"Have we not delayed enough? We must press on. The giants will not wait for us."
Devora will look at Severo, "The horses need rest. We are still two days hard riding from Sandpoint."
The tunnel leading underground, near the mountain chamber. Its familiar is all. I didnt realize there was one this close, and im just reminiscing. I have few contacts, i know someone stuck down there in the dark lands
Stay the night and Electra will cast alarm around the camp.
Brandark addresses silvertooth.
Aye, we will be taking the two rooms, 1 for the ladies, and 1 for the men, along with the meals.
He then pauses and thinks
Do you have a place where we can go to clean up and get the travel grime off of us?
After paying the rooms, meals, and 1 drink to begin with, he stumps upstairs to the rooms, and places his gear along side one of the beds.
Silvertooth will tell Brandark about the bath room. It is a room attached to the tavern out back. It is a silver piece for a bath. A young Dwarf girl tends to the bath room. She is Silvertooth's daughter.
Devora will definitely take advantage of the bath, gladly plopping down a silver for the bath, and another silver for the young Dwarf girl as a tip. "The bath was exquisite. Emeralda was very helpful and made sure the water was nice and hot."
The party will set watches, but it will be a very quiet and restful night. Everyone awakes refreshed and ready to travel hard this day.
Day Ninety
The party does indeed travel hard along a country road that connects Nybor to the Lost Coast Road angling toward Magnimar.
They will cover about half the route when darkness sets in. With some of the horses clearly reaching fatigue levels, the party has no choice but to rest for the night. They are in an area that consist of a series of low rolling grassy hills dotted with an occasional farm here and there. They find a spot near a brook that has been used by other travelers to camp. Several wagon ruts are seen indicated that merchant caravans have stayed at this location. The party sets their usual watches.
The night goes by quietly.
Day Ninety-One
The party again rides hard toward the Lost Coast Road, reaching this well-traveled thoroughfare by late afternoon.
It is nightfall when the party reaches Sandpoint.
The town guard recognizes several members of the party and waves them into town. They enter along Market Street. A familiar stable is to the right where the party beds down their horses. Then it is a short stroll over to the Rusty Dragon.
LEVEL TEN
CHAPTER IV - FORTRESS OF THE STONE GIANTS
Brandark stumbles into the rusty dragon, dusty and tired.
Lady Amieko, are our rooms free? He asks as he stumps into the inn.
After all, a bath, and good food and drink would not be amiss.
Brandark will sit down after the bath and meal, and enjoy the company, while doing work on his gear to keep it in good condition.
The party passes the fog without incident. They then climb out of the lair of the now defeated Kreeg Clan. The last vestiges of sunlight has fallen over the western skies, but the party is blessed with a clear sky and a near full moon. They press on through the opalescent snow. Every step crunches as Brandark and Flynn lead the party back to Fort Rannick. The process was slow, but the way was quiet and nearly peaceful, a pleasant and unexpected change from the day's carnage.
Many hours later, the party reaches Fort Rannick. A Gnome is guarding the front gates. He recognizes the party, calls out, and the party enters the fort.
Not long after, Shalelu, Jakardros, and Garrath, all come to greet our brave adventurers. Stories are told, hot mead is served, for some it is wine, for others ale, but whatever beverage is consumed the party does not linger long before sleep becomes the primary goal.
Day Eighty-Four
Level Nine
Brandark stumbles into the rusty dragon, dusty and tired.Lady Amieko, are our rooms free? He asks as he stumps into the inn.
After all, a bath, and good food and drink would not be amiss.Brandark will sit down after the bath and meal, and enjoy the company, while doing work on his gear to keep it in good condition.
"Good to see you too, Brandark. But yes, we heard of your coming. I have reserved two room. Is Garrath and Shalelu not with you?" Ameiko Kaijitsu looks at the party.
"Lady Elektra, we have saved several bottles of fine Elven Wine for your return."
"Stone, welcome back."
"Now, who might you two be?" Ameiko says looking at both Flynn and Severo.
She then notices Devora, "Heidmarch! What are you doing with this rabble. You know that they are not good for your health."
"Hi Ameiko. No. There are not good for ones health. But they do make for fine story telling." Devora calls out to Proprietor Kaijitsu.
