"I was thinking, Xarno." Lindisfjarn said with a pause.

"Continue." The mage prompted the ranger.

"Well, I was thinking, I could slip off the raft at night, and climb the river bank to deal with those who are trailing us."

"I am in for that idea." Dinnel said.

"We should be a bit more conservative, I think." Xarno said. "Consider the unknowns, who, where, and how many."

Nods went around the discussion group, as the adventurers had to force themselves not to look up at the riverbank above them. They knew they were being followed, but did the hunter know he was the hunted? The party discussed their options, and came upon concentrated firepower on the target.  Maximum offensive force directed against those who would do the king of Scardale, and his mother harm. The party was sure of one thing, their survival, and the failure of the attempt by those who would try such a vile thing.

*****

The three novice adventurers had broken camp, and scattered the remains of their fire to the four winds. They needed to make up lost time, and the three knew without the help they could provide the possibility of failure existed. For days the party trudged through the forest, each member taking game when they found it, and only in a size they knew would not be wasteful.

Often they waited for bands of orcs, goblins and kobolds to pass. Battle was only necessary when no other option presented itself. Twice in their journey they had to confront goblinoids. Each time they were successful by using maximum force, and ruthless behavior to win the day. Each day they traveled they became stronger, and more cohesive. The more cohesive they became, the more they could rely on each other's talents.

Unfortunately, they had no feed, and the horses had to be let free to fend for themselves in a clearing. The fortunate point was the silence this provided their travels. Dahljanna pointed out tracks of various animals and humanoids that frequented the forest in this arm of Cormanthyr. It was later in the day that she saw a set of tracks she did not want to see.

Signaling the party to stop, she pointed out the tracks. "Bugbears, three of the huge goblinoids, and these are fresh tracks, so be on your guard." Dahljanna said.

"What is a bugbear?" Smythe asked.

"A bugbear is a large hairy goblin. A bugbear is almost as big as an ogre, and is more intelligent. The tracks look like a patrol, we must be near a lair, so stay low, and be careful."

"You asked." Sartorius said with a wink.

"When we get back to Elven Home, I am going to report this to my father the regent. He will send my people in here to clean out this pestilence." Dahljanna said.

The three adventurers spread out, and kept low, being wary as they crossed over or passed around every obstruction. Their motions were almost silent as the everyday travel in the bush made them wary of their surroundings.

Soon, Dahljanna held up her hand again, and her companions took a knee in the brush. She crept to where each of the two companions kneeled with their bows at the ready, and arrows knocked.

"The place is thick with bugbear tracks. We should swing south to avoid the possibility of contact. Once we engage, we will fight for a long time to get clear of their domain over this area." Dahljanna said.

Both Sartorius and Smythe nodded at the wisdom of her decision. Smythe turned southward, and anchored his position. Sartorius swung in a slight arc southward as he provided covering fire for Dahljanna. When the elven priestess was in position, Smythe quietly bounded over her position in bounding over watch, where the team would take position, and the rear guard would move to a forward position. They continued this form of movement for some time, one person moving at a time, while the other two provided covering fires until the bugbear footprints were not so fresh. By late afternoon, the frequency of the party crossing fresh bugbear tracks had significantly reduced.

With the end insight, the party relaxed its guard in the late afternoon. The three had taken to walking in the open when the ambush hit them. Three large goblinoids in yellow fur jumped from behind a large fallen log with yips and yells of surprise. The three adventurers laid down covering fire, and the three bugbears fell immediately. The real threat came from a flanking attack on the left and the right. Smythe and Sartorius took positions to cover the left and the right. While Dahljanna engaged targets with her bow as they passed her companions.

Soon, nine dead bugbears lay upon the ground, Yips and yells of the first three had alerted other bugbear patrols of the successful ambush, and more back up came from the lair. With the intent on survival foremost in their minds, the reluctant adventurers ran into the late afternoon, wheeling west and south as they tried to avoid contact. Organized retreat was only required when the bugbears came in bow range.

"I am almost out of arrows!" Sartorius yelled.

"Smythe replied. "We have to keep running!"

Dahljanna said. " They do not observe territorial boundaries, so we must lose them, or defeat them in combat!"

"Combat! They are too many. We would be overwhelmed!" The reluctant warrior yelled.

"Then we run!" Sartorius said as he took to his heels.

The companions cast away their bows and their empty quivers, while each member of the party urged each other member onward. Further and further westward they ran trying to evade the huge goblinoids.

