Jack Returns, Recon Team Heads Out
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
Try as he might, Mission cannot hear anything. But Farron's face is so intense, so. . . sincere, he doesn't think to doubt him.
He's a bit startled when Jack clambers up the mage's robe, and feels a moment's revulsion as the weasel puts its mouth to Farron's ear. To be that close to those little sharp teeth. . . ugh. It gives the monk the shivers. How can Farron stand to have Jack slinking around in his robes all day? Little claws, little teeth. . . brr.
Mission waits quietly for Jack and Farron's report.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
Farron relays this information to the group awake and suggests that maybe he, Jack, and at least one other (Rennik, or Mission) go investigate.
Farron also exchanges a few more chatters with Jack, asking if the "small person" appears to be alone.
"Jack tells Farron that he found a 'small person' wandering in the woods to the northeast. Farron knows from past experience that a fifteen minute creep for Jack equates to about five minutes of normal walking for him, but in these woods it could be ten or more minutes away. Jack moves much more quickly through the undergrowth than the people do."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
Farron relays this information to the group awake and suggests that maybe he, Jack, and at least one other (Rennik, or Mission) go investigate.
Farron also exchanges a few more chatters with Jack, asking if the "small person" appears to be alone.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
With a complicated series of hand waves Farron casts Dispel Noxious Gas.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
And for once, Mission is grateful for the mage's assistance. . .
:)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
A child, or one of the Murrakat? Mission could not imagine one of the savage halflings crying in the darkness. He stifles a needle of anxiety for his own little one. . . out there. Eastward. In Anileth's belly.
He ties a dark wrap of cloth around his blonde hair. "Shall we go see if this 'little person' needs any help, Rennick?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
Jack didn't see anyone else.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
[Ok, we are just waiting on Rennik at this point, but the plan is to have Mission, Rennik, and Karl go find the crying person?]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
OOC: That was my plan. . . can't speak for the sissy mage or barbarous halfling. . . :)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
Pending Rennik's answer, yes, I think that's the plan that is brewing.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
Garyth frowns slightly at the idea of splitting the party, but knows that he cannot move as quietly through the brush as his companions. He nods his approval to the plan and whispers, "I think the others should be wakened, just in case."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
Hey, the sissy mage already spoke for himself.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
Rennik's in agreement. He'll strap the axe on his back, leave his backpack, and creep forward with bow in hand, using all his ability to move silently and survey the terrain for pitfalls or anything else he could point out to the others that might hinder their progress (or cause them to fall).
(OOC: Sorry about the delay. Long day at work.)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Cries in the night 2
Update coming tonight.
Stalking the Crybaby
Subject: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
Rennik moves to the front of the group, with Farron close behind to whisper directions from Jack in the Halflings ear. Mission brings up the rear.
In the camp, Garyth moves to quietly wake Sa'id and Cadfael, and tells them in a whisper where the others have gone.
Once Farron is a few minutes outside the camp, he hears the crying again, though this time both Rennik and Mission are able to hear it as well. The closer the group gets, the more it sounds like a kid sobbing to himself. Once they have gotten close enough, Rennik stops the group and moves forward by himself as quietly as his ranger craft will let him. In the blackness of the jungle at night, he uses his other senses as best he can to move without giving his position away. After moving about 30 feet from his companions, the air tells him he has moved into a small clearing, and the crying creature is not more than ten feet away. The crying stops suddenly, and a small Halfling voice says, "Who's there?" Terror is thick in the voice.
[To Rennik, it sounds like a young Halfling male. All three could hear the question.]
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
Farron will remain completely silent, listening. He will leave it up to Rennik to respond.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
Rennik tries to keep his voice as calm and comforting as possible, speaking above a whisper but not at full volume.
"I am Rennik of the Chorrdath, small one." It suddently dawns on him that this boy may be on a rite of passage of his own, similar to that which Rennik went through at his coming of age. "My companions and I thought you might be in distress, and we came to make sure of your safety. What is your tribe? Have you been separated from your people?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
Those waiting for Rennik hear his gentle words, and then the young voice says, "Chorrdath? Maki non Logi!" Then there is a long burst of Halfling speech and what sounds like wrestling.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
Rennik hurries the boy back the way he came, moving back towards camp. He holds the boy against his side and shushes him to be quiet, while speaking again in that half-whisper.
