Long rides, sparse game and fodder and thankfully no encounters of consequence.

A pack of hungry wild dogs trail them for two of those days, hoping for scraps, which Salen dutifully supplies, perhaps intending to catch a few pups to add to his pack.

The Queen and her companions soar far above, dropping down at midday to rest and then again as Bright Treasure retires.

On the third day Hoskar manages to contact a Honeyguide, but the small bird has nothing to lead them to, the area seemingly bereft of bees and their hives.

Finally, on a particularly dark and cloudy Freezeday evening the Rangers spy the green, hazy smudge that is Hoofcrack....

He points to the green smudge, "We'll have to find a safe spot to leave most of the mounts. If anyone gear they can't do without for a day or so, I don't mind putting it on Carross or Peat's mount." He points to the high llama following him, "I'm sure Glama.." he shakes his head, "Sorry Gloaming, might have some space as well." He looks over to Gloaming, "Sorry, its hard to get used to your name change."

"You'll get used to it" comes back a rather grim reply. Everyone had noticed how the Blue Llama brave had taken to painting the death Rune on his face each morning as the sun rose.

"There's the place where we left the mounts last time. Reckon we could head there. I don't want to go in the Oasis unless I have to. Reckon the Morokanths will see us and send out Greeshar and the shaman if they're still alive."

In reply to Gloaming (msg # 3):

He shrugs, "Probably." He scratches his left ear, "The Queen has my undying love, but I did promise to take that oasis women with us when we returned this way. I must talk to the Queen once she lands for the night and explain it to her."

Swooping down to land amongst the Rangers the Harpy Queen asks what they plan to do

"This is a foul place....Malia is strong. I feel her corrupting presence everywhere."

"My Queen. This is the site of a battle in which Malia was defeated, but her presence lingers strongly here because of that. It is a place where heroes come to quest against her and defeat her. Maybe when we are stronger we will do the same."

"There are two of our number who remained here to aid the Morokanth here in the fight against Malia's influence after their shaman spent his power giving us charms to help in our quest against the corrupted Harpies. We must collect them before moving on."

He pauses as a thought comes to him "My Queen, we the Wandering Rangers are sworn to mending the land, to re-greening it for all the peoples here. Some peoples though resist the call to join us. They would rather it remains as it is because that is what they are used to in some cases and in others perhaps because they think that we cannot accomplish this."

"If though they witness what we have done, they cannot deny your beauty and grace nor that this land is the better for your presence. And as your rescuers they cannot deny our effectiveness."

Ohanzee smiles "We should celebrate your rescue, your return with us. We can go there in the morning and herald your arrival and you could descend from the sky and grace the disbelievers amongst the Morokanth with your presence and perhaps in doing so swell our numbers."

The Queen listens but shakes her regal head

"As a creature of the Sky I will have no dealings with the followers of Dark Eater. Despite my allegiance to Earth I am of Fire and Sky. I will not set foot here, nor will they likely welcome me."

He is relieved to see the Queen is safe after her day spent flying, he waits while she is talking to Ohanzee. Once they have finished talking, he approaches and bows, "My Queen, you are looking as radiant as every." A look of shame and embarrassment takes hold of his face, "Before you graced us with your amazing presence my Queen, I met a woman from this oasis and told her that when I returned from killing the chaotic harpies, I would take her with me." he gulps down a lung full of air to steady his nerves, "Though my love for you is undying, it wouldn't be right for me to break my word to her."

"You are not betrothed to me Tarosh, so do as you wish, my faithful servant" replies the Queen kindly

"Your devotion is touching and will be well rewarded..."

In reply to Hilimaz Mushen (msg # 9):

Relief and sorrow briefly fight for control of his face, but in the end he smiles and bows, "Thank you my Queen."

He climbs aboard Carross and heads towards the place they left the mounts before, "Let us collect our companions and leave this foul place as soon as possible."

The queen watches Tarosh depart, a calculating look on her beautiful face. Then with a flick of her wings she is airborne, following the Blue Llama brave.

Ohanzee can't disguise his disappointment but he responds "I find it hard to believe that any wouldn't be swayed by your grace and beauty My Queen, but I can understand you not wanting to sully yourself amongst them." He bows "With your leave My Queen I shall go to the oasis now and fetch them so that we do not need to tarry here in the morning." and he departs.

"Gloaming, Tarosh  seems to have his hands full for a while. I'll ride Peat's mount, will you come and fetch some water and the others on yours?"

Henal grins seeing the interaction between the Harpy Queen and the enamoured Rangers, while he readies himself to go on foot into the Oasis. He looks to see if there is anything he cannot do without that will need packing onto a Llama while they venture in.

"Lets get this trip over as soon as we can and get headed back to the Giant Finger Holes".

The wild dogs seem rather taken by the snacks offered to them by Salen, but perhaps affected by the close proximity of Hoofcrack they are not trusting anyone at this time, and they move on as soon as they have eaten, much to the Condor brave's disappointment. Perhaps I have neglected Brother Dog?

When he sees Tarosh and Ohanzee fawning over the Harpy Queen, Salen cannot help but (good-naturedly) chide them a little.

"Get you two, practically drooling over her feathers! I bet if she tickled either of you under the chin you'd fall into her lap like a lovesick puppy!"

For the first time since his return to the land of the living, Hoskar's smile clouds over a little his gaze seeming far away as he strives for recall. Of a sudden, he claps his hands together.

I just knew there was something I was forgetting!

We've got loot now. Is any of it spare? And if so, does anyone reckon we might trade for some of those riverfolk slaves we saw here before? I know our honoured Captain has reservations about the whole idea, but they'd be better off with us, or traded to the tribes at the Finger Holes, than here with the Morokanth.

Having worked out what was bothering him, his placid expression returns as he looks around to see what the others think.

As Ohanzee gathers waterskins to fill he hears Hoskar and responds "Hold off on that, Whispers was going to use the sway her help was bringing to get her, others perhaps."