*****

Bharavan came aft, and spoke with Xarno. "Do you see that marker on the northern shore, my wise friend? It is the logging marker for the Millers Pond. We are but a day away from Shadowdale. It is good news, is it not?"

Xarno nodded his affirmation, and said. "It is excellent news. The latter portion of the trip was fortunately uneventful, but we fear for the safety of our group. So we will be leaving your barge in the night."

"For certain?"

"Parting Company is sorrowful, but your men were most kind, and those that would assail this vessel know better than to start trouble with your coster."

Bharavan shook hands with the male members of the party, and bowed slightly to Erewan. The big man then walked forward.

"Our escort may have been delayed while bypassing the Mill Pond." Lindisfjarn said.

"Let us hope so my friend." Xarno said.

"Which way do we go?" The warrior priest asked.

"Might I recommend south, and then use the bridge to the west across the Ashaba to Shadowdale?" The ranger said.

"Excellent. We will use the faering, and paddle to the southern shore. Lindisfjarn, take Dinnel, Kjellinger, and Boldar with you. Garntay and I will mind Lady Erewan." The mage ordered.

Lindisfjarn nodded, and he met with the group Xarno had named. Each member of the landing party would make it easier for the remaining three to scale the walls of the riverbank. Gear was checked, and made ready for nightfall.

*****

Hastor was not pleased. They had stumbled across a large group of bugbears. Although the group of cutthroat mercenaries did much damage Bill was unhorsed, and dragged away screaming. Smiley's horse was killed, and he rode with Tarl. Their strength was their mobility, and their mobility was almost cut in half.

What made it worse, their time line into Shadowdale had been increased by half a day. The barge was out of view, and the Miller's pond was in the way of their view of the river. The contact in Shadowdale would be less than pleased if contact with the barge was lost, and the occupants in question became missing.

Khett had warned Hastor of the party's strengths. Their strength was their adaptability to adapt to almost any condition or situation.

Hastor swore under his breath.

*****

The sun was setting, and the three would be adventurers could still hear the bugbears crashing through the thick underbrush behind them. Sartorius knew he would fight. Doing so now would be better, instead of later when he was exhausted. Occasionally he could see Smythe or Dahljanna as they hopped over logs, or small hills in the forest.

They had been running in a straight line for most of the late afternoon when they made contact. In front of him, a clearing was coming up. As the musician ran into the opening of the clearing he lost his footing, and crashed down a steep hill. Nettles and briars tore at his clothing and flesh. They had broken out. In front of the party were farms. Smythe was already down the hill, and Dahljanna was standing up from falling, as did Sartorius.

Beyond the line of farms was a road, and to the left was a small town with lights. Shadowdale! They had made it to Shadowdale. Smythe was already hopping a fence. The reluctant warrior wasted no time in continuing the race to the road and beyond. The elven princess bounded over a fence like an antelope. Sartorius crashed into the fence, and quickly navigated over the top. He paused briefly to see the bugbears piling over the crest of the incline, and making the same progress the party members did.

Dogs were barking, women and children screamed. The alarm went out as the farmers realized a large tribe of goblinoids was making a move on Shadowdale. Large dogs confronted the party, but none of the party members stopped to heed the barking and growling canines. A large mastiff confronted Sartorius, and the musician slammed into the barking animal. Yelping in pain, the animal ran with its tail between its legs. As Sartorius found the road, his comrades directed him to turn left, and run down the main road toward Shadowdale. Faced with an important choice, the party of would be adventurers were met by a mounted militia. The three companions pointed in the direction of the hill they came down, and the militia spurred their mounts to join the fray.

Their chests heaving, and their legs like rubber the three would be adventurers walked slowly into the center of Shadowdale.

"We need outfitting." Sartorius said.

"Where do you suppose we find new equipment, and do they have it here?" Smythe asked.

"We should ask at the inn, if they have such a place." Dahljanna said.

The three companions stopped a pedestrian, and asked for directions to the nearest inn. They received directions to the Old Skull Inn. Thanking the pedestrian for his time, they followed the pedestrian's directions to the inn.

The large inn dominated the section of land on which it was built. As the three companions approached the Old Skull Inn, they could sense hospitality emanating from it. A set of double doors greeted the three friends as they stood in front of the structure. Without waiting, Sartorius opened the doors, and walked in with Smythe and Dahljanna behind him.

A silver haired woman wearing leather apron and a goldenrod blouse greeted them with a nod. Sartorius put his pack on the bar, and pulled out his purse.

"We would each like . . .?" Sartorius said as he looked at his friends with a smile.

