Chapter 2: Ah yes, a road
Copyright © 2000 by the players of Emerald Sphere of Sighs.

From: Game Master [2000-01-23 23:03:00]
Subject: a slight pause....
The spot where you have stopped is quite suitable for resting. In fact, you can tell that it has been used for such for many, many years. There are a couple of felled trees placed along the side of the road to be used as seats and a small fire ring off to one side. Inspecting the area tells you that no one has been here lately, at least not in the last few weeks. The sun is streaming in through the tall trees and the birds and other small wild life are busily creating the forest chorus that seems to continue, non-stop, for as long as
you care to listen. The road itself is fairly well traveled, though not by large caravans nor, by its appearance, large columns of troops. There are spots of over-growth here and there, but it is wide enough for you to travel 3 to 4 abreast with comfort. Dlarumei stands up the road a bit. You can tell by the sun that the direction you will be traveling in will be north by northwest. You can also tell Dlarumei is anxious to get going, but she waits, pacing, for the group to rest, glancing back to the large warrior every so often as if to say, " let's please start walking." The warrior just smiles and suggests by hand signs that he has things well in hand.

You then hear the warrior speaking with Chúrisan, though it is obvious that he speaks loud enough so that all may hear. "I beg your pardon. It was most rude of me not to introduce myself earlier." The warrior stands up tall and with a voice full of authority and pride exclaims, "I am Orun Vu'urtesh of the Blade Raised High Clan. Temple Guard in Katalal, and Kasi for the legion of the Scarlet Planet of Knives."

He winks at Chúrisan and continues. "My family, for as far back as I can remember have been warriors of Karakan, they have devoted their lives to the battle and victory of our Lord of Glorious War.........."

"Orun!" You hear loud and sharp from the dark garbed priestess, "We do not have time for any of your long winded stories of battles and glorious exploits, there will be plenty of time for that later, after we reach Monru. For now, let us see to it that we ready ourselves as quickly as possible. There is no time to waste, and I am having a bad feeling about this area, and us.... just sitting around."

With that, Orun smiles at Chúrisan and says with one eyebrow cocked and much sarcasm. "Don't you just love it when priests and priestesses know more about battle and its conditions than the actual warriors, who have devoted their lives to the craft? I wonder if she knows that we are being followed?"

He winks again and walks to where our rather rotund yellow garbed priest is sitting. "Adzul," he says, " if you would permit me, I would be honored to carry some of your load for the remainder of the day. I know that you are very capable, but perhaps it would help you acclimate more quickly to
this particular area were you able to be less encumbered for a short time?" Orun holds out a large hand of assistance to Adzul. It is obvious that the party is going to be moving on.

From: Kúnur Chettukéng [2000-01-24 06:30:44]
Subject: Enough!
Kúnur speaks, loud enough for all to hear, but in a controlled and emotionless voice.

"Have we not had enough marching and sojourning without explanations? What is our ultimate destiny? Who is following us and why? More importantly, why have we all been gathered together? And why should we all follow your orders as if you were the Priest-Kings themselves? I mean no offense, but we are all away from our homes and our responsabilities, and being decent and law-abiding citizens we deserve to know the purpose of our gathering and journey."

He turns to his travelling companions, "I suggest we do not take the smallest step towards whatever is our destination, until all is clearly explained to us."

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-01-24 12:05:39]
Subject: Roadsides and Discussion
"I agree partly with Kunur about the need for explanations, but can we please do it while we're moving? I for one would not like to be caught here in the middle of nowhere while we argue over the right and wrong of our need to continue on. It would be much better to sit in a comfortable hostel and argue these points. As to their right to command us in this, we did choose to accompany them, at least as far as I recall from the chain of events preceeding our arrival. I would say that that does give them this right--conditionally, and until we reach a civilised locale where we can hash out additional details and conditions. The redoubtable Onur has promised us any necessary supplies available in the upcoming hamlet, so I suggest we make use of our time planning what we really need. Since he has also been so kind as to inform those of us not able to detect such things on our own of the followers behind us, that just makes our need for speed all the greater. I hope those of you with weapons will be sufficient to the task of the group's defense in the event of an attempted ambush. I would not like to leave my bones to bleach here in the middle of the Kurt Hills, a fate that is sure to overtake me if we dally here too long."

With that, Ssrivan ties the straps on his pack and prepares to follow the expedition's patrons further down the road.