"Friends Mission and Farron, this boy is of my neighbor tribe! He may know more of what happened to my kinsman and the other halflings. We must get him back to camp."
As they walk, Rennik holds the boy closely and makes a show of checking him for wounds. As he pats the boy down, he is sure to check for a scroll case hanging about his neck.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
Rennik finds no scroll case on the boy. In fact, the only possessions the boy seems to have are an empty knife sheath, ratty leather trousers, and an astonishing array of bumps and knots.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
Mission is quiet, torn between relief that the child is not Promise. . . and frustration that the child is not Promise.
He had hoped. . .
He ducks beneath a stray branch just in time to feel it fuzz the top of his head. He didn't know what he hoped.
For now, he hoped to make it back to camp. He hoped the halfling child would be healthy and whole-- and not pathless. And perhaps, might be able to tell them of the black pillar.
And his son. His Promise.
Mission follows the others back to camp.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
Sa'id sits quietly in the camp, legs crossed and eyes closed. He appears to be either praying or meditating, but it is impossible to be certain which.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
The boy will return to camp with Rennik. What do you plan to do with him there? Once you get him into the light, you will see that he has been beaten regularly for a sustained period of time. He has old bruises covered with new ones, and a variety of lumps on his head. He also appears hungry and dehydrated.
Other than that, he looks like a Halfling boy of about 14, skinny and wide eyed, and dressed only in his torn leather pants.
Introducing Manut
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
OOC: Ty, what time is it? What was the watch order we decided upon? I know Mission was to take the 2nd watch. . . I think. . .
Mission will offer the boy some of his water, but will otherwise let Rennick take the lead with him.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
Farron eyes the boy on the way back to camp. He certainly looks like he's seen some rough days out here. Farron note the bruises and lumps and asks Rennik to question the boy further. "What has happened to him? Who has done this?"
Back in camp he rummages through his pack until he finds a piece of sweet biscuit for Jack and feeds him while chattering congratulations to him for a job well done.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
Actually, it was after 2am when Farron awoke, which is why Garyth was on watch. I think I used 'midnight' as a descriptor, but all I actually meant was 'dark'. Sorry about that. Being too flowery. :)
[waiting on Matt's convo with the boy]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
After I emailed out, I took a look at a the archives and realized that Garyth was on the last watch. . . I was mainly concerned about who'd be on watch with the n00b.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
Cadfael wakens quickly as Garyth shakes his shoulder. Once told of the situation he quietly gets his mace and shield and crouches by a tree, waiting for whatever happens next.
Seeing the Halfling child being brough toward camp he takes note of his wounds and realizes that he may soon be called upon to lend some healing. Quickly, before the group reaches the camp fire he will a detect evil spell to reassure himself that this halfling child is as it seems.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
[Situational information]
There is no campfire. Someone at camp will need to make a light of some kind, though any of the magic users can create magical light easily.
[Game info]
Cadfael's detect evil spell finds nothing ominous about the boy. He is revealed to be exactly what he seems. A scared young boy.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; stalking the crybaby
Mission will quietly advise against a fire-- if the boy needs warmth, he will lend him a blanket.
Rennick's initial instincts on making camp were wisest-- and the addition of a scared halfling boy doesn't change the fact that they are on hostile ground.
From: Ty
Subject: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
The party gathers around the small boy. Cadfael says, "I can't see anything." Then there is a rustling sound, and suddenly bright light fills the clearing, emanating from a glove he holds in his hand. He quickly covers the glove in his hand, till only a dim glow shines out, allowing the party to see each other, and the boy.
The boy reacts to this obvious magic with fright, and only calms down when Rennik puts his arm around him and whispers to him in the Halfling tongue. Sa'id, who speaks Halfling, recognizes the word for "holy man". The boy looks around at the group with wide eyes, but says nothing until Rennik begins questioning him in their native language. Sa'id quietly translates for those who do not speak Halfling.
