Beordt hears the strange words.
His eyes narrow. He sniffs. He shifts a bit uneasy.
Toki laughs at Beordt's joke, Your going to have to kill me, buddy!
Watching the interrogation and listening to N'Dateh's translation, Toki nods, It is good to be strong.
Beordt listens as the translation. He looks back at the frog person. "He lies. His voice cracks. There is more whether it is regarding the fruit or the lizards I can't say. But I have seen my share of liars." He looks up as in way of explaining his flash of street smarts, "Liars dice. Common game in the north."
Toki looks at Beordt with an appraising look, No wonder you always beat me at cards...
Dacknar nods for what sounds like truth from the frog.
"How soon will the sailors be sold to others? And what is this yellow power for?" He asks. Then he cocks his head.
"Why was that one that ah gutted the carrying bucket to get water, if water is every where? You arn't making up stories are ye. Or ye will make me mad and force me to make ye look like that one." pointing to the other frogman.
As Dacknar lunges his blade close to the frogman's eye.
Rilkus was in his ‘slumber’ but could still hear what was around him. Upon hearing that the captive was lying, the gearforged slowly turned and intoned ”You’re falsehood disturbs my slumber. Do so again and it shall end most unpleasantly for you.” The faceless helmet bore no expression as his gaze bore into the amphibian. The gearforged kept the uncomfortable gaze locked on the prisoner as he waited for a response.
*croak*croak*groak*grribbit*
The prisoners wide spread eyes blink rapidly as the moth wings flittering around the fire light. It's throat works up and down eliciting little but incomprehensible noises for several seconds as the threats come fast and furious from its feeble attempt at deception.
When Rilkus' metallic voice fills the night, Qwerbrac attempts to shuffle backwards several steps as beads of moisture break out across his rubbery skin.
"Not lie! *croak* Not lie!" He croaks out quickly. "But forget. Muji fruit good for us." He flicks a hand at himself and his still oblivious companion. "Maybe not so good for humans and others. Might make bowels turbulent. Best to avoid. *croak*groak*"
"Also, good travelers should beware of feast flowers." He describes a bright yellow orchid flower that roams the swamps and jungle. "Feast flowers hold dangerous poison. *croak* Lure vicitms into its reach by fooling the eyes to believe it is surrounded by good food. When come to eat." It jabs a finger into its arm. "Stick you with poison thorns."
When Dacknar asks about the bucket the frogman shrugs. "Not getting water. Plenty of water in caves and rocks. *ribbit*ribbit* Gathering muscles and shellfish. Would have been Gup's turn to gather. *crrooak*" He says shaking his head sadly at learning of the frogman's demise.
Qwerbrac's eyes glance as the yellow powder and moistens dry lips with its swollen tongue. "Virret pollen. *croak* Gives energy and eases little pains. Females gather from dormant plants in dry months to give to hunters and warriors." With a casual shrug. "Don't know if good for pointy ears or horned ones." He adds looking at Dacknar and Lilly.
"Ships come....when ships come." He says clearly unsure and unwilling to commit to any specifics about the arrival of the next slaver vessel. "It's been a while and Verrack has been watching horizon. So maybe in a week. *croak* Maybe two. *croak*"
"I tell you all I know." He looks at his companion. "You heal and let us go now? *croak* We not come back and no tell Verrack or others. *groak* *croak* Swear on Schaphigroadaz." He adds glancing at the little religious symbol still dangling in D'Nateh's hand.
Do we know how many of the sailors survived? Toki muses after listening to the transaltion, Are they to be saved? Can they be, with our small number?
"How big a group of frog folk are there. Perhaps they would be willing to release our sailors in exchange for their own? But if they have great numbers as Toki points out . . . they would likely just assume they can overwhelm us."
Sorala sat against the cave wall, her eyes closed as the others interrogated the frogmen. "Best to take everything that one says with a pinch of sugar. I would give misleading information, were I in its place. And slavers are not known for their morals."
