Now that the fighting is over and the dust has momentarily settled, Guilliam finally relizes what has transpired and what role he played in it. Looking at his blood stained dagger he begins to shake slightly. His voice falters as he whispers "I, I know this is an odd time to say this...but I've...I've never actually killed a man before. I've never been responsible for another man's last heart beat." Breathing deeply, he trembles some more and falls to one knee. Soon, he feels Edyrd's hand on him and that helps to steady his emotions. With Edyrd's prayer comes a slight feeling of healing and rejuvination, and that too helps Guilliam gain some internal strength. After a short moment to himself, the young bard returns to the group, slightly sombre, but more like himself. "T'was a great battle my friends. We are weakened, but stronger for it. It will be an honour of mine to tell this tale when it is over."

Conversation turns quickly to division of the loot. Canter steps forward, saying, "My friends, I thank you all for coming and rescuing me from those fiends. I owe you all my life." He looks around at his companions.

Then his tone changes, becoming more practical. "I am, however, without any weapons or armor, just the bloody clothes on my back. I can fashion my own leather armor, given time and the right materials. But I need a sword, does anybody object if I use the one Cy found? And if nobody else lays claim to it, I would like the composite short bow, to replace the one I lost. The shield and cross bow I can do without. That is, of course, as long as nobody else here minds...."

Cy then expresses an interest in the sword and shield beyond the money. He explains that he only needs what cash will allow him to survive. He states as diplomatically as possible that he would rather have the sword over money, especially if enchanted.

Crayne then speaks up: "Seeing as the vial was with the spellbook does anybody have any objections if I keep a hold of it for now! When we are clear of this place and safely on the road back to Rinder then hopefully I will be able to have a closer look at all the items we have obtained so far." Crayne looks around the group, "For all we know some of these shields and the like could be magically enchanted!"

On that note, Cy turns to Crayne. He instructs the mage, speaking also to Guilliam, "Be that one of you look for the hint of magic upon this pile of equipment to be sure that everything is safe... or to be seeing that there is not something of more value than is apparent."

The conversation is then interrupted by Storm. He coughs loudly and winces a little, saying horsely: "Arrr...I be needin' some good healin' an' rest..."

"Yes, let's get this done as quickly as possible," Cy says urgently. "Make sure we clear the house before it catches fire!"

With that, Guilliam takes charge, beginning to distribute the spoils of their victory. He hands items out as the others request them. The spellbook and vial to Crayne. The broadsword and medium shield to Cy. The composite short bow and the best of both the longswords and suites of chainmail armor to Canter. Two knives to Storm and one for himself. Furthermore, he gives the sketches and note to Mazen to Edryd and takes the map into his own possession. Then, he looks the gems over carefully to assess their value (using his proficiency in this).

"As best I can tell," the bard says after a moment of inspection, "These two larger ones are worth maybe 45-55 gold pieces each. The others are more ornemental--though not without value!--and are probably priced closer to ten gold pieces a piece."

Guilliam then counts out 24 gold pieces worth of coins for everyone. "Coins are easy to spend, so we will distribute these evenly. However, some of us came into more equipment and items than others. Crayne, you received a mage's fortune in that spellbook. And Canter and Cy, you both came ahead in gear, although you didn't do quite as well as Crayne, all things considered. So, I think it is only fair to give one gem each to you two. These two are the least expensive of what are here. I will take this gem, it is next in value. Edryd, these two are for you. And Storm, your valiant effort deems you worthy of the gem of greatest value. It is not as expensive as the two that Edryd recieved. But he didn't get any equipment at all. And I think you can appreciate a fine stone such as this over two of lesser beauty." Guilliam looks around to everyone to make sure that each present feels that the dispersion of the goods has been fair.

After a short pause, the bard looks to Crayne "Now Crayne, you didn't receive a gem. But I am willing to make a deal with you. I have looked over that spellbook and have watched you closely as you cast your magic. I am certain that I could learn to mimic your hand motions and speech. Sure, I'll never have the patience to study as intensely as you. But perhaps I could make up for that with luck." Tapping the hilt of the knife that killed Mazen, Guilliam adds "It certainly has helped me along thus far! If you would teach me, I would be willing to part with this stone. If you don't think it worth enough, I will part with some of my gold as well. What do you say? I already have papyrus and chalk to copy any necessary notes."

