Chapter 2, Days 8-10

"Right, so we're not going to let that happen. We go find the army and take out the biggest threat, am I right?" I turn towards Killian. "Hey, by any chance do you have any good blacksmiths here? I've got a couple of knives that need sharpening." I take out the two unfinished dragony blades and wave 'em around.

"Yes, but how do we decide which is the biggest threat?" Zaris replies, a note of frustration in his voice. "We need that army now!"

"Spring too fast on the hare, you'll end up with grass in your teeth," says Pawetha. "Show some patience, observe the conditions, and then you'll know when to pounce."

The ranger turns to Zaris. "We check out this 'Saarvith' and make sure there are no surprises. Especially if we think dragons are involved. Once we understand the environment and what we're up against, we can try to think up a plan."

Zaris frowns at Paws. "Yes, of course. But I think we need scouts sent to all of the relevant positions to 'observe the conditions' as you say."

"Aren't we the scouts? You're saying we should each visit a different location and then report our findings?"

"It would seem inadvisable to split up with the harrowblades roaming around then fen. It took all of us to take down the beast, I would definitely not want to meet one of them on my own."

"Either. I mainly wanted to know what you've been able to gather about these harrowblades," says Pawetha. "Also, I'm not familiar with your marshland, so if there are tips and tricks for navigating these fine folk around, I would greatly appreciate studying under your guidance and expertise."

I'm simply saying we need more scout parties," he relies, obviously frustrated with the discussion. "Nevermind, we need to get to work on all of this."

"After you, Paws." I give Zaris a shrug.

Zaris returns a shrug to Xara but lets the matter rest. He stands near Killian and waits for Paws to start asking question, clearly not interested in any more mild arguments over their tactics.

Ghunril stand next to Zaris, also content to watch the discussion unfold around him without any input needed.

After the quick lesson on the Blackfens and its inhabitants, Paws nods. "Thank you, Killian. This is all good advice, which I've taken to heart." Paws feels a kinship with the scout, at least on an occupational level, and this might explain her more-respectful tone compared to other conversations she's had.

She turns to the group. "What now? Check out the blockades, or make directly for Rhest?"

"Rhest?" I offer helpfully.

"Well, yeah, these elves have given us a place to sleep. You want to rest now?" asks Pawetha.

"Rest and then off to Rhest. A certain synergy in that plan," Zaris says with a gentle laugh.

"Rest, then rest again. Sure, why not?"

"Okay, so we'll ignore the blockades for now," Pawetha mumbles, mulling things in her mind. "That might be good, maybe their base is in the ruins and keeps them supplied. Cut off the head of this one and the blockades will be easier to clear later."

Zaris sits himself down against a tree and retrieves a book from his pack, Alchemy and Invisibility: a case study. He tunes out the rest of the world. "Three parts of willow bark mixed with spirit of ether will often be the perfect base liquid to add in poppy flowers..." Yes, this could work," he mumbled to himself.