-----Dread then peers up at the two guardsmen, trying to remember where he'd seen them before, hoping that they weren't the soldiers that were accompanying Sol and his group, "Hello there, maties. How goes things here in the town of Navlot?"
-----Within the next few seconds, the horses calm with first Kazel's mount calming and then the horses tied to the wagon stopping their struggling.
-----One of the guards holds a serious look on his face as he stares down at the Dread Pirate. This man's hair is black and close-chopped. The flickering torchlight reveals a scar that runs down the left side of his face.
-----The other guard stands a bit taller and slimmer in build. His light colored hair is long and a short mustache graces his upper lip.
-----"Abram!" the taller fellow says in an astonished tone, pointing at Gimplefwick, "this is the halfling pirate! This is his gang!"
-----The two guards point their swords down drawing an immediate response from Marast. The elf rushes toward them fending them off. "No," the elf warns leveling his weapon, "you not . . ."
-----Just then the elf's words are cut off as a hideous roar rends the air from a few yards outside the circle of light. Most in front of the tavern spin to look up the road from farther into the woods. A small form darts into the circle of light. The coal black pony returns with a wild look in its eyes as drool spills from its mouth. The pony stops right beside the sitting Dread Pirate and nuzzles his arm with its nose.
-----From beyond the brightness of the torches, movement is seen in the shadows as a huge form seems to turn back into the darkness. Marast quickly fires off two arrows but all grows still and it is unclear whether the elf struck anything.
-----"Enough," comes a strong feminine voice. As the rogues look, they see one of the people who exited the tavern is a young tall woman who walks with an aire of dignity and grace. Her flowing hair stands tall on her head and falls back on her shoulders. Her chain armor catches the glow of the light where it extends past the surcoat that covers her young form. A sense of wisdom prevails in her eyes though her beautiful face expresses concern.
-----She is escorted by at least two men wearing the armor and surcoats of templar priests from the Holy Temple of Joren. Behind them, at least a half dozen men wearing ring mail glance into the surrounding blackness.
-----"The beasts toy with us," the woman continues. She points at the two guards from Oakwood who the rogues have indeed seen in the company of Sol Herron. She quickly adds, "This is not the time for quick judgements! All must be protected, even the horses! Get everyone inside!" She then turns and motions for those in the Rogues' party to enter the dark interior of the tavern.
-----Clambering to his feet, the Dread Pirate brushes the worst of the road dust off of his piratical finery, glaring at the two soldiers who had the temerity to point their weapons at him.
-----Finally, after the young woman speaks, he responds, "Aye then, what're we besieged by? Werebeasts? Or worse? And if Sol Herron and his group are in there, then I'll be stayin out here and takin me chances with the werebeasts. They'll be better company."
-----Dread then softly cuffs the nose of Joren, saying, "There, ye see what ye get when ye dump me and run off. Attacked by ravenous werebeasts."
-----Seth pokes his head out from the wagon and looks at the woman. He then draws himself up and addresses her, "My Dear Lady, I am Nigel - a merchant from Hearthorne, and these are my companions and dear sister. We have on occasion been of service to the Temple and were companions of Nylan Lotley during diverse adventures." He now strikes a dramatic pose and pretends to almost feint. "My dear Lady, Nylan is still out there, maybe half a day behind us dealing with some miscreants that tried to strike him down in his prime. The former Knight and now Orc, Sir Slappy, accompanies him. Perhaps these two stalwart guards should ride out to meet Nylan and Sir Slappy and make sure they arrive safely to this tavern." He indicates the miscreant knights who have on occasion followed Sol Herron.
-----"Who you see before you is all that is among our number," The armored woman quickly answers. Glancing toward the darkness, she says, "Marast estimates at least four werewolves in the area and their number may be increasing. We have hidden our horses in the stables beside this building and we should do the same for yours." She looks back at Gimplefwick with a stern look.
-----Turning toward Seth, she replies patiently, "There will hopefully be time for introductions later. For now, no one leaves this place. We are surrounded."
-----Kazel holds her position and replies to the woman, "And who is going to guard the stables with all the horses caged inside like meat in a slaughterhouse?"