The swamp falls eerily silent, save for the crackle of the fire and the occasional splash of unseen movement in the distance. The bodies of Al’lan and Kallum lie near the flames, their blood-soaked forms a stark reminder of the battle’s toll. The air feels heavier, the earlier cries of defiance now replaced by somber reflection.
Ralina’s efforts with the fire have pushed back the dark for now, and Dobin’s wounded resolve holds steady. Drusilla’s words linger, the suggestion of gathering what they can and making plans for the fallen cutting through the silence.
What’s your next move?
Ralina fills her cookpot with water and sets it near the fire to warm. Once the water begins to steam she washes her hands and then waves Dobin over.
"Lets see to that wound." She says dipping a clean bit of cloth in the hot water. After cleaning and covering the wound as best she can the acolyte refills the pot and starts a batch of tea to share.
"I doubt stumbling around in the dark will be to our advantage, so I'd council us to stay put and keep the fires burning through the night." She says taking a few careful sips of the steaming tea, while her eyes peer warily into the dark night. "Once the bright warmth of the sun blesses up with its presence again, then we can either try tracking those lizards back to their lair or circle back to the road to see if we can pick up the bandit's trail from one of the other ambush sights."
The swamp stretched the night long, its eerie sounds keeping the party on edge. Every splash or rustle of reeds outside the firelight seemed to herald another attack. Despite their weariness, no one dared let the fires dim, their flickering flames standing as the sole defense against the oppressive darkness.
Ralina, Dobin, and Drusilla took shifts tending the flames and watching the shadows. Fatigue pulled at them, but fear kept them awake. The swamp, ever alive, hissed and croaked in the night, the cries of distant creatures blending with the mournful whispers of wind through the trees. The bodies of Al’lan and Kallum lay undisturbed near the fires, but the swamp air seemed to draw out the stench of blood, mixing it with the pungent decay of the bog.
At last, the murky gray of dawn seeped through the trees, soft light dispelling the swamp's lingering dread. The party, haggard and mud-smeared, gathered themselves. Despite their exhaustion, they remained vigilant, scanning the treeline for any sign of movement.
It was then that the sound of sloshing footsteps approached from the south, uneven and heavy. A familiar voice rang out, low and gruff:
"By Moradin's beard, ye lot know how to make a beacon in this gods-forsaken place!"
Regnar stepped into view, his broad figure caked with mud and his beard frayed at the edges. His platemail hung battered, and he bore a fresh limp, but his stance was unbowed, his axe still in hand.
Sitting near the fire, Regnar recounted his tale.
"When we hit that bandit camp, it all went to s!*&e quicker than I’ve ever seen. We were outnumbered, plain and simple. Bah! Not a fight I’d call fair, even by their foul standards. When things turned ugly, I did what I had to. Ran off while I still could, like a coward, if I’m honest." He grumbled, gaze cast downward.
"Got turned 'round in the damned wilds. Spent two days lickin’ my wounds in a cave, gnawin’ on my rations in the dark. By me forefathers, it was miserable. But a dwarf doesn’t sit idle long - I knew I had to press on."
He shifted, grimacing as he adjusted his weight.
"Thought I’d head for the keep, but I’m no elf tracker. Got twisted up and ended up in these blasted boglands. Last night, I saw yer fires, but I didn’t dare approach till dawn. Figured whatever was alive enough to light 'em might not take kindly to company in the dark."
Hearing of the others’ fates, Regnar fell silent for a moment, staring into the flames. Then, in a low voice, he muttered a prayer in Dwarvish before speaking again.
"Draven, Pah’dreco, Al’Lan... Kallum. Aye, they fought well. Their names will not be forgotten. By stone and steel, we’ll see this through. Their deeds demand no less."
His eyes, heavy with loss but steeled with determination, met the party's. Regnar gave a curt nod to Dobin, the only familiar face among them, before turning to the others.
"Name’s Regnar. Miner by trade, warrior by necessity. And you two..." He glanced at Ralina and Drusilla, his tone softening just slightly. "...don’t know ye yet, but if ye’ve kept Dobin alive this far, I owe ye my thanks. I’ll try to do my part to see we all make it out of this cursed bog in one piece."
He straightened, the weight of exhaustion momentarily lifted by his resolve.
"Now then, what’s the plan? Whatever it is, ye’ve got a dwarf ready to see it done."
