Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)

The flash of fire momentarily blinds Cadfael, but the smell is enough to tell him that Sa'id's fires have once again found their mark. It's fitting, in a way, that the fire breathed back into his body should flash out to take another life in payment. He knows, of course, that it doesn't that work that way. The only thing that begets violence is violence. But it's hard to shake the notion that all the blessings he's asked for in the past week have been not been for what he thought, but rather to speed the destruction of Pelor's foes.

And so be it. Kill or be killed, not even Gods can escape this universal truth.

The shriek of Farron's eagle reminds him that, still as things are on the ground, there is more of God's work to be done. He jogs back to the mage and hisses in his ear, "Stay close to Mission, they will not risk bringing harm to the child. Were it not for him those tentacles would have finished what the arrows started and no power of mine could have brought Sa'id back."

He doesn't wait for an answer, there is neither the time nor the need for one. Rather, a quick prayer falls effortlessly from his tongue and the heat within Farron's veins is renewed.

[Cure Medium Wounds -- Monster Summoning II if I took it, Remove Paralysis if I didn't. Clearly I need to save the spell lists I give to Ty. Or stop pretending I'm going to cast anything other than a heal :p]

Subject: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)

[Initiative Rennik 24, Tichenor 22, Garyth 22, Farron 22, Eagle1 22, Witch 21, (11)black tentacles 21, Sa'id 19, Mission 14, Cadfael 4]

Rennik runs past Garyth, pausing only long enough to grab a flask of oil off a hook on his backpack, then heads toward the itchy moss. Tichenor stays by his side, looking everywhere at once, and growling. Clearly, he is not as convinced that the fight is over. Rennik sees the cut on his flank still dripping blood, and feels a pang. The wolf had taken wounds defending them, as any good pack member would. But unlike the rest of them, the wolf did not understand why what they were doing was important. He would get no food or chance to mate from today's fight. The fact that he fights anyway, simply to defend his pack, shames Rennik when a vision of walking out on the group a couple days ago flashes into his head. Mielikki's lessons are as simple and harsh as Tichenor himself.

Garyth calls to Rennik to help him, but the halfling just grabs a flask of oil off his back and runs off. Shrugging, Garyth moves to the fallen ranger's side. A little blood still pumps feebly from the severed wrist, and there is a flutter in the half elf's neck as his pulse races and then fades. Looking at him now, Garyth sees a gentle and handsome face. He remembers the ranger's grace and quickness in battle, the obvious dedication to mastery of the blade. And he wonders what happened to this man that put him in league with something like Kor Garesh. By his side is the severed hand and long sword, smoking in the damp air. The ranger also wears a chain shirt of remarkable strength and lightness, though it is several sizes to small for the big shouldered guardsman. Finally, a quiver of fine arrows is still on the half elf's back, reminding Garyth that the ranger had dropped a longbow in the brush when he drew his swords.

Farron pauses while Cadfael rushes toward him. He is hoping that the cleric intends to impart some of Pelor's grace. Three arrows still stick out of him, and he drips blood on the ground at an alarming rate. While he waits for the cleric, he looks up, hoping to catch some glimpse of the battle still raging up there. While he waits, there is another shriek from his celestial eagle, followed by a cry of pain. The eagle must have hit the witch again. He mentally cheers the summoned creature on. Through the treetops, he sees a flash of light, and then the second eagle falls down through the leaves and branches to land with a thud not too far away.

Sa'id turns to Mission, who looks at him with a vague expression of distaste. In his arms, Promise stares wide eyed, with only curiosity on his cherubic face. "Thank you," the wizard says, and Mission nods. "I think they can feel Promise somehow. We have no other choice but to run, with minimal rest, until we are safe." Mission nods again, looking down at the baby this time.

Mission turns away and calls to Rennick. "If you start a fire, you will mark exactly where our camp was to the rest of Kor Garesh's army. They won't need a tracker to know where we've gone, then." But it may be too late. The halfling is already kneeling at the side of the moss patch with oil and flint in his hands. Mission calls to the rest of the group, his voice tight and desperate. "We can't let the witch live. If she found us once, she could find us again, and bring more troops."

