The Other Axis

[JRoxas]

Kumiko

Kumiko seems excited at the prospect of having more people with whom to interact.

"Hey, let's go talk with them! Maybe they'll know something that'll help us!"

She hops up and begins to raise her hand to signal the approaching wagon, but then hesitates and turns to face her companions.

"That is, if it's fine with you guys. I guess we might be better off just walking on and minding our own business. Either way, though, I think we should get moving as quickly as possible so we reach the town before dark."

[Hydra]

Zigurds

"As much as I enjoy good company on long trips, keeping a low profile is probably a good idea, wouldn't you say Captain?"

[Apollyon]

Captain Squarejaw

"Why take a low profile? We are just a bunch of adventurers out to raid some dungeons and kill some dragons. Dungeons are always filled with loot, and you can make a cool helmet with a dragon skull, not to mention the dragon's hoard."

"Think about that image. Some guy is walking around with a dragon's head on his head as protection. That says 'The man walking around under this is tough as nails. He killed a Dragon'. And if it's something scary, or with some kind of sight-based attacks, just push up on the jaw and close it."

The Captain pauses for a second to let the others digest that thought, then plows on. "We also have the perfect small group. We have the Cleric for healing, the Fighter for fighting, and the Sorcerer for sorcerering. That is pretty much the optimal group for success in any sort of adventuring endeavor."

[JRoxas]

Kumiko

Kumiko's face lights up as she adds, "And we might get to make some new friends!"

[Hydra]

Zigurds

Zigurds scratches his chin for a moment before responding.

'Well, if they'e heading the same way as us I suppose it wouldn't delay us any. besides, not enough of the folk in this land know the tales of my many exploits."

[Ephraim]

The wagon is not traveling in the same direction in which you are traveling. It is approaching the bend in the road from the north; you approached yesterday from the west.

If anybody with the wagon notices the enthusiastic Kumiko, there is no sign of it. As it draws nearer, you can see that it is pulled by a pair of mules. A third mule may be seen flanking the wagon and carrying a burden slung over its back. A small person on a pony appears to be riding behind.

Zigurds and Kumiko, though you are some distance off, you can make out the sound of jingle bells fastened to the mules harnesses.

[Hydra]

Zigurds

Zigurds scratches his head, a bit perplexed.

"Why... why would they have bells attached to the mules? Wouldn't that just alert any bandits in the area that they were coming?"

[Ephraim]

The wagon draws nearer still and you can now see that there are two additional wagons on the road behind it. The one in the middle is uncovered and many people are seated in it. Fragments of conversation and laughter carry through the morning air.

Uh-oh! You've been spotted. The driver of the lead wagon points in your direction and calls a warning. Two soldier-types ride forward from the rear of the caravan and draw bows. They urge their horses across the field at a walk. Halfway between the road and your encampment, they halt. One of them, a husky-voiced woman, shouts, "Do yourselves a favour and don't even think about causing trouble for these fine folks."

[Hydra]

Zigurds

Zigurds calmly bows before responding.

"We are but travelers ourselves, wishing no ill will to anyone. Fharlanghn doesn't smile on those who bring trouble to others in their travels."

[JRoxas]

Kumiko

After seeing Zigurds bow, Kumiko hastily does likewise. She prepares her formal voice.

"We are simply passing through and hope to reach Callow by nightfall. As he said, we don't mean any trouble. We would appreciate any information that would be helpful to our journey."

[Ephraim]

The riders exchange a glance and then the second one speaks up. "If you are bound for Callow, I recommend you hurry," he says. "It will be hard enough for you to persuade them to allow you to enter the town by daylight. You won't be able to get in after dark. And trust me, you do not wish to spend the night exposed so close to the Downs. They have good reason to shut the village up tight after nightfall."

[Apollyon]

Captain Squarejaw

"Are things really that bad in Callow? A few hours walk away, we were happily welcomed at the Troll's Jaw."