The Sacrifice Camp (RP)

Roald grabs Theo under the shoulder on one side. Trusting Albert will get the other side they start dragging Theo out of the cage. The damn thing is just not big enough to stand up straight which makes carrying Theo in a decent way impossible for the first couple of meters.

''Daryl, limpy help us out here will you, take his legs so we can bring him out of sight quickly.''

When Theo is safe between some bushes, Roald walks back to the cage. He spotted a moldy blanket in the corner before.
With some branches and grass he fills up the blanket to make it look like someone is sleeping... Well from a far anyway.
He closes the gate and clicks the lock shut.

Norbert kneels next to the dog and whispers in its ear. After a few seconds the dog moves to the edge of the clearing. There it plants itself on her belly under a brush and seems to turn in a statue.

Seeing the dog depart Norbert turns to Daryl: "Theo is Lucky that you came to get help. These men are his only chance at surviving this I fear."

My lady be praised, Olden thinks letting out a long breath.

Seeing the less than successful attempts to revive Theo, he calls out, "Not too much water or he'll choke, and loosen his clothing if you can. He needs smelling snuff to revive him. Daryl, you and your friend are from around here. Seen a plant with sharp, silvery, rubbery leaves around here? Alewort some call it? Those leaves when crushed might do."

So saying, and seeing that the others have Theo secured, he rushes ahead in the direction of their previous stop, eyes scanning left and right.

"Olden, can you help me look at Theo's leg?" Albert asks, kneeling down next to the boy. "Moving Theo seems to have opened up a wound here." He notices some blood trickling down his leg. Even though Albert doesn't know much about this, he's smart enough to know that these kind of things can get infected. Especially out in the wilderness.

Seeing the blood on Theo's leg make Roald grab the handle of his sword. His knuckles turn white from the firm grip.
If I get my hands on who is responsible for this...
He doesn't speak a word but is breathing heavily through his nose.
Calm yourself now, Roald. There's still 2 others to rescue first.
He kneels next to Theo, touches his forehead and prayes in silence so no one will hear the anger in his voice.

please Raynor help my friend through this ordeal, give him back some strength to walk and talk. Give all of us the strength and courage to put an end to these demonic rituals.

"Alewort, the one with the yellow leaves? Yeah I know it, it makes the sheep go all weird if they eat it. I can look around."
Norbert turns around and takes a few minutes to search for the plant.

After a few minutes Norbert returns. "I can't find any of it, Olden. Sorry."

"Do we go to the altar now?" Norbert asks with a tremor in his voice. He doesn't really look at anyone in particular. It is difficult to judge what Norberts mood is, maybe it is anger, maybe stress for a fight...

"Not yellow, no, lads, Alewoet grows in clumps and has these thick, grey, rubbery leaves. Was hoping that'd wake him up and he could then help us find the problem but I think we're running out of time."

Olden shakes his head, then scratches his head, and starts ransacking his pack in haste.

---

He looks up suddenly at Albert's words, sidling up to take a look. "The beasts," he mutters as he feels Theo's forehead and then starts gently feeling around the wound.

"A fever, and redness, and swelling in his leg. The wound might be getting infected. Hot water, some vinegar and clean wrappings will help." He curses as he continues "Till such a time, some of this vile spirit ... and oh honey might help tide him over."

He holds his hip flask up in query. "That's going to itch like mad, leave an ugly scar. What do you all think?"

---

"Oh and I'll join Roald in prayer too if I were you"

Roald stands and unsheats his sword.

'' Seems to me they just forced our hands, nothing to do but leave Theo here in the bushes, make our way to the altar and rescue the girl. If one of us could capture or immobilize the leader we might avoid unnecessary bloodshed. I think most of these women are like the girl we found earlier, in their hearts they know that what they are about to do is wrong ''

If there is a leader and if it's possible to see if someone is standing out...

Roald keeps his thoughts to himself, he knows none of them like hurting, let alone killing people.

Albert is torn between helping Theo and helping the girl. He looks around at the others, with a conflicted look on his face. With Olden out of options for regular healing, and Roald already in the mindset of saving the girl, he feels he's the one to help Theo right now. "Leave me here with Theo. I will try my best to help him and will join you as soon as I am able."

He nods at Roald, knowing he would understand. "Olden, your shield might be a good way to symbolize that you're not of hurtful intent."

Bowing his head to the group, he adds "May Raynor's fire bolster your actions, friends."

"Stay close to me, Daryl. I'll feel safer for it." Norbert says to the young man.

He runs over to the dog. After a few seconds the dog trots over to Theo, sits beside him and licks his face a couple of times. If there is no reaction he lays his head on Theo's leg and appears to fall in sleep.

"As ready as I'll ever be, Road."

Once everyone is clear about the next steps and most are heading off to save the girl, and likely Phil, Albert bows himself over Theo.
"I don't know if you're a religious person,... Lady" The 'name' feels odd to him. "But, if you were to join me in prayer, I would greatly appreciate it." Then he puts a hand on Theo's chest, about where his heart should be.

"Raynor, once again, I must call upon your divine power to aid an ally in the cause. This boy has been maimed by those who wish to do a thing that has long been abolished by the ones of faith. Sacrificing innocent life to please a higher power. I'm sure you are aware of the goings on in this place.

I implore you to break through this area of misguided intentions and give Theo the fire he needs to stand up and address the situation at our side. Your side."

After this, he solemnly starts a common prayer to Raynor. Hoping that Theo might be healed.

To his surprise, Albert feels Lady's hand joining his on Theo's chest. As Raynor's light flows through him as a conduit, he can sense that part of it is diverting to her instead of Theo. For a second he gets the urge to shove her off. After all, Theo needs this and she is or was part of the 'problem'. But Albert remembers his own words from a second ago. "Raynor will conquer our heart." And why not conquer two at the same time if they are on offer. He smirks, realizing Raynor's plan.

Ignoring the woman's words for now, he tries to tend to Theo's needs first. "Bring me that waterskin, please." He asks Lady and proceeds to bring it to Theo's lips. "It's alright, Theo. Have some water and rest. Daryl, Norbert, and Roald are already on their way to your sister. Along with some new friends of ours." He can't help but have a reassuring smile on his face. All doubts that filled his head minutes ago have been pushed out by the light. They'll surely return, but not for now.

After making sure that Theo is fine, he addresses Lady. "You're right, we do have to stop her. And preferably it should be as peaceful as possible." He takes her hand and holds it between the two of his. "For that we need your help. What can you tell us about these women? What could change their minds? Who is leading them? Anything can be helpful."

Roald hunches down as he walks along the edge of the clearing. The chants and screaming of the Girl overpowers any noise they make.
'' better be quiet anyway, let's remain unseen for as long as possible ''
Slowly they approach the circle with the altar, al the time checking to see who is taking the lead and if immediate action is required to rescue the girl.