Cadfael catches up to Farron and says, "Stay close to Mission, they will not risk bringing harm to the child. Were it not for him those tentacles would have finished what the arrows started and no power of mine could have brought Sa'id back." Farron nods at this. It's a good point. The witch could have put the tentacles directly under Sa'id's unconscious body, and probably killed him and the monk. It does seem that she went out of her way not to hurt the child. In fact, looking at Mission now, it is possible to see that he took not one wound during the fight. He is the only one unhurt. As he thinks this, relief floods into him, sudden and wonderful surcease of pain [Healed 16]. All three arrows are removed, and only small wounds remain when Cadfael's ministrations are completed.

Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)

Rennik smiles over his shoulder at the monk.

"And I hope they come running right to this spot! You saw what just rubbing against this plant did - the army would be running straight into a cloud of oily smoke, breathing that poison into their lungs and blinking it into their eyes."

He continues with his preparations, but does not yet light the moss.

"There is no wind, so the smoke will stay in the area and not follow us, just spread under the dense canopy slowly, making a wide smoke screen. With luck, it will drift up just enough through the gaps in the canopy to choke down that cursed witch, too. Only the skeletons and zombies will be unaffected."

Looking at Mission, he agrees with Cadfael's assessment.

"We took a beating, but nothing came anywhere close to hurting the child. We should stay as close as possible to Friend Mission - if only to prevent them from using more damnable magic, or risking ranged weapons."

"We must move quickly, though," he nods in the direction of Kalama territory. "Stealth is no longer an option - they know where we are. For all we know, that devilspawn witch may have sent a beacon to call the armies right to us - if they aren't drawn to the child already."

"As soon as you start moving, I will light the moss and follow."

If he has time, Rennik will dig a shallow ditch around the moss with his heel, to limit any spread of the fire beyond what is necessary. The leaves are all very damp from the rain anyway, which would limit the spread of the fire, but every little bit helps. While a raging forest fire between the party and the armies of the dark might be a great help, he simply could not justify destroying a swath of jungle simply through carelessness.

He will burn only what he needs to, and limit the spread as much as he can.

Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)

Garyth kneels by the dead ranger, staring at his face. Whatever brought him to this, Garyth hopes that his spirit finds rest and freedom from the Soul-Drinker. Glancing up, he sees that Rennik is not coming, and not waiting either. He reaches out and gently closes the half-elf's eyes, then takes the quiver, sword, and scabbard. Such a fine warrior deserves a proper burial along with the tools of his trade, but there's no time and the party can't afford to leave the weapons behind.

Garyth stands and glances around for the bow. He lingers a moment more, grimly giving the ranger a mental salute, before running off to rejoin his party.

OOC: Garyth won't spend more than a few seconds looking for the bow. If he finds it, he'll take it, if not he'll just hope that taking the arrows is enough.

Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)

Mission shuffles Promise to the other arm. His eyes scan the trees for the witch, as Rennick continues to fiddle with his tinderbox and Garyth's oil.

This was not a time to argue. Mission says, "Hopefully the trees will give us cover from the witch." He will begin moving in the direction that Rennick pointed.

OOC: Dodge point on the witch.

Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)

Farron will stay close to Mission as advised. If the witch comes into view again, he will cast Magic Missile if he has the initiative, and Web if he does not.

(ooc-sorry for the short reply. EXTREMELY busy at work and at home right now.)

Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)

Ideally they would be resting now. Most of the party was walking wounded and would be hard-pressed to survive another enounter. Though that was likely true if healed or not, better to avoid another encounter entirely. They had already tarried too long and the witch had dealt with the second eagle, it will not take long before she acts again.

Past time to leave indeed.

Cadfael will move in the direction that Rennik has gestured. I'd like to drop a quick cure light wounds on Sa'id if he's nearby but if it's my turn to get to him and the heal I don't want to slow the party down on its exit.

Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)

Is twinky around? Or is he still out of town?

Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)

OOC: I'm still in New Zealand. Until October 16th, if I don't get an action in within a reasonable span of time (that's up to you, Ty), someone else (Ty, Karl) can decide what Sa'id will do. I'm checking my email as often as possible, of course.

