Teflar deftly strung his bow taut and scanned the grounds around his feet. Aramil cautioned the group as they debated statements from the lorist 8 PM: They strode down the road all afternoon and into the heart of evening. Up ahead, the first signs of a community were seen as low buildings nestled into the sparse valley. The new road they followed exited the last of the trees and lead them towards the warm lights of a small township.
The field grasses to the south were premature in development so the valley around had a flattened texture.
A few scraggly travelers passed on by the team without fear while tipping their caps in acknowledgement.
No guards seemed to be on alert; the small village quite content in its' peaceful repose.
Gailwind informed as they approached the head of the hamlet " Due east, Bethlun is one day's travel. We enter our kingdoms' western watchdog."
Starpoint Raven looked at the well-founded, grey buildings lining the boulevard. A cautious gaze shone from Teflar and he wondered about the casual atmosphere of the western city.
The dwarf and lorist liked this notion of an inn; a chance to drink and hear council of the locals. Their steps propelled quicker while they moved closer to the town square.
Torynth spoke hopefully " I bet we can find information on who can organize a move on the orcs from the tavern dwellers. Maybe we can find where the warmarshalls reside." "All this talk of war! " railed Leah with frustration." Nothing comes from battle that can't be solved with gentle, poignant words."
Erelis chuckled whilst the group moved into a conglomerate of markets that formed a rectangular perimeter.
Indeed the fellowship found what they had hoped for. A large tavern calling itself the
JADED MUSHROOM cornered the southwestern portion of the buildings.
Oktavianus led the way to the double swinging doors. A few townsfolk were hanging outside, but otherwise offered no intriguing interest. The fellowship readied themselves and went inside. The tavern was large and spacious. A general bar sat in the middle of an 80 x 100 foot floorspace that accompanied about forty patrons from every walk of life. Gaming areas were rich with cards, darts, dice and a fireplace ran low in one corner of the room.
The monk suggested " Let's go see what it is. A damsel in distress perhaps?"
Leah smircked " Distress? Why would she be singing sweetly then!"
With great effort, the dwarf drilled his massive pinky finger into his ear fetching a huge lump of dirt. Concentrating, he tried listening for the singing " Nothing!! I still canīt hear a thing!!"
" Perhaps we should move along quickly before figments of imagination become reality... or worse."
Erelis added " Yes, let's reach Pinedroi. That is where we need to be right now."
Gailwind seemed momentarily unhappy at the suggestion, but then wavered into agreement.
Starpoint Raven thus left the area and the mysterious singing behind them.
Leah remarked as the group continued down the avenue " It seems too sleepy for this to be a sentry city."
Erelis answered " Well, let's hope they have the capacity to help us. Where shall we start?!"
" The two most likely spots we can go seem to be a local inn where we may hear of news and find a bed indoors." The ranger looked up at a spire juttng high into the sky nearby " Church grounds may also give us a place to camp, give our thanks, and hear of recent news."
Aramil gave words of caution " Are we going to stir up the locals again like in Tolx? We may be working for our kingdom, but not every citizen needs to know our business. I say we watch our words and arrange for some rooms and a decent meal." The mage pat his leather pouch " Then in the morning, we can split up and buy what we need at the specialty shops."