The party makes it about half of the way back to Greenest before it grows dark. They can press on for a couple more hours to reach Greenest that night or they can make camp for the night and travel the rest of the way in the morning.

Talik looked at Inanah and went to walk with her for a moment he was quiet at first. Then he spoke "it is not your fault the prisoners are still prisoners fate has a destiny for us all and I don't think she intends yours to be in the bottom of a hip flash" he gave her a gentle smile

"The odds were stacked against us to begin with. The fact we got in and out is nothing short of a miracle. Our orders were to track and locate the camp our small band though brave each and everyone would have died before we reached the hills trying to protect the prisoners we'd have rescued"

He took her arm and stopped her "look it might be little comfort but we have gained much, we have information, we know the prisoners are still alive and we know what we pass on will help give them a chance....in the grand scheme of things we have helped them if not set them free....yet"

He started walking again "I will give you my oath that if you need to return I will be at your side but now we need to move and fast your sharp eyes are needed to get us home safely not blurred by the liquid in your flask" with that he gave her a nod and moved swiftly ahead to help the others find the way home

Isolde made a point of circling back to pick up her shield. Being who she was, she was all for pressing on through the darkness to get back to town rather than stopping in the open.

Inanah walked quietly while Talik spoke to her and gave a nod when he said that they had gained information that could be useful later for freeing the prisoners. It didn't make her feel better about the immediate abandonment but it did give hope for the future at least.

When he left, she took a long look at her hip flask, then finally took a sip before stashing it away. It was an old friend, she couldn't abandon it either. She made her way to the front of the group and her usual place for scouting.

When it came clear they wouldn't reach Greenest before nightfall, she said, "I think we should push on, us that can see in the dark can guide those that don't. I don't recommend using light if not absolutely necessary."

The party continues to Greenest in the dark. They arrive safely and head for the keep, where Governor Nighthill meets them, eager to hear what information they have acquired. As a crowd gathers, Nesim appears; he looks disappointed that Leosin is not with the party, but says nothing to them about it.

Isolde stood grim and silent. She allowed the others to explain to the governor just what had occurred.

Feeling responsible, Inanah stepped forward. She didn't think that the crowd should hear everything, but they needed something, same for Nesim.

Inanah spoke bluntly, she was never one for sugarcoating the truth, "We found their camp. Greenest is not the only place near here they have raided." She continued to describe the numbers she estimated the cultist had in the camp and the location it was in. "Miss Saya might be able to give a better description of the camp, since she has seen it from above. Maybe together we could draw a rudimentary map. And Talik was with me, he might have seen and heard different things than me."

Inanah turned to Nesim, "We found your master, he... I don't know what to think..." Her face was full of regret and undecision. "He was captured, but I was able to talk with him briefly through magic. He... insisted that we should leave him there, that he still had things to do, that he would follow us later." It took all her strength of will to not cry out in frustration. "I had to help us escape the camp, otherwise I would have risked us all. Even more."

Turning back to the governor, she said, "We found out few more things, but maybe they should be discussed in more private."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Mon 07 Oct 2019.

Hasan glances around nervously at the crowd, and nods when Inanah mentions talking to Nighthill in private. "That's a good idea, Inanah."

Talik looked at his companion and saw the frustration in her features and felt sorry for her he knew if he hadn't spoken up in the camp she would have single handedly taken on all to rescue the prisoners

He pulled down his hood showing his horns and demonic features " mistress Inanah speaks the facts, your master would not accept our assistance, we would have done all we could if he had asked but there was no sense in endangering us and the mission to get her information for the sake of one person. My words might sound harsh but the reality is we would not be here if  we had acted on our desire to help those captured. We hope that the information we have will aid in their freedom at a later date"

"Agreed," Governor Nighthill says with a nod. He leads the party and a handful of his most trusted, including Escobert, to a private room in the keep. Once everyone is inside, he looks to Inanah again and asks, "So what else can you tell us about this camp? Who is behind this? And what do they want?"