Sa'id isn't going to use any more spells at the moment, so he'll just move in whatever direction everyone else is headed. If he does happen to get a clear shot at the witch, though, he'd very much like to lob a fireball up into the sky to take her down. And if she lands, he'll naturally do his best to fry her. But in the meantime he'll just run.

Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)

That witch is planning to cast 'Hold Persons.' I can feel it in my bones. We'll all have to watch as she lights off her little broomstick, eats our toes, and we won't be able to do a thing.

Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)

(OOC: Oh please, oh please, with sugar on top. Rennik will be a decent distance behind the party, and well out of the area of an area effect. She casts Hold Persons, she lands, and she gets turned into green-skinned kindling with red and white stockings.)

Subject: The Chase; Back to running

Rennik pauses by the oil soaked moss, waiting for the rest of the group to get moving before he lights it. A small twig wrapped in a bit of cloth catches flame from his tinder, and he turns to watch everyone else impatiently.

Garyth stands up, the sword and arrows clutched in his arms. He runs quickly by the spot where he thinks the bow might be [search roll 3 vs DC15] but sees nothing in the thick undergrowth. No time to stop and really look for it, so he hurries past cursing.

Mission moves in the direction Rennik pointed, wondering how close the group may actually be to aid. Promise gives another quiet cry, looking embarrassed to have to remind his father that he has never eaten in his life. Mission wonders if the Kalama will be willing to provide milk for the baby. Then, his face hardens. He would get milk, one way or another.

The wizards and Cadfael group together and begin moving toward Mission. Cadfael's advice about staying close to the monk and the baby is well taken, and within moments they travel as a tight group. Not long after, Garyth runs up from behind, still clutching the fallen ranger's weapons in his arms.

From behind comes a cry of "run, run!" and then there is the dull whuff of a large oil fire catching flame. The group runs, hoping to outpace the smoke. Tichenor runs past, tongue lolling, clearly enjoying the brisk pace. Behind him comes Rennik, running far faster than would seem reasonable, given his short legs. Behind him, a dark cloud of thick oily smoke spreads out through the jungle.

A few minutes later, the group stops running and drops to a steady jog. An hour after that, they are walking again. No sound of pursuit has been heard since the confrontation with the ranger. No one has sighted the witch in that time either. Farron and Sa'id tell the group that she could not have maintained her flight spell for that long without some sort of magical device. This does not make anyone feel particularly safe. Who knows what resources the army of Kor Garesh has access to?

[Ok. You guys are about three hours out of Kalama territory at a steady walk. I will write up the next turn after everyone has checked in. You may take any actions you wish that can be done while walking (heal spells come to mind). You may also initiate any conversation you wish, and I will hold of the next turn until everyone says, "I'm done."]

Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running

Mission asks Cadfael, "Can you. . .make food for Promise?" He bounces Promise a bit, hoping the movement will comfort the boy.

But otherwise, his eyes are distant, and he does not speak. He walks near to the ranger, keeping pace with the halfling as best he can.

Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running

Unfortunately, Cadfael didn't get any praying time in, so he doesn't have the create food prayer.

Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running

Farron flees the camp with the rest of the group, saying nothing for a long time. But he takes a spot in the group near Sa'id, casting concerned glances his way whenever his eyes aren't on the trail ahead. Finally, he turns his head to Sa'id and asks, "Are you OK? . . . I thought you . . .I . . .I was afraid you had. . ." but he cannot bring himself to actually say the words.

Later, as the group has slowed to a walk again, he moves nearer to Cadfael and says simply, "Thank you. For me and for Sa'id". While walking, he mentally reviews his spell list, noting how few really useful spells he has left and how he is unlikely to get any more today with the broken sleep and frantic departure. He puts his hand into a pocket in his robes and quietly strokes Jack, who appears to be sleeping.

Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running

As the party drops back into a walk, Garyth scans the sky. Still no sign of the witch, but he feels no relief yet.

Stepping up beside Rennik, he offers the half-elf's quiver to the ranger. "You'd get more use out of these than I would," he says.

OOC: If Rennik refuses the arrows, Garyth will sling the quiver over his shoulder to free up one hand.

Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running

Looking at the arrows, Rennik frowns, and nods toward his own quiver and his fallen kinsman's quiver beside it on his shoulder. He has more than enough arrows, and cannot carry the extra weight anyway. He will however, pull a few of the arrows to replace the empty slots in his own quiver.

Moving along some distance ahead of the party, the halfling will guide them directly toward Kalama territory, removing the jungle cat pelt he wears about his shoulders as he moves. He will also fashion a rudimenatary flag from the remains of his cloak (whatever's left, even if he has to use the sling he had made for Promise) and the halberd haft. On the cloak he would mark the halfling glyph for distress and carry the halberd haft before him.

He hoped the Kalama scouts would hestitate from shooting him just long enough to wonder why he would be traveling with a makeshift flag, gripping the blade of his own weapon.

He would also keep a sharp eye for signs of scouting patrols, or markings of the borders of Kalama territory. Once he is in an area of forest that is proximal to the edges of their land, he will begin to call out in halfling over and over again, at ten or twenty second intervals. "Under a banner of truce I seek aid! I am Rennik of the Chorrdath!"

Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running

Garyth shoulders the quiver and continues marching.

OOC: I'm done.

Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running

Sa'id is still a little loopy and doesn't feel like trying to frame coherent sentences right now; he'll simply follow the group and wait for a calmer time to speak with Cadfael.

Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running

Cadfael feels a wave of embarrassment crash over him when Mission asks him for food for his boy. Pelor could grant such boons, but he had to be wise enough to ask for them. Forefront in his mind was escaping the mountain; Promise just a prop at that point. Hearing his hunger pangs makes him much too real. "I am sorry brother. Pelor can grant me such boons, but I did not think to ask for them. Perhaps, when the sun rises, we will be safe enough for me to pray..." he trails enough, both men knowing that such safety will likely not be at hand this day. Likely not for days to come. "When we reach the halflings, Rennik's kin. They will be able to help us. Promise is a strong boy, he takes after his father, he can hold on until then."

It is hard not to brood. Most of the party had almost been killed in that ambush, surely he should feel some hope in knowing that they lived? But the witch who found them so easily before was still free to find them again, and perhaps bring more than a handful warriors with her. Any one of them could go down to a well-placed arrow. Dimly he remembers Rennik's warning of the Halfling's and their Gods, but there is no time to cover Pelor's Grace now and he is loathe to lose the safety he feels having it at his side. It's worth the risk, he decides. They have been Godless for so long, surely no one will see the religious significance of the sign and see it as only the sun. A beautiful thing, the sun, a perfectly reasonable thing to have on a shield.

Farron's words break him out of his string of rationalizations. Easy for thoughts to tie into themselves now, with only a few hours sleep under his belt. Things will be clearer in the morning, they always are. It's what morning's are for. Though the pause before answering him has already been a hair too long Cadfael gives Farron a warm smile. "Think nothing of it, Brother." He surprises himself by putting his arm around the other man's shoulder. Everything feels closer without his armour on, more personal. How is it that priests were ever allowed to wear it at all? The distance it imposes between man and his environment. Was it wrong to become attached? "Simply give thanks that you and Sa'id were strong enough to stand until I was able to reach you. I doubt my head could have stayed as clear as yours with such grievous wounds. And without your quick thinking, Farron, none of us would be walking right now. You know that. I only pray the two of you have enough tricks in your pouches to get us through the night. To let us see morning again..." Once again he trails enough, knowing he's said the wrong thing. He removes his arm during the uncomfortable silence and walks wrapped in it for a time, eyes drifting skyward and hoping to see the brightening of the sky.

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

[I am assuming that conversation is over. If you want to write some retroactive travel talk that's perfectly ok.]

It's difficult to tell exactly when it happens, but at some point, the sounds of the insects change. The ground beneath your feet becomes firmer, and more stars are visible through the tree canopy above. There are no creepers to trail slime across your faces as you walk. Rennik lets out a large sigh and says, "We are back in the forest rim. We may be murdered by zombies or overeager kalama hunters, but at least we won't be eaten by swamp dragons." He keeps the group headed due south, holding to the plan to exit the forest before turning east toward Overlook.

