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-----"The black disks are the symbols of our faith so that the weak and ignorant can know the power and knowledge of the Dark," she answers, turning back to Thalog.
-----"The agent in Hearthorn I know not. My superiors do not reveal the identities of all the faithful. It is one strength of the Dark," she then pauses with a tired look on her face. "I feel fatigued. May I be allowed to rest?"
-----"Not before you tell us where we can find your superiors." Sol answers Dreda with a neutral tone.
-----The young woman sighs and looks at Sol with her calm green eyes. "My superiors have left me here to oversee this area. They do not reveal their own location. I suspect they are in the woods to the southeast of here. The one the locals call the Oakwood Forest."
-----Looking at Raven, Dreda says, "Ah, I see you’ve found my map. Do you wish to go there?"
-----"The Oakwood Forest, eh? Looks like we're going camping again," Sarah comments.
-----Sol addresses Dreda further, "Is there anything hidden in this keep or nearby, whether it be spoils or concerning your...activities?"
-----"No," Dreda says in a weary voice, "our supplies and rations are down below. We only acted as a point of contact here. The bandits and the orcs were to take stolen goods elsewhere."
-----"Okay, the Oakwood Forest!" Sarah finishes. "What do we do with her?"
-----Raven steps forward and says, "We can't let her or Rand's brother go. God knows what evil she will do. We could have her show us to their other base. Then we..." With his back to the dark lady, Raven makes a "cut throat" motion with his hand, "...give them a nice going away party." Raven glances back at their prisoners and then continues, "As for this keep, I say we burn it to the ground."
-----Sol adds, "What happens to Heiros is up to Rand. Do we need to destroy the keep further...I mean, rats will always find another hole to infest, but they'd have to be pretty stupid to use this one again. Anyway, the forest sounds fine for our next destination."
-----Raven says, "These bandits are robbing and killing people and you would set this agent of evil who aided them free to kill more women and children?" Raven shakes his head, "I don't understand your thinking."
-----Thalog interjects, "Are all warriors so destructive? Dreda and Heiros are criminals therefore they should be handed over to the nearest authorities. The keep itself poses no threat to us. If we destroy it then we will have destroyed only a building, that can be used by 'good' people now that the evil is gone."
-----Sol tried to reply to Raven, but Thalog spoke up first. As soon as the mage finishes, Sol answers Raven harshly," What is up with you Raven, missed out on the last fight so yer feeling a little abrasive? I mentioned NOTHING of freeing anyone...just that it should be Rand's decision on his brother’s fate."
-----"How can someone’s brother be an impartial judge?" Sarah asks. "I agree with Thalog, we should take the two, and any other bandits who have survived or hidden to the town and turn them over to the magistrate there."
-----"I'm not talking about having the fool judged. The man is Rand's brother. They obviously have some serious family issues to go through. I believe Rand should have the chance to address those before we hand Heiros into any authorities. The others can all hang, for all I care."
-----"Is this not ruthless talk I hear among such brave and strong ones?" Dreda suddenly interrupts. A look of awe crosses her dark beautiful face with a dazed expression, probably left from the charming effect. "We could use such passion among our worshippers of the Dark."
-----Looking at Raven, she asks, "Raven? You are called Raven? How fitting that you carry the name of something dark and ominous." Holding out her hand, she says with admiration, "Join us. Let me take you where the darkness can be embraced and you will know power." Her voice takes on a seductive tone.
-----Sarah is both amused and scared by what Dreda says. She anxiously looks at Raven to see what he will say.
-----Sol's looks is one of incredulity. This quickly passes into annoyance at having the discussion interrupted. Likewise to Sarah, he's interested in Raven's reaction to Dreda.
-----Raven listens to everyone’s comments. Raven opens his mouth to speak, but then Dreda speaks. Raven turns to face her as she speaks. Raven rubs his chin when she finishes. "Damn, I guess I'm totally wrong here. If this witch thinks I'm right, then being this close to evil has tainted me."
-----Raven lets his head drop to his chest, "I sorry for what I said. Do what you all think is best." Raven lets out a sigh, "Well what should we do next?" Raven appears to be distracted, but still listening to the group.
-----A look of surprise fades into genuine guilt. Sol rushes to speak, "Raven, don't take anything she says too seriously. We're all just a little wound up right now. Um...We haveta start heading towards the Oakwood Forest eventually, so I suppose we dump our captives with whatever authorities Tru has."
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