Triela is chatting with Basaik as the group walks into the temple grounds. He is leading his horse, while two others - a human male and female - follow at a trot on horse back. A dwarf follows on foot in the rear.
Basaik gives the grounds an amazed look, turning to the group he exclaims "What a treasure you all have uncovered. Tarnished, but sturdy. How I would love to hear the tale, but I'm afraid we cannot stay long. The battle has reached what was left of Hillside after Tolin torched the Inn. This place may prove to be an important stronghold as the enemy approaches the mountains. Trying to keep his news of the war short, Basaik stops himself - Enough talk of fighting, how might we help here?"
|
Aak gives Basaik a hearty handshake as he walks up, and a nod to the others.
I agree time is short, and this may prove to be invaluable to future defenses. I have Grishnodnok and his men, working to improve the various buildings and structures around the temple. As far as inside the hallowed temple, there is much needed to be done., Aak pauses for a moment, then continues. As far as we know, the temple has been cleansed from any evil that harbored there. I feel confident that all of us here can restore this place to the glory of former years.
He smiles at his fellow friends, Rema; Silx; Caylen; Triela; and Shayne before he left on his own journey.
He turns to Basaik, You asked if there was anything you and your men could do. I would like to get input from my friends here as well, before I speak.
Basaik returns Aak's greeting, "Well said. Pausing to think, as if recalling something, This Grishnodnok. Is this the same warlord whose likeness I've seen drawn on parchments with offers of reward?" His tone is one of curiosity.
Update. Looks like it was in a PM. I had to look myself to be sure :-)
A distinctly feminine hand extends a folded bit of paper toward you. Her complexion is not unlike yours. It is clear that she, like you is a half-orc, though she seems younger - close to Caylen's age.
She smiles hesitantly, revealing sharp canines. "I thought you might want to see this." Sitting behind you, she waits for you to open the folded paper.
The paper is a single, worn sheet. Thicker paper, it is only slightly faded. On the paper is an illustration of a large half-orc. With the words "Wanted" at the top and description of a crimes and a reward noted at the bottom. There is mention of the town Shinmish. As you read the details, the young woman speaks up.
"A merchant gave it to me. I confronted him because he was treating me disrespectfully while I helped unload good for the monastery. He handed me this, explaining he'd lost good and men in the mountain paths south of here. I've thought often of tracking him down. To see what he knows - knows of those like us. The monks say I am too young." As Shayne stands on the wood pedestal to begin his tale, she speaks again quickly.
"I am Linorg. You are Aak. We may speak again if you wish."
|
|
Aak, judges Basaik's posture and feels that he is fair and just in letting Aak's choices. Aak then nods, Yes, but he isn't a monster. It was the now defeated chieftain, T'kkfir. It was him, that caused so much trouble for the surrounding villages. Grishnodnok, wants there to be harmony for all, much like you and I. I stand by Grisnodnok and teh actions we has taken and I...we, trust him and his fellow men with our lives
Basaik nods, "This does not surprise me. The cult has agents everywhere. The bounty may even be their doing. I would like to meet Grishnodnok so that he may know what your trust earns him. Perhaps I may even be able to find the source of the bounty discreetly through diplomatic channels."
Rema calmly stands beside Aak and Basaik as they speak. After mentioning Grishnodnok, Basaik turns to Rema, "The news is better than your message indicated."
Nodding, Rema voices her joy "Finding the temple has been much more than I expected. Handing over a few sheets of parchment she continues, and the surprises didn't not end with finding it."
As Basaik reads over the letter and studies the old sheet of parchment his eyes grow wide, "This is better than I imagined. With this letter and title you have truly established a foothold in the region. Looking toward Triela, and with Lady Devilbane's help you may even be able to expedite the recognition of the transfer of the temple."
"Indeed. Given that you also believe this is real, under my authority, we can act under the belief that it is authentic while it gets verified. If it should be denied, it will be on me. I can a message to my house to start the process in the meantime. It is a risk, but if all goes well, this can also be a boon politically for my house, at least in the people's eyes, by helping re-establish a temple." Triela looks pleased by the prospect.
Rema smiles, "Such assistance would be very much appreciated. Let us hope everyone can gain from reestablishing the temple."