An hour after entering the forest, a reddish gold light begins to filter through the treetops. Toward the rear of the group, Cadfael lets out a sob, and falls to his knees. When the party turns back, they find him rocking back and forth, his hands clenched behind his shield, and tears streaming down his face. Sa'id turns to look at the light coming through the trees to the east. "It must be a powerful thing to see the physical manifestation of your god appear each and every day." Farron nods. None of them discount the power a god's will might have on them now.

Rennik is jumpy and nervous while the party pauses to let Cadfael pray. But even the usually outspoken Halfling does not try to stop the priest, or interrupt him. The party watches the priest while he prays for the entire hour of dawn. When it is over, he stands up, wipes his face, and asks for a bottle. Garyth hands him an empty water bottle. Cadfael holds the bottle up, prays, and hands the bottle to Mission. "For your son." Mission sniffs, and finds the bottle full of what smells like milk. A strip of clean cloth serves as a makeshift nipple, and within moments Promise is happily suckling away. [Dan, send me your new prayer list]

Rennik can hold out no longer. "Good! Good, the babe has milk. Can we get started again?!"

As the group moves through the now well lit trees, Rennik travels at the front, waving a banner on his halberd shaft, and calling out in Halfling. Sa'id translates for the rest of the group, and everyone does their best to appear friendly and non threatening. This is made difficult by a weeks worth of road, jungle, and blood stains.

Eventually, Rennik stops at the edge of a small clearing. He turns to face the group and says, "Wait. Say nothing."

When he turns back to the clearing, a halfling stands at the other side. He is a bit taller than Rennik, though of slender build and fairer of hair and skin. He wears a brown cloak over leather, and carries a knotted wooden club loosely in one hand. A leather cap is pulled down tight to his skull, covering down to his eyebrows. He stares at the seven of you for a moment, then says, "Will you drop your weapons for parlay?"

When he finishes speaking, there is a rustle in the trees to both sides, and a dozen more Halflings appear, all armed with short bows, all with an arrow nocked and aimed at the group. Rennik knows that the ones he can see will be less than half of their total strength. It is a common tactic. Show enough of your numbers to let the enemy know you are serious, but don't show him enough to give away your advantage.

[waiting for check in]

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

It isn't easy walking and holding Promise while he nurses the bottle. Mission has a hard time, watching to make sure the makeshift nipple doesn't slip out the flask and at the same time keeping branches from snagging on him or the boy.

And more than that. . . he was in love with this boy. Love. Had Rigor felt this way, holding him when he was a baby? He had not felt this way toward Anileth-- that had been wild and titilating and dangerous. This was as solid as earth.

As solid as the Path.

The jungle gave way to good, honest forest. Odd that he could see the same shade of green and think of the forest as good. The taint of shadow was faded here, that was it. Blood and Stone had a place here. Virtue and order.

He almost stumbles over Rennick when the halfling calls them to a halt. He knows better than to speak out loud, the way Rennick is menacing all around, but he can't stop being slightly annoyed that they'd halted their march.

Ah. The Kalama. Mission wordlessly drops his weapons on the ground, but his muscles tense. He shifts his grip on Promise so that he is holding the boy with one arm only, and tries to effect an air of cheerful neutrality.

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

Garyth smiles as he watches Mission feed his child. The sight brings to mind one of the futures he had been shown back at the mountain. Garyth the farmer. His sword hanging on the wall instead of by his side. Growing older and fatter, but with a look of contentment on his face as he watches his children playing in the yard. Who knows? Maybe it will even come to pass.

His reverie is broken when Rennik calls them to a halt. The tension still hasn't left him, and his fingers twitch involuntarily as the halflings show themselves. He knows this is not the time for fighting, though, and he slowly removes his weapons and places them on the ground at his feet.

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

Lowering to one knee, Rennik carefully places the halberd with the handle and banner facing away from his body. He then lifts the straps that hold each of his quivers and lays them side by side, with the arrow fletchings pointed away from him. His bow is laid across, with string facing away, and his dagger and hatchet are laid beside the quivers.

Standing, he backs away with hands held to the side and head bowed slightly, but still with his eyes on the emissary halfling. He speaks in a confidant tone for all to hear, though slightly louder than necessary so that all hidden archers can hear clearly.

