The Perilous Forest

After Veringvox accepts the dagger from Gregor, he gives the chief a respectful bow and turns toward his horse. When the chief says ‘go in peace’ he responds "thank you chief Veringvox and may peace remain yours as well."

When they ride away and Fenwick responds to Sir Wilfred’s question Gregor says, "We still have a fair ride ahead then. I am thankful that we have safe passage. I can only imagine how many other men loyal to Veringvox are watching this road."

"Indeed that is a boon for us for sure," says the handsome knight as he settles onto his mount for the long ride ahead. "It might also prove useful that Pelox speaks few words of English if that is indeed the case." He narrows his eyes suspiciously toward the man and then glances at each knight in turn as if to say, perhaps we should test that assumption.

Sir Wolstan, the man with the invitation to return to Glengrave that he dares not answer, nods solemnly and purposefully at the pict chieftain and his men when they agree to let the knights pass. He does not like ceding control of the wood to the wild men, but he has not lived as long as he has by baring steel that will draw a score arrows to him in a heartbeat.

He joins his fellows quietly on the road, wishing the exchanges had gone differently, wishing that they’d been able to speak with the monk. He is wary, though, of saying anything in front of Pelox without understanding more about the man’s personality, his attitude, and his knowledge of the British tongue.

"Is it true?" he asks of the barbarian as they ride. "That you know more of our language than you let on?"

The man looks at you as if sensing Wolstan talking to him. He just points down the trail and says "Go?" and then something pictish. He seems a little relaxed, leading the way slowly enough for all of you to keep up.

After an hour he turns and says, "Stop." He then makes a bird call. An answering one comes right away from within the woods. "Go," he adds, and leads the way forward again.

Sir Wilfred raises an eyebrow, then shrugs and follows along.

Gareth waits for the barbarian to move on ahead, then leans over the saddle to whoever is riding nearby, and in a low voice says, "Either he is a good actor or he really can't understand us."

As the trek continues he thinks about his last lady love but his pleasant reverie is cut short by the barbarian's order to stop.

"Hmmm, a network of barbarian scouts perhaps, or a trap?" Sir Gareth leans forward in the saddle, looking ahead in the direction of the bird call.

"Go, is it? What say my fellow knights? Shall we spread out and approach from different directions?" Perhaps he is being too suspicious but he does not trust the barbarian.

"That is just what I was testing," Wolstan says to Gareth. "I believe the man is as he is, and that we have indeed been granted passage. We should hurry on for the House of God, where hopefully we will find answers and not yet more questions."

Several hours later...

After pressing through the forest road, you arrive at Brown Cloister. It's a small church, nestled in the trees, with a long house behind for habitation. A woman sees you and runs inside as you ride up, obviously alarmed by the clatter of weapons and armor that precede you.

Pelox stops in sight of the church, and dismounts his horse, stepping into a small clearing off the road. He points to himself and says, "Stop," and stretches his legs. He appears to be intending to wait for you.

"Oh it's so pretty here. I had wondered why anyone would want to live so very far away from everything." Of course, she doesn't really have a choice in such matters, few do range far from where they're born. But at some point, someone came way out here to the edge of the world, and chose to stay.

Sir Wilfred nods at Pelox in a sign of understanding and dismounts. "This is a house of God, I propose we go there on foot." he says, with a quite serious tone.

Gregor nods in agreement with Wilfred about approaching the monastery on foot. He says, to the barbarian "Thank you Pelox," and dismounts as well.

"Perhaps there is a proper stable on the grounds." He states as he stands next to his horse holding its reins.

Sir Gareth grudgingly dismounts. Not because he thinks the idea is wrong but mostly because his excessive mead consumption is still making itself known.

Pelox responds at his name, but only nods, not showing any understanding.

You're not sure where horses might be stabled. There are no obvious stables, or even hitching posts. Some wear on a few nearby trees tells you than perhaps visitors on horseback came to a similar conclusion and just wrapped their reins around a convenient, smaller oak.

Wolstan dismounts and leads his horse to a tree where he secures it, pats it on the side, and then removes his helmet. Putting it under his arm, he looks to his fellows, nods, then approaches the building.

"Hail!" he says loudly as they approach the door. "Fine lady and yon priests and brothers, we are Knights of Britain, the King's men, come to have discourse with you. We intend you no trouble. May we enter?"

Wilfred binds his horse as well, and follows Wolstan near the house entrance.

Gareth searches for a suitable tree and tying his mount there follows the others. When he sees the lady take flight back into the house he wonders at her shyness, and places his hand on the hilt of his sword, but then realizes that with all their commotion, anyone would, nay should be alarmed at their arrival.

"As my good fellow knight has said, we are no threat to you madam. Please give us an audience," he shouts from outside the house.

Gregor ties his horse and follows the others.

The church doors open, and the woman from before comes out, then steps aside and a thin, severe looking man comes out.

"Children, welcome to Brown Cloister. I am the abbott, Father Dyddion. I don't recall ever receiving a delegation so far from Camelot. Come inside and find peace."

He has the look of a weasel, but the girl, and a boy of low birth cleaning the floor of the church, don't seem abused.

Sir Wilfred removes his helm, then return the Abbott's greeting while entering the house: "Hello Father Dyddion, and well met. It's been an awkward trip going here. Have you had any dealings with one Verinvox and his people lately? And what about his councelor, brother Tafwick, do you know him?"

Wolstan comes inside as well, pleased to be out of the elements for the first time in quite a span. He stamps the mud from his boots, secures his helm and shield, hangs his cloak, and turns to face Dyddion as well. He's in no mood to brook pleasantries, and his manner is direct. "Your hospitality will not go unnoticed," he says as Wilfred asks his questions. When that exchange finishes, he asks his own.

"We seek the Countess... the Earl's wife. We've been told she's here. Is this true? If so, we need audience with her, Father."