From: Game Master [2000-01-24 12:10:58]
Subject: well.......
You see the old man move with a speed and agility that you thought he could never muster. As he speeds towards the group from his possession of about 50 feet from behind you he is stopped short when Orun raises his hand.
"Noble Kúnur," Orun says very matter of factly, " I can understand your interest in knowledge and that the lack of it disturbs you greatly. Dlarumei has explained that you will have all your questions answered this very evening. I would venture to guess that in 6 short hours we will all be seated at a glorious feast, where after we have eaten and drank our fill, you will have the opportunity to voice your opinions. None of you are under duress to follow. If you wish to remain behind, then that is your choice, you are free to do so. If you remain behind then you will have answered your question as to who is following us. They will introduce themselves shortly after we leave. Unfortunately, you have already traveled with us for a short time and they do not look very favorably on that. I would venture to guess that the reception you would receive would not be in your best interest. I mean no disrespect to any of you, but those following us at the moment are only scouts for a much larger contingent which I have no desire to wait around for."

With that Orun swoops up Adzuls heaviest pack (with his approval) and begins walking up that road. He passes Dlarumei and she falls in behind. You can tell that she is not pleased and that they are having words. The old man takes a few steps off to the side of the road and waits for the party to advance. He will obviously bring up the rear.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-01-24 16:46:44]
Subject: Falling into place
Ssrivan fell into the line of moving people and began the journey to the next town. He was not interested in meeting those pursuing the group.
From: Adzul hiOgeado [2000-01-25 05:36:12]
Subject: On the trail again

Adzul greatfully hands his pack to Orun and starts marching, waying as he does, "I thank you for your assistance and have no doubt I will soon be able to carry my own weight, but I have not left the city in five years and it may take me a day or two to get my travelling legs under me. Also it is so very difficult to pack when neither destination or purpose is unkown." So saying the fleshy priest trudges onward.

From: Vrodlan Miuz [2000-01-25 19:44:33]
Subject: the long march.......
Vrodlan watches the happenings around him and allows a look of bemusement cross his face. He picks up his pack and falls into an exactly paced marching step. He looks around the party taking everything in but never making eye contact with anyone.
From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-01-26 08:28:59]
Subject: moving on
Chúrisan speaks to Kúnur:

"Learned physician, I agree that we should have explanations soon, but not here. Let us proceed to this Mornu-place. When we are close to it, perhaps on the outskirts but before we are bundled into some deep-cellared clanhouse, then is the time to hold our ground."

Then he joins the moving group, taking a place near the old man at the back of the group, bow in hand.

From: Kúnur Chettukéng [2000-01-26 17:38:23]
Subject: Grumble grumble
Kúnur lets out a small sigh and nods in agreement. With the same unemotional voice and unexpressive, stony face, the little man says, "very well. Let it not be said that I am not a sensible man. We shall proceed to this town as fast as we can."

He gets his belongings and joins the group. As he stands up, he adds, "Please forgive my impatience. I meant none of you any offense. It just happens that... I have left much pending..."

His frowns (as if troubled by something) for a split-second, suddenly returning to his usual sterile countenance. "Let us go forward. We have no time to lose."

With that, Kúnur joins the group.

From: Deshnah [2000-01-26 21:57:16]
Subject: The followers
Deshnah, initially at the front of the line, draws off to the side and lets everyone pass.

It is clear that he is tracking something, a sound, a smell, a furtive rustling.

When all have passed, he pulls back into line and follows.

From: Game Master [2000-01-29 23:04:25]
Subject: left, left, left right left
The party moves on at a more rapid pace for a while. It is apparent that Orun and Dlarumei are pressing you to quicken your step. Though you have not seen any one that could be a threat to you, there is an overall feeling that you need to press on more rapidly.

The odd and silent Deshnah seems to be keeping an eye peeled towards the undergrowth, and occasionally stops and pokes around in the dried leaves and other items which make up the forests thick mantel. In spite of his odd actions, and the fact that he is traveling twice your distance due to his little side trips, he shows no signs of tiring, he has not even broken a sweat.
Churisan and the old man chug along bringing up the rear.

They have spoken no words, but it is apparent that there is something going on between them. Some sort of subtle communication or perhaps a competition? It is difficult to determine which.

Adzul, our red-faced Priest of Belkanu, has his gaze fixed on the road and the heals of Orun as he is concentrating on measuring his breath and pace. It is
obvious that it is difficult on him, however, he has a steady rhythm and through his pronounced panting and wheezing he is keeping up just fine.
Kunur too is feeling the strain of the prolonged, forced marching. You can see him sway back and forth his robes like a great bell and his thin body like the clapper. His bag of medicines are obviously of chief concern as are the patients whom are being left further and further behind. It is obvious that, while he may be a good physician it offers little in the area of physical training.

