Q'Barra: Facing Truth Chapter 2

[Yeoman]

"Odd?" he says to Catherine sotto voce, "I don't like the sound of that, frankly."

"Nor I, but we'll have to wait for Kassel to get back. Keep your eyes open for any...odd behaviors on their part."

 

[EvolutionKB]

Kaelan

Kaelan sees the worry in his comrades and he echoes their sentiments. "I wonder the townsfolk have taken a more direct approach in declaring their allegiance with the Children." Kaelan wolfishly eats a roll and spears another portion of meat with his knife. The battle with the Children had taken more out of him than he thought, and seemed to be eating almost double the usual. Wiping gravy from his mouth with the back of his hand he continues, "I would hope not, but if they do, we might have trouble finding them if they were the same ones that were tailing Sepoto earlier."

 

[BRP2]

When Kassel seems surprised at Charles's remark, he smiles innocently and puts his hand softly on the old man's shoulder. I kid, I kid. Just pointing out the irony of an old guy would suggest us young folk would be dead.

Once inside, Charles devours his food like a monster.

 

[Pebele]

"No sir, no villagers died to our knowledge. One of our scouts, Catherine points to Sepoto, said he was being watched by three people. I presume they were your townsfolk. The ones you mentioned earlier, with the different take on the situation? Am I right?"

"So you saw them, then? This may be good news! I must go and check with Gilda, and I will be back shortly."

While they were eating, the group watched the villagers intently. They noticed that many seemed to be more on edge since the last time they were here. No one seemed to want to make eye contact, and in fact seemed to give the group a wide berth.

Kassel returned and before he could say anything, Sepoto asked his question. Kassel sat next to the group and clasped his hands in his lap.

"Well, you see, it was the villagers. The day you left, it became pretty clear that there was a definite rift here. Some of the villagers were very upset at me for allowing you to go and exterminate the lizards.

Of course, the other group was adamant that our village is more important than a bunch of lizards.

At any rate, there was some strife. I managed to calm everyone down and say that it was best for us to wait and see what you said. I told them you seemed like good people and you'd make the right decision." Kassel took a deep breath before continuing.

"This evening Urik Nels, Viktor Rozchenko and Akil Leron disappeared. They didn't say anything to anyone, and I'm worried. But you," He pointed at Sepoto "said you saw them, so that means that they didn't do anything stupid, I hope. Where did you see them? What were they doing?"

 

[BRP2]

Viktor Rozchenko

Hmmm.

 

[Rookseye]

Sepoto has not touched his food. He strokes the furry orange goatee beneath his chin before answering Kassel's question, his brow furrowing thoughtfully.

"The men you speak of, Friend-Kassel, if it was they, saw Sepoto return to the village alone. I had come to make certain that those siding with the angry Children had not caused trouble in Havenwood during our time away. When I learned they were following me, and did know that I had seen them, I set off again for our camp and led them astray fearing they meant harm to my friends. Sepoto does not like when harm comes to his friends. When we set off for the village again they could not be found along the path I had led them. They were gone."

"What can you tell us of these men, Friend-Kassel? What master do they serve? It is time for the full truth."

Sepoto's voice grows suprisingly low as he says this last, descending to something between a growl and a whisper. His companion's eyes turn to him almost involuntarily; uncomfortably, as they see this abrupt shift in his character. It reminds them almost of a normally placid animal that has been goaded and taunted to the point of snapping at anything. It is clear that Sepoto's nervous, animalistic instincts are beginning to overwhelm his reason again.

 

[Pebele]

Kassel shakes his head and frowns slightly. "What can I tell you? They are not farmers, they are our primary hunters. They all know each other, they are friends, here. We are all friends, but these men are particularly close. I think they might'a served in some sort of military, but we don't press folks for details here. They're good men, they help everyone here, and they're honest.

If'n you couldn't find them, maybe they had some unfinished business? I just hope they don't go to see the lizards, who knows what might happen?

What can you tell me about the druids? Were they here alone? Are my people safe now?"

 

[Shayuri]

"We confronted three druids and several animals in their service," Trebuchet announces. "All enemy forces were destroyed. No sign of more was discovered. We believe the immediate danger is past, though the possibility of more druids arriving remains."

 

[Yeoman]

Catherine places her hand on Sepoto's shoulder. "Calm yourself Sepoto, answers will come soon, I promise." She again addresses Kassel, "I believe you may be safe from the threat the children posed, but if those three hunters of yours decided to attack the lizardfolk, then you may still be in danger."

 

[Rookseye]

Sepoto seems somewhat reassured by Catherine's gesture, and composes himself accordingly, though with some effort.

"Friend-Kassel, I, of all my companions can say that I have no love for the lizardfolk tribes...but for this reason I can assure you that Catherine is correct the shifter looks down at the table solemnly you will bring great bloodshed upon yourselves if these men anger the lizardfolk without cause..."