Aramil cast a sharp glance at Hebron's new armor, then replied " There are actually three caves. The first had relatively little of interest, although, I must say, I hurried a bit to catch up with Hebron and took not the time to scout it well. The second cave appeared to be the living quarters of this dead troll and the smell would attest to that. Leaves and such strewn around. The third held the bodies of four dead men whom I did not recognize, nor did I tarry with great study of their faces." The wizard's eyebrows raised " Maybe someone 'here' would know them, perhaps." A questioning look appeared over the mage's countenance as he gazed upon the orc-man and human stranger.

Hebron, smoothing the leather protection he claimed, attributed " We also found some weapons and more armor. Some of you may be interested in going back in and checking them out. I would suggest that our dabbler of the arcane arts check them, and this set of leathers, to determine if they are magical."
Aramil's face relaxed " The search did yield a few coins which might provide useful in our endeavor." He produced a bagful of gold to show the others. The monk examined the purse attesting to everyone " We'll divide all we find evenly after our final search."

After careful deduction of the leader's new armor, the bard stated " Hmm Hebron, it appears you have snatched 'normal' gear...off a corpse no less." He cringed and walked away playing a light tune on his pipes.

Torynth introduced the pair of Airrdale scouts and stated solemnly to the mage " Seems like another burial detail is in order." He peered into the cave with graveness " Then we need to decide what is next. Do we pursue this orc horde? Do we search these caves further? Do we head back and attempt to pick up the original trail?"

The orc-blooded barbarian, looming behind Marth, asked of the team
" First, will you tell me about the 'Raven'...the King's Elite? I have no knowledge of your clan."
Torynth turned to the half-orc " Starpoint Raven was formed in secret from exceptional members of every calling for the purpose of seeking out a stolen artifact and preventing an apocalypse." Marth's eyes raised " Then I say we push forth to the safety of our village to discuss our kingdom's predicament more profoundly."
Hebron and Iron Raven nodded in agreement and Oktavianus added " We must continue our quest despite these recent losses. Is there any way of informing the King of the situation? A message of some sort? I have no doubt in my mind that if we try to engage in a battle with these beasts, we will all surely be slaughtered. We need reinforcements, as soon as possible." Darkness swelled around the group as they thought over these latest profound matters.