"Glad you made it back to us Regnar. Sorry we could not have come looking for you, but this land is deadly. I am not sure a small group like ours can succeed against the overwhelming forces out here...well not with a wooden club and shield!"
He laughs mirthlessly at the poor joke but still steps forward to give their newly found ally a quick hug and slap on the back.
Suppressing a shiver as for just a moment her name seemed to be whispered upon the wind, Ralina turns to the newcomer and offers the dwarf a welcome smile.
"Ralina Biggins." She says offering an outstretched hand to Regnar. "Formerly of the mine at Silver Creek, but now an acolyte of Blessed Petra."
Her gaze shifts to the two bodies laying nearby. Releasing a sad sigh she turns back to the dwarf. "Right now, we've need to bury our fallen comrades. But then we've yet to decide whether to pursue the monsters that attacked us last night or get clear of this swamp and find another route to that same bandit camp from which you so recently escaped."
A bright spark of hope flashes in her eyes as she looks at the dwarf. "Do you happen to recall where their camp is? Could you point it out on this map?" She adds pulling her copy of the rough map out of her pack.
"Good to see ye in one piece" - Regnar smiles at Dobin, then nods at Ralina - "And well met Miss Biggins"
He pondered her words for a few moments - "Ye got clobbered hard when there were five of ye, and ye think it is a good idea to go after them lizerd whatevers just the four of us? What if there are more of them?"
"Can't say I'd know the directions back to where the camp is, but I do know it was nowhere near the swamp" - he added, looking at Ralina's map - "If I remember correctly we came almost as far as the swamp, but then we doubled back... After that we found a wounded bear with an arrow stuck in its flank, and we backtracked it or something like that, to see where it came from. And trying to find a clue about who might have shot it"
The dwarf scratches his head - "Dobin was also there - don't you remember any of it man?" - he huffed - "Bah... I am not completely sure, but I think we were heading mostly in a western direction, when we came across the bandit camp, in a forested area"
Ralina offers a shrug of her shoulders when the dwarf questions going after the lizards. "Thought we could at least track them to their lair." She says. "That way we could let his lordship back at the Keep know where they are. Maybe warn other folk to steer clear of the place." Her eyes flicker to the two bodies. "And if given an opportunity, things might go a bit different under the bright light of the sun." She adds grimly.
"But you're right I suppose." Her eyes turn back to the dwarf. "We were hired to find those bandits, not chase monsters in the swamps. And if their camp was in a forest, then it certainly wasn't in these lowlands. We should clear out of here in the morning, get back to dry ground and start the search again with an eye toward the forested areas. Maybe you or Dobin will recognize something once we get back on the right track."
"Drusilla" She says eyeing the dwarf but then looks towards the fallen.
" We will take what we can from the deceased. We will then do something for their bodies." She reloads her crossbow and looks at the dwarf.
"Tell me Regnar I no doubt have confidence in a dwarfs combat prowess, but how are you at scouting?" She says wondering if he could help aid them with these bandits.
"Unless this Lizard men are the real bandits?"
Regnar chuckled at Drusilla - "Scouting? Nope, no good at that. Me plate scrapes and creaks too much. Almost as much as me joints"
Dobin scouts around for someplace that they can bury their comrades safely, so no swamp creatures will dig them up and desecrate their bodies. Once found, he will begin digging the graves using Al'Lan's shield as a shovel. If no place is suitable, he will suggest burning the bodies.
Ralina busies herself helping Dobin and offering a final prayer to Petra and the Three Immortals once the sad task is completed. Once again finding herself covered in mud, her gaze turns toward the midday sun. Slapping a bug from her arm, she turns to her companions.
"As much as I'd like to try and track down those lizardfolk. I don't think we want to spend another night in this bog." She says. "I say we hoof it back to dry ground and set off on the road." She looks to Dobin and Ragnar. "If nothing jogs your memories about the bandit camp along the way, then we'll make for the second ambush to see if we can learn anything there. What do you all say?"
Looking up from the graves he was digging, Dobin shakes his head.
"Well I can tell you it was not in this swamp! Let's get out of here and move to a dryer area where we might be able to get our bearings and decide what to do next!"
With the graves completed and a few solemn words spoken, you gather your belongings and prepare to leave. The sun hangs directly overhead, marking midday, as you begin your journey back toward the road.