"I will take a draft if you please." Smythe said.

"Elven wine, if you have it." The elven priestess said.

"I will take a draft as well." Sartorius said.

"That will be five gold pieces please." The bartender said.

Sartorius dropped a platinum piece on the bar, and accepted his drink when it came. Sighs of satisfaction came from the three friends as they relaxed a bit in the safe harbor of the Old Skull's taproom.

"Will you be needing a room tonight?" The bartender asked.

"We might be needing many." Sartorius replied after counting on his fingers. "I would suspect our number is ten. Do you have the room?"

"Only if you put a deposit down before you leave here. You all look like you are in an awful hurry." The bartender said.

"We are. Do you know if a trading barge has poled into town yet?"

"Most barges stay in the river, but if you work your way east on the main road you will see the haul out, and the piers."

"Do you have a weapon's dealer in Shadowdale?"

"We do, and you passed his establishment up as you came into town. Werregund's is out the double doors, hit the street, turn left, and you will see the signs on your right as you almost leave town. If you pass the temple to Chauntea, you have gone too far. Now are you still interested in those rooms?"

"How many coins does it take to reserve a room, or rooms?"

"Your choice depends on the floor, and what rooms you want to stay in. If you want the best, then you want the Emperor."

"We would like the Emperor's room, and several room within proximity to it."

The bartender pointed out a floor plan of the top floor, and showed the location of the Emperor.

"How many coins does it cost for five days?"

"That will cost you thirty gold pieces, and additional five gold pieces for meals."

"How much extra would it cost if we had meals in our rooms?"

"Over here," The bartender said pointing to a location on the floor plan. "I have a room called the Upper Hall. We can cater meals up there if you wish."

"Excellent, how much money will it cost me to stay in those rooms?"

"All told, how does fifty gold pieces sound?"

"That is satisfactory." Sartorius said, and counted out ten platinum coins.

He finished his ale, and looked at his comrades.

"Shall we?" Dahljanna asked.

"I am ready." Smythe said.

*****

The four members of the party loaded themselves into the Faering, and shoved off away from the barge. They rowed as fast as they could to keep the lowest point on the southern shore in sight during the waning light. Lindisfjarn chose a point on the bank, and beached the faering.

The Torkrest warrior was the first person out, and he immediately set about constructing steps into the steep bank. In a short while, the Torkrest dwarf had a set of stairs dug into the steep bank up which an invalid could navigate. Dinnel marked Boldar's progress, and shoved off the beach, and quickly rendezvoused with the barge. Garntay helped Xarno into the narrow faering, and then helped Erewan maintain her footing. Once the two were settled, the elven priest settled into the boat, and Garntay shoved off. He aimed for where the Torkrest dwarf was still making steps.

"I hope Boldar is not getting carried away." Xarno said.

"You know how he is with rock and dirt." The warrior priest said.

"Yes I know. That is why I am afraid."

Dinnel beached the faering on the south shore of the river, and helped everyone else get out of the boat. Erewan was guided from the dry portion of the pebble-strewn streambed to a wonderful set of stairs cut right into the wall of the riverbank. When she reached the top, a column formed around her with Lindisfjarn at the point, and Boldar, and Dinnel at her sides. Kjellinger brought up the rear with Garntay and Xarno behind the elven princess.

Their pace was steady, and sure. Bows were out, and arrows knocked. Those that did not carry missile weapons had melee weapons at the ready. The path following the river was clear, and simple to follow.

"My ranger friend, take us into the forest out of sight." Xarno ordered.

Like a snake, the column wound its way into the forest, and turned northward a rod into the depths.

*****

Sartorius almost double-timed it to the merchant's store. A sheepish man wrung his hands as he saw the three adventurers climb his stairs to his porch.

"I was just getting ready to close." The merchant said.

"You would not mind a little extra business, would you?" Sartorius asked.

"The pleasure is all mine. Take your time, and look around."

Sartorius spotted what he was looking for, bows.

Sartorius pulled three long bows from a wooden box. He handed one to each of his friends. Grabbing a large quiver, he tossed one to his friends again. The musician moved over to the arrows, and picked out three score arrows, and handed a score to each of his companions.

The group moved to the front desk, and the nervous man stared at them.

"We have found what we need." Sartorius said.

"What did you decide?" The merchant asked sheepishly.

"Three longbows, three quivers, and sixty arrows."

Using a small quill, the merchant added the value, and double-checked his work. "That comes to one hundred-eighty-six gold pieces, and six silver pieces."

