Ark is glad to be rid of the macabre puppet and its unnerving stare, but the sight the group stumbles upon next chills him to the bone. Raz leaps from his scabbard at the sight of the old man, the same mist-thing that had sent them here. But at that moment, the young Bayrisian realized, he didn't know where 'here' even was. Had he been sent back to where they had started? Or was this a cleverly disguised mockery? Or was it some sort of strange otherworld, another plane they had stumbled upon without realizing? In his many readings, Ark had heard theories of such places, where things such as gravity, weight, time, and movement were but words, useless in an eldrich sea of ethereality, a place where the laws of nature simply didn't exist.

Or was it all simply a dream?

Ark reached for Anna's hand, clasping it tightly. "What to we do?" He asks to the others. A large part of him wanted to simply rush the old man and run him through, but another part told him that even breathing could get them all killed.

The puppet was motionless as the small group passed and Mylos fingered his amulet in a silent thanks to the gods. He put on a front about the puppet, pretending not to be afraid, but really he was as fearful as the others. A look of relief passed over Mylos' face clearly he was relieved to be back to civilisation.

The large village was bustling with activity and when the party walked through the streets only a few stopped their chores to stare and gawk. The cobbles below his feet were much more welcome than the unforgiving ground the mist had presented them with. As he turned a corner a sudden deja vu washed over him. He recognised the houses from somewhere and for a few seconds he couldn't quite put his finger on it. His eyes froze when he saw the sign above the inn, a boar above a camp fire turning on a spit.

“This...this cannot be!” he muttered under his breath.

As he looked around his apparently familiar surroundings a face caught him. An old man sat down carving a wooden horse. Thoughts raced through Mylos' head his head told him this could not be real, but there was a niggling thought is this reality and before a dream or the other way around? Had they switched planes? Even ventured into another universe?

Mylos shook his head and gathered his wits, he was likely to need them. If a great misfortune had become of the village before then most likely it was about to happen again and who knew how long they had. The only real measure was that of the carved horse. Perhaps if he could gain a gauge of the carving it could tell them when the mysterious events were likely to come.

He looked at Ark with a stern stare after he had spoken. “Silence you fool. Keep cool all of you. We must pretend we have not seen this town before. We book rooms for the night, whilst I figure out when the event may occur. See the librarian? The horse carving was on the table, perhaps we can measure the time they will come by the stage he is through the carving.”

After his outburst Mylos strode calmly over to the old man sat outside the the first house they had explored. Calling out to the elder.

“Ho, friend. A lovely day is it not? May I ask after your carving there? I am a keen collector of such pieces.”

Mylos acted as if he had never met the man and was simply an interested passer-by.

It was strange; everything was different and similar in the same stroke. Maybe it was just exhaustion. Her dark eyes swept over the people wandering about the streets, and she made sure to keep her face passive under their severe gazes. None of the faces seemed unusual, but there was something was nagging her yet again. What is it?
As they rounded a street corner, the swinging sign in front of the Inn revealed what had been bothering her. Déjà vu.

“This...this cannot be!” Mylos muttered under his breath.

“Are we dreaming?” she wondered out loud. It certainly seemed like it to her. The way they had walked aimless in that forest for a day or two certainly reminded her of the days following a particularly rowdy night of carousing.

Ark suddenly gripped her hand as he exclaimed, "What to we do?"

The bard rounded on him, “Silence you fool. Keep cool all of you. We must pretend we have not seen this town before. We book rooms for the night, whilst I figure out when the event may occur. See the librarian? The horse carving was on the table, perhaps we can measure the time they will come by the stage he is through the carving.”

She dropped Ark’s hand and raised an eyebrow at him.

“Ho, friend,” Mylos called to the man as he moved away from the group, “A lovely day is it not? May I ask after your carving there? I am a keen collector of such pieces.”

Anna strode out behind Mylos. What I wouldn’t do for a mirror right about,she thought as she ran her fingers across her hair, easing the fly aways back towards her braid. She gave the sitting man a dazzling smile, and looked interestedly down at his wooden carving.

