TAILING THE TERRIBLE
As nightfall descended upon the fellowship, emotions deepened into despair. Was this the true course? If not, would this trek south to find the caravan assailants at least lead them in the right direction? There was much debate about this and, in the end, it was agreed that 'Raven' should leave first thing in the morning to find out.
MYCRAN 5 ~ 7 AM: When dawn touched the horizon, the party gathered next to a burnt carriage and ate breakfast.
There were concerns about the rain and oozing mud interfering with tracking and much more discussion lay in methods on attacking a mass force of enemy. It seemed that 'hit & run' tactics were their only viable option of combat. 10 AM: The morning was overcast and chill, but the worst weather seemed to have passed {55F}. The stench of the fens was lost in a light wind that blew from the south {5 mph}. Splendor seemed to take on a lighter tone while the group traveled; the marsh off their left shoulder and the northern Nalmiar Forest on their right. Moonshade took flight to stretch his wings and the group focused on the seriousness ahead.
2 PM: The group ate lunch and studied their progress. Tracks had disappeared completely five miles past the caravan disaster and no signs of a trail was apparent. The forest seemed to widen into a thick, alcoving line of trees while the hours were tacked on.
4 PM: Salimen whistled a lilting tune that seemed to lift spirits a bit.
" I recognize that melody anywhere!" noted Gailwind in earnest " That is the beginning of the Kindred Styles Symphony." The bard smiled and strummed along some coercive notes from a pocket lyre he produced from his inner coat. The fellowship mood was still edgy, but was a lot more adherent to relaxation. Teflar cautioned " Let not this be a habit, bard, for we still go in secrecy."
6 PM: The first shadows grew from the woods when the sun got lost behind the Grizzledane Range. The forest silently jut out at them as if assessing the importance of their company. A bubbling brook ran along its' eastern border trailing from a small pond within an extended grove. Fish jumped and insects skimmed along the pool's surface.
The others seemed to enjoy the song and tightened their group as if to gain full benefit without the whipping southerly winds {20 mph} thinning it out.
Splendor commented on the cedar trees as he breathed deeply " This is the northern sprawl of my recent homeland." He paused allowing the owl to light upon his arm. " I can tell you great stories that have gotten me noticed by its' denizen, but perhaps at a later day when we have all relaxed."
