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-----At the gates of the keep, Sol alerts the guards stationed there that the party wishes to meet with Sir Greene. Eyeing the wounded Raven and perhaps recognizing him, they respectfully usher the party into the courtyard. As some of the guardsmen help the wounded Raven and the two women down off their horses, two of the guards rush into the keep to announce them.
-----The keep itself appears smaller than the one in Hearthorn, but still impressive none the less.
-----Inside, they are shown into the Great Hall where a large gathering is still taking place. Advisors and other people of importance debate and talk and all seem to refer to a tall, handsome man dressed in a magnificent suit of ring mail. He stands well over six feet and his head is crowned with short brown hair. He excuses himself from some of his advisors and with two of his guards, approaches the party.
-----Upon seeing Raven’s condition, the man who is obviously Sir Greene exclaims with alarm in his voice, "By the Righteous Just, man!" He immediately calls for the clerics and healers.
-----"You, who are with the one called Raven," he says in a stern, but polite voice. "I am Sir Greene. What news have you for me?"
-----Two men wearing white robes lined in dark blue rush in and begin tending to the ranger saying prayers over him.
-----Raven says, "Thank you Sir Greene. I fear the foes we faced were powerful, but they still fell by our swords." Raven then shuts up as Sol speaks.
-----"Except for the ones that got away." Sarah points out. "We need magical help." Sarah tells Sir Greene. "Devlin is a powerful priestess and without protection from her magic we could all end up her slaves." Sarah states it as a simple fact.
-----Sol ascends his head slightly in a gesture of respect, before answering the knight in a rather perfunctory manner, "Sol Herron, sir. Th' men ye sent have th' keep secured. What needs t'be done now, is t'find this cave that the forces of Dark have holed up in. That's where Devlin is."
-----"From what we've learnt, they're protecting th' growing essense o' their found goddess. Obviously that needs t'be stopped, but they'll be expecting us. Would it be possible t'gather any o' yer hunters and trackers here? We need t'know o' any large caves somewhat beyond Oakwood town itself. A cave that would be suitable for Devlin and her Dark minions." Sol pauses, knowing that perhaps he should let Sir Greene digest this much first and let him ask any other questions.
-----Sir Greene bows slightly to Sarah and Sol as they speak. He then answers the young warrior. "You are right, Sol Herron. I feel I must apologize for the dire situation in the Fief that I have sworn to protect. Even now, my advisors and I are receiving word on evil infringing on the areas about this town. There are reports of humanoid activity between the Town of Oakwood and the village of Proat. To the north in the woods travelers have been beset by the unholy undead. To the south from the village of Visp, pleads for help are being sent forth warning of horrifying apparitions that have begun to haunt the forest. In our own fair town, as Raven knows, there has been a curse laid upon the Holy Temple of Joren."
-----The Knight of Oakwood then looks about the Hall as he continues, "My resources of able-bodied people have been almost exhausted at this point as our attention is being drawn with the four winds."
-----Sir Greene then turns back to the four adventurers. "I owe you a debt of gratitude for securing the keep you have won and I offer the comfort of this Keep to you for rest and recovery. However, at this point, I can only offer a few guards to accompany you if you wish to search the areas of the woods."
-----As the healers step back, Raven stands looking much more healthy and alert with only an angry looking scratch remaining on his exposed leg.
-----Sol nods gratefully as he says, "Assistance of any sort would be welcome." The Gorian's head tilts slightly as he tries to clear up a point, "Th' only reason I asked fer trackers and hunters was not fer their personal use of their skills. Raven has that covered an' more. Rather I was after their knowledge o' the area, caves in particular. If none o' yer retained woodsmen are available, do ye happen t'know o' anyone in town, perhaps, that would have extensive or even partial knowledge o' any caves in th' area? I don't intend t'sound overbearing, but this place is th' heart of where all th' troubles yer estate is facing come from."
-----"Yes, good thinking," Sir Greene says nodding toward Sol, "Of course, it is unfortunate that Oakwood is somewhat blessed with an abundance of caves. The challenge would be finding the cavern that hides the evil ones out of the score that are known in the area."
-----"However," he continues lifting his eyebrows, "your request for expertise advice does remind me of someone who might have the information you may seek. To the southeast, in the village of Visp, is a priest of the god of law, one named Rau’Triel. He has taken it upon himself to maintain records of events of the area and is said to have an extensive collection of maps that he has made. What information he may have may even surpass what is contained in our own libraries."
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