Teal Watches the Strangers
 
                         Andrew
Everyone that cares to look see Andrew riding discreetly to the 
back of the caravan, heading towards Darrin and Zephta. He is 
moving slowly, as if he was going to check the cargo. He stops 
near the cousins waiting for the outcome of Clavel's parley.

                         Clavel
"Agrardon?" Clavel looks closely at the lady as if trying to 

remember. "Hmmm. Haven't I heard that name somewhere before? It 
seemeth familiar to me. I am Clavel. At thy service, Milady." 
Clavel nods politely awaiting her response and tactfully avoiding 
her last "innocent" question.
No response forthcoming, Clavel continues, "I thank thee, for thy 
information. I am sorry to hear ye will be missing the festival. Let 
me now return thy favor. The road ahead of thee seems to be fairly 
safe. We had met no trouble. Thou art the first travelers we have met 
on the road since Daggerford. If ye look for a place to rest thy 
weary bones, I must advise ye visit The Silver Ladle upon reaching 
the little town. Kyle the Innkeep is most gracious, as are his 
services. I must recommend that ye try Tabek's red. A most hearty 
beverage if I may say so." Clavel politely smiles at the lady and 
gives his mount a hearty patting whispering to him, "There, there boy. 
Now don't be so anxious. The other horses need a breather."

After a while Clavel speaks up again, with a friendly smile, "Art thou 
not the group of rangers that rumor speaks of, that patrol the north 
country?"

The merc's story

    A gleam enters the eyes of Agrardon and a smile lights her features.
"How astute of you good sir.  Yes, we are a small outrider group of the
illustious Harpers."
    The older human male allows his horse to advance to her side.  His 
eyes flick towards the carriage and leaning over he whispers in 
Agrardon's ear.  She laughs musically and places a hand on his forearm
giving him a little squeeze.  To Clavel she continues, "My husband
points out that you have a carriage in your midst.  A strange sight
in so small a caravan.  It points to the importance of a passenger, and
maybe you are not merchants after all, but are safeguarding Waterdeep's
newest jewel, the most precious fiancee of our Lord Marquet.  We knew
you must come by this road, and all of us have been on the lookout
for you.
    She doesn't wait for a reply before continuing, "It seems we will
have to wait a couple more days to arrive in Daggerford.  Our duty is
clearly to ride with you towards the next town on your way, and hand
you over to our brothers that they may guide you safely from there to
Waterdeep."
     As she finishes, the man at her side, nods and gruffly says, "Take 
up escort positions.  Milady," he calls looking directly at Zeptha. 
"Would you permit my son to ride at your side.  I have no doubt that 
your servant there is capable, but my son Christian of Farimaer, while
only sixteen, is already an accomplished bladesman.  He will protect
you with his life."
     Already as his father speaks, the young human trots his horse
quickly towards Darrin.  It is clear he expects Darrin, whose features
are already flushed with anger, to fall back from Zeptha and allow
him to place himself next to her.  But Darrin spurs his horse forward
into the horse of Christian of Farimaer, and tempers are quick to flare
between the two youths.
     Christian's sword is halfway from it's scabbard and Darrin's 
battleaxe is half out of it's saddle sheath.  Agrardon and her husband
along with the two elves, who are halfway to either side of the party,
place their hands on their weapons.  Andrew on the other side of Zeptha
can be heard muttering under his breath. 
     A stillness descends on the scene.