Turn 45--Decisions

After Lyntern, Dalaes and all his men leave, Kersath speaks up in a very decisive tone, one that you don't quite expect from the usually-quiet ranger, "I say we head for the Thornwood. It's closer and those bandit attacks have been getting more and more serious. We can get the supplies we need for that even here or in Milborne and I say we go! Those attacks have got to come to an end! The lives of the quiet, happy people that live in this area cannot be threatened like this any more!"

For once, you notice that the ranger is not exactly the mild-mannered always-keeps-to-himself person you had gotten used to. Apparently he stands up for what he believes in.

Beleg looks at Kersath and says, "I agree with you friend Kersath, we should think first of the poor folk who are suffering at the hands of these brigands. Let us proceed to the Thornwood with all speed!"

"I vote for going to the Thornwood as well," says Dain. "We have a hunch now. Even if we are getting paid to investigate the mines, we aren't on any certain time schedule. The Thornwood is closer and we have equipment to do it NOW."

"Dain does have a point. I am agreeable," answers Ortho.

Not really caring, Kre begins to pack up, "I don't care where we go, as long as we do not have to 'accompany' his young lordship anymore. Talk about brats, the kid didn't even have a copper on him! I really feel sorry for his father. Hmmm...if he ever needs the kid...removed... there'd be good money..." Kre wanders off pondering his new thought, even though he would never carry it out, the thought does make him a bit happy.

"I say we go to Milbourne, cash in the line of credit and get our money from Darius, then can we PLEASE go to Shadowdale and get the equipment, weapons and armor that we need." Ras says as he sits up in his chair at the table to be better heard. "I don't care if we go to the mines or the Thornwood but I think the count is depending on us going to the mines. Also, his son may come looking for us in the Thornwood. I do think we have a problem, if we return to the count after the mines that spoiled brat may want to go with us again. I think we should not return in person but send a messenger with the equipment to him, explaining in the message the reason for not visiting him in person."

Kersath starts to walk around impatiently, "All that is well and good but we need to see if we can rid the communities here from those bandits! And so far, we didn't handle them too well!" Kersath is visibly upset that some of the bandits have gotten away from the group.

"If we leave to Shadowdale now, who knows what those bandits may do! We even saw that they have magic, which means that they're not your common ruffian! And till now, our best clue is the Thornwood!"

"I say we go to Shadowdale as Ras suggested and then on to the Thornwood," offers Randor. "We really need some supplies no matter where we go."

"Humph! I don't care where we go, as long as we get moving," Gnore huffs as he sits down and drinks his ale.

"I hear you friend Gnore, I hear you," replies Dain around puffs from his pipe.

"Well, it looks like both the keep and the mines need to be looked over but I agree with Kersath that the keep looks like the better prospect," says Druckner as he sets his mug of ale down on the table.

"I think the next thing we should do is stop by Kuiper's house and ask him about this keep. He must know where it is exactly although I don't know why he didn't mention it before. He may also have some other news. I also want to go to Shadowdale to get me some chain mail but if you guys want to go to the keep first, that's ok by me."

As ideas are bandied about for where to go, Garth adds, "As for me, I defer to Talimar. I have no pressing needs at the moment. I think it would be a good idea if we were all outfitted properly afore we go off again, tho."

Ras turns back to the group and in a rather solemn tone says, "Excuse me everyone...I know you all want to get going and go to the Thornwood but I was rather poor when I met all of you as you can see by what I am wearing. I don't have leather armor nor do I have any thieving tools. I really need these things before I go adventuring anymore. If you all would want, I and whomever might want to join me could go to Milbourne and then onto Shadowdale. We could then meet you all back in Thurmaster in five or six days. We could get equipment for everyone. I don't want to break us up but I don't know what else to do."

"Well that explains why yer all fired up ta get to Shadowdale," replies Ortho excitedly. "Why didn't ye say so? Alright troops, first order of bizness is ta get everyone properly equipped. Tal, can the Count help poor Ras?"

"I don't believe so," replies Talimar, "otherwise I'm sure he would have."

"Hmmm...If there is a choice, I would like to accompany the Shadowdale expedition." Gnore frowns as he looks to the ground.

"I have some sympathy for friend Rasmussen," begins Beleg, "and I think there is some merit to his suggestion that we split up. Two or three of us going to Shadowdale and the rest of us scouting out the keep in the Thornwood seems like a good compromise. What do you think, Talimar?" Beleg then looks at the party's leader for his response.

Talimar listens to all the company has to say before speaking, "I must agree with Kersath and Beleg, we should head to the keep in the Thornwood with all possible speed. However, we should stop by Kuiper's farm to see if he has any information for us."

The elf then turns to look at Ras and Gnore, "If you need more equipment, instead of splitting up the company, why don't you get Master Gelderon or another merchant to obtain the items when he returns to Shadowdale and bring the items back. They could be back in a ride or two and you could collect the items then."

