Chapter 2: Willowdark, A Village Renewed

Rixon smiles a little before saying, I’ve been on the wrong side of a murder charge in Willowdark, myself. Why don’t you tell me your story?

Kaio abandons stealth as the others come up and he realizes there is no good way to get at the targets. As they walk towards the men Kaio whispers to Rixon "Are these the bandits we were meant to look for? I think not." He looks the men over intently.

Rixon nods. the story sounded true enough. And it certainly incriminated the man.

Have you had any run-ins with other groups here in the hills? How have you been supporting yourselves in exile?

Well, I'll level with you, since you were honest with us. We're tasked with clearing the bandits troubling Willowdark out of these hills. I figure the Mayor would've said 'murderer' had he meant you lot.

I don't know if they'd hang you for that crime, especially given your age, but I can't make any promises. As for the rest of you, if family loyalty is the only thing keeping you out here, I'm sure we could get this resolved legally.

Rixon speaks over his shoulder to Kaio and the others, I don't know what to make of it, to be honest. But something strikes me as off. Make sure we're not being snuck up on?

Kaio nods at Rixon's request and begins to nonchalantly check the surroundings every few moments to make sure they are not being ambushed.

Kaio walks up to Rixon and steps past him. Clasping his hands behind his back, he speaks authoritatively. "I am inclined to believe your tale. You seem trustworthy enough. Now, as we were traveling up here we had a nasty encounter with a couple of trolls. We'd be most appreciative if you would direct us to a place to rest. The garden you indicated before, perhaps?" The entire time he is speaking, his hand, behind his back, is open, palm facing towards Rixon and moving in a 'wait and follow me' gesture.

Kaio rolls his eyes in exasperation with his obvious lack of intelligence. "We took the wrong path in search of the bandits and ran into them. As for eating us, what do you take us for? We can fend for ourselves. Your offer of a place to camp is most kindly accepted--if you don't mind."

Let's make camp, then. Thank you kindly for the offer.

Where in the name of the Light is Kaio going with this? It's mid-afternoon at best!

"I was thinking a little hunting prior to setting camp might be appropriate?" Kaio comments to Rixon, obviously with other intentions.

Agreed. Camp light, we will move on tomorrow? Let’s see what we can catch.

Rixon unrolls his bedroll, but sets up little else. He then goes to help Kaio, hoping to catch a moment when they won’t be overheard, What are you planning?

"I don't believe their story," Kaio says as they walk off. "I hope to gain more information while we wait. I think that garden might have something to do with it; I saw the furtive glances they were shooting that direction as we talked. Of course, if they attack us in the night we will know we've found the right spot."

I believe the elder was being mostly truthful. Though, he seemed… nervous, like he was waiting for something. It felt off to me. And if you also caught something strange… Let’s look into it. The garden, you said? Perhaps we can circle back around the other side and get a look.

"My thought precisely," Kaio comments as they stroll off.

"If they attack in the night, we'll be ready. I'll bleed them dry before I let them try to pull a fast one on us."