~ PASSAGE 29 ~
A LESSON IN UNITY

Nerendil threw down his weapons and dragged the prone barbarian through the gates while Teflar retrieved the fighter's axe. Both warriors then checked Gulius and noticed he had been knocked out cold. With relief, Teflar hefted the dwarf over his shoulder and the pair passed quickly into the township as the barriers clanged shut behind them. Immediately, ten guards surrounded the duo and confiscated the warrior's weapons.
" The swamps are not safe at night!" barked a rough bowman " We will put your belongings in the armory." The ranger took all valuables off the dead warrior and implored that Vaedamir receive a proper burial before they would depart the scene.
" We can place his body in the morgue before you bury him where you wish outside our village." The chief guard then ordered " Hurry Now! To the barracks!" Following the captain's lead, the pair were escorted by four sentinels to a housing section northwest of the town. Cots were arranged in rows where guard personnel would bunk down before and after sentry shifts if they desired.

The barbarian's body was taken away to the morgue while the pair watched over Gulius. The duo was told to sleep until morning when the town constable would pay them an official visit. Finding a suitable cot, the dwarf was lain down and Nerendil placed his hands upon the dwarf's brow. After a few words of prayer, the dwarf's eyes snapped open. A sigh of relief was again breathed by both as the dwarf's eyes focused on the canopy above. Blinking a couple of times, Gulius smacked his lips. " A drink." He fumbled for his waterskin while the companions spoke graciously " It's good that you're back, Gulius. The constable wants to see us in the morning. They've taken our weapons and we're to stay here until we are sent for, I suppose. Vaedamir is gone and we've not yet heard from the others."

Teflar sat down on one of the cots and rubbed his eyes. " Nere and I were just speaking of the group. We need to work together and so far already two are gone and we're little closer to finding a clue about where the thieves went, let alone the starpoint. Ehlonna help us... we need to start getting organized about this. As much as I love the throes of battle, we should fight as we go and as we need to. There was little need for this tonight, in the future I think it would be best for us all to stay together."

The paladin nodded silently as the ranger ran his fingers through his hair " Gulius, you were almost lost tonight and Vaedamir gave his life so you could hold onto your axe, which is within the armory anyway. I'm not saying it's your fault; I didn't feel right about giving up my weapons neither. However, in the future, perhaps we should learn to live with such suspicions."
The fighter never spoke, but downed the last of his waterskin in relief. The paladin suggested they get the sleep they needed before they were seen by the Tolxen authorities.

2 PM: The trio were just gathering their things together after a luncheon when two men entered the open-ended canopy.
" I am Constable Alyen and with me, Orcendro Loman. I understand you travel from Bethlun. I also understand that you have been attacked last night." His stare was firm " Foolish to be out on the road at night in such small numbers. But then again, you aren't wise to the perils of the swamp." The constable took pause and looked them over
" Tell me why you have come north. Tell me what or whom you seek."
Gulius stared blankly at the official pair as he drank his mintyll elixir in whole.