Caravan to Lebonwaith (Closed)

[Taj Rahk'on]

Taj watched as Eric mounted a horse and together they rode towards the barricade..

As they appraoched Taj noticed he was under line of fire from a lone bowman.. He prepared to charge but then a voice came out from above the winds..

"I don't want my attitude to be as cold as this weather, but you two shouldn't be here. Something has been killing the animals in this area, without mercy."

The bowman seemed to eye down the two riders..

"As much as I like company, you, and anyone else with you should leave this mountain. Not because of me, but because of whatever demons lurk in these peaks. "

Taj halted his horse..

He looked at the Bowman

"We are leaving these mountains, Not to be rude man but we need to pass this bridge.."

Taj's judged the distance between him and the bowman, If the stranger was more than a good marksman he could let fly two arrows by the time Taj came down on him.. If Taj sacfrificed his horse he belived he could kill the bowman if the need be.. He was tense as he awaited the Bowman's next remark..

[Malick Varian]

Malick carefully observed the warrior, unsure of his intentions. He appeared more hostile than Malick would have wanted.

"The creatures I've been tracking seemed to be goblins, with signs of fire around agitated land. But I brushed this thought aside . A few days back I found human-like footsteps, but the size of bear paws. I also found a shattered claymore, much too large for any goblin I've seen.

Is there anyone with you? It would be best not to separate from them, especially when these things could be around.

My name is Malick Varian, Guildmaster of the Rangers. And strangely enough, the last.I heard of strange monsters lurking in the Northern Peaks, and thought that these creatures might be connected with the disappearance of my fellow rangers. Perhaps we can help one another. You need across this mountain, and I want these monsters dead. Before any more chat, we should get somewhere safe. An old dwarven mine is ahead. It's empty, but it'll be big enough for shelter for tonight.

[Taj Rahk'on]

Taj took in what the man said, He had heard of Malick Varian before & his story seemed believable though his trust wasn't so easily won..

"Varian?.. I know of you.. If you are who you say you are then it is good our paths have crossed.. I would like to help you but Im at work at the moment, I'll have to check with the trader" He notioned with his hand back towards the Caravan..

He turned his head to Eric..
Taj wanted to be alone with Malick to talk about.. Things.. Though he didn't yet trust Eric alone with Mafasa..

"Stay here"

Taj rode his horse up around a bit to check if there were any others around for this could of been a well played trap, though it was safe.. & the Ranger was indeed alone.. He rode back to the others saying as he passed through..

"I will bring the van here & we can discuss matters further then."
Stopping his horse he looked at the two then continued on down the track back to the van..

-----------------

Upon arriving he yelled out..
"All is well, I do believe if all is truth we are fine.. for now.."
He looked at Mafasa..
"The man down there is guildmaster of the Rangers.. He wants help with dealing with a problem of his.. Can you delay your shipment for a few days? I do think the friendship of a guildmaster would prove valuable" Taj made a point of hinting that being friends with a guildmaster could prove usefull for buisness..

Mafasa agreed, & Taj turned to Retuke..
"Hope you don't mind friend the delay friend"

Then dismounting Taj started readying his horse to the Caravan setting it back up for travel..

[Retuke]

The large wagon kept rolling slowly. Taj and Eric were out of sight around the next bend. Retuke sat down next to Mafasa and cradled his staff in his arms. Everything seemd quiet... too quiet.
As they slowly rounded the bend, Retuke saw that Taj and Eric were conversing with a man who carried a large bow.
"Well now, I wonder what this is..."

Before long, Taj began riding back to the caravan.
"The man down there is guildmaster of the Rangers.. He wants help with dealing with a problem of his.. Can you delay your shipment for a few days? I do think the friendship of a guildmaster would prove valuable."
Retuke's eyebrows raised slightly. Taj seemed to know his business well.
"I am fine with the matter," he said, standing. He looked at Malick Varian's figure in the distance.
"The Ranger Guildmaster... well, well, well... And what knews of the outpost, if any?"

