"Pirates, huh? Friends of yours, Jean?" Mukluk asks with a grin. "Well, no matter, I don't need to see pirates. I'm sure their boats are nice."
Mukluk makes plans to stay with the caravan for the night, reading & relaxing.
Jean will happily go into town here, blend with the crowd...perhaps even practice his "other" trade for a bit...if Corvus goes to town, he will try and stay near her most of the evening, keeping watch for his former "friends" and others like them who might enjoy taking advantage of a young girl...
Prior to going into town he will take his time hiding a pair of daggers in his wrist sheathes. He will carry his rapier openly however..."I'd suggest everyone go in armed, nothing fancy but your best used looking weaponry...the unarmed are even less trustworthy in places like this, while those who are obviously armed to the teeth are compensating for something and likely to be taken as Marks.
Sir Knight, I'd suggest covering yourself with an older blanket or robe, unless you'd prefer to muss up your armor..you're too pretty looking. In fact you would be just the type for some of my old crew...blech."
Sleight of Hand
Perception
"Yeah, Roderic's Cove...a hive of scum and villainy you'd not see this side of an Andoran seaport..." states Jean matter of factly.
Sir Gavin glances at Jean as he gives his advice.
"Hm, yes. Well Roderic's Cove is really not my kind of town, if you know what I mean. I think I will just stay with the caravan."
Seeing Jean's enthusiasm to go into town - plus the other's lack of interest make up Corvus' mind.
"I'll take your advice on the weapons - I have just the item here." Corvus takes out the sheriff's old rapier and swaps out her new and gleaming scimitar.
"You seem more at home here, and I'd be glad to have you keeping an eye out for me. I've never met a 'proper' pirate before."
Early in the day Jean would like to pay his respects at the local Besmarran chapel.
That evening Jean will take Corvus and any others who agree to explore the port down to the docks, looking for a tavern. Walking around the town, Jean is actually more in his element, striding with an unusual confidence and swagger...carelessly bumping into some of those he passes
"Hey you bugger, watch where I'm walkin' mate!"
Periodically glancing around to check for watchful eyes or folks following him with some intent or observation.
Eventually, as dusk is falling he spots a likely location, "The Drowned Goblin". Externally dingy, faint light causes the grimy windows to glow lightly and the salt breeze brings in the evening fog.
He walks in leading his companions, finds a table covered in the previous guests leavings slides back a chair, sits down leaning back and clears the table with his boots Crash...clatter...*shatter*
"Oy, Barmaid! Bring my companions and myself a round of 'Cannonballs' and quick" as he tosses 5 gold pieces on the table. Sitting and relaxed he begins to scan the room...
Mukluk beds down with the caravan, taking his turn at watch, but mostly readin'. He's happy as a clam to be on the road again.
Corvus is slightly bemused by Jean's behaviour but not wishing to question or challenge him, she goes along with him. When they reach the 'Drowned Goblin' she has to supress a shudder as to the cleanliness of the place.
Sensing Jean's roving eyes, she takes in the surroundings - not entirely sure what she might be looking for.
"So Jean, is this a typical dockside tavern?"
"Oh yeah, sure...make sure you keep your bearings...know where there is an exit (or a possible exit) is at all times, don't turn your back on anyone, keep your rapier loose and accessible too." After a bit a a glance around "Actually no...this is cleaner than most..."
"And this passes for recreation where you came from?" The surprise in her voice is apparent.
"Well kinda....I haven't seen anyone get stabbed yet...except that guy..." Jean points at a guy with his head on the table top and a stain spreading across the back of his shirt...
"How...unusual..." Corvus leaves the words hanging, unsure what else to say.
-
As you work your way through the port city on your way to the docks, Jean manages to slit a coin purse and obtain a pair of gold dragons (2 GP) from an unsuspecting victim. Continuing along their way, you spy the 'Drowned Goblin', a dockside hideaway signified only by a sign of a goblin bobbing underneath the water, black Xs representing it's now dead eyes. The barmaid yells at you to wait a damn minute while she handles other customers and mutters something about only having so many hands.
While most of the group's journey through Roderic's Cove remained largely unmolested, this leg of it remains even less so. A large hand falls to Jean's shoulder and whirls him around, bringing him face-to-face with someone from his past. "Why 'ello there, friend. Ain't seen your pretty face in a minute. Not since we left you squealing like a little girl over that little nick we gave you." He reaches up and yanks the covering off Jean's ears, revealing the half-elf's scarred tissue. "Didn't know you was sentimental, girl. Figured you'd've had it healed up by now." He tosses the covering back to Jean.
