FOREST FORAY
Teflar shrugged his lean shoulders at Iron Raven's suggestion " I need to examine the trail the orcs left more closely. We need to know if they have split into more than one band, if this is even the correct crowd we seek, and if they are laden with the ill-gotten goods of the caravan. If they have divided into smaller groups, maybe we can capture a few and question them, thus gaining invaluable information for our mission. Give me a few moments please, and I'll find out more." The orckish scout nodded consent and looked at Marth with awkward expression.
Torynth watched Teflar disappear into the woods before sitting along the druid on a soft bank.
The monk offered smalltalk with Leah concerning the druidic lifestyle while the rest of the team scanned the surrounding areas with concern.
5:15 PM ~ Torynth wondered of past mistakes and alternate courses.
5:30 PM ~ Leah often cast a weary glance at the sky noticing growing clouds out of the south. Teflar finally slipped silently back to the party from his foray in the brush.
Teflar admonished " I cannot say for certain. This much, however, I have learned: The orcs travel now in a tight group and are moving in a southwesterly veer. They will be easy to follow if we so choose. We could probably cut away to a vantage point where we could harass or observe them. They will likely be slower than we would be."
The bard interjected " Yes, but these beasts have a time advantage on us. Certainly we will find them at their hideout ready and waiting if they have one!"
The ranger shuffled his feet " Whether or not this course will benefit StarPoint, I cannot say." Teflar's smile shrank and his jaw clenched as he glanced over his shoulder at the damaged shrubbery with a brief look of hatred.
Marth squared on the group " I think it's best your band moves on then. I will personally report to Bethlun in care of your company." Teflar played with the hilt of his longsword while gazing warmly upon Leah. Aramil and the cleric enthusiastically supported following the horde trail and offered suggestions on capturing orcs should they come across them.
7 PM: The two scouts thus left for Airrdale to make matters of their discoveries known throughout their village. A stark blossom of warning to the Kingdom was promised regarding the orc treacheries in the region.
Teflar led the group two-file through the dense forest along the savagely bushwhacked path. For an hour, obvious signs of the horde had passed; trampled shrubs, rocks overturned, and tree branches hacked up above. Periodically, the team would halt listening to the denizens of the woods.
7:30 PM ~ Darkness fell fast upon Starpoint Raven while they picked their way deeper into the forest.
Splendor lit a sunrod
A grim determination slowly pulled the corners of the ranger's mouth into a thin line as he slipped into the undergrowth. His eyes flicking from shadow to shadow as he paused to examine the tricky ground.
" Do you think we should go back and investigate the original three trails and do you think the pirates might be involved, having a long-standing grudge with Bethlun?"
Gailwind shook his head " If these human trails joined with the orcs, this is an ill omen indeed." Light winds played through the elf's sleek hair as he glanced back at the Landretta's. " Right now, we have learned all that could be discovered about the trails. If we go back, we may as well continue onto Bethlun for horses."
Gailwind touched on the pirate subject again as he rubbed his tired eyes. " The foreign lands of Talvenara haven't learned of the Amethyst Star. Much has been kept secret and we would know if the pirates came back into Lavenrae waters."
" About time you got back." the monk jabbed with a tentative smile. Posting his spear as a crutch, he stood up brushing the dust from his peasant garb.
" Can you determine if those tracks are similar to the ones left at the original three trails? Are they likely the same group?"
Nerendil gave a silent prayer as he stared abstractedly at the moody, southern skies " Hovansted be proud."
With a renewed smile, Teflar prompted the group to action
" Good, we are to move forward then! We waste time here on our arses!!"
" Best to keep wary minds sharp. Ashema flande!" Moonshade thrust himself high into the trees on flapping wings " Let my friend make a flyover while we break for a moment's rest." The group nodded consent as the owl pierced the canopy of branches overhead. Glade's eyes twinkled like gems in the soft luminescence.
Suddenly, a thrashing broke the serene moment! A tree fell crashing behind the group; dust swirling into the humid air. Mad, red-rimmed eyes glowered high in the brush and the rod's brilliance captured the sign of a large creature. A bird's beak, filled with dozens of finger-sized sharp teeth, snapped away while the fellowship grabbed for their weapons. The huge monster stepped over the log as razor claws and matted feathers dripped fresh blood along the ground!