-----Raven returns to the group as Sol talks with Lord Howrun. Raven has equipped himself with Krondor's long sword. Raven looks over at the dead dragon and then notices Lovan's strange behavior. Raven frowns, but says nothing.
-----Raven says to Sarah, "I wonder how deeply Krondor's diseased roots go. I fear Krondor was just a small part of a much darker plot."
-----As the defeated commander is given over to the authority of Silvergard, he is lead away by a trio of elven warriors.
-----Lord Howrun replies to Sol, "The beast has run rampage here for only a short time. I believe it has come here from the direction of Ravenhold unless it has been awoken from a long slumber beneath this fair forest."
-----Lord Howrun then takes in the wounds of not only Sol and Raven, but those too of his elven and human troops. He then looks at Garrison, Raven and Rinda. "Hunters, . . . you follow the ways of the Great Hunter?" he asks them before adding, "Those in my forests follow these ways too rather than the adopted Kingdom religion of Joren.
-----Romney closes one eye at this remark as if he has been stung by the words. Otherwise he remains quiet if not respectful.
-----"Your wounds appear great and you have fought bravely to defend not only Silvergard, but Hearthorn also," Howrun continues as if in deep thought, "I should offer you shelter and proper tending to your wounds before you leave. If I may, I might also encourage you to stay longer with us in the Silver Forests. By the words we have heard this day, our paths have come together against this common enemy. Sintor of Ravenhold has allies who vie for my Estate as well as others."
-----Lord Howrun's eyes brighten with clarity as a decisive tone enters his voice. He looks around at the adventurers and their companions and states, "Yes, I would entice you to remain here a while longer. Perhaps you would be interested in scouting and infiltrating Ravenhold as my troops draw Sintor's attention elsewhere."
-----Sol considers but a moment before replying, his formal tone mostly faded away, "I am interested. I cannot speak fer my companions in this, but I will help as soon as I can. However, we really do need t'get back t'Redmarsh. Krondor was holed up in a keep, which we took. Unfortunately, he was expecting some two score humanoids to bolster his forces. They could be there now, and without Krondor's guidance, they may get out of hand an' th' village of Nox may become a convenient target. Either way, they still need t'be dealt with."
-----The Gorian frowns at that thought before adding, "We must also collect our horses and have an agreement t'meet up with some friends at th' town o' Redmarsh. This shouldn't take long, an' after this I'd be more'n happy t'help out however I can." As usual, Sol then looks around at his companions.
-----"I doubt that the humanoids will arrive," answers Lord Howrun. "My own armies have battled many orcish and hobgoblin forces in this region of Rushfen. This has been their way to cross the river into Hearthorn. Sintor must have ordered their movement through this region because of the marshes found here."
-----"Lead me to those humanoids!" Lovan shouts almost in a ranting way. "They shall feel the wrath of the Rager!" The storm priest stands in the middle of the clearing, his smile long replaced with an almost angry vengeful expression.
-----The Lord of Silvergard turns toward Lovan and regards him with a bemused smile.
-----Raven says to Sol, "I'd like to take up Lord Howrun's offer of shelter. I'm not much keen on the idea of traveling right now. Maybe just for a few days and then we can head back to tie up all the loose ends."
-----Raven turns to Lord Howrun, "Yes Rinda, Garrison and myself do follow the ways of the Hunter. It is good to see the Hunter's children watch over these woods. I can only speak for myself, but I am very interested in learning more about this Sintor fellow. I have to admit though I can't help but like the name of his keep. Ravenhold does have a nice ring to it."
-----Raven smiles a bit at his own joke.
-----Sol smiles briefly at the joke, but he replies to Raven seriously enough, "Raven, we left our horses picketed. I do not intend t'leave them and I certainly do not intend t'lose Thunder again, nor cause Abram an' Bradley worry because no one was there t'meet them. But, yer right. Rest would be good. I tell you what, I can take care o' th' loose ends. I'll head back, grab th' horses and make sure th' aid from Oakwood has arrived, an' I'll head right back here an' meet ye. That way ye could tell me everything there is t'know o' Sintor."