-----"Let me look at you! Two weeks it has been since I've seen you last," Zepharon says to his daughter with bright eyes. Holding Sarah at arm's length, he looks proudly at her and says, "You look beautiful as always and more . . . You have gained more in the way of magic."
-----Glancing at Sol still looking over the horses, the Lord Wizard sighs with a smile, "I suppose you do. Dancing in the Court of Oakwood was wondrous, I hear."
-----Answering Sarah's last suggestion, her father says with a serious, knowing look, "Yes, we should do all we can to help Lord Howrun and his subjects recover any trove left behind by the dragon. No doubt the beast took much from the Estate of Silvergard! That would help greatly in any recovery that they need."
-----"Hunters! Warriors! New Friends of Silvergard!" Lord Howrun calls, "The village of Xyl lies but a few miles east. Accompany us there where ye can rest and heal! On the morrow, we ride to the Town of Rushfen where I can detail our offenses against Ravenhold!"
-----The Lord of Silvergard frowns, but respectfully bows to the Lord Wizard. His face lightens somewhat as he turns to the Hunters and nods. He then mounts up on his large horse as a host of human and elven warriors approach. Among their number are two black bears and one grizzly. A screech is heard as a falcon takes flight and lands on the arm of one of the woodsman. A raven suddenly flies into view and rests on Lord Howrun's shoulder.
-----The Lord of Silvergard looks over at Raven and says, "So you fancy the name of Ravenhold?" Lord Howrun then smiles and laughs loudly and good-naturedly.
-----Raven smiles at Lord Howrun, "Xyl you say? Sounds like a fine village. A warm meal sounds great to me to say the least."
-----Raven nods at Garrison, "Aye, they are good hearted lot, aren't they?"
-----Raven pulls Rinda closer to his side as they walk over to collect their horses. Raven pauses and leans over to kiss Rinda. Raven then says, "A grand hunt my love. You showed all that the Hunter's spirit is strong within you. Broacter will be raving about you for months." Raven smiles, "As will I." Raven holds Rinda close to him as they walk towards the horses.
-----Garrison taps Raven on the shoulder and adds, "Now this is my kind of company!" as he nods at the host of forest people.
-----Sol nods as the Lord Wizard relays Oakwood's and Redmarsh's rising fortunes. As the Lord Howrun calls his host together to move east, Sol takes Thunder's reins and walks over to his companions. An ironic sort of smile creeps over as he says, "I'll try an' return as quick as possible. I realise that the relief is at Redmarsh, but I told Abram and Bradley that we'd try to meet them."
-----Sol then walks over to Raven and softly clasps his friend's shoulder, so as not to provoke his injuries. "Good job on Krondor. Jon and Kylne can rest more easily now." The Gorian also nods to Rinda as he speaks.
-----Next he moves over to Sarah to where she stands by her father. After a respectful glance at the Lord Wizard, Sol says to her, "I guess ye've got some catching up t'do, but if yer still up to it, I'd welcome yer company t'Redmarsh an' back."
-----Last of all, Sol returns his glance to Zepharon and asks, "Sir if ye have a moment, I'd appreciate th' chance t'speak prively t'ye."
-----Raven smiles sheeply, "Good point about the boat. I guess I'm just a land lover at heart." Raven's face darkens for a moment, but then the smile returns, "Sorry, thought about Dread there for moment. Krondor? I have to admit, he was a better swordman than I, but he lacked heart." Raven looks over a Sarah, "And a wizard."
-----Raven looks over at the dragon, "Good job with the dragon, Sol. You know that was an insane stunt there with you climbing on to its back." Raven laughs as he shakes his head, "What a grand site that was."
-----Raven frowns a bit, "Are you sure you can't join us at Xyl? Abram and Bradley are fine. Meeting up with them a couple of days later won't do any harm." Raven places a hand on Sol's shoulder, "You've earned a couple days of rest Sol. The hunt is done and our enemy lies dead at our feet. It doesn't get much better than this."
-----"Listen to noble Raven, young Sol!" the Lord Wizard says, "I can deliver any message you desire." A concerned look crosses Zepharon's face as he looks at the two heroes. "You two have done enough for now and you both carry many wounds which need tending to," the wizard says while glancing at his daughter.
-----"I am sorry to say I cannot stay long myself, as I have other business to tend to," Zepharon continues, "but I shall check in with all of you in a few days. It sounds as if you will be in Rushfen by that time."