Barduk & Fort Critwall

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego leaves the mourning woman to herself, looking around for the others.

Once he is finally guided to the meeting, he bursts into the room unfashionably late.

“A lovely celebration of remembrance and death, and these people have a lot to celebrate.”

Once caught up on the situation and the “book”, the ranger speaks.

“Well this doesn’t really change my mind about our mission. I came along with the hope of bettering this land, and this new twist seems pretty important to me.”

He lets the others catch the man up on details about early confrontations they’ve encountered.

[Darklin2]

Sai

Well I think his name was Sergeant Krayquer . He was the one who gave us all the times that it would take for travel to each stop. He was off by like 2 days on the first and second legs. Guy was an ass when we met. Gave us some story about Lizardmen operating in the area as spies. We haven't seen any Lizardmen at all. Orcs and Bandits but that is about all. Some Lyconthrope the beginning of the trip but no lizardmen. Guy as an idiot. So what ya think about some spell swapping. I have a few you may not.

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr is intrigued with this new information. Jetero, does Malin and the female know you were not Jasmalus? Could one of them be this spy or traitor you speak of?

[hedgeknight]

Muldgarr is intrigued with this new information. Jetero, does Malin and the female know you were not Jasmalus? Could one of them be this spy or traitor you speak of?

"I do not suspect them. My brother has never met them, but has heard of them among other caravaners as being decent folk. No, they do not suspect me as anyone other than their "silent" partner, Jasmalus."

His voice cracks a bit at the mention of his dead twin's name, but he recovers enough to hold off Sai for a moment while he turns to Montego.

“Well this doesn’t really change my mind about our mission. I came along with the hope of bettering this land, and this new twist seems pretty important to me.”

"It does my heart good to hear you say that. This new 'twist' is important, crucial to the future of Furyondy."

Turning back to Sai, Jetero offers a rare grin.
"Now, my eager friend, what do you wish of me?"

Well I think his name was Sergeant Krayquer . He was the one who gave us all the times that it would take for travel to each stop. He was off by like 2 days on the first and second legs. Guy was an ass when we met. Gave us some story about Lizardmen operating in the area as spies. We haven't seen any Lizardmen at all. Orcs and Bandits but that is about all. Some Lyconthrope the beginning of the trip but no lizardmen. Guy as an idiot. So what ya think about some spell swapping. I have a few you may not.

"Krayquer...I've never trusted him."
Jetero quickly writes something in his journal, using a thin piece of wood he pulls from its rest on top of his ear.
"He purposely told you wrong times, hoping you might run out of food or water...perhaps also to delay you. Who knows his true intent? Regardless, we made it here. As for spells, I normally do not 'swap' them, but on occasion, my old mentor contacts me with something new and interesting. You know it takes awhile to copy spells. I would like for you to leave as soon as possible. But...after our meeting, perhaps we could...compare notes?"

[ChubbyPixie]

Kranston sits back, mildly disappointed at the mundanity of "the book."

"Ah, well... but... still. Spy stuff. For a good cause. Which is cool. I'd write a song about it. But it's secret," he says, then, "Wait, what do we get out of this? It is above and beyond our agreement." His eyes narrow. He taps the side of his forehead. "We're no dummies," he says.

[Bluehorse]

"I enjoy your singing," croons a woman, suddenly appearing beside the tipsy centaur. Her skin is flushed, sweat runs between her breasts, her hair is disheveled; he carries a small glass of wine. "Perhaps we can go somewhere...and you can sing for me in private. I could rub you...down and then maybe go for...a ride?"
She runs her hand along Adelphocles' belly...and lower still as she talks, pressing herself up against him.

Adelphocles

Grins down on the woman and nods. Ah, thank you Lady. his withers quiver at her touch and he grins broader still. A Sylvan Son always attuned to nature's queues, he leans in to speak with the woman. I am Adelphocles, how are you called my Lady?

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr

Jetero, where will you go? If you do not go with us, your fate may be sealed, you will be hunted!

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

He remains quiet, listening to the conversation but reading the book. He's trying to determine if it is accurate and helpful to the Fururondy side. Basically, he's trying to determine if the book would help Iuz or not.

His ears perk up the Kranston mentions another payday.

[hedgeknight]

"Ah, well... but... still. Spy stuff. For a good cause. Which is cool. I'd write a song about it. But it's secret," he says, then, "Wait, what do we get out of this? It is above and beyond our agreement." His eyes narrow. He taps the side of his forehead. "We're no dummies," he says.

Jetero snorts and shakes his head. "I would never call you a dummy to your face, Master Kranston, and rest assured, you will be compensated for your extra trouble. Perhaps after all of this is over, a song about our journey together, yes?"

Jetero, where will you go? If you do not go with us, your fate may be sealed, you will be hunted!

"I will stay here. As caravan guards, you are inconspicuous and will attract little attention leaving the fort. Should I go with you, it could compromise your mission. It is imperative my notebook get to Jeremiah. When do you suppose you will be ready to depart?"


Outside, the bonfire is renewed with more wood...and the conversation between centaur and woman heats up.

Adelphocles grins down on the woman and nods. Ah, thank you Lady. his withers quiver at her touch and he grins broader still. A Sylvan Son always attuned to nature's queues, he leans in to speak with the woman. I am Adelphocles, how are you called my Lady?