Rennik asks, "You are a long way from home, how did you get into the jungle?"
In fits and starts, with occasional prodding from Rennik, the boy tells you his story...
His name is Manut. He is the fourth son of Jurkut, the chief of the Logi. He says this with pride, and it is clear that he holds his family in high regard. He has seen fourteen winters, which Rennik knows means he is at least a year or two before his manhood trial.
He tells you that a hunter named Kulik brought him here. Kulik was one of his brother's friends, just a few years older than he. Kulik tricked him into coming into the woods, and then beat him when he tried to leave. He was taking him to the jungle, but before they could enter, Manut was able to escape.
Rennik presses him on this. Why was he being taken to the jungle? What did Kulik want? Why was he being beaten?
Manut cries, and claims not to know. When Rennik pushes him further, he breaks down and sobs. When finally he speaks again, he says that he has shamed his father, and that he will never be let back into his tribe. He will never see his family again.
A brave warrior named Fayten had risen to great prestige in the tribe. He was known for his skill and bravery in the hunt, and many thought that Jurkut would name him the successor to lead the tribe. When Jurkut named his own oldest son as heir, the friends of Fayten spoke ill of him, saying that he favored a weaker leader, and that his love for his son blinded him to the good of the tribe. The truth was, Jurkut's eldest son was a capable leader and brave hunter in his own right, though he lacked Fayten's skill at self aggrandizement. It was widely known that Fayten himself spread many of the most malicious rumors about Jurkut's choice.
Gradually, Fayten's small band of hunters began separating themselves off from the tribe. Some thought that when Jurkut died, Fayten and his hunters would challenge the new leader, and take over the tribe. Manut admits that he was fascinated by this group of hardened hunters, and dreamed of joining their elite group one day. His own brother had never paid attention to him, and Manut felt little loyalty to him. So when Kulik, the youngest of Fayten's band, began to pay attention to him, he was flattered.
But they were just using him. He was tricked into getting his brother alone, Kulik told him that they wanted to talk to him, but when Manut's brother was found murdered, he knew what had happened. Kulik warned him that if he ever told, he would be murdered too, so he hid his shame and fear.
One by one, Fayten's band disappeared. No one knew where they were going, and they did not return. Last to go was Kulik. Before he left, he took Manut aside and told him that they had discovered a wonderful secret, and they felt gratitude to Manut, so they wanted to share it with him. Manut, desperate to escape his shame, went with Kulik when he left the village.
Once outside the village, though, Kulik's attitude changed. He began to beat Manut, telling him that he was an idiot, and useful only as a "gift", whatever that meant. They went into the jungle, and stopped at an old building. Kulik seemed to be waiting for something. After a few days, another group appeared. It was a tall woman in armor, with several men. One of Fayten's hunters was leading her group. They spent the night at the building, and Kulik sat with them while they spoke. Manut was driven off and locked in a back room. The tall lady had taken one look at him and said, "He isn't one of us." After that, Kulik beat him and locked him away.
Manut found a loose stone in the wall, and before the morning came was able to push it out and slip out the narrow crack. Though, once he escaped he was lost, having never been in this part of the forest before. He prayed to Mielikki, but there was no answer. He has wandered the forest for a day now, waiting to die. He sees Rennik as the answer to his prayers, though he does not know how he will face his father again, after his treachery.
After he stops speaking, it is clear that he is exhausted, hungry, and thirsty. Mission pulls the blanket around the shivering boy with a tenderness that is not odd, considering his own search for his child. Cadfael gives the boy food and water, and uses a minor healing magic to ease his pain. Once the boy has eaten, he quickly falls asleep.
[You can talk about this info if you want, or just settle back in for the night. If everyone could check in at least, I would appreciate it.]
Conversation About Manut's Story (cont'd.)
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Something else bothered him about the boy's story. Something in the names he'd mentioned. Jurkurt. . . Kulick. . . Fayten. . .
Fayten.
"Rennick, wasn't Fayten the name of one of the halflings that ambushed us the first day out?" Mission whispers. "And you said he was. . . Logi," the halfling word feels strange on his tongue. "Like this boy."