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 16):

Hoskar's smile broadens still further; almost to the point it seems his face might split apart. Better and better - if anyone can command that sort of respect, it's the Seza; and thank you Ohanzee. I seem to have the odd...ah...gap here and there since the cave.

Kobal groans inwardly seeing some of the other Rangers fawn over the Harpy Queen.  They don't act the same way in relation to Emesh-Ga whom they have sworn to follow.  But they are allies.

Like Henal, he readies himself for the walk to Hoofcrack.  It had been good to back riding on Black Hoof, like a bison brave should do, after skulking through caves hunting Chaos harpies.  But the past four days on his beast had passed to quickly, and once again he found himself on foot.  Still, it would be good to see Greeshar and the Wise One again.

Amara kept quiet for much of the journey, taking her job as self assigned guardian of the harpy queen seriously. As they drew closer to hoofcrack she decided to talk to the queen. "Even although you have chosen not to enter this desolate place, I think it would be wise for me to go to check it out. My brother remained there when the rest of us decided to progress to see what we could do about the harpy problem....and Whispers, a good friend remained behind to render what assistance she could to the hapless people staying here. If you do not mind, I'll ride in to see what changes if any have occurred since we left them behind."

As he departs the group, Tarosh hears Salen's comment and raises his left arm, bent at the elbow with his middle finger extended.

At the campsite

Tarosh slowly approaches the boulders that surround their old campsite, alert for anything that might try and ambush them. Whilst still mounted he makes his way through the boulders, once he's past the outer ones, he spies a movement in the shadows, he raises his axe and call out a challenge, "Who's there? if you intend violence, you'll not find me an easy target."

A feminine laugh comes from the darkness, "But you were an easy target for other things," Kinamasi steps forward, "I was worried, I thought you had decided not to come back this way and that I would still be trapped here with no way of escaping."

Tarosh jumps down from Carross and is about to make his way over to her, when what she has said sinks in and his shoulders slump, "but.. but.." he stutters, "I.. I.."

Kinamasi walks gracefully over to him and puts her finger across his lips, "Sssh, did you think it was love, I know our eyes met across a smokey camp fire, but we hardly know each other." She moves her finger and kisses him, "We both got something from that night." She pats her belly, "and we may come to love each other, though I think you already do. I'm sure if you keep me around and take good care of me, my love for you will blossom." She laughs kindly.

He looks stunned by Kinamasi's words, "I'll admit that I had hopes that you felt something for me as you wanted to come with me when I returned, but I didn't think that's all you'd want from me, a way to leave this place. There are easier ways."

"But none as pleasant." she interjects.

He smiles bashfully, "But none as pleasant, you're right. The smile disappears, "Things have changed since we last met, we discovered that a few of the harpies had returned to the old ways of the earth, they are pure now, just like in the Green Age, and the Queen.. a dreamy smile makes an appearance, "she is so beautiful, I don't think I could love anyone as much as I love her," he shakes himself, "but I am willing to try."

She opens her mouth to say something, but instead slaps Tarosh in the face, "Your telling me that in the middle of a filthy harpy nest you found someone else, how could you!" she then stamps off towards the oasis. Tarosh runs after her, rubbing his face, "Its not like that, you need to meet her, then you'll understand," As he grabs her shoulders to turn her around, Kinamasi smiles to herself, Works every time."

"Please, you can still come with me and leave this place, I still feel for you and like you said maybe you could love me." his voice carries a note of uncertainty.

She smiles sweetly at him, "You're going to have to work for it now. What did you bring me?"

Unused to dealing with women who change their moods so quickly, Tarosh just nods and beckons her back to Carross, "Let us get the camp ready for when the others arrive, then I'll have more time to show you what I've got for you."

She stands and watches Tarosh prepare the camp until she hears the others approaching, at which point she gets involved and tells him to put his feet up.

"You must do what you have to do Amara Brightsky" smiles the Queen "You must not neglect your comrades and family. I will not stand in the way of that."

Amara nodded pleased that the Queen allowed her such leeway. She nudged her toe against Thunderfoot's flank, urging her rhino to approach the oasis.

The Rangers congregate at the campsite just as darkness falls. There they find Tarosh and one of the oasis folk, a dark haired woman who is introduced as Kinamasi.

Guards are set and those Rangers wanting to find Whispers and Greeshar head over towards the oasis with High Llamas carrying empty water skins.

As they draw close the air becomes heavy, thick with the smell of sulphur and the buzz of insects. Dark shadows separate from the trees, revealing them to be armed Morokanth.

"Declare your business" comes the unfriendly greeting.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:08, Wed 02 Dec 2015.

Since the quest to marry the River and the Earth Ohanzee has not felt quite as at home in the Darkness as he used to, though he is determined to push himself remain connected if in a lesser way to the element After all, what use is a Raven shaman who cannot interact with spirits and creatures of Darkness!

So it is that he refuses the torch as he rides towards the oasis proper, instead relying on the sure-footedness of his mount and a slow speed. He is not surprised by the shadow separating from the Darkness about but disappointed in himself for not spotting the guards earlier.

At the challenge he answers "We are from the Wandering Rangers returned for our quest to rid the hills of the Chaos Harpy menace."

"Our business is with Broken Claw."

Having polished up and donned his finest metal armour by way of imposing costume, Hoskar composes himself to a bland yet solemn countenance they'll probably ask about Dark Claw - best be ready - can't shirk that responsibility as he walks beside the party heading for Hoofcrack; looking quizzically at some of his comrades - Amara for one - as he does so until light no longer permits and he must focus on following those with better night vision.

Carrying the shield that is the symbol of the Earth Knight's authority; sword sheathed and as a concession to diplomacy only the trader's staff in his good right hand, he nods appreciatively as Ohanzee takes the lead; remaining silent for the moment yet ready to speak words of conciliation should things turn sour.

"The Rangers eh?.....Broken Claw?.....Right yer are. Stay here, I'll be back in a moment."

The Morokanth vanishes back into the undergrowth, his half dozen comrades watching the Rangers carefully. Tough warriors these, bearing the marks of Waha and Darkness. Two have thumbs and carry large bronze axes, the rest spears, clubs and slings.

