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At Keildrithe's call, Laithe-Wolf creeps forward a little more, remaining in cover of the bush but with a clear line on the well ahead of him. He crouches low to the ground, ready to charge if the wolfman approaches his Karand brother.
After casting the spell, Laithe circles down towards Kajetan's position. to try and get closer to his companions. He still can't see the wolf properly through the darkness and the distance, but judging from the reaction from his friends he guesses it is big, and starts to doubt whether his entangling vines will have any affect on it.
When he see's Keildrithe take up position at the well, he transforms into wolf form and moves closer, but staying in cover of a nearby bush, hoping to stay hidden but close enough to aid his kinsman if he is the one the wolf heads for.
Seeing first Nicolai, then Keildrithe dash from cover, and the door splinter open leaving them caught out in the open, Laithe knows there is now little chance of luring the wolf away. "Throw the wolfbane and fall back to the bush by the shed, behind Alton!" he yells out, formulating another plan in his mind. He then lowers his hands to the ground, whispering a prayer in his native Karandic tongue to call the plants to rise up and aid in the coming battle.
Laithe continues to hold, though he starts to wonder as he watches the actions of his friends closer to the house, worried the were wolf will not make for him if it spies closer prey. He mumbles a prayer to Ehlonna, praying for strenth during the coming encounter.
Laithe watches the door intently, prepared to act the moment it gives way.
"Quick - the door will not last much longer. I will remain visible up here and howl once he breaks through to draw his attention. Once I'm sure he has spotted me, I'll run and give you as much time as I can manage. When I come back, I'll aim for the hut and hopefully he will follow me in and we can spring our trap." With a quick prayer to Ehlonna, Laithe wills the transformation into his wolf form, moving to a spot on the hill that will make him clearly visible against the darkening sky.
Laithe grins at Keildrithe's suggestion. "It's worked once before, with the wild boar back in the Valley of Snails, so we can try it again. Although I think the stakes are a little higher this time. I'll need to bait him, and then lead him out of the meadow to give you a chance to get into the hut without being spotted. How much time do you need?"
"Given I was wrong about the danger being external, not sure if this will caryy much weight, but the goats staked out probably indicates that the 'cage' of the cottage is not sufficient to keep him in".
Seeing the obvious distress of his companion, Laithe adds: "Fear not Nicolai, if this is your friend Stefan, then he is a good man at heart and we can help him. We are equipped to do battle to defend ourselves, if not well. Between us we have some magic, Alton carries a magical blade, and Ehlonna has blessed by wolven teeth with a bite I will test against his hide. And we have these." He shuffles through his pack and draws forth the silverware taken from the ogre's bodies. "They are not much, but perhaps can be used to fight, or keep him subdued? This should be our first goal. It is possible I can catch him in a field of vines and hold him for a time. Though Keildrithe, perhaps your magic would be the better first option, and I can hold mine as a backup? I do not think we should trust in him seeing my lupine form as friendly - more likely he will see me as a competitor or threat and give chase. Though perhaps we can use this to our advantage? If I can lead him off, we might be able to lure him into a trap to try and contain him?"
"It looks as though the boot marks are made by the shepherd, though whether they are human or otherwise is difficult to tell," Laithe agrees with Keildrithe. After listening to the theories put forward by the others, he adds his own to the mix. "The fashion in which the sheep are staked out does not seem to lend itself to a threat from within - what purpose would they serve? If a predator, from without or within, was interested in killing mulitple sheep, the scattering of them across the yard would not likely prevent this." "No, I think it suggests that whoever is in the hut is worried about an external threat, and the sheep are staked out less as an offering, and more as an alarm system. Of course, I could be wrong." "If Keildrithe's spell turns up nothing more, I think we should approach the hut, with caution, but give the occupant forewarning of our arrival. Whoever is inside is clearly on edge, and could become hostile if we surprise them."
