Greatly troubled, Rion bows and heads to the scene. He notices Trimar searching the ground very capably for clues. Rion looks around the tent for anything else of note that might help them understand what happened here.
Is this about Elmina or about the Duke who took her under his wing? Gawain ponders these questions and figures that there is only one person who could provide insight.
Excusing himself, Gawain leaves the king's pavilion in search of Duke Lukous...
Seeing that Arthur seemed to be valuing expediency at the moment over tradition, Tristram only made time for a very quick and stiff bow before heading off with the others to the wayward page's tent, staying out of the others' way and letting them search for clues unharassed by those less skilled in such matters. The knight had always found that proving himself on a battlefield was much more his style than the legwork of clue-hunting and tracking. Then again, maybe if he had been more skilled, he could have escaped...but no matter. Done was done. Elmina was missing, and she deserved all of Tristram's focus at the moment. Tristram looked hopefully at the others, keeping quiet but hoping for quick progress.
Trimar follows the tracks as best he can and soon makes his way back to his compatriots. He looks on in frustration in the direction the wagons seems to trail. It would be hard to place which are their wagon trails for sure...but hopefully the clues inside might help.
Before going inside he heads back to the horse and checks it's wounds and temperature.
Trimar made sure to check around the area of the stable to see if he could find anything of use, be it footprints that could help discern how many or how big a person may have taken the girl, what kind of weapon was used, or any other relevant information.
Once he felt he had learned everything he could, he sought out anyone who might have been here to learn anything they might know as well as gather up his own horse.
Rion shakes his head at the fell signs in the area and the mystery of the tracks. He looks around inside the tent to see if he can piece together anything else about what happened here.
After getting what information he can in the tent, he saddles his horse and prepares to follow the tracks, looking around for fellow knights to help investigate and pursue as he mounts.
"Or could this be about you? She was, after all under your wing, so to speak..."
Having left her horse Fergus at the castle stables, Catriona went up to Rion, "Mind if I catch a ride with you?"
The courtesy Rion would normally extend to the honorable Catriona is cut short somewhat by the urgency of the circumstances. Instead of a grateful bow, he merely nods his head.
"Of course. We ride for our king."
The young archer helps her up into the saddle.
Glad I decided on the armor and sword today, She thought as they prepared to ride.
"As for if this is about me... well there are easier ways to get at me." He said. "While yes I did choose to add Emlina into the pagehood, and she was raised within the halls of the castle, she was never treated above her statues. I wanted to prepare her for the training ahead so I didn't want her to get comfortable with any form of wealth."
Trimar paused in thought "Has anyone seen Wymer? The lad is a bit of a hot head and losing to a girl may have set him off? What are your thoughts Duke?" he asked curious.
Though he turned to Trimar and nodded. "Yes, he was the first one I thought of as well. But he and his sister are in his tent and we can't find anything that connects him to this." He said with a sigh.
Many in the area look to the knights as they ride past. While seeing a knight upon horseback was nothing new, seeing two was an odd sight to say the least.
Upon the road Rion and Catriona are swiftly met by Owen. "I was told you had left, Arthur filled me in when he found me drinking with Seth. Thought you might be able to use a second set of hands, or well third I guess!" He laughed a bit. "What do you say?"
Rion nods and sighs with relief at Owen. "Yes, sir. Please do join us. We could well use your prowess and wisdom." Rion turns to Catriona "Do you have any objections? I say we all ride together."
Trimar shook his head. "Well, I had hoped to find a clue as to what killed the horse. It might have helped at least know what we would expect as far as a weapon the person may have. But, from what I can tell, the tracks lead off to Camelot. Duke, if you could talk to Wymer and his sister, it would be greatly appreciated. But, time is of the essence and we must move to catch up with the others." he said before readying the horse and heading out.
"I will catch up with you," Gawain promises Trimar before taking his leave of Duke Lukous. He finds his brother Gareth...
Gawain attempts to convince his brother to confide in him while studying his behaviour to ascertain if he is concealing anything...