Vrodla´n Miuz is showing what good money and good trainers can produce. His pace is steady and well measured. His breath is hard and deep. To the untrained eye, he appears to move and jog along just the same as the other warriors in the group. But to the trained military eye, it is easy to see that he is a man of regiment and precision, who has taken his training seriously. He has that little extra something and now, it is paying off.

Ssrivan falls somewhat in the middle. It is obvious that this pace is not all that comfortable for him, and yet he does not seem to be worn out. You are sure that a man in his profession has had to run a few times throughout his life. So, it is obvious that even locksmiths need to stay fit. (for some reason you are not sure of yet). Ssrivan keeps looking back at the old man, as though trying to study him, trying to read the cover of this old book. He studies him, turns his head back forward, shakes his head a bit and then concentrates on the road ahead. He continues to cycle through this motion for quite some time.

The old man who is bringing up the rear seems to have no ill effects from this run at all. In fact, he seems to be enjoying this little late afternoon jaunt
through the forest. The smile that crosses his face from time to time seeems to be a sadistic smile of pleasure as he watches the various members of the group. If he is able to keep up this pace, for as old as he looks, then there must be more to him than meets the eye. What really seems to bother most of you is he wears no insignia to show his rank, circle or religious affiliation. You know that you will continue to contemplate matters concerning this old man for quite some time to come.

After several long hard hours of travel, you come to a stop. Once the group has assembled, you watch as the old man launches himself off the road and up a large tree. Some in your group can barley stand erect as they try and catch their breath. Some of you follow the old man with your eyes as he bounds effortlessly up the tree. Some of you wave an exhausted hand in his direction wishing him well and a soft landing upon the arrival of his heart attack. Orun jogs up a small hill to the right of the road and looks about. You're not exactly sure what it is that he will be able to see from on top of a small hill in the middle of a heavy forest, but as long as you were not ask to accompany him, let him have his fun.

Dlarumei steps to the center of your group and speaks. "I, for one, am glad for this slight pause," she says between breaths. "Unfortunately it will be brief. Those two," she points off in the direction of Orun and the old man, " Have gone off to check on our pursuers. When they return, we will need to be moving again. I hope that this pace is not creating large hardships for any of you. I must apologize to the group as a whole. This was not the manner in which we had planned on traveling. I do assure you that once we reach Monru you will be safe. We have made some excellent time and should be there within the next few hours." With that she pulls a water skin from under her rode and takes a small drink. She looks around for a few seconds and then sits on a small rock along side the road to wait.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-01-30 11:53:42]
Subject: refreshment
Chúrisan produces a leather water bottle and some dried fruit from his knapsack. He offers either or both to Ssrivan, Adzul, and Kunur.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-01-30 13:10:16]
Subject: Ah Water!
Ssrivan gratefully accepted the water flask proferred by Churisan and took a careful drink. One must not take too much water at once after a long march--otherwise the body might just revolt a bit at the resulting stress.

"I for one am glad that this journey will be finished in a few more hours--I haven't wandered this much in a while, and the road begins to take its toll. This rest is welcome, but we dare not stay too long."

He handed the water flask back to Churisan with a carefully respectful flourish and went back to his curious study of the old man and his apparently incongruous fitness. All was not as it seemed, and he intended to ferret out the details.

From: Kúnur Chettukéng [2000-01-30 13:19:06]
Subject: Whew!
Kúnur reaches into his bag for his own leather bottle, while thanking Chúrisan for his kind offer. Covered in sweat and panting, the fragile priest looks much less self-important... nothing like a forced march to teach one's place.

From: Deshnah [2000-01-31 11:16:59]
Subject: the followers
Deshnah, once again, is standing off to the side of the group deep in the shadow of a large knotted tree trunk. He seems to be very carefully _not_ looking at a low thicket of brush several paces further off of the trail.

You notice that the stick he has been poking around with for the last few hours has been modified: the distal end of the supple green wood has been split and pulled apart to form a "Y". Though it is hard to tell for sure at this distance, it also seems the ends of the "Y" have thorns set in at a reverse angle.

After a few minutes of this still-standing, and without a trace of forewarning, Deshnah lunges at the ticket and jams his stick into the thick bush.

You hear a muffled cry of pain followed by a more audible grunt of satisfaction.....

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-01-31 14:59:41]
Subject: drawn
Chúrisan reacts with great speed: whipping an arrow from his quiver, knocking it, aiming at the end of Deshnah's stick, and drawing, ready to fire.