Crayne pleased to have received the vial listens to Guilliam share out the gems missing him out. Crayne is certainly disappointed to hear that he has no share of the gems. The look on his face shows that believed that he did more than enough work to satisfy a payment of some sort. After all, it was his plan that freed Canter from the clutches of evil. Crayne is silent for a little while and walks slowly away with his staff. Blood still pours from the wound in his arm. He sits down at the side of the mill on a bench resting his staff against one of the mill walls.

Guilliam watches as Crayne leaves to mull over his share of the treasure. But he cannot watch for long. "Come on back here my long faced friend" he calls in his happy-go-lucky way. "I have never known a mage before. But in the stories I have been told and the ballads that I have heard, they always put their quest for knowledge and magic ahead of all other things. But songs and tales don't always tell the truth." Scratching his head in an animated way, Guilliam pretends to look as if he is in deep thought. Then, snapping his fingers and lighting up his eyes, he offers Crayne a sly deal "I'll tell you what. Instead of paying for lessons, how about I simply buy that spell book from you and try my own luck with them. What monetary value would you put on it. Let's see? If my gem and 5 pieces of gold would pay to learn a few simple spells, then a book of spells, some of them extremely intricate, must be worth much more than I can pay you right now. You see, I have little more than what I earned in treasure today. And all of that seems to be worth less than that single book." With a wink, he adds "And you got a pouch of gold on top of it!" Chuckling, Guilliam admits that he was joking and hopes for no hard feelings. "I'd still be more than happy to pay what you requested for lessons. It's highway robbery I'm sure. But I'm a fool and thus am easily parted from my money!"

Guilliam stands there waiting for an answer of some sort. However, Crayne sits for a couple of minutes staring into the river ahead of him. He then gets up and walks over to Guilliam, "I will do what you say! The payment will be a gem and 5 gold pieces. However, you must want this more than you've wanted anything else. You must have the deepest commitment. I will see first whether have enough talent to go on and learn the ways and methods of magic. If believe you haven't then payment will not be necessary. However, if you are skilled and have the ability to pursue magic then I am afraid that I will indeed have to charge you will the gem and money. It has taken me many years to research and create the spells that are to my knowledge. Thus, I believe it only right that I should receive payment in exchange for teaching you! There! I hope now you will be happy!"

The mage then turns away from Guilliam approaching the mill to pick his staff up. "Now!" he shouts, "I suggest we get away from this place. I can no longer stand the stench of blood and human flesh!"

Storm eagerly accepts his cut of the loot. Seeing that Canter is now equipped with at least a fair quality sword, Storm will takes his Long Sword back from him, not bother cleaning it off, and return it to it's proper sheath on the right side of his belt.

Storm then accepts his two knifes, slightly annoyed that they do not have the same double-edged quality and same balance as the typical dagger that he is used to. He quickly forgets this, however, as he is handed his Gem by Guilliam. As soon as he sees it's for him, his eyes go wide as he stares at the piece. He takes it with both hands and draws it near his face, turning it over and over repeatedly. A large, bewildered smile breaks through, and a little bit of drool is noticeable at the corners.

Edryd thanks Guilliam for his work and is in agreement with the division of the loot. He looks over the letter again. "I think we've got a war on our hands. The way I see it, we're the only ones in Rinder who have any idea. Now they're [the army of Caerloon] expecting Mazen, so it looks like they'll wait for his arrival, which should buy us a bit of time. We have got to move now." He looks to Storm and Guilliam with concern, "Assuming, that is, that everyone can." He looks over the group. "We have reached what we thought to be the end of our quest, and find it is only the beginning. Our beloved home of Rinder is in each of our hands, weakened by battle though they are. We must let our hearts be filled with the courage of Anhur and with the encouragement of Guilliam's ballads. Are we ready to travel North and home?" He awaits everyone's answer.

"Guilliam, gather whoever here you feel can help and determine the swiftest route back to the Fort [Edryd can't remember the name of the Fort right off, just the eyes of the priestess who blessed him (:->)] Do not forget that there are some who still look upon us with suspicion as well. We will need to answer for that. If we can get to rest and healing and pass on these messages, we should then be able to do what is necessary to set things aright." He looks back at the burning mill and wonders how far away the plume can be seen. "It is like a beacon to our enemies! Let's be off!"

