Turn 16 -- River Duty

As dawn breaks in the valley of Haranshire, the companions of the Red Feather Adventuring Company wake and head downstairs at the Baron of Mutton to meet for breakfast and discuss their next course of action. Talimar and Druckner woke early and have are not downstairs as the remainder of the companions enter. Gnore was another who woke early and is seated at one of the larger tables already deep into his breakfast.

As everyone else sits down to enjoy the morning breakfast, Druckner tells the story of the previous nights conversation with Ol'Grizzler, "Ol' Grizzler has been living here for quite a while. He used to work at the Garlstone mines. We learned a lot of interesting things." And with that he relates the remainder of the conversation with the venerable dwarf to the rest of the party. "Gnore and Ortho are for exploring the Garlstone mines. I'm also for it as soon as we've cashed in our jewel and letter of credit and spent some of it on new equipment."

"Ha! not much in way of equipment here 'cept dry goods," says Gnore as he swallows the rest of the food in his mouth and takes a gulp of ale to wash it down before continuing, "Ask the barkeep, he likes to make jokes about visitor's questions." With that, Gnore turns to view the barkeep with a grim look. Turning back to the group, he motions just before filling his mouth again, "Need to go elsewhere for real equipment."

At this point, Talimar and Ortho enter the common room and take a seat at the table with everyone else. Ortho is now sporting two bright red feathers that are braided into the twin braids of his long beard. Talimar is wearing a red feather that hangs from the left side of his headband, right in front of his ear. "Apparently, friend Ortho and I had the same idea in buying some red feathers for the group," says Talimar as he hands each of the party members a couple of red feathers to place on them as they wish.

"Beleg, you were right on with the assertion about the old man Rastifer's breath. We certainly got out of there as soon as possible!" says Talimar as he finishes.

"Oooooooh! Dain, does that tea of yours cure a hangover by any chance? Me achin' head!" says Ortho as he rubs his temples.

The rest of the company laughs at the dwarf's discomfort.

"Sorry my friend," says Dain as he takes a sip from his cup, "I don't believe my tea has ever had any luck at curing that."

"Whats a matter there Ortho? Did the old dwarf drink you under the table last night on the 'weak ale' of the 'giants'," asks Kersath with a smile.

"Aye, the old man could really set 'em down," replies Ortho.

"Druckner filled you all in on our confab with Grizzler? The mines look like the most probable hideout for this slot we are after. The Thornwood could be the hideout, but Druckner an' me believe Kuiper an' Oleanne would of known of such a group if they'd been in the Thorn. If ye look at our map of Haranshire, the mines offer a central location and easy access to both places we was attacked. And they've been abandoned fer years..." "Me vote is the mines. What did any of you learn that might change me mind?"

Beleg listens carefully to the discussion while eating his breakfast as everyone explains what they've learned and share their opinions. "I agree that the mines sound like a good place to begin our hunt and I have learned nothing that might change your opinion, friend Ortho." offers Beleg when everyone has finished. "One question though, did Grizzler say that he'd be willing to share his map with us, Druckner?"

"Well, he's the one who volunteered the information, so that means he either wants to give it or sell it. I'd be willing to wager that we'll have to pay a pretty penny for it though...Oh, and please, let ME deal with him. I don't want to sign over my first born to him just because you folks are feeling generous....again." says Druckner.

After hearing this, Beleg offers up another question, "What manner of equipment will we need and where will we get it?" With a look of concern on his face, Beleg continues, "I've never spent any time underground and so I have no idea what special equipment and precautions are necessary. I think we need to have a serious discussion about this expedition."

Ras then speaks up to everyone, "I agree with Beleg here, I don't mind searching the mines but we best be prepared. We should bring extra rations, torches or lanterns, water, shovels, picks, ropes, etc. Also, we best board our horses, metal helms for protection and extra clothing since mines can get quite cold. To do all this will cost some money. We should collect our 10 gp's and sell this brooch if it isn't magical. By the way, was anybody able to detect magic on this stuff?"

