Chapter 5: Return to the Surface

It isn't long after this exchange that you begin to see the ferry come into sight. A low wooden building sits near the bank of the Surbrin river and there are several river boats tied to a small dock jutting out into the water. The river looks relatively calm today and you can see a couple of men working to ready a boat to launch.

You move ever closer and a man stands up from his work, says something to the others and moves to meet you. He gives a low bow to Lanniver and a slightly smaller bow to the rest of you, except Sarith, "Ahh, Sir Strayl, I was hoping you'd arrive soon. We've prepared a small meal for your group if you'd like to eat before you set out down the river."

Strayl turns to the rest of you, leaving the choice of whether you eat or not up to you.

Lanniver smiles at Hunter, then chuckles, "Well, I wouldn't want to deny you a good meal before we depart, we probably won't have another like it until we reach Gauntlgrym." He nods to the man, who turns and leads the way back toward the building. Sarith glares at the man's back, fingering the hilt of his new sword.

You are led into the small building, past the front counter and into a back room, where you find a nice meal waiting for you. The smell of fresh bread and stew fills the air. Several mugs of ale wait for you next to your plates, as well as a couple of glasses of wine. The man waves you into the room, "Enjoy your meal, I will be just outside if you need anything."

Sarith nods grimly, accepting Elfog's reasoning. He stands up straighter and refuses to even look at the disrespectful man.

Hunter can sense nothing but respect from the man, at least in regards to Lanniver. It seems that he finds you as being beneath Lanniver's station and resents you for taking up the man's time. Chances are, though, that he is not aware of the task that you're truly taking on.

Sarith hesitates, but does take a place at the table, eating slowly.

Everyone noticed Hunter pocket the bread and fork.

At this point, your group is alone with Lanniver in the room. Everyone else is outside working on prepping the ferry. Lanniver notices, but says nothing of it.

"Oh yes, many times. Blunt and honest almost to a fault," he says, nodding respectfully to Elfog, "You rarely have to wonder what their motivations are. It's always good to have a dwarf on your side, though you'd not want to fight one. Ferocious as cornered wolverines in battle."

Lanniver takes the compliment with a smile and nods to Elfog's comment about giving friends the benefit of the doubt. He seems to take note of the significant look he's given Hunter, but doesn't mention it.

You eat the rest of your food in good spirits (mostly) and shortly after, the man returns, "The ferry is ready when you are."