-----Lovan is the first to approach the riders arriving in the village square. He appears abnormally subdued in his manner as he walks up and greets them with a raised hand. “A little wind blows, though the sky remains cloudy and probably will be through this night,” he says strangely before asking, “Are there foes we must contend with before dawn?”
-----"Not unless they show themselves, Lovan." Sol replies, his wan smile registering lingering tiredness as he looks around at Ku's inhabitants. "We'll have plenty more o' that when we head south, as soon as Howrun's troops show up. How long have Garrison an' th' others been on guard duty?"
-----“They’ve supervised their guards all day,” the Storm Priest replies. “Your woman has been tending to the sick and weary all day too,” Lovan adds, nodding to Raven.
-----With a small smile beaming with confidence, Lovan finishes with, “I have been watching for signs that the Great Rager may give us, while giving guidance where I can.”
-----“Well I guess I should see how my ‘woman’ is doing then,” Raven says, with a weary smile.
-----Just then Pil can be seen coming from the eastern gate, striding along with a purposeful expression on his face. A few of the former prisoners approach him and he speaks with them motioning back toward the eastern gate.
-----It is then that Jyan approaches, the young mage having disposed of the black robes he wore while himself being forced into servitude by Ravenhold. He wears a white peasant shirt and dark breeches and he looks somewhat refreshed as he says, “How do you fare, my friends? Let me know what your plans are once this village is secure.”
-----"I shall need time tonight for prayers," Jeilin replies. "And hopefully an observation before dawn. If there is a need for watch, it is best that I take last." The priestess then speaks briefly with Pil before taking her leave.
-----Raven looks around and it is evident that the hunter is looking for Rinda. “I imagine she might be in the Inn,” he says aloud. He then looks at Sol and says, “Should I look to catch up with you later, or check with one of our other friends?”
-----"I'm going t'swap now wi' whoever is on th' southern watch. When you're ready, do th' same wi' th' western, they're th' two that need th' closest watch." Sol answers Raven after a moment's thought. Turning to Lovan, he then asks the priest, "Can ye relieve th' northern flank fer now?"
-----Thinking about the eastern flank, the Gorian regards Jyan thoughtfully before asking him, "Ye've enough field experience... would ye be able t'take a watch wi' th' eastern flank? We'll all be relieved by daybreak, or before if our replacements feel they've had enough sleep. As fer yer question, as soon as Howrun's men arrive, we'll be heading south t' try'n help Whisper, an' then looking further south fer more trouble t'get ourselves into."
-----Raven smiles knowingly and replies, “The west faces where the orcs were camped. I’ll head right there after I check with Rinda.” The hunter then strides off toward the Inn.
-----Lovan then answers Sol calmly, “The clouds blanket the sky this night. We shall see little to be concerned with.” The storm priest then heads toward the field north of the village though it is uncertain if he is truly heading there to be part of the watch.
-----“Yes,” Jyan answers the Gorian, “let me speak with my family and then I will help man the eastern gate to the village.”
-----Sol then turns Thunder and they move across the village square back to the southern portion of the village. As he takes the trail road, he lets Thunder walk as Sol allows his eyes to adjust to the growing darkness of the night. Also, he finds that the growing number of torch lights in the village add an extra challenge. As Thunder’s heavy hooves thump on the moist ground, they pass fewer people now as the newly freed citizens move to take shelter in the main houses and buildings or assemble closer to the square.