Pax- The Hunt - MT CH 27th

[Trajan Constantine Aeneas]

When he finished his prayer, Trajan stood and re-sheathed the sword which had been given to him. There were, he noticed, words on the cross. He leant forward slightly to read them. The first message read The One has no sway here. Trajan blinked in disbelief and shook he head, and then the words changed Use it to kill her or more will die. it said this time. The legionnaire stared at the cross for a several flickers after that but there was no further change. He turned away and returned to his mount. The One has no sway here.

“The One has sway everywhere.” Trajan murmured to himself as he settled onto the horses back. “The One has sway everywhere.” Though he repeated the phrase like a mantra, it gave him little comfort, for he remembered keenly absence of Dominicus' presence during his prayer. He wondered how the adheil and the achadheil had fared with their absolutions, he wondered if their gods had failed to answer. Unconsciously, has it had frequently since he had come into it's possession, Trajan's hand strayed to the grip of the sword on his back, and with it in his grasp he felt the rightness of it, the reassurance and comfort that came from holding it. This was the second time that his the One had failed to answer him, first in the streets of Pax when he had fought the ghost of his dead comrade, and now here, at this small shrine on this lonely hill.

What was it about him that caused his prayers to fail? What had he done or failed to do? Did he not pray as prescribed? Did he not abstain from strong drink, fornication and the other vices of the flesh which weakened the spirit so? Did he not strive to keep his thoughts only on the One and his glory that he might better understand Dominicus divine purpose for him? How had he failed in his duty? What else could his god ask? Trajan brooded darkly upon these things, only half hearing the words of caution Ulder offered the group as they set out to continue their journey.

The path the party followed rose steeply and the vegetation more sparse as they wound their way up the mountain trail led by Lyanros. Almost without warning, the rock on both sides of the trail began to rise in height and within a few paces it was clear that they were at the start of the gorge.

“The path lies through the bottom of the gorge,” explained the guide. " And then it rises through a crack in one side. It is then only a short distance to the mining camp.” The party rode through the gorge following the lead of their guide and after two burns their guide dismounted, indicating the partial obstruction of the path by one of the promised rock slides. The path had been partially cleared, probably by the miners who had come down from the mountains, but they hadn't done too thorough of a job. There was only room for about one rider to pass, and above the gap along the side of the gorge there was another mass of rocks which appeared as if they could come down at any moment.

“We must take great care,” said Lyanros. “one at a time. Make no noise for the merest vibration may dislodge the rocks.” The achadheil then suited his words by traversing the gap, painstakingly and with precise placement of each boot and hoof. Once on the other side, he turned and beckoned for the remainder of the group to follow.

Trajan, dismounted in his turn and praying for guidance and protection began his to pick his way through the gap. Wondering with each step whether the One was listening, and thinking that if he wasn't, and hadn't been, then maybe it was best if the rocks did fall before he had to face that truth.

[Ulder]

Ulder took the little flower and tucked it into a pouch at his belt. Elaine would love it not because she could see its beauty, but because of the spirit and the lovely way she received it. He smiled to himself just thinking about her reaction.

He turned his attention to the path and getting the others through. He made Boot stand still, and he dismounted to help ease the noise. He helped the others dismount themselves and waited for everyone else to clear the gap before he himself tried.

[Thrandil]

Thrandil quietly thanked the Mother and thought about the words that had appeared. He joined back with the group, mounting his steed again, doing his best not to fail this time.

He did not yet tell anyone about what he had seen. First, it would be time to see who the new arrivals were, especially the Pax guard. He rode forward, being just behind Trajan on their way. When Lyanros told them to be very careful and to dismount, he did so, looking with suspicion at the rocks that could come sliding down. Well, Mother, I guess it's time to see if I can access these gifts my part of the Hunter has bestowed upon me he thought and turned his head to back to the rocks and his horse.

He wasn't great in leading horses, so he hoped that, if he watched it carefully, it would do most his own. First however, it were the rocks. As Lyanros and Trajan got through, Thran watched the rocks. He watched, he listened, breathing ever so slowly, analysing everything that seemed to change in them. Then it was his turn. Still being some yards away from the gap, Thran looked at the horse, watched every moment of it as they closed the gap. Looked at how every muscle moved under it's skin as they got nearer. He listened, and prayed to the Mother, that the horse would find the best way to go through the gap. "Elspeth," he whispered, "I'm trusting you to find your way without me, until we are past the gap. Your instincts know better where to go, then mine do for you. Lead me, and I will follow you.". And with that, he let the reigns slip through his fingers, letting go of them slowly. If Elspeth indeed would try to find her way, Thran would try to remember where she placed every hoof and try to step in those places. He knew he was smaller and lighter than the horse, so wherever she stood, he would be able to stand without great difficulty.

