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<blockquote data-quote="Greenfield" data-source="post: 5934144" data-attributes="member: 6669384"><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">***</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Their guide was named Stonehoof, they learned, and with Penn as their translator the companions learned what was happening. Human hunters came to trap the Centaur children. They'd take them away to be broken and used as forced conscripts in their armies.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The raids had been going on for some time, forcing the Centaur community into a nomadic life, for if they ever settled anywhere then the hunters would find them again.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The encampment they were lead to reflected this, for their homes were arching tents, pulled into a sheltering ring around a small spring.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"These people have been in a battle.", Marcus observed, seeing a number of the free folk with recent injuries. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Yes, they hunt us still.", Stonehoof agreed. "Our healers tend to those they can, but there are always more injured than they can care for."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"I may be able to help with that.", Marcus offered. "I'm a Cleric of Jupiter, and a student of the healing arts."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">His offer was quickly accepted, and he was escorted to meet the clan leaders. The First bore the holly and sickle of the Druidic orders, and greeted the humans with cold reserve. Stonehoof was called to one side to explain himself.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Marcus was given a chance to prove his skill. One of the free folk lay on a padded mat, his breathing strained, his lips flecked with blood.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Marcus examined his charge, gently, but even the lightest touch along the young roan's side brought gasps of pain.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"This fellow's ribs are broken.", Marcus observed. "Simple healing magic may knit the bones, but if they aren't set straight he still might not recover. But he's in such pain that I can't set them without causing him to convulse, which will just make them worse."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Perhaps if we ease his pain first.", Penn suggested.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"You have something for that?", Marcus asked, cocking an eyebrow.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Aye. Seeburn's barley brew can numb any pain, though I'm not sure how much to give this fellow."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">At Penn's direction, water was brought, and he preformed his magic. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The First sniffed at the resultant brew and wrinkled his nose. "You first.", he cautioned.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Penn smiled and drew a small shot of the mix, then tipped his head back. Holding the cup clear of his lips he poured the potent liquor into his open mouth, so all could see that he was in fact drinking it.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"It's like wine.", he explained, "but ten times more potent. It will help him relax, so he can be treated."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">A larger cup was offered to the injured roan, and he drank it down in a swallow, followed by almost a minute of painful coughing. Then the effects began to be felt, and his head sagged to one side. He smiled drunkenly, and all but passed out.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Marcus observed his progress, then nodded when he thought he was ready.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"All right, I'm going to place my hands here and push.", he instructed. "I need you to take a deep breath when I do. Do you understand?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The young Centaur nodded drunkenly, still smiling.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Marcus pushed, the Centaur drew in, and there was a series of loud "pop" sounds as the ribs slid into place.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Well done. Now we can start setting things to right." He prayed to his father for aid, his hands glowed with the golden green energy, and the healing forces took over, mending torn flesh and knitting fractured bone.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Once that was done, the Human was deemed to have passed the test, and he spent much of the rest of the evening working with the First and his aide, tending to the wounded.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"This one is very ill.", he was told. "If he could rest properly then perhaps his fever would break, but the hunters leave us no peace."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Marcus sat back on his heels, considering. The power to remove disease wasn't his yet. But perhaps...</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Penn, do you have a potion or elixir to help with something like this?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The Bard considered carefully. "I know of a battle tonic called Dragon's Brew. It fortifies and lends endurance. Its effects last only an hour, but that might be long enough for the fever to break. I don't have any ready, but I have the ingredients. I'll see if I can prepare some. Is there a place I can set up my gear?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">He was lead to a private area to the side, where he could unpack the odd assortment of bottles, tubes, scales and measures he carried. The First's aide attended, asking questions as he worked. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Clearly, you're a student of the Alchemical arts.", Penn observed as he worked. "This next stage is best worked in a bowl of silver, not because of the metal's virtue, but because it carries heat so well. We must heat the mix until it just begins to curdle at the edges, then cool it as quickly as possible." As he spoke, he dipped the small chalice into a container of water drawn from the nearly frozen spring. "Glass will work as well, though you must be careful it doesn't break. Earthenware is too dense, and iron will taint the blend. Copper is acceptable, but must be polished bright between uses, to keep the mixture pure."