"You took a couple pieces from me back on the dock outside, girl. Didn't recognize you until we got into this light though. I think you owe me your wallet for that. Maybe we oughta take you to see the captain. I'm sure something oughta be addressed for jumping ship. Whaddaya think, boys?" he asks his three companions who all sneer in response.
Corvus anticipates action but waits for Jean's lead. 'It's his party after all.'
When Jean feels the hand upon his shoulder, his hands drop to grip his chair...slowly sliding up the chair back support.
As the thug, Maddox, looks at his sneering companions Jean will high roll to the right, bringing the chair over his head and around to the right to smash Maddox upon the left side of his skull.
Acrobatics
Flatfooted Attack with Improvised Weapon (using his Catch Off Guard feat)
Damage
"Good to see you too sweetheart...how I missed your 'kind' caresses and 'tender' ministrations. I hope your face enjoys my 'kiss' hello. Actually I'm glad to see you've found me, save the trouble tracking you down. You should never have let me live, now I'll stuff your own ears down your throat and perhaps send your 'sea oats' back to Steinbruck with these louts following in your wake"
Jean glances over at Corvus, "Now is when the fun REALLY begins..." and winks.
"FREE BOOZE ON BEHALF OF CAPTAIN STEINBRUCK OF THE WASTREL'S HAVEN!"
Initiative
The sound of the chair cracking over Maddox's skull is drowned out by the cheers that elicit from the Goblin's patrons. Maddox crumples to the floor, blood curdling from the wound, but not quite making it to the floor due to a splinter of wood that remains embedded in his head. His compatriots stand stunned for a moment, unable to piece together the events of these past few seconds, too dumbfounded to respond.
Meanwhile, back at the caravan, Sandru returns from his voyage into Roderic's. He nods to Sir Gavin and Treygan and gives each a hefty pat on the shoulder. "Business was certainly good today, gentlemen." He says to them both as he stops aside them. Almost noting a look of worry on Treygan's face, he addresses again. "My good man, I couldn't help but notice your apprehension earlier. If it's about the goods, they're only illicit in certain circles - none of which I believe you belong to. In addition, to assuage all worries, rest assured the gold earned from the sale of the goods, whether illicit to your circle or not, will only be used to further our cause. I do hope you understand I never meant to offend you or present you with any sort of moral quandary."
Jean will pull a dagger from his belt and pitch it towards the throat of the center thug.
Attack
Damage
Take a 5' step into a clear space and draw his rapier.
"So 'ladies' shall we dance for old times sake?" and as a move action he will pick up his hat and place it firmly back upon his head, smiling.
Mukluk sits and reads his current (and very thick) book: The Misadventures of Xanathos Gray: How Luck Can Cover for Competence by Quarion. Mukluk finds the tales amusing and far fetched...but with rare and occasional kernels or truth among the laughs.
Meanwhile, back at the caravan, Sandru returns from his voyage into Roderic's. He nods to Sir Gavin and Treygan and gives each a hefty pat on the shoulder. "Business was certainly good today, gentlemen." He says to them both as he stops aside them. Almost noting a look of worry on Treygan's face, he addresses again. "My good man, I couldn't help but notice your apprehension earlier. If it's about the goods, they're only illicit in certain circles - none of which I believe you belong to. In addition, to assuage all worries, rest assured the gold earned from the sale of the goods, whether illicit to your circle or not, will only be used to further our cause. I do hope you understand I never meant to offend you or present you with any sort of moral quandary."
Treygan stays with the caravan along with Sir Gavin and Mukluk, preferring it to the stories he had heard. He takes an opportunity to talk to both of them, and anyone else who stayed behind. When Sandru comes back and reassures him, he feels the relief leave his shoulders, not even realizing he had been holding the tension in. "Thank you, Sandru. I will admit I had been feeling conflicted, not even certain fully why. I'm glad for the reassurances. Need a hand getting anything ready? A little hard work would definitely be thing thing for right now."
'Three left standing, the one that's gone down looks like he's staying down. Doubt anyone else will intervene after Jean's efforts with the chair, so let's get this finished as soon as...'
