OOC: OK, vacation is over and I have a decent internet connection once again! Thanks for being patient!
Kaela has little time to inspect the young girl Aislinn before she is swept up by Herger. However, the young Dorn does not answer Kaela's questions, but only mumbles feebly in her fever. Walking next to Herger, Kaela inspects the back of Aislinn's neck and finds the cyst once again swollen and diseased. Quickly running her hands across the girl's body, she finds three other cysts as well, swollen with infection.
As the Heroes pass through the tunnels with their new companions, the masked man who assaulted Bach Bran earlier glares at Herger and Valurel, but keeps his weapons somewhat lowered, obviously cowed by the huge northman and wild elf. The young fool would bring the entire Shadow's garrison down on our heads! You have yet to prove that he, as well as us, risking our lives for yours will weaken the Shadow's hold on our country, family,...friends. Bach is a blind fool that does not realize the Shadow can cloak traitors in the guise of friends. Bah! The Erenlander forces the pace, unwilling to talk further.
Herger notices that the apparent leader of the group, calm and composed, keeps his intense and stern eyes focused on the other masked man, but again says nothing. When the other stops speaking, the Erenlander turns his grey eyes toward Herger, eyes that seem so familiar. Jodya works with us, although we tend to keep our distance. We will see if we can find her and corraborate your story. I would not worry about her. Fell will leave her alone, since she is Fell herself. The faintest trace of a smile is disguised under his cloth mask.
Stooping and oftentimes crouching in the narrow confines of the tunnel, the Heroes move quickly. Cross-tunnels pass occassionally. At times, the tunnel runs into sewer channels, open grates above filtering torchlight into the dark tunnel. At these times the insurgence stress silence with the orc fists above. Fallax clings to Kaela, a shadow she cannot shake. Next to Starhl pads the Wolf, keeping as much distance between herself and the others. The narrow, arched stone tunnel the Heroes follow eventually narrows to a small culvert, preventing further progress. The leader of the insurgents knock on the stone wall. In response, the wall rotates slowly open. The Heroes squeeze through, with considerable effort from Herger, pass up a small flight of stone steps and into a small room with masonry stone walls. The walls are lined with candles that provide a feeble light. A single unmasked Erenlander with a long sword stands ready in the room. The room is also furnished with several benches, cots, and a table with mugs, cheese, and bread. A single barred door is the only means of egress.
Once within the room, the insurgents remove their masks and cast back their hoods. The leader nods to the Erenlander in the room who lowers his blade. Turning back to the Heroes, long brown hair and beard covering his familiar face, the Erenlander nods. My name is Murdoch, leader of this cell. This Murdoch nods to the abusive Erenlander, a long scar running down his beardless face, is Ibor. Despite his abusive nature, his hatred towards the Shadow is sincere. If he wishes to harm Bran further, he will have to cross blades with me. Murdoch's eyes blaze dangerously, as Ibor scowls at the Heroes as he sits on the table. The others are Red Hafgan, a tall, bald Dorn nods solemnly, and Bowen the Gentle, a pretty, dark-haired woman smiles pleasantly at the Heroes, and Ensin, Jewl, and Rul. Three Erenlanders all nod, two men and one woman.
Murdoch sweeps his arm around the room, Our group is small, but efficient. We are in a safe house on the Worm Docks, close to richer structures in Baden's Bluff. We have not much, but any hindrance we can give to the Shadow's war machine is a feast to us. We have food and drink for you. But, before that, we have pressing business. First, Ensin, send word to our associates. Find the White Whore Jodya and get her story about these strangers tonight. Ensin nods, dons his mask and hood, and slips down the steps into the sewers. Secondly, it now time for you to tell us your story. I have not seen such a motley crew in all my time in the insurgency. A snow elf so far from his frozen wood. Two northmen, one a giant among men, the other a wolf-brother. An Erenlander who seems more comfortable with his fists than a blade. A young woman whose heart is stronger than her body. The old man, a former scholar I believe? And an ill young girl you all seem so protective of. The Shadow is after you that is obvious, or at least one of you. We have many resources at our disposal. You will find no better help in all the Northlands or Erenland, except the Elven homeland of the west. Tell us your story and validate any potential sacrifice we have made for you!
