Turn 43 -- Evening

"Damn!" says Kersath after hearing that the count's men will be following along, "As far as we know, the count's men could make enough noise to draw every bandit's attention to us, and their noise will be so loud they won't hear if WE get into trouble! I don't like this one bit-especially since his advisor suggested it. Something I learned in time was that people that cannot trust others cannot be trusted themselves. Nevertheless, we must go."

Randor frowns after hearing the news from Beleg. Somewhat frustrated, he motions to Beleg, "Friend Beleg, as Tal says this does not sound right. I would like you to come with me to see the count and especially his advisor again. I will talk to them while you detect for evil intent. I will bring up the subject of the guards, that is most likely when their intent will show. I am therefore assuming that you will not be adverse to come with me?"

"Humph, I disagree," says Garth, "Their intent might be to nobly shut our mouths for the best of reasons. Still, why would he risk his son in such an attempt on our lives? Let's just all offer to accompany his guards. I personally do not relish the thought of spending the night here with so many unanswered and suspicious questions. Besides, I really don't like us splitting up."

As Randor is speaking to Beleg, Talimar looks skyward for a long moment and mutters something about overprotective parents. He then turns to Randor, "I doubt that will be necessary, I believe that the Count is just being protective. Beleg would have known if the count was planning ill will against us."

"I don't believe that the count is planning anything against us," begins Beleg, "although I agree with Randor that Anderon is not the most trustworthy person I've ever met." Beleg then turns to Randor, "Brother Randor, I believe that nothing positive will come from another audience with the Count and I fear that we may raise his ire if we bother him further. My advice is that we leave him alone."

"Well, there is not much we can do about it, but some of us should go with the guards and make sure they stay out of trouble, and don't get too close. Any volunteers?" Talimar sighs as he thinks longingly of the soft bed he was planning on making use of that night.

"I mislike the odds of the guards versus us," answers Garth. "Perhaps if the rest of us travelled with the guards, just to keep them honest, we could even things out? The Count couldn't fault us for trying to lend an extra hand to keep his son safe."

Randor replies to Tal, "You are probably right but that is not the only reason I wish to go. I will try to convince him against sending along the escort, or at least making it smaller and lighter armored so as not to attract attention."

Kersath turns to Talimar and Beleg, "Can either of you convince the guards to follow as far behind as possible? The forests are quiet at night and ten armed and armoured men, especially with no stealth training can make as much noise as a charging herd of buffalo. For all we know, the boy might run off and try to attack them out of not knowing!"

"Tal," begins Ortho, "There is something I want to do here, dwarven instincts, you know? This bit with the boy is not of me liking and I see little good to come o' it. There are considerable risks and I am not convinced the payoff is appropriate for such."

"Anyway, if ya make this a Company jaunt then I will join the guards to keep an eye on them. Or should I say me axe? Else, I will decline to 'volunteer' as I feel I have business here. Why don't ye leave Ras and me here while the rest o' ye go and play the 'famous adventurers' bit?"

"You can of course stay here," answers Tal, "No one extra need go if they do not wish to."

Gnore frowns as the inclusion of the guards has complicated things, "I hope we're not still allowing Kre to play the ruse on this adventure?" Gnore huffs as the thrill of the boy's first adventure quickly deflates. He looks around for a tankard of ale and after finding one, drains it in one gulp.

"Couldn't be helped. I'll be waiting by the front gate." He announces before heading out the door to wait outside the keep.

"It seems to me we are brewing a tempest in a pitcher of ale." begins Druckner. "As was rightly pointed out, I don't think the count would do anything stupid when we are travelling with his son. And sending his troops to follow also seems like a sensible move. I'm surprised he didn't outright defend the kid from going to Thurmaster. I would also recommend that the rest of us stay here and stick together for the night, just to be on the safe side."

"We do have to be careful what we say to the count though. Quizzing him about the Scourage seems to be a bad idea since he's involved somehow. We should just carry on and learn what we can from the count's son. Beleg says they have no evil intent so I say let's do it. I don't think Kre should stage a false attack though, 'cause that could get dangerous for everybody." he then turns toward Talimar, "We'll, it's up to you Tal."

After Druckner finishes speaking, Garth quietly clears his throat to get everyones attention, "I believe I know why Count Parlfray is concerned about the troubles in the Thornwood."

Garth speaks quietly so the servants do not overhear, "Some close, older family member resides therein and is under a cloud of trouble. Either this family member is causing the trouble or he is suffering from it. We should proceed cautiously in pursuing this matter. If the count did not wish to share this with us it becomes a political issue."

"That's just great!" answers Tal with a deep sigh. "Just what we needed." He then turns to address Randor and the rest of the group, "I think we should avoid the Count, if we press the point he would probably only dig his heels in. We will just have to hope a night hike to Thurmaster will be an adventure for the boy."

"The rest of us will stay here and get some supplies and meet you in Thurmaster in the morning."

"Agreed!" answer all the companions in unison.

The companions that are staying behind then get up from the table and wearily head to their rooms. As the servants are leading them through the corridors to the guest chambers, a group of guards fall in behind the companions.

"What is the need for the guards?" asks Talimar to the Mistress of Servants who was leading them to their chambers.

"Count's orders," says the lady with a shrug. One of the guards following then moves forward to address Talimar and the companions as they reach the rooms.

"I am Garen," says the large warrior standing before Talimar. He appears to be young of face but he has a much older wisdom hidden deep within his eyes. "My men and I will be stationed outside your quarters for the evening. Count Parlfray is concerned with your safety, what with the rash of attacks that you and your company has suffered lately and felt that it would be better to be safe than sorry. If you need anything during the evening, just ask one of us." Garen then bows deeply before taking up his position outside Talimar's door as the rest of his men follow suit.

As Garen spoke, Beleg prayed to Forseti and searched the man's heart as well as his men. No evil was detected from any of them, nor did he believe that Garen was being deceptive in any way. With a deep scowl, Ortho, Druckner and Ras enter their rooms, Ortho emphasizing his displeasure with a deep slam of his door.

The rooms that the group are ushered into are very nice indeed. Each room has a rather nice, large bed to one corner beside a nice dressing mirror. There are also several chairs around a small table, bookshelves lined with varying types of books (mostly historical) and behind one of the two doors besides the entrance is a hot bath waiting for any who wish to enjoy it. The only other door in the rooms opens up into a rather large, walk-in closet (empty of course). Ortho, Ras, and Druckner all search the rooms for possible exits but none are found, even the windows appear to be locked. The only exit appears to be by the guard posted outside everyone's door.