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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Broccli_Head" data-source="post: 1758866" data-attributes="member: 105">The Serpent's Path, part I Halifax looked over his shoulder with regret as he and Beknyr crested the final rise. Ochryn lay in the plain below. Mist had already risen, nearly concealing the village, and obscuring the Pit of Ilvir that lay less than a league beyond that. "Gargun usually travel in groups of ten," Beknyr had said. "Our mission is of utmost importance. You are a patriot, are you not?" the traehan had added. He had known those southron-folk for barely a day, after all, he had consoled himself, but his conscience had nagged him all night. Now they had reached their destination as the sun crested the mountains to the east, warming their faces. Halifax exhaled the stink from his nostrils sending a stream of his own mist into the air. Hal liked to sneak, but it made him feel like a coward to steal away without their knowledge. He paused at the top of the hill, turned and gave half-hearted salute. He hoped to see them again. Then Halifax jogged to catch up with Beknyr. ** Closer to noon, Markus Cosele rode towards the crest of another of these crumbling rock formations that passed as hills in these parts. The noisome smell hit him as he reached the top. "Ugh! I had hoped to be rid of this stench, but here we go again." He reached for his canteen and shook it. It was pitifully short of spirits. He brought the refreshing draught closer to his lips, but just as he was about to take a drink, a strong wind blew the rank smell right up into his nose. Uncharacteristically, he lost it...right into his container. "I hate this place!" he yelled tossing the canteen away. Wiping bits of the morning's breakfast of bread and jerky from his chin with his handkerchief, he looked behind him as his men reached his position and gave him a questioning look. They had already adjusted their scarves to protect from the smell. "Damndable flask is empty!" And then he added, continuing to play off his momentary lack of composure, "Hurry up, you scurvy louts, we haven't all day! The Senator does not like to be kept waiting." His men picked up the pace, moving past his location. Following suit, the pilgrims and the magician began trotting to keep up. Finally, the Rethemi on horseback, and his barbarian, keeping pace by his side, brought up the rear. Both gave him a smug, knowing look. Markus cursed and dug his heels into the side of his mount to return to the head of the column. At least the only inn in town had a decent liqueur. ** "So you are a worshipper of Save K'nor, then?" asked the one-eyed pilgrim. Pelar smiled and nodded. He had been attempting to humor the girl. Lift her spirit, and help her to make it through the day. He had not wanted a deep religious conversation. "We can respect the Divine Sage. As much as the Brooder creates things so too does your master with equal relish seek knowledge." Pelar raised an eyebrow. "Only he can be trusted. The other gods and their worshippers. They hate us." She put a hand on his forearm. Pelar looked down trying to hide his disdain and gently removed her hand. They were nutty, all of them...really. This one, Talia of Shirnan, believed that we would all become ivashu, and as we strove towards inner peace, we would one day sit at Ilvir's side. The other one, Denil, argued that no, humans were a form of ivashu. They also differed on the role of the churches, and hence Ilvir, in their daily lives. At least Talia was less emotional in her discussion. The other bordered on fanaticism. Pelar bided his time, nodded and grinned at the appropriate times so as not to offend, until he could get somewhere to examine his specimens. Undoubtedly, the temple had such facilities. Maybe someone was an expert. ** Halifax felt a heavy hand grab his shoulder. The dice in his hand went flying, but they still fell in play. It was a bad roll. "You missed the party, woodsman." He was yanked from his comfortable kneeling position in the dice game and pushed a little rudely against the wall. In his face was the legion captain. Halifax turned his head away from his foul breath. "Explain yourself, coward." "Markus, he is only a boy. There is no need to be so hard on him. I suspect that he was under orders from the other traveler." Halifax nodded and gave a wink to the southron knight who defended him. "Hedge knight, if I wanted your input, I would have asked for it." "We gave your man, Tivir a chance to redeem himself and he did indeed fight bravely." "Plus, I have checked on your men for you, knowing that that you would arrive soon...sir," Halifax added with a gulp. Rhygar stood behind Vynscythe, arms folded, looking like he was going to back up the Rethemi on this one. "Fine." Markus let Halifax go. "A...a round of your best for these fine and gentle men!" called Halifax to a nearby servant, feeling the satisfying weight of his new coin purse. Clueless, the legion captain smiled. "So tell me, Halifax. What is going on with my men?"</blockquote>

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