Chapter 13: Separate Ways!
-----Just after noontime, Sol, Sarah, Raven and Rinda make it through the trees to come upon a trail road running to the west and east. With the sun shining warmly down on them, they turn toward the east and follow the trail. Within a few yards the trees thin out and before them, they see the walls of a large town.
-----Approaching the gate, they observe that this town looks much like the Town of Hearthorn. Through the gate can be seen houses and shops that are made mostly from forest products giving the large settlement a ‘woodsy feel.’ Only one guardsman seems to be manning the Town Gate. He grunts nervously as he takes the coppers from them.
-----As they ride through the gate, they notice that quite a few people are out in this part of town. On the first block they begin to ride down, the adventurers see the majority of the buildings here are small wood homes. To their left, one building stands out as a small tavern. Across the street from it is a trader’s store with a blacksmith’s shop just beyond it.
-----A group of men passes them by. Wearing the work clothes of laborers, it is evident they are making their way from or to some sort of job.
-----Just as they begin to ride further, they are suddenly approached by six armored men. Wearing surcoats sporting the same coat of arms over their chain mail, one of their numbers holds up his hand to them as if to bid them to stop.
-----"Stop!" the guard says in a loud, almost rude tone, "What business have you here in the Town of Oakwood? Is this your animal?" The guard points down at Raven’s wolf, which looks nervously around at the crowd of people. The rest of the guards have their hands near the pommels of their still-sheathed swords. To one side stands a thin man with them. He wears light yellow robes and stares unsmiling at the adventurers with his arms crossed.
-----Having conversed with guards like these consistently for the last couple of years, Sol confidently nudges Thunder forward a step and replies politely and firmly, "Good afternoon to ye all. We're here on th' business o' Lord Lambert, on our way t'meet wi' Sir Greene. He's expecting us, so if ye have th' time, could ye show us in th' right direction?"
-----Sarah shakes her head in amazement at Sol’s diplomacy. The words she was about to use weren't so kind. She stares at the light robed man in a hostile manner.
-----Raven motions for the wolf to stay by him. Other than that Raven remains quiet as he waits to see what the guards say.
-----"Lord Lambert, eh?" the guard snarls, "I hear he’s busy answerin’ to the King." The guardsman eyes the bleeding and wounded ranger and says, "Be best if you see the healers before you see Sir Greene."
-----With a disgruntled look, the guard turns and points down the street. "Go down two blocks and turn left. You can’t miss the keep." Turning back toward the four riders, the guard looks down at the wolf again. "And mind you keep a watch on yer animal."
-----Looking up at Sol, he curtly adds, "Move on."
-----Raven continues his silence towards the guards. As the guard speaks Raven looks towards where the keep is said to be. Raven waits for the Sol and then follows behind. Sol and Sarah can hear Raven grumble something, but it is too faint to be clearly heard.
-----Once clear of the guards Raven says, "When I was here before, Lord Lambert said they were having problems protecting this area. I guess the King has called him on the carpet to explain what is happening here. I'd feel better if Sarah or you did the talking with these folk. At this point I'd rather talk to a wild pig than another 'lord'." Raven gives both Sarah and Sol a slight smile to show he was trying to make a joke.
-----Sol nods at the guard’s demand that they move on and replies, "Good day t'ye." He grins at Raven's comment and says, "Fair enough. With any luck we can be on our way quick enough. Get ye healed up wi' th' grace o' th' local priest, make sure Sir Greene is ready t'aid us in taking down th' Dark...then we can get on t'th' main event." Sol then rides in silence, following the directions of the guard and using the eyesight he was born with to find the knight's keep.
-----Sarah cringes at Raven’s words and looks at Sol. "Yep, I volunteer you too, Sol. Lords only listen to me because of my father and then they pat me on the head and tell me not to worry. Bastards." Sarah shakes her head.
-----The adventurers continue on down the street straight for two blocks and then turn left at the next intersection. There the keep of the town looms at the end of the street. As they journey toward it, a detail of mercenaries passes them. Some among their number salute Sol as they continue on.
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