Chapter One: Greenest in Flames!

Bughu looks up at the pitiful fires, then back to the group. "I don't like it," he says, shaking his head. "Even if some of these raiders leave, they still outnumber us, and they're prepared. We're at a tactical disadvantage here. I think this is a trap."

As if to provide proof, Bughu adds the question, "Why else would they try to set fire to this mill while their friends were still inside?"

Bughu you've a fine mind for tactics. If time were not pressing I'd agree that we should retreat and come back in force. The villagers will need the supplies in the mill. If we can make them leave without taking them we shall. If they will not I'll take them by force, by myself if necessary.

For perhaps the first time since they've arrived, Bughu smiles. "You always were stubborn," he says, hefting his crossbow and training it upon the window. "Tell them to leave. Someone watch the other window. I'll cover this side." The archer heads over to the wall and slides over the top, using the stone as a means of cover. Bughu turns and keeps an eye on the window he attempted to enter before, ready to fire his crossbow at the first raider he sees.

I wink at Bughu. Stonefeet clan, remember lad. Stubborn isn't near tha half o' it. Erich, cover the other window with yer fire bolts if you please. I move to stand ten feet directly in front of the door.

Right you lot! You've got until the count of three to take your loot and get! And I say again, leave what food's in there behind and in proper shape! One! Two!...

Drop your weapons, come out, and ye can leave, and take your friends home. Do not attempt treachery. One of mine can put an arrow through the eye of a sparrow on the wing, another can turn the lot of you to cinders. I swing my axe. And then there's me.

Erich positions himself to have visibility of the other window, the words of his fire bolt spell sitting on his lips ready to bombard the enemy at the first sign of hostility.

Bughu keeps his crossbow trained upon the window.

Bughu is that all of them?

Bughu nods, now turning his crossbow at the raiders. He studies the men to gauge their intent to flee.

Erich will keep his focus shifting across the raiders, tapping fingertips to thumb in a rhythm only he knows.

I wonder, which one will break first? To burn or to freeze? Oh, would that I could learn a few more spells, something more utilitarian and flashy without causing damage. He thinks to himself as he contemplates the method by which he would assault a raider putting up a fight.

Bughu remains where he is, keeping the wall interposed between himself and the raiders. He rests his arm upon the wall for stability and keeps a careful watch, since the slain men lie near him.

Take yer dead and go. I nod to Bughu to let them pass, trusting you'll keep your eyes on them.

Now, what do you suppose they left behind for us?

I look in the door for anything suspicious.

Bughu watches the raiders depart, trying to ensure none doubleback towards the mill. He then advances to the mill and takes a position opposite Oridun at the door, covering more angles to inspect the interior.