Manut had only been wandering around the forest for a day. . . the woman Manut had seen in the cabin had to be Elise.
They were getting close to Elise-- and close to the black pillar. Close to his redemption.
Mission gulps a breath of air to calm himself. He falls silent.
Rennik Questions Manut
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
"I agree. We can't take him with us," Farron adds. "How far are we now from his village? Can he make it back by himself?
"Rennik, can the boy tell us where is the building where he was held captive? If not, can you track his path backward to find it?"
From: Ty
Subject: hey! can i get an amen! Uh huh! Good god!
Just hoping we can get everyone to check in. :)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
"The Logi live far from this place, on the other side of Mt. Kessel. Two days journey at least through the jungle, if you survived. Four days or more to go around through the forest."
Rennik turns to the boy and asks about the place where he was held, trying to ascertain whether it was indeed Gully's inn (I'd imagine the Winter Wolves would give it away). He would question Marut regarding Elise and Anileth, too, and then try to gain more about Fayten.
"Did you notice Fayten wearing a metal scroll box around his neck, like a metal stick on a chain? Or any of the others of your tribe?" He'd press to see what he can find out regarding these trinkets and anyone who may have been responsible for bringing them to the Logi. He'd also ask about this Soul Drinker, whether he'd heard the name bandied about... or any reference to some dark master.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
"It was an old tower, like the guard towers humans have around their cities. Made of stone blocks, and very tall. But it was mostly broken down. There were still some rooms inside it, but lots of the rooms were wrecked. It was right on the edge of the jungle, and the jungle was taking it back." He gives additional description of the place, and Rennik thinks he could find this place from the boy's directions.
"I never saw any metal thing, but Fayten was not there. It was one of Fayten's hunters, one of the group that left with him. I never saw Fayten himself."
When Rennik describes Elise, the boy starts nodding his head vigorously. "Yes, yes! The red headed woman! I saw her. She was the one that said I wasn't one of them. She was very scary. She makes you want to kiss her and run away from her at the same time. Fayten's friend was supposed to take them all, and Kulik, somewhere. I didn't hear where. They were going to take me there, too. Kulik was going to give me to someone. Like a slave, maybe."
The boy gets a fierce look on his face. "As if any of the Logi would accept slavery rather than death!"
His face gets sheepish, "So that's why I ran away."
Sa'id is translating all of this for the rest of the party. The boy suddenly turns to Cadfael, and down on his knees, drops his head to the ground and says, "Mielikki kura non oha, dura naihi."
Sa'id smiles and says to Cadfael, "The boy said, 'The blessings of Mielikki flow through you, holy man.' It appears your healing magic has made you a friend."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Sa'id nods approvingly at Rennik's choice of questions. He has nothing to add, but observes the conversation so intently you'd think he was memorizing every word.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Garyth listens intently. When the boy is done telling his tale, he says, "We can ill afford to look after a child, but do we have a choice? If this jungle is half as treacherous as it's claimed to be, leaving a child alone in it would amount to murder."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Mission holds his tongue for a moment as he calms himself. There is another child out there, he wants to say to Garyth. A child in a much more dangerous situation that this halfling boy. Why is it right to abandon him to the dangers of Anileth's womb, and . . .
Be still. Garyth is correct. "It is only a day's trek to Gully's," Mission says, and hopes that the bitter taste in his mouth does not come out in his voice. He takes a breath to cleanse his thoughts before speaking. "The boy could lodge there. Gully is a good man-- surely he could take him in. And if not, I will pay for the boy to lodge there."
His mind was racing. A day. A full day that Anileth would have to distance herself from him.
OOC: How long would it take for Mission to run all the way (20 miles) back to the lodge, carrying the boy, and then back to the present campsite?
Would such a thing even be possible? Do any of the mages posess some type of mega-endurance strengthening spells?
Just curious. . .
Mike Check
Subject: microphone check, micro microphone checka
So, is the list being flaky again or did I delete something by accident? The last thing I saw was Scott's email from yesterday.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: microphone check, micro microphone checka
I'm not getting anything either.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: microphone check, micro microphone checka
Has anything gone out?
