Turn 23

The Company Rides.

The situation in the main square seems to have settled down, now that the main protagonists have fled the wrath of Raigorn.

Gwalchmai stands by Heladil and is the first to speak to Arekhel:
"Tell us more, Arekhel. We won't be able to take some rest until you have told us your guesses of Urmahd's plans!"

Arekhel turns her head quickly towards the Northman. She looks slightly embarrassed or annoyed, Gwalchmai cannot tell. She is still holding the waist of Sgilti firmly to support the ill man. She stops and says:
"Well, I am just thinking that it was bizarre that this Urmahd disappeared conveniently when people were loading his 'uncle's coffin' into the cart. And then, why would Goblins steal a coffin, just like that. I don't think they're scavengers and they certainly don't eat dead bodies! Or at least thats what I've heard... So, I think that maybe Urmahd was IN the coffin... a convenient way of sneaking out of town without being noticed. Now, either the Goblins were supposed to steal this coffin, or maybe it was just an unplanned accident. In that case, maybe he has been killed by angry Goblins. I don't know! Maybe you could check to know whether or not this Urmahd had an uncle here who was dying... if not, well, we know where he is."

"It would not surprise me," says Sgilti, making his first introduction to the discussion. "The people round here dislike the man named Urmahd. In the local tongue they call him, Snaig! It means 'The Sneaker' and they dislike his nocturnal habits even more." Sgilti shrugs noncommitally at the faces turned towards him and rests his tired body against the wall, breathing hard.

Arekhel shrugs, as if to show that this is all that she is prepared to say for now. She steps slightly towards the door and suddenly, as if she was aware of her lack of politeness, flashes Gwalchmai a quick smile and says:
"Well, this is just an idea, of course. I would like to stay longer to talk about it with you lot but I have other plans for the moment. Will you all be in the tavern later?"

Unaware for the moment of Arekhel's question, Relg slowly turns around to ask Valdo:
"Wait ... When did you leave the village with the coffin? What I heard so far, it must have been quite a while ago, before the Szreldor attacked. And the Hobbits said they met a dark figure who helped them open the western door. Now, how could Urmahd be in the coffin if he opened the door? And if it was not Urmahd, who opened the door, it must have been someone else, maybe the same person who helped Urmahd seal the coffin. Anyway, we need to find either Urmahd or the person who helped him."

At these words Coru brightens up, saying:
"How far is it to the spot you were ambushed Valdo?

"Hmm. About five hours ride distant. To the south. There are broken woodlands there, where we picked up the trail of a large group of Greenskins, larger than my small band could possibly cope with. We didn't expect them to double back for an ambush however until it was too late," says the warrior bitterly before turning to regard Arekhel. "Your theory sounds highly complicated Lady but I suppose it is certainly possible. To think, if it is indeed true? that we unwittingly helped the traitor escape from this very village. But, I am not so sure you are right. I remember that the guards complained that the coffin was very heavy, but then Kedrrun was apparently a heavy-set man. As for the Greenskins, well...I would not be surprised if they just took the coffin because it was spoils, same as the rest of our equipment. Who knows if they would eat dead men's flesh?" He wrinkles his mouth and nose in disgust before turning back towards the Guardhouse. "Either way, I intend soon to find out!" He enters the darkness of the building.

"I for one think this is worth checking out," says Coru still with enthusiasm. "I got plenty of rest this morning, so I was thinking about taking a little ride out there and nose around a little. If we have the time that is. I don't know what I could find out, but hopefully it'll be worthwhile. And it gives me a chance to catch a breath of fresh air as well." The young Gargath looks to his leader for his oppinion.

"Coru, you say you need fresh air? Well, maybe you don't need to ride that far to get some. It might be possible that the person who helped Urmahd, or Urmahd himself, left the village already. So I suggest you carefully check in a circle around the village to see if you can find any suspicious tracks. The Szreldor did not attack openly, therefore their tracks should be easily spotted, and if there are any other tracks, try figuring out who might have caused them. Try the western door first. Maybe the person who opened it, fled through the same door."
Addressing Lochan he adds: "Maybe you have someone who might help Coru. Four eyes see more than two."

