Talthan appered lost in thought for a minute before speaking "I would recommed camping for the night. I doubt the dark elves will try a frontal assault now that they think that they are outnumbered and riding on in the middle of the night might just be the next best thing to suicide. If we do camp then we should have several people on guard at all times though."
Kethas seemed a little more bold as he stepped into the center of the group. He seemed as if he was splitting his concentration between a couple of things as he looked off into the distance and spoke. "This course is not safe, we will not fool them again by the trick I conjured. Especially when they discover that a column of troops are not moving against them. We should turn around and go back, even if it means travelling by night, and take the other path." Kethas watched everyone carefully as sweat ran down his forehead and his eyes had a glazed over appearance. He looked angrily at each in the group before turning to his mount. He put his hand on the saddle horn and relaxed his concentration. The effort caused him to falter, but he caught himself before he fell as he grasped the saddle horn tightly and literally pulled himself into the saddle. Looking at the others with an ashen face and shaking hands he stated simply. "Well ?"
Dismounting, Humus swore at the cowardly act of attacking his mount. "These elves have no honor at all !" he spat after examining Valor's hooves more closely. "I think that we need to press on a little bit further tonight maybe put a few leagues between us and here, but not the entire night, we all need the rest. I don't want to risk the elves coming back with reinforcements while we sleep." Looking at Valor's hooves he added, "and they lack the honor to face us head on - they would definitely attack while we were unprepared." His griping to no one in particular continued, "I have a feeling that we will meet with them again." Humus looked questiongly at Talthan "If we pressed on for a few leagues, do you think that you could cover our tracks to at least make it more difficult for anyone to track us?"
Talthan considered the choices before answering. "It probably wouldn’t be too hard to cover our tracks but we should send at least one person as a scout to prevent us from walking into an ambush, which is probably more of a danger than anyone following us." He looked from party member to party member before adding " I will take point again if no one else has any objections"
"Lead the way Talthan." Humus agreed before turning to Jardel, "Jardel, would you assist me here ? We won't make good time with Valor's hooves like this - even if we camp here for the night she won't be as fit for riding tomorrow. I can do a little to start the healing process, but I know that you have some healing powers that could greatly speed things up." Quickly his attention turned to Da Ghiri, "Please - no offense intended. I can tell that Jardel also has a way with horses and I think that Valor would accept his help a little more readily."
Da Ghiri just smiled and bowed to Humus. "No ooffense taken my friend. I am sure Jardel will doo very well. As loong as Valor is cared foor, I am content."
Somewhat surprised at the quick turn of events Jardel appeared confused. "What, that was your illusion Kethas, with those horse riders approaching, and I was wondering, who was showing in such a timely rescue! Good work." Then he attended to the injured Valor. "Certainly Humus, I will gladly take on to careful inspection and healing of Valor." First he removed his gauntlets. Next he grabbed the reigns of Valor and whispered some undiscernable words of comfort to the horse. Lifting one of the injured hooves, he placed his free hand on it. After a short period of time - devoting a silent prayer to Heimdall - the wounds could be seen closing immedeatly. "There you go Humus, if you had given me new horseshoes, I coul ha've changed them too in one job." Smiling at the others "Dark elves are not very nice compatriots, especially when confronting them on their terrain and when in darkness. I have no abilities to see in the dark, therefore I propose making camp as soon as possible. I care not for riding on in the darkness, maybe being ambushed. Better to set up camp and at least be somewhat prepared for another assault from some evil foe.
Taking Valor's reigns back from Jardel a look of relief was seen on Humus face. "Thank you very much Jardel. I would have preferred you to have bound Valor's wounds and let them heal naturally, but we don't have the luxury of time." Turning to the others he says spoke, "It looks like so far the general consensus is to make camp, but the question is where. There is one for going back and taking the other path, two for making camp here, and two for going on ahead a little bit and then making camp. So, what's it going to be ?"
"Hmmph ! Drow elves ... They look nasty! They would look even nastier in the dark. Are the women always so troublesome? This is all very intriguing, however I have a feeling that we should be moving on. At least for a little while." The little thief picked at his teeth hoping not to offend any of the others with his comments. Kethas ashen face looked down the road where the drow had gone as he nodded to Jardel for the compliment.