Seeing no immediate sign of danger, Laithe-wolf runs back to join the others, transforming back into his human form when he arrives. "The cottage is up ahead, just over the rise. I can't see anything obviously out of place, but something is causing the sheep distress, so we should be prepared for danger of some sort. Let us hurry though; if Stefan is in the cottage he could be in trouble." Laithe leads the group back up to the meadow (assuming everyone is happy to follow)
"They appear to be goats, and it sounds like they are in distress. At least one humanoid is or was with them, which possibly doesn't bode well for them. I'll scout forward and see what I can. If you hear me howl it means come with speed. Otherwise I will return and report back." Laithe takes on his wolf form again, and lopes down the trail towards the sound. As he draws closer, he slows his pace and proceeds more cautiously, creeping lower to the ground to take full advantage of the darkening sky, and treading as quietly as possible.
Kajetan's elevated spirits over finding another tomb of power quickly erodes as the darkness closes in. He pulls his hood up over fully over his face and hunches his shoulders as he silently follows the others. Lost deep in his thoughts. "Alright; we push on. Everyone stay close and keep your eyes out." Moving around the bulk of the fallen ogres, Laithe resumes the way along the trail. His eyes scanning the track and the way ahead, looking and listening for any further sound of danger.
Laithe nods and looks towards Alton, Kajetan and Nicolai to hear their thoughts.
Taking to a slightly higher rocky outcrop, Laithe stands tall and scans the surrounding terrain for any sign of promising shelter nearby. The light on the snow throws up a glare that makes it difficult to pick out any detail on the field of white. "What say you all, should we push on? By all accounts we should be close, and the weather should hold. But then again, we don't know what we will find when we arrive there. Hopefully it will be Stefan and a warm cabin, but we should not rely on it."
Laithe nods at Keildrithe's suggestion and takes a swig of the Goodberry Wine, a little nervously at first. But he relaxes as the taste proves not too bad, and the healing warmth spreads through his body. He hands the skin to Alton afterwards, figuring the swashbuckler was probably still not fully healed from the wounds he sustained. He then says a quick prayer to Ehlonna, adding the healing of his lady to that he had received from the wine and his companions.
While the jagged wound running down his shoulder and back is still not completely healed, he rolls his shoulders experimentally, feeling much better than he had. 'I'm ready to move, and we should probably take advantage of the good weather and the light we have left. Let's get moving.'
Laithe is dimly aware of his friends around him and the healing magic from both Nicolai and Keildrithe. Yet his spirit looks once more to the horizon, watching the figure hovering there, moving no closer, but not yet gone. His gaze lingers for a few heartbeats, before finally he drifts back towards his body. As he re-enter's his wolfen form, he reverts back into his human self and his eye's flutter open. He see's Keildrithe's proferred hand and reaches out to grasp it, allowing his countryman to pull him into a sitting position. He winces a little from the only partially healed wound, but some colour has returned to his face. 'I feel terrible, but I'll live, thanks to you all. You fought well.' His look takes in each of his companions in turn, before he uses Keildrithe's support again to pull himself to his feet. 'Remind me never to be so foolhardy to charge an ogre again!' H glances briefly to the horizon, but any sign of the figure he had seen there was gone. Hi gaze returns to the bodies of the two ogres nearby. 'Scavengers will find this place soon; we should probably get moving.'
Alton hamstrings the stunned ogre with his longtooth dagger, and the second giant comes crashing to the ground, bleeding out in the snow. Laithe is filled with relief as, from outside his body, he sees Alton survive the Ogre's blow and then finish off the creature with the aid of the group's magic. For the first time he looks down properly at his wolf-form and sees what a mess he is in. The figure he spotted on the horizon lingers, but seems to have gotten no closer over the last few moments of the battle. Laithe remains calm waiting to see whether the stranger resumes their march towards him.
Laithe sees his friends charge in, Alton's brave strike causing one of the ogres to fall dead, Keildrithe skidding across the icy path a look of anger on his face, Nicolai and Kajetan continuing their magical assaults. He then looks towards the figure on the horizon and sees that the previously rapid approach seems to have slowed somewhat.