[OOC: I’d like an intelligence check from the man against Anna’s charisma (since she’s purposefully exuding it), and I’d also like to aid Mylos in his gather information check. If the man’s attitude is negative, I’d like to do a diplomacy check to influence him to be more amicable.]

Marius was pleased to walk on the cobble stones again. Not because of the street itself, but rather because of what it represented. He was after all a city dweller to the bone. Sure, he didn't mind the long riders into the wilderness every now and then. And he was able to live off the land if need be. But given the choice, the templar would pick a proper bed, a real meal and a seat by the fireplace over anything the nature would be able to offer. And now, this little, strangely familiar town would offer him just what he needed after spending two nights outside: amenities.

It didn't take long for Marius and his companions to find out the reason for the familiar feeling. It dawned upon them all more or less at the same time. The village didn't just look the same way the one they had left only two nights ago had. It was the very same village. They could see the familiar buildings they'd visited previously. The Boar on Rotation was there as was the library. What was missing was the pole and the pyre, fortunately. However despite the oddness of the situation, the first thing popping into Marius's mind was not about what had happened or how it was possible. No. The question leaping fo his lips was: "Who was the woman they burned as a witch?"

But as quickly as the question had come, it was replaced by others that seemed to occupy all of their minds: "How the hell was this possible? What sort of magic was playing around with their heads? If this really is the town from before, how long did they have until the mists would appear and what would happen then?" Looking around Marius got even more baffled by what he saw. If this was indeed the same place, then from where did the hills surrounding it appear? Last time they had only seen fields…

If the look on the villagers' faces were suspicious, then the witch hunter's own mirrored theirs. He knew better to keep his hands away from his weapons, but he was ready to draw either the pistol or sword at any hint of danger. The people in the town were definitely afraid of something for some reason that was as of yet unknown to Marius. The appearance of a group of well armed strangers certainly could make anyone nervous, but there seemed to be something more than that behind their fear.

Mylos voiced his exact thoughts of what they should do next as he hissed his response to Ark: “Silence you fool. Keep cool all of you. We must pretend we have not seen this town before. We book rooms for the night, whilst I figure out when the event may occur. See the librarian? The horse carving was on the table, perhaps we can measure the time they will come by the stage he is through the carving.”

Nodding, Marius looked at the inn. "Doesn't look like it's crowded tonight. I will go and get us rooms." It was very rare for the dark sendrian to ride a coach as he preferred the freedom a personal mount offered and he certainly never walked anywhere. Therefore it felt a little strange to have no horse to dismount or no reins and instructions to give to the stable boy. Shrugging at the thought, Thullman stepped through the Boar's front door taking in the familiar details of the common room. He couldn't help the nagging feeling in the back of his mind saying he should leave the place right away.

---

OOC: Marius is accustomed to having the best room available and will demand such from the innkeeper (if present) this time too. He will also ask for a room for everyone in the group and order them all a proper meal. He'll take care of the of the costs as well.

Arvin shrugged as he watched the party move on toward the village and muttered, “Who the hell said anything about sleeping on the ground?” He continued to grumble as he followed along a bit behind the rest, “I would have been more than happy to have called up a nice snug cottage, but no we have to go traipsing off into a village that just happens to look exactly like the one that vanished into mist and brought us here…and some people think I’m crazy.”

As they entered town the mage kept his eyes, ears, and other senses extended to the best of his limited ability searching for anything that might give him a clue as to what had brought them here and why. The village gave him the feeling of déjà vu. This feeling culminated when he spotted the same Inn as the last village not to mention seeing the man from the library which was just too much.

“This...this cannot be!” Mylos muttered under his breath.

“Are we dreaming?” Anna wondered out loud.

Ark suddenly gripped her hand as he exclaimed, "What do we do?"

The bard rounded on him, “Silence you fool. Keep cool all of you. We must pretend we have not seen this town before. We book rooms for the night, whilst I figure out when the event may occur. See the librarian? The horse carving was on the table, perhaps we can measure the time they will come by the stage he is through the carving.”

