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Date Posted: 20:28:10 12/27/01 Thu
Author: Valhorek & Erlic
Subject: Morning preparations
In reply to: Isobel 's message, "Suspicious...." on 19:24:12 12/27/01 Thu

Valhorek watched with interest as Tia tried her best to confront her fear, that of possibly not seeing again. The elf didn’t realize that this type of injury took time to heal, and the more worry one used the harder it would be to eventually be cured. He would make sure he had a talk with the young woman.

Alakbar seemed in good spirits after a restful, and peaceful night’s sleep. At least the youth was on the road to recovery. The healer was quite surprised to hear him ask for Aba, and Keffiyeh, the traditional garments of Neromba; one being the long flowing robe that most men wore, and the other being the turban signifying their manhood. “Perhaps it would be best to keep your identity as is,” Valhorek informed the youth. “As it stands now, you look much rested, and dressed in different clothes. Perhaps those searching for you will be thinking as you are thinking, and be looking for someone in the traditional Nerombian garb.”

It seemed logical enough, but Val didn’t know that much about assassins, with the exception of their ability to kill in cold blood. He didn’t particularly enjoy the thought, but had to make the best of the situation.

He calmly left he campsite, and gathered his belongings. This way he would be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. He approached Tia, and asked her if he could see her in private. He helped her to a standing position, and pulled her away from the group. “The only thing I wanted to tell you,” the healer began. “Was that your sight will return. Unfortunately I don’t know when it will happen. The brain is a funny organ, one that very few people know anything about. But from what I saw last night, it appears you are healing nicely, and it will be only a matter of time before all the swelling goes down before your vision returns. As I said, you will be fine, you need to have a bit of patience.” Valhorek smiled at the young woman, and made sure his last statement sounded final, and convincing to the elf. At this time she needed all the assurance she could get. With that he returned her back to Rowan’s side.

***************************


“We are in no condition to defend ourselves if Alakbar’s captors should come looking for him.”

It was a simple statement, and one that Erlic was glad Laurel had made. Ever since they had left Queen Kazabet’s castle, he had been trying to figure out how to speak to the druid. It was she, after all, that had told him not to talk to her until he had learned how. Perhaps she had been toying around with him, or perhaps she now spoke because of the realization of the immediate danger that the whole group was in. Still, he was glad for the woman’s company.

“Come now, gather them together,” Laurel urged, patting him encouragingly, “And no speeches; it’ll only waste time. You’re our leader, you know—well, you’re their leader, and they look to you to speak first.”

And no speeches; it’ll only waste time. Could that have been the reason Laurel had stopped speaking to him, because of his speeches? It was an interesting observation, and something he would have to think on once he was assured that there was no forthcoming danger. Erlic cocked his head at her next choice of words, and wondered about them. He had never considered himself a leader, perhaps a spokesperson, but never a leader. Everyone in the group commanded their own authority, and had their own free will to do as they pleased. It was only during internal conflicts that Erlic stepped in, trying to prevent any fights from starting within the group.

He looked around the campsite, and spotted Ravin practicing with his newly found weapons. He smiled realizing that his fellow thief would soon be quite proficient at throwing the deadly items. If anyone should be considered a leader, it should be Ravin. There was more to Ravin’s personality than the thief ever led on, perhaps because of his empathy. At least Ravin realized when there was conflict, and knew how to deal with it. Erlic, on the other hand, simply intervened, regardless of how people reacted to his actions. Perhaps it was wrong, and perhaps it was right. He made do the best he could under the circumstances.

He turned back to Laurel. “I don’t think we have anything to worry about as of yet,” the guild master began. “From what I’ve heard of assassins, they won’t initiate the first move, rather they’ll have to report their findings to their leader, and it will be him that exercises the first orders. Chances are, they’ll probably want to interrogate some of the tribal people. That in itself will probably take some time, and I’m sure that an example will have to be shown to the other tribal people.”

Some of the people of the tribe would die, Erlic was sure of it. After all, they probably knew about the assassins, but chose not to intervene in favor of living comfortably in the camp. The assassins would think otherwise, but that wasn’t a problem Erlic would be worrying about. His main concern was to insure the safety of the party.

“Let’s just say,” Erlic began. “That I don’t want them too far behind us, nor do I want them too close. Perhaps it’s best that they believe that we don’t know they’re around, thus giving us the advantage. If I know they’re following us, well the advantage again, is ours, for we know where they are. No, I don’t want a conflict either, but I’m sure with the help of Ravin, and Rowan, we’ll be able to succeed quite well. As for leaving, Isobel has just woken, and I think it fair to allow her the privilege of a breakfast. After that, we’ll probably be on our way.”

Erlic started to turn away when something else dawned on him. “Just keep your druid powers handy. I’m sure they’re not expecting a user of magic. And if they do, it’ll probably fall on Corum. Just remember, surprise is our best ally.”

Erlic smiled at the woman before turning away, and heading towards Ravin. He greeted his friend once again. “I seriously meant what I stated last night,” the guild master spoke. “Make sure that you, and Rowan are up front. From what I’ve gathered he’s quite good at his trade, and should prove quite beneficial to our safety. As for our tracks, I’ll make sure they’re covered…..at least to a certain degree.”

The assassin smiled at his last statement. Sometimes it was necessary to leave certain traces behind, especially if you were to kill your adversary. However, Erlic wasn’t going to take chances either. He would make sure that they had the upper hand before playing his so called card of chance. He was, after all, an assassin as well, and if anyone knew assassins, it was he. Again, how many assassins were part of an adventuring party? Hardly any. At least that was the impression he wanted to make upon their adversaries. Surprise, an element that would be sorely needed if they were to survive.

He nodded to his friend before gathering his belongings. He had spent part of the night preparing certain instruments of death should the need arise. One thing was for certain, he was prepared for the oncoming battle, at least he hoped he was. Chance had a strange way of rearing her ugly head when you least expected it.

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