Chapter 1: Lady Luck's Curtsy

Five pigs, three sheep, two cows, four horses, a donkey, and a dozen chickens. Jessen said, quickly rattling off the numbers. Well, I don't rightly know how far away. We've been walking for several hours, didn't stop to sleep at all. Couldn't find any shelter.

Jessen nods and goes to collect Evelyn. He walks her over next to the cave wall and gets her situated. Sitting with her for a few moments, he hums a soft song to her, low enough that it's hard to hear. In a few short minutes, she slips off to sleep. He stands and walks back to the group.

Thank you sir. I - I don't know what we would have done had you not been good - people. The last word said with just a touch of hesitance.

The rest of the day passes in relative quiet. You hunker down for the night, setting appropriate watches. When you rise in the morning you are greeted with a crystal blue sky, not a cloud in sight. The breeze is slightly cool and everything is soaked through and through, turning the ground into a muddy pit.

As you look through your things, it's all still there. Jessen looks to Catriona.

Aye, we probably should return to the farm. At least see if anything can be salvaged. Now that it's a bit clearer out, I think we can easily find our way back. he says, standing to stretch. Again, we thank you for your hospitality. they stand together and shake hands and hug around as people are willing to do. They make their way out of the cave and start trudging toward the forest some 500 feet away. The mud makes it slow going for them, and they start to climb one small hill about halfway between you and the forest.

As they reach the peak of the hill, you see Jessen stumble backwards, before he drops to one knee, the feathered shaft of an arrow standing proudly from his shoulder.

Combat! Bold below may act
Rolen
Bad Guys
Xavena
Baraq
Cat
Aera

Two more arrows sail out of the woods, falling short of the farmer and his family. Jessen struggles back to his feet. He points towards the cave and Evelyn and Elyssa turn and slip as they head back down the muddy hill, tumbling over as they fall.

Combat! Bold below may act
Rolen
Bad Guys
Xavena
Baraq
Cat
Aera

The group begins closing the gap on the likely archer's nest. Xavena makes it almost to where Evelyn and Elyssa lie on the ground. Baraq is able to spot somewhat of movement through the trees and starts streaking that way as Xavena turns into a wolf. Aera catches sight of a leather cap through the trees and looses an arrow. It somehow manages to find its way through the foliage. A shriek of pain goes up as the sharp tip finds a home in something. Several small birds take to the sky in a flurry.

Combat! Bold below may act
Rolen
Bad Guys
Xavena
Baraq
Cat
Aera