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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carnifex" data-source="post: 290900" data-attributes="member: 227">The day drew to a close, and the sun slipped finally below the horizon. It took with it the final glow of ruddy light, and pure darkness began to loom over the countryside and dominate the landscape. * * *Militia patrolled round the building, lighting torches within the main chamber and in the back rooms to keep a zone of flickering light flooding the area round the temple. Beyond its perimeter, pitch black clouded vision, and nervous men fingered their crossbow triggers uneasily as they stared into the void all around them. * * *Latorath stood by the altar at the far end of the main chamber, looking down over the mass of huddled peasants and fearful militiamen gathered together before him; Evant stood quietly off to one side, apparently studying with great intensity an old stained glass image of Solanthar on one of the temple windows. "My people, night has fallen upon us, but Solanthar shall ensure that light rises over the horizon once again and when it does we shall have expunged these atrocities that stalk the streets. We believe that soon they shall attack, using cover of darkness to their advantage, but the torches should negate their nightsight and put us on equal terms.""We have many silver weapons now; every able-bodied man, grab a spear or dagger; soldiers, do not fear to use as many silvered bolts as you wish, for we have plenty. Spare no effort to slay the vile things out there, in the name of the Sun Lord's terrible wrath - kill them all." "Villagers, people of this hamlet, stay back and out of harms reach and we shall ensure that no fell werewolf breaches the perimeter to strike at you. Soldiers, take up your preordained positions, raise the alarm at any sign of the foe and fire at will on them." Latorath began to hand out more specific orders; procedures for getting the wounded to the care of the village priest, how militia were to react to attacks, and of course what the mercenaries were to do. "Please, brave warriors, put yourselves wherever you feel your talents are most needed at the time." Burl looked over his weapons, knowing that his staff was useless, he grabbed up one of the silvered daggers and six of the specially tipped crossbow bolts. Mentally he went over the spells that he had prepared; several would work best when the beasts first attacked, the remainder could be used at anytime. Kale equipped himself with bow and arrows, positioning to rain missiles upon the enemy when they came, a spear too so that when they closed he might still be able to fend them off.* * *Howls began to echo round the deserted village. First one rose up to the sky above, then another, then yet more, until a chorus of gods-only-knew-how-many were serenading the clouds with their tortured screams. They came from all around, disorientating and disconcerting, as the pack closed in on the beacon of light that was the temple. Militiamen gripped their crossbows and spears in tightness born of fear; small children within the mass of villagers seated on the pews began to whimper in terror. Latorath, stoic faced, positioned himself near the main door, while Evant took up position beside him. "Here they come," the Solar Templar said quietly. All around, the sound of rapidly approaching feet, padding at high speed over dirt, became audible, though as yet the oncoming foe were invisible within the cloak of night. As the noises came closer, Wyshira smiled grimly and began her prayers to IshrakCord had remained calm and attentive as the afternoon waned, and it was not until the inhuman howls pierced his mind that he added his own fears to that already collected within the walls. A dagger appeared in his hand as the able-bodied prepared for the onslaught. Rattling spears, stomping feet, and nervous sweat suddenly filled the air. He had been listening to a young girl ask incessant questions of her mother earlier, and now she was lost in the clamor of voices. Cord hoped she would survive the night. Grumand, I pray that I survive this night. Please, give me the strength to face and defeat these abominations. Cord felt the presence of his god in his prayer as he sighed deeply and stood. "But with these masses," he overheard Kale saying to Wyshira, "the blessings of the Storm Lady may well be the best thing you can bring." Cord nodded in agreement. Feeling the presence of a god was one thing; feeling their suffusing power was quite another. The clerics of Grumand at the monastery had once or twice given him a glimpse of the true blessing of Grumand before select training sessions. The effect had not gone unnoticed. He wondered, briefly, whether a blessing by the storm goddess would be in any way similar. Calming his nerves and steadying his hands even as the howling and padding of feet grew louder, Cord smiled and awaited Ishrak's blessing. "If you two do not mind," he said after Kale left, "I will do my utmost best to protect you if a werewolf prowls near. If one approaches I may be able to stun it temporarily, giving us the chance to attack without fear of reaction for a brief time."  Cord breathed deeply, extending an arm to brush against the robes of Wyshira, both for reassurance and to sense her location. It would be a short battle but a long, long night. "I am ready," he said.</blockquote>

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