Then the group started it's debate over the course they should take once more. The mage shuddered at the thought of meeting those elves again and what they might do should they return tonight while they stayed here like idiots to be found. Besides, he had committed himself to this course of action when he vowed to the prince that he would carry out his directives. Still he would have been much more comfortable if they would turn around and go the other way. "We can't keep this up," he announced finally. "This worked this time. Next time they will be expecting an army and guess what, we don't have one. I for one am going to put as much distance between myself and those elves as I can right now, even if it means travelling at night." He grabbed the reins of his horse and turned away from the party as he rode back the way they had come.
Culdat sat astride his pony staring off into the darkness of the trees while listening intently to the conversation taking place before him. "I'll go with the majority. The feeling in my belly is that whichever route we take will bring us into danger. Personally, I would rather ride a while longer and choose a clearing in which to camp. Somewhere where we can at least see a little farther into the woods. The holy fighter can sense certain signs of evil, however, not all dangers out there are evil."
After thinking for a moment, Humus added "Culdat, you are right - no matter what we do we will most likely be in danger , especially after this encounter with the drow. "I'm with you on the opinion of finding a more defendable camp for the night, but of course majority rules - it is the only just way of doing things. The thing is that even a holy warrior must sleep sometime. We will all have to sleep in shifts to make sure that we are not caught totally off guard."
Seeing Kethas wishing to depart, Da Ghiri sighed. "While I was against choosing this path", the priest confered, "now that we have taken it I believe we should continue on it. Indecision will only serve our enemy. I think it would be wise if we were too travel a bit further until we can find a defensible campsite. As for the watch throughout the night, with others taking shifts and sharing the watch with me if they wish. I will meditate while I watch, it is more restful than sleep and I will remain completely aware of my surroundings".
Jardel packed his shiny shield back onto the horse and saddles back up onto Aistlin. "It looks like achieving a consensus here in this group is difficult. We have decided to venture down this path - more dangerous or not - so turning around and going back the other way would only be showing defeat and a considerable loss in time. Travelling on now into the darkness in my eyes is a mistake. We have been sent on a dangerous mission which will be getting harder with each league we get closer to Balazaar! Like I said, let us camp now and use the advantage of diminishing daylight to secure our camp. Maybe Talthan and Culdat can set some traps and snares. We should look for an easily defendable location, maybe with some partial concealment from unwelcome eyes. Every member should participate in taking a watch, perhaps in one hour turns. Each party member could share a post with a guard or with Kothas personally. That way we maximize our sleep. For starters, I would take first watch with a guard. In the morning I require only a short prayer ceremony. Talthan, you take point like you said and find an appropriate spot to stop. "Kethas, your fear is warranted in the face of dark elves. I have never seen them myself before until today. I only know they have great magical abilties not to be underestimated." His gaze temporarily left Kethas. "Unfortunately, these foes are only the beginning which will hopefully culminate in facing and defeating of a demon with his horde."
Returning his sight towards the mage, Jardel was speaking to thin air. Seemingly Kethas had dissipated into darkness, as he walked back south the way the party came - unfortunately his departure bothered nobody.
After a short period of journeying Talthan spotted a clearing in the twilight about 20 yards into the forest to the west. As good as a camp site as any, it would conceal the adventurers from most eyes, 40 feet wide, it could easily accomodate a group of this size. Kothas walked his horse to the side of the road, "I'll put my men on watch tonight, two men per four hour shift, I will be on the last shift, four hours before dawn. If anyone would like to add their talents to the shifts, all help is appreciated." he said and trotted his horse into the clearing, being careful not to trample too many bushes as he headed into the woods. Getting off his horse at a strong tree, the strong lieutenant tethered his mount to a nearby tree and grabbed his bedroll off of his saddle, laying it down on the forest floor. He instructed his men on what shift they were on and ordered them to wake him four hours before dawn. Leaving them, he walked to the group, "I could send a few men tomorrow morning to find your friend Kethas if you like?" The men prepared their bedrolls around the perimeter of the clearing, leaving the protected inside open for the group. Two of the soldiers began walking the perimeter in opposite directions of each other, watching the forest around them. As they passed each other, they nodded to each other as if telling the other he saw nothing.
