."
"Excuse us a moment, Ma'am." He nods. Darnak then pulls the others aside. "I think we should take her up on her offer. Mainly 'cause it feels a bit rude to turn her down. She seems like such a nice lass. And if those gobbies are stupid enough ta come back - which we all know they're stupid - we could be here ta finish 'em off. If you all are good with this, I'll go and talk to Jeren. If we're gonna set up camp, might as well set up camp here. It's just as good as any. Plus, it'll give these folks time ta regroup and gather their wits about 'em, and we can help 'em out however we're able to. What do ya say?"
"And there're bound to be more goblins out there. Better to be attacked here than on the road as a slow-moving target." Irra turns and nods to the lady, proffering her a bright smile. "Irra Shattertongue, pleasure to meet and aid you."
"If she wasn't opposed to us bringing the entire caravan here, I suppose we could stay here." Longfeather looks over at the injured goblin and his feather ruffle up. He turns back to Darnak and says, "If we want to bring them here, we ought to find out what brought the goblins here in the first place"
V'Thamuus steps up closer to Darnak. "So long as we do not abandon our responsibilities, I don't see the harm. And you are quite right. I hadn't thought about the fact the beasts might come back. After all, five of the false men fled into the darkness at the sight of Irra's conjuring."
V'Thamuus turns back to the lady of the house. "Lady Wildhurst, thank you again for your kind offer." he clasps his hands behind his back and gives a short bow. Our friend dwarf has reminded us of our manners. Your protection and the protection of your home shall be our priority at least until sunrise."
V'Thamuus sends an empathic nudge to Moninga back in camp. *need* Back at the caravan, Moninga raises his head and dashes off to his master.
"If she wasn't opposed to us bringing the entire caravan here, I suppose we could stay here." Longfeather looks over at the injured goblin and his feather ruffle up. He turns back to Darnak and says, "If we want to bring them here, we ought to find out what brought the goblins here in the first place"
"Aye, sounds like a plan ta me. Let's see if she's willing." As Irra introduces herself, Darnak moves right behind her and does the same. "Aye, 'tis that, Ma'am. Darnak Deepstone is me name. And we'd be obliged ta take you up on your offer as long as you're not for mindin' the rest of our band. We have a caravan of a few others back a ways, and we just so happened ta be settlin' down when we heard the commotion. We'd be more 'n willin' ta help out any way we can and we can stay out here if it be necessary so as to be able to take down any more more o' them gobbies that may turn back up. So if ya be not mindin' four or five more of us, it'd be our pleasure ta accept your invitation."
Lady Wildhurst seems relieved at the prospect of having you stay nearby saying, It would be my pleasure to host you and your companions here on my grounds. You and your friends will be welcome here as long as you desire. Perhaps you could return to the the others and bring them back? I will have my cook prepare something suitable.
If I may ask one favor from you though, I would ask that if you travel into the city tomorrow, you send word to my husband, Lord Wildhurst, about the attack. He will want to send some of the guard back here to watch over me and to take care of the ruins of the barn and smokehouse. As for why the goblins attacked, I have no idea. The foul things have been a trouble north of the city for some time, a dreadful trouble really, and this is just another tragedy in a line of tragedies we Wildhursts have suffered.
She tries to put a brave face on it, but it is clear she has been under a great strain. With effort, she composes herself and forces a wan smile.
But enough of that. You are welcome to all that Wildhurst Hall has to offer for your bravery. But for you, we all would have died. I am sure my husband will reward you as well. Here, take this ring, he will know it as mine, and it will ensure your passage into the city and a swift conveyance to my husband to carry my message.
She removes an ornate ring, an emerald tree with an ivory background, and presses it into Darnak's hands. As she does so, he cannot help but feel her trembling with emotion.
Turad steps into the woman's view, nods toward her acknowledgingly saying Turad Osiro, pleasure to help an innocent in need. He then turns toward the others and says I'm of a mind with Darnack, Irra and V, we should camp here, safer for all of us. He then slings his blade onto his back before running off to the caravan to lead the others here.
Feeling terrible for the woman, "On me honor, madam, we'll look for your husband and let him know. How will we know where ta find him? And would he have information on where these goblins might be located?" He looks to the others with a raised eyebrow like he's pondering something he probably shouldn't be pondering without consent from the cranky Jerren before turning his attention back to the lady.
"Since that's settled, we ought to speak with the goblin." Longfeather walks over to the captive goblin and says, "Do you speak common.
Why I tell you that huh?, says the goblin insolently.