[Guido Cercatoro]

Trajan was the first to dismount and attempt to pick his way through the gap. Despite his concern about the vision he had received at the graveside, he made the journey with ease. The horse that Lyanros had given him appeared to be completely sure- footed and led the legionnaire slowly but surely through the gap, picking her way carefully over the loose rocks.

Thrandil observed the safe route taken by Trajan and whispered calming word to his horse before releasing the reins. Elspeth was hesitant at first but the black mare that the legionnaire had ridden stood calmly at the other side of the gap, almost as if she was encouraging the other horse to make the journey. With a quiet whinny, Elspeth made her way through the rocks closely followed by Thrandil. Most of the journey was made without incident but a few rocks were dislodged as the pair gratefully made their way out of the rock slide. At first, it appeared as if only a few rocks would fall but with a groan a wider section of the mountain tumbled down the hillside. When the new slide was over, the side of the gorge looked even more unstable than it had prior to the slide.

“Take care,” shouted Lyanros to those who had not yet crossed. “The danger is now much greater.”

Ulder waited whilst Talanwei hesitated to make the crossing.

[Talanwei Fortisse]

Talanwei mind wandered back to the letters that flashed before his eyes. They held meaning, how much or how little he was not sure, but they held meaning nonetheless. Who was waiting beyond the green lake? The faithful Achadhiel knew the Aether and the nature of spirits well enough to take the message seriously. Was it Illuminatus that spoke to him? Was he the only one that received a message? If the others were contacted then it would be clear it was some other force, other consciousness that wanted them to know something. Almost before he knew any better, most of his companions were on their way. Ulder was waiting patiently for him to proceed and he did so both as swiftly and as carefully as he was able. As he passed, Talanwei looked to the former captain. Had the guide not told them to make no noise, the achadhiel would have told Ulder then. Alas it was one more thing that had to wait.

Talanwei watched as his dalliance cost him a safer passage. The achadhiel set his jaw and he dismounted trying to lead his mount carefully through the pass. He watched each footfall and tried to determine solid ground before proceeding. Once across, he would fall into step with the others.

[Ulder]

When his turn arrived, Ulder led Boot through the dangerous pass. The young charger had always been eager to run, and eager to please. Ulder just hoped he could keep his horse in check long enough to get through safely.

[Guido Cercatoro]

With great care, Talanwei started to lead his horse through the rockslide. The first half of the journey passed without incident but then the animal stumbled and reared with pain as its leg was cut by the edge of a sharp rock. The achadheil failed to keep hold of the beast and it sprinted through the rest of the boulder-strewn area, rocks flying in its wake. The guide grabbed hold of the stricken horse before it careered into those standing at the other side of the slide.

A shower of small rocks cascaded down the side of the gorge, narrowly missing Talanwei as he made his way successfully across the rockslide. “It is only a superficial wound,” Lyanros assured the achadheil, as he handed back the reins of the horse.

Ulder crossed without incident. However, a few flickers after he had arrived at the other side, a whole section of the mountain gave way. Huge boulders jumped and rolled down completely blocking the gorge.

“We may need to find a new way back,” said the guide, ruefully. “Yet, we have crossed without serious injury and for that we must be grateful.” He muttered a few indistinct words of thanks beneath his breath.

The path rose through a narrow passage in the side of the gorge and it only took the party a half a mark to climb to the top, where they emerged onto a small mountain plateau. From the plateau, the trail twisted through a thin wood of alpine trees before emerging into an open area bounded by a tall, towering mountainside that rose vertically to a sharp peak.

“The mines burrow into that mountainside,” explained Lyanros. “The mining camp is close by.” It was only a few burns ride before the trail ended at the mining camp .

At the end of a steep trail leading into the mountains to the north-east of Pax is a small mining camp. The workers in the camp are employees of the local mining company run by Machlin “Madtooth” Dawgrim. A wooden sign attached to a post hammered into the ground at the edge of the camp proclaims “Dawgrim’s Mine, Keep Out” in bold red letters.

The camp consists of several small dormitories that typically house some 20-25 miners, two wooden shacks that store the mining equipment and a communal building where the miners eat, drink and socialise whilst off duty. At one end of the communal building is the foreman’s office. The camp is situated close to the side of large mountainous outcrop dotted with several cave entrances. Emerging from one cave, is a wooden track along which can often be seen a wooden cart pulled by a donkey.

The new arrivals were greeted by rough-looking, barrel chested dwarf with an axe swinging from his belt. “This is a private mine. If you have no legitimate business, then please leave.”