Deciding Manut's Fate
Subject: Re: hey! can i get an amen! Uh huh! Good god!
Checking in. I was incommunicado yesterday.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Farron listens to all this with interest, but has nothing to add.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Did everyone receive the mail below?
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
I got it, (both times).
Farron can cast "haste", but that only lasts a few rounds. Not nearly long enough to get back to Gully's and back with it. Other than that, I don't have anything that would help you significantly.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Yup, I got that one. I don't have my spell list on me, but IIRC I don't have anything that would be particularly useful.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
:)
:)
:)
OOC: What is it with you wizards and the double emails?
How hard can it be to go into the To and CC lines and delete everything but 'game@sakeriver.com?'
I mean, I understand that wizards are not given to physical exertion, but THIS. . .this is just silly.
:)
:)
:)
From: Ty
Subject: Cries in the night; where do we go?
The child has finished his tale. He falls asleep next to Rennik, with Mission's blanket wrapped tightly around him. It is clear that he sleeps so heavily that nothing will wake him.
[You can discuss plans if you wish, or just check in to tell me you're sleeping. I do need to know what you plan to do with the kid before I write the next turn.]
PS, welcome Tom to the team, everyone. Tom is going to be taking over a very important character in the near future. :)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; where do we go?
There goes the neighborhood. . .
:)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
OOC - If you wait until morning Cadfael can cast endurance on you which will raise your constitution by 1d4+1 for 5 hours. Other than that, I can't help you. Doesn't Farron have a mount? Or is the forest too dense for that to be an option?
Cadfael smiles broadly down at the Halfling boy and extends a hand to help him to his feet. He does not, however, have anything to say (and so he goes back to studying for his midterms).
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Well, I either have to take my hands off the keyboard and click the mouse to do that, or I have to hit "Shift-Tab" four times, then "delete", whereas to get rid of a duplicate email, all I have to do is hit "Ctrl+D". :D
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; where do we go?
Farron thinks the kid would be a liability, but having already said so chooses not to belabor the point. He takes one last look at the now-sleeping kid and decides that for now he has the right idea. If the others want to discuss his fate now, that's fine, but unless anyone addresses Farron specifically, he goes back to his blanket and is quickly asleep.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
(OOC - Oh yeah, how could I have forgotten, Farron *can* cast mount, but it is not on his spell list today. Ty, when are spells technically decided on? The night before? or in the morning during prep time? If the latter, Farron can prepare and cast Mount if that's what we decide. Ty, he'll trade in one of the "Magic Missile" spells and prepare "Mount" instead. If the former, it will take a day to do that.)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
(OOC - OK, let's try this one . . .Ty, you *did* say the path we are following is pretty well trodden, right? Can we assume a horse could make it back by following the trail?)
Farron listens to the debate when Cadfael suggests that it's too bad we don't have a horse we could send him back on. At that point, Farron says, "Well, I think that can be arranged if we want to do that. We're only a day out from Gully's on foot. I can summon a mount that should be able to get him at least well out of the forest if not all the way back to Gully's before the spell ends. (OOC - Good for 10 hours riding, however far that will take him). If we choose to do that, though, we should at least send a note with him so Gully knows the circumstances.
"At any rate, whether or not we choose to go that route, I, for one, need a good night's sleep." With that Farron returns to his blanket, and sleep.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Mission frowns. "Kulick may still be seraching for him."
He falls silent again. Mission will let the others debate this out for a while.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Garyth nods at Farron's suggestion of summoning a mount, but frowns at Mission's comment. "Yes, Kulik is a concern, but it seems more likely to me that he and his cohorts would have continued on to their destination." He thinks a moment. "This tower is not likely to be far from here. If we went there before sending the boy back, we could better ascertain what the group did after losing the boy."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
OOC: When I'm writing from school I usually forget. Sorry. :) And welcome to Tom. :)
..seven characters, eh? Hope he isn't a wizard ;-)
Sa'id has nothing to add to the discussion about the boy's fate; he has gleaned all of the information he needs from the conversation and is quite happy to muse to himself (doing his best to refrain frum muttering out loud) and ultimately allow his subconscious to chew on it while he sleeps.