Laithe looks down on the bloodied and broken body of the wolf below him, confused for a moment as to what had happened. He soon realises with some alarm that the wolf is him. He looks back towards his companions and can see them shouting, but the sound does not reach him fully and he cannot make out what they are saying. Looking in the opposite direction, beyond the ogres, his eye is drawn to a faint but warm glow on the horizon. As he watches, it draws closer and he can just make out the outline of a human shaped figure within the glow. While the figure was clearly still a long way off, it appeared to be moving at some speed towards them. The ogre who struck him down suddenly shifted, blocking out view of the approaching figure. Laithe tries to lunge at the brute, but quickly finds that while he appears to have stepped outside his broken body, he was still anchored to it helplessly. He looks to his companions, and the considers the approaching figure on the horizon and wonders which will reach him first.
Laithe-wolf holds his position just in front of the group, crouching low to the ground and growling threateningly in the back of his throat. He agree's with Nicolai's words - that the ogres would only prey on the next, weaker travellers to come along.
Laithe-wolf tenses in fright at the deafening rumble emitted by his countryman, his body lowering to the ground and his shackles rising, thinking a new threat appraoching from behind. When he realises it was Keildrithe making the sound, he relaxes a little, but takes a note to question him on it after the battle. In the meantime, he turns his attention back towards the enraged ogres before him.
Laithe let's fly his readied sling stone at the first ogre as he regains his feet. He calls on his earlier prayer to Ehlonna to guide it's path. Before awaiting to see if the stone has struck, he wills a change into his wolf form and lopes over the snow towards the path, standing just in front of Keildrithe's position.
Laithe curses inwardly as the ogres start towards Keildrithe, thinking these creatures too thick to appreciate the hedilye's musical enchantment. He is about to break from to stand beside Keildrithe when he notices that he was wrong and one of the ogres had been enchanted by the spell. However, that present him with a dilemma; should he continue to hold and allow Keildrithe to attempt to work his magic on the other ogre, or should he act while they had the advantage? He turns inward, trying to divine how Ehlonna would act. A spell of fire sprung to mind, one that had come to him in his evening communion. Perhaps Ehlonna had forseen this encounter and granted him the spell as a result. Decided, he pulled some wax, brimstone and powdered iron from a pouch at his belt and said the words that would bring the flame into life. A moment later, a ball of flame appeared on the path just before the lead ogre, unnoticed for a second as it turned back to it's companion. He immediately motioned for the ball to roll into the ogre.
Laithe continues to watch the ogres approach, slowly reaching for his sling and a sling bullet, readying it to hurl. 'Ehlonna, as you guide the birds south at the onset of winter, guide this stone to its target,' he whispers. Calling once more on the strength of his goddess.
Feeling the protective magic of his diety wash over him, Laithe crouches further down into the snow, watching the ogres intently and poised to strike should they show aggression towards his countryman.
As Laithe takes cover in the snow and listens to Keildrithe beginning his ode, he takes some of his own precautions, preparing to defend his countryman with his life should the need arise. 'Ehlonna, the mighty oaks of your forests have withstood the fury of storms across the ages. Lend me their strength to help me weather this coming storm.'
Laithe's usual elation at being back on the road again, in the wilderness, is tempered by the mood of his friends. He is at a loss with how to assist Nicolai, and quietly asks Alton and Kajetan to do what they can for him while on the road. For his kinsman, he attempts to use their common love of nature to lend him some respite from his pain. When they start out on the road, he heads to the front but calls Keildrithe up with him, pointing out the beauties of the winter landscape, spying winter foxes and hares darting across the ground, asking his advice on how to best negitate a particularly slippery section of ice. When they stop to rest on a rocky outcrop, waiting for the others to catch up, he reaches over and rests a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. He says nothing, as the cold winter's wind redden's their cheaks, but lends what strength he can. As they walk along, he picks some winter berries from a bush and whispers a prayer over them, embuing them with strength and handing them out to the party as they walk to keep their strength up.
That night, around the campfire, he chooses a suitable chunk of wood and sets to work with his knife, whittling it slowly and carefully into shape.