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Finally he was decanting the thick cream from the top of his small silver cauldron.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"This is it. Give this to him and be sure he drinks it all. The taste may be foul, but don't give him water to clear his throat for a full minute, lest he dilute the brew."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">A soft sound drew the Bard's attention, and he saw the First standing, watching. "Thank you for teaching him that formula. What are the long term effects?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"I know of none. It isn't like the Blood Rage, which can bring the slow madness. It's a softer brew, giving fortitude without feeding on anger, and the effect is more spread out. Normally used for endurance in the long march, or to withstand the rigors of battle. It may or may not help with this problem, but it's the best I can think of under the circumstances."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The aged Druid nodded. "It has many uses then. Good to know."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">***</span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"So, I'm thinking that we should help with the watch.", Sylus said. "These folk don't fully trust us yet, so if the raiders come tonight, they might think that we lead them here."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"I agree.", Nedel said. "Penn and Marcus will be working into the night, but the rest of us can take turns on patrol."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">And so it was decided.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Sylus sat, still as a stone, watching everything and nothing. "When you look for something", his mentor had often said, "then you'll see nothing else." So he looked for nothing, and everything became apparent.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">He flicked a small pebble towards his companion on the watch, a wary Centaur named Lowspear, to get his attention. His fingers moved in a serpentine motion to the right, then he flicked his gaze sharply to his own left. Lowspear signaled his understanding, and turned away. His hooves were silent in the thin layer of snow as he vanished from sight.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The Ranger unfolded his legs in a single smooth motion that took him from his seat to a low, stalking crouch. Keeping low, he slid off towards the brush on his left.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">There was a crash and a cry from the trees ahead, and Sylus broke into a run, heedless of cover or a need for stealth. Lowspear had proven the faster of the pair, and had reached the intruder first.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">By the time the Half Elf had arrived, it was over. Lowspear towered over the fallen scout, one hoof planted firmly on his chest, the point of his weapon tucked under the man's chin.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Now, what would bring a nice man like you out on a blustery night like this?", Sylus asked with a smile.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Traitor!", the man snarled. "Siding with the dumb animals!"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">A lightning quick movement of Lowspear's weapon, and the conversation was done.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"So, where did you find him?", Cassius asked.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"He was using the wash to the west.", Lowspear replied in broken Latin. "I wanted to kill him, but thought better of it."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Good decision.", Sylus replied approvingly. "Now we can question him."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Penn looked around groggily. "If you know where he was, why not have your trackers follow his backtrail. That way you're hunting them."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Lowspear looked at the Half Satyr in slack jawed wonder. "I never considered that.", he admitted. "We avoid them when we can."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Well, they have some of your children, don't they?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"That may work, but this will be faster.", Nedel said. Moving to the prisoner, he gently shook the man awake.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Now, friend.", he began "Let's talk." </span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The man found his gaze captured by the penetrating stare of the Sorcerer, and he almost felt his mind surrender to the power of the man. </span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> Almost.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Yes, now we'll talk.", Nedel continued with a smile, as he repeated the enchantment. </span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> He had all night.</span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">[FONT=&quot]***</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Well, he still thinks anyone who sides with you is a traitor to their race, but he did share a few bits of information.", Nedel explained when he was through.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"He says their camp is about two hours east of here, south of the old road. He says there are eight men working with him."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"So, they're bounty hunters? How much gold is our blood bringing them?", Stoonhoof asked, fire flashing behind his glare.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"They work directly for the Breton commanders. Not blood money, just conscripts.", Nedel said, trying to calm the angry Centaur. It didn't work.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"So what's the plan?", Penn asked, trying to change the subject.