Familiars report of bound spirits and an awakened Gern somewhere in the bushes beyond.

These quite obviously were not the same young braves that the Rangers bested in the brawl earlier. These were most likely the males who were away with the khan, which of course means that it is likely that the khan has returned and that could be the herald of trouble given the bad blood between Two Thumbs and some of the Rangers.

As they wait Ohanzee asks "Malia still enraged since her whooping by the little guys?"

Ohanzee's question gets no reply from the Morokanths.

The air, not only muggy, feels tense to say the least.

Having bitter memories of certain Morokanth, Salen stands glaring coldly at those guards here. Most of his weapons are sheathed or tucked into his belt but he does carry a couple of javelins in his hand, either for show or protection, or both.

Tarosh quickly agrees to visit the Morokanth, leaving Kinamasi to help cook for the ones who stay behind. He carries a burning torch in his left hand, while his great axe is in his other hand, resting on his right shoulder. When they meet the welcoming guards, he remains quiet but alert, scanning the darkness for any threats.

After a ten minute wait the guard is back

"You can come in, follow me" and he leads the way into the oasis down a narrow path with thick vegetation on either side. The other Morokanths follow behind.

"Why don't we just send a message?" suggests Tarnessh before anyone follows.

Ohanzee shrugs "It'll be fine Tarnessh... Though someone could send a message back via their familiar to let them know we've been invited in." he adds feeling the coldness in the air amplified by the coldness of their would be hosts.

He urges Pete's High Llama on thankful for the extra height.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:08, Wed 02 Dec 2015.

With a composed smile on his face, Hoskar looks serene; as though out for a walk in the calm of a friendly camp for no better purpose than stretching his legs.

Glancing around to ensure their guides will overhear, but not raising his voice specially, he remarks C'mon. We are the messengers. It would never do to keep our friends' shaman waiting, would it now? Not for such good news, anyway.

Still vocalising the message to Four-Paws let's show we have nothing to hide here he adds Hey, cat. Pass it round we'll be a while: we're invited in.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Wed 02 Dec 2015.

Amara shook her head as she walked forward, her shoulders high. "We are the wandering rangers. Do not be timid. Even should Zakeen have returned, Whispers has aided his tribe. If he's so poor a host as to deny us rest and our friends then when he needs our assistance in the future, he and all of his tribe shall wither into the sand."

The path winds this way and that, opening every now and again into large open spaces before narrowing once more.

It's when in the large, often swamp filled areas, that the Rangers see that there is a large group of heavily armed warriors trailing them on either side.

Of the Oasis folk there is no sign.

Amara sighed heavily, preparing to fight. "If it's a fight you are wanting, it's a fight you will have. Enough nonsense. Tell us what's going on and where my brother and the Seza are!" she shouted towards the morokanth.

Those Morokanth that Amara can see ignore her, or in one or two cases stop and stare.

Older braves, battle hardened and on home turf.

Still moving placidly along, Hoskar merely smiles and shakes his head.

If they wanted a fight, we'd be wondering what hit us by now he opines breezily to no-one in particular what with us being outnumbered here and everything. Maybe it's not much of a welcome after us putting a stop to their gern getting snatched from the sky, not to mention us mushing the local crop of pumpkin-headed chaos, but I'll take it.

All to soon the Rangers find themselves within the familiar central area of the Oasis, with its stinking mud, weed choked water and ruined adobe buildings.

The glow of several fire pits lends a sinister light to the area, the wood burnt down so only the glowing coals remain.

Deep shadows shift as if alive, moving out of the way as the braves are shepherded towards a collection of open sided tents, where a number of Morokanth recline, the sound of bubbling water drowning out any conversation that might be taking place there.

One by one the Rangers' torches are magically extinguished and as the last one goes out a strong voice greets the human arrivals

"Well, well well. Tada's little children...."

A chorus of rough grunts, Morokanth laughter follows and then the noise of heavy bodies shifting.

"You've some balls coming here."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:09, Wed 02 Dec 2015.

Amara stepped forward "I think you know I have more balls than all of you. Now...why don't you explain what's happened and why things are as they are? Where are Greeshar and Whispers? Did they help your community?"

Hearing Amara step forward, Kobal steps forward as well, and speaks in the direction of the morokanth (or whatever it was that spoke).  In the darkness, and outnumbered, he strangely feels no fear.

"We are here also to speak to Broken Claw.  We have completed the task that was set for us, when the Black Mud clan asked for aid from the Earth."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:16, Thu 03 Dec 2015.

Ohanzee sits astride the High Llama, the many waterskins hung behind him on the beast and gazes about using the vantage point to try to spot other fires away from where they now stand.

He ventures no more comments as the other two seem to have covered all the points, all apart from collecting water for the beasts back at the rocks.

And as he sits there his mind thoughts come unbidden to his mind, a certain randomness to his thoughts that he should learn to control.

Still smiling blandly, Hoskar raises an eyebrow at the sound of the interlocutor's voice; but only the tightening of his fist round the grip of the earth knight's shield betrays any change in mood; and even then, only to the Rangers close beside him.

He inclines his head low in respectful greeting to whoever-it-is; offering a greeting.

We may not be natural friends, lord, yet hope we have given service to your tribe here. A lovable old rogue of a travelling companion of mine once said to never pass up a chance to make life easier, and for us this is one of those moments. If I recognise your voice aright, I think you might have heard him say that too. Like a father he was to me, for a time he reminisces; eyes seeming to go misty at the thought.

Anyway, you seem to have the drop on us here, but you did ask us in and I know Broken Claw will want to hear how things went. What now?

When his torch goes out, Tarosh drops it and looks around in the darkness. if they attack, we're dead, though we won't be the only ones As he listens to the others, he realises that some of the other rangers seem to know who is taking to them, which given their tone of voice isn't a good thing.

A cold rage surges through Salen as soon as he hears the voice. His lips turn to a snarl as he speaks.

"Whereas you have no balls at all. Do you...Zakeen the Murderer."

"Ah the leader of the group speaks, full of Wind and bluster..."


