Raven Elk, hearing Vittero's report about the perverted version of the Dawn Church set up so close to home, says:
"We need to address this situation so close to our home, my friends."
He then looks to Vittero,
"I wish you were coming with us, for we could use your battle skill; but I know you are doing good things here, so I will not press the issue."
Taylar will make the rounds among his friends at Refuge and continue to encourage them and tell exaggerated stories of the Outliers travels.
He nods at Raven Elk, "Let us investigate this new temple, but what will we say our reason for being there is? The last time we tried the 'traveling traders' ruse, no one believed us."
The tavern, of course, was the second public building renovated after the temple. As is the nature of Maldrog's within such a festive environment. Taylar draws plenty of wanted attention. Everyone listens intently, cheering at the successes and groaning at near disasters. No one suspects exaggeration or false bravado. The three active Outliers are well respected for their exploits. Maybe one day such reputation will garner more active support; but as yet, no one has been willing to step up and make a difference.
The "near" village is not really so near and generates some concern at the distance that the influence of the Cathedral of West Cove is spreading. Using Vittero and his father, Plasimon, as examples, the religion of itself cannot be a bad thing, but dictatorial control of a populace can be nothing but malevolent.
The respite is enjoyed but the time comes to move along. Equipping themselves for a long walk, there seems to be not reason to not follow the road up to Outpost, then east to this unknown village. Being closer to Boga City, the village surely sees visits from tribes other than Markidians.
The trip up to Outpost and any desired business in town is pleasantly uneventful.
During the second day of travel, away from Outpost, Adisakti, who is walking on the right flank, makes a predetermined noise to indicate that he wishes to halt. Once still Taylar gets the same prickly sensation that evidently causes Adisakti to stop. It is the distinct impression of being watched.
At this location, there are few and rather small trees on the north side of the road. There is mostly brush and small trees to the south, with larger trees much farther south. To the north the land will be progress into prairieland.
The brush to the south is thick, plenty thick enough to hide danger. Whatever has gotten the men's attention must be coming from that direction, though nothing can be readily seen.
Adisakti nods at his two friends and proceeds to backtrack about 30 strides, before drawing his weapons and running headlong into the brush on the southern side of the road, angling his bath to stop perpendicular to his original position. As he runs, he will augment his athleticism and camouflage his skin.
Taylar will manipulate waylines to increase his Motility and pull out his bludgeons. He will move to assist Adisakti without getting too close to be caught in an area effect attack.
Raven Elk looks to the movement of his two friends and backs toward the far side of the road. He holds his spear defensively as his skin begins to develop its myriad of coloration to match the background
Even though he is running headlong into the cover along the side of the road, Adisakti notices the movement of a dark-skinned individual, just before it fires an arrow at him. Taylar more senses that he is being targeted but does not track the culprit until after he fires. Raven Elk, being farther from the enemy ambush, cannot yet locate them.
As Adisakti attempt to jump to the side, he is nicked by an arrow. Taylar and Raven Elk both take a shaft full on but neither suffers much effect as the arrows cannot penetrate their clothing.
Adisakti and Taylar can both see their enemy archers as they are trying to redraw for a second arrow. Raven Elk, as yet, cannot specifically locate an enemy to target.
Taylar intends to manipulate waylines to blur his image and make it harder for an enemy to hit. He intends to charge and shout his battle cry, "Du magst also zulfallige Gewalt!" He will strike with his bludgeons.
Adisakti will forsake trying to camouflage his skin, since he was not able to do so before making contact with the enemy. He intends to crowd the archer, forcing him into melee. He will target either arm with his first assault.
As the Outliers later learn this is typical behavior for a Nashurin ambush, no orther arrow is fired at Raven Elk. This tribe of people lays an ambush always hoping for easy pickings. If the target proves otherwise, they tactically attempt to disengage. There is no telling how many members were in the party, for only the two who had the misfortune of engaging Taylar and Adisakti were known. The others, evidently, scattered into the brush.
The image of Taylar does not physically blur as he bends Mystical waylines, nor does his skin mimic his surroundings like that of Raven Elk, but an observer suddenly has difficulty maintaining his focus on the man, even though he is not hidden. Such is the mannerism of the soullessness talent.
Taylar hits his enemy twice before he can draw a second arrow. The first blow catches the ribcage on the man's left, knocking the wind from him. The second catches the side of his head, knocking him out cold.
The archer with Adisakti fares no better. He takes a sword across his draw arm, which severs off the hand. The second blow punctures the ribcage, venting a lung. The man bleeds out in only four seconds. Adisakti shakes his head, irritated at having to bloody his swords on such a pathetic opponent. Tayalr looks over at his friend and rolls his whole head in a dismayed display. The two men see that they face no others.
Feeling a little irritated, not only by the minor damage, but, also, by the fact that some inept indigent nomad thought to ambush him and his friends, Adisakti makes sure the enemy at his feet is dead, then spits on his corpse. He does not bother to search him, doubting that he would have carried anything of value.