[Taj Rahk'on]

"The Ranger Guildmaster... well, well, well... And what knews of the outpost, if any?"

"Malick, the guildmaster, wishes to camp there tonight.. I don't think we'll have much trouble so lets head off.."

He had finished with his horse and the van speeded off arriving shortly arfterwards & stopping just before the bridge..

Taj jumped down and walked over to Eric and Malick hand on the hilt of his sword..

"There are only a few hourse left of daylight.. We will help you with your problem Malick, We should discuss this further at the Dwarven outpost, Shall we head off?.." He said still in his alert mood..

[Malick Varian]

"Sounds good. I didn't realize you had a whole caravan, though. I was only expecting a small group of travelers.

Malick looked over at Eric. He obviously wasn't here from coincidence. Someone was going to get hurt in the near future, and not from a rogue goblin.

"The mine is just ahead. There appears to be no sign of monsters in the area, but you should still be cautious.

He waved for the others to follow, and after a time of walking, the group came across a hole framed with wood, buried in the snow. Obviously the mine.

"I'll go first into the mine, you there" he pointed at Eric. "Cover the rear."

Malick drew his bow. A strange noise emitted from the mine. Perhaps it wasn't empty at all.

[Z, the slayer (dead)]

Eric quickly nodded to Malick. All he had to do was follow along, wait until everyone was asleep, and he would be able to shorten the number of casulties. As he rode to the end of the caravan, he tied his horse to the back. He did not need it anymore.

He drowsily followed the caravan. As he was walking there appeared to be some commotion in the front. He saw Malick draw his bow at the entrance. Even though Malick was perfectly able to defend himself, Eric still didn't want his best friend to be injured.

Eric disobeyed Malick's order and strode off toward the hole. Before anyone could say anything, he was consumed in the darkness of the mine.

[Taj Rahk'on]

Taj continued with the group when the caravan came to a halt he watched as Malick prepared to enter the Dwarven mine then was stolen the oppurtunity by Eric..

Taj did nothing he gave Mafasa a look which meant 'be wary'

He also looked to see how Retuke was handling the matter,

It was clear Taj didn't like this but he took stock for reason's he wanted with the Ranger Guildmaster.

[Malick Varian]

"Fool..."
Eric was supposed to stay with the group. No matter. Malick still had to track down these creatures.

"Don't worry about him. Thankfully goblins can't see in the dark."

Malick went inside the caravan, not yet meeting the others in the group. He saw a human, probably the owner of the caravan due to his wealthy garb. He also saw a fellow elf. A mage, it appeared.

Malick fell upon one knee, bowing to Retuke; similar to how a warrior bows to his king to be knighted.

"My apologies that I couldn't give my respects sooner. My name is Malick Varian. I am greatly honored by your presence."

[Retuke]

"Malick, the guildmaster, wishes to camp there tonight.. I don't think we'll have much trouble so lets head off.."

Retuke nodded and Taj began to ride off. The caravan began to roll along down towards the bridge, but to the Mage's suprise, the barricade still hadn't been cleared, and they went down a branch of the road that was still on the Northwest side of the river. Before long, they appeared at the mine's entrance. Taj was speaking with Malick Varien, the Ranger Guildmaster.

"There are only a few hourse left of daylight.. We will help you with your problem Malick, We should discuss this further at the Dwarven outpost, Shall we head off?.." Taj said.

"Sounds good. I didn't realize you had a whole caravan, though. I was only expecting a small group of travelers." Malick said.

Retuke stepped off the caravan as it came to a halt and joined the three others.

"The mine is just ahead. There appears to be no sign of monsters in the area, but you should still be cautious." Malick said to all.

Retuke shook his head slightly. He didn't doubt the Guildmaster's words, but surely there were Goblins about somewhere. While he was alone with Mafasa in the caravan, he almost could feel he was being watch.

"I'll go first into the mine, you there. Cover the rear." Malick said, to Eric. He began walking forwards but Eric ignored the Guildmaster and hurried in ahead of him.

