Turn 17 -- Back to Tauster

As the party enters the gates of Thurmaster and stops to decide on what the next course of action will be, Ras steps up to Talimar and hands him the bag of gold, "It's all here, 300gp, can you hang onto it? I think we should collect all the money we are owed and then meet at the inn. I will divide up the money and everyone can decide what to do with their share. There are several merchants in town who I am sure will be willing to buy our brooch. I will attempt to sell it, I kinda have a knack at getting a good price for items like that." Ras then writes the 300gp into his book and marks Talimar as the holder. "Would someone mind going with me to protect my back? I kinda want someone who will be seen, maybe Beleg would be the best choice?"

Ras says with a look at Beleg, "Would you mind? You don't have to say anything, just be a presence."

Beleg smiles at the young halfling, "I would be happy to accompany you, friend Rasmussen, but don't you think the entire party should report to Tauster first? He is a wizard and deserves to be informed of the possible plot to abduct spellcasters/ Also, he might be willing to identify the shield, especially when he hears what has transpired during the past few days. If there is an errand that is urgent, I submit that speaking with Tauster is it."

"Well, back in Thurmaster," says Ortho with a smile, "To the Hound or collect our money?" "Tal, lead us on to Squire Marlen and let's get this letter of credit cashed. Then on to Tauster for payment on deliverin' the letter to Kuiper."

As the others are speaking, Gnore busies himself with tying one of the red feathers in his hair so that it dangles near his right ear. He then draws his sword and looks for some way to attach the second feather to the end of the swords handle, mumbling something about how "...Zir'zool can help him strike the group's foes with greater accuracy." While examining the feather, Gnore waits for the others to decide what to do next.

"We should visit Tauster before we go to Squire Marlen's. He has to sign the letter for the delivery to Kuiper. Do you think we should charge him a bonus for saving the boy Maxim?" says Druckner with a smile, "We do have to warn him about the wizard kidnappers though." "And after that, to the Hound and Tails, where ale is weak and chairs are too tall! Now where should I stick these feathers?" he says as he looks for a place to attach the feathers that have become the groups symbol.

"Yes, friend Druckner, I also think we should see Tauster as soon as possible. He should be told of the events that have transpired since last we saw him." says Beleg as he removes his helm and drags his fingers through his hair before continuing, "As far as charging a fee for our deeds involving the boy Maxim, I think the goodwill of the people of Milborne, coupled with the knowledge of a good deed performed as charity, is more than sufficient payment. Don't you?"

"Aye, well said," says Brother Randor, "we need no other payment than that."

Noting the setting sun behind you all, Talimar speaks, "We'll stop by Squire Marlen's first and pick up our money there, that should take only a few moments, we had the contract countersigned by Tauster when we were last here. After that we can visit Tauster and fill him in on the happenings, collect our 10 gp fee for the message to Kuiper and see about getting the shield identified."

With a look to Ras, he continues, "I think most of the businesses have closed for the night so Ras you would probably be better off waiting until the morning."

Having no luck attaching the second red feather to the end of his sword, Gnore settles for tying the final one just below the first, "Sounds good to me, let's get going." He shifts uneasily and looks around at the people walking by, "We're drawing attention clumped here like this."

Talimar stops a man on the street and gets directions to Squire Marlens house and the party sets off in that direction. Squire Marlens house is of medium size but has been taken care of quite nicely. Talimar knocks on the door and after a few moments is greeted by a rather large man who appears to be some type of guard as he is dressed in a leather vest and carries a sword and dagger at his side.

"We have business with Squire Marlen." says Talimar to the man.

The man eyes the heavily armed group warily before allowing you to enter the house. "Wait here," he says as he points you to a rather large waiting room off the main entrance. After waiting a few minutes you are greeted by an old, rake-thin man with a beak of a nose and beady eyes,

"Greetings, I am Squire Marlen, how can you help you?" he says as he offers his hand to Talimar.

"We have this letter of credit signed by Tauster and would like payment please," says Ras as he hands the letter to Squire Marlen.

After reading the letter and checking its authenticity he speaks, "Everything seems to be in order. You want full payment of this?! I do service the financial needs of this community as well as the Count. I can hold on to these funds for you and give you vouchers if you will, this is an awful lot of gold to be handing out."

"We'd rather have it all now if you please," says Talimar.

With a heavy sigh at Talimar's reply, Squire Marlen continues, "Well ok then, but it will take me the evening to get this much gold together and counted. Return to me in the morning and I shall have it for you."

"Agreed," says Talimar, "We shall return in the morning."

Squire Marlen's shoulders fall as he leaves the room and returns to the back part of the house to begin his task. The party is shown out by a different guard than the first but just as fierce looking as the earlier man.

The party then makes the short journey over to Tauster's residence and knock on his door. "Go away!" is the reply from behind the door.

"Friend Tauster, it is the Red Feather Adventuring Company," yells Dain through the door, "You sent us after Jelenneth, remember?"

After a few moments, the door is opened and Tauster is standing in the doorway, "The Red Feather what? Oh yes, now I remember you, please come in. I hope you have good news about my apprentice."

As everyone enters the building, you notice for the first time that Kre is not with the party, "What happened to Kre," says Talimar as he notices the thief's absence. "I believe he said something about wanting to check the town out," replies Ras, "I'm sure he'll be fine."

"It's not him I'm worried about," says Talimar, "it's the townsfolk of Thurmaster I'm concerned for."

"Nothing to do about it now," says Druckner, "He'll meet us at the Hound and Tails later I'm sure."

"He'd better," replies Talimar with a stern look on his face, "We don't need any further disappearances!"

"Ah, yes, speaking of which," says Tauster, "what news is there of Jelenneth?"

As the party describes the events that have unfolded since they last met with Tauster he becomes quite shaken at all that has happened. On several occasions he wrings his hands nervously and is visibly upset at no news of Jelenneth.

"Orcs! Orcs in the Thornwood?! Oh dear!"

Upon completion of the tale, Tauster brings out a bag of gold and pays everyone for the delivery of the letter.

"I have no more errands for you now, but you should have no trouble finding work now, what with kidnapping's and bands of unknown orcs in the woods indeed! Dark times indeed, dark times indeed!"

"I have a feeling there are some interesting adventures in store for you."

"Yes, I'm sure there will be that," says Ortho as he stands and shows the shield they took from the orcs to Tauster, "We have one favour to ask of you though. We know this 'ere shield be magical, but could ye please identify the nature of such magic for us?"

"Oh dear, haven't done that in years," says Tauster with a deep frown. "I suppose I could though, seeing as how much you've done for me and all. Plus, I feel a certain responsibility for the loss of your companion."

"It will require the entire night as I will have to prepare the shield for the spell. Leave it with me tonight and I will have an answer for you in the morning."

Ortho lays the shield on Tauster's table, "Thank you sir, we shall be back in the morning."

"If you don't mind, friend Tauster," says Dain, "I would appreciate it if you would allow me watch the incantation you will be doing and possible learn the spell? I promise I won't interfere and it would be a great time for us to begin that instruction we spoke of earlier."

"Oh, well, ok, I see no harm in that. But you must be quiet and not interfere." "Of course," says Dain with a childish grin splitting his face.

With that taken care of the rest of the party takes their leave of Tauster and heads over to the Hound and Tails to finish out the evening. Stepping into the Tails, the party is greeted by a rather raucous crowd this evening. Already several of the patrons are quite drunk and loud. Several men are sitting around a large table singing loudly (and horribly) while others stand around another table playing dice. Kre is in a corner not far from this group with his feet propped up on his table and a mug in his hands, his eyes on the men dicing and a smile on his face.

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