Eri chooses silent observation.
"So, you are agents of Smenk. You acted on his orders, risking the well-being of my town, for what?"
Sol looks confused, but seeing as the Governor was soliciting input from Ascaria's associates and also because she was pretty sure she was one of his associates, he was asking her to answer too.
"Oh, no. Weren't not agents of Smenk. I don't like him as much as others...he doesn't like Mort!" Sol say, looking happily at Mort. "But we rid this town of three very bad churches that definitely would have ruined your town. I helped slay the demondevildeamony thing. You would not have wanted that free in town as the bad churches wanted. If that had gotten loose, you would not have been very happy at all."
Solrisa stands, cheerily confident and certain in what she had just said.
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"Yes sir. Following orders Mayor, sir."
Hourpen responds as carefully as he can. He's had many such encounters. He expects to have many more. This is no different.
You think your guards would protect you. They are slow and clumsy. Your brother knows this. It is why he sent me. You should be glad I honor your brother even as I could dishonor my blade with your blood. But a scratch Mayor, sir. To remind you to hold your tongue.
Though his blood is boiling, it is as if the words are but a breeze in the trees of the forest. This man's furry doesn't even seem to rustle the leaves.
Tynan eyes the Governor-Mayor closely as he reacts to Ascaria's telling of the threats within the mines.
Well, at least I can agree with his dislike of Smenk...
Tynan quickly glances at both of the doors, then speaks up.
"Smenk and his goons have been harrassing us for some time. After he had us all hauled in just so he could "talk" to us, we agreed to check out the mine for him, to get them off our backs."
"I'm guessing his plan was to bring down the Dourstone mine, so he could swoop in and take it over, though that doesn't explain the large cache of supplies with Smenk's sigil on them in the cultist's storeroom..."
"You. Slip. You were assigned to my brother's watch? They didn't have anyone... better?"
Mortimer shoots Neff a stony look.
Is he judging Hourpen by his looks? Even if Neff does care for his brother, what a shabby thing to say."I mind. I mind very much. So, you are agents of Smenk. You acted on his orders, risking the well-being of my town, for what? What did he pay you? What were you promised? Be very careful how you answer me, Canary. Or would you have one of your associates speak now?"
This couch is almost too comfortable.
Standing from the couch, Mortimer eyes it warily as if he'd suddenly decided it was some unnatural thing, and brushes himself off.
"You misunderstand, Sir," Mort says tersely, mustering as much patience as he can. "We are not agents of Smenk. We crossed his path helping someone out of a curse. Our course led us to his distasteful and ongoing research at the Observatory. Our inadvertent interference with his research led to our arrests -- stop me if you've heard this already -- at which point we were tasked with this mine investigation in exchange for money and our freedom. For my part -- I act according to my own will."
This is all on me -- if anyone has to be in trouble over what we did.
"Now if you please address Solrisa's point -- just how is it that our purging of some rancid evil cults from Dourstone might have put the well-being of your town at risk? Seems to me that having clobbered such dark forces makes Diamond Lake a much safer place for everyone and everything in the town."
Neff takes it all in. He seems to be in his element, listening to several voices at once, and distilling the important words. He begins to speak, his gravelly voice maintaining a low, even volume.
"'He paid us'... 'we agreed to check out the mine for him'... 'we were tasked with this mine investigation in exchange for money'..." Neff stands in front of Mortimer as he finishes a brief summary.
"It sounds more like you acted on Smenk's will, not your own. But for your freedom, you wouldn't have done this. And money, of course." Neff turns his back on the giant, and clears the room a bit, turning to look at you all.
"You've mentioned being arrested. Smenk is, of course, not our sheriff, so please explain to me why there are no reports of your arrests. I receive them daily. I will be speaking with Jamis and Cubbin today, and will compare your accounts to theirs, rest assured." Neff pauses to listen to your accusations, false or otherwise. When he's heard enough, he continues.
