Subject: Re: Looking down on Huss

Garyth's eyes flick open. For the first time in a while, his dreams had been pleasant--memories of summer days back on the farm. Gods willing, such days would come again. He rises and makes his rounds, checking in with the sentries.

Just as he reaches the forward guard post, a group of halflings appears out of the forest. Garyth's hands fly to his weapons, which are halfway drawn before he realizes that Rennik is at the lead of the group and takes a closer look. The other halflings' garb is familiar--these must be Kalama hunters. Thank the gods, a good sign at last.

Garyth waves down the sentries, who were bringing their bows to bear. "Stand down, men," he says. "These are friends." He walks ahead and meets Rennik, clasping hands quickly with him. "You gave me a fright there, friend Rennik. It looks as though we've some guests, eh?"

OOC: Sorry for the delay, guys. This week should be much better than the last few weeks.

Subject: Re: Looking down on Huss

[I am going to cover for Rennik until I hear from Matt]

Rennik gestures to the Halflings behind him. "These hunters say there were sent by their Belneth."

The lead Kalama steps forward and does a quick nod of his head. He speaks in heavily accented Common, "Our forest talker spake of you and this people. I bring hunters to lead this to our place. The forest talker spake of darkness but soon dawn, and many standing in the night where fewer would fall. Do you follow?"

Subject: Re: Looking down on Huss

Garyth didn't completely understand the halfling's words, but the intent was clear enough--the Kalama were accepting the townspeople into their lands, and perhaps brighter days were yet to come. He bows to the Kalama hunter. "Thank you, friend," he says. "Where you lead, we will follow."

OOC: Assuming that's the end of this exchange, Garyth will quickly check in with the remaining sentries and then start getting the camp ready to move.

Subject: Re: Looking down on Huss

Bragga waits until the sentries have been sent out to mobilize the camp, then pulls Garyth to the side. "Over a hundred, at least. Some may be just lost in this damnable darkness, but I fear most are killed or taken. That raid hurt us, Garyth."

He glances around quickly, then pulls Garyth's head closer and speaks in a low whisper. "My man who stood picket to the south east saw torches moving east. A lot of them. Maybe it's the undead army hunting us, but I don't think so. I think maybe they are going to Landfall. They sacked Overlook and burned the lighthouse. Landfall has boats. Small fishing boats, but still. They aren't on the rocky side of the island, and don't need the lighthouse. They could just set sail and go east until they are out from under the cloud cover. I wouldn't want to brave the ocean in a fishing boat, but if that or the demon were my choices," he shrugs, "I think I take the chance."

Several townsfolk walk past pulling a small cart of supplies. Bragga waits for them to pass, then says, "We could probably send a runner to get there ahead of the demon's army. Maybe get those people to meet us here in the forest. But we will be running out of food and places to go pretty fast now."

He pauses for a moment, gripping Garyth's arms. "I know you want to save us. But there is no saving to be done here. This is a delaying action and nothing more. You are supposed to be meeting your friends to take care of this demon once and for all. Let me take the town to the Kalama. I've been watching over these folks since before you were born. I'll get them that far."