V'Thamuus steps forward and puts a foot on the goblin's chest. "Because it is getting very cold out here." He leans in close and almost whispers. "I will steal the fire from your soul and feed what is left to dogs, false man." V'Thamuus raises a finger and casts a series of rays of frost in a circle around the beast's head, while obviously and exaggeratedly sucking in the air near the goblin's face.
"Why did you come here?"
"Little one, you just told us you speak common. I see what you mean, you probably won't leave here alive so why tell us anything. Well, you have two options, you can speak to me, someone who has no hate for you and if you tell me what I need to keep the rest satisfied I'll end you life painlessly or you can speak to any of them, who have hated goblins all their lives and just watched you kill a man. I don't wish to see pain come to you, but the choice is in your hands." Longfeather puts a hand in front of V'thamuus and says, "Please, allow him a moment to choose his fate before you begin your 'conversation' with him."
"One at a time. Overwhelm a goblin's tiny mind with, god forbid, more than two people talking and we'll get nothing out of it."
Irra turns and smiles again towards the lady. "Our pleasure to help you, ma'am." Idly dragging a bit of grass out of her hair, Irra adds "While we're here, could you show me around your manor? I've spent my whole life in a caravan, never got a chance to have a look at these big ol'halls." Her smile turns winninger.
The terrified goblin looks first to V'Thamuus and then to Longfeather.
No no don't kill me! I came 'cause Belig told me to. He says he will be king of Everywhere soon.
Lady Wildhurst snorts in disgust and rolls her eyes. You filthy beasts will soon find that my husband will set the north aright. His brother might have been lax toward your kind, gods care for his soul, but my husband will not be so soft. King of Everywhere, hmm! I think not.
She smiles at Irra's kind words and motions her inside. It would be my pleasure to show you about, Ms. Shattertongue. Please, come inside
"I don't think he will know much more," Longfeather says as he walks away from the goblin. "So what are we going to do with him?"
Turad, returning from the caravan, casts his opinion as he hurries towards everyone else "I say we just kill 'im, little green bastard is'nt worth sparing. I'd like to do the honor's when the time comes. As far as this 'king' goes though, he might be a problem might want to see where this uppity goblin lives. We probably will need to deal with it ourselves, before these goblins kill anyone else"
V'Thamuus looks down at the frightened animal, his anger beginning to fade. He then looks closer and sees the soot covering its rags. He sees the blood staining its hands. He remembers the glee it their dance and squeals as they slaughtered the horse.
He swallows, once, hard. "It is a dangerous animal. If we let it go, it will only seek to kill again. It must be put down."
He speaks the words one more time, and gestures toward the goblin. Another ray of frost stabs out at its head.
Irra bows her head, wanting to turn away, but forces herself to look at the goblin as V'Thamuus slays it. "Executed, not put down" she quietly mutters without a note of reproach.
It was just a animal. While no reproach was intended, V'Thamuus feels the pressure of his own conscience. "Yes, well . . . yes." For this first time in a long time, V'Thamuus wonders in the back of his mind if his destiny is worth leaving his mother behind.
He turns away from the manor and watches the fire consume the out buildings. At that moment, Moninga trots out from the tall grass and lays his head gently against V'Thamuus's leg, as if sensing the hurt in his master's heart.
Turad throws the body out into the grass. He then says Why so glum guys, he was a dangerouse little bugger, why are you sorry you killed him? He had it comming, after all. The then laughs and says Besides, his body will fertilize the soil, I thought you Mwangi guys were into that whole "circle of life" thing.
V'Thamuus thinks to himself with irritation, Why is the only thing any of these northern barbarians remember about the Expanse is the treacly tales of that thrice-damned bard Vault D'sen Aye. . ." He turns to Azoth with a practiced smile. "I do not mourn for the beast, I mourn for the necessity of the act. Violence must beget violence. I understand this. Evil must often be defeated with its own methods. This is the circle of life 'us Mwangi guys' understand all to well." He walks toward the manor house after Irra. "In any case, it is done. Let us avail ourselves of Lady Wildhurst's hospitality."
Longfeather shakes a bit and his feathers ruffle up a bit as Turad casually tosses the body. He looks between the body and the house for a moment and then turns to V'thamuus. "Before you enter, V'thamuus, may I talk to you for some moments"
"Certainly, what can I do for you." V'Thamuus steps to the side to speak with Longfeather privately.
Longfeather moves a bit closer to V'thamuus and speaks quietly to him.
"I hope I did not step over any boundaries by getting in the way of you questioning the goblin, I just didn't like the idea of torture and I don't think you do either. Would you mind helping me clear the bodies, a proper burial is more than we have time for but we can at least give their bodies some dignity in death. I think all living things deserve that regardless of their actions."