Gawain, Trimar, and Tristram catch up with Rion, Catriona, and Owen far faster that one would expect but it soon isn't a surprise as to why. Owen had pulled the two younger knights to the side of the road and was looking at wagon tracks that lead off into a hill riddled field. "Ah good, reinforcements. Prefect timing actually." He told them as he stood. "We call this area of land Bandit Keep. The hills make it hard for farmers but good for some animals. But the worst part is that bandits have found out that one can hide in the hills if they know the area." He explained. "Though with how swiftly this attack was done and who they targeted, I doubt we're dealing with bandits."
Turning back to the group properly he stated "I know of one area here that had be cleared of bandits but could easily be used. I actually passed on the information about the place to Arthur myself. I suggest we check there first. What do you say?"
Rion nods at his mentor's wisdom. "I agree we should check there first. Perhaps Sir Tristram and I should scout ahead with the rest of the group very close behind should need arise?"
Catriona piped up, "Well, if you're going to scout, it be better if I rode with one of the others."
Dismounting Sir Rion's horse, she moved over to Sir Gawain, "Would you be so kind as to give a lady a hand good Sir?"
Trimar raised a brow at Sir Rion and looked at the extremely heavily armored Tristram and chuckled slightly "Still getting our names confused? I assume you meant myself? And I have no issue with the idea." he said before riding his horse up to where Owen had been looking at the tracks.
He couldn't point out the ones from earlier over all the traffic so he nodded to the plan "It's the best I can come up with as well, let us check it out."
The young knight nods forcefully and blushes. "My humblest pardon, good sir. I am new to the ways of court and become easily flustered when dealing with renowned warriors at every turn."
Gawain smiles as Lady Catriona approaches. Sitting atop his mighty griffon, the radiant paladin seems the very incarnation of hope and justice.
The wild beast raises its paw and exposes its teeth, but quickly calms when Gawain whispers soothing words into its attentive ear. Gawain extends his hand and pulls Catriona up behind him.
Riom and Trimar sneak toward the potential bandit hideout.
As Rion and Trimar make their way around a large hill they find themselves in front of a mining shaft's entrance... we a man asleep with a large bottle of wine at the side of his chair. On the other side of him was a cart, likely the one they're looking for.
Owen remained with Catriona and Gawain, even though he more than likely could have done what Rion and Trimar where doing now. "Your strengths," He started as he looked to them "are open land no?" He asked.
Trimar tilted his head a bit and motioned for Rion to stay ready but hold.
He carefully moved up next to the man and drew an arrow. This was one of the men who took a child, a page of Arkay even...let alone a potential knight of his king.
He took a breath and pulled the bow taunt before attempting to give the man the mercy of killing him in his sleep.
He pointed the arrow inches from his heart and let it go, killing him instantly almost certainly.
Riom stands shocked at Trimar's actions... He had seen hard fighting before but never the cold brutality of this kind of fighting... Trimar is more experienced than I... But surely
... Owen would never have done something like this...
The deed done, the young knight swallows and nods. He keeps his bow drawn and looks around for any further sign of danger. When the perimeter is secure, he examines the cart for clues as to whether or not Elmina was carried by it.
He motions back toward the others, suggesting they be brought forward now that the are was clear. [I]We must pursue this lead quickly but the others must know what is happening and offer their wisdom.[/b]
Turning to Owen, "I can certainly fight in close quarters, but the Art of Stealth is best left more experienced men."
Trimar takes a deep breath and sighs. He bows politely before the man and crosses his hands over his chest. He even offers an almost silent prayer to Arkay for the man's soul.
While he knew what his job was and knew he had to do things that some would balk at, it was best that he take those sins upon himself than stain the reputation of any of the other knights.
He nodded at Rion when he signaled the others and came around to the other side of the cart with him. He looked about with him "Apologies you had to see me do that, not every knight walks in the light and if they were willing to steal a child, a page of Arkay...well if they heard any commotion out here, I worried for her life." he said softly.
Owen gave a nod then noticed Rion signalling them to follow. "Alright lets get moving." Owen said. "You, may want to leave your mount here Gawain. Griffons don't due well under ground." He told him before he lead them on to meet up with Rion and Trimar.