Thinking on Toki's question, Sorala's jaw clenches.
"Can we save them with our small numbers? Perhaps not in a head on battle. But we can give the frogs our word that if our people are killed or sold, their people will suffer. They could be open to avoiding conflict, if we convince them the tooth's ache will not be worth the candy. I agree with Beordt that we ask them to exchange. It is a good start to gauge their willingness to avoid conflict. Some of us should stay with the prisoners, some of us should leave as soon as we're rested, so none of our shipmates end up in the stewpot."
Toki takes Sorala's measure, watching her for a while after she finishes talking, You have lost someone before.
Nodding, Sorala offers a flat smile. "I had a cruel lord. Many were lost, some close, some not. I boarded the Rose looking for a better life."
Fixing Toki with stare and smile, she continues. "And you? Why were you on that accursed ship? Perhaps I'm not the only one looking for something new?"
Toki grins reaching over to slap Beordt's back, Gotta watch after this big lug! Who can tell what terrible trouble he would get into without me!
His smile fades a bit, though, before continuing, Honestly, I would not make it to Tor's side, or maybe Freya's, staying at the farm. I want to see the world and find heroes to sing the tales of whence I make it to Valhalla. Only amongst heroes will I get the chance to catch Their eye.
I am sorry for your past. Serving a cruel jarl is a fate that I wish on no one. You are free to make your own story now. If you wish to free these men, I will stand at your side, whatever the decision.
With the frog companion in pain.
"So this yellow power eases pain, how do you use it on your friend here to calm him down?"
Dacknar will use one dose on the very wounded frog to test the powder. (If there is only one dose, the frog is out of luck and he will try and use his Medicine skill to help the frog.
"If this Verrack was killed who would take over? Is he the same race as you?
Lily continues the interpretation as long as there are questions to ask, but the excitement of the day, and the stress of being wrecked again are clear as she has a hard time keeping from nodding off. "Yes. Let's try the healing powder on the one who sleeps. I am willing to take a watch tonight, but would prefer the last watch. I pray in the mornings, so sleeping beforehand would be great".
"I can take a watch. Whenever it is needed."
N’Dateh returns to camp once she has found suitable spots for traps. Knowing everyone is tired or busy, she asks around one more time: ”We should expect visitors. I have found promising spots where we could set traps, either to warn us or to capture scouts, but I’m no good at setting traps, at least not as good as others might be. Anyone of us has such knowledge? If so, speak up and, together, we can work on the traps. Otherwise, I’ll do on my own...”
Later, when she returns, she’ll inquire about the tales and the fate of the Frogkin. Before going to sleep, she’ll make sure everyone has had enough food and dispense Goodberries, as well as prepare a batch for the next day. She’ll take a watch only if asked though.
Toki shakes his head, That is not me. I would just lay a bunch of twigs along the ground so that we have warning if they do attempt an attack.
"Bobogluup people are many upon many. *croak* Soon will be like mosquitos in warm season and take back what was taken away with help of Schaphigroadaz. *groak*" He says in response to any questions about how many of his people live in the area. "You try to steal from us, you will end up in pots and chains." He adds with a certainty he sincerely believes. Yet you can't help but wonder if what he says is based on reality or overconfidence and delusional pride. Afterall, none of you saw any sign of a bustling city or other thriving civilization.
Qwerbrac takes the powder from Dacknar and points to a nearby bowl of water. Pouring about half of the powder in the bowl he quickly mixes up a runny paste and points to the worst of the other frogman's wounds.
"Usually only a pinch or two on the tongue is what most use to ease aches and pains." He shakes his head sadly at the state of his companion with his missing eye and severely burnt flesh. "For those wounds, it will take much more. Like this." He holds the paste out. "Spread upon the hurt areas and it will ease the pain some."
