~ PASSAGE 58 ~
GAINING ALLIES

Salimen tussled a finger through his wavy hair giving his usual trademark grin; a lock fell artistically over one green eye enhancing boyish charm.
" Erelis, any help will be appreciated and since you have seen the face of one of those we are seeking, it will be especially helpful you are arranging to come with us."
The bard glanced around and noticed Torynth shifting uneasily. The monk regarded the story told with high suspicion.

Betteman spoke firmly to the Bethlun heroes. " It seems obvious that these two evil gangs are in cahoots. Your trail lies west into Nalmiar Forest. I wouldn't, however, advise you hunting them down in the state you are."

Teflar replied firmly to the villager men " Grab your gear. We are off to track down the orcs to their hideout. No sense in doing anything else. If that is where our starpoint lies, there is no more discussion on what we shall be doing otherwise."

Palias rose from his wooden chair; a tall, broad man with stone-chiseled features partially disguised by his bearded chin. " Airrdale must be put right. We will discuss this mission of yours amongst us after fires are tempered. Stay a while in the town before heading out. These are no mere villians you chase."

7 AM: The morning light filtered through the cracks in the teal curtains and gleamed upon the cement floor.  
" Daylight..." spoke Leah despondently "... and nary a wink we slept."
She looked at her trio " We need rest. I think we shall first fetch the others and settle into the village until the afternoon. We must have proper planning for any assault upon an orcken hideout."

Betteman agreed and gave the quad directions to an inn at the southern outskirts of the township. " 'Tis done and we will be off now. The magistrate must be among all the ruination. He'll have the answers I am sure."
Erelis confirmed " I will be joining you at your 'Fierce Ferret Lodge' in the lateness of afternoon. If you need me to bring anything, let me know now."

With that, the two groups ended their meeting and walked outside into the stark, morning sunshine. A dull haze from a smoky sky shielded eyes from the rising orb. The tower group walked away east toward their village while the divided fellowship met up with the others at the toolshed. They found Gailwind and Aramil fast asleep on bales of hay stacked along the building. Oktavianus, however, was in deep prayer. He knelt upon the dewy ground staring off into the mountains west; his head tilted as if weighed by many thoughts.