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2000-01-31 18:35:01]
Subject: Looking Sharply
Adzul had taken a quick drink when he hears the commotion and turns quickly to see what is happening, thinking that this is not the time for hunting.

From: Game Master [2000-02-02 05:39:04]
Subject: woah, hey there....
All has gone quiet save for the singing of a taunt bow string at the ready. A drop of water runs down the round chin of Adzul, leaps from its end, falls to the front of his robe only to be absorbed into the cloth just like the copious amounts of sweat which have already darkened the yellow cloth. Deshnah turns slowly towards the rest of the group his eyes moving from the small rodent type creature on the end of his snare to the tip of the arrow vibrating, ready to fly from the very steady bow of Chúrisan. Deshnah smiles slightly and holds the animal out in front of him. Dlarumei taps Chúrisan on his shoulder as she passes giving him the sign that he may ease off a bit on the bow tension. She then walks over to where Dlarumei is standing, looks at the creature and then turns to the group.

"Well!" she says, rather annoyed. " It would appear that while we look for large signs of pursuit Deshnah has uncovered the spys from under our noses." She points to the animal and says rather coolly, "This poor creature has a spell cast upon it, the caster can see and hear through this animal. I am sure that there are many more of these woodland creatures being used or I would dispatch this one now. As we have no way of catching all the other creatures and no way of even knowing where they all could be, I suggest that we just let this one go. But you can do as you desire. I will have the other two return and then we must, unfortunately, be under way again". With that she passes through the group again and makes a strange whistle sound. After a few moments the old man and Orun return and conference with Dlarumei for a short time.

From: Game Master [2000-02-02 12:14:48]
Subject: No rest for the ......
Orun walks slowly towards Chúrisan with a half cocked smile on his face.

"I am very glad to see that the master has chosen wisely in you. I am impressed by your quick reactions and your ability at the bow. No doubt that your aim is equally as impressive. Though I am not eagar for combat, I am hoping to see you in action, it must be a wondrous sight". With that he chuckles and give Chúrisan a heavy slap on the back. He then points a thick finger at Deshnah and says, " You, .... I like you, it is nice to have such an alert person in our midst. yea,.... you'll do fine". Oruns voice trails off as he turn to the road. " If there are no great objections, I feel that we need to put our feet into motion and start again". He looks at each of you for your reaction.

From: Kúnur Chettukéng [2000-02-02 15:32:59]
Subject: Hittin' the road
Kúnur appears strangely absent from the whole commotion, remaining seated and apparently lost in thought until Chúrisan draws his bow. He listens to Dlarumei and then to Orun, takes another sip from his leather bottle, and all of a sudden stands up.

"Very well. Let us proceed then."

If you consider that the nearly-emaciated priest was having enough of a hard time filling his lungs with air a few minutes ago, and that his brown robes (not ceremonial robes, mind you -- light travelling robes) are still soaked, he seems quite ready for a few more hours of forced march. Perhaps the incident considerably increased his drive to reach Mornu as soon as possible...

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-02-02 19:03:04]
Subject: back in line
Chúrisan ignores the Ksárul-priestess's ill-mannered touch, only relaxing after she explains the situation with the creature; then he restores arrow to quiver. By the time Orun joins the group he is ready to start moving again, waterbottle stowed and knapsack in place. He is quietly cool in response to what he perceives as insulting sarcasm and over-familiarity. "How nice that you're pleased, Kási" is all he says. When the group moves again he takes his place toward the rear. He's not smiling, and as the group moves on, he has a brief exchange of words with the mysterious old man, and his expression darkens further.

(ooc: I'm not sure if the group would have heard his and the geezer's words or not, so I'll leave it to Kevin)

From: Deshnah [2000-02-03 11:43:08]
Subject: nice little rat
Deshnah nods, appraisingly, to Chúrisan as the latter drops his aim. He then lowers his prey and positions one of the two tines of his stick on a fallen branch. With a push he snaps it off and releases the animal.

Staring briefly into the animals' jet black and terrified eyes, he utters a soft command in some entirely foreign tongue. Where upon, the animal turns and runs.

Retrieving his spear, Deshnah then joins the line, a couple of paces behind Chúrisan.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-02-04 11:53:55]
Subject: Moving on
Ssrivan to is not too pleased with the developments at hand and quickly prepares for further travel, a slight frown evident to all who care to look. He gets up and moves with the others as they travel onward, lost in some inner thought.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 07:58, Sun 27 Feb 2005.