Corvus casts a spell and a cone of searing flame shoots from her fingertips as she aims at the centre of the three companions, to ensure they are all affected.
She then draws her rapier ready for subsequent action.
One man escapes the searing pain of Corvus' blast only through the sheer unfortune of Jean's rapier through his flesh. The other two, while fortunate enough to survive the blast of blazing death, still cry out in pain, forcing the entire tavern to fall silent and stare solemnly at Jean and Corvus. The two men stumble backwards out of the dockside bar and off down the streets, vanishing into the crowd of ne'er-do-wells who call Roderic's Cove their home. The bartender comes up and whispers solemnly to Jean, "Pardon the interruption, lad, but you'll need to cart these two out and clear on out. A little fight's well and good, but I'm not quite sure all that was warranted. Well, it wasn't in my bar at least. You'll do just as well if you go on down the way to the next pub." No fear issues from his voice, signifying this probably isn't the first time he's done this. "I'm sorry to ask, but you'll need to pay for the chair as well. Ten pieces of eight oughta do it."
Jean will take the time to search the 2 deceased pirates.
Perception
He will hand any coins found to the barkeep and supplement from his own purse if necessary, any extra he will ask to be taken to the chapel of Besmarra as an offerring.
He will retrieve his dagger from the throat of the one, wipe it clean and place back on his belt.
Sheepishly,
"My apologies for the disruption."
He will grab Maddox by the shoulders and drag him into the street, followed by the other thug.
"Corvus, thanks for the help...o.but the firework was a little in a place like that. Blades are usually a little better. I've just got one thing left to do before we go...but i think we should get the caravan on the road tonight."
Jean will then remove the ears from Maddox and his companion and place them in a pouch while whispering, "The debt must be paid, with interest...in time Captain....in time."
Corvus looks crestfallen at Jean's rebuke and follows him silently out of the bar. She looks way as he mutilates the bodies - part of her understanding his action whilst the remainder of her finds it difficult to relate to such a need for revenge.
Sensing Corvus's unease and distress...
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to seem impolite or ungrateful....that was a VERY impressive display. It was not worse than they deserved for certain, while the 2 who fled will bears the scars for a while...it was very crowded and those uninvolved could have been injured as well. The blade is much more personal, you should know who you are hurting, look them in the eyes and feel their pain....that is part of what keeps us 'human' and good. Otherwise we can turn into cold blooded murderers like them. When you no longer care about the death you deal, you can start to enjoy it. Am I glad Maddox here is dead? Sure, but i took no pleasure in this act...When the time comes I will serve Captain Steinbruck their ears before i kill him for the things he and his crew did to me. Then the justice is done."
He takes Corvus's arm and will stealthily lead her down to the harbor to look for a ship to show her...
Stealth
Perception
Pointing to a ship at anchor..."There, that is the Wastrel's Haven....once home sweet home...but truly hell on the sea. We'd better go quickly now... I'll feel better on the road again.
At the encampment, Sir Gavin tells storys of his days in Taldor.
Sitting around a campfire in the verdant forests of Varisia it seems a fantasy; armored knights fighting on horseback, dancing with ladies in a glittering ballroom, duels and feuds declared over a dangling participle...
It is clear from his stories that he is torn; a desire to return to that life warring with the need to stay away.
He takes Corvus's arm and will stealthily lead her down to the harbor to look for a ship to show her...
Mukluk listens to Sir Gavin's stories intently, asking questions when appropriate or to clarify boasting and embellishment from reality (if any).
All in all, it's been a good day/night.
With loose ends tied up on all fronts, the rest of the night goes by without so kich as a hitch and, in the morning, as with all the other mornings before it, Sandru awakens everyone at dawn to prepare to move. "Within the week we should be arriving at Brinewall and we should finally be able to put an end to Miss Ameiko's mystery. I just wanted to let everyone know that trade has gone well and we are now a few hundred gold pieces richer than we were when we left. This influx will, as always, go towards repairs and payment in kind for services rendered. I know a few of you have mentioned disappoinent at our current intake of currency, but I'd like to remind you that we are NOT a trade caravan. This small intake is expected of the kind of travel we've been doing these couple weeks. If there are any questions, please take them up with me. Thank you again and let's get ready to set out."
Corvus will take the first opportunity to ride her horse and have a quiet conversation with Sir Gavin. Avoiding polite pre-amble, she jumps straight in.
