-----“Aye, Master Sol, I be a’seein’ t’em!” the rough-throated warrior responds. He then gives his well-wishes to the soldiers of Silvergard and those he had served with in the makeshift militia. Dilton then moves briskly toward the village square.
-----By this time the Gorian and the Star Priestess have moved on. In just a few moments, they come in sight of the square and see it filled with a great host of soldiers; some moving to assemble tents and campsites. The village had last seen a large army like this only a few nights ago when the village was still held by the evil forces serving the Lord of Ravenhold.
-----As they ride toward the center of the square, Sol points out Lord Howrun of Silvergard to Jeilin. The Lord of the Silver Woods gives a very powerful impression as he dismounts from his steed armored in his magnificent studded leather; a silver battle axe gripped in one heavily muscled hand. The ranger, Roderon, stands nearby to steady his horse.
-----Rinda is there to greet Lord Howrun while Lovan stands quietly just a few feet away observing. The mage, Jyan, likewise greets those of the incoming army.
-----Sol dismounts several yards away, gladdened at the sight of Silvergard's host. He also pulls down the unconscious man's limp body, drags him a few feet towards Lord Howrun before dropping the villain unceremoniously to the ground. He bows to the Lord and gives his greetings, "Welcome Lord Howrun, we're happy ye could get here."
-----Jeilin likewise respectfully greets Lord Howrun, a hand drawing the sign of the stars. She then waits to hear what the lord has to say.
-----“Ah, young Sol Herron!” Lord Howrun says with a smile turning to the Gorian. “The wizard from Hearthorn said you would be here to greet me. Roderon reported to me days ago the condition of this village. Your companions and you are to be commended! This is an excellent strategic point to carry on offenses against the enemy. How do things fare to the south?”
-----"T'be honest, we've little idea, though Black Bog is close, an' likely t'be aware of what's coming. Maybe yer better off asking this sod." Sol replies as he gestures to the unconscious man still at the Gorian's feet, "Wi' a few friends, he was speaking out against yer people coming here... an' when called on it, they fled south towards Ravenhold's heart. We've caught those we could."
-----Sol’s smile is forced as he adds, "He may need some convincing t'talk though."
-----Looking around at those of his companions that are around, the tall warrior speaks again, "Lord Howrun, my companions an' I should prepare t'leave. We've friends already t'th' south who may need help. An... I don't think ye've met Jeilin here. Th' priestess o' Astron has leant us much needed wisdom an' power since a'joining us."
-----“I am honoured to meet you, Priestess Jeilin,” Lord Howrun bows and adds, “If you have aided these friends of the Silvery Woods, you are also in my gratitude.”
-----After commanding that the unconscious man be taken into custody, Lord Howrun turns back to Sol. “It is my intention to muster the army of Silvergard here for the time being,” he explains. “We now have most of the northern edge of the river occupied in this region of Black Bog. At the same time forces of Ravenhold fight Hearthorn to our north. We must stand strong here for it is just a matter of time before those first forces of the enemy find themselves outmatched. They will try to retreat southward and find us waiting. I will not move on the Town of Black Bog until those forces are taken.”
-----Placing his hand on Sol’s shoulder, Howrun continues, “We would be happy and thankful to have you among our troops, but if you must travel on, we would count ourselves all the more fortunate. I say this as we have found the way clearer with the evidence that we have found of your presence in the area.”
-----“If you ride south, our scouts have reported that Lord Sintor has returned to his stronghold in the central estate of Ravenhold. Along the way many more of his knights gather their forces and those of humanoids to defend the remaining fiefs. Sintor is in league with those who worship the infernal hordes and their temples and places of evil are dotted across the land. Many of the common people like those you have found here are oppressed and helpless in their situation.”
-----Just then Strolum comes rushing up. The red-haired warrior eyes Sol and moves toward him, though he remains quiet and respectful in the presence of Lord Howrun.
-----Noticing Strolum, Sol nods at Lord Howrun's words and replies, "A damned land, but not unexpected wi' all we've seen. We'll leave as soon as we can all get ready, though what we end up doing, I've no idea. Whatever we can, I guess." Sol bows again, as he takes a few steps backwards and motions Strolum to come to him, leaning his head down indicating to the large fellow to talk quietly to him.
-----Strolum follows Sol and reports in a low voice, “Aye, Dilton came t’fetch me n’ I takes it we be a’meanin’ t’ride out. Dilton ran on t’gather our friends off th’ other watches.”