"Have you considered the possibility that your presence in the mine might have been the tipping point for the monstrosity's summoning? You four would have been the only force standing between it and Diamond Lake. Wait, there were six of you, weren't there? Where are the other two? Have they abandoned your gang for fear of persecution, I wonder?" He taps his lip, before continuing.
"Yes, I said 'persecution'. You are all guilty of vigilantism. You acted without legal authority. My legal authority. I would have already had you arrested, but for my brother's protestations." He shakes his head, the universal gesture of self-recrimination.
"Allustan has requested that I allow you to accompany him to Blackwall Keep, where he seeks to continue an investigation tied to recent discoveries here in Diamond Lake. He sees something in you, and I am forced to trust him. He has not left Diamond Lake in three years, and that was for our mother's funeral. If he's intent on leaving again, it is of grave importance. A shame Captain Trask couldn't be convinced of it." Neff eyes the halfling, and snorts.
"You are free to go, but understand this. If my brother comes to any harm in this endeavor, I will make it my personal mission to see each of you suffer profoundly for it. I hope I make myself clear."
Even Ascaria senses the anger in the mans voice, though he keeps it tamped well. He nods and trusts in his silence. He sips a little water and sets the glass back down, waiting for the doors to open so he can leave as promised.
I guess we’re not getting the documents back. he thinks.
He at least collects his drawings off the table and stuffs them in his sling bag.
Eri tries to keep his countenance stable but his eyes get slightly squintier and his lips press a little tighter on one side. He waits until it is time to go.
This guy is a Sass. A whole Sass. People like this are why I stay in the woods.
The dog fears loosing his scraps. Such fear may be his undoing.
Hourpen sits quietly, looking to Tynan before speaking or moving from the room.
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Solrisa nods, understanding completely.
"Oh good, sounds like you're about to do your job then," Sol cheers supportively. "And so we won't have to do it again...not that we minded taking care of the evils that you missed. But it sounds like you know what you need to do."
"And yes, you should talk the to the sheriff who had us arrested for Smenk. That doesn't seem right." Solrisa's brow furrows, then unfurrows.
"Don't you worry about, Allustan. I'm very good at protecting and I will protect him. Just like I protected the town from the bad things."
I get that Neff doesn't trust Smenk either. I guess he has to check us out for himself to make sure his brother will be O.K. I guess I wouldn't be any different if I were him.
"You've mentioned being arrested. Smenk is, of course, not our sheriff, so please explain to me why there are no reports of your arrests. I receive them daily. I will be speaking with Jamis and Cubbin today, and will compare your accounts to theirs, rest assured."
"In that case you might also check with --" the clientele at the Midnight Salute and people who live near it because I'm sure there are a number of people who witnessed my arrest... " -- nah. Never mind. Do what you think you have to, it should suffice." A place like the Salute would probably shock Old Neff into instant death. Wouldn't want to put anyone through witnessing that.
"Have you considered the possibility that your presence in the mine might have been the tipping point for the monstrosity's summoning?"
"Sir, please -- if I may -- please read the Faceless One's letter to Thedrick -- 'A Word to the Wise' again. The Ebon Aspect is this monstrosity of which we speak. I think 'waking it up early' and killing it was the only way to stop it at all, If we let that thing bake all the way through -- no one would stand a chance."
"Yes, I said 'persecution'. You are all guilty of vigilantism. You acted without legal authority. My legal authority. I would have already had you arrested, but for my brother's protestations."
Mortimer frowns at the word "vigilantism". We thought we were dealing with and acting on behalf of the law. Maybe he'll understand that in time. ... Between the two, I prefer Allustan. I'm so glad Neff doesn't feel compelled to come with.
"You are free to go, but understand this. If my brother comes to any harm in this endeavor, I will make it my personal mission to see each of you suffer profoundly for it. I hope I make myself clear."
"Thank you, Sir. I'm certain there will be no need to make anyone suffer." He turns to the others and starts striding for the exit. "C'mon, everyone. Something tells me we need to pack a lot of water," he says, glancing over his right shoulder at Neff as he leaves.
