The road has become narrow and twisting. Overhanging branches slap frequently at the sides of the wagons and the party time and again must duck their stiff embrace. Allistra, at the head of the column, gently chaffs those on the wagons. The lead wagon - with Milak at the reins - negotiates a sharp corner and finds itself suddenly on the bank of a stream.
The waters, bright blue in the spring sunshine, are wide and shallow and very, very clear. Speckled salmon flash into view, and as quickly disappear into the distance. A couple of those would make a fine meal sizzling in the pan - it’s enough to make the mouth water.
No sooner do Milak and Valdaris notice the salmon darting through the water than they are apprised of another, much more dangerous presence. A great, shaggy bear rises towering onto its hind legs. The open mouth from which cavernous growls issue is hung with massive teeth, gleaming with saliva and water and salmon’s blood. It stands, swiping with massive forepaws, before dropping back on all fours and charging towards the party.
Before anyone can react, there is a scream, followed by a loud splash. Allistra’s steed, spooked by the sudden appearance of the bear, has reared and thrown the caravan marshall from the saddle. She falls backward into the water, at the mercy of the charging beast.
With an alacrity he’s never shown before, Milak whips up the horses and drives the wagon
in-between Allistra and the bear. He hauls mightily on the reins to bring the horses to a foundering halt, using the wagon to shield his employer from harm.
The bear, stymied by the appearance of this mobile barrier, roars in frustration and rears up, ready to do battle.
[sblock=OOC]Post your initiatives, please.
[/sblock]
This post is just to say, "Fear not! Do not give up hope! Excitement is just around the corner ... well, down the road a bit." 
[/sblock]Allistra makes no comment as Taelythenihel and Ossa return from the woods. She looks with compassion, and a faint unease, at the ever-silent companion. But she says nothing to anyone, just eats her meal and then rounds up the group to get underway.
