Greenest

if you had killed the cultist at the door, she may have dropped her barrier in time for you to save her. But by the time you were able to enter the temple she was beyond saving.

She had given almost her entire life-force to the magic holding the door, before she was cut down by a heavy sword longer than she was tall.

the group moves as quickly and quietly as possible through the dark, sticking to the shadows, and avoiding any threats. The raiders seem mostly gone from the streets, instead gathering around the portcullis of the keep in great numbers. The noise they make, ensures that no one hears our group of bloodied heroes moving past.

the two groups muster at the opening to the sally port, the night is eerily quiet even as smoke billows from every direction. Clarice leads the towns folk through the tunnel, Elceran shepherding them from the rear. Linston and Grim drag the prisoner behind them.

The end of the tunnel is bright and noisy as healers and guards rush here an there doing whatever they can. The towns folk with you rush forward when they see friends and family taking shelter here, and druids and healers rush towards you, healing balms at the ready.

A human guards-man shouts "you lot, with me! The Governor wants to see you on the roof"

Even as you race forward, healers chase after you, rubbing suture moss into your wounds. Older children, not yet old enough to fight, chase after you with food, and water and ale. You pass a badly injured guardsman, who's handing out arrows and bolts from the armoury to anyone who needs them. His veteran eye spys Linton's gear, and he says "here, try these mate" as he hands him a bundle of high quality, military grade bolts.

The governor's wife, an older, stately looking elf, is at the bottom of the stairs to the roof. "if there's ANYTHING at all you need..." she manages to get out as you rush past her up the stairs.

At the top, you step out into the cool night. It's almost beautiful. But the faces of those already there, are filled with dread as they all look over the wall, at the green in front of the keep.

In a quiet moment, the keep smith would be happy to tip-yer-whip. But he's just a bit busy at the moment...