"Sir Gavin, you're a man of honour and I suspect guided by some code of conduct and combat. I'm just a barmaid and dancer who has happened into a life as an adventurer."
"Last night I went into town with Jean and he ran into an old acquaintance in a rather rough tavern. And I guess he wasn't on good terms with him as, without an argument, he smashed a chair over this man's head and then he cut another down with his rapier. He asked me to help and I cast a fire spell at the remaining two."
"I'm not judging Jean - he must have had his reasons - but he then said my magic was out of place and that I should have used a weapon instead. Is there some code for what you should use and where? I feel a combination of foolish and lost. What would you do in my place?"
"Brinewall up next then? Oh, this is going to be good. I can't wait," Mukluk says, chapping his hands together. "A bit of travel. A bit of mystery. A bit of exploration. I can't wait."
Mukluk is ready to move.
To Sandru:
Claps him on his back. "Bah, I know all that Sandru! I have ridden with you on and off for more than two years and you have yet to steer us wrong."
To the Party:
"Do not worry my companions, there will be plenty of opportunity down the road. Sandru is good luck. A little patiance is all that is needed."
To Corvus:
He looks at Corvus with a frown.
"He certainly should not have asked for your help and then complain about how you did it!"
He considers carefully.
"It is possible he was using a Pirate's Code; it is supposed to cover things like challenging for leadership, requesting Parlay, sharing of loot and such. I fear I know little of it myself.
"In your place I would demand an explaination, and forswear his company if his reasons were inadequate."
He looked at Corvus with concern.
"Be careful in his company Corvus; there is something... black riding him. If he's killing people, their friends and family may retaliate against anyone around him."
Upon returning to the caravan Jean will seek out Koya.
"Ma'am," removing his hat and bowing to her, "I may have placed everyone here in danger." sheepishly he begins relating what occurred in town. "While in a tavern with Corvus, I was found by some of my old crew, specifically one of those who mutilated my ears and had been one of my tormentors 'in the dark hours of the night'...he and his three companions threatened to rob and beat me again, returning me to the 'Haven' to place me at the mercy of her fiendish captain, Steinbruck. In fear for myself and for Corvus, as had they realized that she was my companion she would have been possibly worse straights than I, I attacked in defense smashing the one named Maddox..." as he points to his ears as tears begin to well up in his eyes "in the skull with my chair and embedded a dagger in the throat of another. Corvus assisted, unleashing a torrent a flame about these pirates, and the two left standing fled."
Jean cries for a moment, composing himself, "If you think it best I will leave now and draw any more retribution away for all of you. While Besmarra cares not for what happens between her followers on land, and death should settle all rivalries in port, Captain Steinbruck is not likely to be as forgiving. Shandru and the others should at least be warned..." as the elf allows the pain and anguish he feels to pour out through his tears.
** spoiler omitted **
To Corvus:
He looks at Corvus with a frown.
"He certainly should not have asked for your help and then complain about how you did it!"
He considers carefully.
"It is possible he was using a Pirate's Code; it is supposed to cover things like challenging for leadership, requesting Parlay, sharing of loot and such. I fear I know little of it myself.
"In your place I would demand an explaination, and forswear his company if his reasons were inadequate."
He looked at Corvus with concern.
"Be careful in his company Corvus; there is something... black riding him. If he's killing people, their friends and family may retaliate against anyone around him."
"And now I feel even more foolish. Did he actually ask for my help? I can't be sure. But even so, should I have just watched him take on four men and do nothing because he didn't actually ask for help? I'm sorry to have burdened you. I must resolve this for myself."
So Corvus rides alone for a while, talking to her hawk and her horse, trying to make sense of it all.
Camped outside Roderick's Cove, you spend the day exchanging trade goods, restocking stores and taking time to relax. At midday, Ameiko comes back from town with a train of people in tow, carrying a spit pig and pots of stew and vegetables. In thanks for escorting her thus far, she treats you all to a roast meal, and even provides musical accompaniment on her samisen. Restocked and refreshed, you put the town and coast behind you and press inland the next morning. This far north, civilization thins out quickly, and by mid-afternoon, you stop passing even remote farmhouses. You take a path off the road to Riddleport and head north towards the Stone Mountains, camping that night at the base of its foothills. A few nights later, a cold rain storm descends from the highlands, dousing your fire and making the morning preparations cold, muddy and miserable. Happily, the storm passes to the south by dawn, and the rest of the day is clear and cool. The path Sandru follows, little more than an old wagon track covered with weeds, cuts through the foothills before descending into the Velashu River valley. You stop the day's travel at the shores of the wide, cold river.
