Chapter 3: Setting Out Across the Silver Woods!
The Eighth of Greentide, D.Y. 500
-----The next morning, everyone awakens to the sound of the rain still coming down in the forest. Thankfully, the dim light does return the green and lush appearance of the forest chasing away some of the dark fears that seemed to linger the night before.
-----With the shades still drawn in their quarters, the guards' knocking on the doors of their two rooms alert the adventurers. The message from the elven guards is that the party is invited to eat breakfast with Lord Howrun's company at the tavern. The guards will wait to accompany them when they are ready.
-----Without saying much, Sarah gets ready and waits for the others.
-----Raven also quietly gets ready to head out.
-----Sensing that the others share much the same sort of mood, Sol spends most of the time before the group heads out staring out into the rain from the bottom floor of the inn.
-----Soon everyone gathers outside their quarters and heads down the stairs where they see Sol. The young warrior's manner appears dark as if some of the life has been taken from him and washed away with the seemingly endless rain. His wounds though bandaged seem to be a visible reminder of the frustrating previous night.
-----Raven's wolf silently pads over to the hunter and Rinda as they step from the stairs. The animal maintains an alert sense about itself occasionally sniffing the air and casting quick glances at the distant trees.
-----Lovan steps down appearing very much aloof, as he looks calmly at the weather. The storm priest inhales deeply and then begins striding after the elven guards who lead the party.
-----As everyone begins to follow, Mirian walks partly enclosed by a circle formed by Garrison, Romney, Sol and the hunters. Sarah walks beside her and the dancer casts nervous glances at the young mage and then at the buildings in the village.
-----Surprisingly, Romney speaks up and his tone appears relaxed and even cheerful. "Take heart, my friends," the guard says, "Hopefully we will start for Rushfen soon. Though I prefer the streets of a town, we may find that those who menace us will be on equal ground with us in the woods."
-----Garrison nods and adds, "At least if he's after us, he'll follow and leave these people in the village alone." The woodsman then pats Mirian reassuringly on the shoulder as he walks.
-----The elven guards lead the party first to the stables to get their steeds. As they enter the building, nothing seems to be amiss and all signs of the last night's challenges are but memories.
-----The horses appear healthy and hale and soon everyone takes to their saddles and rides out toward the Red Leaf Tavern.
-----Though it still rains, somehow the village appears different this day than it had the one before it. Most of the buildings appear dark as if most of the citizens had not risen or decided to spend this day inside their abodes.
-----The few people that are outside appear to be only men. A small troop of soldiers or watchmen is seen casually patrolling between the buildings.
-----As the party continues on, they see before them the long building of the tavern. Out front can be seen the horses belonging to Lord Howrun's company. A few feet from the tavern building also stands a small group of men staring in the direction of the riders. Looking rugged in appearance, the men don't seem to be guards or soldiers.
-----As the party pulls up to the tavern, the adventurers can see the men watch their party with mean and suspicious expressions.
-----Sol dismounts and moves forward to meet the group of men halfway, stopping some fifteen feet from them. He watches them with tired eyes, both arms by his side with one palm turned outwards and slightly raised as he takes comfort from the falling rain. He patiently awaits the dark-visaged men to speak whatever grievance they may hold.
-----Sarah doesn't feel so good about leaving a town full of people getting murdered, and hopes that the assassin is in fact stalking the group or Mirian and not some mad killer who will haunt the town they just left mercilessly in their absence.
-----Sarah glares meanly at the group of men in their path, as if daring them to try something. She's not in the mood for amateur thugs today.
-----The grim men continue to stare and for a moment it seems their intent is unclear. Suddenly the silence is broken by Lovan. Oddly, he stands by Sol and remarks in a casual tone, "Nice day for a storm."