Inanah gave Talik a tight smile when he spoke to her support, more of a quick move of lips than anything else.

While they moved to a more private location, she composed her thoughts to give as precise report that she could.

"They call themselves the Cult of the Dragon. Their leaders are someone called Mondath and then that half-dragon Rezmir. They occupy a large tent at the back of the camp that is guarded by four drakes and vigilant humans. It is only allowed to be entered by trusted people."
"When we arrived there, they seemed all to be returning from raiding in various places. The security was very lax and nearly nobody wore their cultist robes. We walked in easily. However, as everyone was returning, it seemed that things became more orderly and by the time we left it looked like entering again will be much more difficult."
"The camp is located in a hollow of a rocky plateau that encircles it like a horse shoe. The rise is first gentle but then steepens and is about 150 feet high. There are boulders at the bases of the cliffs that could provide some cover. There are also some caves in the cliffs, but we didn't get to look in them. The top of the plateau has long grass, brushes and trees."
"They have been there few months by what we learned by listening. The camp has two guard towers, one at the entrance of the hollow and other at the top of the plateau, giving long distance view. Each tower is about 20 feet high, made of timber and ropes. The one at the entrance to the hollow was guarded by kobolds and the one at the plateau held humans."
"The camp was similarly separated, the outside part is more crudely crafted huts and house kobolds, the inner part is has sturdier and cleaned huts and houses humans."
"There are other prisoners besides Leosin there, too. They are put to labor, treated poorly and in the end fed to the drakes or taken to the caves. Some have converted." Inanah face shows anger and shame when she speaks of the prisoners.
"Then the most intriguing fact, behind the large tent at the back is a cave that the cultists call "the hatchery". It is strictly off limits to anyone not authorised by the leaders. It holds the treasure, that we heard while we listened for gossip."
Taking a deep breath Inanah thinks she has told what they had learned, but looked around to the others hoping they would speak up if there was more.
"Oh, one more thing. As a group so large they seem to lean heavily for provisions by hunting the surrounding area. Some of that meat goes to the hatchery and part to the kitchens."

"About this hatchery, combining the word and our knowledge that there is at least one dragon seen here might suggest that this is where the dragon resides. Maybe there are eggs, too? I'm purely speculating, but it is an intriguing thought. We didn't see any traces of the dragon anywhere else."


"We could try to combine our memories and draw a rudimentary map, if you think it would be helpful."

Governor Nighthill listens to Inanah's description of the camp, nodding as she lists off everything the party learned. "Thank you. This is quite helpful, though rather troubling. If you wouldn't mind mapping out the camp, I suppose that might be useful, too." He pauses in thought then continues, saying, "You'd all best get some rest for the night. We'll work out how to proceed tomorrow. You're welcome to stay here in the keep if you'd like."

"I think food and rest will be welcomed after such a dangerous trip." She was disappointed that the Governor didn't have any more to say, but understood that he needed to talk with his advisors first.

Looking around to see if any her companions wanted to talk, she drew close to Talik first, "Thank you." She offered her hand for a warrior's handshake, clasping his arm if offered in return. Inanah let it be unspoken why she thanked him but she had been impressed by his skills in combat and woodscraft as well as thankful of him trying to get her snap out of her depressive episode.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Fri 11 Oct 2019.

It took Talik less than a moment to take the offered arm. He looked Inanah in the eye"it was and is my honour to stand by your side. If in the future I can give counsel I will do so"

He looked round the room before simply saying "warm food and a roof over my head will be a good respite from dried food and a ditch "

Isolde helped to draw the camp but had little to add to Inanah's descriptors. Some of what she said was new information to her, but otherwise she tried to add helpful information as she had it -- numbers of guards, weaponry, and the like.

An assault on the camp seemed ill-advised with the force they had on hand. Isolde was interested to hear what the governor had in mind.

