-----Looking upon the mage priest, Lotley sees Amdracks begin to struggle, speaking against his gag. "Vile one," he says, "it sounds as though he is asking for help."
-----Just then Sir Slappy reaches to grab at Seth with a menacing glare in his eyes. In an instant, Krord leaps from the wagon causing the vehicle to rock from side to side. The huge mercenary shoulders his way between the musician and the humanoid, glaring down at the orc. Sir Slappy slumps his head and steps away from Krord.
-----Before Sir Lotley can turn to acknowledge what has happened, the sound of galloping horses is heard down the road from where the party came from. A cloud of dust in raised behind seven riders as their horses charge toward the wagon. There is no doubt the riders are those men from the tavern that rescued the wet farmer.
-----Thinking quickly, the Dread Pirate responds, "Aye, the nefarious mage probably has seen Sir Slappy and thinks him a common orc that may be of service to him in his evil ways. That is why he calls out for assistance. Ha, little does he know of the valiant deeds that Sir Slappy has performed in the name of goodness and justice. As loath as I am to perform such an act, I must think that a strong buffet to the head might still the vile mage's foul urgings towards our noble friend, Sir Slappy. Perhaps that will teach him the error of his ways." So saying, Dread leans over and thumps Amdracks soundly on the noggin.
-----Satisfied, Dread leans back and spies the rising clouds of dust billowing from the seven riders. He then purses his lips and mutters to himself, "This is getting a bit complicated. Well, at least it isn't Sol."
-----He then says out loud, "Avast there. I hope these aren't more innocent dupes, enchanted by the foul witch-followers of our vile mage prisoner. Thrice now, they have set bandits and such upon us. Trying to free their lord and master, no doubt. We had best be prepared, in case they turn violent."
-----Dread then loosens his cutlass in its scabbard and turns to face the approaching men.
-----"Yes I think they would, if putting heads on stakes count as being violent." Kazel replies as she unsheathes her sword, but pulls down her hood and hides behind the others so the oncoming horde would not recognize her from the pond incident right away. She then turns to Sir Lotley and asks, "Noble Sir, have you happened to see a wild-looking elf who searches for priests in these parts lately?"
-----"Ah, one who seeks the Righteous Ways, Fair Lubat?" the paladin replies to Kazel, "Nay, I have not seen this lost soul you mention, however, Sir Slappy and I will continue our ever watchful gaze for those who wisely seek in the instruction of the Holy Redeemer."
-----Now the riders approach closely enough and expressions on the rider's faces show recognition especially at the sight of the Dread Pirate mounted on his coal-black pony. Menacing smiles are held on a few of their faces while others exhibit grim scowls while fingering their swords.
-----Before they dismount, Nylan Lotley extends his arm and hand signaling a halt. In a clear, stern tone, he says loudly, "Halt! Who are you who would charge my friends and I as we talk thusly on the wisdom of the Most Holiest of Redeemers, Joren?! I am Nylan Lotley, Paladin of the Temple of the Holy Guardian in the company of the Lion-Hearted and Nobliest of Protector Sword Arms, Sir Slappy of Hearthorn who holds the accursed form of a lowly orc afflicted upon him in one of his greatest battles in defense of our Fair Kingdom! Those you see with us are our faithful friends from the Estate of Hearthorn."
-----One of the riders behind those in the front line is the farmer, his eyes wide and his clothes now mostly dry. He stares around over the shoulders of those in front of him, his eyes finally alighting on the mounted halfling pirate.
-----"That be him!" he says with quivering voice and shaky finger, "that be the crazed hobbit what chased me!"
-----As the leather clad men dismount from their horses, one of them a tall fellow with a bushy beard and eyebrows, growls, "That be the hobbit what robbed yer house too!" As booted feet hit the ground, the metallic sound of blades drawn is heard.
-----The paladin steps forward, positioning himself between the wagon and the approaching men. "See here!" Lotley says, his arms extended as if encouraging peace and understanding. "This one you accuse is of noble heart. This company you see before you is a small party of merchants. This Kingdom has been blessed in that they are also True and Watchful Protectors! Why, have they not secured this region from the nefarious acts of a warlock who threatened the good people?" Here the paladin waves at the tied prisoner who continues to swoon with his Pirate inflicted head thumping.
-----"I would encourage you to stay thy anger and weapons and come amongst these fine people and greet them with open arms," Lotley continues, "They are Nigel, a merchant of artistic endeavors and a fine musician, his fair sister Lubat and this one, you so wrongfully accuse is, Farmer Botwak, who I hear specializes in crops, especially turnips and tubers. Those in their wagon appear to be mercenary guards who not doubt hold the teaching of the Holy Redeemer in their own hearts."