The group had set off early in the morning with only a few rays of sunlight to brighten the dusty road. Orcbone was a good two day ride and every second of daylight counted. The magebread horses were saddled up for the riders escorting the animals and the rest of the horses were bridled together in a line with a member of House Vadalis leading the column. Off to the side a large and powerful brown bear loped along with a rider in a saddle on its back. Cecil the Grey of House Orien had been tasked to see to it the animals were delivered safely to Lord Veirner ir’Tajar. The message informed him that there had been evidence of bandit activity in the area so he had hired on what competent help he could find in the small town on short notice.
As the sun fully rises above Eberron the warmth drives away the cool of the morning. It was still early in the summer season but the days felt hotter than the same time last year. The road twists through the small farms and ranches that fill the countryside. Beasts of burden drag watering carts across the fields under the watchful eyes of the landowners. A few wave and smile as you pass by. Shortly after midday the group stops to eat their lunch in the shade of a few old trees. The short reprieve from the saddle is refreshing even if the trail rations aren’t. The two members of House Vidalis see to the care and feeding of the horses. Your meal is interrupted by a loud growl followed promptly by a shrill scream. The bear has risen up on its hind legs and swiped a massive paw across the handler’s chest leaving a mess of flesh, clothing, and blood in its wake. Screams of pain and terror mix as the man falls to the ground at the feet of the beast.
EDIT: Initiative Order:
Azmith
Cecil
Butch
Nadeem
Bear
Wrench
House Vadalis trainer