After Humus tethered Valor to a tree, he decided to look over the selected site. "This place looks as good as any. Kothas, I'll join you on the last watch. I believe that Jardel wishes to help with the first watch. It probably would be a good idea if we did send for Kethas no later than tomorrow morning. I do sort of worry about him out there all alone, but it was his choice to leave the safety of the group. Maybe he'll change his mind about things and come back. I have a feeling that we shouldn't build a fire. It will just draw more attention to us. What do the rest of you think?"
Jardel lead Aistlin to some near bush and tossed the reigns loosly over it. He walked across the open space and took it's location into memory. Seeming satisfied he returned to Aistlin and removed some blanktes, his shield and his shoulder sack. Searching for a spot near some bushes he dropped his pack, shield and blankets there. "Looks like I found myself a cozy spot here." Opening his sack, he retrieved some cheese and a waterskin. "Humus, I agree with you. I will take first watch with two guards. As to Kethas, he will be on his own, probably not too wrong considering the size of our party, making detection here in the woods most likely." He then walked over to Kothas "Kothas, your suggestion is reasonable. As I told Humus, I will take first watch with two guards. May Heimdall protect this patch of earthwork like the Bifrost Bridge itself." To releave his hunger he munched on his cheese and walked around camp to observe details as he watched the others unload. "Oh, and I too would refrain from lighting a fire. Might get cold, but we are not prone to be the center of attraction for others."
When things settled down for the night, Da Ghiri sat down in a lotus position in the middle of the camp and began to meditate. He watched and meditated throughout the night.
Talthan flopped on the ground and proceded to get as comfy as possible before getting to sleep "I will take the second watch, as for making a fire don't bother. Its not nessecary and it could draw unneeded attention, besides it would do you good to live without some luxuries for a change."
Caladan started to unload his horse and then started to unfold his bedroll. Later he then seated himself and looked around the party. "Well, it looks like we survived the first day, some say that the first day is all ways the hardest but then again others are of the meaning that travelling gets tougher day by day. Da Ghiri are you sure that you can remain alert while in meditation ?" While he was talking, Caladan reached into his saddlebags and pulled forth a book, which he opened and placed between his legs.
Da Ghiri nodded and smiled, "Yes Caladan, I will be fuully alert, thoough if it makes yoou feel better, I will also be completely rested after aboout four hours and can watch more conventionally."
As he discoverd what he was looking for he quickly shut the book and tossed it over to his bags, his face now in full of sorrow. As he looked up again he talked. "I'm sorry, I've lived the way of a warrior for several years now, but sometimes I still urge for the power I once wielded. I think the spellcasters in the group and I should have a talk about how we are going to use our magic."
Culdat climbed up into the boughs of a large tree nearby, not fully wanting to be caught on the ground if any trouble occured. After scrambling up the tree trunk and onto the heaviest branch he settled himself in for the night, knowing that he was not likely get the sleep that he so longed for. Each watch took up position and watched over the men.
Frightfull dreams filled the adventurers heads in turn as each slept, wild dreams. A huge, plate armored man rose above a field of fire, a fierceome beastial helm adorning his head. He laughed as another figure emerged behind him, even larger than the human. As it came into sight, it appeared to be a man of immense size, perhaps 10 feet tall. Handsome features aligned his face as he grinned. A go-tee gave a sinister look, small horns protruding from his forhead. A deep growling, yet charming, voice filled every head, but the words were lost in a pillar of flames engulfing ones body, searing heat burning one to the core.
The members awke in a cold sweat, the early morning dew dripping from the trees, making the ground soft and wet. The top of the sun could be seen rising above the blue waters of the Laine river. The group had lived through their first night together in a drow infested forest. As each looked at one another trying to figure out the meaning of such a dream, Kothas and another guards walked around waking those not already awake. Apparantly the neither the soldiers nor Kothas dreamt of this evil being, as they appear well rested. "You all look as though you've each seen ghosts, what a night." Kothas said looking at the group. "I'll send two of my men back for Kethas to try to talk him into coming back" He shouted at the two guards who took first watch last night, ordering them to go back along the road to find the mage.
