MORE BAD NEWS
Gulius looked up slowly; his eyes moving from the fresh clay grave to his returned brethren. His brow creased in visible angst.
Aramil nodded " Well, not to slight the death of a companion, but there was an alleged spy caught in town which I think we should further investigate."
Oktavianus spoke tranquilly " Yet another terrible tragedy has besought us. It is in times like these that we must come together; not as a group, but as a TEAM." The cleric moved forth and patted Gulius on the back in dwarven fashion of comfort.
Splendor stepped forth blankly staring at the burial mound of the lost barbarian.
The cleric held up his amulet and called for the blessing of Moradin upon StarPoint Raven. Soon after, the cleric affirmed
" Let's remember this day. It is time we get our bearings and continue this mission."
Slowly they parted the highgrounds and muddied themselves all the way back to the western gates of Tolx. The sentries had regained the shacks in proper force, but there was an air of alarm amongst them. Peasant women were crying and holding their children close while angry townsfolk leered at the group. Curses were shouted and guards allowed the party to enter to gather their weapons from the armory. Within the evening hour, they were again heading southwest to the crossroads. Cold stares followed the team's every movement as they left the township behind them.
8 PM: As darkness fell upon StarPoint Raven, they came to the crossroads only to meet a flood of strapped fighters yelling unmentionable words amongst eachother.
The mass of Tolxen warriors turned their attention to Gresmo who continued his rant " I wouldn't risk further progress from here. It's safer if you backtrack to Bethlun and tell the king from this night forward, we are all in trouble!!!"
" If you be looking to target blame, you'll find enough to go around equally." He firmed his jaw " I, fer, one stick by my decision as you chose to enter Tolx yourselves. Neither side should dwell on this unfortunate happening. He is dead by goblins; enough said."
" Goblins you say? Tell us more of the situation. How many of the beasts and in what form was the attack?"
Teflar explained briefly " We were camping on the road and were beset by goblins and worse. They took Vaedamir before we could do anything. Nere and I brought him and Gulius back inside and we find ourselves here in front of you again."
The ranger looked to the thick, clouds overhead
" May he be safe; we shall never forget his sacrifice."
Gresmo spotted the group and rushed to them " From the king or not, you all best leave quickly lest Tolx confuse you for conspiring in this tragedy!"
Splendor squinted his eyes hard " Explain quickly foreman! Out with it!"
Gresmo barked " The Spice Caravan has been wiped out!! Last night at the swamp exit enroute to Zastion, the whole damn train was ripped apart and hundreds of rum runners and innocents slaughtered!!!"