With a frown, Ras speaks up, "Fine! I will go but I need you all to understand something. My master gave me little but it did include a set of thieving tools. As I told you my mother and I were very poor, I had to sell my tools to purchase the daggers and the few possessions I have. I gave the rest of the money to my mother. Someday soon I need to return to make sure my mother is OK. Our neighbors are good people and I know they will help as much as possible but I have a duty to provide for her. This also means I need to stay alive, I will see if Gelderon is making a trip and I will see what it would cost to get what I need. I also want to send a messenger to my mother with some money and tell her I am ok. I know you are all anxious to get moving but could you give me a couple of hour to get done what I need to do? If you feel you must go could you leave a horse and I will catch up with you? Thanks, I will hurry."

Before he leaves, he turns again to Talimar, "When are you planning on honoring your agreement with those Orcish scum? I am sure we can get a ring made in Shadowdale."

Talimar grins at the halfling, "Actually it was goblin scum. Tauster is getting a duplicate ring made for us for 100gp. It should be ready in about ten days."

"Friend Ras," says Beleg, "we are in a hurry but not such a one that we cannot spare a few hours to allow you to see to your important tasks. Asfalof and I would be pleased to bear you upon your errand, if you wish." Beleg then tosses his belt pouch to Ras, "Take this coin and all that you need from my portion of the company's wealth and give your mother my regards."

Ras turns to Beleg, "Thank you my friend, I am sure my mother will appreciate this, as to using your share that is not necessary. My share is great enough to cover everything I need. I would welcome your company if our leaders wants to wait, if not, maybe I could borrow your mount to catch up?" Ras turns to Talimar waiting for an answer.

"We have the time to spare," answers Talimar. "See to your needs."
Before he and Beleg leave, Ras speaks up one more time, "Let's decide who gets this magical sword and bow, we want to have them in someone's hands before we go on. I don't think I am the best one to have either one."

Talimar looks wistfully at the sword and bow, "Well about the sword and bow, I would certainly like to use them," the elf pauses for a moment as Druckner interrupts him, "If you can stay conscious!" The party all laugh at the humor from the red-headed dwarf. "Would anyone else like to put their name forward for these weapons. I was unable to precisely identify them in the time I had last night, so they could be cursed. But it seems unlikely."

Stroking his beard, Gnore looks at Talimar and grins. "I don't really need any gear, I just didn't want anyone picking on the halfing that holds our funds!"

Ras picks up the longsword to see how it feels and quickly realizes that it is completely different than his short sword, "I am sorry, I guess I can't use this. Someone else should use it."

Seeing Ras swing uneasily with the longsword, Gnore scratches his beard and says, "Kersath is wicked with his pair of longswords, perhaps he can put the weapon to good use."

Druckner looks at the bow and sword, "Well, that's fine craftsmanship but I can't really use either one. I think Ortho should have first pick on this unless he wants to take a chance that we can get the shield back from the goblin when we get the fake ring."

"I have sworn an oath that I will never kill with a weapon that strikes from a distance, but I have no reservations with one of you using the bow," Beleg says quite formally. "As far as the sword is concerned, I am familiar with it's use but it is a bit small for me." He pats his bastard sword and says, "I prefer the weight and balance of my bastard sword."
"Are we staying in town for a few hours more? If so, I could really use some sleep." asks Gnore to Talimar.

"Yes, friend Gnore." answers Talimar. "Get the sleep you need and we will wake you when we are prepared to leave."

With that decided, Ras and Beleg leave the inn to find Gelderon and make the preparations that Ras needs. After further discussions it is decided that Kersath will take the longsword and Talimar the longbow. Then the remaining party members sit about the table discussing the upcoming journey and enjoying a few tankards of ale.

After about a half hour or so a rider in the livery of the count bursts into the inn and after scanning the few patrons walks over to the parties table. The man executes a stiff bow to Talimar as he hands him a parchment that has the seal of the Count on it. Talimar opens the scroll and unrolls it to read and let the party see:

"Greetings Talimar Silverblade and Red Feather Company,

     A matter of grave concern has come to my attention early this morning 
after your party left my company.  A group of pilgrims of Tyr were due
to arrive at my keep from the south a number of days ago.  They have 
not arrived.  I have sent a search party on to Howler's Moor to look 
for any trace of them but I now ask for the help of your company in 
that search.  I can pay you all five gold crowns per member per day of
the search.  I am gravely concerned with the party not arriving yet 
and would very much appreciate your help.  Please respond to my courier.
I await any news you may have.

Count Parlfray"

The letter also bears the count's seal by his signature.

Randor immediately jumps up from his seat after reading the note, "This is an outrage! If anyone or any being has dared to attack a group of pilgrims of Tyr there will be Hell to pay! We must take up this search and find these cowardly dogs!"

At this point, Beleg and Ras enter the inn after completing the preparations for Ras' goods to be bought and the messenger sent to his mother.

"What's up?" asks Ras as the smile fades from his face after seeing the faces of his companions.