Subject: Re: Words from the Dead

Buchek nods at the shaman's words to him. Perhaps later they can talk more of Buchek's escape from death, but for now it is comforting to have this holy man's confirmation that he is a living man, rather than a confused spirit passing for a member of the living. Tension he has been carrying ever since waking up in the Tall Grass, tension he hadn't even been aware of until it vanished, lifts from his shoulders, and he stands a little straighter. At Kubalc's words, a broad grin splits Buchek's face, the scarred left side of it twisting upward in a gruesome caricature of a smile.

"Returns-From-Death's-Sands," he thinks. His first title as an adult, and one granted to him by a mighty warrior. It is an honor. He nods in satisfaction at Kubalc's words. At last, an ally, and one offering him membership in his own clan, if Buchek should want it. Together, perhaps they could rally The People, defeat Tossuc before he lead the tribes to ruin. And yet...he glances at his companions. He has given them his word that he will accompany them into the Tall Grass, and he knows that without him their journey is all the more likely to fail. And of course there is Sortani's prophesy about the land beyond the Tall Grass; perhaps a land to which he can lead the People, far from the Sunset people, where they can live in peace. No, tempting as it is, he cannot stay, cannot join Kubalc's tribe. He will accept the chief's hospitality for a night, or two nights, spread word of Toussuc's actions, and his own theories on the man's plans for The People. Then he must go on.

Subject: Re: Words from the Dead

Telwyn starts at the mention of the people beyond the Tall Grass. He glances over at Elotai quickly. Back at the outpost, Telwyn had hoped to find out something of his father's people, but the elf had said that he came from the west, not the east where the Tall Grass lay. So Telwyn had kept silent. But maybe Elotai does know something. And if not, Telwyn can at least hear these stories that the tribesmen tell.

Subject: Re: Words from the Dead

Holn smiles at Kubalc, accepting his offer. A warm fire and food would be nice tonight, and there is greater security in numbers, no doubt about that. Particularly with the great beasts of the grasses about.

He thought about Kubalc's assessment of Buchek's mutilation, the visible scar of a deeper one. Surely an aura of destiny had begun to form around his old friend. There would be more time to discuss this and his own need to find Lysette tonight.

On cue, Fancek Fa drops to the ground. It certainly couldn't hurt to scout around. The little cat nuzzles against Kubalc as she scans about curiously.

Subject: Re: Words from the Dead

OOC: I am assuming someone gave Erk the go ahead in a language he understands.

IC: The grassland people?s talk among themselves, their tongue strange and sibilant in Erk?s ears. But when Buchek gives him the go ahead, the moans of pain from the wounded men needs no interpreter. Erk moves to those worst wounded first, the ones who will die quickly without his aid, and uses his most powerful healing prayers on them. He will then expend the rest of his healing if needed on the less wounded. Sadly, the monster they fought did not wound many. It seems that most of its blows killed instantly. Several dead beyond recovery litter the field of battle. For them, Erk sends a prayer to Clangeddin, ?These men fell in valiant combat. Intercede with their gods, Lord of Battles, and sing of their deeds.?

When Erk has finished his work, he ambles tiredly over to Buchek and says, ?Tell the chief that I have done what I can, and have saved those who had not passed beyond deaths door.? He then looks for Kayla and the mules.