Barmak does as directed; and, since he's been up for some time, takes a nap...letting others know that being well-rested and well-fed before adventure is prudent.

A'kos readies his equipment and awaits the others.

Jaleh follows suit by readying her own equipment.

Balthazar alights onto the dock.  "Say, do we know any history of this city?  Like say, why it was left in ruins?"

Heinrich readies his equipment, checking his sword, climbing equipment, and strapping on his bow and quivers. He then looks at his war-axe and shield, and decides it is best to be unencumbered here. With his bow ready, he disembarks.

Dyanna has her gear in a small pack as she joins the others on the dock.

"I would be one of those that the team of oxen could not hold back."

Miroslav smiles at those assembled. He calls to Cuivi..."Are you joining us?"

He then look sat Barmak and says..."You get an hour of sleep and no more, we move out in that time. I think it is best that you are with us for this."

He then answers Balthazar...From what I have been able to gather in the libraries of Khorsun...this is an old Greek colony that was bustling until about 700 years ago. I am not sure what caused the downfall but it remained inhabited until sacked by Arabs just over 250 years ago."

Cuivi toddles onto the dock carrying his pack and his staff. His curious string of prayer beads hang from his neck. "Yes, yes, I was just finishing up my morning prayers."

Barmak grunts, which probably signifies agreement and a thank-you for the compliment...unless "be with us" signifies distrust of letting Barmak out of the party's sight.

"Got it.  So the Arabs probably missed the library, or couldn't get in.  Oh this is going to be exciting!"

A'kos frowns.

"I've been spending too much time in cities or aboardship lately.  I long for the freedom of the plain."

A thought occurs and he approaches Radvila.

"Friend, your work w/ the totems was impressive.  What likelihood that you could also fashion a lance for me, with a cradle to affix to my saddle...similar to what the Franks and Germans use?"

OOC: Edit to approach the Carver.  My bad Barmak - go back to sleep.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Fri 21 Oct 2011.

Barmak sleeps on, which is just as well. Perish the thought that he would do honest manual labor.

Radvila beams at the idea that his work is appreciated..."I am sure i could do it given the proper materials and time. We would have to find the proper wood and let is season for a good bit of time before it could be fashioned into a lance. Perhaps it would be possible to find the wood back in Khorsun? I am afraid if you need it now that although I could possibly make it for you rather quick, the wood will not hold up being green and will likely split as it dries."

After about an hour has passed, Miroslav gives Barmak a rough shake of the shoulder and says..."We need you and your light feet to scout head my friend."

He gathers the others and says..."Loukas, you and Barmak take the German and scout ahead. The rest of us will follow behind, much less stealthily."

He points to the ruined street directly across from the dilapidated pier..."According tot he map the library should lie directly north on this street just about a mile inland. The road or what is left of it dead ends at the building if I am reading the map correctly."

The road itself is fairly wide, wide enough for two carts to pass each other. It is heavily overgrown with scrub as the forest encroaches on both sides making it hard to see very far.

With a grin, "Right, Captain. Come fellows, A Greek, an Arab, and a German enter a town... let us learn the punchline. Veles always offers one."

Loukas moves carefully ahead not only attempting to move quietly as possible, but keeping out of sight of whatever may remain behind in the town after its sacking 250 years ago. With a chuckle he thinks to himself, Funny, had I not seen what I'd seen in the past few years since joining the Heart of Oak, I am uncertain that I would've bothered to take such precautions. Perhaps I'm getting old

A'kos retrieves a small figurine from his pouch, whispers a secret word, then tosses it forward as it transforms into a magnificent golden lion.

"Follow them, guard their backs," he says to the lion as the others ride out.  To Miroslav he adds, "I will ride point, with an eye on the lion, some fifty yards ahead of the rest of you.  Call if you've need."

Barmak rises silently, washes his face, and stretches.

---

So, I'm to go ahead of everybody else?

"No, you, Heinrich and I will scout.

"We've got Barmak moving, are you ready, Heinrich?"

Heinrich checks his equipment, making sure everything is secured to avoid making any noise. He readies his bow, then looks at Loukas and Barmak, "I'm ready. Unless you have any objections, I'll go with bow at the ready."

He waits for the scouts to start, and then will move with them, quietly and stealthily, keeping out of sight as best he can.

Barmak puts on a backpack and procures a walking stick from the ship's stores.. I'm going right down the middle of the street, making no effort at concealment. I will be looking around, gaping like a tourist.

And so he does... or at least starts out that way.

Balthazar has his brazier out and is ready to summon elemental aid.

With her short bow ready, Jaleh follows Heinrich's example and stealthily moves out after the others, staying out of sight as best she could.

He gives Barmak a questioning look, turning his head to the German, "Very well, Heinrich. I shall be with you."

Barmak grins, white teeth contrasting with dark tan skin. Conceal by not concealing.

"Yes, erm, Barmak... You do realize that the city is deserted. Destroyed. Anything or anyone we meet is unlikely to be friendly, let alone want to share whatever it is they have found here. If you march down its streets you are potentially only making yourself a target. If that is what you wish to do, so be it, but I just wanted to be sure you understood."