"Yes, let's try to get some rest," Hasan says to his companions. "I have a feeling we're going to need it."

He can only speculate what might be in store for them. Whatever Nighthill and his advisors come up with, it will surely be dangerous, given the situation.

Simply nodding to Talik, she grasped his arm for a moment before releasing. When Inanah heard his next words, her heart went to him hoping he was exaggerating. Inanah had had hard times, but not ever slept in a ditch. His demonic features would probably explain conditions like that. She had not trusted him either. "If I can help you at some point, just say it. I'm not wealthy, but I have learned a thing or two during my time."

Patting everyone of the group on the shoulder, she found a soldier or servant who could direct her and the others to get food and where they could sleep.

"I think you are right, Hasan. This is not over yet, although I can't imagine what we can do to help."

The party is fed and provided beds for the night at Governor Nighthill's expense. The night passes without incident. The sun is already high in the sky when the party arises.

Long rest.

Isolde was not a long sleeper, but she slept deeply in the safety of the keep. She woke before the others and went about her business. She sought out a small bowl of hot water, a larger bowl of cold, and as clean a towel or rag that she could find. She carefully washed her hands and face, shaved her cheeks and chin, and finally wiped her feet with the damp rag. Quiet and thoughtful, she loosed her hair, combed it out, and re-braided it into simple coils, adorned here and there with beads of semi-precious stones and rings of iron and copper.

Only then did she eat, modestly, out of duty to her own body and without relish, whatever was on hand. She craved ale, of course, but accepted water without complaint.

She laid out her equipment -- armor, weapons, pack, and accessories -- examining each for damage, for wear, for grime, and doing what she could to mitigate the problems. Then, she dressed, donned her armor, her light helm, her shield, and gathered the rest.

Isolde was ready to face the new day.

Inanah used the night time hours to sneak back to the stream behind the keep and washed in the water enjoying a moment to herself. Kneeling by the edge of the stream, a moment spent in prayer, asking Sehanine to illuminate her travels and send signs of the path ahead to her dream trance.

Taking care of her gear took some more time and the horizon was already lightening when Inanah made her way back into the keep and found a bed to rest for few hours. When she emerged from her rest, she was fully geared and carried her weapons with her. There was not knowing on how they day would go.

When the party seeks out Governor Nighthill and Escobert the next day, they find that Leosin the monk is with them, having escaped from the Cult of the Dragon camp that night and traveled most of the way to Greenest on his own; a young traveler named Aisha apparently found him collapsed on the side of the road outside of town and brought him the rest of the way in. Leosin is in very bad shape and will need some time to recover.

While Leosin is resting, Governor Nighthill publicly praises the heroes for their courage and daring, then privately pays them each their promised 250 gold pieces.

"Please stick around Greenest," he says after rewarding them. "Once the monk has recovered, we will discuss how to proceed."

Inanah is both happy that Leosin is safe, annoyed that he declined help and worried about the other prisoners. Her pale face is a mix of emotions while she listens the Governor prasing them, feeling that he spoke too highly of them, with the possible exception of Hasan who had risked the fight with the half-dragon.

She had no qualms in taking the gold reward, however. What was promised was promised and they had infiltrated and located the enemy camp.

"I'm happy that he made it. How long do you expect it to take for Leosin to recover?"

"I'll need to speak with the caravan that we came with, they own me for the trip to there, but otherwise I will stay here. I need to replenish some supplies and perhaps I can help with some cleaning up after the raid."

She looked around to the group, curious of what they were thinking to do.

The woman called Aisha stands about 5ft6 tall and is of slight build and dark skin, although there is little to see of her figure since her body is cloaked in the traditional dark Zakharan travelling clothes. Black hair can be seen under her cowl and slanted amber eyes are set into a pretty face of Zakharan decend. Like many people from her home country, Aisha carries a finely wrought curved dagger in her belt and also light crossbow on her back.