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Get some rest, everyone.", First declared. "We'll gather before dawn. We'll get our children back."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">***</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Penn overslept, which wasn't typical, but then he'd had a late night. Hot porridge was ready when he stumbled out of the tent, and he gulped it down.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"We have more information.", Lowspear informed him. "The snake didn't come alone. Windemere laid a snare for any who might follow, and it caught a weasel. "</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"And he talked?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Your friend's magics took him, and he spoke freely. Four other scouts out, looking for us, expected to report back soon. They'll be considered late by the time we get there. We have to hurry, or they'll be on alert."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The parties planned as the traveled. The companions would approach from one flank and use magics to try and sew confusion and panic among the enemy. With luck, they'd drive them out of their camp and into the waiting Centaurs, who would lay in wait on the opposing side of the camp.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Once they were in the area, Penn invoked a special magic, attempting something new.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">It worked. His already slender form became even more elongated, and huge wings sprouted from his back.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"I'll fly well to the south, to scout the area.", he suggested. "Knowing the layout of their camp will help."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The others agreed, and he set off.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">At first he kept low, but the sheer exhilaration of the sky took him. The chill winter air felt thick beneath him, and the hard pump of the wing beats helped keep him warm. He raced, swift as a running stallion, and he soared as if in a dream. He was almost lost in the experience, but the needs of the day kept him focused.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Looking north, he spotted the enemy. He kept his distance, lest he be spotted, but he made a thorough survey, then returned to report.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Your new friends lied.", he declared. "It isn't a camp, and there are more than eight. I counted two dozen horses, saddled and ready. They've taken an old farm as a base. As near as I can tell, they're keeping the prisoners in the barn, and bunking the soldiers in the main house." He used a stick to draw in the snow, illustrating the things he spoke of as he went. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"There's a low wall about here, but it's more of a fence than any battlement. There's a farm kitchen here, judging by the size of the chimney, and some out buildings here and here that look like the commanders' lodgings."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"And they're all present?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Their horses are there.", the Bard reaffirmed, "and there were a few in the paddock area, already up."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"There's a stand of woods to the south, about a hundred yards, and a gully to the west that could hide a small group. It comes within a few hundred feet of the perimeter wall."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">There was a long pause while Stonehoof digested these facts.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"We'll move in from the south then, and get as close as we can. You smaller folk use the gully as cover. Now, what will be the signal to attack?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Oh that's easy.", Penn grinned. "Those buildings have thatched roofs."</span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span>[/FONT]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greenfield, post: 5934144, member: 6669384"] [FONT=Verdana]*** Their guide was named Stonehoof, they learned, and with Penn as their translator the companions learned what was happening. Human hunters came to trap the Centaur children. They'd take them away to be broken and used as forced conscripts in their armies. The raids had been going on for some time, forcing the Centaur community into a nomadic life, for if they ever settled anywhere then the hunters would find them again.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The encampment they were lead to reflected this, for their homes were arching tents, pulled into a sheltering ring around a small spring.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "These people have been in a battle.", Marcus observed, seeing a number of the free folk with recent injuries. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Yes, they hunt us still.", Stonehoof agreed. "Our healers tend to those they can, but there are always more injured than they can care for."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "I may be able to help with that.", Marcus offered. "I'm a Cleric of Jupiter, and a student of the healing arts."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] His offer was quickly accepted, and he was escorted to meet the clan leaders. The First bore the holly and sickle of the Druidic orders, and greeted the humans with cold reserve. Stonehoof was called to one side to explain himself.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Marcus was given a chance to prove his skill. One of the free folk lay on a padded mat, his breathing strained, his lips flecked with blood.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Marcus examined his charge, gently, but even the lightest touch along the young roan's side brought gasps of pain.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "This fellow's ribs are broken.", Marcus observed. "Simple healing magic may knit the bones, but if they aren't set straight he still might not recover. But he's in such pain that I can't set them without causing him to convulse, which will just make them worse."