Subject Back on the road

As the party examines the loot Allistair explains the problems with identifying the magical items. Mund is all for just trying them out and is a bit put out when everyone seems opposed to the idea. He tries swinging the greatclub a couple of times but gives up quickly. "How are we going to carry all of this?" Salix asks, more to himself then the others. "Allistair pipes up. "I can help with that. Lothnar's gift. It can carry a lot more than it looks like. There is some space constraints, but if you let me carry the denser stuff, we should be fine. Tonight at camp Kal and I will take a closer look at the items and we might be able to give you a better idea of what they are."

Salix nods and turns to Harp. "Can you ride? This little diversion has cost us time that we must make up." Harp nods even as he winces. "I have little choice. Let's get moving." The next few minutes see the party members loading things into Allistair's bag and strapping the rest on to the horses. When everything is stored, the party is off again.

They ride for the rest of the day and stop well after dark. The hard pace has not been kind to Harp or to Mund or Ran. As they make camp for the night Ragnar and Harp make the rounds healing one of the three wounded. Ragnar has Harp feeling like nothing had happened with only two healing prayers (CSW 29+CModW,16=45). The dwarf then goes to Mund and does the same (CSW 26+ CmodW 20=46). The barbarian is surprised to feel the crushed ribs and the headache fall way like they had never been there.

Harp then goes to see to Ran's needs. Laying hands on his friends wounds, he prays to the battle lord to heal Ranthir (CmodW, 12+CLW 5=17). When he is done the 1/2 elf has only a small bruise left. The party eats a quick dinner before Salix tells them about some changes for the night. "We need to adjust the guard schedule for this night. Brother Ragnar needs his full nights sleep, as does Allistair. We need the arcane power that Allistair can bring and we have all seen the powerful healing that Brother Ragnar can bring when rested. So the remaining five of us will split the watches, with Harp taking a double watch, through the middle of the night, when it is darkest."

"In the morning, Allistair and Ragnar will be allowed the time needed to prepare themselves for the day while the rest of us break camp. If nothing waylays us on the morrow, the rest of you who need to pray or prepare will be able to do so the morning after, as Allistair and Ragnar will be able to stand watch with Surin and Ranthir and Mund. Now we must start early tomorrow, so lets head to bed.

The next several days pass in a blur. The weather changes from hot to wet to windy and back. They are constantly in the saddle or making camp or sleeping. The horses keep going but it is obvious to Salix that the pace is taking its toll. Even Mund comments on it as he is picketing them one night. "I know, but our need is great. Once we get to the grove, there are other druids there who specialize in animal care. They can work wonders. The horses are in pain, but so are we. Luckily I think we only have another two days before we reach the grove. Then we can rest some."

OODM: Anything you guys want to do or say go ahead. I might write more tonight.