"Fool... Don't worry about him. Thankfully goblins can't see in the dark."

Retuke's brows narrowed and he countered Malick's words. "Pardon, but you are quite mistaken. IceWind Goblins have the ability to see in the dark as most of them dwell in caves to endure the harsh mountain winds. Granted, there are other Goblins that lack the gift, but here I believe we are endanger of IceWinds, not StickHands."

The Ranger Guildmaster turned to get a better look at Retuke, and to the Mage's suprise, he knelt down.

"My apologies that I couldn't give my respects sooner. My name is Malick Varian. I am greatly honored by your presence."

Retuke shook his head with a rueful smile. "Do not kneel to me, Guildmaster. I am the least of my Guild."


((ooc/ Sorry, I thought I already posted in this thread. >_> I guess I forgot that it had gotten deleted before I could post it. Oops. Again, sorry for not posting for so long. ))

[Taj Rahk'on]

Taj had been to this mine before he knew thier was a cave nearby that would shelter the Caravan,

"Malick, Im going to take the Caravan to a nearby cave for the night, you may camp with us if you wish & in the morning we can take care of this problem of yours.."

Taj walked over to the Caravan his feet crunching through the snow that formed this high in the mountains.. He grabbed his horse and mounted,

"Im going to go scout ahead, I'll return within the half-hour"
He nodded and rode off up the hill dissapearing in the haze of snowfall.

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Mafasa turned to Retuke & the guildmaster much rathering to be at his fine house in the Minas Rithes subourbs but pleased he was amongst men of power, the lady's back home would surely be impressed of his stories of adventure..
Trying to include himself in the discussions of what was occuring he added,
"Yes do come and spend the night with us Guildmaster, We will open a crate of wine and celerbrate good company"

[Retuke]

Retuke warily watched Taj leave, then returned his attention to Mafasa and the Ranger Guildmaster. He glanced at the cave every now and then. Something about it just didn't seem right. It was too.... ominous.

[Malick Varian]

Malick was surprised about how oblivious and simple he was up here.
"I apologize for my ignorance. I'm used to the murky forest Das Duul, where goblins use fire as a tool and a weapon. They rely too much upon it, and it gives there position away. It's irritating how difficult it is to track in this white storm. When we are rid of these creatures, hopefully we'll meet again, in my area of expertise.

Malick eyed the owner suspiciously. He knew 'Eric' was here for a criminal of some sort. Magi are known for being honorable, and peaceful. Otherwise they would be their evil cousins, the Sorcerers.
The warrior, Taj, probably isn't the target either. Warriors are honored as the enforcers of law. His only remaining target would be Mafasa.
Seeing that the owner had no weapons, and the warrior and mage stayed with him constantly, he probably hired them, for protection.
Malick would have to distract the two bodyguards. 'Eric' would do the rest.

"A mage, huh? I can't use magic too well. I can make some small magic, like make a stick burn. I just never had a real need to use it. Where are you two from?

[Taj Rahk'on]

Taj entered the cave he was looking for.. It hadn't been inhabited for a while so he thought it safe, he turned his horse and made his way back down the mounain towards the Caravan..

[Retuke]

"I apologize for my ignorance. I'm used to the murky forest Das Duul, where goblins use fire as a tool and a weapon. They rely too much upon it, and it gives there position away. It's irritating how difficult it is to track in this white storm. When we are rid of these creatures, hopefully we'll meet again, in my area of expertise."

Retuke nodded, as if he suspected that was the reason.
"Yes.. These mountains aren't a place to travel lightly."
He looked back towards the ominmous cave entrance, wishing for Taj to return.

"A mage, huh? I can't use magic too well. I can make some small magic, like make a stick burn. I just never had a real need to use it. Where are you two from?"

The Elf turned back to the Ranger and replied, "From Adenwar. I haven't been there in years, though. What of yourself?"

Finally, Taj reappeared from the mouth of the tunnel.