"Yes. They are indeed worthy of song." Ameiko grabs her sitar and begins to sing the song, "The Heroes of Sandpoint." Many of the tavern's patrons join in. Those party members that has heard this before will note that the song has been revised and expanded.
Brandark takes an Ale, looks at Ameiko.
Alas, Garrath, and Shalelu are not with us. They decided that they would be better served keeping an eye on fort Rennick.
Last I heard they were Hale and Hearty and keeping a good eye on things.
"Now, who might you two be?" Ameiko says looking at both Flynn and Severo.
The half-orc leans against a wall in his usual dour manner. "Severo Lione. That is all you need to know."
The party moves to a table reserved for the party. Flynn finds a comfy chair that allows his back to the wall and a full view of the whole tavern. Severo finds another chair near the table.
About the time Ameiko finishes her song, a familiar to some older Halfling woman comes out carrying a tray of mugs and glasses. A young human woman follows with a wine bottle in one hand and a small keg under her left arm. She calls out, "The keg is filled with Dwarven Ale. We just received a shipment last week. We can also bring out a pitcher of fresh spring water if you prefer."
Brathana gives Elektra and Devora a wine glass, Brandark and Stone mugs. She then looks at Flynn and then to Severo, "Would you like a glass or a mug?"
The young woman puts the bottle near Elektra and finds an open spot for the small keg. She then begins to fill the glasses and mugs. "Help yourself to a refill."
The young woman then heads to her normal spot behind the bar as the old Halfling woman heads to the kitchen. After a few minutes she comes out again, this time with a tray containing bowls and a plate with chunks of bread. The bowls are filled with a wild boar stew made with potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables. It is both savory and spicy. The taste maybe a bit gamy for some, so the house signature spicy noodles with chicken and vegetables is also available.
Brandark sits back and enjoys the mug of ale.
Ah. Just like my father used to make.
I hope that we can deal with the oncoming giants.
Listening to the bard play and enjoying the fine wine Electra will smile and diligently plan what to build in the next few days.
The party was less that an hour at the Rusty Dragon when a familiar face to some comes in, "Where are they," Sheriff Hemlock loudly calls out, then eyes the party, and moves toward you. Yet another familiar face, Orik Vancaskerkin, is not far behind. Orik's eyes are looking to the ceiling.
"You come and warn us that Giants are attacking and then you go away!" You could almost see steam coming out of his ears.
Aye, we had to give you time to prepare while we travelled hard to get here.
I take it that they have not gotten here yet?
Brandark takes another swig, and slides a clean mug to Orik.
We will go looking in the morning to determine where they might be.
Names Flynn. i was a local detective, this lot cut into one of my missions, one thing lead to another, a tower, fell killed some monsters, and now i'm stuck with them. As Hemlock arrives Flynn takes note and responds almost immediately Calm down, we had a dragon to deal with, other people to save too. His eyes occasionally drifting toward Ameiko, his guard being let down for the first time in a while
"Or they are stuck with you," the Tian woman gives Flynn a smile.
"Just call me Ameiko, and welcome to the Rusty Dragon. As long as you are with them," She glances toward Brandark, Elektra, and Stone. "Your stay here is at no charge. Our town is indebted to the Heroes of Sandpoint."
Ameiko then looks at Devora, "This one I charge double." She gives the Pathfinder a teasing smile.
Devora sticks her tongue out at Proprietor Kaijitsu.
When Sheriff Hemlock storms in, Ameiko just rolls her eyes and turns her back to town constable.
Sheriff Hemlock looks at Flynn, "Dragon." The good Sheriff begins to calm down. He looks at Flynn and Severo, "I am the town Sheriff. You are welcome here with the Heroes of Sandpoint, as long as you cause no trouble." He then glances over at Devora and shakes his head.
Devora gives the Sheriff a wink.
Hemlock looks at Brandark, "We have not yet seen any Giants. But this morning several farmers from the north rode into town looking for shelter. They say that Ogres had raided their farm. But this is not terribly unusual. Groups of Ogres have ventured west of the Stovall Plateau in times past to raid farms. They usually take the livestock, and will only kill the owners if someone gets in their way. But this raid may be more than a coincidence. The farmers says there was a dozen of them. That is far more than usual."
