[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The cat ducks behind Veronica’s legs as the dwarf appears where his next attempted prize was resting (if a little large). Following the discussion back and forth the cat raises its head to meet Veronica’s scratch before staring at Dennan as he talks to the animal.

"You can talk?" The cat ducks further behind Veronica for a second. "Smell like dog… but locket from… old friend." He takes a tentative step out.

"Run from Orc when they coming south through mountain. Hiding and carry locket till reach here, cat slip through stinky orc no problem. Think safe from orc, but now… not so much. Orc smell here." He lifts his head sniffing the air.

"Friend made locket and gave to me to keep safe." The cat looks fondly at the jewelry his ears up. "Want to go back to tower but too many orc now. Maybe you help keep locket safe." The cat turns back to Dennan.

"Trust dead smell woman. Sneaky"

The cat looks up at Veronica as Dennan relays his message before continuing with his answers.

"Yes, friend made locket in tower. After man die. Friend right there in locket." The cat looks to the picture of woman, pausing a moment. "She said she would meet at tower."

The cat gives a big yawn and stretches before continuing. "Too many orcs at tower, they come from north mountains. Friend and man lived in tower tower with me. Tower at top of river on mountain. Beautiful tower, many birds to hunt. High up mountain where river start."

He looks at the Foamfire River that runs through the city from the mountains in the north south to meetup with the Windrush river.

"Can't say it pleases me to hang around in town," says Gramun. But I suppose I can give you some time to gather some info before scouting the tower.

"Can't say it pleases me to hang around in town," says Gramun. But I suppose I can give you some time to gather some info before scouting the tower.

The cat looks at the locket a moment before nodding. "I come with until not able." And quickly jumps into the bag. It moves some stuff around kneeling with its paws before settling down.

The group sets off for Threshold along the northern road that they had traversed earlier. The sun crests the horizon to the sound of birdsong. The winding road snakes through the foothills and sound the beginnings of mountains.

By midday they are traveling the road along the Windrush river. The sound of the clear cool water fills the air, bubbling and churning over around rocks and down small waterfalls. The river at this point is about twenty meters across.

Even with the noise of the river, Gramun notes the sound of hoof beats about 100 meters behind them around a curve. They don’t sound in a rush and it sounds like there are only two or three horses.

Silas pricks his ears up and looks behind before circling around Dennans legs. The cat squirms in rhe backpack.

"we've got riders approaching behind us." Gramun steps off to the side of the road. He's not eager to engage until he knows what he's engaging with.