She Knows More than She Is Saying…

The group headed in to the forest, trying to make their way to Qat. The path through the forest was rather thin but just wide enough to allow the wagon through. This meant they had to take more care and travel slower than usual and it would take more time to complete the trip. The first day in was quiet and uneventful. But later on the second day as they neared the town their quiet approach was interrupted by a pack of people racing down the path towards them. There were around a dozen of an array of people. Some adventurers, some not. On they came running in obvious fear of something. The group tried many ways to communicate but the runners simply made gestures for the group to clear a path ahead. A Detect Magic even showed no signs of any magical influence. They cleared aside and let them race past. Keeping an eye to see if they turned around but that would not happen.

Morgana cast Imbue Intelligence on Ed directing him to fly ahead and investigate the source of the trouble and come back to tell her. It took about 5 minutes for him to return with word the town was ahead and there was no other sign of trouble. With that information the group moved ahead. It took less than half an hour to reach the clearing where Qat stood. They were greeted by a cordon of citizens wielding torches and farming implements intended as weapons led by a line of armed town guards blocking their way. The line of residents slowly marched towards them. Morgana and Gwyn caught sight of another wagon that had been overturned behind their lines. As they locals approached a discussion settled on it not being worth finding out what was going on and to leave the town. Cord turned the wagon around and they made their way back out down the path.

Furion was not happy with this decision and decided to stop and head back to find out more. Gwyn chose to not allow him to go alone. Back they went and the rest of the party held their position. They walked back to the clearing and were met by the wall of locals. As they strode in a group of 4, led by what appeared to be the captain of the local guard, stepped forward to meet them. A parlay was conducted, Furion pleading his case that the group was there to investigate the Zisko gang. The very gang that had raced through Qat, robbing and rampaging and killing not 5 or 6 days prior. The gang had come in on a wagon like theirs, attacking from the defensive position it provided, sporting a banner on the rear of the wagon that read “XNDR RULZ”.

Furion and Gwyn agreed to being questioned under the supervision of a Detect Lies spell. Their answers were well received and the group allowed to return to the town. Cord was not thrilled at the prospect of having to turn the wagon around… again… but agreed to the task. Once in town the group offered what help they could to assist the town. Clerics went to the healers, others helped rebuild or repair buildings that had been damaged. Questions about the attack were asked and they found out the gang rode through town. They stopped at many of the businesses and the church taking whatever they could until there was sufficient resistance to cause them to move along. In the end they left with close to 15,000 gold and some religious valuables from the church. After having helped out where they could and slept the night the group left in the morning heading north towards Mulrein.

This leg of the trip would again take longer than expected due to the path and terrain. The first day passed without incident. The second day the group broke in to the open rolling hills area of the forest covering a little more ground. They stayed the night just outside their reentry to the woods. Day three was different as the lead guides, Curly and Iliana, were picked from their horses and began dangling in the air.

Both wriggled around and were able to draw their sword as Two Ettercaps emerged to attack. Gwyn cast a Bless as the attacks commenced and two huge spiders dropped down along their silks amid the party. Books cast Spiritual Whip striking a spider. Rennala and Cord fired bow shots that both hit the same spider. Illiana was bit by an Ettercap finding the attack also packed a poison. Hal and Morgana both cast a Hailstone. One striking an Ettercap and one a spider, killing it as Cord fired a bow shot killing the second spider. Hal made the attack on one Ettercap easier as he cast Faerie Fire on it while Books and Gwyn loosed Spiritual Whip attacks.

The Ettercaps still attacking Illiana and Curly as they dangled in front of them, Hal cast a Tunnel Vision on one to limit its ability to attack and defend. But the easier attacks were ended as Rennala had raced forward and hacked through the web suspending the two party members, allowing them to drop. Unfortunately Illiana had sustained too much damage and merely fell to the ground. Morgana conjured a new weapon for herself casting Flame Blade and attacked. Furion was able to finish off the last creature with a killing blow. The battle done, Gwyn revived Illiana with a healing spell.

A quick round of healing and they were off again. It did not take long to reach Mulrein. Asking a guard looking individual for directions they were steered towards Eddy’s. It had accommodations for them, the horses and wagon. In the morning Hal, Gwyn and Illiana headed to the home of Naomi. It was her name they found in the letter taken from one of Zander’s gang they had defeated in the Midway pass and was their best lead… for now. As a start a Detect Lies was cast on Gwyn to help him as they talked with Naomi.

They knocked on her door and introduced themselves as having sad news to share. Naomi invited them in to talk. Hal activated his ESP to better follow the thoughts of Naomi. Word about the letter was shared and news regarding his death. She gave them some cash as thanks for their efforts. It was clear Naomi was not answering fully and the ESP revealed she definitely knew more than was willing to speak. As they looked around the small, rather poor home, they spotted two rather special looking items. A crystal chalice and a very well made and appointed dagger. The conversation was not proceeding as they hoped and a rather awkward mention of the dagger by Illiana ended the conversation. With that the group took their leave. They walked out, down the street and turned away, signaling to the others scattered around the area. Most joined them out of sight but Books moved to hide and observe. Gwyn made way to the local church to donate the funds to which he added some of his own.

It wasn’t long before Naomi was out the door and racing down the street. Books raced back to inform the rest of the group, gather them up and head back after her. She moved quickly and was gone before they could reliably follow. Several directions were checked but the conclusion was she was off to spread word and they really did not want to be there in case many more came after them. The party headed back to Eddy’s, gathered up their things and made their way out of town heading north towards Sentonville. This was more thick forest providing slow progress. They traveled north for about an hour or so and then abruptly turned west hoping to lose any followers. They traveled this way for 2 days without being disturbed making camp the second night maybe an hour or two from exiting the woods.

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