The woman smiles, her fingernails scratching the taut skin along Adel's shaft. "I am Zamora. Why have you come among us, Adelphocles? Are you sent from the Mother?"
Zamora lays her head against Adel's side, eyes closed, listening to his strong heart beat.

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr shakes his head in agreement with Jetero. We should leave no later than tomorrow morn...gather the others and ready them for traveling and be weary of others helping to hinder our cause.

[Bluehorse]

"I am Zamora. Why have you come among us, Adelphocles? Are you sent from the Mother?"

Adelphocles

The centaur smiles and lays a hand on her head and running his fingers through her hair. Lady, I couldn't answer that question if I knew. Why do our ancestors send us anywhere? Somewhere in the beyond the fates write their great plan and we but follow the path we are given; however, the simple answer is the only one I know and can offer.... I am but a simple guard for yonder caravan. Fate brought me to them, and fate carries me on.
But for tonight, Lady Zamora... it has brought me to you. he grins.

[hedgeknight]

Adelphocles
The centaur smiles and lays a hand on her head and running his fingers through her hair. Lady, I couldn't answer that question if I knew. Why do our ancestors send us anywhere? Somewhere in the beyond the fates write their great plan and we but follow the path we are given; however, the simple answer is the only one I know and can offer.... I am but a simple guard for yonder caravan. Fate brought me to them, and fate carries me on. But for tonight, Lady Zamora... it has brought me to you. he grins.

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"And for that, I thank the fates or the gods or who-the-fuck-ever. Come, I know a place we can go and refill our mugs."
She takes Adel's hand and attempts to lead him away...

[Bluehorse]

Adelphocles happily let's the beauty lead him. He is eager to see where she takes him as well as seeing what she has in mind.

[ChubbyPixie]

"Well... what are we waiting for?" says Kranston, pleased at this unexpected turn of events. He reaches his hand out for the book.

"I mean besides a good night's rest and a pleasant breakfast," he adds.

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego snoops around for any more random information he can find before getting some rest.

[hedgeknight]

Northern Furyondy, 585 CY, the month of Patchwall, Waterday 19 > Secret Mission

The morning after Samhain dawns cold with a slight touch of frost on the ground. Breakfast consists of eggs from the village and links of black sausage and tough bread, washed down with cold ale or water. The merchants are still asleep when you rise...except for Jetero, who greets each of you grimly and hands over his journal of notes about the troop movements of Iuz.
"Head west along the Crystal River. You will find a pair of flat rocks leaning against each other, forming an inverted 'V' shape at the river's edge. Your contact will meet you there. Make haste my friends, and the grace of the gods be with you."

Out in the yard, Adelphocles looks like he's had a night to remember. Are those scratches along the underside of his belly near his...erm...nevermind. You get your gear and move out just as dawn breaks over the river.
You travel for nearly an hour upon small pathways through the brush near the river's edge; though a roadway follows the river southward, you are able to see that many riverside landmarks could not be spotted from the road. Even without a clear path to travel on, however, you travel steadily, if not rapidly, to the meeting place.
Another few minutes and you spot two rocks forming an inverted 'V' just as Jetero described. Then, as you scan the brush for a pathway to the landmark on the river's edge, you hear a rustling sound in the brush to your left. As you reach of weapons, perhaps expecting another ambush, out from the brush steps a small girl.

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She stares at you for several seconds, particularly Adelphocles and all the elves. "Um...I can't find Mr. Iggy or the Leaf Lady. C-can you help me?"

[ChubbyPixie]

"Ah... riiiight. Mr. Iggy and the Leaf Lady..." says Kranston and winks, knowingly. He turns to the others and whispers. "Spy stuff."

[Darklin2]

Sai

Steps forward.

Hello, Young Lady. Are you lost? Who is this Mr Iggy and Leaf Lady that you are looking for? We can help you. Where did you last see them?

Turns to the others.

We can always take a moment to be Civilized and help those in need. The Empire will not fall over a few minutes.

Alright. First off What is your name? I am Sai. Here I have something you might like.

He takes his pack off and digs around in his pack al pulls out a bag of Rock Candy. And hands her a few pieces. Puts his pack back on.

Turns back to the others.

This is not what it looks like so don't even think it.

[Bluehorse]

Adelphocles is quiet most of the morning but maintained the dopy smile that told all. He yawned a few times but kept up. Once they came to the young girl in the road he thought about her words and his eyebrows rose. He leaned over to Kranston Master Minstrel, what stories do you know of the Goddess Bridget? She is a "Leaf Lady" I am familiar with... Or perhaps a dryad? Nymph? Let us not discount this girl's account as pure fantasy...

[hedgeknight]

The girl gives Kranston an odd look and takes a step back from him.
Then Sai produces a bag of candy and the look in her eyes is one of wonder. She takes the pieces of candy in her dirty hand and crams two in her mouth so fast you hardly have time to blink. She rolls them around and the expression on her face changes almost immediately. "These are...very good. I bet," she swallows the juice from the candy, "I bet my friends would like some too. Can you help me find them?"

She puts another piece in her mouth and looks up at Adelphocles. She cocks her head to one side and studies him for several moments. Not taking her eyes off him, she asks, "Sigh, wh-what is that?"

Just then Talon lights in a nearby tree and the little girl gasps so loud she nearly chokes on her candy!