"Aye," replies Ortho, "I checked the stuff last night before I turned in for the evenin'. The shield is magical but the brooch offers up nothing. If it's all the same to everyone, I want to throw my name in the hat for keeping the shield. Seeing as I'm one o' the main ones who'll be healin' the party when necessary I kinda need the added protection. Just a thought."

Ras then continues, "I say we get the map, sell what we can, get supplies and get on with it."

At this point, Talimar addresses the group, "Well I think Dain and I have a solution to all our current problems. It seems that our newfound fame as Heroes of the Thornwood has attracted the services of a merchant passing through on a river barge who would like to pay us 30gp each to escort his barge down to Thurmaster."

Dain grins deviously at Kre, "I just love it when I get paid to do something I was planning to do anyway. 30gp should buy me some mighty fine tabac for my pouch plus a few extra useful trinkets."

"Aye, it is a fine offer indeed," says Kre with a twinkle in his eye.

"That's what I thought everyone would say. We'll take this 30gp to ride to Thurmaster, cash in our letter of credit and get payment from Tauster for delivering the letter to Kuiper and sell the brooch if necessary to make some more cash. Then we'll investigate these mines." says Talimar.

After everyone agrees to take the river escort duty down to Thurmaster, the party makes the necessary preparations and then meets back at the docks to board the barge. Talimar greets the merchant Kel and introduces the rest of the party to him. Kel maintains his air of pomposity and when Talimar introduces Druckner, Gnore and Ortho to him he takes out a kerchief from his sleeve and puts it over his nose as he nods to them, not extending his hand. Gnore "Harumphs!" loudly at the mans obvious rudeness while Beleg and Randor have to hold Druckner back from drawing his axe and cleaving the mans head open. Upon meeting Kersath, the man actually lets out a squeal, "Drow!" and then runs off in obvious fright to the main cabin with mumbled apologies. With a loud laugh, the captain of the barge comes forward to introduce himself, "Names Brandor, captain of this here barge. Glad to have you fellas aboard. Make yourself at home but try and stay out of the way of my men. We'll be in Thurmaster by nightfall."

With that, the party boards the barge and begins to take up positions not of defence, but of comfort. With an air of confidence that any threat can be handled quickly and efficiently everyone begins to lounge around the barge or even in some cases, sleep!

Kre and Ras set up a practice board at the back of the barge and Kre begins the instruction of Ras in the proper art of throwing knives. At the front of the barge, Randor and Beleg pick up their discussion on the various religions of the world and the role of deities today. After a while boredom sets in and Druckner and Gnore begin to share a skin of wine that Druckner brought from the Baron of Mutton. The rest of the party members set about doing various tasks or in discussion on a number of topics as each tries to pass the time travelling down the river.

The journey is wholly uneventful and quite boring. The scenery is very enticing as the recent rise in the temperature has given the hope of an early spring and the ice and snowfall along the river has begun to thaw and melt. The sun shines bright in the sky and the river is fast-flowing due to the rise of the water from the melting ice of winter.

The party sees no threat of attack or danger the entire day and some members grumble about this as the barge pulls into Thurmaster just around dusk.

"What a waste of time," says Ortho as he drops his backpack on the ground and assists Kre in unloading his horse from the barge.

"Well at least it saved us a day in getting here," counters Talimar.

"After the battle at the Thornwood, I think our friend there has developed a bit of the bloodlust," says Druckner with a smile at Ortho.

After everyone has disembarked, Kel walks over to Talimar and hands him a bag of gold, "Here is your payment, thank you for your 'services'." He then moves back aboard the barge as quickly as possible and begins yelling orders to the men to hurry with unloading what parts of his cargo need to be unloaded. Talimar hands the money over to Ras to count (it is all there) and then the party heads into town.

Walking past the rickety gates of Thurmaster, the town 'guards' that are posted at the gate wave to you as you enter. Both of them appear only interested in the oncoming nightfall and getting off-duty to head on down to the Hound and Tails for a drink. There are very few people on the streets as nightfall comes.

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