Guilliam then unrolls the necessary maps. "Well, by what route shall we return? We don't have a mount yet. Perhaps we should get one in this nearby villiage. It might prove dangerous. However, there is a fair going on, unless that boy mislead us. It would be simple to blend in. Any other ideas? I'd rather get out of this house and away from here as soon as possible."

Cy peers over the shoulder of the bard at the map. "That boy spoke of the fair in a town he called Crossen. He said it was at the junction of the three rivers. That's over here," he points to the metting of the three branches of the Sinele River, and the small dot on the map indicating some kind of town. "But to go by that route takes us too far east. We must meet up with Sir Nigel in Nesor, which is more north. I agree we might be able to aquire some mounts in a town, and that with your talents, Guilliam, we could fit in in some street fair tomorrow morn, but why not try to stop in a town more along our route? Such as this one?" The warrior now points to another dot on the map, this one labelled 'Faren.'

"From there we can stop by one of the forts on the border, maybe even stop by Mitchend!" Canter says, looking forward to a good meal.

"My friend, I don't know whether that would be a good idea," Edryd says, "remember some there suspected us as the murderers of their commander..." Heads nod at Edryd's point.

"Perhaps the closest, most direct route," Crayne says pressingly, "is to head directly north. If we must stop at a fort, perhaps we'll do so at Dillend," Crayne turns to Edryd at this, "and see about mounts there. It only took us two days to get here from Dillend, and that journey started from somewhere between Mitchend and Dillend. I suspect it will take perhaps only a day and a half to go direct."

"Good plan," Guilliam says. "As much as I love a good street fair--and maidens fair!--we do have more pressing matters right now."

"To Dillend, then," Edryd says.

"Let's be off!" Storm says, getting frustrated and antsy at all the discussion.

Within a few moments, everyone has pocketed and gathered their gear and is ready to move out. As the party departs, Storm is still looking intently over his gem, staring into it strongly. It gives the impression that he has not had large and completely personal wealth before, perhaps something not so commom for a slightly experienced dwarf...

As they move, Edryd begins to whisper the Ritual of Journeys to himself.

Travel through the long night is difficult, considering many in the party are weakened. As the sun begins to rise, the adventurers find themselves in the familiar field of tall amber grass. It is about midday when Storm stops the group. Out of breath and visibly white and tired, he pleads: "Arr, I just be needin' a stop fir a moment..."

The sun is high and warm as the party sits down in the grass. A canteen is opened and passed around offering a bit of cool refreshment to the group. Edryd shakes out his arm, slightly cramped from carrying Mazen's body bag. Canter volunteers to take the bag for the next leg of the journey.

Perhaps an hour later, the group is on the move again, passing through the fields of golden blades. As the treeline approaches, Guilliam takes one last dramatic look at the open fields of northern Caerloon, with the picturesque rolling hills on the horizon. "'Tis too bad such a beautiful land must be home to such evil," he comments wistfully.

"You know," Canter begins in response, "perhaps this land isn't the original home of the evil. Perhaps...I don't know, I'm just guessing...but perhaps the evil came from elsewhere." There is silence in the group for a moment. Not that the others necessarily disagree, but few have the energy to involve themselves in such a speculative discussion while more pressing matters are at hand.

It is dusk as the group enters the woods. "Edryd," Canter says to the lead man, "I do think we need some sleep. I suggest we make camp under the cover of these here trees and keep moving in the morning. If Caerloon is, indeed, waiting for Mazen, then we do have at least one evening to spare."

Edryd listens, then turns to Cy. He then looks back to Canter, nodding. "I agree. We'd best not wear ourselves down too much. Let's make camp. I'll sit first watch."

"I relieve ya," Storm says next.

"I think not," Cy says. "Not in your condition. You of all of us, my friend, need the good night's sleep. (turning to Edryd) I'll relieve you."

The night is quick to come. A small fire is quickly started and soon the camp is quiet. Canter is sound asleep; Cy is resting, using his gear as a pillow, his new sword next to him on the ground--not fully asleep. Guilliam eagerly approaches Crayne, hoping for his first lesson in the arcane ways of magic.

