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-----Raven watches the glove fly off the priest's hand. With a look of confusion on his face, Raven looks around at the group. His gaze finally stops at Dread. Raven seems to be considering Dread’s theory on the source of the priest's awkwardness. He frowns and then shoots his attention back to the priest.
-----Raven says, "You are right, it is not the elves that are doing these evil acts. Most likely it is an evil cult that is behind this. Maybe it would be best if we could meet with Sir Hampton. We could help find the cause of these evil events that are hurting the good folk here."
-----Sol verbally supports Raven's idea, "Yeah Raven, I think that sounds like the best move from here. Sir, is there anything more ye can tell us? If not then we should leave ye to yer blessed duties."
-----The Dread Pirate looks momentarily uneasy at the mention of undead infesting Proat, "Shiver me timbers, maybe we'd best go see Sir Hampton. I don't have much of a likin' fer the walkin dead. Almost got meself killed by one of 'em once. Fortunately fer me, her head fell off as she was settin in to finish me off."
-----"Quite right! I feel as if the Holy Guardian has blessed us by sending you and your companions to us!" Zan says excitedly. "Rest assured that I shall remain here to watch over the prisoners you have brought. Like I do for Sir Hampton, I shall ever stand at the ready to receive those who would do evil and see that the righteous hand of justice is applied!" Zan stands tall before the adventurers and actually seems to glow with confidence.
-----Stretching forth his hand toward the door, he majestically intones to everyone, "I am truly sorry that I do not have more to give ye as the evil ones seek to hide themselves from the truth. Know ye this, I send upon ye the blessings of the Holy Guardian so that together, my new found friends, you and I and the fair people of Oakwood will triumph over those who seek our demise. Remember I shall be here to assist you in any way that Mighty Joren sees fit! Now by the Righteous Shield Arm of the Holy Guardian I send ye, Young Sal and your noble companions, on to see Sir Hampton!"
-----A choked sound comes from Rinda as she fights to laugh from the mispronouncing of Sol’s name. As they pass through the doors and walk outside, she finally leans on Raven’s shoulder unable to contain herself. Across the center of the village, they see Kazel and Seth standing outside the trader’s post.
-----Rinda stops momentarily and looks over at the young warrior. "I-I’m s-s-so sorry, Sol!" she says through her tears of laughter. "Forgive me, I don’t know if I will ever get used to the ones who live in the so called civilized areas."
-----Raven says, "Damn he's a strange one he is. At least he means well." Raven smiles at Rinda's laughter, "Aye Rinda, I'm trying to get use to it also." Raven looks over to Sol. "Well might as well see this Sir Hampton fellow." Raven starts for his horse.
-----Sol's grin shows that he shares Rinda's amusement, though it's tinged with wistfulness. Whilst crossing the village centre to Seth and Kazel he wonders, "I kind of feel sorry fer him. Maybe when we get back to Hearthorn, I can petition Lord Chaplain Joreth to send him an assistant or acolyte or whatever they're called."
-----When the four companions finally reach Kazel and Seth, Sol says to the two, "We're gonna go see Sir Hampton at his keep, west of here. He may have some idea of where we need t'go."
-----"Oh, let's go then," Kazel says. "What's the big laugh?" she asks as she comes along with the others.
-----Raven says, "The priest in there was either drunk or worse. He's a good man. I think the strain of trying to help these people here during these dark times is too much for him to handle." Raven pauses, "When I put it like that, it doesn't seem funny. I guess you had to be there." Raven shrugs his shoulders and then mounts his horse.
-----"What of our mage?" Rinda asks as she climbs into her own saddle. The huntress points toward the small tavern situated next to the trader’s post. Outside the small building stands Sarah’s horse.
-----Sol also climbs in his saddle and grins deeply in reply, "You asked first. You can get her if ye like!"
-----The Dread Pirate glances at the witch's horse, "Arrr, I don't suppose we could just be leavin the vile wench here, could we?"
-----Sol's grin widens, "Not unless ye wan't Lord Wizard Zepharon to turn ye into a toad."
-----Rinda shrugs and casts a smile at Gimplefwick. She then urges her horse forward toward the tavern. "Kazel," she calls, "care to join me in this hunt?" Rinda rides across to the small tavern, dismounts and enters the building.
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