-----Raven rubs his chin, "Maybe we could ask for shelter tonight and then see what is happening in the keep. I heard that asking for shelter is a...ya know...knightly right you can use. Right?" Raven clearly knows very little about high society. "Anyways, when we get into the keep, we might find out a few things."
-----Arliss considers Raven's suggestion, then replies, "Raven, you are correct that we would be more than welcome to seek shelter here. I am sure that the hospitality of Krondor Keep would not be found lacking, but I also suspect that the residents within would wonder what brings us out from Hearthorn at this time. To evade the question would only arouse suspicion, and I will not be part of a falsehood. No, I might suggest a more straightforward approach, one that might lead to better results...though, also not without its
fair share of risk. Let us simply say that we are sent at the behest of Jacian Dawnrider, investigating the curse which afflicts the land, and that the trail has led us here. We can simply ask what is known of the matter, without pointing any accusing fingers...and if there be any within who are evil of heart, Joren will make it known to me. What do you say of this plan?"
-----Raven to Arliss, "What the hell, why not? Okay let's go and see what they know." Raven starts toward the keep, Raven looks back to Arliss. "Lead on, brave knight." Raven then continues toward the front gate.
-----Moving to the south side of the clearing, they find a wide path that leads to the structure. Surprisingly, the riders have no sign that they have been spotted. Still the woods remain very still.
-----When they are within fifteen yards of the keep, bushes and trees mostly conceal them. The stronghold appears to be a moat house about 130 feet to a side. A moat filled with inky dark water surrounds the stronghold. The men can now see a few guards moving along the top of the walls, but none seem to be aware of their presence.
-----As the party approaches the keep, Arliss takes a moment to make sure that all of his weapons are safely stowed, then looks over his companions to see that theirs are likewise secured. "It would be best to present as non-threatening an appearance as possible," he explains. "Now then, companions, unless any of you are asked any direct questions, perhaps it would be best to let me handle most of the conversation. If nothing appears to be amiss, we can retire to our rooms to freshen up, and then plan our next move. I would say
that, in particular, Rand, you might let that black gemstone remain private, at least for now."
-----Arliss continues to lead the group closer to the keep. When they are within hailing distance, he cups his hands to his mouth and loudly shouts, "Hail, men of Krondor Keep! Open the drawbridge, in Joren's name!"
-----As Arliss yells his hail to guards on the wall of the keep, Raven waves to the guard and tries to smile. Raven watches to see what the guards do...
-----After Arliss calls to the men atop the walls of the keep, they see the guards take cover behind the parapet. Amid cries of "By the gods!" it is obvious that the four men have taken the guards of the keep totally by surprise. Between the merlons, Arliss, Raven, Rand, and Thalog can see at least three crossbows aimed in their direction. They can hear the rushing of other guards approaching the front wall. A young looking man wearing scale mail stands beside the crossbowmen, looking ready, but confident. With one arm raised in a holding signal, he squints into the morning sunlight toward the four men. In a strong voice, he bids them, "Who goes there?"
-----Arliss holds both his arms straight out from his body, palms downward, so that the laggards on the roof can see he is unarmed and peaceful. He shouts out a reply, "I am Arliss Vanderbrook, of the Hearthorn temple of Joren, and these are my companions, Rand, Thalog, and Raven! We are come on a mission of
greatest urgency, and request audience with Sir Krondor, as well as possible lodging for the night!"
-----Raven mutters under his breath, "Shouldn't you add, 'Pretty please with sugar on top'?" Raven keeps his hands to his side well away from his weapons. Raven eyes are darting from one guard to the next, but his
stance is relaxed.
-----More guards have taken position along the battlement. The young guardsman continues to speak. "Sir Krondor has left orders to grant entrance to no one this morn, unless it is an official emissary of Lord Lambert. Besides tending to his own injuries, he returned late last night from Hearthorn after the tragedy that occurred there. This stronghold is now preparing to defend itself from any further trouble from a crazed devil shaman and the wild animals he leads. I am sorry to turn you away, but you best be on your way." A tone of regret registers in the young man's voice.
-----Arliss simply waves once at the guardsman on the roof, to acknowledge that he has heard the man. He then turns away, motioning for his companions to follow him away from the keep. Once they are safely out of range of bow shot, the paladin speaks in hushed, serious tones. "Well, then, my friends, that is that. Everything I know of Sir Krondor suggests that, once such an order has been given, we'll not see the other side of the keep's walls, not even if a horde of ravenous gnolls was hard on our heels. There's no help for
that, but I am concerned by the man's other words. Clearly, something is amiss in Hearthorn! Krondor wounded? A devil priest with wild animals? I know not what the answers to this mystery may be, but I fear we must away to Hearthorn to find out! I beg your pardon, Rand, Thalog...we should have heeded
your counsel from the start." Arliss breaks into a jog as he hurries back to where their horses are tethered.