Chapter 1: Camp Galfer

Melianne, who meanwhile has found herself a log to perch on and has been busy trying to dust her silks, startles from her brooding when the group begins to move - encroaching on the camp like one wide wave, and spelling obvious future trouble. The dancer is immediately alarmed, and looks around for any of the familiar faces who might call for order: Rada, Korrin, maybe even Phann...

Finding none of them in her immediate vicinity, Melianbe jumps to her feet and hurries after the group - but then notices that one of the officers who greeted them is still here, and skips towards him instead. Absent-mindely she smoothed over her outfit and straightens her hair to look more presentable, before lightly tapping his shoulder.

"Excuse me, sir Krenmuth?" She bats her eyelashes at the soldier. "I know that you are merely following your orders, and we are the ones causing trouble for you. But surely you see that these poor people mean no harm? Please forgive this lapse of judgement on their part, for it is drawn from exhaustion and concern." She glances after the crowd and bites at her lip with worry. Though there is slyness in the way her eyes narrow when she looks back, with a faint but charming smile on her lips. "There is no need to agitate the situation further by trying to stop them and risk a fight! I am sure they will be more willing to listen and stay calm if you at least let them into the camp."

Too many thoughts are competing in Krenmuth's brain. How did this situation go wrong so quickly? How can I help these people? Must think of something fast. Must take care of the squad first.

Krenmuth keeps walking quickly toward the camp, trying to stay ahead of the tired and sore crowd. He yells to the other soldiers, "Shield circle! Now! No offensive moves then take the rear guard!" What's this? Someone's coming close.

He turns and responds to Melianne. "Just Krenmuth, my lady. I am no knight, but a priest of Valkur, Captain of the Waves. My only intention at this moment is to keep my squad and your companions safe. I can see they went through a bad time but I believe the camp is not expecting them yet. The camp is on alert due to recent attacks and I am not sure these people will be greeted with the kindness they deserve. Please excuse me. I must try to fix this."

Krenmuth remembers how his mentor, the prelate Rikshem the Worthy, started each red moon festival with a clang of thunder to get the attendees' attention. Maybe that will work. Krenmuth continues to walk quickly until he gets about 20 feet away from anyone. At that point, he raises his arms, yells "By Valkur, stop!" and casts a Thunderwave spell.

When the noise subsides, he yells again. "I will lead you to the camp safely. Please create a line in an orderly fashion."

"Recent attacks? Oh my, perhaps it will be best if we don't show up as unexpectedly then," Melianne gasps quietly, and then gasps again as the booming force of the man's spell momentarily washes over her. A soldier - paladin, maybe? - who can weave spells, he is quite intriguing... Unfortunately, it seems that the effect of his magic is insufficient for the agitated crowd, and his authority doesn't impress the shipwrecked mob. Well, it impressed her, at least.

Now a bit more alarmed by the possibility of them being taken for a hostile force by the camp inhabitants, Melianne moves again to stand besides Krenmuth and, using the pause his spell created, calls for her own companions: "Friends, please, there is no need to antagonize these good people! They've been having trouble of their own, and us coming in will scare those in the camp - they simply try to watch out for the safety of all of us. Right, Captain?" She wraps her hand around the man's without much regard for personal space, and beams at the group. "We should follow their orders so we all get to rest and recuperate as quick and safe as possible!"

Korrin follows Krenmuth at a safe distance, knowing that you don't crowd an armed man. As he continues to talk to him.

"They mean no harm master Krenmuth, they are just tired and hungry...and need of the semblance of safety. The end of the road is in sight and they see safety ahead, at least they hope it is safety.

As I stated earlier, it has been a rough week for some more than others, most of them lost everything when the ship sank, then we had to rescue them from these strange frog people. Most are holding weapons for the first time in their lives and I am sure they will be interested in learning how to use them at some point in time. Before they stab themselves in the foot, rather then later."

Scags was half-listening to the conversation between Annika and Korsak. The nobles are now playing their favorite game of 'who's more important than thou', He thought bitterly. he would rather be back overseeing those newcomers outside and making sure no one is making trouble. There was a lot of action ever since he arrived in camp and as a young man, he would have enjoyed it. Now, he wasn't sure if he could handle another scrap even if it's against a wet and shabby-looking rabble. He was getting too old for this. By Tempus I was supposed to be adventuring! not whatever this is! He let his mind wander a bit and focus on his surrounding hoping to hear any excuse to get himself out of the office and outside.

Krenmuth, clearly uncomfortable with Melianne clutching his hand, looks back at Korrin. "Your shipmates won't listen to me. Perhaps if you join your friend here," he looks at Melianne, "with her requests for cooperation?"

"What would you have of me Master Krenmuth? The destination they have been waiting to see is before them, they are tired and hungry. The slop the frog people provided for us to eat was fit for....well fit for frogs. They have been held captive against their will when they needed to be rescued, which fortunately we did. We rescued them from a people that should have rescued them." Korrin shakes his head, looking at these people as they traipse toward the camp which is now in sight, barely able to keep going. As soon as they eat they will probably pass out and sleep for a week.