You follow the Velashu River's path north, along its eastern shore, until finally reaching a passable ford at mid-afternoon. A hermit living in a hut beside the ford, the first person you've encountered in two days, waves friendily as you pass. The countryside is calm and empty, the cool air refreshing despite the monotony of travel. The follow the general path of the river towards the north-west, climbing steadily into the Velashu Highlands. Surrounded on all sides by snow-tipped mountains, the view is breathtaking, especially at sunset. The only inhabitants you encounter are the countless herds of sheep and wild cattle.
Much like the previous day, you continue unhindered through the highlands. Sandru marvels at your trip's luck with both the weather and progress. At the mid-day break, Shalelu reports that she saw a handful of figures watching the caravan from a distant hill to the west, but they melted away as she approached. Sixteen days out from Roderic's Cove, the weather remains cool, though some low clouds roll through during the latter half of day. It stays dry, however. The terrain grows steadily steeper through the day as you cut the gap between mountains east and west. You crest the rise late in the day, and from the high vantage, the view to the north is spectacular. Between the mountains, you can make out the Steam River where it cuts to the sea - where the two meet among rocky hills is your destination, Brinewall.
You descend from the pass with the wind at your backs, excited to be so close to your goal. Ameiko appears pale and distracted. Your luck with the weather comes to an abrupt end at about midday, when a great peal of thunder rolls down from behind you. Looking back, you see a rapidly growing thunderhead of black and green clouds, looming from the mountain peaks.
Sandru nods and uses a signal whistle to call in Shalelu and Malnival. As they arrive, pellet of small hail start to fall around you, a precursor to the gray wall of rain a mile or so behind. Shalelu points out a sheltered crevasse nearby, and Sandru immediately pushes the caravan towards it. You get there just in time, strapping down canvases and covering the horses before the rain and wind hit full force.
Gale winds thrash at the wagons, and sheets of rain turn the hillside into a virtual river. In your shelter, you avoid the brunt - if you had been caught outside, damage to the caravan may have been significant. The furor of the storm moves on in less than an hour, though the ominous clouds and rainy weather remain. Most importantly, your loss of progress is minimal.
You descend down towards the Steam river, picking up an old road that leads to an old weathered wood-and-stone bridge crossing to the north. Before the bridge, a signpost reads "To Brinewall", pointing at an overgrown trail that winds into a shadowy forest to the west.
You notice Ameiko appears very pale, and she is shaking.
About to ride forward into the shadowy forest, Gavin notices something wrong with Ameiko and pulls up. He sidle over to the wagon and sees that she is very pale and shaking.
He calls out; "Milady Ameiko! What is it? Are you feeling alright?"
Corvus is wrapped up in her own world - to the extent that she notices nothing out of the ordinary with anyone.
"Milady Ameiko! What is it? Are you feeling alright?"
Mukluk head snaps up from his reading to look at Gavin, then Ameiko.
Perception
Mukluk stumps over to Ameiko. "What's wrong with you?"
Mukluk casts Detect Magic, trying to see if her ailment is of magical origin.
"Someone get her some water. Or beer. Do we have any more of that black lager? The one that tastes like owlbear piss? Yeah...you know..."
Gavin tries to keep his voice even, trying to avoid panicking the entire caravan.
"Mukluk, could you see if Koya could come over and look at Ameiko? There's something wrong and I am no kind of healer."
Like all but Sir Gavin, György is lost in thoughts about Brinewall. It has been a long journey from Sandpoint and he wonders what the old castle will hold. But, Sir Gavin's call snaps him back to reality and he rushes with the knight and Mukluk to tend to Ameiko. Seeing Mukluk is already checking for a magical cause, György looks to the mundane. "What is it Ameiko? Are you coming down with something?"
Ameiko looks up, acknowledging Harlan and Shalelu's concern, but her gaze is distant. "I... must just be exhausted from the journey... just tired. Or maybe it was the food. No offense, Ramsay," she attempts humor, but her pained smile makes it fall flat. On closer inspection, you can see she is twitching periodically. Koya comes to Ameiko's side but can detect nothing wrong as well. Gyorgy's skills prove fruitless as well.