The first half-hour of travel offers a slight reprieve, with firmer ground underfoot and sparse clusters of cypress trees giving way to more open terrain. The oppressive murk of the swamp begins to fade, and the air feels lighter as you move further from its clutches.
The remaining journey to the road is not without its challenges, as patches of uneven ground and stubborn brambles slow your progress. However, the sight of solid earth beneath your boots is a welcome change after the bog’s treacherous terrain.
After three hours of steady travel, you finally emerge onto the main road. The sun has passed its peak and now drifts lower in the sky, leaving you with several hours of daylight still ahead.
From here, the site of the rumored ambush lies about three or four hours to the east. You have a choice: push onward toward the ambush site and risk arriving closer to nightfall, set up camp near the road to rest and prepare for tomorrow, or even return to the Keep which is about two-three hours away in the opposite direction.
What will you do?
After reaching the road, Ralina wipes the sweat and dirt from her face. "Whew. It feels good to be clear of that blasted swamp." She says scratching at an insect bit on her arm. "Can't say I have any real desire to go there again."
Switching her gaze up and down the road. Into the wilds or back to the relative safety of the Keep, she eventually throws back her shoulders and nods toward the wild. "Seems like if we go back to the Keep we not only have to tell the Captain we've not accomplished a thing, but lost two of our own whilst doing it. Plus we'll still end up needing to take nearly a day to march up to where those other caravans were ambushed. I'm for trying to reach the second sight today and keeping a low profile camp tonight. Then we'll see what we learn and maybe have a new lead to follow in the morning." The acolyte of Petra turns to Dobin, Ragnar, and Drusilla. "What do you all think? Onward or back to the Keep?"
"Thank the gods! Solid ground again. I was beginning to think we would never be free of that grasping mud and fetid water."
Dobin listens to the priestess's ideas and even though he would love to head back and get some healing and try to buy better equipment, he shakes his head.
"We cannot return empty-handed again and with losses! Unfortunately, we need to get back to them with some answers. I say we go forward and see if we cannot avenge ourselves on these bandits!"
"Agreed. Let us be off then before we lose any more daylight." Ralina says with a nod to Dobin, Drusilla and Ragnar. Slinging her pack back across her shoulders, she sets off along the road heading east.
"Let's give you some javelins and a sling." Drusilla says as she then looks to the others with the things they have gathered to divide them up,.
The journey east along the road stretches on as the afternoon sun begins its descent. The steady rhythm of boots on solid ground and the occasional call of a bird in the distance accompany your travel. The oppressive heat of the day slowly gives way to a cooler breeze, and shadows grow long as the sun sinks toward the horizon.
To the north of the road, a vast forested expanse looms. Its dense canopy of trees casts deep shadows that seem to grow darker as the evening approaches. To the south, the glimmer of a river catches your eye - its waters flowing west to east, parallel to the road for much of your journey. As you continue eastward, the riverbed gradually meanders away from the road, vanishing from sight into the distance.
By the time you near the site of the rumored caravan ambush, the orange glow of sunset bathes the landscape in a muted, golden light. The air feels still, and an uneasy silence hangs over the area as you approach.
At first glance, the location seems almost ordinary - another stretch of road flanked by the forest to the north and the distant rise of a hill to the southeast. However, closer inspection reveals a sobering sight: an overturned, charred cart rests at an awkward angle off to the side of the road. Its blackened timbers, worn and weathered by time and the elements, are a stark reminder of the violence that took place here.
Little else remains. Whatever goods or bodies were left behind have long since been scavenged or cleared away. The ground nearby shows no fresh tracks, just faint scars of old disturbances now obscured by the passage of time.
The sun has nearly disappeared, leaving only the last hues of twilight as darkness begins to creep in. The road ahead stretches into the gloom, and the surrounding area feels oddly quiet.
What would you like to do?
Looking at the sad remains of the caravan and the growing twilight, Ralina offers a shake of her head and a soft sigh.
"Best we find a nook to crawl into for the night and take a closer look at things in the morning." She says starting to gather firewood as they cast about for a reasonable looking campsite.