Caladan looked at the group "You guys look as bad as I feel, did you dream too?" He dressed and armed himself. When he was through with arming himself he started to prepare his horse for travel, then sat down and ate.
Humus watched the others get up. They looked like he felt when he had risen to take watch. After everyone had gotten up, Humus decided to eat a little breakfast. Taking some food he walked over and sat by Jardel. "It looks like you didn't sleep well last night either. I had the most horrible dream right before I woke up to take watch." Humus relayed his dream to Jardel. "I haven't had a dream such as that since my father mysteriously disappeared several years ago." Finishing eating breakfast, Humus got to his feet. "I wonder if they will find Kethas soon. After I get Valor ready for the day's ride, I'm going to do a little practicing. Would you like to do a little sparring while we wait for the guards to return ?" Smiling, Humus added, "It doesn't hurt to keep your skills honed and that little bit of an edge might even safe your life one day."
Being the last one to get up, Jardel rose and strapped on his plate mail armor. Sitting next to Humus he munched on his remaining cheese and fresh water. "Indeed Humus, I too had disturbing images of even Asmodeus trying to burn himself into the very core of my soul. Praise Heimdall for his strength , virtue, and power in protecting us this day against all evil and chaos." Standing up, he stood arms crossed in front of Humus, an intimidating stature of a knight in shining, white hued armor. "So Humus Giantbane, son of Strum Giantbane, you wish to do a little sparring, eh? So be it, but mind to use the flat of your sword. First three body hits wins - agreed. May the best man win." Jardel donned his helm and picked up his shield. Drawing his long sword he positioned himself for combat.
Humus and Jardel took positions directly in front of one another and saluted, a well know salute of warriors of honor, sword to sword, they touched high above their heads before engagement. Jardel lunged forward at Humus. Moving at the last second, Jardel suprised Humus with a feint to the left, then an upper swing that would have likely taken a head off but was pulled at the last second. The blow was felt by more than body as Humus realised he had left himself open, and cursed himself. But this was a ploy that was bought by Jardel hook, line, and sinker as Humus swift blade lunged forward against the plated breast of the paladin, catching him off guard. One for one so far. Humus took the opportunity to strike a quick slap against Jardels side, showing him his ribs were open for anything. Humus got overconfident and swung a sloppy slash that was easily avoided by the nimble Jardel, who swung in rebuttal but was parried with ease. Humus swung high, slapping Jardel against his neck, delivering a mock killing blow.
Jardel, taken aback by the sudden change of technique spun to his left, and fell to the ground, accepting defeat with a comedic death. Da Ghiri nodded in response to Caladan's question. "I did not dream", the priest said, "but a disturbing vision came to me while I was meditating. I believe our enemy may be trying to discover and intimidate us." While the guards were out seeking the wayward mage and the warriors sparred, Da Ghiri moved off to one side, quieted himself, and then went through an intricate, stylized set of martial arts excercises and manuevers.
Talthan muttered about strange dreams involving goatmen after rising "I am willing to bet that this dream we seem to have been having, has something to do with our missing mage. I want everyone to know that if those guards don’t get back soon then I am going after them myself. After all we can hardly stick around here in drow infested woods much longer and remain safe" With that he quickly gathered his things while he watched the sparring contest with some interest. He appeared to be listening carefully to the wilderness and scanning the ground for tracks.
The little halfling climbed down slowly from the tree branches above the group, unable to figure out how he managed to stay up in the tree with all of the tussling about he did last night in his sleep. "What a night ! I have a feeling like we're tiny, tiny mice walking into a big, big cage. I've never had a dream like that before, so vivid and life like. What's for breakfast ?"
The party spent many hours awaiting the guards that sought Kethas. Eventually everyone felt that they were not coming, and began making preperations to go back. The sun had risen high in the sky, the heat of summer setting in to beat the coolness of spring. Quickly dark clouds emerged from the distance to the north, as if a foreshadowing of future events. Lightning flashed as if seeking a target. Morale amongst the troops begins to ebb, even Kothas wasn’t able to bring up their mood. Off in the distant south, a dust cloud rolled above the horizon. Bracing for anything, the group watched in grim determination. Three figures soon were made out, one in the fore, two behind, as if in formation. By now rain began falling in the late afternoon as winds turn cool. The three figures slowed as they wereseen, as if catching their breath. Soon, the familiar faces of Kethas and the two guards was made out. Kethas appears very tired.
