Back to page 8

-----Seth points out to those that are interested, "Oakwood is not very far now, Albert just scouted ahead."
-----Seth watches the exchange as if not noticing. When Albert returns, he strokes the crow’s neck and offers him some food scraps from his pocket. He almost reaches for his harp but changes his mind.
-----Sarah says sternly, "I agree with Gimplefwick. This isn't justice. I understand that mercy may be absent from the mind of a hunter, but respecting another’s values means NOT forcing yours on the rest of us." Sarah says to Rinda, all trace of tears gone, before turning back to Raven, still trying to stand in his path to prevent him from going. "You can't do this, Raven. And if our group means nothing more than a chance to kill orcs to you then by all means run back to Broactor." Sarah says unhappily, her eyes darting to Sol and wondering what he will do.
-----Her voice takes on a softer tone as she continues, "But Raven I know you're not yourself in times like this. I can't understand your rage, I don't have the same history you do, so I'll never know how you really feel but please, can't you see that despite all the bickering and arguing we do our little band here is accomplishing something good for the world? We're so close, Raven. Devlin is nearby, I know it. In the grand scheme of things these orcs can't mean that much to you. But Devlin could harm a lot more people, and she will if we don't stop her, and we can't if you don't help us."
-----Sarah looks to Seth, hoping to draw the non-confrontational half elf into the discussion. "And Seth, you cast the spell that knocked them out. By all rights these are your prisoners. What do you think we should do?"
-----Seth looks directly at Sarah. "Yes, I knocked them out. You may notice I don't do a lot of killing. I don't like killing, although I have had to do it on occasion. In the words of an immortal Lady 'I am a lover not a fighter'. I would rather not have the orcs killed here where I can see it. If someone wants to kill them behind the trees or over the hill where I cannot see that is fine. Or if they are executed by the Town in Oakwood, that is also fine. Just because I am squeamish does not mean I will protect the Orcs from Raven. Orcs are just as much enemies to the Elves as some humans are to elves." Seth looks away towards the direction of Oakwood, with clear thoughts of clean laundry and a bath squarely on his mind.
-----He then turns and eyes the orcs. "If someone can remind me of a fiscal reason or of some artistic endeavour we could include these abstract humanoids in, then maybe I shall champion their right to life from Raven."
-----He reaches for his harp and begins to play a song his mother taught him from the Elven catalouge of mood music, more to sooth his own nerves than anyone else’s.
-----Sol looks as unhappy as Sarah. Still slightly uphill, he looks up at Raven and draws his longsword. His expression changes to one of determination as he addresses the hunter, "Raven, I'm not going t'add anything for or against this clash o' views. I've got too much t'say about it, so I wouldn't know where to begin. Ye've heard what everyone has said . . . So, it's on your word now. If it takes the execution o' th' orcs fer ye to stay on this hunt, then I'll kill them right now. I'll hate every second of it, but I won't lose you and Rinda. Fer any reason." His sword-hand is trembling slightly at how hard he grips the blade, but his gaze is one of support.
-----Raven bows his head as everyone reacts to his rant. After a good five minutes Raven finally speaks. Raven looks over at Dread and sadly shakes his head, "By the Hunter I don't understand you at all. To be honest I'm going to stop trying and just accept you're a fool I must travel with on this hunt." Raven turns back to face the group, "I will not say I'm sorry for what I said or for how I feel. For I believe I am right and you are wrong. Aye, I've made an oath to slay any evil that crosses my path. I thought you would support my beliefs, but now I see that I was mistaken." Raven looks over at the orcs, "But I've also made a pledge to kill this evil that attacks the Hunter's soil. I will not let a fool stop my mission, so I will stay and see this hunt through." Raven gets off his horse and draws his swords. Raven says to Sol, "Don't do anything unless you think you should. Although I think Rinda is right. You have the authority to kill these orcs. I know why you hesitate and that is why even if it kills me, I'll kill them if you won't." Raven ignores the rest of party and is focusing on Sol's reply.
-----"I think he's made his point," Kazel says nonchalantly. "Can we argue this in Oakwood instead?"
-----Sarah remains in Raven's path, staring at him, hoping for some sort of response.

Go to Page 10