The good Sheriff looks at the party, "Fine. Rest this night. But be at my office one hour after first light. We need to plan the defenses."
"A mug is fine." Severo makes little effort to mingle but eats what looks like his weight in boar. The paladin has an eye on the loud newcomer the moment he walks in. His guard relaxes between Ameiko's charms and the understanding that the new man is the sheriff of the town.
He stands at his full height to salute the man.
"I fail to see why we should be resting now when we can be planning already. If you wish for assistance sheriff, I am ready whenever I am needed."
"Very heroic of you Severo. But we were on our horses for nearly twelve hours. We need rest. I am sure the good Sheriff will come and get us if we are attacked. He knows where we are," Devora says to the Half-Orc Paladin.
Ameiko will fill Severo's mug with a very fine Dwarven Ale, "My aren't you big."
She then looks at Sheriff Hemlock, "You have guards up on the walls and along the approaches I assume?"
The good Sheriff responds to Ameiko, "Of course."
He then turns to the party, "Tomorrow. One hour after dawn." The good Sheriff turns and leaves the Rusty Dragon.
"Wish I could stay. But I have got to go," Orik follows the good Sheriff along with another guard out of the Rusty Dragon.
"Round on the house for all! The Heroes of Sandpoint are home," Ameiko breaks into another rousing renditions of her ballad "The Heroes of Sandpoint."
Hot baths and a good rest finished the day after better fine food and drink. Ameiko promised the party that there would be no intruders in your rooms. You will not need to set watches, that is unless you want to.
Day Ninety-Two
The party is diligent and arrive at the Sandpoint Garrison several minutes before one hour past sun up.
Sheriff Hemlock is busy drilling some of the town militia. The Sheriff has not told very many people in the town about the raid fearing there would be a panic.
When he sees the party, he approaches, "There are essentially three approaches to the town, the north gate, over Tanner's Bridge, or the south way along the Lost Coast Road at Market Street. We are currently running 6 twelve hour watches, two at each approach point, a day watch and a night watch. Orik leads the day watch along at Market Street. I need leaders for the other watches."
Despite Ameiko's reassurances, Severo takes a watch. He's never thought there's such a thing as too careful.
"I have had experience in war. I will lead the watch at Tanner's Bridge." The Paladin readily volunteers his aid.
Electra shrugs and smiles.
"I can send out 10 eyes to guard the area for many many hours. They will fly around and keep an eye out for things!"
I am thinking that we might be better used as a trouble shooting group.
If the guards have more trouble than they can deal with using the walls, then they should call for us to come deal with.
But if someone else knows a better procedure, I am game for it.
We could fortify the city for attack and then see about scouting out and finding the monsters and taking them out before they arrive in full. Flynn throws out the suggestion
The Pathfinder listens to everyone's suggestions, "Scouting is a good idea, but if we are scouting in one direction and the attack comes from another then we would not be here to defend the town." She ponders the situation, "Elektra's Prying Eyes can give us a heads up the direction they are coming in, or at least for much of the day. Then we can respond as a group to where ever the threat is coming from. I don't like the idea of splitting up."
"A quick reactionary force, hmmm..." the good Sheriff ponders this.
It is about that time that Father Zantus enters the room having heard much of the conversation, "The Heroes can stay at the Cathedral. It may be the most central location. It is near the north wall and has a good view above and looking over the other approaches along the Turandarok."
The good Sheriff simply nods, still pondering the situation.
Those that know the Padre will introduce him to the other party members. Father Zantus is the head of the Cathedral of Sandpoint.
Until the threat is passed, I think that we should remain at the cathedral.
We can then ride from there to wherever is threatened, deal with the issue, then go to the next threat.
Brandark pauses,
We should have the time, to do some sales and purchases once we are settled.
"Then come and bring your gear to the Cathedral," Father Zantus leads the party to the Sandpoint Cathedral.
The good Sheriff nods in agreement.
The party will be lead to the cathedral where there are rooms available for the party. The rooms are small and very spartan with a bed and a storage chest at the foot of the bed. The party would be welcome to the mess hall. The fair is usually a porridge or a vegetable soup.
Also, there are stables on the upper part of town near the cathedral.
Electra will prepare her spell and also work on her cloak.