When Owen came upon the scene he looked a bit impressed. "Good shot." Owen told Trimar. How he knew it was Trimar's would be a good question. "Wouldn't have been one I would have taken but good none the less." He said. The he pointed out the entrance which was a simple wooden door. "Plans for getting in there unheard?" He asked the group.
Gawain nods and dismounts, and the griffon flies off into the sky. "Unfortunately, a peaceful resolution is at this point unlikely. Still, in light of this man's bloody fate, perhaps the others will choose to avoid battle?"
"Not likely," he shrugs. "Does anyone know anything about mines? Is it likely that there are other exits?"
Rion shrugs. "I know little of this mine. Perhaps, Sir Gawain, you could take to the air with your mount and search for another exit from a griffon's perspective? I will examine the door."
Rion moves quietly to the door and examines it to determine whether or not it is locked or trapped and to place his ear to it.
The young knight examines the door distractedly and, convinced there are no threats nearby, rashly attempts to open it.
Catriona looked up at the sky at Rion's comment, "Might be a little difficult with his companion already taken wing."
Drawing her sword, her thoughts turned to Myla, I hope we find her friend unharmed. The Knight of East Watch shook the train of thought forming in her mind.
Trimar sighed softly at the mentioning of way the man was dispatched "If it were not for the worry of the child, I'd potentially have chosen a different route. But the King worries, the child is in danger, and the reputation of our kingdom is on the line." he said bowing his head politely.
He looked at Rion and at the door "Part of me would say, let myself and Rion continue forwards stealthily, hoping to catch the rest unawares with the rest of you following shortly behind. But, I would rather not find ourselves overwhelmed till you arrive. I'd say, we move with purpose. With their guard not raising the alarm, there is a chance they'd not suspect the sound of feet approaching with all the potential echoing." he offered.
He pulled his sword out slowly, checking the blade to ensure it's readiness before slapping it back into it's scabbard. He checked the line on his bow and felt ready.
Owen shook his head. "This mine got flooded partly when they where still in the early stages." Owen explained. "The other way in was blocked by a cave in when the flooding happened." He went on as he checked the now dead man over. "I have a fairly good memory so I know what the rooms in there mostly look like... but I don't know if they've cleared any of it. I doubt it though." He shrugged as he pull out what looked like a set of keys. "Seems like they have working locks though."
"As for the suggestions on going in, I have faith in Rion to not be seen, though I've never worked with you Trimar so I cannot speak to your abilities though what you just did tells me you have skill." He grinned a bit as he put the keys into his pocket. "Though Trimar is right, not being able to have backup there swiftly is a problem... Moving in all that armor isn't easy." Owen staid as he looked over those with heavier armor. "You could keep a few paces ahead of us... say a good fifteen feet?"
Rion nods at his mentor's wise words. "That is good to know the lay of the mine. Please advise us as we explore."
He turns to Catriona and Gawain. "And I would certainly feel much more secure if you were willing to stay close behind us, as Ser Owen has advised."
He turns to Trimar and gestures at the door he is about to slip through "Shall we?"
Trimar bows politely to Rion and Owen and follows closely behind.
"If this is the only exit, wouldn't it be safe to assume that they will emerge at some point?" Gawain conjectures, holding his companions for a moment longer before following them inside. "I assume that they have a purpose and that they have come here to hide... Unless their purpose in inside these very caves?"
Looking at Sir Gawain, "And I'd prefer not to find out what that purpose might be by taking too long."
She then turned and followed the other knights, having given ample time for them to get a lead.
Gawain nods and follows a few paces behind.
Owen, smiling a bit to himself, followed up at the rear. The moment he wished to be silent it seemed not even his allies knew he was there.
Rion and Trimar, found the door to the mine open and rather quiet. They could see lights upon the walls that Trimar was able to see where torches. He saw nothing more though, and the pair head down the earth carved tunnel into the depths of the unknown.
Trimar was able to hear movement at the bottom and stop those behind him from moving without giving the group away.
"This is foolish... why am I here? Carol was up there at the front why do we need another guard at the door?" The group could hear, what they assumed was one of the kidnappers, speaking a loud to himself. Obviously believing he was alone and not happy to be standing there at the bottom of their entrance.