"I think tonight, we should do our best to draw as little notice as possible." She adds digging the dagger taken from Kellum's gear into the soft soil. Clearing a shallow pit for the fire, she glances about warily. "I'd rather not have a repeat of last night's fiasco. But one thing that might help. If we cover our skin and exposed areas with mud, it helps keep any beast or bandit with night vision from spotting us as easily." Having said that she takes a glob of the soft soil from the fire pit and mixes it with a bit of water from her waterskin. Rubbing a generous portion of the muck on her face and hands, she soon resembles a wild swamp spirit more than an acolyte of Petra.
"Yes," Drusilla says as she helps gather some of the dryer bits of bark.
" We should come up with a plan for finding and then engaging the bandits" Drusilla says as she finds a place to slather herself in mud. Without being degrading.
The last traces of daylight fade as the group, weary from the day’s travel, decides to make camp for the night. Ralina’s suggestion to use mud for camouflage is met with nods of agreement. The adventurers quickly smear the damp soil over their exposed skin, their features becoming shadowy and indistinct as darkness gathers.
The road stretches before them, a lifeline cutting through a landscape that feels increasingly wild. To the north, the forest presses close, its dense canopy casting deep shadows. To the south, the faint shimmer of the river has vanished beyond the horizon.
After a brief search, the group finds a shallow dell tucked between a rocky outcrop and a dense thicket of brush. Hidden from casual view, the spot offers both seclusion and some natural protection from the elements and prying eyes.
After helping dig the fire pit and coating the others with mud, Ralina uses some of the string and other items from Kallum's kit to rig a set of trip wires across the entrances into their little camp. Setting them thirty feet out, if triggered, the tumbling rocks and clattering metal should give them a few seconds warning.
Finally, she pours a cup of her remaining oil into Al'lan's tin cup and set's on a nice flat stone a few feet from the fire.
"If we do get attacked during the night, someone toss that oil onto the fire. It should flare up nice and bright for a minute or two. That'll give us enough light to at least defend ourselves." She says to her companions.
Finally, she waves Dobin over to check and change the bandages on his wounds. Making sure to clean the areas of any mud or other grime with water heated over the fire. Her manner is firm but competent, her temple training quite clear.
"All of us work the wards as part of our training." She replies when asked. "Being a mining town, there were always plenty of injuries and ailments to be treated. Although, I've not done it by myself, I seen bones set, bad cuts stitched, and I know how much willow bark to boil and mash into porridge to help relieve fever or pain."
She then volunteers to take the second watch so that Dobin and Drusilla can each get a solid stretch of sleep.
Dobin helps as much as his wounds will allow him, and sighs in relief when Ralina helps to re-bind them and clean the wounds at the end of the day.
"My thanks to you for the help. I hope with a good nights sleep I will be closer to my old self and can assist more in our hunt for the bandits!"
Dobin sets himself for the first watch of the night, and if all goes well, wakes Ralina next.
The night passes in relative peace, the quiet punctuated only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant cry of a nocturnal animal. The trip wires set by Ralina remain undisturbed, the small clearing offering a rare reprieve from the day's tensions.
Dobin takes the first watch, his gaze sweeping the shadowy edges of the dell. Though his body aches from the day’s exertions, he keeps a steady vigil, the dark forest holding its secrets beyond the firelight. As the embers glow softly, he listens to the rhythmic breathing of his companions until it is time to rouse Ralina.
Ralina's watch is marked by her quiet efficiency. She tends to the fire, keeping it low but steady. The distant hoot of an owl becomes her only company as the hours stretch on uneventfully.
Drusilla takes over, her sharp elven eyes catching the faintest movements in the darkness, though they prove to be nothing more than a breeze through the thickets. The night feels calm but heavy, as if holding its breath.
Finally, Regnar closes out the final hours before dawn. The first hints of light creep into the sky, faint streaks of purple and grey replacing the black of night. The forest begins to stir, the sounds of birdsong heralding the approaching day.
As the sun rises over the eastern horizon, the party awakens to find their camp undisturbed, the oppressive tension of the previous day momentarily lifted. The fire’s embers glow faintly, a reminder of the fleeting peace of the night.
What next, adventurers?!
Awakening to the sound of bird song and the first gleaming rays of sunlight streaming over the hills, Ralina savors the bright beginning to the new day as well as last night's event free rest. Once complete with her morning routine and offering her thanks to Petra for the immortal's protection during the night, she helps get the day off to a good start by brewing tea and cooking a cinnamon spiced porridge for everyone.
