The adventures met the caravan of gypsies that would take them over the mountains to the east early that morning. They had pelnty of time for a relaxing journey through the mountains, the Tournament wasn't for another eleven day so they thought
Caber was in lousy mood, "Never a minute of downtime, and we still do not know what these "children" are for."
"Relax, we a simply repaying our nation for the freedoms we enjoy" replied Fulrik stoicly.
The trip went rather fast as the companions told stories of old, and tall tales about tournaments past. The started the incline into the mountains just before dusk and luckily made it to a travelers haven just as the suns last light faded over the mountains.
The gypsies made for good companions as they played music while their little ones ran round the fire. Soon all grew silent as five strangers aproached. Aburly warrior stepped forth
"Is there no room for more of the roads weary at this fire. In offering we bring food" gesturing to members of his party carrying a newly slaine stag, "And drink" motioning to a pack mule with several large wineskins.
"With open arms, let us have your names" exclaimed Lucas
The large man with a red beard and an eye patch introduces himself first
“I be Redferne, I come from the warrior tribes far to the north of the Realm of the Horned Ones”.
“My name is Benito” chimes in a wild haired elf whose robes identify him as a follower of the tree-father, Sylvanus. He also has an eye patch.
A bearded man with traits of Elvish heritage steps forward and takes a bow, “Sarek at your service”. Oddly enough he has an eye patch too.
Another man steps forward, “I am Domone, a warrior monk from the east, and this is my sister, Rain” He points to a woman cloaked in shadow who bears resemblance of east and west. They too bear eye patches.
Mason leaned forward and studied each one intently. At first he thought they might be followers of the Grumsh the one eye, but he sat back convinced that they were not.
The two parties feasted and exchanged tales of valor, McDougal the curious mage asked
"What brings you to these mountains friends"
The other party took on a grim tone.
"We are friends helping Redferne on a quest of revenge" says Sarek the half Elven
Domone quickly repremands Sarek "Make no mistake, it is not revenge we are after, it is the reckoning. It is best not to burden these strangers with our own concerns."
With that Redferne leaps up unsheathing his huge Flamberge, runs to the edge of the campfires light and peers into the darkness. The other adventurers make ready for danger as well. Domone runs next to Redferne. Benito is lighting torches in the fire, Raine has disappeared, Sarek stand ready next to Benito with short bow knocked that glows with eldritch energy.
You can overhear Domone and the Northman speaking
“Is it her, has she come to take these poor travelers souls as well and finish us off?” says Domone
“I know not, but quiet your mouth and get ready!”
The rest of the encampment can now hear it too, in the distance you can hear a large form racing through the woods, it is hard to pinpoint it seems to be where Redferne is looking, then to left then to right. It is hard to believe something that sounds as big as a bear is moving this fast.
Redferne bellows “Come out you devil, face my wrath, and give me peace!!”
At that the noise dies away. Then a high pitched cackle thunders through the air making your very bones cringe. Redferne breaks down almost sobbing.
"What is this curse that has beset you and your companions so, we may be able to help" asks Mason
Redferne begins to speak with a horrible visage as if this story causes him pain.
“We seek a witch known as The One Eyed Hag. A terrible abomination that feeds on the flesh of mortals, legend tells that the hag was once a mortal woman who was scorned by her husband after a cooking fire that scarred her face. One night she made an unholy deal with a demon. The demon asked no price and told her what she must do. The only way she would be beautiful again was if she ate the flesh of humans and elves. As with all demons he lied, for he never told her how much she would have to consume. To this day she stalks mortals and feeds on there flesh. Last winter she came for my family while I was out hunting. I came home to my wife’s peeled and fleshless’ form, and my 2 year old daughter Kyrie missing. A party of brave men including myself, went to where the witch laired. Only I returned though not unscarred, motioning to the patch over his right eye. I joined up with Domone and his sister first. Sarek, and Benito were survivors of another adventuring party. Together we tracked down the Hag and I led them to an accursed existence as well, motioning again to the eye patch. I will bring death to them, I will bring death to us all. You would do best to not follow us in the morning.”
At that Redferne puts his sword next to his bedroll and begins to sob as he makes for bed.
Taking the que from the northman everyone esle decides to call it a night as well. Our party made a watch to let the "Avengers of One Eye" to rest.
A few hours passed into the night...........
I shall return