Basaik turns to speak with the others that have come with him, "Take a moment to stretch and tend to your horses. We have just enough time to break fast. Then we must head to Shinmish. Turning to address Aak, I will speak with Grisnodnok to make sure the grounds are well protected. Then we must leave gesturing toward the young woman and dwarf. Sena, who I believe you met when at the monastery, and Kalmuk, a paladin of our order, will remain here. Hiliu and I will ride ahead to see what help we might lend diplomatically. I would suggest you and your group head out by midday."
"Sounds like a plan."
During the meal, Triela will lightly converse with any of the newcomers willing, to get a a general impression and to solidify them in her memory.
Opening it might reveal more
Silx steps out of the shadows. "What is it that is so pressing?"
Kalmuk gives Silx a stern look and then begins laugh aloud. "A wily one you are. I should have known not to ask to loudly about you." The dwarf extends the sealed parchment toward Silx, waving it about in a teasing manner.
The exchange between Kalmuk and Silx has seemed to interrupt Caylen's day dreaming. She quickly approaches Silx, hardly able to contain her curiosity. "Are you going to open it? Then turning to Kalmuk, Who is it from?"
Kalmuk does his best to give Caylen the stink eye, but finally smiles. "You'll find out soon enough. Then he turns toward Triela, as if realizing something, giving a deep bow My apologies Lady Devilbane. The long trek has left me a bit cross."
Silx glances at Kalmuk and the letter, and if nothing seems amiss he breaks the seal and reads the letter.
The Letter
Silx,
I hope this missive finds you well. I have sent word to let you know that we've captured the cultist we were pursuing. He fought to the death so I'm afraid we did not learn much from him. The little we learned is not safe to share opening. I will have more news in person. I hope to join you soon, to hold true to my oath.
|
|
Aak will give Basaik a sturdy handshake and trek off with him to find Grishnodnok. He will introduce them to one another, but not snoop around as they discuss matters at hand.
Aak will than go back to where the group is, and look around as everyone is conversing with their respective people. When there is a break in the chatter, Aak will speak up,
Friends, all if you have found a place in my heart and in the battlefield. We need to travel to Shinmish, to attempt to restore order to the town caused by the cult. Gushnodnok will continue to protect these grounds while gone, and he has my support and command. We need to show the town what good things are being done. he turns to Triela, I may very well need your help in getting the locals to listen for they may try to kill me in sight, since their views have been twisted. I need you to be at your best
He then turns to Silx and Caylen, my dear friends, we will press on the way Shane will have wanted. I will need you at your best as well, be sneaky when needed and being the fire and passion you have Caylen because the good people of Shinmish may need to see it before changing their views of me, Grishnodnok, and this holy place we have rescued from the clutches of hatred. The travel will be long, but we have all persevered through so much, we get change anything we set our minds to. Checks your things and get ready, we leave before midday
Rema nods, "Well said. Let us hope the cult's influence has not penetrated the city. checking through her item, For myself, I am ready to head out."
Caylen makes one last attempt to find out what Slix's letter says before preparing for departure, "Come on Silx, what does it say?"
Silx gives a rare smile. "Runyar managed to run down the cultist that escaped. He also intends to meet up with us soon."
Caylen becomes suddenly serious, "Is he brining the cultist with him?"
Silx shakes his head. "Cultist at least did one brave thing. Fought to the death."
As a look of relief sweeps across Caylen's face Sena moves away from her horse, which has been tended and secured to tree near the run down stables.
Addressing Aak, she offer's supplies before the group departs. "It is good to see all of you again. I was glad to hear your journey from the monastery was successful. I did not bring much with me beyond what I needed for the ride, but I do have some holy water. It is yours if you think it would be of use. Looking toward the temple, With the temple cleansed I am unlikely to need it."
After making her offer of supplies, Sena approaches Rema with a sealed parchment.
Rema quickly opens the parchment, reading it just as fast. A look of concern covers her face as she approaches Caylen, who is busy with preparations.
Rema nods as Caylen returns the parchment and continues about her preparations. She looks worried.
Silx glances from his work, then slips over to Aak and nudges him, whispering what he heard and saw. "I don't want to get involved, but I figured you were nosy enough." He goes back to his work, and you weren't quite sure if that was an insult or some subtle compliment.