"Honor and respect to the Great Mongoose, and to his people."

Reaching carefully into his pack, Rennik removes the folded skin of the jungle cat and holds it before him.

"I offer homage to your elders and ancestors - the hide of a Snikh'tar, enemy of your totem, killed by my own hands. When last I left my home, the Chorrdath and Kalama were truce-allies. I sought a monster that terrorized our tribe, but instead found a far greater evil."

"I was attacked by the Murrkat, in the forest rim far from their fetid pits at the base of the mountain. These humans helped me destroy the vile beasts, but among the dead I found a kinsman of the Logi tribe - his soul stolen from him, magically enslaved by the dark god of the Murrkat." He spits in anger, but then motions to the second quiver.

"I promised to the gods of his people that I would use those arrows to avenge him on his enemies, and to prevent the Murrkat from stealing the souls of any other halfling kin. My new allies and I struck at the dirty savages and their evil, undead servants at the heart of the mountain."

"We barely escaped death, and still flee their scouts and warriors who pursue us through the forest, guided by a hellspawned witch."

Rennik stands and raises his chin, trying his best to present himself as a strong warrior, not a coward seeking sanctuary.

"I, Rennik of the Chorrdath, request aid from the Great Mongoose. We have stolen a powerful token from the Murrkat and their dark god, and wish to return it behind the walls of the humans' stone city, where it will be safe from the mongrel savages."

"Can the Kalama help us with this passage?"

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."

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

The druid nods at these words.

"Several of our people have been taken already. One of our scouts lost her entire family, and went searching for them. She found and followed a small warparty of Murrkat into the jungle, but was forced to turn back. We paid for our laxness will the lives of our innocent. We have not been lax since. Now our hunters scout our lands constantly, and the trees speak to me of those who pass.

"Something evil stirs at the mountain, our people are taken, the dead walk. And a Chorrdath hunter and five men come fleeing out of the jungle, with Murrkat on their heels." He turns to face you, "I am almost afraid to hear your story. And I think there may be some things you do not know yet, but it is not my place to say them."

After this, the Belneth grows silent. The party follows him for less than an hour, when small halfling dwellings are spotted in the forest. They are not elaborate, but they are clean and well cared for, and show design with an eye toward maintaining the look of the forest. Many of them are difficult to spot until you are very close because they resemble the surrounding woods so closely. Rennik breathes deeply the air of the place, taking in the smell of cooking and the sounds of his people hard at work. This village flourishes, you can see it in their good homes and fat children. Only the tense look of suspicion on the faces of the adults show the worries that have recently come to this place. Even so, Rennik feels a tug of homesickness.

The Belneth leads the group up to a longhouse. It is large, but not ostentatious, the walls being simple cut logs mortared with forest clay. The door is a flap of leather sewn into the wood at the top and left side. Your guide pushes through and enters the dwelling, gesturing for you to follow.

Inside, it is tall enough for a man to stand, though Mission's head nearly brushes the ceiling. In the center of the longhouse a fire burns in a stone pit, and a dozen or so halflings sit around it on the hard packed dirt floor. At the far end of the longhouse sits the chieftain on a wooden chair. The only sign of his position seems to be the fact that he is not sitting on the floor like the rest of the halflings in the room. He is surprisingly young, younger even than Rennik, though his face is hard and bears many scars. Near one hand he keeps a hooked short sword, and near the other a heavy club. He studies the six of you with a flat expression, then gestures to a spot on the other side of the fire, and the druid says, "You are invited to sit."

When the group has taken a seat on the ground near the fire, the chieftain looks at Rennik and says, "Our belneth was to bring you here only if you traveled under trucebond. This bond will hold as long as no lies are spoken in this room. You are under my protection and may speak freely as long as this is so. I, Nukaru, swear this. Will you speak to me under this bond?" When Rennik nods once, the chieftain continues, "If you are not here as a hunter for the Chorrdath, and you do not serve the nameless ones and their jungle god," and here he spits in the fire, "then why are you here?"