"My suggestion if I may? Would be to feed them and then tuck them in, the only trouble you will have is if you try to delay them from what they see as safety. They will cause no harm unless you try to hinder them in any way from the end of their trying journey."

"I understand their plight. I would feed them now if only I had the supplies. We brought neither food nor drink, and we weren't told of how many were in your group. Unfortunately, the lack of appropriate information is not unusual in the military."

"I will not try to stop your shipmates. I purposely ordered my squad to stay in back, for both their and your friends' safety. In fact, the best course right now," Krenmuth pauses with the sudden realization he is still clutching Melianne's hand, "is for the three of us make sure we are in front to prevent misunderstandings." He releases Melianne's hand and steps up his pace.

Melianne bats her eyelashes innocently at Krenmuth, though an amused smile plays on her lips upon his delayed retreat from her not-quite-embrace. But his words quickly chase away the brief moment of entertainment at the soldier's expense, and Melianne sighs, straightening her sash again and following after the two for lack of better alternatives.

She catches up with Korrin, and leans towards him, not pausing her steps: "Please, dear, we should try to convince our fellow travellers to reign in their tempers, and you have more authority. What if the expedition's guards think that we are bandits, or worse? If there are civilians in camp - researchers, intendants, - then it will take one wrong word for them to panic!" She glances back at Krenmuth, lowering her voice. "...And I wonder if these soldiers will get in trouble because of this. It would be inconvenient to have grudges at the camp."

Her piece said - mostly because she felt like saying it, not exactly expecting Korrin to do anything about the situation, - Melianne then drifts back towards Krenmuth, trying to match his pace and walk by his side. "Krenmuth, earlier you mentioned that you are a priest. If I might ask, what brought you to this participate in this expedition?" She tilts her head, looking at the man like a magpie at a shiny trinket. "Is it of some interest to your patron? Oh, and do you think the campers will like a song about Valkur? I believe I have sheets for an old hymn... and a shanty or two."

Korsak puts the fingertips of his hands together and attenativly listens to Annika's explanation.

The Jolly Wanderer you say? We were wondering why she hasn't arrived already... And hostile sorcery you say...? Tell me mor...
Korsak's words are cut off by Scags who hisses as he hears some kind of commotion brewing in the camp. He hears excited voices and the clinging of metal, just as if weapons are picked up.
Korsak tilts his head and looks at the soldier
Mr. Scags? What seems to be the problem?

---

The crowd is completely unimpressed by Krenmuth's display of magic and simple flows by the priest and his soldiers. Even though the soldiers are all battle hardened they are still reluctant to stab at civilians and therefore stand by.
The man who complained in the beginning spurs the crowd on and it takes up a quicker pace to get to the camp
I think I can smell bread and, and bacon I think. Quick let's get us some real food he yells

All the others march with the crowd and they completely ignore any kind of guidance...

That certainly sounds like there's a riot going outside, Scags was about to excuse himself between the talking nobles to go check on things outside when he heard it: A thunderclap. in the middle of a fine clear day. Not wasting any moment to trace the origin of the unusual sound, Sartorius rushed out of the office into the scene before him. The group of people that were previously waiting far on the top of the rise is now surging forward with intent to enter the camp proper. Years of training kicked in as he unslung his halberd from his back and ran toward the palisades before the group reached it.

Damn it Krenmuth. You have one job. planting the butt of his weapon firmly on the ground and assuming a wide stance that says ''you shall not pass'', The veteran warrior began to give orders to the other able men in the camp. ''MEN! TO ME! FORM RANKS TRIPLE FILE!'' The men and women of the camp then moved to obey the order, forming a somewhat orderly formation after a few moments. some of them are barely dressed and armored. But the effect is still the same: they would provide a much-needed deterrent to the oncoming rush of people. The guards doesn't need to look their parade best.

Sardonious noticed Krenmuth to the side with two of the adventurers with him. The halfling was looking nonchalantly at the activity. the dancer was clinging furtively to his fellow mercenary's arm painting a picture of a thin willow hanging on to a weathered boulder. These 'adventurers' bought this trouble with them and The Red Lady curse him if he won't make them stop this breach of security. ''KRENMUTH! YOU CAN TELL THOSE ADVENTURERS WITH YOU THAT THEY HAVE A MINUTE TO MAKE THIS RABBLE STOP WHERE THEY ARE AND WAIT WHERE THEY ARE TOLD TO WAIT! OR BLOOD WILL SPILL AND IT WILL BE ON THEIR HANDS AS WELL AS MINE!''

As to make his point he raised his halberd from the ground and pointed the edge towards the oncoming people. Then he turned to the soldiers behind his back and shouted, ''IF YOU SEE ANYONE WHO STEPS OUT OF LINE SHOVE THEM BACK OUT! IF THEY FIGHT, CUT THEM BUT DON'T KILL THEM! HOLD!''

