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"We found this at a campsite in a cavern near the spot where we fell after the ground collapsed beneath us. While the bedroll and other items were all torn or destroyed, we found no bones or other signs of what may have befallen the owner. I am sorry we could not be of more help, but you should have this." Xantrius explains to the chief as he hands him the broach.
"I think our decision is made. They wish to come with us, so they shall. Chief, how far away is the village we have to pass through and how far from the surface is it from there? We might need some food and water, is there anything else anyone wishes to buy? After our rest, let us be off as quickly as possible. I, too, am anxious to get back to the city."
Xantrius takes Horgus aside and tries to reassure him quietly. "Master Horgus, I think it would be safest for all of you to wait here briefly so that we may defeat the dangers that lie ahead. We could move faster without having to worry about the injured, and then be able to guide you back to the surface more quickly once the way is clear."
"I, for one, would be proud to battle alongside the descendants of the noble first crusade!" Xantrius states boldly, agreeing with Aleziella. "Be on your guard, though. We found the bodies of two men dressed as knights of Iomedae but clutching the holy symbol of Baphomet. I believe they might have been spies sent to stage the attack on the city, but what they might be doing here I do not know."
Xantrius manages a shallow bow to Sull and adds to Aleziella's succinct description of their plight "Chief Sull, we are most appreciative of any aid you can offer. We would, of course, be willing to offer remuneration for supplies as well as any healing you might be able to give those injured in the fall."
Xantrius strides over to the nearest raft and tests it with one foot. If it seems sufficiently stable, he drops the bundles of armor in the middle and climbs aboard, looking for some means of propelling the craft. "I believe we should take separate craft, as I am unsure how much weight these can handle." he remarks, his helm swiveling towards their guide for assurance.
"Kothar's idea to go first has merit. He does not call as much attention to himself as I and would be able to scout ahead more effectively. Better that we have advanced warning of any dangers in our path as we seem to spend much time debating the best course of action." Xantrius says as he clanks along even louder than normal with the added burden of the armor.
Unless someone wishes to wear the armor, Xantrius gathers it together in a bundle wrapped up with the cultists' cloaks. He slings it over his shoulder so that he can drop it should there be need to fight and lets the rest of the group decide who is going to take the potion, scroll and gold. Turning to their guides he asks "Is your village far?"
"It is not merely the symbol. The weapons they bear are also traditional of those who follow the Demon Lord of Beasts and Labyrinths. But you are right; let us gather their belongings and move on." He offers a few words over the bodies before they leave. "Though these men served the cause of evil and all that is vile and ugly in the world, let it be remembered that they did at least one good turn by removing a threat to the people that dwell here."
"No true follower of Iomedae would carry that symbol! This is most disturbing. If cultists of Baphomet have infiltrated the ranks of the crusaders, it is even more vital that we reach the surface quickly to warn the city, if they do not already know. This may be why the demons were able to attack Kenabres, if they had spies subverting the city's defenses!" Xantrius sounds very concerned as he paces back and forth. He grabs the unholy symbol from the corpse's hand and stows it away to use as proof.
"My sincerest apologies, I meant no disrespect! I believe that the stress of this situation is getting to all of us. I am sorry for my mistake, Madam." Xantrius finishes with a short bow to Xill, hoping the dragon will understand his tone, if not his words. He looked curiously at her for a moment and wondered just how much she understood.
"So we have a plan then. Korak will use the scale to levitate and ferry each of us across the chamber with xill providing the lateral force. He should be strong enough to drag the cloud behind him, we just have to tie a rope to him. Kothar, if you would be so good as to handle that?" Xantrius directs the group, trying to keep everyone moving and provide a more unified front so as to inspire confidence in the group.
Xantrius puts away the unknown vials and cloak, figuring that he will have to go to a shop somewhere when they reach the surface to identify them. He holds his hands out for the acid and fire vials saying "If Aleziella does not wish to use these now, we should respect her wishes. They are her property. As for the creature, I am not one for wanton killing but it is a clear danger to ourselves and our charges, not to mention the folk who inhabit these caverns. There is no reasoning with it, as from what Korak tells us it is just a mindless plant. Let those with missile weapons fire upon it and the rest of us who wish to fight will cover our faces and hold our breath."
"Korak, does not the scale you received allow you to levitate? Are you able to take anyone with you?" Xantrius begins to ask before he catches sight of Kothar and his pet taking to the air. As they fly over the gap, he calls out. "Wait! Take one end of the rope with you. If you can securely tie it on the other side, we will have a guideline to help us cross."
"Aleziella, when we first met you mentioned that I was in one of your prophetic dreams and now you say these folk were in one as well. Was this the same dream? If these are visions of the future, perhaps you should tell us all what you remember of them that we might better know what is coming." Xantrius asks as he moves to aid her in climbing over a pile of debris.
"Thank you for your hospitality! Fear not, we have already braved many dangers and we have made it through unscathed. Show us the way, and we shall face down anything that might seek to stop us." Xantrius says boldly with a flourish as he draws his sword. He looks to Crel and asks "I hope you were not too badly injured in the cave in?"
"Of course, we shall help in any way we can." While showing no outward surprise, he is very curious about these strange people and goes over various texts in his mind to find any mention of people such as this. After sheathing his sword and stowing his shield on his back, he studies the rock for a moment to find the best angle for lifting. He asks "Who will aid me?" before gripping it and heaving with all his might.
On the long trek up the tunnels, Xantrius drops back near the wounded and speaks to Aravashnial in a low voice. After some discussion about various tomes on demons and the lower planes that he consulted in the library, he asks, "I hope that you might be willing to help me once we return to the surface. You seem quite knowledgeable, I wonder if you might have some association with the Librarium of the Broken Black Wing? I have been trying without success to speak with the head librarian for several days, but have always been told that he is busy. I would be greatly appreciative if you could assist me in gaining an audience with him!"
When they arrive at the collapsed cavern, he moves closer and asks, "Greetings, do you require aid?"
Yes, it looks like we still have 2 rations left from what we found. With the food we had before, we actually have 14 days left. Tanya, did you miss my post about trying to identify the potions, scroll and cloak?
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