Greenest in Flames

Linan sighs in relief as Tayleron regains consciousness. "Promise me, if we see any more kobolds along the way, you'll refrain from getting yourself killed" she says in a tone that expresses both sincere concern and mockery at the same time. "Let's head out and stick to the shadows" she looks to Do'urth "If you'll take the lead, I'll guide you from behind."

"As you wish" Linan responds as she sneaks slowly off into the shadows.

Expertly guiding you through her home village Linan has the party ducking through alley ways and quickly darting across the dirt roads without being detected. Occasionally you see far off figures running through the village, but at the distance it's unclear whether they're merely villagers attempting to escape, or attackers chasing down their next victims.

Finding yourself nestled between two small homes Linan motions the group to look forward. The Keep! It's finally in sight and there appears to be a clear route to its gates. Jumping ahead to start the final sprint to safety Linan suddenly comes to halt.

"Where do you think you're going?" a high pitched voice rings out from the distance. You've been spotted! Two hooded humans draw their blades and order their two kobold companions to provide cover before they rush in.

Jumping from cover Triana catches the closest cultist in the ribs, her blade easily penetrating into the man's chest. He curses his luck under his breath before dropping to his knees and then falls forward face first onto the ground.

Do'urth's initial attack kills the man outright but before the cultist can even fall over dead a second blade slices into him.

Tayleron's arrow strikes the kobold dead center and drops it straight back onto the ground. The last kobold takes a quick appraisal of the situation and decides that fleeing is its best option. Stowing his sling he turns about and runs as fast as his little legs will take him.

With the last of your obstacles fleeing into the night you notice that he has support not all that far off. From either side you can see the dark figures merging towards your position. "NOW!" Linan screams, abandoning any hopes of stealth, as her and her family break out into a near sprint towards the gate of the keep. You decide to do likewise and are quickly on her heels as she runs towards the gate. A few of the raiders yell out, and while a couple of kobolds manage to hurl some stones in your general direction you make it to the keep unharmed.

With the gate quickly shut and barred behind you one of the villagers approaches. "Your the last ones to make it" he says somberly, knowing that there are still others out there. Before you have a chance to respond your eyes are stung by a bright flash of light,. The screams of several men on the parapet confirm your fears, the dragon has once again attacked.

"I told everyone to stay off of the parapet when it attacks!" screams an elderly man. "It swoops in, attacks, and then leaves. If you stay off of the parapet you won't get hurt!" he adds, his tone almost scolding in nature. It's obvious from the way he carries himself and the way that others behave around him that this is the man in charge. As he walks by he notices Linan and her family. His tone a bit softer he approaches Linan. "Glad the you all made it, although it looks like you took a bit of a beating getting here."

"We wouldn't have made it at all if it wasn't for the strangers here" she responds, motioning to the four of you as she does. "Eight of them little scaly dog bastards had us cut off and surrounded when these four came to our rescue." The man gives you all an appreciative nod, "Your help is much appreciated, Strangers. I'm Governor Nighthill and I'm glad you all made it to the safety of the keep."

With a deep sigh he clasps his hands behind his back and stares up into the sky. "I'd give anything to know what we're up against and why. For that, we need prisoners. A commander, even a low ranking on, is best." He lowers his gaze and looks at the party. "You've down quite a bit already, helping Linan and her family to the keep. If we could figure out who's behind this and what their intentions are, we might be able to save some of the other villagers who are still out there. Would you be willing to help?"

At the sound of the beep it will be roughly 9PM *beep*