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

Garyth notes the suspicion and fear in the faces of the halflings as the group makes its way through the village. It's no surprise; after people started disappearing from the farms around Overlook the townspeople had been nervous, too. He tries to look as friendly as possible and continues following Rennik.

It hadn't been many days since Garyth would have chafed at following. But this was clearly Rennik's turf, and besides, they'd been through enough now that they were all equals and command is the least of his worries. So when the chieftan poses his question, Garyth waits for Rennik's response.

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

Rennik sits before the the fire, trying to find a way to answer Nukaru's question that would not delay them overlong. The chieftain, called Kal'tenn or "first warrior," did not have time for long stories if the Murrkat were quickly sweeping through the forest toward his village.

"First, I wish to present you with the gift of this fur, a jungle cat and enemy of the Great Mongoose, slain and skinned by my own hand and offered in the spirit of trucebond friendship. I will do my best to keep my story brief, Kal'tenn Nukaru." He speaks in the halfling tongue. "The Nameless (he spits into the fire) follow close behind, and I do not wish to keep you from battle."

It was the Kal'tenn's duty to defend his people at the fore of his warriors, rather than directing them from safety. The first warrior had to command respect at all times and lead by example, which is why most were young and badly scarred. Nukaru is typical of a tribal Kal'tenn, though his many scars mark an eventful tenure as chieftain.

"I left my home to pursue a devilboar that claimed the life of my betrothed. These men accompanied me on my quest after the beast terrorized their lands. We were attacked by the Nameless (he spits again) and by the armies of the dead, and we learned of the darkness spreading from the mountain. A Logi kinsman of mine was among the dead, his soul stolen from his body by some evil power. Following the trails back toward the mountain, we learned that a child was to be born that would provide a body for their dark god, and we took it as our quest to stop such a ritual."

"We did so by stealing the child at his very birth, which you see there, cradled by his father, the warrior Mission." He motions toward Mission and Promise. "This act angered the god and his armies, and they pursued us through the forest. The child is..." he pauses, remembering the images of his future conjured at Promise's birth. "... belneth. His eyes hold great wisdom, and his destiny will be great...." he adds for Promise's sake, "though we have had little food suitable for an infant."

"But if the Nameless (he spits) capture the child, their dark god will walk the earth in the body of a powerful belneth of great destiny."

"Fleeing the mountain, we took the shortest distance through the jungle, which brought us near to the territory of the Great Mongoose. Alone, we will be overrun and slaughtered, the child taken. We have been attacked once already and nearly lost two of our number, but we slaughtered the nameless ones who followed and their half-elf leader. Their witch escaped, flying with unholy powers through the air."

He stops, trying to find a way to phrase his next statement so as not to offend Nukaru.

"We... travel toward the stone walls of the humans, home to the warrior Garyth," he motions to the guardsman, "hoping to find safety behind the many swords of their guards. We bring death to your door, and war with the Nameless who have plagued your people. If we stay... the armies will surely destroy this village. Their numbers are that great and arrows do little against the walking corpses of the dark god."

"We need to make haste toward Overlook, and we request your aid in speeding our flight and slowing our pursuers. To stand against them would be certain death, but harrying them from the shadows and treetops could mean the difference between peace and utter destruction for the entire island. I also beg of your generosity any bowmen you could spare to travel with us."

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

Mission hopes that Rennick has mentioned food for Promise in all that mash of halfling-speak. But he says nothing.

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

Nukaru seems surprised and genuinely pleased when offered the cat's pelt. He gets up off his chair and walks around the fire to stand before Rennik. "This gift is accepted by those who follow the Great Mongoose, and with honor." He takes the pelt from Rennik's hand, and places it over the back of his chair before sitting down again. He then listens intently to the rest of Rennik's story.

When Rennik mentions the child's lack of food, Nukaru gestures at one of his men, who slips quietly out the door.