Kothas dismounted his horse and greeted them. "Winston, Grathe, it is good to see you alive again." he spoke, grasping their hands in comfort. One could get the feeling he got along well with his men. "I am glad not to have to tell your wives of a roadside misfortune" he said with a shuddering sigh. "Kethas, I was worried about your whereabouts, as was everyone. I am glad to see you as well." he said walking to the mage, "Is there anything I can do to help you ?"
Angrily Jardel shook his fist at the arriving Kethas "Damn you ! Just because of your personal interests we have spent the entire day accomplishing nothing. Over this I cannot be amused. I will have no more individual actions. We are here as a party and we will stick together from now on. If anybody wishes to leave next time - don't count on my future help. We said time was valuable, so we took the shortest route. Now this folly. Explain yourself Kethas." Veins popping out in his reddened face, Jardel's mood switches to a previously unknown hardness.
Da Ghiri seemed disturbed, "Oour lack of cooperation is playing right into oour enemy's hands. He does not eeven have to put obstacles in oour way, we deelay oourselves while he loooks on, laughing. I say we use whatever light we have left to make up soome of the time we have lost today."
Kethas sagged in the saddle as he listened to the guardsman and then Da Ghiri speak their minds. His unshaven face was beginning to show signs of a beard as he turned to watch the road behind him. "Humanoids are on the move." He announced, "as close as a day away from the palace. I met up with some of them before I decided to return. We should press on and accept our deaths at the hands of the enemy as we face them down." Kethas looked decidedly angry as he thought of the course ahead of them, but what choice did any of them have. The gods were certainly testing their metal this time. He just wished that a path other than the road existed that would get them to their destination. To him it was a folly to take the road the enemy would likely use to move it's army on. Humus face was grim, "Da Ghiri, you are right. We have wasted enough time fighting among ourselves. The die has been cast, and we all must accept it whether we like it or not. I agree with you. We should press on and try to make up as much time as we can before dark."
Jardel continued "You speak of humanoids ? Why in the first place did you ride back ? As Humus and Da Ghiri are of consensus, I too will ride on into the night. May the moon and the stars guide our way. No more time is to be wasted. We have our mission and must succeed, no matter what happens back at the palace." Jardel saddled himself onto Aistlin and awaited the departure eagerly.
Kethas looked at the man with more than a little surprise. Then as his rant continued he looked down at the man shaking his fist. "It was rash to take this course to begin with," he accused them all. He got down off his horse and stepped up to the warrior and looked him straight in the eye. "But I had forgotten my duty to the king and my lord. I was reminded back along the trail. If you are hell bent on facing this army down, by all the gods I'll die beside you ! I'll not have my family name suffer because I thought better. And for that matter perhaps the god of fools with favor us and we make it through the lines." He watched Jardel as he turned to mount Aistlin as the warrior sat awaiting the departure. Kethas remounted too. He was exhausted but that was a small price to pay he realized as he took his position within the group.
"Well well, the entire weight of the world seems to be difficult task to carry. Humans do so like to argue, I find it quite amusing myself. Da Ghiri, have you figured out how to float someone yet ? All this bickering has gotten me rather hungry. Maybe we could float ourselves over to this demons place, and leave the dark ones below." The little halfling looked sleepily at the rest of the group and shrugged his shoulders.
Da Ghiri smiled at the Halflings question. "I am soorry Culdat, but I have not. Yoou, however, will bee the first to know if I do." Talthan considered the moment carefully before speaking "Da Ghiri is definately right, we shoud press on right away before anyone can get the drop on us.
"After hearing the angry words and what everyone wanted to do, Humus sighed, "Now that we are all together, let us try to put our past differences behind us and try to get along. Dwelling on our mistakes - past and current - will do us no good." Also, it appears that we have a consensus on what to do. We press on. Talthan, will you take point ?" Talthan nodded and hurried his horse ahead of the group. Soon he was lost from sight as he turned a bend. Realizing he had left the group, he stopped to remain in sight, then he resumed his lead.
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