"Broken Claw is, how do I put it? Indisposed for now..."


"Ah you're Krakka's one...The Ranger with the golden tongue. A good friend of mine and of your father's too, whom I remember well from times now long gone."



"Ah the circle is complete...The very brave who butchered a half score of my own warriors. Somewhat like the pot calling the kettle copper no?"


"So you have killed the Harpies. For this reason you walk here freely and are not now face down in the mud with my murderous paws resting on your backs. You have proof?"

Taking a hasty breath in the hope of speaking first oh my: he's questioning our truth now?

You remember well, Khan. My thanks for the pretty compliment there. That Jondar and you were friends gladdens my heart he utters; face still composed, hand working against the shield's leathern strap.

Proof, you say? Well we're not in the habit of lying, as you'll remember, but if you want proof we can always show you the loot. He looks round the crowd of seasoned warriors. Not all of you, of course - we're not daft - but maybe if we go fetch a sample. Then there's the information: did you know there were baboon broo up there too? Not now, of course: we were quite thorough.

"I don't need to see loot...Though If you wish to gift me something to show your sincerity, well that would go along way....

Sun Hawk...Aye you, skulking behind your brother...Does the Condor brave tell the truth?"

"Yes he most certainly does and you know that I can not lie. They defeated the chaos Harpies and I helped kill the baboon Broo nearby. More than you and your braves have managed to do."

Ohanzee pipes up a "So now you know who we are and that we have completed the quest, our Seza and her guard? And water for our mounts?"

"I don't care who you are, or what you've done it is of no matter to me. Water? You may have none. You may leave unmolested and you can have your friends."

From out of the darkness comes two forms, pushed by several Morokanth braves.

In the dim light the Rangers can see that it is Greeshar and Whispers from The Sky. For the moment neither says anything.

"Seza" he says in subdued greeting to his childhood friend and leans down offering a hand to her in case she wants to ride out.

Sitting upright again turns the beast ready to move out.

"We need our mounts" comes the whispered reply

Ohanzee frowns and straightens "And their mounts? They cannot be here or they'd be ill so where can we find them?"

Any hint of tension eases from Hoskar's shoulders, and he releases his strong grip from the shield's fastening, only to fiddle briefly with his waist. When he is done, the glint of polished silver can be seen in his right hand. At a suitable break in discussions, he mutters something briefly to Salen  then nods to the morokanth.

It is condign, Khan Two-Thumb. You know you're not that popular with some of my friends here, so it's only right I give you something of my own and not of theirs. In truth, I'm more interested in having another quiet word with Krakka one day than with holding grudges.

His smile takes on a self-deprecatory tone, and he looks down as if in embarrassment for a moment.

Most of my possessions are elsewhere, but this is quite personal and not without its own value. Only a silver buckle, but quite heavy. He shrugs. Not full value for a khan gift, I know; but the best I can do at this notice. Think it might emphasise your status nicely: for obvious reasons, you're the only Morokanth I've ever met who could use it.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Thu 03 Dec 2015.

"Though you argument seems to be with the rangers as a group, I have no personal quarrel with you Khan, so like Hoskar Two-Feather, I will gift you something of my own." He unpins a gold broach that takes the shape of a scorpion. He holds it out in to the darkness, towards where he thinks Zakeen is. "Like the buckle, it doesn't come near what is due a Khan, but we had not expected to see you and didn't think to bring more with us. If I may return to our camp, I will be able to return with more a suitable gift, maybe in exchange for water?"

"It is a welcomed gift"

From out of the shadows comes a human slave, who with out stretched hand accepts the gift, returning to the shadows to give it to her master.

"For this I will release your friends' Rhinos. This is because I knew your father."



This brings a gruff grunted laugh "Water for the High Llama brave..... I accept your gift and will take more for water."

"Three silvers worth for each skin you wish filled."

"Bah"

Greeshar spits on the ground in frustration, though his face is in shadow it's not hard to guess that he's sneering in anger.

"If the water is to be paid for...should not the healing our Seza has done for your tribe also be paid for?" Amara asked. "I've no objection to paying for water, I just want to know where we stand moving forward."

OOC:How many skins do we need to get back home?

"Believe me it is the only reason she and her lover are not my slaves" replies the Khan.

"Not really. You took and then murdered one of my friends, one of us - the Wandering Rangers. If you hadn't, your warriors would still be here and we would never have crossed swords."

Salen stands, unmoving, not concerned by anything around him. He is obviously not about to part with even one silver to this dog.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:03, Fri 04 Dec 2015.

Henal stands unusually silent with a grim look across his face and his hand straying down to his sword hilt before he remembers to bring it away.

Kobal stiffens at the name.  He had suspected it was Zakeen, and had strained his ears and memory, but the sharper senses of Condor had confirmed the voice.



Hoskar, you're cozying up to this bastard?!  You were there when Zakeen and Krakka killed Kaonu!




Kobal stifles his anger as much as he can and calls out to the two.  "Wise One, Greeshar, are you all right?"  He doesn't ask if they were treated well.  The answer to that is obvious.



"So this is how the mighty Black Mud clan repays aid and service from the Earth?  With extortion of its servants?"  He makes no outward move to ready his weapons, for the morokanth can see better in the dark than he, but he tries not to tense his muscles in case of an attack.



Lover?!
This message was last edited by the player at 01:13, Fri 04 Dec 2015.

"Aye I'm alright, but Gree...."

"I'm fine" snaps the Thunderbird brave angrily from the shadows.

"We're alive. Let's leave before this turns bad."

"I the Khan of the Clan do not remember asking you for help human. We rule this oasis and everything in it. You want water you pay.

I advise that you leave now, with your companions, whom I decided in kindness and without real need to free from what would have been a life of slavery. It matters not that they helped. I did not allow it."

"Go"

At the final word there is the sound of many warriors readying weapons and the clearing fills with charms being cast in preparation for trouble.

