-----Suddenly, after a moment of consideration, Sol shakes his head and pushes the group into the same speed they've been traveling these last few days. No explanations either, the young warrior being deep in thought.
-----With the plague-ridden town at their backs, the adventurers now turn their steeds and follow the road that leads to the southeast. The ride seems to be silent for the most part as some in the party are consumed by their inner thoughts. The gloomy sky seems to do little to lift spirits.
-----Across a barren expanse they now ride, spotted here and there with short leafless plants. All around the land seems desolate as if it too suffered from an illness such as the town has.
-----Of interest, a mile off in the distance, along side of the road there appears to be another castle structure of some sort. As they ride closer, the structure reveals itself to be a medium-walled castle with a keep. The road appears to lead directly past its front gate.
-----As the riders approach, they can see the small portcullis is closed although from the high wall hangs a large banner identifying the place as some sort of temple. The banner features a dark blue background with yellow streaks on it like lightning bolts. On each side of the gate stand stone statues of bolts radiating from a globe. There appears to be no one on the guard towers.
-----Sol pulls Thunder to sudden startling halt as the warrior views the castle. He gazes at the structure with awe and seems to have trouble forming comprehensive words. At last Sol manages to say, "Perhaps we should...see if anyone's there. Ask if they know anything different?" Strangely Sol gives Rinda a look before returning his watch of the castle.
-----Sarah smiles as she sees the temple. Her eyes flicker from the temple, to Sol, to Sol's Lathanian blade, to Thunder, back to the temple. Her smile becomes somewhat mysterious as she says. "Yes, Sol, I think maybe you should talk to these people."
-----Raven says, "Let's go then." With that, Raven starts towards the temple.
-----The group rides a bit closer. When they reach a few yards from the large wall, Sol halts once again and calls out, "Ho! The castle, ho!" Everything seems to fall silent once again. The appearance of the place looks well maintained though it shows recent signs of wear. Just as Sol begins to repeat his call, movement is seen in the courtyard beyond the portcullis.
-----There, approaching the entrance strides a man's shape with an unusual stalking gait. The man's features are hidden behind the scaled helm he wears while his body is covered by scaled armor and a metal breastplate. On one arm is carried a small shield while in the other hand he holds a fine looking warhammer. A cloak colored with the same dark blue and yellow as Sol's surcoat is draped about his shoulders.
-----When he reaches a few feet from the metal bars, he speaks authoritatively although his voice carries an occasional high whining quality. "Who are ye, who call at the Temple of the Rager?" the man asks and everyone can see a bit of sweat drip off the man's chin.
-----"My name is Sol Herron and these are my companions. We seek entry t'discuss what befalls Redmarsh. An' I, who hold th' stormlord above all, seek guidance." Sol calls out in reply as he regards the priest with interest.
-----The Huntress flashes a smile, somewhat proud of her friend for proclaiming his beliefs.
-----As for the man behind the portcullis, his mouth drops open. His eyes search over the young warrior before his gate with a look that can only express awe. The warhammer drops from his hand and thuds solidly on the ground. Quickly he scrambles to pick the weapon up almost losing his balance with the shield in his other hand. He emits a curse but stifles it as he looks back up at Sol.
-----"Yes, . . . yes," the man utters in a growing excitement. Holding up one finger, he tells the adventurers, "I shall raise the gate. Enter quickly for I shall then lower it!"
-----The man quickly moves out of sight and after a few moments, the portcullis begins to slowly rise. As everyone rides through the gate, they see a courtyard of crumbled stones and tangled vines amid the more erect walls of the keep. More statuary is seen about the open yard featuring human-like figures holding lightning bolts. One statue actually resembles a great dragon with bolts issuing from its mouth.
-----"I am Lovan of Strator, the Great Rager, Lord of the Sky and the Wind!" comes a voice over the top of the gate. Turning everyone sees the man who was at the gate. He now stands atop the wall beside the winch that raises the portal. He quickly lowers the gate and scrambles down a ladder leaning against the catwalk. At one point, the ladder looks to topple under the excited movement of the priest.
-----When he reaches the bottom, he turns and motions for everyone to dismount.
-----Sarah maintains her serene smile and slides off of Marlexana. She says nothing, letting Sol seek guidance.