Korrin takes in the scene before him, the battered and bedraggled shipwreck survivors are ambling towards the walls of the encampment. And what does he see but the same man that led Annika into the camp to speak on their behalf forming his troops into defensive battle positions before the entrance and ordering them to beat these people back. "Master Krenmuth I suggest you use that spell, and tell yer friend that if he harms one of these people that I will make a two-legged porcupine of him. I have 16 arrows left in my quiver. And I am not a tired and hungry shoemaker, this has been a walk in the park for me...it has not been for these people, am I making myself clear?"

"Yes, you are. As I hope that I am clear when I say it is your people who are moving in -- as yet uninvited -- toward an armed camp. A camp trained to stop incursions and which had to do so recently. Shooting at a soldier doing his duty will not help your cause. In fact, it may doom it."

"I have no spells that can stop the rash actions of soldiers or travelers. I want no one to come to harm, but I can only do what I can do. And what I can do is be your messenger. Please," Krenmuth says as he turns his head to both Korrin and Melianne, "do what you can to keep this group peaceful." While he was talking, Krenmuth pulled out his flag from his pack and wrapped it around his war hammer. He hopes Scags recognizes what many on the river used as a sign of parley and starts running ahead of the travelers.

"Scags!" he yells. "They need food! Bring out food and drink!"

Annika follows Korsak outside to find the conflict escalating. Korsak looks at her as though it's somehow Annika's fault, but she just shrugs.

"I'm not their leader, just a spokesperson. They're not some attacking army, they're ordinary people - hungry and tired, and sick of being pushed around. It's up to you whether you let your attack dogs keep on pushing and making the situation worse, or show them some hospitality and win back some trust. If there are hostile forces out there, it would be stupid to put your guards in harm's way to keep out people who would otherwise be helping to defend the camp tomorrow."

''And on who's order?!'' Sartorius shouted back at Krenmuth who seems to be holding a flag of truce. ''Thirty seconds! and stop that halfling in pointing that pea shooter at me or I'll break that piece of wood and shove it up his smug mouth like a toothpick! MEN! SHIELD WALL! UP!''

I am not paid enough to riot control a bunch of peasants he thought to himself, but he knows that letting this many people in without authorization would mean more trouble. And they don't have any business coming in here after the camp was repeatedly attacked who knows it this is another ruse and these so-called ''helpless'' people are a bunch of bandits with weapons hidden among their clothes? No, unless Korsak gives the go-ahead, he has a job to protect this camp. Even from a seemingly weak-looking rabble.

Getting behind the shield wall he shouted a command to Krenmuth, ''Get them to back off Kren! twenty seconds and after that you're coming in with us to push these people back!''

Melianne observes the rapidly escalating situation quietly, not sure what to do and slightly unnerved. If it was some tavern brawl, then she would've intervened with an impromptu dance or a joyous song to soothe the blazing tempers - but pacifying an angry mob and a band of trained soldiers is above her skills, and she is not about to go and risk her health by catching an arrow from either side.

But on the other hand it would a shame to blatantly ignore Krenmuth's request for cooperation. Except what can she do, sing them a parable about a fox and an impatient bull? That sure will go over well with everyone... The dancer looks around for inspiration, her half-formed ideas ranging from starting a fire to trying to sneak in and confront their leader. But nothing seems effective and safe at the same time, and frustrated, she decides to improvise.

Seeing as the initial inciter of the problem is conveniently in front of the crowd, it takes but a second for Melianne to march towards him and shove a hand into his chest accusingly, forcing him to stop in his steps. "You! You are an utter fool! Are you trying to get everyone here killed because of a misunderstanding?! Because you couldn't wait one damn minute until they could report to their leader?" She glares past the man at the crowd. "Does no one here have a foresight to see what will be the result of you marching into a camp full of armed soldiers, who don't know who you are?"

She crosses her arms and twirls on her heels to stare across whatever distance remains between the soldiers and the passengers, and yells back at Sardonius: "And you are no better! Is it a custom among your military kind to judge immediately and throw insults the moment things go wrong?! On what orders are you acting?" The last sentence comes out way more challenging than she intended, but her own yelling had an unfortunate side-effect of making Melianne herself angry.

"You both are being unreasonable, and if either of you moves closer, I... I will set this grass on fire!" She raises her hands, and magic starts sparkling around her, forming into four blazing, flame-like orbs of light. "Let the camp's leader come out themselves and decide this!"

"Would these people be shown this kind of welcome had the boat landed at the dock? Would an armed watch be waiting for them if they tried to set foot on dry ground?" Korrin doesn't disagree with what Krenmuth has to say, but this is a bit extreme. The same man who lead Annika into the camp is now prepared to attack.

"The Jolly Wanderer would have been here a few days ago, had it not been sunk. Have your men disarm these people as they go into the camp if you don't believe me. Look at them they are not bandits or soldiers."