Back to Page Seven
-----Whilst keeping an eye on the four cloaked men, Sol leans across in his saddle and murmurs to Raven, "Was there anything you wished to do here in particular, or do we continue onto the tower?" His intention is to speak too low for the cloaked men to hear.
-----Sarah turns to the bandit riding behind her. "You know these guys?" she asks.
-----Her traveling companion squints into the drizzle and looks the men over. After a moment, he slowly shakes his head saying, "No, my Angel, I don’t be knowin’ who they are."
-----Rand rides along crouched low in the saddle with his head down glancing furtively at the four cloaked men. He is obviously trying to avoid gathering attention to himself.
-----Raven nods to Sol. Raven then turns toward the four men, tries to smile and says, "Good day, do you have any news for us travelers? We ran into some bandits to the north. Have the bandits been any trouble down here?" Raven waits for their answer.
-----Sarah smiles at her bandit. Then she turns back to face the rest and announces. "I'm cold, I'm wet, I'm tired, and I'm almost out of spells. Can't we rest here for the night?" she asks, pointing towards the tavern.
-----Sarah’s companion answers with a smile, "Tis not even high noon and my Angel is tired? But fret none, if a place to rest be yer wish, I shall do me best to find one fer ye." Staring at the small tavern, he adds, "I don’t think this place be havin’ any rooms fer travelers."
-----The four hooded men turn toward the party. Underneath their hoods, they appear grim, but hardy. They quietly look the seven riders over and finally one, a fellow with a blond beard, answers, "Nay, no trouble with bandits here. We don’t allow trouble here in our village."
-----Behind the man, two of his partners whisper back and forth. One of them turns and quietly enters the tavern.
-----The bearded man asks Raven, "Where is it all of you hail from?"
-----Sol dismounts smoothly and walks confidently up to the bearded man. He sticks his hand out and says, "Greetings friend. My name is Sol Herron, and I come from Goria."
-----Raven takes note of the man going back into the tavern, "Where are we from? No where you've ever heard of." Raven nods toward the man going back into the tavern, "Where is your friend going? Not very friendly to leave without even saying 'hi'. Doesn't he like us? Is there a problem here?"
-----Raven gives the man a slight smile. "If there’s a problem let us know, we like to solve problems. We sure solved the problem the bandits and orcs were having. Like breathing..." Raven locks eyes with the man and waits for his reply.
-----The man ignores Sol’s friendly greeting and stares at Raven. Suddenly the door to the tavern opens once again and the hooded man who entered comes back out again. A tall strong-looking young man wearing leather armor with a dark cloak about his shoulders follows him. On his left arm the young man carries a shield. His straight close-cropped hair is a brownish color and his hazel eyes have a determined piercing quality to them.
-----The young man pushes in front of the other cloaked men and stares defiantly at the party. He scans each one of their faces until he sees a particular member of the adventurers. His eyes seem to turn cold and his face slightly reddens. In a voice of rising anger, he says in a low voice, "So, you dare to return, do you? There were those who said they saw you here days ago, but I could not believe it. I was wrong!"
-----The young man raises his fists and, in his anger, the party can see his hands shake. Through clenched teeth, he hisses, "Murderer, where are my sisters?" The party can see the young man stares at Rand.
-----At the sight of the man, a look of pure hatred crosses Rand's face as he slides of his horse and grabs his quarterstaff. Rand scowls darkly at the man. He remains silent, ignoring the man's question.
-----"You wish to face me in battle?" the young man asks drawing his long sword. A dark cast enters his eyes as he continues, "You always were a weakling. What makes you think you can best me now? Nay, I shall stay my sword until you tell me where they are, O Rand, lover of demons!" A vengeful smirk plays across his face.
-----Rand grasps the quarterstaff tighter in his hands as he says, "Solarius would protect me." A smirk crossed his face as he says, "You think a staff my only defense? You’re more ignorant than I thought."
-----"Rand, what the hell is he talking about?" Sarah asks.
-----Sol’s temper snaps. He speaks harshly as his blade leaves its scabbard, "How dare you? I don't know what your problem is, but not only you insult my friend, but you dare draw your blade on a holy priest of Solarius. Insult Rand again and you'll face ME in battle."
-----Zentil whispers under his breath, "What's that guy talking about?"
-----Sarah stares daggers at Sol, "Being a priest doesn't make him right." She snaps. Then she turns back to the men and waits for their or Rand’s response.
Go to Page 9