Kyli stood when called upon. He was the one paying her bills right now and she would do as she was told.
Menrozzar finishes his meal before standing as well, saying, "Let us acquire the horse, and we shall be on our way. I shall see you in an hour, my compatriots."
Gavin smiles up at the big man. "Menrozzar, we shall see you in but a few moments. Everyone else, shall we be off toward the gates?"
Hoisting his pack he asks the barkeep to have his pony retrieved from the stable, preparing for the journey ahead.
Followed by Kyli and Menrozzar, Lem moves quickly and adeptly along Arrabar streets until he reaches a stable close to the walls. He enters announcing himself with a loud cough Ingold! It's Lem he shouts as he moves along the stable I hope you have my horse ready or I'll... the boy takes a step back pale faced looking at something in one of the stalls Cyric's damned foreskin! he looks down at the body of a tall fat man laying on a pool of blood, his head bashed in. We have to get out of here, get the guards and leave town... NOW!
At the sight of the body, Menrozzar has his flail out, gripping it in both hands. "Agreed. Let's not run in a blind panic, though. We keep alert, get out of here, and notify the authorities. After all, they should handle a simple robbery." The warrior scans the room, keeping an eye out for hidden opponents.
"Let's go." She agreed. "Let the town officials figure out what happened.
Oryx finishes his morning drink and meal an hefts his pack and moves with the remainder of the group to the gates.
As he exits the stables Lem shouts for the guards. After explaining the situation and answering their questions he leaves towards the gates I need to make an offering at Waukeen's shrine, this was no coincidence, Ingold knew our route and cargo, we'll need the Gods to watch over us he moves towards the local shrine I'll see you in a minute
Kleth gives a juice toast to Gavin and Oryx. He packs his good up and heads out towards the gate alongside his Dwarven and Halfling companions.
"Sir, I would feel better if you allowed us to accompany you. This may be more than some random act of violence. It may be directed toward you." She warned.
"Agreed. I am also curious about your cargo. While silks can be quite valuable, are they really worth killing a man for more information about the route you would take?"
Gavin sits calmly atop his pony near the gate with his companions, expectantly awaiting the arrival of you the caravan master and his two guards. Taking a bite out of an apple, he sighs, "It sure does take a human an awful long time to procure a single horse. What is taking them so long?"
Lem stops suddenly after listening to Kyli and Merozzar warnings [b[I... the silks are worth thousands of gold coins, I've met enough knaves to know it's reason enough to kill, if you want to accompany me hurry up, we're already late[/b] after that he walks for five minutes until he reaches a small shrine to Waukenn, he buys some incense from a nearby trader and with a prayer sets it at the foot of the shrine.
As those waiting near the gates are getting impatient Lem arrives sweating and red-faced. He signals towards three carts close to the gates, all pulled by white and brown horses, two of them have an additional horse tied behind. Those are our wagons says Lem with a worried voice Dagor, Magor, Bagor He greets the three men standing next to the carts These are our hired help, now get on those carts and move, we're behind schedule already!
Kleth will pull himself up onto the second wagon and sit next to the driver who he assumes is Magor, "Well met my friend. I prefer to ne in the middle should any action take place. Tell me , have you made this run before?"
Menrozzar will move to the first cart and hop up on the back of it, leaving the seat next to the driver for Lem. "Hail and well met! I'll be right here. If you see signs of trouble, let me know, and I'll be ready for a good fight."
Oryx hops on the back of the last cart and starts talking into his satchel.
"Aye aye, I know ye like to travel and that this is really exciting fer ye. Shush now, there's company about." he says then looks up and has flashes a big grin at anyone looking at him strangely.
Kyli raised an eyebrow at Oryx's behavior and she was looking for something to take her mind off of the murder. "Everything alright? she asks him with a look of concern.
"Aye. All's well. Sylvester' just excited to be heading out on 'nother adventure and seeing the sights is all." He says with a smile.
Lem sits between Magor and Menrozzar and signals for the caravvan to begin it's travel. So... tell me Men... can I calll you Men? he seems much calmer as the citiy walls are left behind By yoour accent I'm guessing you're Chessenthan, waht's brought you here?
The road west seems well cared and travelled, you cross paths with several wagons in the first few hours of travel.
Watching the humans rush to get on the road following their tardy arrival, Gavin chuckles. "Ah, so now we make haste! Well then, to the road we go!"
Noting that most of his companions climb into the wagons, Gavin considers lashing his pony to the last wagon and going for a ride, but instead opts to stay mounted on his lass. Will allow me to take a look about if anything comes up... he thinks to himself. Comfortably riding alongside, he begins to hum a little tune to get the voyage going.
"Ah, so now we make haste! Well then, to the road we go!"
Kyli shoots Gavin a look of "Dont you dare continue down this line of humor." And then, as way of explanation, "There was trouble at the stables. We can talk later but for now, be on your guard.'" She really didnt want to be a drama queen but murder was always a foul way to start business.
Kleth calls back to Kyli, "What sort of..." He trails off as she mentions talking about it later. He frowns now not feeling as good about the trip as he did just a few minutes prior.
The first day of the journey goes by without incidents. Making a stop for lunch and changing the horses the caravan makes a good time as they follow a road eastward next to the Vilhon Reach coast. The caravan stops at a field next to the road. As Dagor, Magor and Bangor tend to the horses. Lem asks the group to scout the area to ensure there are no dangers.
