On one of his scoutning missions, padraig observes what appears to be three columes moving far to the south east in a south west/sout direction.
As Roak and Aidan remain above guarding the entryway. Alban continues his arsonist activities and soon the smell of wood burning and the crackle of flames abound about the homestead.
In the cellar, Ewan stands guard while Nijel tends to the lad. While safely removing the arrow, Nijel is unable to stop the pain and as the last arrow comes free, the young boy faints. Ewan observes a small tightly wrapped bundel about 5 feet from the boy. Checking the bundle he discovers the form of a sleeping baby.
I was gonna say Katherine will ascend to the roof of the house with her bow to stand guard, but with the infant found I'm sure the house will get fired soon so she'll just do a roving patrol with the rest.
Neurotic - Andor Anande de Andrade - Priest of Pelor
Upon coming on the homestead, Andor dismounts and waters his horse.
After discovering the bodies, he takes the greasly task of laying them down, closing their eyes (if needed) and praying for safe passage of their souls while anointing them with holy water before turning the building to ash.
Striding out of the building that starts burning, he suddenly breaks into run toward hen house as he hears the call for healer.
"Quickly, take the infant, I'll take the boy, we need to get out of here. Enemies are approaching."
Taking quick stock of the cellar he grabs closest dried meat and/or small cask of whatever beverage is handy (preferably wine). If he sees drying herbs he will take them also. Shoving them into his haversack, he collects the boy in his hands and runs out.
OOC: taking supplies is for the children. If we manage to reach some city with the temple of Pelor Andor will leave them with some money to the priests. Unless boy knows of some relatives in the vicinity (preferably in town, not on a homestead)
Last edited by Neurotic; 14th November 2007 at 10:06 AM..
Ewan gives a quick search of the rest of the cellar before picking up the bundled, sleeping infant. He then calls up to the others.
"Thanks to our healers, the lad is going to survive. We need to find a sling or pack to carry the lad's sister. She's not quite old enough to sit a horse even in tandem. In fact, does anyone know how to care for an infant??"
__________________ "All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages."
Wm Shakespeare -- From As You Like It (II, vii, 139-143)
Alban goes into the house and gathers sturdy clothes for the boy and warm things for the infant as well as nappies, perhaps a toy, and anything else that looks useful. He also looks for bread. Finally, he looks for any small things that might serve as a remembrance for the children in later days--miniatures, lockets, small portraits of family or anything with a signet or crest. Setting the place ablaze he goes out. He then says, "Is there a goat or cow we can milk among the livestock? Oh, and fresh eggs might do as well."
Nijel will return to St. Josiah and mount up, ready to continue the mission. He Thinks: "We've got a WAR to fight here! We don't have time to be playing nursemaid to every waif that we find! Haven't they heard? Wars have Casualties!"
Seeing his brother glare at the flurry of activity around the two children, Aidan has little trouble guessing the direction of his thoughts.
"I know this runs a bit contrary to our orders; but they're why we're here. To fight for those who can't fight for themselves. If we left them behind to die while we burn their farm down around them we'd be no better than the damned orcs."
Seeing his brother glare at the flurry of activity around the two children, Aidan has little trouble guessing the direction of his thoughts."I know this runs a bit contrary to our orders; but they're why we're here. To fight for those who can't fight for themselves. If we left them behind to die while we burn their farm down around them we'd be no better than the damned orcs."
OOC: Nijel knows in his heart that Aidan is right, but he's got a good sulk working here, and he's not about to waste it over a little thing like the fact that he's wrong!
Nijel frowns, spits, and says, "Let me know when we're ready to move on."
OOC: Pyrex - I lo-o-ove the sibling telepathy bit! hehehe
Last edited by Leif; 15th November 2007 at 05:40 PM..
Roak raises an eyebrow as he sees the others come out of the cellar with the children. The knights knew it was their duty to protect the weak, but it could also prove a large drawback; should the company engage in battle, they would be forced to look out for the two children, instead of focusing on slaying the enemy.
"We should move out," he says to the others. "The horses should be enough rested by now, and the homestead has been fired. Let us leave before our foemen catch us."
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
"We should move out," he says to the others. "The horses should be enough rested by now, and the homestead has been fired. Let us leave before our foemen catch us."
"Praise the Light! Let's keep those younglings well behind our main body, we don't want misfortune to befall the innocent," says Njel, and, with that, he will press onward.
Katherine feels a surge of maternal instincts as she sees the knights emerging with the children. She recalls happier days in her parents' home, surrounded by the chaos and cacophany of younglings at play.
That's why we do what we do, I suppose - so those who can't won't have to. And because we live, and it's right to give others the chance to experience as much of life as they can as well . . .
With those thoughts, she mounts Caoimhe and takes her place with her comrades in arms.
"Here, take the boy, he is healed and should be able to keep himself with you in saddle." Andor carries the boy to Padraig and then turns to Ewan. "Give me the baby, I'll keep it safe. You're too exposed to carry it. Before I died I had plenty of siblings and cousins around and can manage a baby for some time. Still, it would be prudent to find a women who can nurse it." Taking the baby in its bundle he improvises sling from his cloak and nests the child inside.
OOC: Living and traveling with gypsy caravan tends to be close extended family affair, Usualy there is lots of children around of all ages with older taking care of younger ones. Andor had his share of caring for both infants and small children before his "death".
OOC2: What's happening with this thread? I don't get notifications of updating (that's why I haven't posted on homestead )
Ewan hands the babe to Andor then takes a last look around the cellar for anything useful. Once satisfied that they aren't leaving anything portable the boy could want or that would be useful to the group, Ewan climbs back up and moves the stone back over the opening. Once hidden, Ewan uses his skills to hide the evidence of their presence near the boulder. Then leaves tracks similar to the other search and fire traces around the homestead.
"Eventually we're going to want to retake these lands. This will make a good cache point as long as it doesn't get discovered by the enemy."
Ewan then mounts up and leads the group onward.
__________________ "All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages."
Wm Shakespeare -- From As You Like It (II, vii, 139-143)
Cairwalker again mounts Halcyon and prepares to move out. He nods to the company's scout. "Ewan, my friend, you have point. Take us to the Lord Marshall."
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
Nijel will fall back into his position immediately to Cairnwalker's left, and he gives a knowing wink to brother Aidan. ("Damn and blast! Is it proper for a Warlock to know a Paladin so bloody well, even if they are brothers?")
Grateful to see the rest of the cadre mounting up at last, Padraig guides Asgell around the formation to take a well-defended postion in the middle. He then hoists the boy onto Asgell's back with Andor's help, determined to protect the lad, no matter what should stand between them and safety. I see you've picked up a hatchling, my friend. The Light smiles on those who help the weak and innocent. I will stand between the child and the darkness.
Current aura: Senses--+2 to spot, listen, search and initiative
Last edited by Redclaw; 17th November 2007 at 02:58 PM..
To Padraig: Can your powers be used to protect the children directly? I haven't much of defensive spells, I prayed for travel and occasional parlay with our people, not combat. And I cannot change the selection before next sunrise, assuming we get to rest between now and then.
To teen (if he woke up): What's your name young man? You showed incredible courage there at the farm. It takes a man, and great man at that, to fight when everything screams "give up" at you.Hang on, the pain passes and you have your sister to think of.
Waiting for answer and then: We'll drop you in the city at the temple of Pelor. Priests will take care of you until you find a place to be. We must ride swiftly. Do you have relatives somewhere?
)
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