Having been unable to silence a small snort of mirth at the cost of water, Hoskar has been silent awhile; looking around to see who might have noticed his slip; Kobal's look of disfavour also not going unheeded. When it seems as if it's been passed over, he lowers his shield deliberately and slowly, tucking his staff in his now-loosened belt and unassumingly making the rune of Issaries with his hands behind the lowered shield.

You want us gone, I say we're gone. Your oasis, your rules.

Is there a servant of yours we could negotiate that water price with? We're not without our own resources, but more water would be nice and it never hurts to have wanderers - and foes of the one foe - speak well of your good will: a friend in an...ah...unexpected quarter is welcome as fresh water from the living earth, after all.

He bows his head again and makes preparation to leave in accord with the Morokanth's command.

As he listens to the others, Tarosh starts to get nervous and strains his ears, listening for any sign of attack. As the slave didn't return for his gift, he gently throws it towards Zakeen, hoping its not misconstrued as an attack. "I'll return for my water when Bright Treasure has risen, Khan." He bows and starts the trek back to camp.

"Dark Claw can be our go between. When you decide how much you want send him to me. You come to if we are to haggle. Now go."




The Slave takes the gift, catching it mid air, handing it to her master.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:17, Fri 04 Dec 2015.

Kobal nods at Whispers and Greeshar to acknowledge their response.





Kobal tries to keep his gaze on Zakeen, but he can't help but glance at Hoskar.    'Goodwill'?!  'Friend'?!

He looks back to the morokanth khan.  "You do not remember asking for help?  But we will remember.  That your clan asked for help, and that this was the reception we received in return.

He turns to Whispers and Greeshar.  "Wise One, Greeshar, let's get your mounts and go."

He looks back at Zakeen again.  "If you want silver, next time offer a fair price for the water."  He ignores the comment about Dark Claw.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:21, Fri 04 Dec 2015.

When there is only one thing to do, Hoskar at least knows to do it. Having finished his earlier respects, he turns to leave; angling towards Kobal as he does so. There's a damn good explanation. Tell you later he mutters.

The Rangers are escorted to the edge of the Oasis, the warriors following them fanning out along the edge of the vegetation where they stand and watch as the Rangers head back towards the welcome fires of their nearby camp.

Still wearing a bland expression, Hoskar raises a hand in farewell to the watching morokanth, then turns away; face puckering to a grimace. Shit, I feel dirty. Reckon we'd better scram before he realises he won't be seeing Dark Claw again.

You're probably wondering what in all that's unholy came over me back there. Explain shortly, but I for one need a drink first. He hastens on to Ram in search of a skin of kumiss with his name on it.

"Been a few Morokanth sniffing about, asking where we been and what we been doing. Managed to keep the harpies unseen...I think" says Leaper who'd been on guard.

"Unfriendly bunch. If I didn't know better I'd say they were scoping us out for our defences...."

Once they get back to the fires the Rangers get their first proper look at Greeshar

His face has the remnants of recently healed bruises and cuts. It looks like he's been fighting.

Whispers looks okay though she seems withdrawn.

Hoskar drinks deeply from a skin of kumiss. That should get the taste out of my mouth then tries to get the attention of his comrades; especially those, like Salen, Kobal and Greeshar who he thinks were angriest.

I've not gone insane.

Look at what we got: two rhinos returned, back here without fighting and maybe dying, and one well confused Morokanth. He'd have enjoyed killing us and peaceful though it was to be dead, we'll be no use for the green like that. Somehow having been dead helped too: it's like something didn't make it back here with me.

Who knows when it'll be useful that the bugger isn't sure I dislike him, or that he might think I remember Krakka fondly? Might help us nobble them one day to have them off-balance. Silly sods might even reckon they can use the soft-as-mud little trader boy for their own ends and let me help them...to come a cropper. Remember, us outsiders fit in the cracks.

He chuckles, then winces, then swills his mouth again.

So I paid out today in self-respect and in some loot. Just a sour-tasting investment.

Anyone thinking I'm disloyal might want to ask our beloved Sun Hawk how honest I've just been.

He looks around the Rangers for their reactions, clear-eyed and without a hint of the uncertainty that used always to tinge his mien.

Akala claps his heavy hand on Hoskar's shoulder

"You did fine. I for one am happy we walked away from that."

"You were right to keep him off balance like that, which is why I followed your lead." He walks over to Leaper, "So they might attacks tonight? I think we're better of staying here cause at least its defendable." He looks round for Kinamasi, "What happened while we were gone, where's Broken Claw?"

"I'm not sure. Zakeen came back two days ago and there was much Balagan...Trouble....I have not seen Broken Claw since you left."

There is talk that the Morokanth are gathering...Why I don't know."

Whispers sits down by the fire with a sigh and then sees the Harpy Queen and her companions, the harpies having hidden themselves behind the mounts

Standing with a shocked look on her face, she gasps

"What is this?"

Theres the sound of drawn bronze as Greeshar loosens his sword.

"That's why you were waiting here," he says with a smile, "How long had you been waiting? Do you know where the other oasis folk will be hiding?" When Whisper and Greeshar react to the Queen, he runs between Greeshar and the Queen with his arms spread, "Wait! they are friends." he half turns to introduce them to each other, "My Queen, Hilimaz Mushen, may I introduce Whispers from the Sky and Greeshar Longhorn"

"Your Queen?" roars Greeshar angrily "You go fight chaos and come back in the company of them!"

He sniffs the air, but obviously detects nothing amiss "Pah I've been wrong before...Explain yourself!"

He turns to Kobal and the others

"Well?"

In reply to Greeshar Longhorn (msg # 83):

Glad of the distration, Hoskar turns to Greeshar. She's as chaotic as you are, and I'd still be dead if she'd not brought me back. The Rivals recognised her, you know.

He shakes his head sadly at some of the Rangers.

Just try not to fall in love. There's a lot of it about right now.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:19, Fri 04 Dec 2015.

"It appears as though there are two distinct types of harpy. One corrupted by chaos which is the one we're all familiar with, and the other. Harpies as they were originally before Genert left us. Guardians and protectors of the Earth. We're taking the Queen to the Earth Temple." Amara looked at her brother and whispers "Now....precisely what happened when we were gone?"

