-----Lovan stares at the distant fortress with a befuddled expression. He then puffs some air before murmuring, "Oh well, . . ."
-----Rinda chuckles at the Storm Priest momentarily silent and humbled and then looks at Sarah. With a look of concern, the huntress asks her, "Are you all right?"
-----From across the way, Lord Howrun gives a command and his troop begins moving toward the southwest giving the fortress a wide berth.
-----Sol rides to Sarah's side immediately, offering his own sort of comfort, "Not overly fond o' that spell myself. Still, th' feeling's past...hasn't it?" The warrior reaches out a hand and takes one of Sarah's in turn.
-----Sarah clasps Sol's hand with both of hers, relief in her eyes to see the Gorian warrior again. "Yes, thank Destine, I'm sorry, I don't know why it worked on me...I thought my mind was ready for these things...I suppose I was wrong." She shrugs. "But I'm okay now, what happened?"
-----"We sparred with words for a moment more, before she decided she wasn't going to speak to us anymore and left the conversation. So basically nothing happened. We may as well pretend we never went t'those ruins..." Sol explains as he gives Sarah's hand a squeeze.
-----The entire procession of warriors, hunters and elves skirts around the scrubland giving the fortress a wide expanse before plunging back among the trees of the Silver Woods. From its dark and ruined walls comes no sound or indication of anyone within.
-----Along the slopes of a wooded hill, the party continues following those in the large troop. As a light breeze whispers through the branches, they descend into a small valley before moving along the edge of another hill.
-----Soon, off to the left, a stone structure is seen among the thick vines and trees. A small detail of elven hunters moves off to inspect the ruins, which proves to be an old tower. The larger troop takes a rest while the scouting takes place and soon the elves are seen returning to speak with Lord Howrun.
-----The report is given that the old tower is deserted although to the south of its position lies a small area of swamp. The Lord of Silvergard then commands to continue the journey and everyone rides in a direction that leads partly to the south and partly to the southwest.
-----Within the next mile, the troop begins to ascend another wooded hill whereupon reaching the top, the scouts call for a halt. Riding up, Lord Howrun pauses before emitting a curse at what greets them there.
-----A large walled castle stands amid a clear at the crest of the hill; its wall showing some signs of repair. In front of its walls stands a very strong looking woman garbed in chain armor and carrying a magnificent shield and a gleaming warhammer.
-----The woman's hair is straight and black giving her stern looking face the appearance of defiance. She glares at the entire assemblage of riders and footmen but remains silent.
-----Sarah asks the nearest local elf, "Are you aware of a castle in these parts? When was the last time your troop patrolled here? Who is that woman?"
-----"Well, I'll try an' sort out th' answer t'yer last question." Sol offers amiably as he nudges Thunder forward at a slow trot. Sol nods pleasantly to Lord Howrun as he passes Silvergard's ruler and as he nears the imposing woman, the Gorian's stallion slows down to a walk and then to a stop once they have reached some twenty yards from the castle's defender.
-----Sol then calls to her, "Good lady, apologies fer interrupting yer watch, but I was hoping ye'd be able t'help me. My name is Sol Herron, an' due t'personal interest, I wondering if this was another one o' Strator's strongholds that I've been told are in th' area?"
-----An elven guard speaks up and says lowly to Sarah, "The Silver woods are home to many ruins from an elder time." Pausing, he then nods toward the woman facing Sol and adds, "This one seems to be another ranter who follows the storms."
-----Just then the armored woman answers Sol in a very stern rugged voice, "I am Murna of the Great Rager. Send one of your strongest to face me in battle. If you win, you may go freely. If I win, I take what I want."
-----Lord Howrun then seems to erupt. "Stand down, woman!" he bellows from his saddle, "Surely thy wits have left ye! I am Lord of the Silver Woods and none shall stand in our way from freeing these forests from the evil ones who seek to destroy those who live and hunt here!"
-----The woman's expression does not change as she grimly eyes Lord Howrun and then his guards.
-----"Murna, I too am 'of' th' Great Rager. So tell me, what's th' point of this contest? Are you feeling th' need fer combat or are Strator's faithful so low on resources that they need t'take what belongs t'others? If yer set on sparring, I can at least offer ye that much..." Sol dismounts and takes a couple of steps forward, though his arms hang down, palms facing outwards, showing that he'd rather not fight in this way.
-----Everything depends on Murna's next action.