"Guilliam," Crayne begins, sounding overtired, "if you must, I'll show you the first exercise. It is a thinking one, and you must keep practicing it." He quickly shows him what to do, a combination of meditation and active concentration. Guilliam eagerly begins to practice. After a little while, he turns to look over to Crayne, hoping for some show of approval, only to see the mage asleep on the soft grass. Chuckling a little to himself, the bard, too then puts himself to sleep.

Morning arrives and each feels slightly more refreshed. [Each character healed 1 hit point overnight.] Camp is quickly struck and the journey is continued. The forest is rather quiet, with a few chirping birds in the trees, and the partly cloudy skies overhead. The sun shines in rays through the canopy of branches and leaves above.

It is a little past midday when the group arrives at Dillend. The familiar wooden gates are opened, and a man steps forward, greeting the party.

"Good morrow," he begins, his tall frame moving toward them. "Are you returned from Mitchend? What of the news there?"

Edryd frowns and shakes his head. "No, my friend. We are not returned from Mitchend. We took leave of Sir Logan in the woods to complete a different mission for the Knights of Rinder. We have been travelling for a few days now after a great battle and are in need of good food, rest, and healing."

"That I can surely provide," the man says. Extending his hand and with a smile, he continues, "I am Captain Sanford, and I am in command here at Dillend until such time as Logan's return. We can gladly give you what you need. I'll have the cook whip up some good meats for you. If you don't mind my saying, men, you look awful!"

"Arr, that be how I feel..." Storm grunts.

"Well, then, you can make yourselves comfortable in the barracks. I'll let you know when the cook is ready. And you can, sir, use the temple whenever you're ready," he says to Edryd, seeing the symbol of Anhur.

"We will need mounts," Cy says, stepping forward. "To speed our way northward for the completion of our mission."

"I'll see what I can do," Sanford says, sizing up the warrior. He then turns back to Edryd, "Can you tell me how long you'll be staying?"

1. Division of the loot:

CANTER: Light crossbow, composite short bow, 1 gem (~10gp value), 1 long sword (fair quality), 1 suit of chain mail (fair quality), 24gp.

STORM: 2 knives, 1 gem (~50gp value), 24 gp.

EDRYD: 1 gem (~50gp value), 1 gem (~10gp value), 24gp.

GUILLIAM: 1 knife, 1 gem (~10gp value), 24gp.

CRAYNE: spellbook, potion, 24gp.

CYVEILIOG: (nonmagical) Broad Sword +1, Medium Shield, 1 gem (~10gp value), 24gp.

EDRYD: Upon returning to the temple, Edryd will tithe 3gp (10% rounded up) and the lesser of the two gems.

PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RECORDS ACCORDINGLY.

2. Edryd has not told Captain Sanford the details of their mission to Caerloon (or even that their mission took them to Caerlonn), the contents of the body bag, the sketches of Orcish weapons, the letter to Mazen, etc. Reveal this information at your own discretion.

3. DO YOU HAVE ANY ACTIVITIES TO DO WHILE AT FORT DILLEND? Prayer? Study? Questions to ask the Captain or other soldiers?

4. HOW LONG WILL YOU STAY AT DILLEND? And when you leave, will you head directly to Nesor to report to Sir Nigel and complete your mission?

HP STATUS: Guilliam: 4/10, Edryd: 6/10, Cy: 9/24, Crayne: 5/6, Canter: 7/15, Storm: 4/27

Guilliam looks to the body bag that is being carried by their group. Then, he looks to Capt. Sanford with a forced smile. "Uhm, Captain...this might seem an odd request...but before we can freely enjoy your hospitality, we will need some time alone to discuss our mission."

"I see," Sanford says, looking past Guilliam at the stained bag. "Step into that building over there," he points, "and I'll join you in a minute." He then walks off toward another building, calling out 'where's the cook!' on his way.

Guilliam then looks to the others in his party and quietly whispers "Allright...what's our story? Do we tell him everything or do we keep something secret? And what about Mazen's body. I notice that the bag now has some red stains on it and it's smell is beginning to be noticable. I doubt we can keep it secret for long? We have been followed in the past and our movements have seemed to be noticed by others at times, so I think we should be wary!"