Under the shining light of the sun, she takes a bit of time to circle the old ambush sight a second time to see if they'd missed any noticeable remnants of a trail or other clue to the bandit's whereabouts the previous evening.
She also spends several minutes watching the hill they'd seen to the southeast. Although not a commanding rise, it was high enough to have a good view of much of the valley and could easily hide a cave, vale or other hidden spot for the raiders to call home. She didn't expect to see much, but if just maybe with Petra's grace and a careless bandit she'd spot signs of smoke or sparkles of metal reflecting off the morning sun.
Ralina’s eyes catch faint signs of traffic along the poorly maintained road, the light of the new day revealing what the shadows of the night had hidden. She kneels to inspect the tracks more closely, brushing aside dirt and leaves to get a clearer view.
Two more distinct trails stand out amidst the scattered impressions:
The first set, more numerous, heads northward into the forest. The trail disappears under the dense canopy, swallowed by the looming woods.
The second set, stranger and far less numerous, veers southeast. These marks are irregular, almost alien, with deep grooves and impressions that suggest something far larger than a person. They evoke a strange unease as Ralina studies them.
Actions? :)
Ralina relays her findings to her companions pointing out the first set of tracks leading off north and into the woods. "Those could be our bandits." She says. Her face grows worried as she leads everyone to the second set of tracks.
"I also discovered these." She says kneeling down next to the odd, grooved prints and mumbling a quiet prayer to Petra. "I've never seen tracks like this before, not that I've much experience. At first, I thought of those lizards who attacked us the other night. But they really weren't much bigger than us. This," She traces the oversized print with her finger. "This seems a lot bigger. Do any of you recognize what it might be?"
Grabbing her pack she takes out a bit of charcoal and one of the old flyers she'd been handing out back at the keep. After a few moments she drafts a rough sketch of the print being sure to capture its size relative to something like her own footprint. "Maybe someone back at the Keep will know something more." She says tucking the paper carefully back into her pack.
"For now I think we stay clear." For a few moments, her brown eyes burn and intense gaze along the trail toward the short hill to the southeast. The Immortal Three saved Traladara from the monsters, but always the creatures creep back in. One day she would need to seek these creatures out and drive them from this land. Her jaw clenches as she brushes a wayward strand of raven hair back behind her ear finally turning away and toward the north. "I think we should see if our current quarry lies within the forest. Once we've dealt with those scoundrels, then perhaps we can hunt larger threats."
Regnar steps forward, peering at the strange grooves with a skeptical scowl. Kneeling down, he scratches his beard and grunts. “Well, I’ll not claim to know what left these,” he says, glancing at Ralina. “Big, though. Bigger than I’d like to meet without a few dozen stout lads at my back.”
He straightens, rolling his shoulders as he shifts his axe into a ready position. “But I do know this much - if it’s got tracks like that, it’s likely meaner than us and hungry to boot. I don’t fancy findin’ out which of us looks tastier.”
Gesturing toward the northern tracks, he continues, “Bandits are plenty bad, but at least we know they’re made of flesh and blood. I say we stick to what we came here for and leave... whatever made those marks... to skulk in the shadows. Unless someone thinks tanglin’ with a monster’s a better idea?”
Hearing no objections from the others, Ralina nods, grabs her gear, and starts to follow the trail, north into the woods.
"I agree..let's keep after the bandits. The last thing I want to fight is some other monster that is even bigger and meaner than the lizardmen!"
Dobin follows the others as they continue to track the bandits.
As the group ventures north into the forest, the canopy above grows thicker, casting dappled shadows across the uneven ground. The tracks initially remain clear enough, faint impressions in the dirt pointing the way forward. But soon, the forest begins to work against them.
The trail becomes increasingly difficult to follow. Twisting roots and thick undergrowth obscure the ground, and the scattered leaves and detritus of the forest floor hide any clear signs of passage. Recent rains might have softened the soil, but the sun filtering through the canopy has since hardened it again, erasing the subtler marks.
It becomes increasingly apparent that none among them might have the skill or experience to navigate this challenge. The forest itself seems to conspire against them, masking their quarry’s movements.
You have lost the tracks - what now, intrepid explorers?
"Bah!" Ralina exclaims, shoving yet another grabbing branch from her hair. "The blasted forest has stymied us again." She looks around for any sign of the trail she'd been following only to see all evidence is completely gone.