"Sartorius counted out thirty-eight platinum pieces. He waited as the merchant double-checked his numbers and the count twice. The nervous man began counting out the change from the till, and the musician held up his hand.

"Keep it."

The merchant smiled at such easy profit. He watched as the three companions hustled out of the store, and began running toward the river.

"Look, the barge is about to go under the bridge!" Sartorius said.

With added vigor, the adventurers realized they had made it in time. Now all they had to do was to escort the main party to their rooms, and their part was done. As they approached the bridge, a rag tag group on horseback filed out of the forest from the forest to the east on the northern bank of the Ashaba. Smythe thought he recognized the four men on three horses, but gave it no additional thought.

Sartorius was already on the bridge running to the southern side of the wide river. He looked for his friends, but they were not to be seen. Once Sartorius crossed the bridge, he ran to the pier where the barge was tying up.

The large barge master was the first to step ashore.

"Excuse me." The musician inquired. "Where are Xarno, and the rest of his party?"

"I know you." the large bearded man said with a smile." Aren't you from Ashabanford?" Bharavan asked.

"Yes, now where are Xarno, and my friends? It is important."

"They left the barge before it tied up."

"How long ago?"

"Not how long, but how far. They left the barge after coming around that bend in the river before the miller's pond" The barge master said, as he pointed his massive hand in the direction where Xarno and company disembarked from the barge.

"Now what?" Smythe asked.

"We wait." Sartorius answered.

"For how long?" Dahljanna asked.

"However long it takes. I need to speak to Kjellinger."

"Where do you want to wait? " The reluctant warrior asked.

"Right on this very spot." Sartorius said as he leaned on his long bow.

*****

The column had spread out when they entered the heavy brush. Garntay had taken a position in front of Erewan, and Xarno was constantly looking over his shoulder at Kjellinger. Boldar and Dinnel had spread out on the flanks. Deer and other animals scattered as the column moved purposefully through the forest.

Each member of the column stayed in their position with their weapons at the ready. Lindisfjarn entered a section of the forest that had been badly scarred by a recent fire. Instead of maintaining his present course, the elven ranger turned back into the green forest, and bypassed the burned area.

"We might have trouble." Boldar said.

"Where?" Xarno asked.

"Ahead of us to our right, on the southern foot of the long bridge that spans the river Ashaba." The dwarven warrior explained without pointing. "See the three figures on our side of the bridge, and do you see the three horses on the east side?"

Xarno looked to the direction as his column moved through the trees. Three figures stood facing east on the west side of the bridge. Three horses moved west on the north side of the bridge.

"Do you fancy a show down then? It could be harmless. I recommend we wait in the safety of the trees until they disperse." The Torkrest warrior said.

Hints of laughter came from the rest of the column even Erewan smiled. Seldom did they ever hear the dwarf recommend the party remained in the trees, but his suggestion was well founded. Lindisfjarn stopped the column. The periphery of the column closed in on the center and the members of the party listened as Xarno and Lindisfjarn worked out their options.

"We could wait here, or we could advance into Shadowdale." The ranger said.

"If I wanted to take the bridge, how would I go about it?" Xarno asked.

"Brute force or by subterfuge." The elven ranger said.

"If be brute force, I get the honor of taking the point." Boldar said.

"So noted." The mage said.

"I will take the subterfuge approach." Kjellinger said.

"I recommend we lay low." The elven ranger said.

The remainder of the party nodded at the ranger's wisdom, but they also knew if magic was needed at the choke point, Kjellinger would be a good choice. Yet if brute force were required, Boldar at the point was an exceptional choice. All eyes looked to Xarno, but the decision was his. Erewan stood quietly rocking Quillan in her arms, and singing softly.

"Kjellinger, take Boldar and Dinnel with you for support. Find out what is going on at the bridge." Xarno said.

"When I put my hand on Dinnel's shoulder like so." The bard said, gently grasping the warrior priest's shoulder. "The bridge is safe to cross. If I push Dinnel, stay under cover. The three of us will take the bridge after that."

Xarno nodded, and relaxed as he watched the three friends walk toward the main road on the northern end of their section of the forest.

*****

Hastor wanted to look at the barge, and see if the woman was still with the barge, or if she intended to ride the barge up to Daggerdale. After crossing the center part of the bridge, the angle sloped downward to the bridge abutment. Three figures stood abreast of each other at the end of the bridge. Hastor was certain he recognized one of the three archers. After some thought, he realized it was Smythe. Stopping in front of the three would be adventurers. Hastor looked at the elven woman, a half elven man, and Smythe.