Following Qwerbrac's guidance, Lilly spreads the ointment along the frogman's wide face and burnt shoulder and arm. The effect is almost immediate as the creature's moaning and near constant pained croaks stop. His body ceases to shiver and shake as his breathing grows a little deeper and easier. The minotaur also notices his eyes dilate and appear to focus...elsewhere...for a time. In addition to these obvious reactions Lilly observes a few of the worst burnt areas of skin returning to the softer moistened look of the Qwerbrac.
Once the paste has taken effect. "Anyone else want to try the frog paste? It seems to work."
Going back to talk to Qwerbrac.
"Ye say that someone is try to steal yer land? Can ye tell us more about these thieves?"
When N’Dateh returns from her scouting mission.
"N’Dateh, ah am good in finding them traps, but setting them not so much. But ah am willing to give it a try.
And Dacknar goes into the jungle with N’Dateh to set some traps.
N'Dateh nods at Dacknar: "Between the two of us, it should be better than nothing..." She thinks about what she's said, then shrugs and mutters: "May the gods smile upon us."
His smile fades a bit, though, before continuing, Honestly, I would not make it to Tor's side, or maybe Freya's, staying at the farm. I want to see the world and find heroes to sing the tales of whence I make it to Valhalla. Only amongst heroes will I get the chance to catch Their eye.
I am sorry for your past. Serving a cruel jarl is a fate that I wish on no one. You are free to make your own story now. If you wish to free these men, I will stand at your side, whatever the decision.
Sorala smiles, and gives the northman a small dip of her head, a sign of respect to her peoples. "A good reason as any to leave home. Unlucky for me, but you will have much material for your, I think they call them Eddas?"
Her tone turning more serious, the Iron Squire continues. "And thank you. I could only survive by running. There were many that didn't get the chance, and I feel for those at the mercy of the cruel." The woman's eyes narrow as she stares at their captives. "Whoever they are."
----
Standing, Sorala brushes the dirt from her leggings and makes her way towards N'Dateh and Dacknar. "I will help with the traps. Snares, other simple hunter's tricks - I can make those."
"This land of us Bobogluup." He says stretching his arms wide to encompass the whole jungle and then pointing a finger back at his chest. "Many generations and tribes of eggs hatched and raised here. *groak*" He runs a swollen tongue across dry, parched lips. "Now many are gone. Always beaten by others." With that last statement, he points back at Lilly's minotuar frame and Toki, N'Dateh, and Sorala. "*croak* *groak* Humans, horned ones, all kill poor unwitting Bobogluup. Steal land and cut jungle to plant smelly things or dig into the belly of the land for shiny metals."
Thrusting his shoulders back he regains a bit of pride. "But now we have found Schaphigroadaz and he sent *croak* *croak* Verrack to give us strength and teach ways of war and vanquishing foes. Soon we will be strong again." His eyes boar into his interrogators. "Drive you away or sell you to far away markets for steel and fire."
Going back to talk to Qwerbrac.
"So where do these humans and horned ones come from? A boat or some other part of the land? Has the Bobogluup tried to talk to them that they are attacking your land?"
"If these frog people are as numerous as this one claims. They have little reason to negotiate with those they see as interlopers and are happy to see sent to slavery."
"Sleep. It is very good. I would take it, but those who sling spells instead of arrows get first priority. I can go without sleep if I need to," the little rat says bravely, "And I can swear by my being able to keep through the night, but I might be dead weight in the morning. I fled from demon worshippers once, I can do it again if need be."
Not seeing any need to come out of his slumber, Rilkus listened to the dialogue while remaining in his vigil. The dwarf remembered what it was like to sleep, and knew that what he experienced now was unnatural, but he had to admit that it had it's uses. Still, he envied the others when he heard the longing for sleep in Dur's voice. Such rest was as elusive a memory as was the taste of food. As he remained motionless as a statue, he wondered how long it would take for him to forget both.
Get rest, Dur. Some of us were less used to the strain of the sun and voyage, everyone should get a share of the rest, Toki says, matter-of-factly, as he digs his feet into the sand.