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Perhaps if we ease his pain first.", Penn suggested.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "You have something for that?", Marcus asked, cocking an eyebrow.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Aye. Seeburn's barley brew can numb any pain, though I'm not sure how much to give this fellow."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] At Penn's direction, water was brought, and he preformed his magic. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The First sniffed at the resultant brew and wrinkled his nose. "You first.", he cautioned.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Penn smiled and drew a small shot of the mix, then tipped his head back. Holding the cup clear of his lips he poured the potent liquor into his open mouth, so all could see that he was in fact drinking it.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "It's like wine.", he explained, "but ten times more potent. It will help him relax, so he can be treated."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] A larger cup was offered to the injured roan, and he drank it down in a swallow, followed by almost a minute of painful coughing. Then the effects began to be felt, and his head sagged to one side. He smiled drunkenly, and all but passed out.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Marcus observed his progress, then nodded when he thought he was ready.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "All right, I'm going to place my hands here and push.", he instructed. "I need you to take a deep breath when I do. Do you understand?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The young Centaur nodded drunkenly, still smiling.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Marcus pushed, the Centaur drew in, and there was a series of loud "pop" sounds as the ribs slid into place.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Well done. Now we can start setting things to right." He prayed to his father for aid, his hands glowed with the golden green energy, and the healing forces took over, mending torn flesh and knitting fractured bone.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Once that was done, the Human was deemed to have passed the test, and he spent much of the rest of the evening working with the First and his aide, tending to the wounded.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "This one is very ill.", he was told. "If he could rest properly then perhaps his fever would break, but the hunters leave us no peace."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Marcus sat back on his heels, considering. The power to remove disease wasn't his yet. But perhaps...[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Penn, do you have a potion or elixir to help with something like this?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The Bard considered carefully. "I know of a battle tonic called Dragon's Brew. It fortifies and lends endurance. Its effects last only an hour, but that might be long enough for the fever to break. I don't have any ready, but I have the ingredients. I'll see if I can prepare some. Is there a place I can set up my gear?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] He was lead to a private area to the side, where he could unpack the odd assortment of bottles, tubes, scales and measures he carried. The First's aide attended, asking questions as he worked. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Clearly, you're a student of the Alchemical arts.", Penn observed as he worked. "This next stage is best worked in a bowl of silver, not because of the metal's virtue, but because it carries heat so well. We must heat the mix until it just begins to curdle at the edges, then cool it as quickly as possible." As he spoke, he dipped the small chalice into a container of water drawn from the nearly frozen spring. "Glass will work as well, though you must be careful it doesn't break. Earthenware is too dense, and iron will taint the blend. Copper is acceptable, but must be polished bright between uses, to keep the mixture pure."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Finally he was decanting the thick cream from the top of his small silver cauldron.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "This is it. Give this to him and be sure he drinks it all. The taste may be foul, but don't give him water to clear his throat for a full minute, lest he dilute the brew."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] A soft sound drew the Bard's attention, and he saw the First standing, watching. "Thank you for teaching him that formula. What are the long term effects?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "I know of none. It isn't like the Blood Rage, which can bring the slow madness. It's a softer brew, giving fortitude without feeding on anger, and the effect is more spread out. Normally used for endurance in the long march, or to withstand the rigors of battle. It may or may not help with this problem, but it's the best I can think of under the circumstances."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The aged Druid nodded. "It has many uses then. Good to know."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] ***[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]"So, I'm thinking that we should help with the watch.", Sylus said. "These folk don't fully trust us yet, so if the raiders come tonight, they might think that we lead them here." "I agree.", Nedel said. "Penn and Marcus will be working into the night, but the rest of us can take turns on patrol."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] And so it was decided.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] *** Sylus sat, still as a stone, watching everything and nothing. "When you look for something", his mentor had often said, "then you'll see nothing else." So he looked for nothing, and everything became apparent. He flicked a small pebble towards his companion on the watch, a wary Centaur named Lowspear, to get his attention. His fingers moved in a serpentine motion to the right, then he flicked his gaze sharply to his own left. Lowspear signaled his understanding, and turned away. His hooves were silent in the thin layer of snow as he vanished from sight.