LOST TRAILS TWO: TRACK OF THE BEAST-MEN

[Adam]

Bennedict sighs, but nods. "Yes," he agrees. "Where I come from, hunting monsters was more-or-less my profession. Perhaps I can be of some help in this."

[ewancummins]

The Governor nods.
"All right, I'll see you get the loan of some horses. Are you ready to leave very soon?"

[Adam]

The archivist shrugs. "I don't wish to speak for my companions, but I have no compelling reason to stay. The sooner your mission is done, the sooner we can be on our way."

[RocEter]

"I would be glad to join. I am not much of an investigator but if you need a good sword at your side, I am your man." Clive says to the Governor.

Clive won't waste time retrieving his armor, he will just make ready with what he has on.

[alhoon]

"I would agree with Bennedict, your honor. I believe we will be of assistance and the more we prove ourselves useful, the greater the chance your honor will assist us in return. Since we just arrived, I don't have business in the area."

[Wolfglide of the Fraternity]

"I do have some academic business with a priest," Klokulf chimes in, "but it can certainly wait."

He turns to Alwina. "Since following us is no longer obligatory, I venture to suggest that you stay in the city for safety while we are gone. Does this sound reasonable?"

[ewancummins]

"I do have some academic business with a priest," Klokulf chimes in, "but it can certainly wait."

He turns to Alwina. "Since following us is no longer obligatory, I venture to suggest that you stay in the city for safety while we are gone. Does this sound reasonable?"

Alwina bites her lower lip.
''I'd rather go with you, even if it's dangerous. I don't know anything about this place and I know you've kept me safe so far.''


The Governor quirks her lips, glances at Klokulf sideways, and then turns toward Alain and Benn.
''Good. I'll fill you in on what I know, what I suspect, as we ride north.''

[Adam]

Bennedict nods. "I'll go and fetch my equipment."

Once he has done so (and donned his breastplate) he returns and prepares to leave.

[Wolfglide of the Fraternity]

Alwina bites her lower lip.
''I'd rather go with you, even if it's dangerous. I don't know anything about this place and I know you've kept me safe so far.''

"Fair enough," Klokulf replies.

"I will need my armor and weapon back too," he says as he rises and follows Bennedict.

[alhoon]

Alwina bites her lower lip.
''I'd rather go with you, even if it's dangerous. I don't know anything about this place and I know you've kept me safe so far.''

Raen's lips form the hint of a smile.

[ewancummins]

A SHORT WHILE LATER...

The party (all of it, if Katrin decides to join her friends) meets the Governor's band in the same courtyard where Dorn waits with the wagonload of soldiers (the team is hitched, but the wagon's departure has been delayed, it seems).

Governor Samus Phrax sits mounted on a bay mare, eyes closed, hands crossed at the saddlehorn.

Her three huntsman stand nearby, holding the reins of their own mounts, patient and still.

When the governor finishes her silent prayers or meditation, she rides over to the wagon where Dorn and six soldiers wait.
''I need two volunteers. The rest of you return to the fort.''

Dorn nearly falls off the buckboard as he waves his arms overhead, exclaiming, ''I'll go!''
The draught-horses shift in their harness and whinny.

An old soldier with a face like creased leather says, ''Me too, Your Excellency.''

[ewancummins]

Grooms have brought riding horses for the party.

[alhoon]

Raen gets on his horse and gives a nod to Dorn.
Addressing the Governor once she finished her prayers he says "Your excellency, could you tell us more about what troubles we may face?"

[ewancummins]

Raen gets on his horse and gives a nod to Dorn.
Addressing the Governor once she finished her prayers he says "Your excellency, could you tell us more about what troubles we may face?"

Governor Samus turns to regard Raen.

''We've reports of a very recent raid on a farmstead to the northwest, arson and murder, possibly kidnappings. The place lies near the western fringes of the Vast Swamp. Not many details in the initial report--the only survivor the scouts found was a young girl wandering lost and bloody in the fields. She said the beast-men came for her mama and papa and baby brother. Then she passed out from blood loss and fever. I don't know if she has recovered consciousness or even if she's still alive. I don't mean to sit on my backside and wait for more reports. I'm going up for a look myself.''

[Adam]

"Where is the girl, now?" Bennedict asks. "It may be helpful to see if she can recall more specific details about the attackers."