Tynan stands, motions to Hourpen, and begins following Mort from the room. As he passes the Governor-Mayor, he speaks.
"We really are on the same side here... we want what's best for Diamond Lake. Be careful of Smenk... he has his nose in everyone's business."
Governor-Mayor Lanod Neff watches as you depart. "Your escort is from Diamond Lake to Blackwall Keep, and back. You will report back to me on your return." He is not looking at you when he finishes talking with you, but the guard keeping the door open for your exit. He circles you all with his finger, and the guard nods in silent understanding.
As you pass through the gates of Neff Manor, the same guard follows you as far as the threshold. He stops at the gate, and speaks to his crew, before returning to the administrative building.
...
Early afternoon of Moonday, and a light rain begins to fall. It scatters the older members of the town, but otherwise Diamond Lake strikes you as business-as-usual. You have the rest of the day to prepare for departure on the morrow.
Ascaria will suggest the party stops at the church on their way to get horses and a conveyance of some sort for Allustan. At the steps of the church he says, "I'll just be a moment."
He scurries in and tries to purchase the following...
wand of cure light wounds (750gp) - group
scroll of remove paralysis (150gp) - group
scroll of obscuring mist (25gp)
scroll of magic weapon (25gp)
scroll of remove fear (25gp)
scroll of recharge innate magic (25gp)
He buys what he can, and rejoins the party as soon as possible... without looking hasty.
On the way out of the room in which the group meets Hourpen looks for the first opportunity to duck behind a corner, barrel, or any other object. Once he finds an appropriate area he hides himself. He then makes his way directly to the gate.
Eri follows to the church. "When you are done in there we should check out Able Carter Coaching Inn and see if they have a proper coach for Allustan. I'm gonna go grab my stuff. Shall I meet you there or here?"
When given chance Eri will pop off to one of his caches to grab his travelling gear.
Exiting the building, you spot several barrels at the corner of the building gathering rain water. For the group's size, you manage to gain the corner, before the guard at your rear exits the building.
Passing out the main door of the administrative building, the halfling seems to disappear somewhere along the main road of the Neff Manor. As the guard exits the same building, and finds he's escorting five, not six, he pushes through the group, looking up and down the street. He then bellows to all who can hear him.
Down the road, a bustle begins. Jillian pokes her head out the door, a look of concern on her face. Spying the activity, she quickly closes the door behind you all. The second door of the administrative building opens, and three guards emerge, and start to spread out.
Ascaria gets flustered at yet another imprisonment at the hands of the local law. He shrugs and waits for the worst as the guards close in.
He links the party, as quickly as he can, starting with Mort, then Sol, then Tynan, then Eri. Can't see Hourpen, for sure.
Sol waits patiently, unsure what is going on.
Hourpen, now back among the group, elbows Tynan in the side. "Hey, what is he going on about. I'm right here."
The halfling man reappears among the group. The guard who called for the alarm returns to the group, hearing the slip call out his presence.
Another guard joins the first guard, and both guards pull Hourpen from the group.
"What are you on about? One minute you're walking out, the next, you ghost. The next, you're among your friends. Explain yourself, or answer to my captain."
"Sir. I was here the entire time."
Tynan feels the halfling elbow him in the side, then call out his presence.
"He's telling the truth. I'm surprised anyone even noticed one of THESE was here in the first place..." Tynan gestures dismissively toward the halfling, giving the guard a disgusted look. "He's been ordered to accompany us though, so I guess WE got the short end of THAT deal. Can we continue on?"
The second guard cuffs the first, an annoyed look settling into his rugged features. "F$@%, Milty, you been drinking already?! Stop crying wolf every gaddamn time you think you lose sight of someone!"
You are escorted out the gates, but not before Milty 'helps' the halfling by giving him a starting shove to get moving.
...
