Sh'aah
Further down the hill, Sh'aah followed his instincts to fresh water. The soldiers had managed to find it as well - which was well and good. At least they wouldn't die of thirst if he didn't come back tonight. Filling his waterskin at the stream, he heard again the tingle of the metal links of his armour and was reminded how unhelpful such a thing would be on his scouting mission. Should leave armour behind. Too heavy. Too noisy. Not helpful.
Rising up after drinking his fill and filling the lizard hide that served as his water skin, Sh'aah almost jogged back to his gear such was his eagerness to get ready. Rifling through all his worldly possessions, the ranger selected his gear with care. On one side he placed things he definitely didn't want - the spear, most of his dried rations, rope, grapping hook. None of it would be helpful tonight. On the other side, he placed things he wanted - his prized double axe, bow, chalk, caltrops and healing potion. Lastly, he scratched his head trying to work out what to do with the remaining equipment. Should take cold-iron arrows. Doesn't sound like Beastmen...probably Fairies controlling them. Might need to kill one...easier with these. Bag of goo...I don't know. Heavy...shouldn't be close enough to need it. Handy though... No. Leave it.
Finally, he unbuckled his chain shirt and threw it in the pile with the spear. It would be easy enough to go bare chested all night, winter was mostly past. Repacking his backpack with the much more limited selection he was cheered by the thought of going at his own quick pace, and off-road. Before setting off he grabbed a strip of dried venison to munch on, then shouldered his gear and set off in a straight line for the keep. Road goes the long way, keeps to valleys. Faster in a straight line. Less Beastmen too. I think...