"No, you caused no offense," V'Thamuus softly smiles a bit sheepishly. "In fact, I let the heat of my blood from my first real battle overcome me for a moment. A word of wisdom is always appreciated."
He turns back into the firelight. "I will gladly help. I do not feel like I wish to be . . . comfortable at this moment anyway. We should use this fire. The beasts birthed it; it is fitting it would serve as their vessel to what serves as an afterlife for them."
"Thank you my friend; it would please me if you would call me Thim now forward. Outsiders like ourselves need to find fellowship where we can."
"Thank you, Thim, I have a nickname but I find it is hard for those without a beak to say."
When they have moved all the goblin bodies into the fire, Longfeather takes his symbol from his neck, bends down and begins praying in Tengu. After several moments, he rises and points his symbol towards where the bodies are in the fire and says, "Saranae, redeem these misguided souls."
"Thank you, Thim, I have a nickname but I find it is hard for those without a beak to say."
"Perhaps, then, we can teach it to Moninga." Thim clasps his hand behind his back and bows, but instead of formal it oddly conveys a sense of warmth. He smiles and begins to lend a hand as Moninga chirps about his feet.
Longfeather and V'Thamuus begin gathering the goblin dead. They are joined by the remaining guards and with their help and at Lady Wildhurst's insistence, the bodies are added to the dwindling but still potent barn fire. Thankfully, the light breeze blows the scent of their destruction away from the manor house. Meanwhile, Lady Wildhurst provides a brief history of the Wildhurst name with Darnak, Irra and Turad. While the tale is mostly comprised of things of concern only to the upper crust of society, there may be things of interest to the keen listener.
Perhaps the excitement of the evening was too much, however, as none of you learn anything of real interest. Still, there is an air of mystery about the tale Lady Wildhurst tells that leaves you vaguely unsettled.
When the tale ends and just about the time the unpleasant task of disposing of the bodies is addressed, Jeren and your other companions rumble into the field in front of the manor house. Lady Wildhurst greets them warmly as they disembark and praises your efforts to your current employer. Her manner is so gracious that she charms even the gruff Jeren, who can only mutter 'It was no trouble, m'Lady, no trouble at all.' over and over at her animated thanks. Keever merely smiles and shares a look with Hobak behind Jeren's back and even Farchet is moved to carry out a number of stiff, overly formal bows while he silently and nervously works his battered hat at a furious pace with his hands.
Martin soon returns to announce that dinner is ready in a stiff, formal way that seems out of place given all that has occurred this evening. Given the circumstances, Lady Wildhurst suggests that the supper be served outside, where everyone can keep an eye out for trouble and the wagons and horses be guarded in case there is further cause for concern. While the party, the caravan team and the Lady chat about cargo and destinations, the Wildhurst staff sets up an impromptu dining table complete with candles, cups of mead and wine, cold venison and various trimmings. Jeren shoots Keever a look of warning as the alcohol is poured but Keever's face remains a mask as he steadfastly ignores his brother's glare. Your traveling companions congratulate each of you on your heroic actions and seem immensely pleased to have something to eat other than beans; it is clear that they cannot wait to sit at this fine table and tear into the succulent supper.
Darnak can only shake his head at the end result of the goblin. Too bad there wasn't another way. Ya live by the sword I guess.
As they sit down to dinner, Darnak partakes of it properly. Probably far more proper than one might expect for a dwarf.
After the grisly business is done, V'Thamuus allows Moninga to inspect his hands, face and clothes. Soon all traces of the night's activities are vanished. He sits down to sup.
He inquires of Kamos, "How are you feeling? I hope my uneducated hands didn't do more harm than good. It looks like you have some of your color back." To both Gerad and Kamos he offers his sincere sympathies. "I am truely sorry we did not arrive sooner. The false men - goblins - you mentioned in passing that they do not usually range this far south. Now that you know they are on the move, do you intend to remain here or return to the city with the Lord? I worry the beasts might return, and you are down a man"
Longfeather sits down and does his best to eat in a dignified manner, which amounts to eating very slowly. He pauses for a moment and looks over at the Lady.
"Excuse me, mam, if you don't mind my asking, would you or your men know anything about the 'Belig' that the goblin mentioned?"
The conversation over dinner is limited as the enormity of the evening's events weight on everyone's mood. Jeren, Keever and the others are all but silent, partially because they are focused on the food and partially because they seem reluctant to say much in the presence of Lady Wildhurst. Keever avoids alcohol entirely, much to his brother's relief.