"I will go with him since Sgilti cannot," says Lochan looking at the man, leaning nearby against the stone wall of the guardhouse. "I must check with the Captain but what you say makes sense. I would welcome some work and collaboration with Coru."

As the two outdoorsmen make ready to move off, Arekhel looks at them both while they're talking and the lithe figure of Meraina leaning against the door listening in to the conversation. The Elven woman looks a little tired and sighs:
"Well, as Valdo says, the coffin was heavy... I am still sure that Urmahd was inside! Maybe the dead body of the uncle could be found under the floor of Urmahd house, or somewhere else where he could have hidden it. If we go inside the house and notice a foul smell, then, we might have a clue. Now, as you say, the Goblins were probably not involved in the plan...maybe Urmahd planned the convoy to be attacked later by the Szreldor, so he would have been freed from his coffin! The Goblins might have opened the coffin by now and Urmahd could be in a very difficult position!"

Turning specifically to the Gargath tracker, the Elven woman adds:
"Maybe it is a good idea to go back to the place of the ambush, as you suggested it...but it might be dangerous..." She stops and turns suddenly away, muttering to herself about hating Greenskins. Becoming restless, as if she wishes to leave the street as quickly as possible , she freezes as Valdo returns to the square with Lorrelinde by his side. She looks quizzically at the Captain before asking:
"Did you noticed any little holes along the seals of the coffin? Or was the lid well positioned? If Urmahd was inside, he would have needed some holes to breathe, no?"

"Nay, Lady. I did not see any holes but that is not to say there weren't any. It is not something you expect to find on the coffin of a dead man! The lid was firmly closed and sealed. It arrived like that and we did not think it necessary to check the body inside. How could Urmahd have got inside the empty coffin and then sealed the lid from inside?" He looks around at the assembled group unaware of the previous explanation given for Urmahd's escape.

As the group contemplates the current dilemma, Gwalchmai eventually says:
"Well, I don't know about you others, but I have had no chance to rest since the beginning of this day, so I need some sleep. So...I am going to the militia barracks and try to get some sleep." And turning to Valdo, but aware of Relg, he adds:
And, as a militiaman, I will await there for your orders, Sir. I am ready to join any party going either after the Szeldor, or, providing we get rest before, having a look at this Goblin ambush site.

The Gargath war leader nods at his words and Valdo answers:
"Thank you soldier. You will indeed be with my band when we move off tomorrow morning. I have drawn up a plan with the Watch Commander that we shall take all spare militiamen with us towards the site of the Goblin ambush, see if we can track them and then continue on after the Szreldor as fast as possible, hoping to rendezvous with reinforcements sent from the garrison at DionaDail before we strike. I suggest all of you willing to join us on this venture to get plenty of rest. We will secure mounts and provisions for all of the band tomorrow. Now..."

Before he turns to leave, Froin steps forward in front of him.
"I believe that the Goblin band may have been heading for a deserted Dwarven watchtower near where you describe. I cannot say if it still stands for it is an ancient structure but it would be a good site from which to make sorties under cover of darkness as is their preferred tactic. I would like to accompany your group when you leave, Captain. Tewo claims he wishes to stay here to continue his research but my Lords in the Iron Hills would be interested in any Dwarven legacy being used by Goblins!"

"You would be welcome to join us, if you can ride a horse?"

"I cannot but if you are taking a cart I could ride upon that. Remember this, Captain, if you have to enter this watchtower, no-one better than I can find a way past the Dwarven traps that might be still in operation there."

"Hmm. You are right Froin son of Dain. I will see to a cart. Now, I will see all those ready to fight for this village just after dawn in this square. Goodday all." He turns and heads down the street, aided by the supporting arm of the Healer woman for as yet, the Captain has not sought healing for his many wounds from the attack.