She watches the Governor as he speaks to Leosin and the heroes, the ones who had come to save the monk, yet had failed to return with him. "They are not worthy, they should be burned by the cleansing flame." the whispers in her head told her, "And while you're at it, burn this coward of a Governor with them." they added, the voices licking her brain. "I will not listen to you. - Shut up!" Aisha commanded them with a firm thought. "You are not real, you have no power over me." she repeated mentally a couple of times, just like Ibrahim had taught her, until the whispers became an incomprehensive white noise at the back of her mind.

Meanwhile her face betrayed nothing to the outside. "Well met, Effendis, Hanimeffendis." she said with a strong foreign accent. "I have heard of your great deeds, defending dis town and de people within. It is an honor to meet you." the woman said "My name is Aisha, at your service." she added with a slight bow, putting her hands together in a peaceful gesture. "You will continue to attempt to fight de plans of de cult of de dragon?" she asked hopefully. "Would you grant me de honor of fighting at your side?"

Isolde Glibhammer was stone-faced, but that cracked a bit and she gave an annoyed what-the-hell kind of glare when she realized the Leosin had escaped and followed them back to Greenest. But she let it pass. There might come an explanation of his behavior. She accepted Nighthill's gold with a nod. "I will remain, as you ask."

Isolde considered the mysterious Aisha. Unaware, of course, of the disturbing dialogue going on in the Zakharan's mind, she answered her spoken words instead. "For my part, I stand against the cult. I do not speak for the others. You are a welcome ally. But be warned." Isolde gave Aisha a ferocious scowl. "Many of our allies have fallen." Or fled. Or otherwise vanished. Isolde was losing count. But the loss of Kathra still stung.

To Aisha, Isolde was short. But she was tall, for a dwarf, and still carried the curves of youth, so she resembled a barrel somewhat less than most of her kin. Her chin and cheeks were shaved close, in the current fashion of a shield maiden. Her red sideburns and tresses were long and braided thickly, simply at the moment, and adorned with small rings of iron and copper and beads of semi-precious stones. Her heavy armor was battered, finely-wrought chain, well-tailored for her, and a light steel helm. One strong arm carried a heavy shield of wood and iron, enameled with the icon of a green hammer (also very much battered), and near to hand was an even heavier iron-topped war hammer, the shaft of which was wrapped in leather dyed a matching green. Her cloak, her boots, her gauntlets are durable, well-cared-for, simple but of fine quality. She was young, tough, and if the condition of her gear was any indication, she had been through hell.

Given the opportunity, Isolde made her way through Greenest, alone if necessary but welcoming company if it was offered. A war zone was not a promising place to seek to purchase equipment of war, but she had gold in her pouch and one thing on her mind: heavier armor.

[OOC: Isolde is looking to upgrade from chain mail to splint mail. Is anything available?]

Inanah let Isolde finish her warnings, that were necessary, they had lost some and almost all had been hurt at one point or another. Meanwhile she observed Aisha, trying to figure out her passion for fighting the Cult. Had she met them before and had some knowledge or was she just eager to prove herself in a strange place? She was also curious to learn where Aisha came from, her clothing did not look familiar.

After Isolde's words Inanah also made her greetings, "Well met, Aisha. I am Inanah Naïlo, but humans usually call me Nightbreeze. Like the shieldmaiden said, I hope you don't imagine it will be an easy task to fight the Cult. Never the less, sincere help is always welcomed."

A brief smile visited her lips, before she continued, "I am in need of some supplies, hoping all of them are not lost in the raid. If any will want to join me in looking, I welcome company, perhaps we can even find a tavern to wet our throaths and talk in a more relaxed surroundings."


OOC
Description of Inanah can be found in the Cast section of the game.

DM, my question echoes Isolde. Is there any luck in finding better armor, I'd like to replace my leathers with studded leather.

Also a Healing Kit is on my list.