Ohanzee can make out the discussion far easier now, but as it's Sartarite he doesn't understand any of it.

The girl takes the money and with a naughty smile answers "of course...", before vanishing presumably back to the kitchen.

Chuckling to himself, Melock walks over to the others and pats Kobal on the shoulder, "Thanks for covering for me," he gestures towards the party guests, "So, any of these good people strike you as wanting to harm Angelika?"

Angelika leaves the main hall, the Rangers travelling in her wake, immediately bumping into what looks like a very drunk Ohanzee propped up against a door, from which comes the sound of several people talking with raised voices.

Amara nodded "The Lunar with the death rune gave me my javelin back, so he's aware at least of the last attempt, and might be one of the assassins. He didn't seem overly concerned by us....not that we could do much."

"Firstly, I don't trust any of them.  Secondly, I thought I was going to stand guard only while I told your story.  Instead, I ended up as guard for the rest of the feast.  I should've known better than to listen to a Raven.  You owe me a good meal."

"Someone bring Ohanzee before he falls over" says Angelika as she walks past the drunk looking brave. Once outside the cold hits everyone, the night air quickly reviving any who felt worse for wear.

There's a gaggle of guards at the door who before wishing the revellers goodnight, mention "There's been a murder, so best make your way back to your lodgings and stay there."

From where they all stand outside the Manor house, which is lit by burning torches held by the guards, the Rangers can see no one else out and about. Though it is pitch black...

It's quiet too, except for the occasional screech of an Alynx and the incessant wind.

Kobal stops in the midst of propping up the short rhino brave.  "A murder?  Who was the victim?"  And here I was, starting to doubt Temush's truth-saying.

"Local man, Cottar, with wife and children. Found stabbed to death in a side street near the Bartered Beast Inn."

"Did he work for the Garhounds?" Temush asks, "...might there be a link to those who shot at Deskor and Angelika?"

"He worked the fields for one of Darvenos' Thanes. Barnvator."

"Not much chance that he could have helped them then." Temush thinks aloud "It might not have been them. Though they might have feared he'd seen them at some point, but where? and then why leave him to be found in the street?"

The guard shrugs "From what I heard he was well hidden in the shadows, someone tripped over him taking a piss."

As a hand is placed on Ohanzee the brave straightens and in a surprising sober voice says "I'm fine. There's games here now if the party is over, I was going to stay for a little gambling."

"I'll find somewhere to crash."

He grins, "Of course, I'll even cook it for you."




Melock listens while the others talk about what happened, "Why does this even concern us? They're not our people."

"It sounds to me as though assassins are out and about. That one just happened to bump into this fellow and killed him rather than have his presence revealed. The real question is...who is their target tonight and what can we do to stop them." Amara said in response to Melock "Surely anything we can do to stop the Lunars...we should."

Temush shurgs "Just on the off chance there might be a link to what went on at Ohanzee's wake. Seems not though..."

"and I guess they maybe after Amara now as well," Melock looks round at the others, "If we are going hunting tonight, we better get Angelika back to the inn first."

Leaving Ohanzee behind the Rangers quickly escort Angelika back to their room, below which the Zebra Riders are hanging out in good spirits.

Back at the tavern Henal looks about, glad to see the zebra riders. "Better sort out who will be taking the different watches now. Feels like the assassins will try again soon."

At the mention that the assassins may strike again the Zebra riders agree to help with the watches. Saying that no one would pass through the downstairs door, leaving the upper windows and roof to the Rangers.

Kobal releases his hold on Ohanzee when he realises the brave is not as intoxicated as it seems.  "Okay," is all he says, but he can't keep the doubt out of his voice.  Ohanzee had only returned to them recently, and had not seemed happy to come back.  Maybe he needs a little time to himself.

"I'll guard the roof the watch before dawn," volunteers Kobal, as he goes to retrieve his weapons and armour.

Waterday, Death Week, Dark Season  12am-3am

Kobal takes first watch with Hoskar on the roof. It's cold and damp and the braves are both shivering despite the heavy furs and blankets. It's hard to keep focused especially when a heavy rain hits at about 2am. It lasts only minutes but the damage is done and both braves are miserable.

Every now and again they spy lights in the town as patrols make their way around the silent streets.