Understanding at Keildrithe's abrupt departure floods in as Pharris explains her decision. He glances quickly at the recently arrived Nicolai, wondering how the dandy would take the news. Realising he should probably give the two some room to speak, and wanting to make sure his countryman was ok and not about to do something rash, he says briefly, "I will not to prevent your leaving, but I will miss you sorely. Be safe Pharris; I hope to cross paths with you again some day. My Ehlonna look out for you." He moves over and gives the elf maiden a kiss on the cheek, before backing out of the room. He wastes little time grabbing his meagre belongings and hurrying after Keildrithe, looking to find which way he headed after leaving the dorm.
Laithe is satisfied with the Abbott's response about the well and the inquisition's need to know about it. As Kajetan departs from the room he moves to follow. "We should go and make preparations for leaving. It may also be prudent to have someone watch the road, to provide forewarning should the inquisition turn up sooner than expected. Would you be able task one of the monks with this?" After leaving the room, he hurries to catch up with Kajetan, and notices the talk coming from Pharris' room when they arrive back at the cells. "Everything ok?" he inquires softly, gently knocking on the door as he does so, but not opening it immediately.
"The inquisition could be here very soon. They have an interest in us, as Kajetan's diary will reveal when you read it. I think we can spare a few more hours to attend the funeral, but then should make a start rather than wait another night. It would be better for you and for us to not have them find us here, though I will stay if that is the consensus." Despite the lack of sleep the night before, Laithe feels refreshed and energetic after having drunk from the well. "As to this...place we have uncovered, Abbott. I have one request from you if we are to pass on the exact location. It should be a place where all are welcome, regardless of race, gender or belief. I think it can be used as a weapon by your Order to help restore the church of Arton to its original path. But I think this will only be the case if all are allowed access to it. Then they will start to see Arton not as a jealous god, but one who is generous and benevolent, and preaches acceptance and tolerance."
Keildrithe is initially surprised by Laithe's protest, but quickly sees the wisdom in the druid's words. "Wisely spoken, brother, as always..." As they head back to the Abbey, Laithe walks next to his kinsman, and speaks softly to him. "This well is as much a gift of Ehlonna as it is of Arton. He may have revealed it to Abel, but she has helped guide us here, and so led us to it. I know you have little love for Arton, and nor do I. But I have seen glimpses of him that I have some respect for. I think we fight a losing battle if we seek to rid the world of Arton completely, so instead I we should limit our fight to that aspect of him that is ugly, jealous, intolerant and evil, so that his gentler side may propser to the benefit of those who follow him and those who do not. If the well can aid in this battle, then I am happy to see it dedicated to Arton."
Noticing the sad look on the Abbot's face, Laithe glances around the room and then studies him, trying to determine if his sadness are for the events that have just taken place, or for some that are about to. Despite his sentiments at the well, he finds it hard to shake his mistrust in Artonites, especially with Vorn still possibly on their tail.
Laithe drinks from the water greatfully, closing his eyes as its restorative effects wash over him. When talk turns to covering the well though, he stands and shakes his head, speaking with more force than is usual for the generally softly spoken druid. "No! This is a gift and should not be denied people. Yes, it could be abused by the Inquisition, but it could also be a symbol of a better, uncorrupted form of Arton. Like it or not, Arton is the god that the majority of people in these lands follow. I would much rather them follow this version of Arton who reveals wonders of healing to his followers, than the corrupted version preached by the Inquisition. By concealing the well, we concede to this evil version." He looks at the others to gage their thoughts before speaking again, more softly this time. "The abbott seems a reasonable person, with his heart in the right place. We should speak with him, beseech him to open this well, but extract a promise that all will be welcome, regardless of their race or faith. And we should warn him of the potential arrival of the Inquisition. He can tell them we stayed for a night and moved on, and needn't be told about the well. We might even persuade him to give them false instructions as to our intended direction. What do you think?"
"I agree we should not dally here much longer. But I am keen to test the waters, as I can detect some magic in the area. Stand back." Still kneeling by the damp area, he wills a trandformation into wolf form once again and begins digging in the area; just enough to dig down around 6 inches to a foot, to see if water starts pooling. Once done, he tranforms back into his human form and fishes a pottery bowl from his pack (possibly taken from the gnolls?) and scoops what water he can from the hole. He offers it to Nicolai. "You are a follower or Arton, and you have suffered some grevious wounds. Drink and we shall see if Abel's sacrifice be in vain or not."