[Ulder]

Ulder made his way through the pass and looked back in dismay as the gorge became blocked in a slide.

Damn!

He gritted his teeth in frustration, but exhaled sharply in relief that they all got through.

Better to look forward than behind...

As they rode forward to the shacks around the many tunnels, Ulder appraised the area, looking for any signs of those they pursued. Seeing the stocky dwarf, he nodded to Lyanros and then picked his way over to the one who was gruffly greeting them.

"Good tide to you too sir." He began as if the dwarf had said something similar. "We don't wish to disturb your business here. We're actually looking for some men that came this way. They were all dressed in gray cloaks. Perhaps if you saw them recently, you could point out which way they were headed, and then we'll leave you be."

[Guido Cercatoro]

(OOC: mm…moving a little slowly here with one or two of you absent for a while. I’ll push everyone on to the camp)

The entire party arrived at the mining camp without further incident. As he glanced around, Ulder could see no obvious sign of the grey-cloaked priests. All that could be seen were a number of miners moving carts and ferrying equipment to and from the large cave from which the wooden track emerged.

The dwarven guard frowned in response to Ulder’s question. “Grey cloaks you say? Well perhaps you had better see the boss in that case. The rest of you can either wait here or if you need any food and drink, follow me.”

The guard would lead the party over to the main communal building. Inside the main entrance was a large area filled with a number of empty tables and chairs. At one end of the room was a counter containing various rudimentary foodstuffs and drinks. Behind the counter was a rather bored-looking elderly dwarf, sporting a long white beard. The guard would lead Ulder to a second door in the building. After knocking, the dwarf opend the door and beckoned Ulder inside.

“Someone here asking about some grey cloaks, Dawgrim. Thought you’d like to meet him.”

If Ulder entered he would find a plain and functional office containing a desk, several chairs and a number of shelves filled with scrolls, parchments and ledgers. Behind the desk sat a brown bearded dwarf who looked extremely irritated at being interrupted. Standing to one side of the dwarf was a tall, bearded and muscular human.

Once the guard had left, the dwarf barked a few words at Ulder. “Who the bugger are you and what business do you have with these grey cloaks?” Dawgrim was clearly a dwarf who liked to get straight to the point.

[Thrandil]

Thrandil followed Ulder and the dwarven guard into the communal building. He took a good look around while Ulder disappeared through another door. "Good tide, master. Might you be able to tell me where master Haalguard can be found? I carry a personal message adressed to him." the young adhiel said as he walked up to the counter. He didn't take a seat, but his eyes were scanning the various foods and drinks, pondering whether or not, and if yes, what to take.

The guard already drew Ulder away and I really don't feel like inquiring about those greycloaks too much before they want me to meet the chief too. Of course, he should know most, but there's always rumors going around in such communities. As wise men always say: At the core of every rumor, there is truth. Now, just to distill that truth from what that Haalguard fellow might have to tell he thought, as he pointed at something resembling bread, but be it dwarves, it could be just about anything. "I'd like some of that, please." he said, already taking out money to cover for food.

[Ulder]

Without hesitation, the former Captain dismounted and followed the self appointed guide.

Once inside, Ulder took stock of the office, the human, and the Dwarf who had been mentioned as Dawgrim with sweeping, yet efficient glances.

“Who the bugger are you and what business do you have with these grey cloaks?”

Pointed and direct... Seems small talk would be a lost cause. So be it.

Ulder answered quickly, and directly, not wanting to waste Dawgrim's time.

"Yes Sir. We're not here to interfere in your operation. We've been sent by Provost Sanguine to bring the grey cloaked men back to Pax Balthasar. They were involved in an altercation in the town, some deaths and property damage was the result. If you saw which way they were headed, then we'll be out of your way as urgently as possible."

[Talanwei Fortisse]

Talanwei was rattled when the horse’s reins flew from his hands. The rocks had cut the leg and made his horse sprint the rest of the way through the gorge. These animals were indeed as sure-footed as the Achadhiel had stated for it did not twist or break a leg. If the bolting animal was not unsettling enough, a shower of rocks narrowly missed the apprentice swordsman. Talanwei was shaken but relieved that they all made it across the pass safely as he nodded thanks to the guide. Taking the reins carefully he patted the horse’s neck and followed the others thanking Illuminatus for his safety. They reached the camp and Ulder spoke to a formidable looking dwarf of their reason for coming to Dawgrim’s mine. The things he knew of the mine were few but if all the men here looked as weathered and rough as the dwarf before them there was little chance Greycloaks could avoid detection going through this place. Talanwei looked about, marking in his mind the points of interest and paths leading into and out of the area as he followed Thrandil, Ulder, and their dwarven guide.

