Against the Cult: Disappearances (1.6)

Within a couple of hours of walking along through the Dim, the afternoon sun has moved enough that there is no direct sunlight on the path anymore, and the journey lives up to the name of the forest. In mid-afternoon, the party sees a man pulling a cart approaching them from the opposite direction. The more keen-eyed members of the party see a bit earlier what everyone sees soon enough: it's a broad-shouldered young human man with curly dark hair, skin weathered from long years working in the heat. The hand cart he's pulling must weigh a ton, for its wheels are digging ruts in the packed earth of the road. No wonder, for the back is loaded with a small anvil and various tongs, hammers, and slabs of what Myrtha recognizes as pig iron. He stops several paces away from the party and straightens his back with a groan. "Gooday t'ye!" he says in rustic Imperial, wiping the sweat from his brow with his palm. Then he smiles, revealing even, white teeth. "How far is't to Hochoch, then? M'name's Zahm. D'they have room fra smith in d'town?"

Just after the sun has set and the first stars are showing in the narrow ribbon of sky they can see between the trees, the party arrives at the little path that leads off of Cecily's Road to the Jarl family's farm. It's very dark under the trees, but one of the party produces a light and they creep down the forest path. Within ten minutes, they arrive at the edge of the area the Jarls have cleared of underbrush, weeds, and ivy. After that, they quickly spot the Jarl family's cottage, lights already shining from behind the shutters.

"Hello, the house!" Aanbo calls out before Joseph can, and one of the shutters open slightly.
"Who is it?" comes a familiar voice from inside.
Theran calls "Just some old friends!".
"Speak for yourself - we're not all that old!" Joseph laughs.
Xana calls out "It's good to see you, Abel. Would you let us rest for a while and catch up on news before we return the ox and wagon?"
Ever vigilant for the purpose of their journey, Reptile checks the yard and sees the wagon. He gives a nod after he inspects it: it's in good shape, still. At the same time, Myrtha pokes her head in the barn: the ox is in a stall and seems fine. Karliel tunes his lute, plucking a few strings. Aanbo puts his hand on Karliel's shoulder and whispers: "Just so you know, it might take them a while to be ready for another bard."
The Jarls happily welcome the party into their home.

Elista welcomes everyone and invites them to sit at the table again. The various Jarl family members make room, sitting at different spots in the kitchen and observing the new members of the party with interest. Elista and Abella serve anyone who wants to eat a bowl of their stew. They seem a little nervous anytime they get close to Karliel, but their value of hospitality prevents them from treating him with anything but warmth. Anyone who wants any gets a second serving.
Abella smiles shyly at Theran, uncharacteristically at a loss for words around the druid. The family is delighted to hear the story about Devek's recovery from the party again, even though they got the message earlier that day. "If the Magnificent Lords and Ladies don't mind spending the night again, we can come back with them in the morning to see our son." Abel suggests.
Reptile steps out to inspect the wagon; it remains in good shape. In answer to Aanbo's question, Abel looks around at his family for confirmation before he responds. They all shake their heads. "Glorious Legendaries, we haven't seen anyone come up to the house since you all left with the antidote days ago, until earlier today when the messenger arrived with the happy news about Devek's recovery. To be frank, we've all been celebrating a bit, and none of us went down as far as the Road this afternoon. If someone came down the Road, we wouldn't know it." Abel's face darkens a bit. "It is good to hear that something good can come from Orlane, not just tempters that come and try to steal families away." He looks up. "What of the bard, Illustrious Masters? What punishment has been chosen for him?"