OOC: In other words, I have a difficult exam coming up tomorrow. :-P
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Rennik studies the boy as he listens to the words of others. He hasn't achieved manhood yet, and should have been spared the nights in the jungle for at least a few more years. If he survives, he will remember these days and will gain great renown amongst his people for his courage. That is, if there is even a Logi tribe to return to. Or a Chorrdath tribe.
Rennik's face is troubled as he ponders the boy's words, and perks up at the mention of Kulik.
"If he were on the boy's trail, he would be dead. The Logi are experienced trackers and Elise's men are capable. If they had pursued him into the jungle, they would have overtaken him and killed him. He was not worth their notice."
"What I don't understand is how Elise could have come to be in that tower last night, unless she doubled back at some point from the course we are on. I've been following her trail, set deep in this mud, and we came across no tower. Yet she was there, according to Manut's he tale."
"We may be able to gain on her if we turn back toward the tower now, instead of waiting for her trail to double back. That would take us closer to Gully's, where we could leave Manut."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Garyth nods. "Agreed. Besides, who knows what we might find at this tower?"
If no one else has anything to add, Garyth will return to his patrol.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
(OOC: Apparently I misread or misinterpreted where we are. I thought we had been in the jungle for a good part of the day, when we'd only been in the rain forest. So we're not actually doubling back... we haven't gotten to the jungle yet. The Tower is just into the jungle, while Gully is back the other direction. Sorry for the confusion)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
OOC: Wait, rain forest and jungle are different? Damn. And I thought this little moral dilemma was worked out.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Mission sits quietly, his good nature warring against the frustration he feels at being but a day away from picking up Anileth's trail. His mind is eased somewhat by Rennick's words-- but his heart is not.
Manut's story is too much like his own. Betrayal of the Path, betrayal of his father, his Blood-- Manut's story, in a way, is Mission's story.
But Mission has his own son, his own Path that demands his devotion. He knew, as perhaps this boy would now come to know, the harsh toll taken on traitors who sought redemption. That is what finally decides him.
"If Farron's summoned horse can take him quickly back to Gully's. . . we should do that."
He swallows. Path help us all. Blood and stone, how he ached!
Mission wraps his arms around himself and places his head on his knees. He will say nothing more tonight.
Jungle v. Rain Forest, Garyth's Opinion
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Hmmm, interesting issue. In fact, I believe the two terms describe different things completely, though the classes often intersect. "Rain Forest" describes the climate, and indicates a forested area that receives abundant rain throughout the year. "Jungle" on the other hand describes, not climate, but terrain, and indicates an area of dense and tangled growth. An area may be both a rain forest and a jungle, or it may be either one, (or neither, of course). The Amazon is a rain forest, but is not a jungle in most places. Many of the jungle areas of Africa are not rain forests. Additionally, the forests of the Pacific Northwest are rain forests and most definitely not jungles.
So, perhaps we need a more specific description of the terrain on this little island of ours. . .
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
I probably won't be on again until tomorrow night, very late. . .
But then, I'll have a chance to chat if anyone wants to sit around. . . drink some sparkling cider. . . belch. . .talk bad about wizards. . . whatever.
AIM= j0shuabeekeeper
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Cries in the night; a halflings tale
Garyth sighs heavily. "It doesn't feel right to send a boy away on his own, even mounted, without ensuring his safety. He said he's been wandering in the jungle for a day. A purposeful march would likely cover that distance twice as fast, putting the tower no more than a day and a half's march from Gully's lodge. Mounted, the boy should be able to cover that distance in time, even without running the horse." He looks at the sleeping boy. "We have our duty to carry out, it's true, and we can brook no delays. But if it is in our power to help this one, we cannot turn aside and still call ourselves good people."
(OOC: Tom's on the list now. Hi Tom!)
Goodbye to Manut, Enemy Camp?
Subject: Morning activities
The conversation gradually peters out. One by one, the party falls back asleep, though for some rest does not come easily. Rennik sits gnawing at the handle of his axe. The halfling boy's tale of corruption and murder within the Logi has clearly brought to mind his own tribe, and worry etches his face. Mission too sleeps slowly. Here is yet another child in danger. Some kind of madness infects this seemingly idyllic island.