The aspiring paladin watched as Ulder disappeared behind a set of doors. It unsettled Talanwei but in an irrational way. An equally irrational thought of making himself ready for a fight in case anything happened to the former captain gripped him for a flicker before he mastered the train of thought. As he fell into step behind Thrandil to the communal buildings he could not help but glance at least twice more at the doors that closed behind Ulder. It was ridiculous and unfounded, there was no reason to worry for Ulder could protect himself so the Achadhiel suppressed his unease. Since Thrandil seemed as if he was absorbed in affairs of his own, he simply waited for he was not hungry enough to request any food. Talanwei hoped that this Dawgrim knew something of their quarry, for the longer they dallied here, the further they were from overtaking them.

[Guido Cercatoro]

(OOC: Ulder, please continue in a sidethread here)

The food counter proved to contain little more than a few crusts of bread, a number of sorry-looking pastries and the remainder of a haunch of meat. Thrandil wisely chose a plain but relatively healthy looking wedge of bread. The dwarf slung it on a plate. “Two banner,” he said before taking the money from Thrandil.

The dwarf raised an eyebrow at the mention of Haalguard. “Oh he’s here alright. In fact you’re in luck, he’s on a break now. If you go out of that door you’ll find him sitting on a rock.” The dwarf pointed to a small door in the opposite side of the common room from the one through which the adhiel had entered. If Thrandil left through this door he would immediately spot a dark-bearded dwarf sprawled against a large rock a few paces away. The dwarf was snoring loudly. A half-drunk mug of ale stood at his feet.

The achadiel guide remained outside with the horses whilst the guardsman and Talanwei entered the common room and waited whilst Thrandil purchased his bread. Trajan turned to Talanwei. “Did you learn anything of interest when you climbed to the grave?”

(OOC: Trajan is likely to be absent for a while so I will run him as an NPC until his return)

[Talanwei Fortisse]

Talanwei’s only companion for a few flickers was his thoughts. The two were not alone long however as Trajan spoke to him. The human’s question nearly confirmed the Achadhiel’s notion that each of them may have been “spoken” to in one form or another. He looked for a moment at the man, trying to make an appraisal of the tall human. In only a few flickers this would be impossible but nevertheless he attempted it. Just by his features, the follower of Illuminatus could see the man was young, perhaps of a like age with himself but of perhaps a harsher upbringing. A face like Trajan’s did not look disposed to smiling often yet the Achadhiel offered him a smile nonetheless. Talanwei took a short breath before replying.

"I am not sure if it is of interest or no…I was told of a green lake, though I would prefer to speak of it more candidly when we are all together," Talanwei said this gently so as not to offend. Hopefully it would not. His palm touched the hilt of his Warden blade hopefully it would not be needed soon. The apprentice swordsman found himself looking off into space and turned his gaze back to Trajan, offering a smaller smile and a nod as if to reaffirm his decision.

"At any rate, I don’t believe we have been properly introduced, my name is Talanwei Fortisse," said the Achadhiel extending his hand to Trajan.

[Trajan Constantine Aeneas]

Seeing Ulder, Thrandil and Talanwei dismount to follow their self appointed guide, Trajan elected to be included in that party, seeing the first opportunity he had had to observe some of his fellows at their leisure. These men, he knew were soldiers like himself, and he knew also that soldiers were never more at their ease than when sharing found and drink with their comrades in arms, and that was a chance that he simply could not afford to miss, not with his lieutenants mandate still ringing in his ears. He needed to know what these mens motivations where, no least of all why they had volunteered for a task which had nothing to do with them, but also why they had come, with such numbers and under such armament to his city.

Since he was such a novice when it came to riding, it took him an extra moment to get dismounted, and by the time that he followed them into the communal buildings, Ulder had disappeared and Thrandil was deeply ensconced in conversation with a dwarf who was apparently the proprietor of what passed for a cafe. Trajan took a moment to examine the achadhiel whom he had heard called Talanwei. The man was no more than his own age, or perhaps a yahren or two younger, judging by his features. The young man was without question well formed, but in a nearly effeminate fashion. Despite that he moved in a way that showed he was competent with the swords he wore, and Trajan guessed that the man would be better than passing in a fight. The Pax legionnaire hoped to not have to fight him, and he reckoned that he needed to start talking to his companions if he was to fulfill his commanders mandate, and of those, Talanwei seemed like the obvious choice. Trying to appear casual Pax's native son approached his target and said the first thing which came to mind.