"I believe we can accomplish that mission. Should one or two of us remain with you, or should we all go?"
"We think it best to not all leave these 'ere folks in our charge unattended like. We figure two or three go and the others stay 'ere ta keep 'em protected." Oryx says as he comes around the one caravan.
"I'll join the scouting group, it will give me a chance to investigate the flora and fauna of the area up close".
Count us in. Out in nature is where I'm at me best. An' Kleth needs someone ta watch 'is back aye." Oryx laughs.
"And my front good Dwarf which I why I hope that a third shall join us on this mission!"
"I will stay with the wagons. Good hunting. Someone needed to so it might as well be her she thought as she laid her axe across her lap.
"And I shall join the scouting group. Perhaps we will be able to hunt some game to supplement our food supplies."
"Ah Menrozzar, always good to have ye along." Oryx says slapping the bloodrager on the back as he starts walking along.
The field where the caravan has stopped has a small light forest to its back beyond it the sound of waves can be heard, on the other side of the road a dense forest offers shelter from the heat and a place to hide.
Oryx can't see that far and squints. Then loads up his stone bow. "Me eyesight ain't superb, but keep yer eyes open for any ambush spots aye."
Kleth gets down from the wagon and pulls his Quarterstaff and his backpack from the seat carrying it with him as one never knows when they will need ink and a quill to note a new discovery.
He tries to keep between the Oracle and the Bloodrager as they walk the perimeter checking for danger.
Malachi sets his backpack on the ground and moves to help with the horses as the others plan the scouting Tell me Gavin my good friend have you ever been to Amn? I've heard it's the kind of place where gold is worth more than souls... I find the very idea abhorrent
Gavin smiles at the man, "Amn, no, my humble journeys have not taken me anywhere so far. The Sea of Fallen Stars has been the setting of my wild and varied adventures. Though I do recall some... merchants... coming into the under markets of Westgate, and indeed, they said everything was available for a price. Specifically, they traded in flesh, though I am sure they have even darker counterparts who trade in the souls of men. We must keep a wary eye amidst the splendor and excitement we encounter."
With a smile, he pulls a small baguette and a chunk of gouda from his pack. "Take for a snack, wouldn't you say? Might as well keep ourselves prepared, and a full belly lends to a fast mind!"
Despite his carefree behavior, Gavin keeps a look out around the caravan. Our party divided, now would be the perfect time for an ambush... He ponders to himself as he takes a bite of the cheese.
Menrozzar, Kleth and Oryx walk slowly through the light forest watching for signs of danger.
A fallen tree about fifty meters away from where the caravan has stopped has some large claw marks on it.
Lem spends several minutes checking the cargo before approaching Kyli and saying sheepishly I wanted to thank you for your discretion and help... as you can probably guess there's more to our cargo than my cousin told you... I think it's only fair you all know the truth. When your friends come back I'll set straight any questions you have
Malachi seems preocupied after hearing Gavin's words but take a bite of the bread he's been offered. After a few seconds thinking he says with a resolute voice Well, if we come across such evil it'll be my duty to put en end to it, I take you'll be by my side friend
Kyli looks at Lem incredulously, "Sir, it has been my experience that honesty is usually the best policy. Is this cargo worth a man's life? I hope so. What you carry is your business and guarding you is mine." She wanted to say more but thought better of it at the moment. She would let the others judge this man.
Oryx walks slowly, listening intently for any rumbling in the bushes or on the road side. Part of his gift to commune with and command the stone, is a curse. His cloudy eyes cannot see beyond 30ft ahead of him. So he walks on cautiously.
Menrozzar walks about, looking for signs of trouble.
Perception
Kleth, Oryx and Menrozzar come back after scouting the nearby area and finding no sign of danger.
Lem sits next to the fire where the beans he's prepared are cooking and waits for everybody to gather around. Once everybody is within hearing distance he says Well... first I want to remember you signed a contract and weren't deceived, our cargo are Kara-Turan silks acquired legally, you're welcome to check it if you want, but be careful! he pauses a second and sighs The problem is... these silks had been seized by the local government after a raid against a smuggler ring which is why we could get them on the cheap. What we didn't know until yesterday is that those darn smugglers were led by a cleric of f*cking Cyric and they didn't get him he watches around as he names the Prince of Lies That's why my cousin hired you last night and why I was scared s@@+less when we found Ingold dead he finishes his sentence and waits for the party's reaction.
Oryx cocks his head. "Cyric aye? Even so lad, why would a cleric of Cyric put so much effort in gettin' some silks back?"
I don't pretend to know what, if anything, goes through a Cyricist mind... says Lem while thinking the silks are mostly purple and black, maybe he intended to use them for something associated with his evil god?
Menrozzar gets a stern look upon his face at the mention of the mad god. "If this fool who follows madness thinks to kill us to reclaim the silks, he will learn his folly. I suggest that until we arrive, we post guards every night to keep watch. One never knows when Cyric's filthy followers will come."
Kleth nods at Menrozzar's suggestion, "At least two guards just in case. I can take ether a late or early watch.
Can I inspect the goods? Perhaps my magic can reveal something a cursory glance did not reveal".
Gavin listens intently the remains silent for a while. Finally, he bursts into a resounding laugh. "oh, this will be good fun! A cult priest, with a personal vendetta against our employers, is hunting us. Well, we did anticipate some entertainment, it simply appears now that it will be a bit more organized... But only a bit.'