"The Seza helped heal those that were sick. All was good and then Zakeen came back. It's seems that Broken Claw had been scheming behind his Khan's back and he got in trouble for this.

We were swept up in it and I had to fight to protect Whispers from some over zealous braves."

"How do you know they're not chaotic...How did they get clean...It's impossible."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Fri 04 Dec 2015.

The Seza turns from the Queen, whom she'd given the briefest of greetings, and hugs Amara

"It is good to see you Amara. It looks as if no one was hurt. I'm relieved you all made it back" as she speaks the shaman eyes both Hoskar and Gloaming....

"Are you sure we should stay here then if you think they plan to attack?"

The Queen nods at the two new comers, though it seems neither nomad is affected by her charm. For now she says nothing, her harpy companions pressing close to protect her.

Sand Fox approaches Kobal, Salen and Henal "What do you reckon? Do you think they'll attack?"

The brave looks concerned. Not surprising after all that they've been through over the last season and especially now that they were on the way home.

Amara greeted Whispers with a hug, smiling to see her. "I think we've all been hurt, but we survived and the Green is closer as a result. We have a lot of news to share...but I suspect Zakeen and his braves may become a little ambitious when they head out our way. We can survive without water for a day. I think we should just pack up and move on immediately." after the hug she walked to her brother hugging him just as much "I am glad to see you recovered....but the harpies we know..., we could ask the Queen, but I don't think they were ever chaotic. I don't think anyone can be cured once they turn chaotic...this is why we burn their bodies."

"Salen. You have history with this Khan. Do we need to kill him?"

The Condor brave finds Gloaming has come to stand right next to him, his face mere inches from his own , the new death rune on his face slightly imposing, lent menace by the High Llama brave's height.

"I feel the urge for bloodshed...To wet my sword before the night is through."

"This is good. I mean leaving here that is" replies Whispers who follows Amara, keeping close at all times.

"Ohanzee, you are well too? I hope you agree that we should leave before they over run us. There are many of them, at least a fifty braves were in the Khan's war-party."

The dark haired oasis woman averts her gaze shyly  "I have waited here each day. My people are in the Oasis. They are not hiding."

When she gets the chance she holds Tarosh's arm tightly and asks in a frightened voice "Who is that? He scares me."

She indicates Greeshar.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:12, Fri 04 Dec 2015.

In reply to Kinamasi (msg # 94):

"He is Amara's brother, a follower of Stormbull. From what little I know of him, he's a good fighter, but quick to anger, like all followers of the Bull. Just stay out of his way and you should be fine." He looks round at the others, while keeping hold of Kinamasi, "Surely they're just as likely to follow us and attack us once we leave here. We wont be able to out run them in the dark, unless anyone here can see in the dark to lead us"

"Even if they follow us, they are on foot. On our mounts, we can outpace or outfight them. A few arrows sent in their direction if they catch up will encourage them not to follow too closely...then when we get to the Gouge, it is us that will have the advantage." Amara shrugged "Though you're right, it would be helpful to see in the midst of this darkness."

At Tarosh speaks, Hisser his Manul cat stalks in out of the darkness and plonks himself by the fire.

In reply to GM (msg # 97):

He looks at Hisser, "If I'd bound a spirit to you, you'd be able to earn your keep." He shrugs, "Even if Henal could get you to lead us back to Pallas, I don't know if I would trust you to do it."

Henal looks at the others "Yes, lets move before they try it on with an attack."

Responding to Tarosh he continues "I'd be able to lead us back to Pallas, but that might be a journey for another time."

In reply to Henal Longgrass (msg # 99):

"I don't suppose you gained the ability to see in the dark from your encounter with Pallas?" He looks nervously in to the darkness surrounding their camp, "Sounds like we're leaving now then?"

Ohanzee focuses on Whispers from some distant place unseen in the dearkness. He frowns "Well? Yes, well but different."

"We should leave now. The Morokanth will not expect us to do so, they think they have us trapped for want of water and do not realise that we have discovered a source on the edge of the rocklands within a day's ride."

"We have a while to put some space between us but when Hoskar does not return with Dark Claw for the bargaining then they will come looking."

He nods to himself "Yes, we should leave straight away."

He steps over to the gathered Harpies "My Queen, it is not safe to stay. We need to move on now. Can you and your flock fly in this darkness? Otherwise I'm afraid you will all need to walk, we haven't enough mounts and I don't even know if you all can ride."

Bowing he returns to his own mount and starts off "Come on, slow and steady is better than waiting around here."

"Why are so many gathering Seza?" he asks Whispers "Did they all look to be the same clan or a mixture of two?"

"Firestarter did burn out that lot by the river, maybe the clans have joined. It's either that or they're gathing for something big. And the closest something big that I can think of is the Earth Temple."

He stops his rhino "Gloaming, will you ride with me at the rear and protect their backs, Tarnessh can you go at the fore? That way we have the ability to light things up at the front and the rear."

"When we have some distance we can light torches, but not until we have enough distance."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 13:50, Sat 05 Dec 2015.

"The same clan as far as I can tell. There's at least five hundred of them all up. Not unlike the Prairie Thunder Clan" answers Whispers.

Gloaming and Tarnessh agree to Ohanzee's suggestion and quickly the Rangers mount up. The Queen and the Harpies unable to fly in the dark safely ask if they may sit behind the braves on their mounts?

Familiars that can see in the dark take their place at the front, with Mordy and Salen leading the way.

Tarosh mounts up, but then looks torn as to who should ride with him. With a defeated look on his face, he extends his arm to Kinamasi, who looks less than impressed with Tarosh's hesitation. Once she is behind him, she wraps her arms around him and whispers in his ear, despite the fact that no one else hears what she had to say, the effect on Tarosh is easily visible, he pales and gulps loudly, then nods. He whispers back to her, a look of pleading on his face, to which Kinamasi nods. Tarosh turns to the Queen, "My Queen," Kinamasi digs him in the ribs, he swallows loudly and his voice becomes a little less reverent, "I have a spare mount that you or your followers can use, I'll keep it tethered to Carross so that you won't have to do anything except sit on it." As he's talking, Hisser half jumps, half climbs up Carross's side and Tarosh briefly has his hands full trying to stop Carross bolting. Once Hisser is aboard, he curls up in front of Tarosh and ignores him.