"I don't relish wandering these woods until night forces us to camp." With a heavy sigh she turns back to gaze along the path back to the road. "We should just fall back to the road and make way toward the third caravan site. Perhaps from there we will have better luck." She reaches down, snaps off a dry branch from a fallen tree. "I guess on the way back we can gather a bit more firewood, will save us a bit of time once we do settle down for the night." She adds, shoving the stick into a pouch on the outside of her pack.
Dobin curses under his breath as they are once again stopped by nature. "Wish we had some sort of ranger or forester here to help us!"
He turns back the way they had just travelled and starts to forage for usable firewood. He tried to keep his senses tuned to the woods like he had been told by an old soldier he once campaigned with, but he had no idea what he was listening for and soon gave up in frustration.
"I will take first watch again tonight if that is ok. I am hoping some rest might help these wounds heal!"
Regnar stands still for a moment, his axe resting heavily in his grip, as he watches Dobin fumble with a few branches. The dwarf’s brow furrows.
“Dobin, you’ll not be recoverin’ proper with wishful thinkin’ and a half-healed wound. Takes more than a night under the stars to mend what’s ailing you - and that’s with a bed and a full belly, neither of which I see us gettin’ easy tonight.”
He steps forward, hefting his axe onto his shoulder. His eyes narrow, scanning the dim forest around them. “And let me ask you all somethin’ - are we really about to go back and settle down for the night near the same place where those blasted tracks were? You are wantin' to test if the thing that made ‘em fancies dwarf or human meat more, is that it?"
He gestures toward Dobin with a blunt nod. “Pushin’ ahead tomorrow with him in this state? Might as well gift-wrap him for the first stray arrow or stiff breeze that comes our way. You think he’s stubborn now? Wait till he’s layin’ face-first in the dirt and we’ve got to haul him the rest of the way. That’s if we’re lucky and don’t all join him.”
" I grew up more on boats and riversides than the forest proper." She says as she follows with her Mace out.
'I can try and take a look. Fishing was my trade but i did know a few hunters." Drusilla begins to look about for any signs of what direction the tracks could have gone. Subtle things should pop up. She wasn't quite sure exactly what the raven haired hunter she had dated for a few years.
Likewise, Drusilla is unable to find any more tracks.
'Seems my time with spent with the hunter was more carnal than conversational" Drusilla says as she looks to the others.
"We should probably head to the road and find time to recoop and regroup" She states with a slight chuckle.
'This should be entertaining"
"It was worth a try." Ralina says to Drusilla. "These bandits are as elusive as spiritual enlightenment." She adds kicking at a rotted branch.
"As for making camp, we've not much choice but to spend another night under the stars." She glances up through the forest canopy to spot the sun and shakes her head with frustration. "We've already wasted half the day tracking down another dead end. It'll take us as long to reach the road again." She turns to Ragnar. "I've no interest in fighting that...whatever it is...any more than you. But we can't reach the Keep before nightfall. Can't even get close. That means we're going to have to make do."
Turning to Dobin and Drusilla. "We can either return to our original camp. Or we could find another spot along our back trail. We'll still be in the woods, but not as deep in and a bit further from those other tracks we found. Our other option will be to walk the road after nightfall. At least for an hour or so. Again, that'll put us further from those tracks, but we'll be pretty easy targets for ambush given we'll need light and finding another good spot to camp will be difficult." The acolyte of Petra shakes her head. "Petra watch over us, we've got no good options. But, if we can find one, I'd prefer camping in a good spot under the trees but closer to the road versus trying the same spot again. With an early start in the morning, then we might be able to make the Keep if it's bed rest Dobin needs."
"I've also been considering." She reaches up to push a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. A common habit when she's thinking. "We know there's an inside man back at the Keep." She taps a stick against a nearby tree trunk. "So, what if we let it slip that we saw another caravan moving down the road or maybe that we stumbled across a good bit of treasure and left it buried nearby." Tap, tap, tap. "Our spy might be lured into trying to contact his comrades. While Dobin mends, the rest of us keep watch for anyone slipping away from the Keep, especially at night. We either grab him or follow him far enough to get a good idea of where the bandits are holed up." She taps the stick again, then shrugs her shoulders and blushes. "I know, it's a daft idea, but wandering the woods and swamps is getting us nowhere except dead end trails and ambushes in the night."
Regnar snorts, his grip tightening on his axe.
