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Seeing that they are walking by this little house Andre will try to take a peek inside if he can as he walks by. He will not doddle but will take a casual look for curiosities sake.
I will just take a peek nothing more
He does so as the rest of those not looking pass him by and will move on once several pass and he gets his quick look in.
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As the group starts moving, Halorn realizes something. . "Hey, weren't we supposed to try to sneak across the border or something? Or at least avoid getting reported?"
"If this is the entrance to some other land, maybe we can bribe our way across like we did with the troll. I'm not sure what problems we might face if we get caught with these goblins."
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Yukie is curious about the out-of-place hut as well, and while she intends to move along, she stops a moment to cast Detect Magic on it, and will continue to do so if she detects something strange. "Another bribe may be in order, yes. The best scenario is that we avoid detection, and I suppose we should thank the spirits that we haven't encountered anyone yet."
If her spell and Andre's peek reveal nothing interesting, then she hurries along with the rest of the group.
The goblins are shaking their collective heads, as they know little of where they are right now.
"Is house!"
"Mebbie goblin house?"
"Stoepiet! Goblin no live in house!"
"ME NO STOEPIED!"
"I'll kill you!"
"RAAAAAA"
You see the tiny hut grow closer in the distance as you walk away.
You have a strange feeling wash over you. It could not have been this easy? Why was it there? What could have been its purpose? Did we succeed, or fail horribly?
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The party proceeds, and while they walk silently, those strange, irrational feelings claw at her mind. While at first, her face remains a mask of calm, it doesn't take long for her to need to voice something, anything.
"...This may sound strange, but I keep thinking this house was some sort of test, and we failed it." It's likely the first time most of the group hears her voice trembling like this.
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Horatius turns to look at Yukie and puts a consoling hand on her shoulder as he says, "It is not a strange thing. We are Pathfinders and curiosity runs strong in all of us. But you can be certain that we have done the right thing. Our mission is clear and we acted as our duty required. These goblins will be delivered safely to our destination and our group stands strong and in good health."
For a moment he looks around taking in the surrounding woodlands while the moisture of his breath floats lightly upon the chill breeze. Pulling his cloak a bit closer he continues, "This is a hard land ruled by evil sorceries and blood thirsty beasts. Here Erastils order has been flipped on its head and made a foul mockery. It yet contains much that is beautiful but we can not forget the underlying corruption of nature that has occurred here. For our small band to survive this place we must put aside those feelings that would waylay us from our charge or divide our strengths."
His words spoken he gives a brief bow and then resumes his post in the line of march.
You have now left Irrisen completely behind and crossed into the easternmost region of the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, a barren and well defended land called Hagreach. You were told this last part would be the easiest, as the castellan has given his blessing for you to escort their captives to the extraction team.
The woods open to a clearing where a large, grass-covered mound, like a small oblong hill, dominates the area. A stout wooden door is set directly into the side of the mound, while a thin trail of smoke rises from the very top. Immediately to the south is a wooden horse stable, all of its doors closed.
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The sight of the way station heartens the Paladin and he gives a brief prayer of thanks to Erastil. Halting the party a short way from the structure he says, "It would probably be best if we did not initially approach in force. These brave folk guard a dangerous border and might believe us to be foes. Perhaps three or four of us could herald our approach? I will gladly join such a group or guard our charges as the party feels best."
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Not seeing any objection to his suggestion Horatius says, "Andre would you join me? Your words and demeanor may well be our best asset in this. Also Jory I would appreciate your sharp eyes and bow with us. For the rest please keep your eyes sharp and try and keep our little..friends... out of site until we can explain the situation."
If all are in agreement Horatius will sheath his sword and start walking with Jory and Andre towards the building. He'll take efforts to be visible and keep his empty hands in sight.
Repeat:
The woods open to a clearing where a large, grass-covered mound, like a small oblong hill, dominates the area. A stout wooden door is set directly into the side of the mound, while a thin trail of smoke rises from the very top. Immediately to the south is a wooden horse stable, all of its doors closed.
When those of you that continue on come closer, you can see a man coming in your direction. Apparently you have been noticed from afar.
"Hello friends, we've been expecting you. My name is Enrik," he says while he emerges from the longhouse’s entrance and greets you warmly.
"The castellan advised me of your impending arrival and intent, so please allow me to offer you the hospitality of our longhouse. I can get you a hot meal and a good drink," he says while winking at the dwarves, before continueing "before the final leg of your journey tomorrow to Trollheim."
He stares across you, and points at the goblins.
"If you want, you can secure the little buggers in our emptied storage room. And please, tell your friend to come closer. Me and my mates won't bite, you know." He laughs heartily. You are not certain if he's 100% sober.
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"Well met Enrik, it is good to see a friendly face after our long trek through the witches lands. What news from the kingdoms and the border?"
Horatius is genuinely friendly but that doesn't remove his natural alertness. As he addresses the man he glances about to get a sense of the place and to look for the "mates" the man mentioned.
The man appears to be telling the truth, but you are uncertain if the twitch in his eyes is because he's nervous, or because that's just him.
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Tiasar doesn't react as Morde lands on his shoulder, but he doesn't relax either. He puts a hand up to his allies, but doesn't wave their weapons away "Neither one of us wants any bloodshed here, and I believe the backup you have" he inclines his head towards the lookout "Isn't quite enough help"
The Ulfen man takes a step back when you point the bow and the sword in his direction, and you can tell he's not as startled as you might expect. These lands and the fact that this longhouse is near the border might be hints as to why. He does not draw his sword yet, and with his arms stretched before him he beckons to put the weapons away.
"Men, men, please. Why revert to violence so suddenly? Have I said anything inappropriate? It was not my intention."
He looks you in the eyes, while he continues:
"My name is Enrik Ironjaw, and I am a lieutenant. I am the highest ranking soldier here, and am leading the Blackravens who are up in the house. Your bird has probably seen Svetlana, who is on the roof looking for you. She informed me, so I came out to greet you.
As for how I know who you are and where you are going, I have been informed by Freyr Darkwine. He is both the Blackravens’ commander and Trollheim’s castellan, as you might recall. He passed word to me to expect your arrival and passing through the area with your..."
he looks over your shoulders, and continues:
"captives and to let you through with the goblins in tow."
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Looking
"My apologies as well Lieutenant Ironjaw. You have greeted us with friendship and we replied with distrust, it was not our intent. Given the boarder you guard I can only hope you understand our caution."
With that Horatius sheaths his weapon and says "I'll be a moment getting the rest of the group.".
Leaving Jory and Tiasar to speak further with the man Horatius heads back to the group. Once there he says, "We've been greeted by a Lieutenant Enrik Ironjaw of the Blackravens. He has been apprized of our mission and offers us lodging for the night. There is also a watcher on the roof of the lodge named Svetlana. Much of what he says rings true but Jory seemed to find something in his demeanor odd. It may just be natural caution on a dangerous border but I recommend we keep an eye out and especially on our charges. There are many who would prefer they not be questioned."
Lieutenant Ironjaw bows, and steps aside to show you the longhouse.
"You are welcome to stay, as I've said before. If you want, I can get you a hot meal and a good drink before the final leg of your journey tomorrow to Trollheim."
He points at the goblins.
"And I'll even repeat my offer to use our emptied storage room, where you can, if you want, secure the little buggers. Nothing else in there and a sturdy door up front, so they should be safe."