Edryd answers, "Well, I think it fairly safe to say we're among friends here. These are the soldiers who will form the first line of defense. They will need swift and accurate warning. With all of your leave, I will relate our story, without the heroic embellishments," He smiles slyly at Guilliam, "for now anyway. We will produce the body and the documents I have on my person. They will need to send swift messengers to the rest of the fort, in pairs due to the frequency of border raids. After all, I would hazard a guess that Mazen's not the only one to raid the line of Fortresses here. I think our greatest risk is that a messenger will be captured or that their movements will be noted and tracked. Either way, Rinder tips its hand that it is aware of the impending invasion."

Edryd rubs the bridge of his nose with thumb & forefinger and squeezes his eyes closed for a moment, trying to gather the rest of his thoughts. "Regardless, I think a warning that announces what we know is better than insufficient or no warning. We may also need to relate the situation back at Mitchend. Until that's solved, a pall will hang over our party, and we run the risk of losing trust."

After a moment of thought, Guilliam sees the wisdom of Edryd's words. "Well then, without further adieu, I agree" he says with a nod. "And for the time being, I'll stand in the background and let those considered more trustworthy to do the talking". Then, as an afterthought, he says "Besides, I haven't completly worked out all the verses to my poem yet!"

Crayne then speaks up, "I see no reason why we shouldn't disclose to the fort the business with Mazen. "Now please!" he continues, "I must prepare myself for the journey to Nesor. I look forward to payment! If you'll excuse me!" Crayne nodds and bows out of the circle, heading for the barracks, spellbook in hand.

Storm listens to the group's conversation from the rear, clutching his side with his hand. After Edryd communicates his thoughts on what to do, Storm grunts and begins walking toward the barracks. It is sort of apparent that whatever the party decides to do, all Storm wants to do for a while is rest and heal.

"While you guys fill in the captian, I'm going to see about getting myself some arrows and the like. And perhaps trade in this long sword for a bastard sword...I wasn't trained on one of these!" He chuckles slightly, holding up his aquired sword.

"Very well," Cy says, "let us get on with it. Edryd's point is a good one, we must hasten to Nesor. Each day we delay makes us seem less trustworthy in the eyes of the knights, and I for one don't like that."

Canter nods and then walks off in the direction of the blacksmith's shop, next to the stables, on the other side of the fort. Edryd, Cy, and Guilliam then walk toward the building to which Sanford pointed.

Canter approaches the blacksmith wearing a pleasant smile. "Good sir! I am a fighter on a mission from the Knights of Rinder. I thought I might make a deal with you. Have you any weapons inside?"

"That I do, good man. What're ya look after?" The older man says, looking up from his work in front of the small shop. He strokes his white beard as he looks Canter over.

"My trusty sword was lost in combat, and I've returned with this one instead. But I am not trained on the long sword and fight best with one a little shorter. Might I trade you for another?"

"That could be arranged, have ya any other requests?"

"I do. I also aquired this bow," Canter says, slipping the composite short bow from his shoulder, "and this crossbow. But I have no arrows or quarrels. Have you any?"

"That I do, good man. They'll cost ya, though. If ya were from around here I'd just give 'em to ya, but I can't do that for travelling soldiers, ya understand."

"I understand. I'll just go inside and look around?" Canter asks, pointing at the shop door. The man nods, returning to his work.

Moments later, Canter returns with a bastard sword and a few arrows and quarrels, plus a quiver and small backpack. After a little bartering, he hands the man a few coins, they shake hands, and Canter walks toward the barracks with a smile.

Crayne, in the meantime, begins the long and arduous task of study. He opens his newfound spellbook, examining its contents. It is slow going, and he has trouble even reading the titles of most of the entries, save the first few. After a couple of hours, he decides upon one spell to scribe into his own spellbook. Judging by the low burning candle, he decides to put off scribing any others. He does, however, take a little more time before bed to memorize a couple of spells just in case he'll need them later on....

Storm finds his way into an empty bed, lowering his aching body onto the straw matress. "Arrr...." he moans as he exhales, lying on his back. He almost bolts up when he hears unfamiliar footsteps enter the room, but his back is so sore he just props himself up on his elbow. His eyes then come to rest on a robed figure approaching. As it gets closer, two hands lower the hood, revealing the cascading hair of the priestess.

