Return from Olaj

With more than enough of the Noveny Weed to meet Pap's needs, the four of you bid farewells to Private Knuff and head back into the Fak Woods. With Tayleron leading the way the group easily bypasses the odd field of blue plants and makes fairly decent time. Nearing your destination you pick up the familiar trail back to Falu.

Not more than five minutes later it's apparent to everyone in the group that you're being shadowed. Someone, about ten feet off of the trail, is trying to keep up with your pace, and not at all being quiet about it.

"Tayleron?! Is that you?" yells out a little girl.

A little startled seeing the ranger's quick approach the young girl quickly relaxes at the sight of her friend. "Mom and Dad set up camp a little ways from here. Everyone was getting sick when the old woman came into town and they wanted to keep me and Vinny safe."

Vicky, the young daughter of the Vargas family, appears to be in good health and is obviously happy to see everyone, although she takes a long hard look at Mogguth.

"Hi!" she finally says to the dwarf, a wide smile on her face.

Taking Tayleron's hand Vicki starts to lead him towards the family's camp. "Dad was sick when we first set up camp" Vicki responds to Mogguth's query "but he's all better now!"

The little girl expertly guides the group about one hundred feet off of the trail through thick underbrush and down a slight incline until you reach a small clearing. You're greeted with the sight of Violet, Bob, and Vince each behind cover with bows in hand and arrows drawn. The situation doesn't stay tense long as Vicki yells out, "I've found Tayleron!"

Bob slings his bow over his shoulder and moves out to greet you, while Violet and Vince lower their bows but do not move from cover.

"Tayleron, my friend, good to see you!" he says with a smile before greeting Thuron and Martel in just as friendly a manner. "I see we have a newcomer as well", he says with an edge of suspicion obvious in his voice as he eyes Mogguth. "Last stranger this close to Falu brought an awful sickness with her." Violet and Vince each raise their bows about halfway, not enough to actual aim towards Mogguth, but high enough to react quickly should they have to.

Bob looks to the others as if waiting for someone to vouch for the Cleric...

With a quick glance towards Violet and Vince, Bob has the two Vargas' lower their bows and come out of cover. "You're right, friend. Can't be too careful when family's involved..." he responds to Mogguth, "...make yourself at home." Motioning everyone to have a seat about the fire, Bob offers everyone a bite to eat and a chance to relax. "Some grilled boar, if you like. Vinnie's kill from last night's hunt!" he says, obviously proud of his son's accomplishment.

Once everyone is settled down and had a bit to eat, Violet starts the story of the stranger who visited Falu almost a tenday past. "A little frail thing she was. Said she was traveling toward Olaj and was looking for lodging" Violet says before taking a swig from her waterskin. "As you know, no real lodging to be found in Falu, but old Pap weren't about to send this poor thing on her way, and set her up a bedroll in his place for the night."

"Next morning, woman's gone, and people start getting sick" Bob interrupts, "Rolavs first and then I start coming down with it. Can barely move when Pap shows up at our door, wanting me to drink one of his cures. I refuse straight away, still not sure why, but something just seemed off with... whatever was happening. Vi and Vinny helped me get my feet under me and we made for the woods."

Violet stands up, putting her hand on Bob's shoulder. "Out for almost an entire day, this one" she says with a bit of a chuckle "but I've been scouting home during some evenings, and no one else there is getting any better from the looks of it. Awful smell about the place as well."

As the four of you gather your belongings and check your gear you notice that Bob is doing the same. "Might need an extra bow if things turn ugly. I'll take up a position outside the village and cover you the best I can." With everyone ready to go the group moves out, Tayleron in his usual position up front and Bob bringing up the rear.

A short time later, after leaving the cover of the Fak woods, you approach the village. You can see Evelin, medicine in hand, walking towards the Rolavs' place. Bob gives out a low whistle to catch your attention before signaling to his left and then darts off to find a place to hide and provide covering fire, should it be needed.