Episode 1 Scene 2 : The Next Day

"Do you have any suggestions where we should look next Bin-ghen?" asks Corwyn, rather thinking that the interrogation of the sheep has gone as far as it is likely to get.

"If I had any solid ideas my wife and I would have acted upon them already but you might check the druid of Southwood as he might have seen something or one of his animals might have but that is a good days walk to the south so you might as well stay here. I would invite you in but our humble abode would not be able to fit you all but your welcome to camp outside the house and we can share some food with you."

"Thank you for your advice and your hospitality," he replies. Turning to the others, "We could try and find this druid tomorrow. He or she would be likely to know something and we might learn more on the way. What do you think?"

"I think that is our best next step, and we can always head backwards and investigate the other farms along the way we came if the druid has not heard anything about this."

"I hope you don't mind if I camp with you for the night," Xanin asks the group as he makes himself useful by building a campfire.

"So you're all members of the local garrison ... why did you all join and is it looking for additional recruits?"

Bin-ghen responds, "Well I imagine they are all wanting to stay in the area for an extended while. As such that would be a requirement, everybody joins and everybody pitches in to help maintain and protect the village."

Xanin nods in understanding to Bin-Ghen's comment and then looks around the darkening countryside while taking a deep breath of the smoke-scented twilight air. As he exhales, his attention settles on his staff for a moment. Its black shaft, which had almost looked metallic before in the daylight, is now beginning to vanish into the rising darkness except for reflections from the campfire on its shiny surface. His eyes, however, contemplate the brighter flickering light reflecting off the small brass orb mounted atop.

"Well, I intend to stay in the area for a while as well and I would like to contribute my part," his voice seems solemn and self-reflective, but then returns to its earlier jovial tone as he looks around at the garrison members with a smile and adds, "so I'd be very interested to join you!"

"Very good - there's strength in numbers and another person to contribute ideas and so on can only be helpful. I'm sure a person with your abilities will be very useful."

The smile on Xanin's face only grows bigger with Corwyn's response. "Fantastic!" He unpacks his bedroll and spreads it onto the grass not too far from the fire and then drops his pack on top of it.

Turning to Bin-ghen, he asks, "Are there any chores around the farm that you need help with before we call it a night? Otherwise, I'm happy to wake up early and help with the morning chores before we head south. It would be great to repay the help, food and drink that you and Irlyzys have given. I'm a skilled carpenter, so if there's anything you need mending, I might be able to help ..."

Xanin trails off for a moment with a sigh as he remembers his predicament, " ... although my tools are back in my cart, which is stuck out there in the wilds. Still, even with some general farming tools I can probably make something functional again. It just won't be as beautiful on the eyes." Xanin laughs at that last bit with a wink.

"I would also be willing to aid Xanin in anything we could help out with around here. Additionally, if I might ask, might you have any maps of the surrounding area? Or rather, any maps?" A cozy night by the fire studying a map sounds like the perfect way to relax after traveling and talking to strangers all day.

Bin-ghen responds, "Uh.. no I am not a cartographer. In fact I think I heard that our resident cartographer has gone missing recently which does not bode well I suppose. But navigating the plateau is pretty easy. The south edge is defined by the cliffs going up and the rest is defined by the cliffs going down. Hard to confuse those and of course the cliffs going down provide a wonderful view of the land down under."

Corwyn thanks Bin-ghen for his hospitality and starts to prepare a suitable place for a camp and campfire. To the others he says, "From what Bin-ghen said it will take most of the day to get to the Southwood."

Hath pats the sheep on the head and says "Thankyou and farewell, we will try and bring your friends back to the flock."

Turning back to the others he says "We should rest here, lots of walking tomorrow if we want to reach Southwood. Hopefully tha' druid is in a good mood, don't think that's likely if'n their animals are goin' missing too though."

Quincy is disappointed at Bin-ghen's response, but understands.

Responding to Corwyn and Hath, "Let's get some good rest then and leave first thing in the morning."

Xanin volunteers to take a watch as well before tucking into his bedroll and drifting off to sleep.