Seeing the interest and seriousness in Dacknar's face Qwerbrac cringes back just a little as he thinks hard. Scrunching his rather wide face he finally answers hesitantly. "*ribbit*ribbit* Qwerbrac, not sure where they come from. Never seen their nests before. But others say, horned ones live some days to the south." His eyes flick to Toki and N'Dateh and Sorala. "Humans all around. *croak* North where many slaves labor over spice fields. Scattered to the west. *groak* Mostly those who runaway from the north. Those we sometimes capture and bring back to earn rewards. To the south, they live with horned ones." He pauses for a moment a bit confused, then continues. "Sometimes come by land, sometimes by sea up or down the coast." He points at Dacknar. "Like you. In boats carried by the winds. *groak*"
"We're on the mainland for sure. I thunk we're by the Chandu mountains? By Dark Mangrove, or maybe slightly further south? Not a great place to be, historically speaking anyway."
When she returns and hears about the Frogkins' tale, N'Dateh smiles and says: "I am glad we use the powder to help the maimed Frogkin. This was honourable and just. It may serve us in our surviving this land. And now it seems we know where we are, so we may rest and let the night moon shine its wisdom upon us. Mayhaps the morning sun will continue where she left us and show us the way. I am tired! If any of you needs food, you come and ask, yes?"
She then proceeds to set up for the night and hope for sleep and rest.
I could use on of your magic berries. I had to dump my pack when I fell overboard...
"Aye will take 2nd watch for me eyes are still sharp in the darkness."
Dacknar goes over to the frogmen and checks their bindings
"Perhaps tomorrow, we will release you if you don't cause a fuss tonight."
He looks at both in the eye before he steps away to settle down for a nap before his watch.
Lil finishes the last of the translations, takes a goodberry with a nod of thanks to N'Dateh, then finds a comfortable looking area between some tree roots, pulls her still damp blanket over her, and tries to sleep... or pass out.
Sorala unwinds the length of her rope in front of the cave, back and forth in a wavy pattern and attaches her mess kit to it. She then buries them both under a fine layer of sand and dirt and/or plant debris and other natural flotsam. With any luck, an intruder approaching in the darkness would snag itself on the rope and the resulting clatter would alert the ship's survivors.
---
Holding a goodberry to her nose, Sorala sniffs it, savoring the berry's sent, and then pops it into her mouth, a faint smile gracing her lips. She knew not to doubt the power of magic users - if N'datah said the berry would sate her hunger, it would.
Spreading her bedroll and blanket on the ground, Sorala closes her eyes. "Wake me for third watch."
Darkness descends upon the jungle and the small camp of the survivors. Night brings little in the way of quiet to the vast landscape. The black beyond the rim of firelight is filled with hoots, growls, chitters, skittering, screeching, and numerous other noises that if it wasn't for your complete exhaustion, might keep you awake with concern.
At one point during the deepest dark, a clatter arises from Sorala's hidden alarm. That is quickly followed by the startled growl of some large catlike creature undoubtedly on the hunt. Judging by the size of the paw prints found in the soft jungle soil by Dacknar, it is fortunate the noise of the trap seems to have been sufficient enough to scare it away.
During their watch both Toki and Beordt can't help but notice the golden glow of eyes peering toward the camp. Jewels of the night reflecting the firelight. But watch is all the orbs seem to do as they fade away into the dark.
In the distance a great cacophony arises. Roars of a pair of massive creatures echo through the darkness sending cold chills down everyone's spine. No simple tiger or tree monkey make those bone chilling sounds. A dragon, perhaps. But more likely a pair of the mighty lizards that are rumored to inhabit the deeper jungle regions of the little explored south. Standing as tall or taller than giants and with little more desire than to constantly keep their bellies full. Not something to bump into on a dark night. Soon enough the chaotic noise abates with one ending more abruptly than the other and the night returns to its usual symphony of sound.