Ohanzee agrees to the request for doubling up on the mounts and silently chides himself for not offering. He does though suggest "If there are sufficient mounts I'd not ride behind me, being at the rear is the most likely place for getting attacked.

As the others head out and Gloaming and he take up their positions to the rear he speaks quietly "I've an idea, something that might help in case there are any Morokanth think that they might jump us and with Broken Claw indisposed they perhaps aren't any to stop it."

He sighs "The others might not like it though. You might not like it and I think it almost certainly will not like you."

"Don't come too close but stay in warning distance."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:43, Sat 05 Dec 2015.

"Tell me what you plan"

As the Harpies find their spots on the back of mounts, Salen finds that he is joined by Leaper at the front, the Pygmy Ranger sending a detection charm out into the darkness.

"Nothing living that way. I'll ride point with you if you don't mind."

Amara patted Thunderfoot behind her to indicate where her passenger should go. "We don't have time to dawdle. It's best if we leave before they work up the nerve to attack. Our time for revenge will wait. Kaonu shall not remain unavenged for long."

Although momentarily taken aback by Gloaming's sudden appearance so close to him Salen does not flinch, and he pauses a moment while considering his response, his eyes looking off into the distance in the Condor way.

"Yes, yes we do. But...not now...this is not his time. His day will come though."


Atop Kohana with Mordy just in front, Salen does not mind Leaper joining him in the slightest.

"Sure - we'll need all the eyes we have in this darkness. I have no desire to fight a war this night."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:28, Sat 05 Dec 2015.

Kobal looks at Hoskar, listening to what he has to say.  The frown and dark look on his face don't change, though he does nod in acknowledgment of Hoskar's argument.  It's true that they were able to get the two rhinos returned, and a fight in those circumstances would've likely ended badly.  But groveling before Zakeen is always going to taste bad.



"I don't know whether they'll attack without warning.  But sooner or later they'll wonder whether Dark Claw hasn't returned to them, and then there'll be serious trouble.  Apart from being outnumbered, we've got to escort the Harpy Queen back to the Earth Temple.  Best to leave immediately."

Kobal starts to ready Black Hoof.  Haaro, let us know if you sense anything - gern, morokanth or spirit - approach us.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:39, Sun 06 Dec 2015.

The Rangers cover perhaps 5km after several hours of slow riding, with no sign of being followed, and find a easily defended piece of high ground that would make a good camp.

"Perhaps we should rest?" suggests Leaper "We could put some watchers  further back to keep watch for anyone following."

In reply to Leaper (msg # 110):

Stifling a yawn, Tarosh nods in agreement, "We've gone far enough I reckon, and its too far and too damn dark to carry on till we get to the Rhino Rocklands."

The scouts find that the area has been used as a camp before, with fire pits, piles of dried animal dung and several empty clay pots.

There's signs that Hyenas have visited recently and jammed in between two rocks a desiccated corpse of one is found.

"So we going to stay?" asks Akala

"If we can keep going, I think we should continue.  The more distance we can put between ourselves and the Black Mud clan, the better, and the closer we get to the Rhino Rocklands, the safer we will be," says Kobal from astride Black Hoof.  He looks to see what the other Rangers say.

"We're with you" announce Sand Fox and Nixa, neither brave wishing to stay around.

"I agree with my brother"

"Huh, scared of a fight if you ask me."

Amara glanced at her brother "Perhaps if you had been in a fit state to join us you might be less eager to fight. We've accomplished everything the Earth Witch has asked us to do. We can always fight morokanth another day....but after the Queen harpy is safe."

"And what is she to you? Are you her slave?" comes back the terse reply.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:50, Sun 06 Dec 2015.

Ohanzee speaks in hushed tones "Grandmother Spider."

"I have something for her, the item I traded for with Broken Claw. He hinted that it might annoy her somewhat since it harnesses her powers so I'm thinking rather than annoy her I'd take it to her and get into her good books."

"I planned on gifting it to her at Rhino Gouge but as it's her night tonight it should be possible to call her away from there."

He forestalls the obvious objection "Don't worry, I've learnt from Melock's mistake, and I was planning on using the amulet as the focus for calling her too so it wouldn't give her another foothold here, rather something mobile that could be taken to the cave."

"I reckon something of this power would please her and should buy us a guard to our backs or about our camp if we do decide to stop tonight."

"What is she to me, you ask? Take a look at her Greeshar. She is the living embodiment of our goal. She is the Green returned. Her existence is proof that what we are doing is having an effect. Those of her line that were corrupted by chaos are gone and no more. Instead her and her line, guardians of the Earth are restored and safe." she glanced at her eyes quick as she was about to say something that might hurt, but a quick glance towards Whispers and she kept her mouth quiet, sounding much more reasoned as she spoke "am I her slave? Do you see shackles, or collars or cuffs on me? I have free will, I choose to serve her."

Kobal looks around.  Not everyone has replied yet.  "We've only traveled about 5 kilometres.  If the morokanth see better in the dark, they will be able to catch up to us within an hour or less.  I think we should travel at least a bit more before we stop."



Kobal is about to reply to Greeshar when Amara cuts in first.  But he does add, "She is an ally of Emesh-Ga, whom we are sworn to follow.  We are taking her to the Earth Witch."

"Lets keep moving, this isn't far enough if the morokanth want to come after us and they have the advantage in the dark. I still feel like my magic is weak and I don't want to fight them on their terms. Some other time to get revenge on two thumbs".

The Queen adds her voice to the conversation

"I do not feel safe here and I am worried that my children will be killed."

Pensive on Ram's broad back, seeking hopefully for anything in the terain that might assist, Hoskar keeps sighing and shaking his head.

Nothing here, unless someone can eat dust or drink rock.