"He speaks truth, First One," the druid says when the story is over. Nukaru nods, "Even when we fought as bitter enemies, the Chorrdath always acted with honor. I did not expect lies from one of their hunters who has given his bond." He leans forward with a smile, "I was first blooded in battle as a young man when the great Chorrdath war-chief, Tannik Whiphand, gave me this." He points to a nasty scar over his left eye. "He would not remember me, I was but one of many he defeated that day, but I will never forget him. He was lord of that battlefield, and his greatness was undeniable, even to his enemies. I had never seen anything like him before, and have not met his equal since. Ever since that day I have tried to live as I thought he might. And it was I that sent the emissaries with offers of trade and marriage to your people so that we might cement the uneasy peace we had forged."

He stands up. "I tell you this so that you know I speak as a true friend to the Chorrdath. I can spare you no warriors or hunters. We have lost too many people, and heard too many stories of entire villages wiped out. My first duty lies here, though if the nameless ones pursue the child that alone makes it my fondest wish that they never find him.

"On the morrow, I leave with half my strength to meet an equal force from the Chorrdath and Logi tribes. We will march in numbers to the edge of the jungle and set a picket through which no nameless one may pass. And we will remain there until they no longer try. If need be, we will march through the jungle itself and burn their vile villages to the ground. One way or another, we will know if their black god is stronger than the forest spirits. We will not let them take us one by one.

"But this morning I heard a disturbing report, that only now makes sense. Our Belnath reported that a large army of men and walking dead left the base of Ice Dagger (Rennik guesses Ice Dagger means Kessel) and began marching south west. We could not understand where they might be going, but I think we know now.

"They send harriers to harass your heels while you flee, but their main strength marches on Overlook, which is your destination. They intend to trap you between your pursuers and an army of undead."

Sa'id quietly translates for the group, but before everyone has finished digesting this new bit of information, several more halflings come through the doorway. A small and plump halfling woman walks over to Mission and smiles at him. She says something in her tongue, and reaches for Promise. Mission instinctively pulls the child away, but Sa'id says, "She wants to feed him, Mission." Mission slowly hands Promise over to her, and she immediately sits down and pulls open her blouse. She must have an infant of her own, because her breast is heavy, and in seconds Promise is suckling happily away while the mother halfling sings quietly to him. It is a scene of such quiet peace and domesticity, but in Mission's mind it is overlaid with memories of Promise's conception, and later of a pure white flame and a terrible scream that will echo in his head forever.

Along with the halfling woman, a small Kalama scout has come into the room, and stands quietly at the back, hand nervously playing with the hilt of a knife. "Speak," says Nukaru. "First One, our hunters have slain the Nameless ones who pursued these, though we lost many." The scout answers.

"How many? You were three times their number, and on your home ground! How could they take so many?" Nukaru asks incredulously.

"First One, the Nameless fell quickly, and did no more than wound one of us. But while we fought, great demons burst forth from the forest! When we turned to face them, black demon whips burst from the ground and began grabbing our hunters. Many fell to the whips."

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

Rennik nods gravely at Nukaru's words. They would stand and fight the armies - but at least they would have the aid of allies and the cover of the woods. He said a silent prayer to Mielikki for their victory, and for her protection in the forest.

When the scout arrived, Rennik listened intently to his words before speaking.

Kal'tenn Nukaru, if I may speak." He waits to be acknowledged.

"The demons and demon whips are the weapons of their flying devilspawn witch. The demons themselves are mere illusion, a distraction tactic meant to confuse. I saw one and believed it real, but it never engaged us in combat - it only took our eyes from the woods long enough for our enemies to launch their ambush."

"The black whips are spawned of the abyss that birthed the witch, grown from the soil itself and poisoning the forest. She flies above the trees and weaves her vile spells. Two good archers at treetop level should be able to shoot her down, or at least give her something else to worry about. If it weren't for my companion Caller Farron" he motions toward the wizard, "and the eagles that responded to his call for aid, she would have surely destroyed us as well."

He considers a moment.

"Do your scouts know any way to bypass the army in our path so we can arrive safely at Overlook?"

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

Aside from his translations, Sa'id remains largely quiet, unsure of speaking protocols. His thoughts whirl at the news of the army headed for Overlook, though, and finally he is unable to contain himself.

"Kal'tenn Nukaru, if I may speak," he says in the halfling tongue, waiting for acknowledgement before continuing, "...if there is an army bound for Overlook, we should consider going to Nesalin instead." He then translates quietly for the group.