"This is sure some expensive cider, but let's see if it's worth it."

In reply to Creston Fairwood (msg # 86):

Yes, it's quite good. And the mountain view is stunning.

"You think I could lure a nice gnomish woman here, Brodd? I'm thinking of settling down just for the view."

"Find a nice gnomish woman with the same view! You did mean the big breasts didn't you?"

"Everything, dear Brodd. The cider, the breasts, the mountain." Yes, other than being mistaken for a child, this was the life.

Einhard rode through the gates of this small village. ~Surely they would have come here.~ he thought as he headed toward the meager Inn. A satisfied smile cross his face when he saw Starshell's steed tied up outside the Inn. Einhard hitched his horse next to his sister's and headed inside.

Einhard was not the least bit surprised to see all the attention focused on Pock. The knight strode over to the Exemplar's table. "Isn't funny how such a small one like yourself can stand out so much?" Einhard teased Pock as pulled an empty chair over to the table. "Glad I was able to catch up with you all. I certainly want to be there to see the look on the Baron's face when hears our story."

Brodd laughed and smiled at his small friend.

He nodded, smiled to Einhard and then told him in a remarkable deadpan: "Yes, I do stand out. I think it must be the shoes."

The party lounges pleasantly on the patio for hours, swapping tales of adventure. As the sun begins to set, all the locals stand as one and face north towards the swirling lake. They raise their right arms to the sky and look down to their feet. They drone what sounds like a prayer.

O, Mighty Sentinel!
Return to us the Source
So Fire, Earth, Water and Air will be restored!
Shine your light again and guide our way to prosperity!

The patrons slam their drinks on the tables four times in a row. The echo is strong enough that you're certain the villagers in their homes and going through the same ritual, adding to the vibrations.

After a moment of silence, all the locals clap and shake each others hands.

Never one to put his neck out in strange rural towns, Pock quickly snapped to and watched closely, sure to try and ascertain without asking if they would be expected to do this the next time the sun began to set here. He watched the local taverngoers closely.

Brodd looks on curiously as the town prays to 'Sentinel.' Very alert and on edge as well.

Einhard knew that many religions had ceremonies and customs that seemed strange to him, but this was not his area of expertise. Perhaps a man of the cloth was at least learned in these areas. The knight looked at Brother Brodd. "Have you ever heard of this Sentinel to which they pray?" he asked quietly.

Brodd shakes his head no, "I have not, where does it come from I wonder?"

Einhard scans the dining area to see if any others, aside from their table, were not joining in the prayer.

There's a cloaked figure in the corner. His drink hasn't moved.

Regdoc sat broodily during the prayer, sipping at an earthen mug filled with the spring water he'd requested, which was wet, but certainly not cold, leaving him to question whether it came from a spring at all or the wash basin from the alley.

"The Sentinel? Bah! Probably praying to some overly-vigilant goat or some such..." It was clear the Seeker of the Wandering God was not impressed.

Harald scratched his head thoughtfully...

PM

Pock grimaced at Regdoc's comment--his quite loud comment, Pock thought, though it was certainly not so loud after all--and looked about him for the inevitable angry response. Was anyone rising to strike Regdoc from his very seat?

The cloaked figure in the corner stands up, and slides past the benches to approach the party.

Einhard rises to his feet, hand on his hilt, and moves to intercept the approaching man. "What can we do for you, stranger?"

In reply to Einhard (msg # 105):


"I am no stranger to you, Lord Einhard."

He pulls back his hood.

"It is good to see you well, Sir. But I am here on business."

He hands the Knight a scroll.

"You will recognize the Royal Seal, Sir. I am here to serve a warrant for the arrest of your companion, Travis Maguire, for his actions committed as a member of the Clark Bandits."

"Jarvak?" Einhard takes the scroll, examines the seal, then looks at Travis. The knight unravels the scroll and begins to read.

"You're arresting old Travis?" Pock asked Jarvak, drawing down the last of his cider.

Einhard rolls the scroll up and hands it back to Jarvak. "Yes, and rightfully so!" he responds to Pock's inquiry as he turns to face Travis. "The acts you're accused of are heinous. Any good deed you might have done while in our company does not outweigh the gravity of your previous endeavors. Surrender your weapons, turn yourself over, and pray for your soul." The knight's grip on his hilt tightens in anticipation.

Travis stands up slowly. The other patron quietly exit the bar as the town guard approaches. He gives Lord Einhard a steely gaze.

"After fighting along side you and helping you find your sister? You won't put in a good word for me...to save me from being drawn and quartered?"