Back to Page Four
-----Raising an eyebrow toward the tower and then looking at Sarah, the mage asks, "You’re planning on climbing a rope up the side of that tower? Can you do that in your dress?"
-----Glancing skyward, he muses glumly, "A little rain won’t kill us, but it might affect our health tomorrow."
-----He then looks down his nose at Raven sitting by the tree. "How about that tunnel?" he asks. "Would we be able to take shelter there? Perhaps even have a small fire to keep warm? Did you notice any tracks in the tunnel and was the tunnel dry?"
-----Sarah stares open mouthed at Thalog, "Turn him over to the authorities! Are you crazy? After all he's done for us, er, well me...! It’s not his fault he attacked us, if you were starving you would too. Maybe Broacter can find a place for him?" Before Raven can react, she snaps, "And what the hell makes you think I can't climb the tower?"
-----Raven looks up at Thalog, "Eh, you got more than book smarts in there. Yes, the tunnel would be a fine spot to camp. We could try a fire even." Raven gets to his feet, "You, the rest of you, game to first try the tunnel?"
-----"Yeah, the tunnel sounds fine. Let's go..." Sol replies.
-----Zentil says, "Sure, the tunnel sounds good to me".
-----Sarah listens to Raven. "Sounds great!" She says, "But let me call my friend first. You know, I never even asked what his name was. Oh, and can we fit the horses down there too?" As soon as Sarah’s bandit friend gets back, she comments, "You know, I never really introduced myself. My name’s Sarah, Sarah Night. What’s yours?" Sarah extends her hand to the bandit.
-----Sol looks doubtful at Sarah's defense of the charmed bandit, but keeps silent about it. He does comment on the ever-important issue of Sarah's dress, "I don't think Raven was concerned over your climbing skills in general, just that a full dress might make it awkward for you. But if you think you can, then I believe you."
-----Raven says, "Hey! It was Thalog that made the dress comment. Hell, you could just take it off..." Raven pauses, "and put on pants of course."
-----Sarah arches an eyebrow "Ya wanna give me yours?" she asks.
-----"Oops...sorry Raven." Sol apologizes. His eyes are downcast however, due to the latest dress comment. He seems to be struggling to keep back a smile.
-----Raven is now blushing, but continues. "What else? Oh! The horses we could keep out of sight of the tower. They'll be fine in the rain." Raven raises an eyebrow when Sarah asks if Broacter would take in the bandit, "Well, if the bandit changed his ways and corrected all the damage he has done. I think there would be slim chance that Broacter might take him, maybe. Of course we'd have to see how he reacts after your charm wears off. He might not be very friendly after he finds out you put a spell on him. I know I wouldn't."
-----"Oh yeah....well maybe I could stop by every two weeks to charm him or...or...maybe Broacter could start reforming people, have someone set up a missionary camp or something...yeah...." she starts daydreaming, then snaps out of it. Sarah suddenly coughs and clears her throat for no reason.
-----For just a split-second a look of amusement crosses Thalog’s face, however it is just as quickly replaced by his cold stare.
-----The charmed bandit gently takes Sarah’s hand in his own, caressing it gently. "My most sweetest of angels, my name is Gabe. I be most humbled by your kindness at such a wretched soul as I." He looks at his beloved young magic-user with a look of awe.
-----Thalog whispers to Sarah, "I do believe I am in agreement with Raven, but I will speak with you more later."
-----Raven says to Sarah, "But I don't have an extra pair with...oh I get it." Raven gives Sarah a slight smile, "Point taken." Raven gets to his feet, "Anyways..." Raven says quickly, "let me show you all where the tunnel is, so we can get ready for tomorrow."
-----The adventurers gather up their horses and Raven leads them to the southern edge of the small woods. He leads them to the marsh beyond the trees making for some trees and high grasses. After the better part of an hour, they find they are heading for a large fallen tree, its lower trunk jutting from the ground. Peering down into the rotting trunk, Raven reveals the tunnel hidden below the ground. Leaving the horses hidden among the high bushes, the adventurers somewhat eagerly enter the underground shelter.
-----The tunnel proves to be dark, but dry and soon some of the men have a decent and comfortable fire going. They quickly set up their watches, not only above ground, but also constantly watching the blackness beyond the firelight in the tunnel below.
Go to Page 6