Episode 2: Welcome to the Jungle!

Erden nods, "I understand your anger," he says, "But you must maintain your calm and let these two face true justice. You can't just kill prisoners whenever you want. We will discuss what should be done with them, but they are our prisoners, not yours."

"We are at war. But as you say, they are your prisoners." Makisig looks at Erden pointedly. "And am I yours?"

Erden's expression softens, "You are a free tikbalang," he says, "You have done nothing other than feel the rage of a person who's been wronged."

"Is this a trick question?" asks Ybus. "I love trick questions! Um, um, is the answer... blue?"

"I care not for myself," Makisig bristles, "I protect my people!" He calms himself again and gestures vaguely towards the great hall. "Were you responsible for silencing the portal here? For that, and for freeing me, I thank you. What do you know of its workings? Anything you have learned here could help save my home."

"How did you get here?," Urban asks. "A journey from Bimar is a long travel."

Urban remembers back when he was in the portal, when it seemed like places great distances apart were side by side to one another like different doors in a house.

"Did you travel through the strange place - with the magic doorways floating in the air all around?"

"Long travel?" Makisig looks at Urban quizzically. "Bimar is but two days through the mountain passes!"

"I have not gazed into the portal," the tikbalang shudders, making a warding gesture, "but the Elders say a ravenous evil lurks beyond, waiting to devour the world. Are you saying you have been through the portal and returned? Then you are even greater warriors than I thought! You must come with me and speak with the Elders! I implore you!"

Urban talks with Erden. He is not sure what is best and will follow any decision made. Urban wants Erden to know that he won't stand in the way of punishment to the rat finks if that is what must be done. They seem like criminals, and now it has been exposed that they were likely responsible for the torture and intent to kill the horseman Makisig. Urban just feels that it is dishonorable if the shapeshifters are killed while shackled and without a charge or some sort of chance for defense.

It is a tough predicament.

"Honoroble Makisig, can you wait here just a moment while my companions and I discuss our options here?" Erden asks politely.

Ybus doesn't join the huddle at first, remaining near Makisig. He leans over to the tikbalang and whispers, "So you breathe both air and pickle juice? That's awesome."

Baracus releases the horse-man and joins his brothers in a talking circle.

"I like the horse-man. I say we go to his village."

As you discuss what to do next, Makisig sits on his haunches, glowering at the rats from a distance.

"It's blue, right?" asks Ybus. "The answer's gotta be blue."

Urban tilts his head, and offers a shrug and raised eyebrow to Erden and Barracus.

"Bimar is as good of a next stop as any."

Urban hopes that the ruling will be to go. Fond of adventure, he is enthusiastic about a chance to see new sights and engage with an exotic culture.

Ybus hops up and down, raising his hand like a schoolboy. "Ooo! Ooo! What if we cut these rats in half, and the seahorseman can take one side to his pappy and mama, while the other side goes to the gold kid? Win-win!"

Erden ignores Ybus completely and nods, "Bimar it is, then."

Turning back to Makisig, Erden speaks, "We will go with you if you're willing to lead the way."