I feel a bit like I have fallen from a ladder, but I will recover, thanks to all of you and we are both glad that you came to help at all. It is good to know that folk such as yourselves still roam the wilds. says Kamos cheerfuly in response to V'Thamuus's question.
We will never surrender our homestead to those filthy vermin! says Lady Wildhurst a bit too forcefully, almost cutting her guardsman short. This is my home, and Lord Wildhurst's as well, though his new office takes him to the city. When the good dwarf here tells him our tale and shows him my ring, he will put things aright. Much of his guard will be sent back here and woe be those goblins if they think they can bypass the city to raise mischeif in the south!
She masters her emotions once again and takes a sip of wine to calm her nerves. Turning toward Longfeather she adds I have never heard of this 'Belig', but soon, I wager, he will hear of us! Her grin is almost that of a seasoned warrior rather than the lady of a country manor.
Darnak grins at the woman's determination. "Ya know, you've got fire in your belly, madam. I'll tell ya now I'd follow you to the ends o' Golarion with that kind o' fire. And I've also got ta say, you'd make a fine dwarf." He winks, grinning, as he takes another bite of his food.
V'Thamuus feeds small morsels to Moninga as the conversations weaves around him. "Lady Wildhurst, it seems this land is in your bones. How long has your lineage held this land?"
Just like Wheelmistress Jellin Irra thinks admiringly, looking at the lady Wildhurst. I'll have to tell the lads that not all house-bound have cream for courage.
The little gnome quite eagerly digs in to the feast, encouraged by both new food and food different from those pasty doling-outs of beans and much. She listens for now to her companions' words and questions; time enough later for a tour and some closer conversation.
Before his starts to eat, Turad asks Lady Wildhurst As much as I'd hate to ignore your hospitality, I have a few questions to ask about the attack. For instance, do you know from what direction they came? Did they sneak up on the house or did they rush in wantonly? How organized was their attack? I know its a lot to take in but the answers to these questions will help a great deal to judge the strength and intelligence of the goblin tribe and how much of a threat they are to other nearby farmers. After this barrage of questions, he begins eating his meal.
Darnak loses a bit of food as he instantly breaks out laughing. After he finally manages to compose himself, "Sorry! I'm truly sorry about that; that was rude of me. But I could not help me self when the lad said, 'intelligence'. Putting 'goblin' and 'intelligence' in the same sentence just cracks me up. Good one, lad," he compliments him truly, smiling as he takes a drink.
"Even dogs have a measure of intelligence, Darnak. They might not sharpest beak in the nest, but underestimating the goblins might be a mistake."
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Darnak thinks on the Tengu's words a moment before finally replying. "You're absolutely right about that, Longfeather. Dogs do have a measure o' intelligence. But the difference is, I don't find the word 'dogs' and 'intelligence' in the same sentence, funny. As long as we dwarves have been dealin' with gobbies, we've never found nothin' intelligent about 'em. If they're actions speak of order and tactics, then there's another behind 'em that's pullin' their strings, I can assure you of that. So for our sake - and I mean yours as well, madam - I'm hopin' these are just your random bunch o' gobbies who want ta burn things. Otherwise, this could turn out ta be a bit more difficult than we bargained."
Lady Wildhurst chuckles at the thought of being a dwarf. I believe that is the nicest thing any dwarf has said to me, Mr. Deepstone, she replies with mirth.
We have held this land for eight generations. Lord Wildhurst's greatsires came up from Magnimar and profited greatly in trade. The Wildhursts have been accounted Lords for three generations now, charged with overseeing the affairs near the city.
Kamos swallows hard and says The goblins moved in on us as soon as the sun set, while the sky was still red. The came from the north, from the far side of the barn, and before we could react, the barn was afire. They rushed us, laughing and cackling madly. No one seemed to be in charge or leading them, they were mad with thought of death and destruction.
Lady Wildhurst chuckles at the thought of being a dwarf. I believe that is the nicest thing any dwarf has said to me, Mr. Deepstone, she replies with mirth.
Darnak grins at the nice lady's compliment. "And please, call me Darnak. I'm not much of a 'mister' type."
Kamos swallows hard and says The goblins moved in on us as soon as the sun set, while the sky was still red. The came from the north, from the far side of the barn, and before we could react, the barn was afire. They rushed us, laughing and cackling madly. No one seemed to be in charge or leading them, they were mad with thought of death and destruction.
Darnak shakes his head continuously in agreement as Kamos reiterates the dwarf's take on goblins. "And there you have it. That's the gobbies I be knowin' an' hatin'. Don't ya be for worryin', folks. What they don't be realizin' is that their time is nearly up," he states quite confidently.