Gwalchmai goes back into the guardhouse and takes the wooden stairs to the second level. Heladil pulls his cloak about him and swiftly leaves the group in the direction of the tavern. Arekhel has already left with the pale form of Sgilti.

"The high people often ignore us Hobbits, so better if we aren't alone my friend... at least we will not forget each other's existence," says Raddish to Billy smiling as they leave past Meraina into the frigid air. "Come, I have heard about this Urmahd and I think it is better the others know about him. Besides, there's not much two underestimated Hobbits can do here, and it would be better I think if we left this village as we always intended to do. We will make them see what Hobbits are made of! Let's go after the Szreldor!"

Billy scowls from his dark cloak and turns to cross the cobbled square. Raddish goes with him, leaving Froin to make his way back to the tavern as Coru and Lochan head directly for the west postern door.

Later at the tavern...

Heladil retrieves his bags from the rear yard and enters the Frosted Mug via the side door to leave the key to his room and some coin for the Innkeeper. He sees Sealvach slouched on a bench at the front of the building apparently asleep beneath his broad hat. Keeping a wary eye out for Galgwen, he approaches him. In a low voice he says:
"Sealvach. I see that you are well. I would not stay here too long if I were you. The innkeeper's wife is a bigot and tried to get an angry mob to kill me for fear that I talk to the dead and thus in league with the Szreldor. Can you believe what fear will do?"

Sealvach pauses for a moment, looking up to the worried face of the Elf. "Aye, I've seen fear before. It can warp all but the strongest mind, turning good men into killers and brave men into cowards. I've seen it bestow the strength of ten men, and reduce hulks to cringing wrecks. A powerful weapon, when wielded by one of skill..." his voice trails away to a whisper. "Perhaps their fear of strangers is justified," he continues, rolling a large coin between his fingers. "Have you ever heard the tale of the wolf-in-sheeps-clothing?"

Heladil ignores his question but asks instead:
"Sealvach, why don't you come with us after the Szreldor? I know it may seem a fool's errand to you, but it's the right thing to do. Do you not care of the fate of those poor women and children? Lost, alone and at the mercy of the Szreldor?"

"A fool's errand you say? Perhaps. The right thing to do? Perhaps. I doubt mercy is on the minds of the Szreldor. Fate is as Fate wills, they say. Would you seek to deny Fate her prize? And if I were to cast the runes and tell you that Fate has decreed that you will all die and yet not save the women, would you still go? And if that robbed the village of her defences and left her open to every scavenger and trail scum to have as his own, still then? And if in hunting down the Szreldor, you kill the man who would haved sired the greatest leader of our times, who would bring peace to the warring factions, still yet? Aye, to be able to unravel the tangled weave of Fate.........". In the flickering light of the inn's only remaining lantern, a single tear glistens as it slowly slides down the Gambler's cheek. "Set a thief to catch a thief..." he mutters.

Rising, Sealvach produces another of the strangely designed cards from the folds of his long trail coat and presses it into Heladil's hand - a sturdy stone keep, crumbling beneath a forked strike of lightning. "If you've made your choice, have faith." Rising, he gathers his cards and coins. "Best be getting ready then," he says and strides inside to the stairs and up to his room.

With a thoughtful look in his eyes Heladil takes the card and after looking at it for a moment, he puts it in a pocket of his shirt. His mind cannot help but make the association with the card's symbolism and this talk of a Dwarven Watchtower. The Elf shakes his head then stops Sealvach with a hand on his arm before the other moves away. "Friend, I know not what manner of pain you have suffered, but if there is anything that I may do, even if it is just to listen, then let me know and I will do so."

His eyes follow the Gambler as Sealvach heads into the common room. With a sigh he whispers to himself:
"What manner of suffering has Fate dealt that one?"

As he passes Boldor at the bar, Sealvach pauses and eyes the morose form of the bulky Naugrim. "We are off on a fools errand. Everyone seems to be leaping in head's first. Will you be joining us?"

"Why should I?" is the sullen reply.

