Chapter 2 - The Raiders’ Camp

Kirsk surveyed the grim destruction of what used to be his hometown and the view caused a fire to burn inside him. "I will gladly help in getting to the bottom of this. I know that this is a strange request, but do we have the robes from the cultists that were killed? If you want us to infiltrate, we can use the robes to add to our disguise." He turns to look at his alies, "I have infiltrated the cult before, I know the symbols and gestures that can aid us, however, I am not sure how easily they would be able to recognize me."

'To tell the truth Governor I was intending to do as you ask anyway, so you may keep your coin if you wish. Though equipment for the task could be useful. Unfortunately little of my possessions survived the attack on my own village. I had thought them burned, but not most likely looted.'

She raise an eyebrow at Kirsks admission. 'I suppose that has to do with what you were saying to those kobolds?'

Kel has always been an early riser. It came from her time with the monks, and, as such, the time between the sun cresting the horizon and the waking of the rest of the world was used for quiet contemplation.

With her legs tucked tightly beneath her, she meditates on the events of yesterday. The nearly fatal battle against the kobolds was shameful, but not nearly so much as the fear that gripped her as she stared into the face of the blue dragon. Her cowardice filled her with burning shame, and she fed that heat into the void she had created in her mind. It was a technique she had been taught. To feed the negative emotions to the void was to be rid of them, to not let them weigh on you as every day was a new one.

The burning would not subside though, no matter how much she fed the void. She she tried a different approach. Perhaps the burning was a calling. A new way to deal with her passions. Her anger. Her fear. She imagined a flame. And her emotions were kindling. She fed the flame, and let it grow. Let the burning shame be replaced by pleasant warmth. With a smile, she realized that it was working, and as she opened her eyes in contemplation, she could see a burning flame, barely larger than a candle's, hovering above her open palm.

---

The governor's mission did not come as a surprise to her. It was plain that they would be the most qualified to investigate this threat, what with Kel's knowledge of dragonkind, Kirsk's experience with the cults, and the others' tenacity. What did surprise her was Octavia's insistence on not getting her share.

"Equipment is fine, but who knows how long we could be at this. Some coin in the coffers could stretch our resources beyond what Greenest can provide." she looks at the governor. "No offense."

Zachary wakes up last, not accustomed to raising early. His face reflects his drowsy nature.

The wizard walk to the group still rubbing his eyes trying to get some composture.

The offer seems to catch the attention. Doubt fills his mind, but determination makes him push forward.

I may be inexperienced in the adventuring business... But I hope to be of help

Zachary glances at the spears and eyes back his knife.

He understands he is no warrior of any sort, but the long reach of the spear can provide a new startegic advantage if it was ever needed.

Do... Do you mind if I...

Doubtful, Zachary points at one of the spears.

The cleric sighs. 'I had hoped to donate my chain in return, but for now I may need to keep both, if that is okay with you Governor?'

As Zachary gestures at the spears she smiles and picks one up, spinning it a couple of times before passing it other. 'You want you hands here and here. While you can use them as I do, with one hand, a two handed grip...' She pulls her own out to show. ' Can carry a punch, and gives stability for you to draw a hand of to cast.'

Zachary gestures as Octavia is showing, shyf making mistakes but watching closely not to poke anyones out.

It might take me a while, but i think this could be more useful than a knife if I ever need it.

Zachary turns to Escobert to ask for another petition.

I don't want to seem overbearing, but by any chance did you find any crossbows?

'For it to take a while is natural. I can give you lessons while we travel, and about other things if you wish. If you haven't guessed yet this is not my first venture into this sort of business. Though I am very much out of practice.

'Word travels fast I see.' She nods her head to Nesim. 'We can keep an eye out for him. Zachary, do you know what he looks like?'

Kirsk nods in appreciation and puts on the tunic over his mail. "Do we know how far away this camp is, and I think we need a plan before we just stroll in." He puts up the hand sign of the cult, "This is the hand signal for the cult, I will just say that you are all new initiates that I brought in from a different faction. We heard about the raiding and wanted to take part in it. If one of you can't lie convincingly, don't say anything and let others do the talking."