Episode 1: The Salvaged Job

The stablehand speaks the truth, and even Kalis is able to determine that all three mules are strong and hardy. Maenor is drawn to the one named Maribel, but can't quite explain why. That is, until Coda makes it known privately to the group that Maribel's disposition would be very easy to work with on the road, provided she is cared for properly. You select Maribel and part with the gold, and as a special the stablehand throws in a free bag of feed, which will last approximately 5 days if rationed carefully.

After securing your belongings amongst yourselves and upon your new pack mule, you are ready to proceed. From this point, you can easily see the well-worn trail that extends east across the distant Giyne Veldt to the horizon, a clear path taken by caravans and other travelers.

The trail is wide and well-traveled, but you see no traffic in your first few days. The flat grasslands of the Giyne Veldt offer little scenery except for a few rolling hills off in the distance. During this time, your pack mule proves very capable even though she isn't laden heavily, and Maribel is very cooperative and goes where needed.

You've made good progress and on the third night, you pull off the main road some distance to make camp. There is little cover by way of tree or hillside, unfortunately, but the weather does not appear foreboding and the winds are calm. It looks like it will be another peaceful night as you settle in for another meal of dry rations and water, while Maribel stands off to the side with her nose buried in a feed bag.

You have nestled within your bedrolls as the night grows and the warmth of the fire becomes comfortable. Coda sets himself up for the first watch.

It has been an hour into Coda's watch. The wind has died down such that even the tall grasses appear to have gone to sleep. Only the light snap of the fire sparks through the air, almost loud in spite of itself.

Both Coda and Maribel perk up from a barely noticeable difference in the area. It is hard to pin down, but taking cues from Maribel's change in demeanor, Coda senses that something is amiss. Steadying himself and attuning to his surroundings, the bard attempts to figure out the cause.

It starts as a small thump, like a faint heartbeat. It is slow, but constant, and there's a weight to it that calls to mind something big, something with stride. And it's coming closer.

The sound continues, and does seem like it is getting closer. Almost like the sound (or source of the sound) is making a bee-line for the camp.