“Of course, our forays are gettin’ us nowhere. We don’t know these woods or swamps, nor do we have the skills to track proper. Been sayin’ it since the start - we need a durned tracker or someone who knows the lay of the land at least. Without one, we’re just wanderin’ in circles, makin’ easy pickings for whatever’s out here.”
He kicks a rotten branch in annoyance and spits to the side, his expression grim. “If we’re serious about findin’ these bandits, we’ll need more than good intentions and guesswork.”
"Very insightful, for a dwarf" Drusilla says slightly turning up her nose before she corrects herself.
"Apologies, old habits." She says as she sighs then continues to speak.
"Though we should do just that find a skilled tracker and one more inclined to the ways of this area. Though I loathe to admit we may have to offer him quite a deal." She says sighing again wondering what exactly the offer may entail.
Dobin feeling guilty finally voices his concerns.
"I am not getting any better. I need to get bed rest and maybe a visit to the local barber for some stitching...or I might not make it to find these bandits. I am sorry.."
He leans heavily against a tree and lets out a deep breath.
"I figured that was a given. Still we should find a way to the road and find a secure camp. Then head to the Keep"She says as she whirls her mace.
"Aye, once we get back to the road we'll move as fast as we can for the Keep until our light runs out." Ralina agrees with the others. "Then its another mud coated night near the fire." She adds not really looking forward to another watchful evening under the stars.
The party trudged through the dense undergrowth, their pace steady but burdened with weariness. The dimming sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting long shadows as they retraced their steps toward the road. Branches snagged cloaks, and the ever-present hum of insects filled the humid air.
When they finally broke free of the forest, the fading light bathed the open road in an orange glow. They exchanged quiet glances, then pressed on, the rhythmic crunch of boots on gravel the only sound as dusk gave way to the deep indigo of night.
Maybe a few hours before midnight, they found a small hollow off the road - little more than a natural dip, partially sheltered by a rocky outcrop and a cluster of bushes. It wasn’t much, but it offered the semblance of safety. The group settled in, huddling close to a modest fire. The night sounds of chirping crickets and distant owls filled the air, a stark reminder of the wilds beyond their fragile circle of light.
Morning arrived without incident, and they resumed their march, the rising sun lending a warmth that lifted spirits slightly. By the end of the morning, the towering gates of the Keep loomed into view, their weathered stone a welcome sight.
The guards at the gate greeted them with curt nods, their eyes lingering briefly on the party’s travel - worn appearance before waving them through. At the scribe’s desk, the clerk glanced up from his ledger, nodded at their names already recorded, and motioned them inside.
Finally, within the Keep’s walls, the weight of their journey seemed to lift slightly, replaced by the promise of rest and resupply.
What next, intrepid adventurers?
Rest and healing for Dobin...and if we have the cash...new armor and weapons!!
The Keep is a welcome, but bittersweet sight for Ralina as she crosses once again beneath the heavy stone arch of the gatehouse. When she left last, she'd been filled with hope and determination to serve justice upon those terrorizing the countryside. Instead she has returned with fewer companions and having done little except cover herself in mud and trek futilely through swamp and forest.
Her gaze takes in the busy confined space filled with other travelers, adventurers, and guards. Jarred by the assault of the smells of all that life in such a small area, the acolyte of Petra sneezes and wrinkles her nose at the sudden change from the clear air beyond the walls. Dodging by the bulk of a caravan guard she barely avoids a pile of manure and makes her way toward the inn.
Ordering a warm bath followed by a meal of stew, ale, and fruit. While filling her belly, she listens to the most recent news traveling through the common room. She even shares her own warning of the lizard folk lurking in the nearby swamp.
"Came upon us in the middle of the night." She says to one curious traveler. "Could see us as easily as if the blessed sun was shining high overhead. Meanwhile we couldn't see anything but the pitch black night beyond the dim light of our fire. But by Petra's grace, I came upon the idea of covering my face and hands with the plentiful cold mud. Sure enough they villains couldn't see me anymore. That cut their advantage and soon enough they disappeared back into the night and whatever foul swampy hovel they call home." She finishes her mug of ale. "Mind you, we tried to track the critters, but had no luck in those swamps. They're still out there, so best to watch yourselves along those wetlands."
As the evening winds down, the weariness of travel catches up with her and she beds down in one of the common room bunks, her pack stashed under her head.