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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Pedestrian" data-source="post: 3619663" data-attributes="member: 40208">The next morning, Marduk terrified the stable boy, the fright only compounded by the appearance of Tom Morris and Marcus from other stalls. They had decided they would rather spend the night in solidarity with their friend, sleeping with the horses, than enjoy comfortable beds while he languished in the cold. Sir Tarnus, who had chosen to sleep in a comfortable bed, was already awake and taking breakfast in common room, having made his venerations to the Divine Champion previously.Happy to wait for Captain Soranna, the four enjoyed a light meal upon the Green – though Marduk was somewhat distressed when a mother took her children from playing too near. Midday arrived, and the Captain was punctual. She presented the four with several scrolls and elixirs gathered from the Salacian Orthodox Church of Pelor, the congenial Sertieren the Wise (who Sir Tarnus had had the pleasure of acquainting himself with the previous night while the others had been enjoying the green apple. Tom had been relating to him meeting the proprietor – a dwarf woman named Tharrma – who he hoped to talk to again when they returned) and the Grove, a relatively open circle of practitioners of the ancient ways of the Argyles.They thanked the captain, and left Drellin’s Ferry, heading down the Dawn Way to meet with Jorr, Marduk leading the way. Sir Tarnus decided that, if they were heading into forest, it would be best for his steed to remain stabled, at least for the time being.The sun was high in the sky by the time the group reached the verderer’s old cabin. The path leading to it was little more than a game trail, only picked out because of Captain Soranna’s directions and Marduk’s woodslore. The forest here was thick and green, the remains of far larger green lands dating back to before the coming of the Empire.Marduk started to move forward, but froze, holding up a massive hand to ward off his allies. As he did so, three heavy-set black shapes bolted from out of the cabin, low to the ground. The powerful hunting hounds stopped just shy of the party, barking canine threats, fierce white teeth flashing in the mid-day sun. Marduk stood his ground, making no threatening moves.“Woodsman Jorr” Sir Tarnus was forced to shout to be heard over the howls of the dogs. “Woodsman Jorr, we were advised to seek you out by Soranna Anita, Guard Captain of Drellin’s Ferry for aid in tracking the goblin menace that threatens the village.”“Sorrana, you say?” A old man, weathered by his advancing years, lurched from the shadowy porch of the cabin, brandishing a crossbow of pale wood that looked as old as he. He favoured his left leg, but other than the grey hairs on his head and lines upon his face seemed to be in good health, possessing an almost feral air of vigour. He winced in the bright like, fixing one forest green eye on each member of the party, though the crossbow remained unflinchingly pointed at Marduk. “Don’t think that young Soranna’d be sending out a marsh dog to track goblins. Might be that the beast’d be up for joining ‘em.”“My friend’s name is Marduk, and he hates goblins as much as any human, an’ perhaps as much as me!” Spat Tom, placing his stout body before the gnoll’s, though the top of his head came only to Marduk’s belt. Jorr seemed amused by the image though, and whistled his to his dogs, who immediately dropped their ears, ceased their barking, and turned to ran to their master. The woodsman lowered his crossbow, absently ruffling his hounds before striding over.“So, Soranna sent you, you say?” He extended his hand to Sir Tarnus, who clasped it firmly. “What do you need of me?”“Captain Soranna advised us that you would be able to serve as a guide for us through the Witchwood. She said there are none who know these woods better, and we could do well with the aid in finding the nest of the savages that have beset Drellin’s Ferry.”Jorr nodded. “Hmm. Well, Soranna was right to send you to me. Witchwood is dangerous enough, even without the troubles been raised by those goblins crawling over the place. If you’re looking to put a stop to that, well, I’d be happy to help.” He nodded again, squinting at the group. “I’ll expect to be paid, four gold a day for showing you around the place.”“What?” Tom’s eyes bulged “Here you are, sayin’ how you hates the goblins, and we’re here to put a stop to their depredations, not asking a thing of the good people of the Ferry as it’s the right thing to do, and you’ll only help for some coin?”“Good deeds are one thing, but they don’t put bread on my table.” Jorr spared Tom only a brief glance. “Now, do we have an agreement?”“C’mon Tarnus. Marduk’ll be able t-““We have an agreement, Woodsman Jorr.” Sir Tarnus interrupted.Jorr nodded, quickly ducking into his cabin to fetch his cloak and a pack. “There’s still a good few hours left in the day. Let’s be off.”</blockquote>

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