"There will no doubt be plenty of fighting before the day is out. You have a score to settle with the Szreldor, do you not?"

"Aye, I do that. The Szreldor deserve to get some comeuppence."

"Well, we might just stop by an old wreck on the way and tussle with some Goblins if you need further motivation, soldier?"
<This last is directed at Boldor's weakpoint. It hits home as Sealvach knew it would.>

The Dwarf flashes the Gambler a venemous look but understands quickly enough the reason behind it. "Aw'right then. You can count me in," he says grudgingly.

[The respective individuals of the group spend the rest of the afternoon in private matters or purely in rest and relaxation. The evening comes and darkness descends quickly but few venture out of their homes after the wind picks up, making the torches in the village flutter and burn with an oily smell that is soon dowsed by a heavy fall of rain which sweeps across the land from the west. The people of the village are in somber mood and the settlement's single tavern does little business that night. Heladil slips out of the gates before they are sealed for the night and few see where he goes in the encroaching gloom.
The night passes swiftly and deeply for those who require the healing touch of time and most wake refreshed and ready to face the unknown challenges of the day. Before the watery light fully banishes the shadows from the alleys of Buhr Criocha, a fair sized group have assembled in the main square, the cobbles slick with the steady rain which has fallen for most of the night. Each is wrapped in the thickest fur or wax-coated covering they have and thankfully, the wind has dropped enough so only their frozen breath hangs in cloudy puffs before each huddled face. As Valdo sends a flurry of militiamen to secure horses, Coru and Relg join him with Lochan inside the guardhouse and the rest of the group come forward to shelter from the downpour. The Dwarves are there, as are the Hobbits, Meraina and Arekhel. Sealvach is noticeable for his absence as is the Elf, Heladil. Lochan is talking...]

"We found plenty of tracks Sir, about the village but none that would indicate someone escaping on foot or horse in a direction contrary to the normal routes. There were confused tracks by the postern door but only those soft treads of the Easterlings and their heavy horses. There were many heavier tracks leaving the village from the main gate and the postern door but they all headed roughly south suggesting that these were prisoners. Some did not have any footwear at all which further indicated their origin."

"Hmm," says Valdo looking to the eastern sky. "Well, there are no signs either in the rooms of Kedrrun's home here to indicate any foul play. There was no body. We will perhaps know more when the militia reinforcements from Buhr Lusraig reach here later on today but we cannot wait."

At that moment, Gwalchmai arrives from upstairs buckling on his leather cuirass. He stands to attention seeing Valdo but the other man spots Brannd just about to leave. "Sargeant? Are all the provisions made ready?"

"They are on the table Sir. Enough for each for four days Sir. But we haven't enough horses for everyone. Not enough in the village."

Arekhel begins to complain:
"Well, I'm only coming along if there are en..."

The Guard Captain interrupts. "We will get more horses on the way south. There are a number of horsebreeders towards DionaDail. Any without a horse will have to share space on the cart until we can provision mounts for all."

"Very good Captain," says Raigorn appearing from out of the rain. "I'm glad to see that so many are willing to join in this venture. I can tell you all that Mahrdhricks is still with us and recovering slowly but surely. He sends you all greetings and thanks you all profusely for your contributions to the aid and defense of this village. We have little to offer you in return but Lord Mahdhricks insists that he will find a way to repay each of you for your generosity when you return. Now, Lochan. I must speak with you for a moment." The burly man puts his great arm across the younger man's shoulders and guides him to the other side of the room where he speaks in hushed whispers.