Eventually dawn begins to brighten the eastern sky and the sun once again drives away another night. Despite the noise and unfamiliar camp, for the first time in two long days everyone wakes rested and at least a little restored.
Finally, you recall that such a vast slave dependent structure, has led to the inevitable underground network for escapees. Loosely called the Azadi, they provide outposts and safe communities for slaves on the run deeper in the jungle as well as upon the various islands and other hard to reach areas of the coast.
During the evening, Toki tells the tales that he has heard. He doesn't seem too bothered by the fact that the society seems to be built on the back of slaves, but seems impressed by the people who choose to fight, instead of remain oppressed. It is starting to become clear that the will to fight is what the young man respects most.
So, what is our next move?
"Well we know roughly where we are. Which way up the coast ends in a safe settlement." He shrugs.
N'Dateh rises up and stretches, smiling. Feeling herself again, she moves around their makeshift camp, skirting the edges, examining the traps they set the night before, but more importantly giving thanks to the jungle for sparing them and asking for its wisdom.
For a long moment, she looks into the jungle, waiting, but nothing comes out. A colourful bird breaks the tension with a defying shrill. She laughs and nods.
To the others, she says: "Which way? I would start by excluding north and east. People flee here from the north, from the slavers. And east is where we come from. I'm no sailor. As for the choices left, they both sound the same to my ear, except that we were sailing north, and catching a boat will be easier if we travel south than into the jungle, yes?"
Lil rises a couple of hours before the sun, and begins here day with a series of stretches and exercises. She then finds a quiet spot to pray to Eshu for guidance on their next excursion. She returns in time to hear N'Dateh speak.
"South. I say we go south, parallel the ocean, without going too deeply into the jungle".
She then helps herself to some water from some upturned leaves.
History
"I'll point the way. For some reason this looks very familiar to me".
My visions hopefully gave me clues as to the best way to travel.
"Cowards weapon." Dur mutters under his breath as he hands Toki his bow back.
"South seems good to me, although I almost prefer the known perils to the unknown. Maybe our frog friend can help us find out what lives that way?"
During Dacknar's watch, he gets to work on his bow and arrows to try and repair what damage the sea has done to them. The sounds of the jungle keeps him on edge. As for many times he reaches for his blades, but nothing comes from the sounds of the jungle. For he longs for the peaceful sounds of the ocean and not this unknown fearful sounds of the land to rest by. He tries to sleep and sleep he does when finally he allows the exhaustion to take him.
At day break Dacknar feels refreshed, the exhaustion that haunted him has finally gone. So he does a little scouting, checking on the traps and while out he tries to spot some fruits, nuts and/or berries that the group could eat for breakfast.
Getting back to the camp he hears the talk about what direction to go. "So it is me understanding that the survivors from the launch are to be left behind? To face fate as a slave or in the stew pot. That is something ah do not wish on anyone.
And what does the group have fur ideas fur the two prisoners? Do we haul them all over the place? Let them go, with hopes that they keep their word and we don't have a hunting party after us? Or do we just give them a quick trip to the afterlife?
If ye ask me, ah think we should go back and at lest see if it be possible to free our lost companions. Ah would like to give them a chance. The same chance of freedom that ah would like if I was looking into a stew pot or being a slave."
Toki looks at Dur and laughs, You think so too? For my people a bow is more for hunting than for battle. We are taught, from a young age, to look your enemy in the eye... a lesson momentarily forgotten.
But, if I were to be honest, it has its uses, especially if your enemies run... Hey, Beordt, is your bow all wonky, too?
At Dacknar's comment, the young Northman nods, I believe Sorala is inclined to rescue them. If she is intent on it, I will go with her. I will not fault anyone that decides to head South without us.
Without waiting for an answer, Toki turns to Sorala, Do we have a plan? We can bring the Frog men home, with the intent to trade, but we'd best have a backup plan in case things go sideways...