“Did you learn anything of interest when you climbed to the grave?” No sooner had the words passed his lips, than the young soldier immediately regretted them. <i> “Of all the things I could have opened with!” </i> he cursed himself silently. <i> “Why that?” </i> The achadheil paused for a burn or so, and blatantly eyed him, which Trajan allowed as fair, Talanwei didn't know him from Dominicus. Apparently satisfied the youth offered a smile before replying.

"I am not sure if it is of interest or no…I was told of a green lake, though I would prefer to speak of it more candidly when we are all together,” absently Talanwei's hand strayed to the hilt of his sword, and Trajan unwittingly took a half step away and gripped the haft of his spear tighter. The young swordsman's eyes briefly unfocused as he looked out into the middle distance, pondering something unfathomable. When his eyes cleared, he offered Trajan another smile and a short nod before changing the subject.

"At any rate, I don’t believe we have been properly introduced, my name is Talanwei Fortisse." As he spoke, Talanwei offered another smile and extended his hand. Trajan eyed the hand, so recently near a weapon whilst he switched his spear to his other hand so he could shake.

“Trajan Aeneas.” He replied, as he grasped the other man's hand and pumped it twice. “If you prefer not to speak of the cross, what then is your role in this hunt? Why are you here?” Sometimes, he reasoned, the best path to the heart of a matter was through that matters sternum.

[Guido Cercatoro]

(OOC: welcome back Trajan, you are back in control now)

Whilst Thrandil digested the information he had received concerning Haalguard, Trajan and Talanwei discussed their experiences at the cross. As they were talking, a grimy looking golden-bearded dwarf entered the room with a glum look on his face. He moved to the food counter and muttered to the white-bearded dwarf.: “Ale and lots of it. More damn trouble in the lower levels. There must be easier ways of earning enough banners to get drunk.” The white-bearded dwarf laughed and set about obtaining the drink.

[Ulder]

Once outside, Ulder realized that instead of returning to where the others were, he gone outside. He did a quick check of their horses and with Lyanros to be sure all was well, he set himself back on the task of finding his companions, so he re-entered the communal building not long after the sober and serious looking dwarf. He spotted Trajan, Thrandil and Talanwei in the room, and made his way over to where Trajan and Talanwei were speking quietly.

He nodded his head in silent greeting and then motioned for Thrandil to join them. he kept his voice low, barely above a whisper so as to not be overheard.

"Seems our grey cloaks have split themselves in to two groups. They were looking for some sort of shelter or temple further up in the mountains. A larger group continued on further up, but a smaller group has set out for a waterfall not far from here. I think we should surround and subdue the small party that went to the falls, and see what further information we can get from them about the others."

He fell silent and waited for their reactions and thoughts.

[Thrandil]

OOC: Guido, let me know if these assumptions about Haalguard are fine with you, if not, I'll edit them out. Oh, and sorry for my sudden absence.

IC:
Thrandil had just returned from outside, had spoken to Haalguard, asking him about the grey cloaks and handing him the food he had just bought. He greeted Ulder as the human came back in and listened to what the former captain had to tell.

The adhiel frowned and pondered the possibilities. After a few flickers he nodded towards Ulder. "I hear you, master Synkaaros. Tactically speaking, it's the best course to take. Do you want us to regroup at the horses and get ready to ride out?" he said, his hand flexing around the pommel of his sword.

It was clear that he wanted to fight. He'd see what the horn would do for him. It would be the best and safest way to check. Only few men and he'd be there to meet their weapons in a stand off. He would be the bait if the others would let him. No, he would not be bait, he would be disabling his enemies. He'd just make sure they'd come for him.

[Talanwei Fortisse]

Trajan’s shrewd eyes looked at his hand. The fact that his idle hand on his blade’s hilt had caused the human to step back completely escaped Talanwei. It may have been a flicker of delay before Trajan accepted his offered hand with a curt shake. Trajan…Talanwei committed the name to memory. His hand, having had a full day already what with idle sword hilt fondling and causing Trajan to be ready to defend himself, then went to his head, where it normally would have run through long brown hair. Instead he rubbed the soft brown fuzz that the death of the Red Banner had given him. The Achadhiel was still not used to not having hair, yet each time there was nothing to fool with it became less and less disconcerting. Perhaps ten to fifteen more times of feeling fuzziness would be sufficient enough for him to no longer notice.

When Trajan asked his question it was direct and in just as curt a tone as his demeanor bespoke. Even though brief, the human’s words confirmed something Talanwei was only partly sure of. The cross showed something to Trajan and it likely did to the others as well. This the Achadhiel put in the back of his mind for the time being and considered the rest of what the spear wielding man said. What was his reason for being here and what his role was in the hunt; both were questions that would hold much once answered. Talanwei had truly not thought of it much since he had tumbled through the portal into Pax.