"Smythe, we meet again. I wondered what happened to you." Hastor said.

"Where's Rimwold?" The reluctant warrior asked.

"In a better place."

"You killed him?"

"If I did, why do you care?" Hastor asked as he began to dismount.

"I know you are working for the Zhentarim."

"Did you catch a case of morals, lad?"

"You might say that."

Hastor led his horse as he walked toward Smythe. Sartorius lifted his bow, and knocked an arrow.

"That is far enough Zhent!" The musician ordered.

"Who is this whelp?" Hastor asked.

Dahljanna raised her bow, and knocked an arrow. "You heard him. Hold your advance, or it will be your last." She said.

"It is as though we are at an impasse." The cutthroat said.

*****

Boldar had to run to keep up with the two half-elves. The warrior priest was silent as he walked with Kjellinger. Kjellinger was busy watching the events on the bridge unfold. To him it looked as if highwaymen were controlling the bridge. If so, why were Bharavan's men still unloading the barge? Would not a barge full of goods be a better target than a few coppers from a passerby?

The bard watched as first one highwayman raised his bow, and then another while a highwayman and a man leading a horse spoke quietly. Was it a trap? Kjellinger was unsure, either way he did not like it because of the posture of the other two highwaymen with bows. They had arrows knocked, and were aiming directly at the man with the horse.

Something struck Kjellinger in a quizzical way. The man in back of the column stopped by the archers had an idiotic stare. Lindisfjarn had said a face with an idiotic stare had peered at them from above the river on the northern shore while they were on the river. Could this be that group? Kjellinger decided to get involved so he did not get killed.

He signaled Dinnel and Boldar to advance to the foot of the bridge. Dinnel nodded, and walked forward with care.

"Excuse me good men, is this the road to Verloon, Voonlar?" The bard asked.

All eyes were now on him except the two men in discussion. Kjellinger received no response from the men on horseback.

"Kjell?" Sartorius said.

"Sart! Why are you here?" Kjellinger asked"

"It is a long story, am I glad you are here. These Zhents were just leaving the way they came."

"Zhentarim, eh? Aren't you lads a bit far south and west to keep that good of company?" The bard asked.

"Stay to your own road half breed." Hastor said.

"Well, did you not just made a major mistake?" Sartorius said.

Dinnel began praying with a smile on his face.

Hastor took his eyes off Kjellinger, and looked at Sartorius. "Why is that, you whelp?"

Kjellinger cocked his right arm, and punched Hastor in the jaw. "Because nobody calls me half breed, you vermin!"

Hastor regained his equilibrium, and drew his long sword. Dahljanna and Sartorius each took a step back as Boldar forced his way through, and tried to impale the Zhentarim thug with the pike on the end of his single-bitted battle-axe. Smiley, Tarl, and Bert each dismounted as they drew steel. The warrior priest finished his prayer, and drew his long sword before he stepped into the fray.

Xarno and Garntay had been watching the events unfold. "Lindisfjarn, you better get in there." Xarno said.

The elven ranger started running. Garntay cast a protective spell over the remainder of the party. All eyes were on the northern foot of the bridge crossing the Ashaba River. The three highwaymen dropped their bows, and drew steel as they joined with Boldar, Dinnel, and Kjellinger in securing the bridge.

The bard released a magic missile at the thug Hastor. Hastor doubled over, and collapsed on one knee. A dagger bounced off Kjellinger from the three men who had just come down from horseback. Dinnel wanted to charge in, but knew better as the bard released a fireball behind the three men. The concussion knocked the three men forward, and a horse fell its main and tail aflame as it whinnied in pain.

Kjellinger drew steel as he faced Hastor. Sartorius and Dahljanna held the foot of the bridge as Boldar raced past the bard, and the wounded Hastor. The warrior priest was already advancing on the three men who began to stand with swords drawn. Hastor engaged Kjellinger with his sword, and knew immediately he was out matched.

The bard countered every stroke of Hastor's sword, and drove the thug into the retaining wall of the bridge. When Hastor tried to knee the half-elven bard, Kjellinger rotated, and stole the man's center. Hastor was left off balance with nothing but his feet to stop him from crashing into the dirt caked wooden bridge. As the thug regained his balance, the bard removed Hastor's head at the shoulder with a quick stroke of his long sword.

Dinnel knew the fireball had softened the three men who backed the Zhentarim agent. When they saw Hastor, fall, all except Bert retreated. Bert, with his idiotic grin wiped snot off his nose with his sleeve as he twiddled a dagger in his hands. Effortlessly, the cutthroat tossed the dagger at Dinnel, and the hand missile skipped off the magical chain mail under his tabard, ripping the tabard, and nothing else.