For those who attend the Able Carter's Coaching Inn
The two-story building is actually quite pleasing to the eye, for its rustic, well-kept look. As an extension of a company based in Egorian, this business doesn't suffer as much as one would think for the slow local traffic.
Braxander Wardell, owner and proprietor, gets 'round to you, as he breaks free of a rowdy party of dwarves at the back of his bar. "Hallo there! You're new faces. Are you here for room and board, or travel services? Ready to help."
You succeed at your purchases, down to the last scroll. You are also invited to tithe to the church, as Hamaneezer recognizes your absence from services, and your apparent wealth.
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Sol catches up to Ascaria at Able Carter's Coaching Inn. When she sees Ascaria and Tynan, she twirls happily in her new fitting armor.
"Ascaria, look! It's me, Sol! And the armor that fits so well!" Sol smiles and is pleased.
"Are we getting a coach now? I think I should like to have my own horse. A sturdy one that can support me and my armor," Sol says. "Would you like to help me pick one out?"
Ascaria is an amazing speaker I bet he could get Brax to give us the coach for free if he had a mind to. He's always been impressive, but up close that stuff is gold.
Eri looks around trying to take it all in.
Once clear of the gates, and out of earshot of the Mayor's guards, Tynan gives Hourpen a pat on the shoulder.
(In halfling) "Sorry about earlier... I had to say something I knew they'd believe." He pauses briefly, and the faint pattern of blue bellflowers appear along the edges of his cloak and hood. "Remember that not everyone believes as they do."
Just as swiftly, the flowers fade away, and Tynan continues on as if nothing happened.
The ranger who taught Tynan most of his tracking skills, was a member of the Bellflower Network, and Tynan helped him liberate several halfling slaves before he moved to Diamond Lake. Hourpen may or may not be aware of the group and it's goals, so the visual display may go un-understood.
Harpoon whispers just loud enough for Tynan to hear.
He will ‘tithe’ 20gp though, rattling the coins into the basket to try and make them sound like more.
Damn church…
Braxander Wardell, owner and proprietor, gets 'round to you, as he breaks free of a rowdy party of dwarves at the back of his bar. "Hallo there! You're new faces. Are you here for room and board, or travel services? Ready to help."
"Good sir, we're here to obtain steeds and a carriage of some sort, but we need it right away. Naturally, if you do not have it, we'll have to try Lakeside Stables. That said, we came to you first for the obvious reasons, and hope you will have everything we need.”
Ascaria is looking for an enclosed trap/coach of some kind - small is fine. Just something where Allustan can ride in some comfort. Depending on what is available, other horses will also be required, in addition to Sol’s request.
-----
Tynan studies the rowdy dwarves at the Able Carter's Coaching Inn, looking for any he might have encountered outside the Dourstone mine. As a precaution, he concentrates on the magic of his headpiece to darken his complexion, giving the impression of deeper shadows within his hood.
"F#+!, Milty, you been drinking already?! Stop crying wolf every gaddamn time you think you lose sight of someone!"
Mortimer looks from Tynan to Hourpen back to Tynan. He does the mental equivalent of a shrug, then glowers at Milty.
He waits for the others to pass through the gate before him before retreating himself, all the while shaking his head in disgust and scepticism at the guards.~~~
Mortimer browses for a horse worthy of his stature -- preferably something a little on the wild side.
The ephemeral color of blue bellflowers, of Tynan's cloak and hood, stirs something in you. You've heard of the Bellflower Network in your travels, but you've never directly encountered it. Until now.
At the Able Carter Coaching Inn
"Good sir, we're here to obtain steeds and a carriage of some sort, but we need it right away. Naturally, if you do not have it, we'll have to try Lakeside Stables. That said, we came to you first for the obvious reasons, and hope you will have everything we need."
Braxander smiles broadly. "Well, you're in luck, little man. For one, you'd not find anything suitable with Lanch regarding coaches. It's in the title, little man. He stables horses, we represent travel services, so if it's a coach you need, you're in luck, as I have two that are ready to go. Also, Lanch is an ass, and abuses his animals." He waves you all to join him, passing out the front door, and working his way around the building to what looks like a small barn and silo attached to the side of the inn.