Triela takes note and returns to her papers. She scratches Filly behind the ears as she reviews and notates them.
An hour or so before midday Basaik and Hiliu ready they horses and leave the temple grounds at a quick trot.
By this time Durra has made clear that she plans to stay at the temple until the wounded orcs have recovered. Peter likewise will remain near the temple, though he plans to head into the village to retrieve supplies from home now that he has honored his grandfather's final wishes.
With Sena and Kalmuk remaining behind also, the temple grounds seem well protected. Soon the party will be ready to depart.
Caylen steps forward, clearing her throat. "I'm afraid I cannot come with you my friends. Sam has been struck by illness. He and I journeyed far together before I met all of you on the side of the road. Looking off into the distance as if recalling the long journey, I will join you in Shinmish as soon as I can, hopefully with news of his recovery once I have seen to him at the monastery."
Sena has offered the use of the horse she rode to the temple. Aak, Caylen, and Silx recognize the animal as the injured horse, now recovered, from the broken down wagon train where they met Caylen.
|
|
Aak will make sure his blade is sharpened using a whetstone. He checks is waterskin, and fills it as needed.
He will grab enough provisions (rations) to last the trip to town, then worrying about rations for the way back. Aak will consult with everyone, in regards to a tent or if they wish to sleep outside.
He will take a masterwork longsword with him, and leave his sickle at the temple to either be used to work the field or as a backup weapon.
Once all are prepared, he will head off with everyone towards the town of Shinmish.
Silx checks the traps he's been working on, double checks the various blades on his person, then sneaks up behind Aak to see if his feet fall softly today.
As the sun approaches its zenith, the party leaves the temple grounds for the nearby road. Everyone seems to be in agreement that avoiding the village seems wise. Peter mentions a nearby footpath that runs parallel to the road and is only used by hunters, tracking game. Until snow falls to stay, it is unlikely any hunters will using it.
The suggestion seems like a good one, so the group parts ways with Caylen, who rides behind Sena on the horse. They head northeast on the road back toward the monastery, Sena promises to bring word to Shinmish after she returns to the temple.
Even with the sun high in the sky it is clear the cold air is coming to stay. After Peter shows the group the footpath, he heads back toward the village. The footpath is but a single warn track among brush, often winding between trees - some very large. Other than a few fallen branches, there seems to be few obstacles ahead.
At a steady pace, the party should be able reach Shinmish by nightfall. Treila indicates that the gates will likely be closed, but as a noble of the city it is quite likely she will be able to gain the group passage.
|
|
Aak will look at Peter and give him a hearty handshake in thanks for the help to reach their current position. He looks up to the sky, and takes a deep breath of cold air, to clear his lungs. He ponders the options before him. If we go the path, we may be able to avoid confrontation until we get to town. However, if spotted we may be viewed as hostile or plotting against them. Either way, something will happen. We need to be careful
After thinking for a few moments, either choice we take, there is a chance of being spotted and viewed as hostile. I suggest we take the path less traveled a this point in an effort to avoid any such assumptions by the village.
Rema nods in agreement, "Unless the villagers heed the authority of a noble looking at Treila, I agree, the path seems to be the best option."
"We will have to deal with the village eventually, though having things official may help. Thanks for the path Peter. I will return to speak with the village at some point. Try not to have any wars while we're gone." she smiles, the last bit clearly a joke.
Although the path is often surrounded by dense brush and shaded by large trees, the midday sun makes it easy to navigate.
The first few hours of the journey are uneventful, but as afternoon begins to approach evening a disturbance is suddenly heard from within the denser forest to the west (village is to the east).
From deep within the trees, you hear the sound of snapping branches, the roar of a large creature and the barking of dogs quickly cut off. Shouts and the clamor of battle fill the dim space below the tightly‐packed trees.
Silx tries to peer into the trees. "We should go around."
"We should look closer and see who or what is involved. Dealing with raiders and pirates is part of my duty to protect the people of my realm you know. We should at least see if it something along those lines. Of course it could also be more of those cultists and this might be a good time to drop on them if so."
Triela readies her shield.
Silx looks at a path around the woods, then sighs. "If we must do this than let me scout first."