Garyth moves about the camp, the boys tale reminding him that evil men are on the move this night. He is determined not to be taken by surprise.
The following morning a quiet cold breakfast is eaten, and then someone says, "What now?" Everyone looks at the boy.
[Give me your final decision. Farron, if you are memorizing Mount, let me know.]
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Morning activities
In the light of day, the forest seems to be quite a bit less menacing in Farron's eyes. He rises and stretches and eats his cold breakfast while memorizing and preparing the day's spells. At the sound of "What now?", Farron takes a good look at the boy and says aloud, "Well, the boy managed to escape what we should expect was a well-armed party, and has managed to survive alone and unaided in the forest thus far. Surely he should be able to survive a relatively short ride back to Gully's. If the safety of the boy is of prime concern, I say we send him back across ground we've seen rather than chance dragging him toward dangers unknown, especially dangers we have no way of knowing we can even protect ourselves from, let alone the boy.
"To that end, I have taken the liberty of writing a short note to Gully that we can send along with the boy on my mount, if that is agreeable to the rest of you."
Farron presents the note, which reads as follows:
Master Gully,
This boy, we believe, has escaped the same evil that we encountered at your lodge. We are loath to drag him into further unknown dangers, and cannot divert our mission to return him to his tribe. If we may impose on your hospitality further, we ask that you provide shelter and food for him until either we are able to return to claim him, or you come across means to return him to his tribe. In the meantime, he should be able to earn at least a portion of his keep, and I will personally cover the difference and any additional expenses you may encounter on his behalf.
We thank you in advance,
Farron Uphill
[There is ample space left for anyone else to add a signature, or a post-script if required.]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Morning activities
Mission swallows. "I agree, Farron." His eyes are troubled and his gaze restless.
He says no more, untrusting of his own emotions.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Morning activities
Sa'id nods. "It seems to be the most prudent course."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Morning activities
Lost in thought, Rennik eventually turns his attention to the boy and speaks in the halfling tongue.
"We will send you by magical horse back to an inn owned by a human named Gully." He smiles at the boy's distaste at the word 'magical' and tries to allay his fears. "It is necessary. You will be safe. This human Gully will take care of you. He has already aided us once, and he is of good heart. He knows of our customs and will protect you until we can return home. May Mielikki guard your path."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Morning activities
OODM: ok, it looks like the magic horse is the consensus. Mike and Dan, just check in for me and I will write up the next turn. Thanks.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Morning activities
Garyth looks a bit uncomfortable as the group decides to send the boy off without doing more to ensure his safety, but he says nothing.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Morning activities
Cadfael nods gravely with the others.
"It would seem that this is the only realistic course of action. Would that we could return with him, but there is no time. The sooner we are on are way, the better."
From: Ty
Subject: A Jungle Path; Bidding Manut goodbye
There is an uncomfortable silence after Cadfael speaks. Garyth especially looks like he wants to say something, and is only barely suppressing it. When no one speaks out against it, Farron steps to the side and casts a spell, summoning into being a small but sturdy looking pony. He speaks to it for a moment, as if giving it orders. When he's finished, he gestures to Mission, who lifts the boy up and sets him on the saddle.
Farron motions for Rennik to come over to him and says, "Say this to him: The pony has been told to follow your lead. Use the path we told you about to get back to the lodge. If you move quickly, you will be at the lodge before the Pony leaves."
Rennik gives the boy these instructions, then grips his small hand once, very firmly. Only Sa'id understands Rennik's words when he tells the boy, "Go safely, little one. And know that your father would be proud of the courage you have shown here." He then swats the pony once on the rump, and it trots off following the path out of the forest.
A few moments later, the gear has been gathered up, and the group begins to move along the now northerly bound trail. Rennik points off to the east as you travel, "We skirt the jungle here. If they were only looking for the most direct path to the mountain, they would go east, not north. They were looking for something other than the straightest path."