Entering, you are immediately greeted by the smell of manure and mildewed hay. There are several horse stalls. You can count at least 10 horses here, all of them well-groomed, all of them black in color. To the rear of the barn stand two well-appointed coaches. The first one allows for the driver and sideman, and two passengers, while the second one allows for the driver and sideman, and four passengers. Both require the pull of four horses.
"When are you readying to leave? I've got drivers lined up, well fed and rested, like the horses. I can also provide guards, should you require them." He looks over the group, and seems satisfied that he's offered what he has.
These aren't the dwarves you're looking for.
When Solrisa and Mortimer inquire about purchasing horses directly from the company, Braxander raises an eyebrow. "Well, I suppose I can accommodate you, if you're willing to purchase a couple of our older horses. They've seen plenty of the road, so they'll not shy away from battle." He looks Mortimer and Solrisa over, excusing himself.
He comes back, pulling reigns on two animals, one light, one draft(heavy). The light war horse seems to have been crossbred with the drafts, making it slightly taller and more muscular than typical light horses bred for speed. The heavy horse has white stockings, likely shire in breed. She has a beautiful coat, though she's also well-scarred.
"The stallion's name is Eclipse, 'cause he's black and 'cause he's clipped several idiots who've passed behind him without keeping a hand on his side. The mare's called Cinder, 'cause you think she's flamed out, but she's still pretty combustible if you poke her long enough."
Light war horse, combat-trained 110gp
Military Saddle, 20gp
Saddlebags, 4gp
Heavy war horse, combat-trained 300gp
Military Saddle, 20gp
Saddlebags, 4gp
...
The next morning greets you with continued rainfall. The skies remain grey from sunrise, clouds almost black in some spots on the horizon.
Those who return to Ellival's find that Cynthia has your requested crafts, three items total, unless someone desires one more item crafted by the elves.
Allustan is no longer garbed in comfortable home attire, meeting you halfway down the lane in a deep blue travel cloak. He's wearing a headband, bracers, ring, and an amulet as well. He has a haversack over his shoulder, and a dry loaf of bread in-hand, slowly soaking up the falling rain. He takes hearty bites from it as he walks.
"Alright, you all. Are you ready? I'm ready, I think, but we should go, otherwise I'm inclined to return and seek out things I might have forgotten. Shall we proceed?"
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"When are you readying to leave? I've got drivers lined up, well fed and rested, like the horses. I can also provide guards, should you require them."...
"OK, so Hourpen, Mort, and Solaria are all on horses. Allustan, Eri and I will ride on the carriage. Tynan, I bet you're going to ride with us - right? If so, we'll take the big coach, and yes a driver would be quite splendid, but we won't need any guards."
He looks at Mort and Sol.
- - -
On the way wherever during the day, Ascaria jots down a few notes and drops them off at Smenks.
Sorry we didn't get a chance to stop back in, but apparently the cultists are working their worm-magic elsewhere and we're on our way to vanquish them some more.
I don't have your documents. Governor Neff took them and won't give them back. I assume you were going to give them to him anyway, so it's probably just as well. Maybe we even saved you a trip huh?
Anyway, we'll check in on our return. Until then, be safe.
-Ascaria
- - -
"Alright, you all. Are you ready? I'm ready, I think, but we should go, otherwise I'm inclined to return and seek out things I might have forgotten. Shall we proceed?"
"I think we're ready. We have this nice coach for you to ride in. Driver is all professional and stuff too so it should be a smooth ride. Well, relatively."
"The stallion's name is Eclipse..."
Solrisa smiles at the horse, admiring the jet blackness of the coat. She approaches the horse with some concept of how to handle beasts.
Handle Animal
She introduces herself slowly, petting mane and whispering gentle nothings to the horse.