Boldar raced past the warrior priest, and tackled the thug. Bert bit and punched the dwarf to fend the little warrior off him. The Torkrest warrior used the pommel of his axe to bash at the thigh of the tall human. An ugly crunch was Boldar's reward as the thigh gave way to magical steel. With amazing strength, Boldar picked up the offensive human, and threw the wounded man over the side of the bridge. A splash and a yell for help followed the sound of a scream as the man fell into the water.

Lindisfjarn passed the combatants, and raced to the north side of the bridge. He was followed by the three would be adventurers, who helped the elven ranger secure the southern end of the bridge.

"This is the group you were telling me about?" Dahljanna asked.

"The same group." Sartorius said.

"You are right about one thing. My sister is in capable hands."

Lindisfjarn turned his head, and looked at Dahljanna. "Sister?"

"Yes, Princess Erewan, and I are sisters." Dahljanna said.

"Is she as steadfast as you are?" The elven ranger asked.

"Worse. I have never seen her fight. Why should she fight, she has this huge group to protect her. Did anybody see where the other two went?"

"They ran to the north." Dinnel said.

"You know Sartorius. These friends of yours could be very beneficial." Smythe said.

"I told you. You would like them."

"That you did."

"Xarno relaxed, and escorted his charges out into the open, and to the bridge where Kjellinger was searching the headless thug for papers. The bard held a scroll with blood on it. Relieving Kjellinger of the document, Xarno examined the bloody scroll, and noticed a Zhentarim seal on the scroll. He promptly dropped his pack, and placed the scroll in it.

"I will examine this at my leisure." The mage said.

"We should meet the heroes who helped us win this small battle." Garntay said as he ushered Erewan over the bridge.

Sartorius, Dahljanna, and Smythe stood relaxed as they spoke with Lindisfjarn. The elven ranger immediately took a knee, and bowed when Erewan arrived, holding Quillan. Turning to see what caused the ranger to behave in such a way, the three would be adventurers looked at Lindisfjarn.

Dahljanna immediately took a knee, and bowed to her sister. Smythe and Sartorius took her lead, and did the same.

"Dahljanna! I must protest! Why are you here?" Erewan asked.

"Margay let me stray from Elven Court on an adventure." Dahljanna explained.

"My queen," Xarno said. "We should seek cover unless someone else recognizes you. Who are these people?" The mage said to Kjellinger.

"You remember Sartorius, Xarno. He helped us in Ashabanford." Kjellinger interjected.

"Yes I do, but the other two members of this group I have no recollection." The mage said.

"The young elven woman is my sister." Erewan said.

"Who is this?" Xarno asked pointing at Smythe.

"I can vouch for him." Sartorius said standing to Xarno.

"Most unusual." The mage said.

"Might I explain?" Smythe asked.

"Continue." Xarno said.

"The whole fracas is my fault. I was the one Lord Rimwold ordered to hire those men. The merchant Multhimmer recommended them." Smythe explained.

"So, why are you doing what you are doing now?"

"You could say I reconsidered, and left the group right after we left Ashabanford."

"Where is Rimwold now?"

"Dead most likely. He was directed by the Zhentarim to find you, and kill the princess and her son. To stop the throne of Aumersaire from being reseated by its rightful heir. Please forgive me."

"Lindisfjarn let out a sigh of satisfaction. "This is the face I saw that day on the river." He said as he looked at Bert's battered body.

"So, how deeply does Zhentarim involvement go into this?" Xarno asked.

"They have hired mercenaries from all the lands to track you down. May I lend my sword to your cause sister of my friend?" Smythe asked.

"We will discuss that later." Erewan said. "May we go to the inn for some rest and refreshment?"

"I have rooms for us already." Sartorius said.

Erewan took Dahljanna by the crook of her elbow, and began walking off the bridge to the center of Shadowdale.

The column reformed around Erewan and her sister. Kjellinger grabbed Sartorius. "You and I need to talk."

Dinnel accosted Smythe. The reluctant warrior said as the warrior priest held the Smythe strongly in his grasp.

"May I be of some service to you?" Smythe asked

"Have not you heard the saying, Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer?" Dinnel said.

Smythe said trying to free himself of the warrior priest's grasp. "You just did."

The Torkrest warrior said, and gently pressed the pike end of his battle-axe into the reluctant warrior's stomach.

"Hey! That thing is sharp!" Smythe said.