"My role…? Well, you have me at a disadvantage Trajan. I have not considered my role in the hunt for these grey cloaks overmuch…" started Talanwei rubbing the back of his head thoughtfully. It was a nervous habit, one that happened more often than the Achadhiel noticed. Ulder was on the approach soon after and Talanwei acknowledged him with a nod.

"I come to learn the reasons behind the actions of these Grey Cloaks. I guess I am here to assist Ulder and those that count among our allies as best as I am able," his grin that followed these words was almost boyish. In his short years, Talanwei had already seen much but he still retained an almost naïve disposition. His faith had allowed him to come through trials and failures without allowing them to eat him away from the inside. The follower of Illuminatus let his words stand. They might not satisfy Trajan’s curiosity because his words did not answer much. This was largely due to the Achadhiel’s lack of thought on the subject.

Once they were all back together Ulder gave a proposed strategy for their perusal. Talanwei found himself nodding for it was a sound plan. The smaller group would brook easier apprehension and more information about the larger force. The Achadhiel grinned at Thrandil’s eagerness to be off and looked at Ulder.

"I believe it a good plan. Would we try to apprehend them using stealth or just overtake them? I believe we may be hard pressed to approach undetected if they have already fortified themselves…" Talanwei considered this for a moment and remembered what he and Trajan were speaking about. He spared a glance to the human before continuing.

"This is unrelated but I was speaking with Trajan about the grave we stopped at on our way to the camp. It showed me words, they read, 'She waits for you beyond the green lake'. This means nothing to me now but it may prove relevant depending on what, if anything, we were all told," said Talanwei, searching the faces of those gathered for a reaction.

[Guido Cercatoro]

(OOC: here is a quick summary of Thrandil’s conversation with Haalguard, so we can push this on )

Once Thrandil had succeeded in waking the dwarf, Haalguard proved a useful source of information. The dwarf revealed three items of particular interest.

First, he confirmed that most of the greycloaks had proceeded up the trail to the hermitage. This was an abandoned sanctuary that Haalguard had discovered one day when out prospecting for new sources of ore higher up the mountains. It was located in a small secluded valley that could only be reached through a large cave. He readily provided Thrandil with directions.

Second, he confirmed that two of the greycloaks had, indeed, split from the main group and taken the trail to the emerald waterfall. He spoke darkly of the pair and gave the impression that he regarded them as more dangerous than the larger group.

Third, he took the opportunity to grumble about conditions in the mine, claiming that “there’s something strange goin’ on down there, mark my words.”

[Thrandil]

Thrandil looked at Talanwei with genuine interest when he mentioned the grave. "Yes," he said, "I had a similar encounter there, but in it I did not hear the Mother's voice, nor did I feel the warmth of Pan surrounding it. I can not explain what it means, just that there's something behind the green lake. As for it really being a lake, I almost doubt it."

He looked each of the men in the eyes for a moment. "Alright, you are in this as much as I am and I had to consider a few facts in my mind before telling you this. I think we should leave the two of them alone for now and advance after the larger troupe. I've spoken with a good friend of a trustee of mine. He has given me directions to a sanctuary where they are huddled up. The larger troupe looked less dangerous to him, and their information might prove useful in capturing the other two." he said, making sure any dwarves present wouldn't hear him.

The former general then continued his ideas. "They are in a sanctuary indeed, but the Mother has granted me with a divine item and made me a sacred warrior to Pan as well as a sacred half of the Circle of Life to herself. If what I gathered from her words is true, I'll be able to draw them out of this sanctuary." After these words he patted the Horn of the Hunter on his side. "Yet I would not want them to see every one of us and I'd suggest you move to positions from where you can advance on them in stealth if my tactic works. From that point on, it will probably be a fight, in which we will have to try to neutralize them without taking their lives from them."

The young adhiel watched the reactions of his fellow men closely, hoping he had not trusted them with too much of his information. He did, however, exclude the information about the Emerald Waterfall, because he did not want them to leave there just yet after noticing more of them had heard something of a green lake.

[Trajan Constantine Aeneas]

Trajan fought the urge to grind his teeth in frustration. Talanwei was proving to be of no help at all. Either in sating the Legionnaires own curiosity about that mysterious cross, or in providing a peek into the motives of the fellows whose company he was keeping. Came to learn the Gray Cloaks motives? He could have done that by waiting for their trial disposition. What's more he was smiling <i>again</i> Trajan had never in his life seen an adult who smiled nearly as much as the achadheil and Dominicus knew it was beginning to annoy him greatly. The Legionnaire was coming to reconsider his decision to speak to this man, when he became aware of Ulder's return from wherever he had gone to. Shortly thereafter Thrandil joined the circle and Ulder then lent conspiratorially close.

