The Hundred Seas

[GreyOne]

After what seems an interminable time, Preda makes the decision to come ashore.

Moments later, Fintain spies a a beaching place on the northern shore and Sammal guides the boat towards it. It bumps lightly against the shore and several guardsmen jump onto the mud and rocks lining the river. Several strokes of the starboard oars later and the boat is pulled up on the bank and tied off by several men.

All around the darkness of the woods is ever present and a sense of deep foreboding comes over you all.

"We need a fire to push back the shadows," mutters Nado.

Several of the guardsmen nervously move into the underbrush, spears out and ready and start moving down river along the banks.

"Bragon and Ulfghar! Scout inland from the river. Two hundred paces should be ample. Take two of the guards," commands Saufgad.

The villagers and the rest of the passengers begin to come ashore. Nado watches over them uneasily.

"Might be best, my Lady for the villagfolk to remain aboard the boat, should we need to leave in haste," he says.

"They will need to eat. Let them have their fire in this dark place, then they can sleep in the boat," she replies.

The villagers set about building their fire and seeing to a meal.

 

[Ulfghar]

Ulfghar puts his chain shirt back on and readies his crossbow.

"You ready Bragon?"

 

[bragon gault]

"Sure, I'm ready. Let's round up a couple of guards and be off. The quicker we can get back the better. I've got a bad feeling about this place and the quicker we can rejoin the group the better." Bragon retorts and draws his longsword as he heads off.

 

[GreyOne]

(I) Bragon and Ulfghar
The woods lie deep and quiet in the gloom, the only sounds are crows, cawing restlessly in the distance. The sounds of the river subside as you move inland. Chaufan and Keios, two of Preda’s armsmen accompany you off to the left.

Moments pass nervously. This place is old. You can feel it in the trees. After perhaps a quarter of a glass, you reach a clearing, somewhat overgrown. In the shrinking light you see the remnants of a stone and turf dwelling. It has caved in and a quick search of the area reveals no sign of the occupant, and no sign of any recent activity.

“I t’ink this’far enough,” says Keios, his, plain, weather-beaten face facing the woods to the north.

“Aye,” says Chaufan. “This’ probably an old Ashaad site. They still live in the darker parts of the forest. Best to stay clear of it. Bad sorcery,” he finishes.

(II) Fintain
The villagers set about making a firepit and soon enough are roasting tarkroot and pork. The four remaining armsmen scan the woods just within the light of the pit. Preda is talking quietly to Saufgad by the boat.

 

[Ulfghar]

"Sounds good to me. I have little interest in spending any more time in these woods than necessary" replies Ulfghar.

"Let's head back and see if they've left us anything to eat."

 

[bragon gault]

"I'd hate to leave anything at our back Ulfgar. You've a better eye for detail than I. Take one last look around the house and I'll watch out here. Then we can go back. In the meantime what can you tell me of the Ashaad, Chaufan."

 

[Ulfghar]

Ulfghar sighs "Very well Bragon, but if I miss out on food, I'll be getting you to make something up for me when we get back!"

Ulfghar turns and cautiously heads towards the remnants of the stone dwelling, thoroughly examining the surroundings as he goes.

 

[GreyOne]

You have perhaps a quarter of glass before the final rays of the sun will subside beyond the distant mountains, blanketing the woodlands in darkness.



(I-I) Bragon
"I can't tell ye much. They're an ancient folk. 'tis said they lived in the woods before the Mariner Kings...back when the forests were greater, " he looks about, eyes searching the dim woods. "Dealings with t'em are rare. I've never seen one nor dealt with somin' that did. 'tis said they mix freely with forest spirits and their sorcery drips with blood. Enough talk. We need to get back..." he mutters.

(I-II) Ulfghar
You move over towards the collapsed structure. The undergrowth appears undisturbed. Stones litter the high grass, scattered in no discernible pattern. As you approach closer, the hairs on your neck seem to rise, and a coldness seems run the length of your spine.

 

[Ulfghar]

Ulfghar stops in his path, surveying all around, looking for any unusual movement.

 

[fintain]

OOC: Fintain looks for a place near the ship to hide and prepare an ambush. I am taking my long bow, sword, shield, and chain shirt.