He nods at Erish-El's earhed words. Too right. Thos Morokanth meant business. He lapses into silence awhile, though whether in thought or prayer it's hard to judge. Maybe if we angle to the left a bit. I've got an inkling there might be something that way, but I've no idea why.

He looks like he's about to argue about why they should stop here, but then the Queen speaks and he just nods in agreement and nudges Carross to carry on walking.

As the night passes so too does the chance to contact Grandmother Spider, but also likelihood of attack by the Morokanth, both of which are a relief but in different ways.

Ohanzee is kind of glad that they must continue when Hoskar cannot find a place to stop simply stating "A little further will not hurt."

Hoskar discovers a safe place, in what looks like a long unvisited, dried out riverbed, which seems to have once flowed southwards...

Guards are set and those able to, grab what sleep they can. All to soon it's dawn and once more the braves head off towards the now visible rocky outcrops of the Rhino Rocklands.

Those on Rhinos feel their mounts get frisky, even more so when the first Rhino grass is reached and the occasional piles of Rhino dung brings out the best in each animal. The air reverberates with the creatures' snorts and grunts as they let their ancestor know that they're coming.

With any luck the Wandering Rangers will reach the outskirts of the holy place by early afternoon.

Up above soar the Harpies, their calls joining that of the Rhinos.....
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:35, Mon 07 Dec 2015.

Leaper and Salen stop, the Condor brave having spotted some tracks running parallel to their path.

A dozen Impalas,  and after back tracking them for a while for several bow lengths, the two braves determine that they have come from the East and now head the same way as the Rangers....Towards the Rocklands.

Leaper doesn't recognise the prints and whilst he examines them Salen works out that they're about two hours ahead of them.

While it cheers him up to see the rhinos reaction to the Rocklands, the news from Salen and Leaper that they've found signs of a group of impala's lifts his spirits more and helps drive away the fatigue that has taken root in his bones. "Well done Salen and Leaper, it looks like you've found us dinner."

"Assuming they aren't being ridden" Ohanzee adds. "I'd like one of them taken alive if possible. I have some business in Rhino Gouge tonight, assuming we arrive on schedule."

He rides over to Tarnessh "Can Tulox see anything from higher up?"

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 130):

"Even if they are, there's only 12 of them." he laughs, "Why'd you want one alive?" he holds his hand up to stop Ohanzee replying, "Actually, I don't want to know." He looks puzzled, "I thought we were going to stop off at Pallas's shrine tonight, and get to Rhino gorge tomorrow night? I'm guessing Pallas wouldn't say no to an impala."

"Best not to ask. Tonight or tomorrow, whenever we get there and no it's not for that stinking piss-hole."

"We're meant to be uniting the peoples as well as greening the land aren't we? Go round killing them all and there'll not be many left to unite."

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 132):

He grins slyly, "Well, the less there are the easier it is to unite them."

Hoskar sighs at Tarosh's comment.

I used to think like that. With me, it was the Sables. Have a care, my friend: that road is a bad one, filled with unexpected pain. I have struck blows I cannot take back with regret alone.

He smiles wanly.

Feel free to ignore me, of course: I paid no attention when Amara - and Fireborn - and even Melock - tried to warn me, so I'm not much of a one to be sounding off, am I.

In reply to Hoskar Two-Feather (msg # 134):

"The Wastelands won't miss 12 impala riders," he looks guiltily at Leaper, "unless they're your clan, in which case I wouldn't dream of harming them." He nods at Two-Feathers comment about taking advice, "I wouldn't take advice from a Raven either, you never know what they're really planning and Amara, well she's a bit young to take advice from. I didn't know Fireborn, so I wouldn't know if he gave good advice or not."

"we could at least look at the tracks to determine if the impala have riders." Amara suggested wearily from Thunderfoots back.

From the depth of the tracks it's easy to tell that at least half of the Impala's are being ridden.

"Hmmm, six or so riders. They're not a big threat to us. Let's leave them be unless we need to pay attention to them. The safety of the Queen is of paramount importance. We shouldn't bring any more attention to ourselves than we have to."

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 138):

He casts his eyes skyward, "I'd guess that the Queen and her followers are probably drawing attention to themselves considering that they're flying about."

Scratches his head, when a thought strikes him.

How's supplies holding up for everyone? If they have spare water, they might sell it cheaper than that damned morokanth.

"Aye," nods Kobal, in reply to Amara.  "We should focus on getting the Harpy Queen to the Earth Temple.  Besides, there are only six of the impala riders, and we are close to rhino lands.  I don't expect them to trouble us if we leave them alone."

"There was water at the campsite where we stayed last week....Not far from the cat shrine" adds Gloaming distractedly as he scans the distance.

"No offence Leaper but I could murder an Impala for dinner."

Amara grinned at Gloaming "I admit the idea of impala for dinner sounds delicious and tasty, but we're better off steering clear of trouble. We're only a day away from being able to find a good source of water."

"Right you are boss

Suppose we'd better get a move on then."

The Sun Hawk brave steers his mount towards the distant rocks and breaks in to a fast trot.

As they ride Amara points her slightly wet, polished stick in the direction they are going, eyes momentarily closed as she concentrates on thoughts of deep pools of water.

Zilch, at least within the 500 metre range of the charm.

By mid afternoon they are all amongst the rocks, deep shadows offering a much needed coolness to their passing. Tulox had returned an hour earlier having found and trailed the group of impala riders into the same set of rocks.

He'd not been able to get close for they too had a bird keeping watch, this one a dusty bush hawk, smaller than the Vrok, but just as agile.

"Six riders, maybe seven, though that one is either dead or injured for it's lying across it's mount. They saw me and were travelling fast."

Riding the thermals the Harpies circled far above, the group not having communicated for many hours.

Meanwhile Hoskar reckons that he can find the Manul shrine easily enough and that it will take another hour to get there and a short while more to get to the previous camp by the water.

Kobal has been riding towards the back, trying to keep an eye out for any following morokanth, but he calls out to those ahead.  "We should ride through to the old camp and water first.  Make sure our mounts are refreshed and refill our skins.  Then we can double back to the shrine if people want."