Laithe crouches by the area of damp earth, closes his eyes and says a prayer to his Lady Ehlonna. When he opens his eyes, he scans the area closely, hoping she has granted him the sight to confirm that this is indeed the place Abel was directed to.
Relief floods through Laithe when Keildrithe returns with a diary that marks the spot. At least something may be salvaged from this tragedy. He peruses the map Keildrithe uncovers, and once the group are ready to go, he leads them off through the snow, through one of the numerous gaps in the wall towards the spot indicated.
Laithe thanks Nicolai for his assistance and in turn carefully helps bandage the Dandy's own wounds, listening on the discussion all the while. "We could use some healing waters right about now," he whispers weakly as Bernadino confirms the message sent to Abel. "I would propose an additional penance for Bernadino," Laithe speaks as the jealous monk's sentence is declared. "His actions have potentially denied the followers of Arton a great healing magic. And as I see it, Arton's name is in desperate need of healing, given all the horrific actions that have been performed under his banner. Bernadino should dedicate his life to healing and tending to others, giving them the care his jealousy has potentially denied them." He then turns to the Abbott. "And I beseech you, Abbott; find the location of this well and build it. Many people have performed a multitude of terrible acts in the name of your god. Men such as Keildrithe and I have come to see him mostly as one who represents evil. If you can find this well, spread word of it's existence and dedicate it to Arton, perhaps you will go some way to repairing his name, and undoing some of the damage done by these evil men who hide behind their image of the god."
Laithe-wolf tries to pursue Abel, but his multiple wounds slow him down. As Alton jumps in and delivers a fatal blow to the abomination, Laithe-wolf allows himself to slump to the ground, panting heavily. He transforms back into human form and calls out wearily to Keildrithe, "Brother, grab Bernadino. I think we are owed some answers."
Despite the pain, Nicolai’s focus does not waver and he sends a fan of golden fire into Abel’s face. The dead man shrieks as the flames burn away his hair and the dry skin of his face, leaving a skull plastered with charred, blackened flesh with hateful, mad eyes. Laithe glances backwards for a split second, watching Keildrithe pull brother Bernadino free and then curses as he looks back and finds Abel charging across the room as Nicolai. Calling on the powers of the wild once more, he transforms into wolf-form and charges after the undead monk. He is too late to prevent Nicolai from the claws of the creature, but he charges at it's back, jaws snapping at it's neck.
Laithe nod's silently at Alton, agreeing with the wisdom of the swashbucklers suggestion. He carefully steps back from Abel, then circles around to flank the cowering Bernadino.
Brashen, you noticed one of Smenk’s mine overseers, a fellow named Fyron Hemp, drinking near the bar when you first came in. He’d be certain to have Smenk’s ear. He was right over ... oh, he appears to be gone now, you’d swear he was there when you came in. The group of miners he was drinking with remain for the most part, you catch them looking in your direction when you glance over, though they quickly go back to their drinks as you search the area for the overseer. Boland tracks the direction of Brashen's gaze, and after a second realises who is missing. "Damn, it's possible Smenk is already getting a message, just not necessarily the one we were planning to give. Maybe if we hurry we can catch up to him before he reaches Smenk?"
Laithe-wolf staggers back to his feet a second time, bleeding openly from the wound on his shoulder and the new one across his head. Unsure if he will survive another such strike, he none-the-less prepares to charge in again. Seeing Abel pause though, he wills a transformation back into his human form and quietly calls on the favour of Ehlonna to ease some of his pain.
He then follows Abel, ready to try and restrain Abel if he resumes hostilities.
White-hot fire explodes through Laithe-wolf's shoulder as the claws of the creature tear and rip at his flesh with terrible strength. He is thrown off his feet to one side for a moment, but scrabbles to get his legs under him once more. Grey fur matted with blood, he leaps in at Abel once more, determined to prevent any more deaths.
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