-----After a while, Sol leads the others back into the center of the thorp. Raven had gone out to join them, meeting them as they returned from the tent encampment left behind by the now vanquished troop. The Hunter now strides beside the Gorian warrior followed by Strolum, Pil and the young woman with grayish hair.
-----As the heroes assemble together near the wagons, they still see the large mob comprised of women, children and older people hanging close by. A few even draw near as if expecting some news from those who saved them from captivity.
-----Strolum leans in toward Sol and says lowly, “Ye still be a’thinkin’ t’take these people back t’one o’ th’ villages?”
-----The woman who had accompanied Sol and the warriors to the tents looks around and sees the soldier who is bound close to one of the slave wagon wheels. The man leans against the wheels and is apparently unconscious.
-----She walks over and kneels next to the tied-up man, then tries to wake him quietly with gentle shoves. After a couple of nudges, the man begins to stir. His eyelids flicker and open. He continues to blink as his eyes focus on the woman. Suddenly, it is evident that he recognizes her as his eyes clear and a frown comes across his face. Realizing that he is bound, he opens his mouth but the woman puts one hand to his mouth and lifts a finger to her lips, indicating silence. Looking around at the people surrounding him, he remains quiet.
-----Sol motions for Rinda and Garrison to join Raven, Strolum and himself. Firstly, he quietly replies to Strolum's question, "Yes, unless we happen past somewhere else where we think we can keep them safe, it's th' best place fer 'em I can think of. Raven, wi' th' maps we gathered, an' yer own knack fer finding yer way, do ye think ye can plot us a safe path back t'th' village we liberated? Someway off th' roads."
-----His gaze flickers briefly in concern over the bedraggled group of woman and children before adding to Raven, "An' we need t'leave pretty much now. They won't be able t'travel far tonight an' th' pace'll be slow, but we need t' at least get them an' hour or two away from here t'discourage immediate pursuit."
-----“Aye,” Strolum adds, “I thought I be seein’ a few o’ our foe runnin’ and ridin’ off t’th’ west. Wouldn’ be surprised if’n they be bringin’ reinforcements nigh on daybreak!”
-----With a grim thoughtful expression, Garrison ponders, “We do have the forces of Silvergard a few days behind us.”
-----“Kulendra!” Jyan suddenly interrupts with a frantic tone, “We must not tarry! We must reach Kulendra!” The young mage seems to emerge from the shadows behind the wagon; his eyes wide with emotion.
-----“Bloody hell, man!” Strolum exclaims at the intrusion. “Do ye not see the innocents in our charge?” The red-headed warrior motions to the people around them. The exchange had now more attention from the women and children who were staring at them with frightened faces.
-----Jyan remains silent, but it is apparent his desperate stance is not satisfied.
-----“Wait a minute,” Garrison says lower as if still considering his inward thoughts, “what if some of us take these people back? The rest of us could head west to fend off any of the enemy from that direction and push more toward this . . . Kulendra.” The woodsman looks at Jyan as if making sure he said the name right.
-----For a moment, everyone looks at Raven and Sol before their attention is diverted by the young gray-haired woman leaning down by the bound soldier.
-----"Please, mister Serjeant, there's no need to yell," the woman says gently as she removes her hand from his mouth, and gestures briefly at the surroundings. "I'm sorry I had to bring that light upon you, but the patrol was already lost. Now, it seems that these people are not quite bandits, but are here to free those from compulsory service. Perhaps if you can tell them where best to shelter them, or to avoid the next patrols, things won't get any worse than it has so far tonight? Anything at all."
-----She puts her hands down to rest on her knees, awaiting his next response.
-----The man pauses only for a moment with his mouth open before a rage takes over his expression. Glaring up at those around him, the man suddenly erupts, “By the gods, what is the meaning of this? This is Ravenhold! Do you not know what woe will befall you for this assault? More forces will soon cross this region. You have no hope to carry on your folly here.”
-----The soldier now glares hard at the gray-haired woman near him and yells, “You, woman, are a traitor! Untie me now!”