“Seems our gray cloaks have split themselves in to two groups.” He confided in hushed tones. “They were looking for some sort of shelter or temple further up in the mountains. A larger group continued on further up, but a smaller group has set out for a waterfall from here. I think we should surround and subdue the small party that went to the falls, and see what further information we can get from them about the others.” Ulder fell silent so that his fellows might offer their thoughts. Thrandil was first to speak, and he agreed readily with Ulder's assessment, demanding whether the party should mount immediately and ride out to continue their pursuit. The adheil was obviously eager though whether it was the hunt or the prospect of a fight that brought that out in him it was difficult to say.

Talanwei spoke then, adding his own agreement to Thrandil's in support of Ulder's plan, and adding the question of the parties ultimate tactics, would the use stealth or force of arms to capture the renegades? Before any answer could be forthcoming to that question however, the achadheil with whom Trajan found himself increasingly annoyed changed the subject to his own ill advised query into the party's experience at the cross. Silence enveloped the group for a burn or so before Thrandil spoke once more.

After looking each of his fellows in the eye he spoke at length. He said that a “good friend of a trustee” had informed him that the group had in fact split, two members going off in one direction while the remainder headed off separately. These were facts that Ulder had already given and were of no particular consequence. When the Adheil implied that he was blessed by not one aspect of the One but in fact two, and that his source indicated that the larger group in the fortified position could be less dangerous than the smaller group in the wilderness, the young Legionnaire was forced to work hard to avoid scoffing openly. Thrandil, by his observations, was not an overly religious man, yet he was claiming the direct blessing of two so-called gods. And reversing not only his earlier advice, but also calming his zeal. There was obviously something going on, but what precisely he couldn't say. He decided that it was finally time that he spoke, and so began.

“Comrades,” he said, hoping to appear friendly without engendering too much demand for disclosure on his own part while teasing more out of the others. “Our directive is clear, the capture of the renegades so that they may be brought before the sacred justice of Lord Dominicus. Too long already have they evaded their just desserts, and must be brought swiftly to account. If two of them have broken off and gone away from the relative safety of walls, then I say they should be our first targets. They will doubtlessly have information we can use in apprehending their fellows and whats more we will then know their whereabouts, they will no longer be free to menace us at their leisure, where if we go after the larger group who may or may not have reached this cloister by now we leave dangerous enemies at our rear and risk being encircled in some area where the advantage falls to them. We must treat these renegades like rabid wolves. When they present us an opportunity as plum as this, we must strike and mitigate the threat before taking on a second. A war fought on two fronts is a lost cause.” Having thus spoken, Trajan looked at his companions in turn, attempting to discern from their expressions what affect his words might have had, that done, he stood silently, waiting for action to be undertaken, the consensus to his mind, having been taken even given Thrandil's odd reversal. The hunt was finally, truly afoot, and Trajan felt the familiar rush which always hit when a goal was within reach. He would not be turned away.

[Trajan Constantine Aeneas]

Trajan fought the urge to grind his teeth in frustration. Talanwei was proving to be of no help at all. Either in sating the Legionnaires own curiosity about that mysterious cross, or in providing a peek into the motives of the fellows whose company he was keeping. Came to learn the Gray Cloaks motives? He could have done that by waiting for their trial disposition. What's more he was smiling <i>again</i> Trajan had never in his life seen an adult who smiled nearly as much as the achadheil and Dominicus knew it was beginning to annoy him greatly. The Legionnaire was coming to reconsider his decision to speak to this man, when he became aware of Ulder's return from wherever he had gone to. Shortly thereafter Thrandil joined the circle and Ulder then lent conspiratorially close.

“Seems our gray cloaks have split themselves in to two groups.” He confided in hushed tones. “They were looking for some sort of shelter or temple further up in the mountains. A larger group continued on further up, but a smaller group has set out for a waterfall from here. I think we should surround and subdue the small party that went to the falls, and see what further information we can get from them about the others.” Ulder fell silent so that his fellows might offer their thoughts. Thrandil was first to speak, and he agreed readily with Ulder's assessment, demanding whether the party should mount immediately and ride out to continue their pursuit. The adheil was obviously eager though whether it was the hunt or the prospect of a fight that brought that out in him it was difficult to say.

Talanwei spoke then, adding his own agreement to Thrandil's in support of Ulder's plan, and adding the question of the parties ultimate tactics, would the use stealth or force of arms to capture the renegades? Before any answer could be forthcoming to that question however, the achadheil with whom Trajan found himself increasingly annoyed changed the subject to his own ill advised query into the party's experience at the cross. Silence enveloped the group for a burn or so before Thrandil spoke once more.