Lochan soon returns to join the assembling militia just as a loaded cart arrives outside. The snorting of horses accompanies the clattering of the wooden wheels as it pulls up in front of the guardhouse. Gwalchmai dons a great grey pelt of thick fur and strides out into the rain as a huge shadow falls across the open doorway. "Ah, my horse!" he exclaims as he takes the reins of a huge Shire from the diminutive form of the innkeeper. The other horses are here also and it takes little time for each to mount up upon his steed although the Dwarves grumble loadly at having to crawl beneath the covering tarpaulin in the back of the cart. Boldor however, soon produces a battered metal flask from his clothing so at least one voice is soon silenced. The Hobbit's also climb into the back of the cart and Billy goes to join the driver on the running board. Arekhel is just ready to complain when Gwalchmai offers her a hand.
"My steed can easily take the two of us, Lady. It is the least I can do for your services yesterday. Your aid has all but healed me. I feel no more pain from the wound although I fear the scar will stay always as a reminder."

Meraina reappears from a side street upon a dappled mare just as Raigorn addresses the assembled company:
"Lochan, you are acting Ranger for the group although I'm sure Coru will aid you well. Relg, your men are most welcome but this mission is currently under my control for it is our people that have been kidnapped. I hope you will aid Valdo in this task but his command comes direct from me." Valdo nods to his commander and sweeps up into the saddle as Sargeant Brannd counts off the mounted militiamen. "All dozen present and correct Sir!"

"Good. You are staying with me Sargeant. We need to prepare before the replacements arrive. Captain, use the men wisely. We need to keep in contact. You have the birds and paper for the messages? Good. You should be able to rendezvous with the force from DionaDail in two days time. Good luck to you all. May the Sun blind your enemies!"

With that, Valdo spurs his stead forward and the rest of the group swiftly follow. Meraina flashes a smile at the innkeeper as he half raises his arm in protest as she passes by. In a few short moments, the group are beyond the outer gates and riding hard for the southern trail across the wooden bridge of the gurgling burn, the two harnessed horses pulling the clattering cart behind them...

*******<Turn Epilogue>********

The force of over twenty strong heads rapidly south up the heather covered slope and along the stony path that leads towards distant Dail and the solitary mountain of Beinn Diomir. Before they have gone a mile, two other riders sweep in at a tangent to join the group, the militia outriders, reaching for their scabbarded weapons until they acknowledge who these newcomers are. As Sealvach and Heladil ride close, the Gambler shouts:
"Think you could have all the fun to yourselves? We figure life might be more interesting further south..." He grins at Valdo's sour expression. The group gallop on.

Approximately five hours later, and Targon is chatting from his position behind the Ranger as drifting rain comes down steadily upon the moving company.
"The lady of the house did wonders with needle and thread, Lochan. I hardly feel any pain but I feel full of strength. I think that the homesteader was secretly pleased when Amgor arrived with Raigorn's offer though..."

"You will need your strength soon enough soldier," answers Valdo from the head of the trotting column. "I just hope you have some vengeance left in you for when we catch these Greenskins. Now, the ambush site is two ridges beyond this. Lochan, Coru. I suggest now's the time to ride out wide although I doubt if the Goblin's would be out in this weather. Froin? Do you Dwarves know anything about the whereabouts of this watchtower you spoke of?"

He looks out through the shifting sheets of rain that blur the forward landscape into moving waves of grey. The southern way drops here into another shallow open valley, passing through a stand of stunted Ash before winding its narrow chalky way up the flank of the next rise to where a thick line of darker woodland begins upon the summit.

"I can only imagine that the watchtower must be in that direction," says Valdo, pointing to the east where the canopy of the woodland rises to engulf a slightly higher hill at five miles distance. He retrieves a square piece of leather from his tunic and shelters it upon his horses mane. "There is no mention of a ruin on my map but if I wanted a second line of defense south of the villages I would place a watchtower there. It's the highest point in this region I think."

The Dwarf peers out from beneath the dripping tarpaulin towards the darkened line of the woodland. "Well I guess those trees weren't there when the tower was built but your logic seems sound Valdo. Let us search from the ambush site but head in that direction. The sooner we get shelter from this weather the better we shall all feel." With that, the tarpaulin falls once more and a small wave off water cascades off the end of the cart and splashes into the mud of the path. Valdo turns his horse towards the trees once more and spurs it into a gallop as someone behind him sneezes.

End of Turn 23.