A few moments later, Ameiko collapses, unconcious.
Corvus is surprised by the fuss around Ameiko but when her firend collapses she rushes across. Seeing others tend to her without success, Corvus casts a spell.
With Ameiko's collapse, György becomes even more concerned. Reciting a prayer to Desna, he examines her to make sure she is stable and ponders the diseases, curses and spells he knows to consider whether any are a possible cause.
Unskilled in most healing arts, Treygan only has his divine gift to rely upon. Nevertheless, he lays a hand upon Ameiko and channels it into her.
Regardless of the effect, he moves over to Sandru and whispers quietly to him, "How far away would be the nearest city that would probably have a healer? Either by horseback or caravan."
Perception
Noticing Ameikos collapse and everyones attention being focused on her, Jean will remain on top of the caravan or find a higher vantage point to keep watch.
I hope she's ok, Koya will take good care of her. Theres nothing i could do in that crowd but get in the way...
Mukluk nods as the others try their ministrations. When nothing proves to work, he'll go fetch Koya (if she isn't on her way already...it's a small camp with much commotion).
Stepping back after determining nothing overtly magical, he waits hearing about poison. If that comes back negative, then Mukluk will be truly stumped as to what is wrong.
Mukluk goes to sit near Jean.
"I dunno what it is, Jean. If it's not poison, then it's probably something 'down there' related. If you know what I mean. I never understood 'down there' stuff, but Koya probably will. I'm sure she'll get it all fixed."
* * *After Ameiko stuff * * *
Mukluk will go find Sandru. He will approach respectfully, as one might to the leader of the caravan.
"Mr. Sandru, Sir? Might I talk about what is next? We are close to Brinewall, right? Maybe I could look at the map...?"
Mukluk just chat about what plans are with Brinewall and how he can help.
Despite all the checks and spells, none of you can determine what is wrong with Ameiko. She has no wounds or visible means of poisoning. Shalelu embarks outward to see if an outside source may have caused it but returns, having found nothing in the nearby area worthy of note. As Ameiko sleeps, she mutters some words, but the voice is strained and toneless, not her own.
"One treasure, beyond two seals, in the third vault..."
"If I may..." Koya says, stepping forward to check Ameiko. She kneels beside her, resting a hand on her forehead and over her heart, speaking a prayer to Desna. With her eyes closed, she remains this way for several minutes. Ameiko remains still and sleeping, but mutters another phrase in Tien. Finally, Koya shakes her head and stands. "I cannot reach her in this state. Something is keeping her in this coma, but it is beyond me."
"Beware the birds who cannot fly, but wish they could."
In response to Mukluk's request, Sandru just chuckles though solemnly. "I'm sorry, dear Mukluk. Brinewall IS the closest village at this point. We'd either have to double-back or traverse the mountains and lose weeks off our journey. No, sir, I'm afraid we're dedicated. As for a map, I have none. All I have is what experience I've obtained over the years and a tattered map of Varisia I use as my guide. I considered a closer village as well, but as I said..." He trails off as Ameiko begins to mutter in Tien.
After Ameiko's first mutterings, it appears nobody can understand what she's saying. Corvus immediately casts a spell and lays a hand on Ameiko.
When the comatose woman begins to speak again, Corvus is able to translate.
"Beware the birds who cannot fly, but wish they could."
Corvus looks at the group. "Does that mean anything to anyone?
Gavin listens to what Ameiko is saying, but shakes his head. He has no idea what that gibberish is saying.
When Corvus translates, he is still baffled.
"I am sorry, I have no idea what that phrase means."
He looks up at the weather.
"Sandru, what do you think? Shall a small mobile team try to make our way to Brinewall and bring help here, or do we take the whole caravan in?"
"No idea what that means either." Treygan tries hard to keep a smile on his face, but finds it difficult. Ameiko brought this caravan together, the heart of this journey in a way.
At Sir Gavin's mention of a small team, "A good idea, if we can go and get help quickly. Though dividing ourselves would lead us at risk for attack."
Mukluk snorts and waits to be told what to do next.
"Birds that cannot fly, but wish they could sound like chickens, but I doubt that's it. Let's bring the caravan as close to town as we can with the small group of us scouting out in front for trouble."