After looking each of his fellows in the eye he spoke at length. He said that a “good friend of a trustee” had informed him that the group had in fact split, two members going off in one direction while the remainder headed off separately. These were facts that Ulder had already given and were of no particular consequence. When the Adheil implied that he was blessed by not one aspect of the One but in fact two, and that his source indicated that the larger group in the fortified position could be less dangerous than the smaller group in the wilderness, the young Legionnaire was forced to work hard to avoid scoffing openly. Thrandil, by his observations, was not an overly religious man, yet he was claiming the direct blessing of two so-called gods. And reversing not only his earlier advice, but also calming his zeal. There was obviously something going on, but what precisely he couldn't say. He decided that it was finally time that he spoke, and so began.

“Comrades,” he said, hoping to appear friendly without engendering too much demand for disclosure on his own part while teasing more out of the others. “Our directive is clear, the capture of the renegades so that they may be brought before the sacred justice of Lord Dominicus. Too long already have they evaded their just desserts, and must be brought swiftly to account. If two of them have broken off and gone away from the relative safety of walls, then I say they should be our first targets. They will doubtlessly have information we can use in apprehending their fellows and whats more we will then know their whereabouts, they will no longer be free to menace us at their leisure, where if we go after the larger group who may or may not have reached this cloister by now we leave dangerous enemies at our rear and risk being encircled in some area where the advantage falls to them. We must treat these renegades like rabid wolves. When they present us an opportunity as plum as this, we must strike and mitigate the threat before taking on a second. A war fought on two fronts is a lost cause.” Having thus spoken, Trajan looked at his companions in turn, attempting to discern from their expressions what affect his words might have had, that done, he stood silently, waiting for action to be undertaken, the consensus to his mind, having been taken even given Thrandil's odd reversal. The hunt was finally, truly afoot, and Trajan felt the familiar rush which always hit when a goal was within reach. He would not be turned away.

[Ulder]

Ulder took in the thoughts and opinions of the others with the quiet experience of a man who was used to command. For the most part, they agreed with his own ideas on how to proceed, except for Thrandil, who wanted to take on the larger portion of their quarry first. Because he valued the Adhiel's input and thoughts, he evaluated taking on the larger party silently for a flicker or two before voicing his thoughts.

"You understand my thoughts perfectly Trajan. I understand that pursuing the larger group to the temple or whatever it is up there could be preferable in terms of their experience and ability to put up a lesser fight before they get settled and dig in. But in my mind they are seeking their cloister for a reason. Maybe it is to reinforce themselves and put up a fight and it would take more of an effort to overthrow them. But maybe its to retreat back to the relative safety of their shelter and be away from the other two."

"The fact that they split up is both encouraging and troubling to me. It's encouraging to me in the sense that my instincts tell me they had something of a disagreement. If they were united in their cause, they likely would have stayed together and continued on up to the shelter and awaited whatever was to come from the Provost as one. That this might not be the case may mean that some may not fight as hard as others as their hearts may not truly be in it, which bodes well for us."

"What I find troubling is what if that's not a correct assessment? What if they've divided their ranks for the sole reason of harassing any pursuit of them, or some other unforeseen reason. If the pair really are the strongest of the group, then its certainly in our best interest to attack them using our full strength. There's no telling what the cloister has by way of defenses."

He clapped Thrandil on the shoulder warmly.

"I think our best choice is to take the strongest on while we are at our strongest as well. If we can capture the strongest of them, it may bring the others out more peaceably."

"When you are ready, lets gather back at the horses and get moving."

Another thought struck him as he pulled his gloves from his belt and began to put them back on.

"Oh, and Talanwei. I do want to speak about your vision at the shrine. I was told the waterfall is called "Emerald Falls". Perhaps this is the source of the "green lake."

He let the thought sink in and began to make his way outside.

[Trajan Constantine Aeneas]

It was like standing naked on the Wall during fierce summer storm, the rush Trajan felt when he knew that an objective was within his reach, and it was on him now like it hadn't been in a long time. Ulder's determination that the group should press on immediately and after the smaller of the two contingents was music to his ears. Even if the pair who had split off alone were the strongest of the renegades, and Trajan had to wonder what their 'strength' was, they were only two and would be not only heavily outnumbered but also steeply over matched in arms. Ulder threw a comment about the Talanwei's “green lake” over his shoulder as he pulled on his gloves and headed toward the horses. Trajan took a few flickers to see how the achadheil would react before following Ulder silently out to the mounts. The rush was building, and Trajan eagerly anticipated the climax. As he settled onto the horse Lyranos had provided,Trajan offered a silent prayer to Dominicus and waited for the final leg of their journey to get underway.