-----Apparently forgotten about the fight earlier with the mage, Kazel says, "Did he even have a symbol? I bet it has a skull on it. He seemed to like putting it on a lot of things including locks and his own head. Can't blame him considering his looks though."
-----As for letting the mage rest, Kazel does not object.
-----As everyone settles back either in the bed of the wagon or on their own steeds, Brandel starts the wagon on the road across the flat lands. Amdracks takes the time to relax and nap, occasionally sitting up to stretch and view the countryside in the now dwindling light.
-----Brandel remains quiet focusing his attention on the road and the slowly advancing tree line. The forest remains dark; its secrets nicely tucked away under the thick branches and deep shadows.
-----Runik turns silent too, fidgeting with apprehension as he palms his hammer. Krord stares at the trees with a furrowed brow, his only reaction a low-throated rumble.
-----Suddenly a fluttering startles some of the party as something small and black lands next to Seth. In the next moment everyone relaxes as they see Albert perched on the edge of the wagon tucking his wings inward.
-----After a couple of more hours, Brandel speaks up. "I was just about to turn the reins over to someone else," he says, referring to the dark of the moonless night, "but I believe I see a few lights in the village of Navlot."
-----Sure enough, as the wagon draws within a mile of the beginning of the forest, many lights as from torches shine from between the tree trunks. The center of the village seems to be fully illuminated although the forest seems to be without sound. The effect is ominous. The combined glow of the lights seem to flicker while all around the forest appears to be one huge dark wall expanding around and before them.
-----Brandel brings the wagon to a halt. A nervousness seems to shutter through the horses hitched to the wagon.
-----"By Silverbeard," Runik quietly intones, "Them horses don't be likin' this n' me hates it even worse."
-----The Dread Pirate quietly curses the darkness and looks at the lights of Navlot, "Arrr, I really hate that little town. If'n I were still a'piratin, I'd say we raze it to the ground. Maybe it'd be best if'n we scouted it out afore travellin on. I'd like to just go around it altogether, but what if Marast was stopped here fer some reason. We'd best take a look."
-----Gimplefwick pauses, then raises an eyebrow significantly at Kazel, saying, "I hate to keep throwing ye under the cart, but yer the best suited fer takin a look-see. Either Seth or I can follow along behind ye, in case ye need back up."
-----Seth nods at Dread's words, "It might be best if Dread and I follow up behind you together, just in case. I'm sure Brandel can keep things under control here."
-----Before Kazel can make a move, a sound lightly hits the air from an undetermined source. The sound seems animalistic in nature though it is carried strangely on the air as it echoes through the dark woods. The little girl grips Kazel's arm momentarily staring at the single light with wide eyes.
-----"Krord," Brandel gently says without taking his eyes off of the tree line in front of them, "perhaps you could look after our small friend . . ."
-----The huge mercenary frowns in confusion until Runik points out the young girl saying with a nervous tone, "Th' girl, ya big lummox, watch th' girl so's th' lass kin do some scoutin'!"
-----Brandel quickly shushes the tense dwarf as Krord finally gains the understanding. Krord then carefully lifts the girl from Kazel and hugs her close in his arms. The little girl lets out a small moan in protest but otherwise lets the mercenary take her.
-----Amdracks stands in the wagon holding his small mystic book in front of him. "We are too far out for me to sense any evil inclinations," he says cryptically, and then he adds, "but my instincts tell me there may be werecreatures about."
-----"Weret'ings!" Runik spits quietly through his teeth, "That be makin' me feel a whole lots better!" The antsiness seems to take hold of the dwarf again as he speaks in a sarcastic tone. Patting his warhammer, he quips, "If'n Marast be in thar somewheres, damn 'im fer makin' us git 'im out!"
-----The Dread Pirate seems to perk up at the mention of werecreatures, "Aye, a goodly lot o' werecritters. The whole town may have been infected in the time that we've been gone. A whole town full o' werewolves and such whatnot. That'd be somethin to see. I don't think it'd really explain all the lights though. Why would a bunch o' werecritters bother to light up torches. It might be that the town is besieged by werecreatures and the remainin townsfolk light the torches at night so that they can better see to fight 'em off. In light o' that, it might be a bad idea to split up right now. Even invisibly, a werecritter might be able to smell ye or hear ye and track ye down. And if there be enough of 'em to lay siege to a town, then we probably don't want to divide our forces right in front of 'em. I say damn the lot of 'em and we ride straight into town and risk it. We'll just ride very carefully. Seth, Amdracks, and the little girl in the belly of the wagon. Brandel drivin the wagon, the rest of us ridin around to protect the spellcasters, so they aren't disturbed. What's the worst that could happen?"