"Hi baby horse. It's me, Solrisa. You're a good horsey, aren't you? We're going to be friends, aren't we?"
After about 10 minutes of checking, prodding, and calming, Solrisa agrees to the sale. She likes Eclipse, but thinks the horse might have the wrong name. She will ride for a while before making that determination for sure...but thinks the horse might be misnamed.
* * *
Solrisa draws the long sword with a big smile.
"OH ASCARIA! I LOVE IT!!" Solrisa nearly decapitates the gnomeling in her happy rush to hug and thank Ascaria for his gift. "It's great! I...I'm really excited to hurt more bad things!! Let's go find some bad things!!"
Solrisa takes a few more practice swings with her new sword, a big cheery smile on her face. She just can't help herself.
Mortimer admires the horse called "Cinder".
"'Cinder'... you know how to pick your battles. Good name for a warhorse... if it's war toward which we head -- " but I hope not. An unfamiliar calm and sense of well being fills Mortimer -- and he welcomes it.
He plops $400 gp into Braxander's hand, and proudly leads the mare out of the establishment.
~~~
Before heading out to Blackwell Keep, Mortimer clads himself with the amulet and practices willing on and off the cold abilty.
Whoa... !!! I could get used to this... I just hope Cinder doesn't take offense. He goes to check on the horse and join the others for the journey to Blackwell Keep.
"Ascaria, I am anxious to help protect Allustan, but I am not great at noticing stuff . I'm happy to ride with the driver, but I need a spotter. Maybe the driver is good, but I'd rather know someone I know was looking."
Tynan admires the quality of his new blade, while still remaining an unassuming dark grey in color.
Excellent!
-----
"I can ride alongside the driver. I have a pretty keen eye. Unless you want to be topside to use your bow, that is."
Nodding at Ascaria's suggestion. "A sound plan. I have a bit of coin for the mount. If it isn't enough do let me know."
Solrisa rides along side the carriage, still getting used to riding. She hasn't much skill in it, but knows enough to keep herself from falling off. She spends a lot of time working with her mount, who's tempermental spirit and penchant for saying 'neigh' a lot has earned a new name, 'eclipsing' the old: MemoRae.
She is made deliriously happy with the horse.
By the same token, she practices with her new blade, both on horse and off. She worries about the horse getting hurt in combat because it would be hard for her to protect it well. But her new swords chops nicely and she ponders upon names for it as well.
"Thank you for helping me protect Allustan. If it is possible to ride with the luggage on top of the coach I will do so. Otherwise, I will ride inside and shoot from the windows. How will I keep in contact with you Tynan? "
While the others prepare, Mortimer tries to think of useful things that might have been overlooked in the excitement of all the new things and people.
"Holy water, everyone. Feel free to stock me and Cinder up with the stuff, please."
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"Thank you for helping me protect Allustan. If it is possible to ride with the luggage on top of the coach I will do so. Otherwise, I will ride inside and shoot from the windows. How will I keep in contact with you Tynan?"
"I don't think riding with the gear would be very comfortable. Don't worry... I'll let you know if I spot trouble. I'll knock on the roof of the carriage to get your attention."
Tynan glances over at the elderly wizard. "As for Allustan, of course I'll help to protect him. His information is helping us define the extent of the dangers these foul green worms might pose. If he can put us together with others who want to end this threat, all the better."
And if anything happens to Allustan, the Governor-Mayor will have us all hunted down and killed where we stand...
When you drop off the note to Smenk's, you're greeted by a familiar face- Pillette. She demurs, accepting your correspondence, and promising to deliver it for you. She excuses herself as she closes the front door of the Smenk residence.
The Church of Asmodeus on Memorial Square can provide 6 vials of holy water, total, each for 25gp.
Braxander waves off providing a mount suitable for Hourpen, for he has none. "Company policy, you understand. We only employ decent-sized guards. Nothing against gnomes or halflings, you understand."
...