"I know." Boldar said with a grin.

The group of ten walked up to the old skull, and Sartorius was allowed to talk with the bartender in the taproom. "We are ready for our rooms now."

The bartender held out four keys, each with a label.

"Hello Jhaele." Xarno said.

"Xarno, it has been a long time, what a surprise." The bartender said. "I will have whatever you need when you want it."

"Dwarven ale?" Boldar asked.

"We have that." The silver maned bartender said.

"By Clanggeddon's beard, we have a right popular place for dwarves."

"We get a few, friend dwarf."

The ten members of the party mounted the stairs to the third floor led by one of the inn's chambermaids. Erewan and Dahljanna went into the first room known as the Emperor's Suite, after it was thoroughly inspected by the group. Boldar took his seat outside the main room in a small anteroom. The chair he was sitting on solidly blocked the door. A second bed was brought in so the meeting room of the master bedroom of the suite could be used as a bedroom for Dahljanna.

Down the hall, the remainder of the party occupied three rooms. Dinnel sat out in the main hall of the inn. Only inn staff and the people he knew and trusted could enter the four rooms occupied by members of the party. Kjellinger and Lindisfjarn rotated with the warrior priest regularly so the party members could eat rest and bathe.

In the upper hall on the third floor, the two adjacent rooms were empty, so Xarno and Garntay sat Smythe down and questioned the man.

"We should go over this again to iron out any wrinkles in your story." Xarno said.

"Where do you want to start this time?" Smythe asked.

"From the beginning."

"I was involved in the first scrape with you folks on that early morning several days ago. At least it felt like several days ago. With the three of us running through the elven forest, it all is one blur." The reluctant warrior said.

"Xarno looked at the elven priest, Garntay. The elven priest nodded.

"Continue." The mage said.

Smythe continued. "Well, I came from the east, and I was in a group of mercenaries who were ordered to enter the inn in Ashabanford."

The mage looked at the priest, and Garntay nodded. Xarno signaled the mercenary to continue.

"Next thing I knew, I was unconscious, and woke up burnt and bruised. So, I went back to where I stayed, and contacted Lord Rimwold in the morning. He had been speaking to another person because this man, I think, was already in the manor house. Anyway, he had very dark hands, almost like onyx, not like some people I have heard about from down south, but darker. His eyes were piercing. All I could see were his teeth, and those eyes. Rimwold called him Khett, or something."

"Garntay looked at Xarno, and the mage got into the reluctant warrior's face.

"Are you sure about the name?" The mage asked.

"No, I am not at all sure." Garntay nodded.

"Go ahead, Smythe."

"This man, I guess he was a man, spoke with a strange accent, as though he was not used to the common language, or something. He threatened Rimwold with death for not getting to your party that morning. I was convinced, and took it upon myself to walk the short and narrow. Lord Rimwold ordered me into the town, since I was the only one to report to him. So, I go back into Ashabanford, and find the group of five mercenaries."

Xarno raised his hand. "We only saw four."

"Yes, but while in the forest we uncovered a huge bugbear lair."

Garntay shook his head.

"Tell me about the bugbear lair."

"We did not find it, just many tracks, ask Sartorius and Dahljanna. Dahljanna pointed them out."

"You said something about the bugbear lair."

"Like I said, we did not see it, just the result of much foot traffic, so I assumed we were near one."

"Do not assume, just tell me what you know. Continue."

"We must have disturbed a whole bunch of them, because we killed a lot as we tried to go west. We had to swerve to the south at once to evade them, and then we turned west again. That is how we got into Shadowdale. A group of mounted militia saw us as we entered the city proper."

"What happened between that, and when you left the mercenaries?"

That is when I ran into Sartorius and Dahljanna. From what Dahljanna said, the thug hired by Multhimmer beat Sartorius quite badly the merchant. Anyway, we traveled north, and west through the forest to buy time. Our first encounter was with some kobolds, and then some orcs, both on different days. It was Dahljanna who guided us through the forest, but after the orcs we ran away so Sartorius could get us free."

Garntay nodded.

"Why did Sartorius do that?"

"He was hurt after the encounter with the kobolds, a huge gash on his arm. He lost much blood. He said he was a burden to us, and turned to fight the orcs. He put us on our horses, and we ran like crazy through the forest, but ran into a group of half orcs who took Dahljanna and me as captives. Sartorius saved us by killing the half orcs with a bow, and we marched out of their camp leaving the three dead, and two who went looking for their comrades were not returned when Sartorius showed up. Anyway, as I was trying to say, the amount of bugbear traffic could have killed one of their number, and I knew if I did not leave they would kill me, like they killed Rimwold."

