Re: Book 2, Chapter #1: Murder Most Foul
Tal Harden looked on with bemusement at he received a quick gnomish embrace, but his expression quickly turned serious when he heard Kellan's report. "Ambushed at Habe's Home?" The guardsman asked, looking pained as he used the colloquial name for the sanatorium. "Isn't nowhere safe anymore? I'll keep an extra-sharp watch, Sergeant." He saluted with his polearm as the weary group moved towards the Garrison with varying degrees of enthusiasm. "Won't nothing get past me!"
Night had fallen, and with the crisp chill of the night breeze only those with urgent business were out on the streets of Sandpoint. But as the party approached the Garrison, it looked as if the guard was out in force. Alergast Barett, clad in full armor, stood on the steps of the building addressing a gathering of eight guardsman. Sheriff Hemlock stood next to him, arms crossed as he watched his lieutenant, a serious look on his face. Alergast's words, indistinct at first, became clearer as they approached.
"I'm sorry to have rousted you at this hour, but as the Sheriff said, time is of the essence. Sergeant Storval and his group left for Habe's Sanatorium mid-morning, and two of their horses returned an hour ago with no bit, no bridle, and no sign of where their riders might be. We will be moving on Habe's in force, hoping for the best but assuming that Storval and his companions have been attacked. Dav," Alergast gestured towards the shadows at the edge of the building, where the group could now see Sandpoint's horsemaster leaning against the Garrison, somehow blending into the stone, "will be taking point, looking for any evidence that they were ambushed on the way. As I said . . . ."
Alergast glanced toward the group, then did such an exaggerated double-take that it would have been comical in less-pressing circumstances. His mouth fell open as his speech abruptly ended. Then, as the rest of the guardsmen turned to see what it was that had interrupted their marching orders, the lieutenant's face burst into a smile.
"Kellan!" He nearly yelled, jumping down the stairs and moving through the assembled guards, who scurried to get out of his way. "Good gods man, it is good to see you!" He took in the others. "And you all as well. And that you all are well, if," he now took note of their bedraggled appearance, "somewhat the worse for wear. What in the nine hells happened to you?"