Subject: Re: The Chase; Out of the jungle and into the woods

Rennik watches the effect of his words carefully. The Kalama tribesman who initially spoke remains impassive throughout his speech, but when he mentions the stealing of halfling souls, one of the halfling archers physically jumps. Clearly, these people are not unfamiliar with what is happening.

"Rennik of the Chorrdath, you stand on peaceground. I hear the truth of your words, and see no evil intent." When the leader says this, his hunters immediately lower their weapons. "A group of Murrkat and men pursue you, do you know this? They are only a few minutes behind. Come with me to a place were we may speak without interruption."

The halfling turns around and makes a quick gesture to his hunters, who disappear back into the forest like ghosts. The party collects their weapons and follows. The halfling allows Rennik to catch up with him and says, "I appreciate the totem gift you offer, but I am not the one who should accept it. I will take you to our chieftain, and you may offer your gift to him. I'm sure he will accept it with honor."

As the party follows the halfling through the forest, they notice a curious thing. The plants and animals of the woods around them seem to be reacting to their guide in a deferential manner. He never has to push a tree branch out of his face. Somehow, they are just never in the way. He never has to step over a root in the ground, as the roots always seem to be low enough he won't stub his toe on them. The animals in the branches above stop quietly as he passes by then scurry off to their business after he has passed.

[taking a quick break if anyone wants to say anything to this guy, I will write the next turn tonight]

Subject: Re: The Chase; Out of the jungle and into the woods

Mission will follow and remain silent for right now.

Subject: Re: The Chase; Out of the jungle and into the woods

Cadfael will reclaim his discarded weapons and follow silently with his head bowed. This world is not his.

Subject: Re: The Chase; Out of the jungle and into the woods

Rennik walks just behind the halfling emissary, noting how the forest responded to his passing. The halfling was a Belneth, or forest friend, one of those graced by the love of Mielikki and showered with her gifts. To the best of Rennik's memory, the Kalama viewed the Belneth as the tenders of the Great Mongoose's earthly territory. The Belneth were truly sacred among the halfling peoples, deferred to in times of crisis and sought for advice and spiritual guidance. They were in tune with the world in a way that not even the most forest-dwelling ranger could be, for the trees spoke to them of ancient days and the wind brought them secrets from far off lands.

Rennik's brow furrowed as he contrasted the Belneth with the gold-maddened halfling lords of the mountain city, and he tried to purge the image from his head. Their civilization had progressed so far from those dark times, and they had regained the connection with the earth that the city lords had lost in their greed and ignorance.

But the Belneth had said their pursuers were only minutes behind.

"I thank you for your kindness and aid, Belneth of the Kalama. Though I must warn you - the men and halflings pursuing us are a small group compared to the massed forces of the Murrkat's vile god. More will follow these tainted ones, including dead forced to walk again among the living...."

He pauses, struck by the archer's reaction to his earlier words.

"...and... perhaps warriors of your own tribe, forced to serve the darkness against their will..." He swallows and sets his jaw. "If they have their way, they will enslave all of our people, and all races on this island."