Garntay nodded.

"All right Smythe, get some food, and get some rest. We need to make some plans, and we need you wide awake for those plans."

Smythe nodded, and stood, then he walked toward the door. "If it is any consolation, I liked stopping Hastor and his men. They were not good men." Smythe turned, and walked out the now open door.

"What do you think?" The mage asked Garntay.

"He is telling the truth. At least he thinks he is. Sartorius told essentially the same story to

Kjellinger and, Erewan got the same story from Dahljanna. Can we trust him?"

"Not sure, I say we buy him a horse, and a week's worth of supplies. Sending him south would be the best."

"I will take that under advisement." Xarno said. "Three more sword arms in our group are a good thing.

"They are inexperienced, and should be coached by the others."

"Were not you coached when you first learned?"

"Well, yes, but that is different." Garntay said.

"I want to hear what the others have to say about this, before we decide. We stay here until the money Sartorius invested in the room's runs out. Until then we maintain a low profile, and sneak in additional supplies for the trip west as needed."

Garntay nodded at Xarno's decision.

"Sartorius became the runner. Twice a day he would go to the merchant's, and buy what the party needed for the trip west. Everything he bought was based on ten mouths, and ten bows. On the fourth day, the senior members of the party were brought into the main room of the Emperor suite, and they were told to decide. The elven priest was the only negative vote.

Xarno called everyone in that night, and they discussed the upcoming adventure, but first he walked up to Smythe, who was very nervous. He knew the day was the day, and he was afraid of the decision.

"What we have is three new mouths to feed, and three new bows and swords. I will throw this out once; your decision is final. Once your decision is made, you are either on your own, or stuck with us."

Smythe breathed a sigh of relief. He guessed they were going to Daggerdale to blend in with the people of that troubled community.

"Dahljanna, you do not get a decision in this issue, yours has been made by your sister. Sartorius, are you in or out? Smythe, are you in or out?" Xarno asked.

"I am in for the long haul." The musician said.

"I am safer with you people than I am out in the world. At least I have a few more sets of eyes watching my back. I am in." The reluctant warrior said.

Xarno stood before the group. "You are all expected to carry your weight. No slackers, we do things by our rules. If you follow the rules, some nasty will probably kill you. From now on, Dahljanna does the entire running. Our main concern is for Quillan, and his mother." The mage said as he pointed to Erewan who was nursing Quillan under a blanket. "She is never to be left alone at any time. No one is allowed to come in contact with contact her, at all. Your safety is secondary to hers and Quillan's. What we say to each other, our plans, and our desires are not to be shared with anyone outside of this group. Doing so will jeopardize a throne. Work as a team, if you don't know how pick somebody, and they will help you learn the ropes. Trust in their experience. Dinnel, go ahead."

The warrior priest stood up, and placed a map in the middle of the meeting table. "This is the route planned to the Lost Vale. We leave here, the day after tomorrow, and we move toward Daggerdale. After we turn to the west into the Desert Mouth Mountains, I will guide you to my parent's farm. Points of interest will be the Spider Haunt Forest, Daggerdale, and the mountains. Daggerdale is not far from Voonlar and Teshwave. So expect troop movements if we see any. We are not going into Daggerdale, so do not get any ideas. We will camp just south of the city, and then melt into the low hills just west of the dale. Any questions?"

The room was quiet, and all eyes were on Smythe.

Kjellinger rose from his seat. "We have met on this subject, and everyone is in agreement. Sartorius, you are to be with me, Dahljanna, you will be with Lindisfjarn and Smythe, and you will pair up with Boldar. Listen to those you are paired up with. They are experienced, and will show you the ropes of how this company moves. I say company, and I misspoke, we are in a league with each other. We eat, sleep, and live as a cohesive unit."

The bard sat, and looked at the ceiling. We need our rest. Those that have scheduled watches make sure you relieve those on duty on time. Get your things together, we may need to leave at a moment's notice." Xarno said.

The party relaxed for the first night in many, and stocked up on the things they wanted to carry. Dahljanna was very busy this last night, as she ran about her sister's room gathering her things. Smythe relaxed, and reported to Boldar, who was just coming off a long watch, and wanted to get some food and drink.

In the busy taproom, a darkly clad figure strode in from the black night. He watched the stairs carefully, and noted the movements of the staff as they went about their duties and tasks as the time allowed.

So ends the sixth segment of The Lost Vale
 

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