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The Ranger unfolded his legs in a single smooth motion that took him from his seat to a low, stalking crouch. Keeping low, he slid off towards the brush on his left.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] There was a crash and a cry from the trees ahead, and Sylus broke into a run, heedless of cover or a need for stealth. Lowspear had proven the faster of the pair, and had reached the intruder first.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] By the time the Half Elf had arrived, it was over. Lowspear towered over the fallen scout, one hoof planted firmly on his chest, the point of his weapon tucked under the man's chin.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Now, what would bring a nice man like you out on a blustery night like this?", Sylus asked with a smile.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Traitor!", the man snarled. "Siding with the dumb animals!"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] A lightning quick movement of Lowspear's weapon, and the conversation was done.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] *** "So, where did you find him?", Cassius asked. "He was using the wash to the west.", Lowspear replied in broken Latin. "I wanted to kill him, but thought better of it."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Good decision.", Sylus replied approvingly. "Now we can question him."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Penn looked around groggily. "If you know where he was, why not have your trackers follow his backtrail. That way you're hunting them."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Lowspear looked at the Half Satyr in slack jawed wonder. "I never considered that.", he admitted. "We avoid them when we can."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Well, they have some of your children, don't they?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "That may work, but this will be faster.", Nedel said. Moving to the prisoner, he gently shook the man awake.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Now, friend.", he began "Let's talk." [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The man found his gaze captured by the penetrating stare of the Sorcerer, and he almost felt his mind surrender to the power of the man. [/FONT][FONT=Verdana] Almost. "Yes, now we'll talk.", Nedel continued with a smile, as he repeated the enchantment. [/FONT][FONT=Verdana] He had all night.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][FONT="]*** "Well, he still thinks anyone who sides with you is a traitor to their race, but he did share a few bits of information.", Nedel explained when he was through. "He says their camp is about two hours east of here, south of the old road. He says there are eight men working with him." "So, they're bounty hunters? How much gold is our blood bringing them?", Stoonhoof asked, fire flashing behind his glare. "They work directly for the Breton commanders. Not blood money, just conscripts.", Nedel said, trying to calm the angry Centaur. It didn't work. "So what's the plan?", Penn asked, trying to change the subject. "Get some rest, everyone.", First declared. "We'll gather before dawn. We'll get our children back." *** Penn overslept, which wasn't typical, but then he'd had a late night. Hot porridge was ready when he stumbled out of the tent, and he gulped it down. "We have more information.", Lowspear informed him. "The snake didn't come alone. Windemere laid a snare for any who might follow, and it caught a weasel. " "And he talked?" "Your friend's magics took him, and he spoke freely. Four other scouts out, looking for us, expected to report back soon. They'll be considered late by the time we get there. We have to hurry, or they'll be on alert." *** The parties planned as the traveled. The companions would approach from one flank and use magics to try and sew confusion and panic among the enemy. With luck, they'd drive them out of their camp and into the waiting Centaurs, who would lay in wait on the opposing side of the camp. Once they were in the area, Penn invoked a special magic, attempting something new. It worked. His already slender form became even more elongated, and huge wings sprouted from his back. "I'll fly well to the south, to scout the area.", he suggested. "Knowing the layout of their camp will help." The others agreed, and he set off. At first he kept low, but the sheer exhilaration of the sky took him. The chill winter air felt thick beneath him, and the hard pump of the wing beats helped keep him warm. He raced, swift as a running stallion, and he soared as if in a dream. He was almost lost in the experience, but the needs of the day kept him focused. Looking north, he spotted the enemy. He kept his distance, lest he be spotted, but he made a thorough survey, then returned to report. *** "Your new friends lied.", he declared. "It isn't a camp, and there are more than eight. I counted two dozen horses, saddled and ready. They've taken an old farm as a base. As near as I can tell, they're keeping the prisoners in the barn, and bunking the soldiers in the main house." He used a stick to draw in the snow, illustrating the things he spoke of as he went. "There's a low wall about here, but it's more of a fence than any battlement. There's a farm kitchen here, judging by the size of the chimney, and some out buildings here and here that look like the commanders' lodgings." "And they're all present?" "Their horses are there.", the Bard reaffirmed, "and there were a few in the paddock area, already up." "There's a stand of woods to the south, about a hundred yards, and a gully to the west that could hide a small group. It comes within a few hundred feet of the perimeter wall." There was a long pause while Stonehoof digested these facts. "We'll move in from the south then, and get as close as we can. You smaller folk use the gully as cover. Now, what will be the signal to attack?" "Oh that's easy.", Penn grinned. "Those buildings have thatched roofs." [/FONT][/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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