Turn 11.0
Sent: 12/18/98
Assembled under the canopy of trees in the woods, the party discusses its next course of action. Gathered around the map, held by Guilliam, each states his opinion:
Edryd looks at the others, feeling the absence of Canter most acutely and most suddenly. "We should make haste. I am not the best of trackers and would prefer the advice of our cartographer," Edryd nods toward Guilliam, " and those of you with more experience, Storm and Cy. What do you see as the best path to take to find this mill?"
Storm responds, "I be wantin' to head toward the town, me thinks. We might be gettin' a good night's sleep there, and I still be hurtin' a bit from the battlin'...an' we bound to find more lads an' healthy lads when we catch the mound o' slime who did this..."
Crayne then adds his share: "Now I suggest we take on Guilliams recommendation and head west along the Sinele River." He looks about and then leaning on his staff scratches at his leg with his other boot.
Finally, Cy shares his view: "I am of the mind to take the hills. The trip may be longer and more difficult, but, for no doubts, Mazen has spies in both towns and will know of our movements. Maybe by the altenate route, we can get the drop upon him. Perhaps in the sense literal."
Guilliam looks to see what the reactions of the others are. His gaze rests on Cy. Speaking respectfully to his warrior friend, Guilliam says "I agree that Mazen likely has spies in all the towns. But the man who took Canter is expecting us to rescue him - spies or no spies. One way or another, we are walking into a trap. The best we can do is approach the trap in such a way as to catch our opponant by suprise. The question is, how does the fly catch the spider off guard." Pondering for a moment, Guilliam's eyes light up as he answers his own question "He doesn't! But a wasp dressed in a fly's clothing could. Look, this man and his mage...they've seen us in action. So they think they have a good idea of what to expect from us. And they can't be too frightened, otherwise they wouldn't be playing games like they are. All we have to do is give them more than they suspect."
After a brief moment of silence, Guilliam continues to mention ways in which the party can seem 'not of themselves' when they reach the towns. He then looks around the group, with his gaze landing again on Cy. "I'm not much for these acting games," the warrior says, "but I can tell when I'm outnumbered. And perhaps your method will work, it's just not my first choice method. Very well then, let us make haste." With that the party sets out, leaving the trail and heading south.
For a few hours the travel is slow, as the woods provide some obstacles which obstruct a clear path. Along the way, Guilliam tells an entertaining story to get the others thinking about their upcoming act. Before long the party emerges from the woods into a large plain. "I surmise we're now over the border," Crayne says.
"I believe so," responds Edryd, shading his eyes from the sun overhead and inspecting the landscape. The plain is impressively large. In the far distance, on the horizon, one can see the terrain become a bit more hilly. "Those must be the hills way over there," he comments.
"It will take us another day's travel to get there," Cy says, "and between us and those hills, according to the map, is the river."
Guillaim then interjects, "and before we get to the river, we should come across a main road along side, traveling east-west. But that looks like it's a way off, on the map."
With that said, the party continues to walk through the fields. The tall amber grass sways in waves with the breeze. It is almost as tall as Storm, and Cy reminds the party to stay alert, and anyone or anything could be hiding beneath the surface.
As the sun begins to set, the party comes to a stop. Looking about, they can see the forest behind them on the horizon, and the hills in the distance ahead. "I be thinkin' this be a good place fir camp." Storm says, planting his sword in the ground and leaning on it.
Cy walks around a bit, peering into the tall grass. He then kneel's down, feeling the soil. He suddenly springs up, spinning around, facing the setting sun. Though at first surprised, he soon nods in understanding, as in the distance a heard of animals, deer, perhaps, are running through the fields. He then turns to the group: "The ground is soft, we can probably just sleep out here tonight. I'll stand first watch."
"And I'll relieve you," Edryd says, patting the warrior on the shoulder.
As the sun dips below the horizon, a small fire is made and some rations are brought out. Guilliam tells another comical story, and soon night descends and the party falls asleep under the stars.
Morning comes and the adventurers awaken. Camp is broken mostly in silence, as each gathers his own belongings and prepares to move out. The day is warm and comforatble, with a few whispy clouds in the sky overhead.
A few hours into the hike, Guilliam suddenly stops, holding out his hands as if to signal the others to stop. "I hear something," he whispers.
"What is it?" Crayne whispers in reply.
But before Guilliam can answer, a figure jumps up from the grass a couple of yards beside the party. It is a human, wearing a brown tunic shirt. His head is cocked to one side, and the sun gleams off his short cut black hair. He quickly lowers his bow, which was aimed and at the ready.
"I was so looking forward to a good meat for dinner tonight!" the man says with a joking smile. "Boy would I have been disappointed, to say nothing of how you would have felt!" With a little chuckle, the young man (perhaps 18? 20?) places the arrow in a quiver on his back. He approaches the party lightly, boucing a little with each step. "Pardon me for surprising you. You fellas move so quietly I thought you were animals, and with me crouched in the grass like that..." he then sees Cy and Storm looking hard at him, their hands on their weapons at the ready. "Oh, no!" he apologizes, "I wasn't going to shoot you! I'm just out here looking for some dinner. My name is Jordan, I live a short ways away from here. I haven't seen you folk before, where are you from?"
1. REACTIONS TO JORDAN? OR DO YOU JUST WANT TO KEEP MOVING?
2. Resting well overnight, Storm regained an additional hit point. (now 15)