-----As Sol turns the man over, there is little doubt as to his condition. The sightless eyes stare blankly at the ceiling while the mouth is agape frozen in a painful grimace. The man's light colored hair is wet and matted and a thick long mustache graces his upper lip.
-----The two heroes carefully stride from the stables making their way across the wet lawn toward the steps at the bottom of the gigantic tree. Raven's wolf prances along until they reach the stairs and then the animal moves over to lie down among the huge roots a few feet away.
-----Quickly taking the stairs, they arrive at the first level where they see four guards standing near Sol's room. Three of the guards appear to be elven.
-----Sol moves forward to enter his room, hoping to find Roderon inside. Before he opens his door, he nods in greeting to the guards.
-----Sol and Raven see Mirian sitting quietly on the bed while Sarah stands a few feet away silently petting her owl which perches at the foot of the bed. Lovan turns from the window facing those in the room with a curious expression. Roderon is there, speaking quietly with Garrison, Rinda and Romney.
-----Roderon pauses and turns with the others. Rinda speaks first saying to Raven, "Did you find the prey?"
-----Sol answers despite the question being directed to Raven. Shaking his head angrily in reply, he explains in a rumbling tone, "No. He's now back to playing his own game, now that we have the added protection. Roderun, I'm sorry but another victim has been killed by this assassin. Raven and I found him outside the stable doors, when we came back out of the building. I've moved the body just within the doors."
-----Lord Howrun's ranger nods grimly and says, "We have set guards on this level as well as the one the Lord of Silvergard is on." Looking over the two heroes, he adds, "You have done much this night, my friends. Why not rest now while I alert the village. Our guards will make sure your rooms are secure for the night."
-----Romney crosses his arms and though he remains silent, he looks too agitated to sleep.
-----Garrison says, "That would be fine though I wouldn't mind in helping with the watch."
-----Lovan moves closer to Sol and listens to the conversation.
-----Roderon adds as he begins to leave, "I'll check with all of you when tomorrow comes."
-----Raven says, "Thank you Roderon for your help. The elf that hunts us attacks from the shadows and has proven to be clever as a fox. Finding him will be difficult. If anyone could stop this murderer, it will be your men."
-----Raven looks to Sol, "I think we should rest together in the same room, there is safety in numbers."
-----"Not a bad idea Raven, though perhaps we should at least divide into two rooms." Sol says as he glances in the direction of the various women.
-----Raven shrugs, "Fine with me as long as we can get some rest."
-----"Alright, everyone. I apologise fer th' way this evening has turned out. If I had been a little quicker, or had taken Frederick's more seriously, this situation we're in could have been avoided. Roderun's men are providing us wi' a chance t'rest, so let's make use of it." Sol says as he begins to pace around the room a bit.
-----He looks around at the group briefly before continuing, "Like Garrison, I'd like th' opportunity t'help wi' th' watch an' do a shift. First let's get you Sarah, Rinda an' Mirian t'next door's room so ye can have some privacy. Just make sure ye lock yer shutters."
-----Sol then waits for them to get ready, standing tense and still, his pacing finally having come to an end.
-----Raven says, "No need to apologize, you are not at fault my friend. The murdering elf is the one that has caused our troubles." Raven places a hand on Sol's right shoulder, "You need to rest so you can regain your strength and recover from your wounds." With that said, Raven kisses Rinda goodnight and then settles down to get some sleep.