Turn 26 -- Dissention in the Ranks

No one in the party has the skill with which to make a ring identical to the goblin shaman's, so the party agrees to return to Milbourne and failing someone in town being able to craft such a ring having one made from a local city. Kersath, after thinking a bit says, "Well, all that is good and well, it's great we found the reason, in some way, that is causing the mire to grow but I think that we should concentrate our efforts now to finding out where the orcs came from and destroy them before they regroup and could overrun some small community in the area. About the ring, since we don't know how it works or even exactly what it does, let's take it back to Tauster. Maybe he can find out something about it?" Turning to Dain, he then says, "Well my friend, what do you think about this strange ring? Can you try to find something?"

Dain cheerfully finishes lighting his pipe, quite content with himself and Talimar on a job well done. He thinks for a moment on Kersath's question before replying, "I can do the job as soon as we have several hours of spare time when there is no chance that I will be interrupted. Thus, when we get back to town."

"Are you certain that this ring has been causing the mire?" asks Beleg a bit sceptically, "I agree that we should have Tauster or some other wizard identify the ring the first chance that we get. Otherwise, we will never be completely sure."

As this discussion is going on, Ortho begins to fume and storms out of the camp, mumbling something about taking a few rounds around the camp to cool off.

"Beleg, I believe that there was strong evidence that the mire was being caused somehow by the goblins. The reason being that in our discussion with the shaman we found out that they had moved to this area two years ago, the same time the problem started rising," says Talimar to Beleg. "It was therefore just a matter of finding out what the goblins were doing. We could tell that the shaman was a bit nervous and knew something about the problem. The ring was the only magic the whole clan had so it must be doing the damage. We will find out for sure though soon enough."

The rest of the evening passes with the group discussing the ring and what it could possibly be doing to cause the problem of the mire as well as several other things. Ortho doesn't return to the camp for several hours, only when it is his turn for watch and then he doesn't speak to anyone. After his turn, he returns to his bedroll to sleep through the evening. The party rises before sunrise, eats a quick breakfast and then begins to break camp. As Ortho takes his former shield off the pack mule and slings it over his arm he displays a large frown.

"So, a Dwarf is made to pay for the promises of the giants," says Gnore as he moves to lean against a tree.

"Certainly seems that way, friend Gnore," says Ortho to Gnore, "Okay, Tal, I spent the whole night trying to calm my anger but no more. I want some answers! Why did you trade something that did not belong to you? What gives you the right? What makes you think that ring is worth what you traded for it? Why did you not consult with me before making such a deal? Just because you are taller does not mean you can walk all over me. Why didn't we talk before the trade? There was no reason not to. We had no time pressures upon us and terms with the goblins were friendly. Up 'til now you have been more than willing to gather input from us. Why did you break from that course in this instance? Why did you act so hastily and without regard to the consequences?"

"Also, how do YOU propose to compensate ME for my loss?" Ortho angrily ends his questioning with a loud stomp of his foot to the ground.

Talimar waits until Ortho's tirade begins to die down and muses before answering the angry dwarf, "Why did I act hastily without thought to the consequences Ortho? I seem to remember you charging off to face the goblins BEFORE the party had made a decision as to our strategy. We are a team and need to work together, but you chose me as your leader and I made the decision I believed was required at the time. And I do not regret that decision. If you no longer wish me as your leader, just say so and the company can vote on the matter." Talimar finishes with a wave of his hands to include the entire group, all of which have stopped their preparations to leave to watch the argument unfold.

"Regarding the shield, it was bought with the blood on this company, we merely allowed you its use and it was sacrificed for the greater good of the company." The elf sighs and runs a hand through his hair, "I can only hope that we will be able to get recompense from Darius Carman on the shield."

"Aye, I charged off," interrupts Ortho, "On my own without a request for assistance and without puttin' anyone else in danger. Can't stand waitin' around. Notice it got the party movin'?" Ortho steps closer to Talimar to look him as closely in the eye as possible, "Yeah elf, we did choose ye as leader, and I'm still willin' ta let you lead. To a point. From now on the followin' WILL aplly: I make my own decisions. You may lead but I follow of me own free will. No elf commands me blindly. I'll speak up if I have a problem. Number 2: In non-threatenin' situations, you are in command. This is more for expedience and speed than any other reason. Three: My possessions and the things on me person are NOT at your royal command. You want something from me, you will ask. I'll not be humiliated again." This last statement accentuated by Ortho's finger in Talimar's chest.

"'Allowed me to use it'? By my account and understandin' the shield was mine. You obviously feel it was 'the party's'. We will be clear on this in the future."

"As to the 'good of the party', how so? ye know nothin' of the ring. Ye do not even know if it is the cause of the mire. We knew what the shield was. And if the ring does stop the mire what do we get? A bit o' gold. That shield was worth more than the gold we are to be paid. Ye'd best pray that the ring is causing the mire and that we can use it for OUR benefit. Else, ye made a poor trade. Let's hope you were right!"

"Two more things. First, goblins, orcs and other scum are a scourge to all dwarves. Matters not if they're too scared to attack or not. I have a long, personal score to settle with such. And I'll settle it. Be aware. Second, I be no altruist. I'll not be forced into poverty to correct some stranger's error. I'm here to do a job and to profit from it. Doin' good deeds for 'personal satisfaction' just does not put meat on me plate. Gold, magic, and knowledge is what I seek---not a hero's pauper cloak. I've got to find that sage and I need money to do that."

"'Nuff said, I think ye know how I feel and I don't believe ye will step on me big toes again. Lead on, Tal."

As Ortho finishes Randor steps in between the two, shoving Talimar and Ortho away from each other, "Stop this petty bickering. Talimar did what needed to be done and yes Ortho you will be rewarded later. But for now all you are doing is repeating the same arguments, can we please get moving and find out about this ring and our reward? If it makes you feel any better Ortho, we can try to get them to repay you for your sacrifice with something of equal value. Would that be to your liking?" As there is no answer from either Talimar or Ortho, Randor walks away fully satisfied that they will stop arguing.

Beleg stands by quietly as Ortho speaks to Talimar. As the conversation progresses, it is apparent by his slight scowl and red-tinged face that he is upset. He begins to walk toward the two but stops, his demeanour a bit more relaxed as Brother Randor intercedes. As Randor speaks, his agitation returns and he steps forward to speak as Randor walks away.

"I am quite disturbed at the nature of this conversation," he says with a hard glance at Ortho, "We obviously need to have a long talk about whether we will stay together as a party but this is neither the time nor the place, so I will say only this. I do not wish to be party of any company whose primary goal is 'gold, magic, and knowledge', especially in that order. When we return to town I will talk to you again on this subject and prepare to part company if that is the majority opinion." Slinging his backpack, Beleg turns from Talimar and Ortho and starts the long march back to town.

Talimar looks at Beleg in respect then turns back to Ortho, "Beleg is right, if those are your desires and demands, I do not see a future to this company." Talimar looks around the landscape and Beleg's back as the paladin walks away, "We shall need to have a long council when we get back to town." The elf turns his back to the stubborn dwarf and follows Beleg.

About this time there is a loud guttural cry from all around the party and several arrows come flying into the camp! Arrows thud in the tree beside Gnore and Kersath and Beleg and Ortho are both narrowly missed by flying arrows. Druckner is not so lucky as an arrow slices through his left forearm, tearing his shirt and ripping some muscle off his arm. Talimar also takes an arrow in his left shoulder as the arrow comes whizzing past Beleg to hit him. Everyone instantly reacts to the attack as several orcs come screaming into the camp!