Chapter 8: The Rogues Leave the Town of Redmarsh!

The Fifth of Greentide, D.Y. 500

-----By morning, the clouds seem to have miraculously disappeared leaving a clear blue sky to greet the brilliant rising sun. A gentle breeze plays across the plains, which though chilly seems to help awaken everyone as they take their breakfast.
-----The Dread Pirate peers blurrily about in the morning air, then vigorously scratches at his crotch, saying, "Well, it looks like it's goin to be another fine day to be a pirate. If'n ye want to take the loot and bury it underneath that dragon and Seth wants to go spy in town, then I'll go look about in the tunnels. I shouldn't be too very long, then I'll come right back here, so Runik won't get all lonesome and cry. As a matter o' fact let's all agree to be back here by nightfall. That way if somebody doesn't show, we'll know something went wrong and we'll go lookin. I have some ideas fer improvin our campsite once I get back."
-----Seth looks up from his rolls of parchment and book, and looks around noticing that it is daytime. "Ok Dread, but I am going to spend just a little bit more time looking at these spells, and then I am going to have a power nap. Why don't you go off, being all piratical and I'll keep Runik company."
-----The Dread Pirate shrugs in assent, saying, "Okay, have a good day. I'll probably be back in a few hours. Maybe I'll be back by the time yer ready to leave."
-----The Dread Pirate then turns and runs across the plains in the morning sunlight. His small form then vanishes in amongst the high weed where the tunnel entrance is located.
-----The dwarf then looks around with a somewhat confused look and says to Kazel, "Uhm, so you're ridin' out with Krord n' Brandel while I stay here with the boss?" He points and indicated Seth as the musician continues to study from his recently acquired books.
-----"Why, yes I am," Kazel replies as she leaps onto the horse. "Where are they going again?"
-----"I do believe the Dread Pirate wishes for us to bury the treasure under the dragon's body, where ever that may be," replies Brandel gathering a few personal items together. He pauses long enough to pat the little girl on the head.
-----Albert caws as he sits on the edge of the wagon. The bird stares at Seth as if calling for food.
-----Seth looks up from his books and study and regards the crow, ignoring his larger companions for the moment. He searches through all of the packs and the wagons looking for something to feed Albert.
-----Kazel looks puzzled for a moment and then says, "Well that is what I was asking about. Let's move out to this dragon's lair, where ever it may be as you put it."
-----"We'll need to take the wagon," Brandel says as he lifts the girl up on the buckboard, "we don't have any other way to transport the treasure."
-----"That be leavin' me n' Seth to watch the two ponies n' this horse," Runik responds. Cocking one eye toward Kazel he adds, "Unless yer wantin' us to guard the treasure while ye look where the dragon is."
-----Kazel suddenly slumps on her saddle looking exasperated. After a moment or two, she hops lightly off the horse looking completely calm. "Ok, perhaps I've completely missed something but I don't have any idea where the dragon is. What say you come with me back into town, Brandel, since you know your way around town and those tunnels. We'll then see if we can find out about the whereabouts of interesting people and things."
-----Seth looks up from his study and feeding of Albert and waves towards the road. "I think it is on the road to Grute. Is this the road to Grute? Anyway, I am sure Brandel knows how to find that road. Albert and I will be ok here if you need the wagon and Runik to help. I have such new fascinating spells now. I just cannot decide which ones to learn today. Maybe if I had a bath, a bottle of Gorian wine ..." he drifts off and seems to forget anyone else is there at all. He reaches into his pack and draws out his harp and begins to strum a light melody as he stares at the book.
-----Brandel looks up with recognition and says, "The road to Grute? It heads straight from the town's east gate to the northeast. If it is located along that road, it should be easy to find."
-----The young mercenary then looks over the remaining horse and ponies. "If we can take the wagon, we could leave the horse for Seth and the two ponies for Runik and the Dread Pirate, of course."
-----"You do not mind staying behind and guarding our employer, do you Runik?" Brandel asks the dwarf.
-----"Nah," Runik answers brightly, "it be better'n standin' guard wit' Marast any ol' day."
-----The little girl stretches forth her arms toward Kazel who mounts up on her horse again. Krord looks at the little girl with a questioning look and then picks her up to hand her to Kazel. The huge mercenary then climbs in the back of the wagon while Brandel ushers the old mare to turn the wagon toward the town walls.

Go to Page 2