The trail is still easy to follow, and Rennik also knows the landmarks the boy told him of. If it were not for the rain that begins in late morning, and continues on throughout the day, it would be an easy day's travel. The creatures that live here do not seem to be deterred by the rain, and this close to the true jungle the wildlife is rich in diversity. Farron, whose work with summoning spells has made him interested in unusual fauna, counts dozens of life forms he has never seen before. None of them look particularly threatening, though several of the snakes are large enough that the party gives them a wide berth.
As evening approaches, there is a brief conversation about stopping for the night. A few moments discussion ends this idea when Mission and Rennik both push to move further and everyone else agrees that there would be little rest gained in this heavy rain. When it has become truly dark, Cadfael moves to the front of the group and takes out his glowing glove.
The rain finally starts to thin at about 8 in the evening. Rennik begins looking for a place to camp, but stops suddenly, looking off into the distance. He says quietly, "Mission, come to me. Cadfael, please hide that light." Mission has just moved over next to Rennik when suddenly the forest is plunged into darkness. The group has been traveling by Cadfael's light for several hours, and the darkness is shocking. It is as black as a cave. Mission feels Rennik's hand touch his arm. "You have sharp eyes, Monk. Do you see anything out there?" Mission feels himself turned slightly.
Off in the distance, very faint, but becoming more obvious as his eyes grown accustomed to the dark, is a dim, flickering yellow light. "Yes, Rennik, I see it. It looks like firelight, but the fire itself is behind something. I see only its dim reflection."
Rennik says, "Aye. That's what I thought. Do you see aught else?"
The monk stands quietly for a moment. "Yes. It's a building. Probably made of stone. See how the light is coming through the cracks? Perhaps it is the boy's tower. I think it's about 300 yards away, but it would be invisible if it weren't so dark. How did you see it, Rennik?"
Rennik's face is invisible, but you hear his grin in his voice as he says, "I did not. But my nose picked up the smoke, and the wind comes at us from the direction I pointed you in. Not many jungle beasts need a campfire."
[Waiting for party moves]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: A Jungle Path; Bidding Manut goodbye
Mission removes his hat, and wraps a black cloth around his hair.
"Whoever they are, they are brave enough to light a fire. They're not expecting visitors." Or perhaps they were.
He loads his crossbow. "Let's go take a look, eh, Rennick?"
If no one has any objections, Mission will get close enough to the fire to see if he can make out any people, or the general layout of the building, if no people are visible.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: A Jungle Path; Bidding Manut goodbye
Being as stealthy as possible, of course. . .
From: Matt
Subject: Re: A Jungle Path; Bidding Manut goodbye
Rennik decides this is a good idea, quietly remembering what happened the last time he went off to scout with only one of the party. He comforts himself with the thought that Mission is far less shiny and clanky - though he did show at the inn that he will engage against heavy odds with little at his back. A little uneasily, Rennik sheathes his axe behind his back and draws his bow.
"I would normally think to flank the camp, but I don't want to lose you in this darkness. We should stay close."
He pauses a moment before continuing.
"If we get separated and need to regroup, I will make the call of the hoop owl, like this." He makes a low, cooing sound with a trilled tongue. "It does not live this close to the jungle, but further toward the edges of the island. It is familiar enough that they will not find it unusual, but it is not indiginous to this area."
Again, he pauses, clicking his tongue against his teeth in thought, remembering the precious time lost as the party tried to cover ground toward the halflings days earlier.
"I think the group should get a little closer before we split off. In darkness the sun will not give away position from their armor, and I've secured their loose objects so they will make less noise. I think we will be safe if we all move within 200 yards before we split off."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: A Jungle Path; Bidding Manut goodbye
(OOC: "aught else"?)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: A Jungle Path; Bidding Manut goodbye
Mission says softly, "I agree."
He'll stay as close to Rennick as possible in this darkness, grateful that his training at the monastery equipped him well for night-fighting.
Raja Out Until Wed
Subject: Operator? Get me an exit!
I'm just about to head out to the annual Canadian Chemical Engineering Society conference in Hamilton. I'll be gone until Wednesday night. I don't expect to have e-mail access, so Karl can control Sa'id on my behalf. I'll send a spell list your way, Karl.
Raja