It's early Toilday morning when you all return to load up your coach and mounts. Braxander introduces you to your driver. He's an older man, balding on the top, with rather large muttonchops to conceal large ears. He dons his cap, having removed it out of respect. "Name's Maurice. I'll drive the horses, and keep the coach running. I don't fight. Period, end of sentence. We understand that?" He helps Allustan into the coach, before climbing onto the front bench. The four horses appear calm, a couple of them raising their heads when Maurice clucks at them.
Eclipse and Cinder are bridled and saddled, and ready for your departure. A young girl, dressed smartly, brings them out to you, and she retreats quickly, ducking out of the rain. Braxander walks up to the side of the coach, allowing Allustan to lean out the window, and drop a purse into the man's hand. "Thank you kindly, and enjoy your ride."
The trip to Blackwall Keep begins.
Mortimer and Solrisa are on horseback, while Maurice and Tynan ride on the front bench of the coach. The rest are passengers within the coach.
The day passes in the dreary wet. The roughly 20 miles you travel heads you east, mainly. Diamond Lake is out of sight quickly, as the Cairn Hills swallow you up. The winds pick up occasionally, and those outside the coach are well-soaked by the time night falls. You encountered no one on the road this day.
Sol politely declines the holy water, trusting in The Dragon to provide her with all the holy she needs.
* * *
Solrisa clip-clops next to the carriage, rarely taking MemoRae too far away, but occasionally practicing a bit of galloping (and accompanying 'wheeeing'). She is not a good rider and it is made worse by the extra weight of her armor.
No more than 3 times does she begin a sentence with "Rae, look! A..." before her voice trails off as she does not see Rae around at all. She contents herself with patting MemoRae's neck.
Sol enjoys the ride.
Braxander's
Pocketing his gold. "Save the coin for another day then.
****
On the road
Pocking his head out the window of the wagon. "So as not to surprise you as you're perched out there, that hawk there is with me."
A large bird, broad of wing, with earthen tone feathers does a slight dip toward the wagon.
"So as not to surprise you as you're perched out there, that hawk there is with me."
"Good to know. Does it have a name?"
"Good to know you Maurice! I'm sure you'll do a fine job, and don't worry, if anything happens, just hide - we'll take care of the rest I promise." he looks at the group and hopes for the best.
Ascaria too will pass on holy water from the church. He wonders if he knows any priests of Cayden in town at all? There's no church, but perhaps there's a man who could prepare the water fresh.
...and perhaps not.
"Mort, I only know of holy water from the Asmodeans, though I don't know how they make it holy. Like you, I'm not keen on doing business with them if we can avoid it. Maybe an opportunity will present itself."
During the ride he tries to draw to pass the time, but the lurching of the carriage keeps throwing off his precision. The lurching eventually lulls hims into a sort of waking-sleep as he drifts, hoping Tynan is keeping a good watch on top.
Hourpen speaks proudly of the hawk.
"I call her Chasah. Though I can't rightly say I have earned the privilege of naming her yet."
He continues to watch the bird from the wagon. To fly free. Or to at least feel the wind as I travel. I must find a mount of some sort. This wagon riding does not suit me.
Sol politely declines the holy water, trusting in The Dragon to provide her with all the holy she needs.
"Mort, I only know of holy water from the Asmodeans, though I don't know how they make it holy."
Clopping along steadily aboard Cinder (who occasionally snorts in response to MemoRae's noise), Mort looks somewhat abashed.
"Er-uh, I wasn't advocating for the AsmoKind -- I was just hoping one or two of you here could -- provide some possibly better kind -- or at least reasonably alternative kind of holy water." Am I supposed to know how these things work?
~
"So as not to surprise you as you're perched out there, that hawk there is with me."
What an odd thing for someone to say.
Keeping his eye on the surroundings, Mortimer nonetheless can't help notice the Avian's salute."I call her Chasah. Though I can't rightly say I have earned the privilege of naming her yet."
My horse picked me.
"Why did she pick you?" Mort asks, checking behind them for traffic or followers.