"I thought you might need a little help feeling better," she says quietly and with a smile.

Showing a few teeth of his own, Storm can't help but chuckle a little. "That, mylady, would be ... er, .... nice."

She then begins to intone a prayer for healing, lowering her hands on his chest. He feels slightly warm, and in no time he is fast asleep. The priestess then raises her hood and leaves the barracks....

....They step inside to find a moderately sized room with a round, heavy wooden table in the middle. On the table lie a variety of papers, maps, letters, and lists. Just after the three enter the room Sanford steps in behind them, closing the door. With a loud knock he drops a wooden beam across the inside of the door and turns to the party.

"I don't know what your mission is, but from the way you gentlemen talk about it and from the look of that bag, I can tell it was serious. You know, you won't be able to get much further with that bag before any peasant will know what you're carrying," the captain begins. "Have a seat, men," he then instructs. Edryd, Cy, and Guilliam then take seats around the table, facing the captain. "Now, tell me."

"Captain, we have been sent," Edryd begins, swallowing hard, "on a mission of crucial importance to the Kingdom of Rinder..."

The captain then laughs out loud. "My friend, any mission the knights send a man on is of crucial importance to the Kingdom of Rinder. Why, they told me when I was just a boy digging a latrine that it was of 'crucial importance to the Kingdom of Rinder!' But I jest, tell me about the mission; perhaps it was actually of crucial importance."

Cy clears his throat, perhaps in an unapproving reaction to the captain's 'jest.' Edryd then continues, "Sir I understand that in recent months your men have come under heavier attack by raiders from Caerloon. The Knights of Rinder have determined who is in charge of this new wave of attacks and sent us to find him and kill him."

"And have you?" The captain asks, this time more seriously.

"Yes. Yes we have--"

"It was one beautiful fight, sir!--" Guilliam begins. But then, catching himself, he smiles sheepishly and turns to Edryd, his face reddening.

"Yes," Edryd says, clearing his throat, "it was quite a battle. We attacked this man, Mazen, and his forces. We were able to kill many, though not all of his troops. And we killed Mazen, himself. His is the body in the bag."

"I see. Well this is good news, then. It will certainly make the lives of all the men at Dillend a little easier!" The captain responds with a smile.

"Sir, that is not the end of it," Cy interjects, trying to reign in the captain's more serious side.

Edryd then continues, again, "We found among Mazen's things this letter." He hands it to the captain.

Sanford reads it slowly, his eyes widening. "I...I don't completely understand, what does this mean?" Guilliam shakes his head.

"Sir," Edryd explains, "we think that letter indicates that Caerloon is planning a full invasion of Rinder!"

"I see....." the captain whispers, his voice trailing off. "This would be much easier if Sir Logan was here. We must send messangers. I can have men ride out tonight. East and west, along the border, informing all the forts."

"They must be careful," instructs Cy, "for if just one of your messangers should be slain, then the forts on his route will be surprised and overwhelmed."

"Or worse," Edryd says, leaning over the table to emphasize the point, "if one of your men is captured, he will give away to Caerloon the fact that we know of their secret invasion."

"Yes, yes of course," Sanford says. "I'll send my best men. I'll send two in each direction on horseback." He hands the letter back to Edryd.

Edyrd's face then grows dark. "Other papers found at Mazen's haunt show that he has been working with Orcs." Edryd spits as he says the word. "I would venture to guess that the Orcs might be in on the plan."

The captain's eyes widen again. "Oh, the gods be merciful. We must prepare. How long will you stay here? We could use your help, you defeated their best raiders, you can lead the defense of Dillend? Or must you ride northward into the heartland?"

"We must," Edryd says, "to Nesor to complete our mission."

"Well, then, thank you for this information. I will," he turns to Cy, "see about some mounts. When do you plan to leave?"

EDRYD, CY, AND GUILLIAM: What do you answer to the Captain? Do you have anything else to say? Any questions to ask?

TO ALL: Will you leave directly in the morning? Any preparations I should know about before taking to the road? (you never know.... :D ) Will you head straight for Nesor?

Storm, the priestess restored 11 hit points, raising Storm to 15/27.

Everyone else, sleeping at the fort and resting overnight, each character regained 1 hit point, unless of course they are already at max.

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