“You keep calm, Mylos,” retorted the mage, “I’m going to see if Cass and Rain are where I left them and then I’m going to go get some sleep.”

“Ho, friend,” Mylos called to the man as he moved away from the group, “A lovely day is it not? May I ask after your carving there? I am a keen collector of such pieces.”

Arvin watched as Mylos and Anna approached the Librarian to ‘fish’ for information and stayed around long enough to hear Marius decree that he was going to The Boar on Rotation to secure rooms and meals for everyone and that was the last straw for the young mage. Who decided then and there to go back to his something close to his original plan.

“You may do as you please with yourself and your coin,” The mage said haughtily, “I am going to see if I can’t locate Cass and Rain and then I will secure my own bed for the night.”

Arvin turned back down the street and trudged toward where he’d left his horse and familiar in the “last” town they’d stopped in. “After all, if this is the same village then Cass should be around here somewhere.” The bond betwixt him and his familiar had never broken so Arvin decided to follow his “nose” and see where that led him.

((OoC: 1: Arvin will attempt to locate Cass through the empathic link, 2: Arvin will not be spending the night in town, instead he will cast Leomund’s Secure Shelter for sleeping quarters outside town.))

Though many questions came to mind, the group had enough wits about them to refrain from openly displaying their confusion. Only the Gods knew what was going on, and until the adventurers had any clue on what to expect it was better to act like nothing was amiss.

Mylos and Anna approached the old man sitting in front of his home, trying to act like they didn’t know what the insides of his cupboards looked like.

“Ho, friend,” the brath stated joyfully, “A lovely day is it not? May I ask after your carving there? I am a keen collector of such pieces.”

The old man regarded the bard for a moment, a puzzled look on his face. He glanced at the wooden piece in his hand and then, in disbelief, back at Mylos. He noted Anna’s beautiful and warm smile and his confusion grew even more.

“You mean you actually like what I’m carving here?” he stumbled in a deep voice. “I’m no artist, t’is just a way to pass time, you know. A man’s gotta have something on his hands.”

He handed Mylos the piece, which was still very rough and only half finished. Yet, the rider on horseback was terrifyingly familiar.

“So, have you folk just arrived in Varithne?” the man asked. “Did you travel safely? The woods can be quite dangerous, always have been. Better lock your shutters at night, I always say.”

A bit more prodding from the two charismatic adventurers loosened his tongue even more.

“I’ll give you some good advice, that’s what I’ll do: Don’t go out at night.”
He looked them both deep in the eyes, and returning his stare they noted no glee what so ever in his own. He was deadly serious.
“Something’s out there, snatching young men such as yourself out of their beds. Even the Mayor’s boy disappeared. There are all kinds of rumours about what is going on, but I tell you, if they had locked their shutters, none of this sad business would have happened.”

(OOC: going to leave it up to you if you want to buy the statue or not. The man accepts any offer you make. He wishes you a very nice evening afterwards and goes indoors.)
Meanwhile, Marius entered The Boar on Rotation and discovered that it was nothing like the eerie, desolate place they investigated in the… well… other town. The common room was quite crowded, sprouting chatter, laughter and the occasional *clink* of toasts being made. It all diminished ever so slightly when he stepped indoors, but it was enough for him to realize his entry had been noted.

Behind the bar, a pretty woman in her early fourties stood filling a tray with tankards of ale. She looked around and nodded as Marius approached.

“Welcome to The Boar, stranger. What can I do for you?”

He told her he wanted a room for four; that only the best would do. She explained that she was almost fully booked for the night, but that her most luxurious room was still available, but at a price of 2 gold pieces per person. Though he assured her that money was not an issue she looked at him for a moment, then demanded to be paid up front for the first night. There was a finality in her voice he wouldn’t have linked to her otherwise calm demeanour.

The room she showed him was not the most luxurious he had ever seen, but then again, having been there before he knew exactly what to expect. It was big though, with four separate beds, three large chests for storage, a small leather couch and a private chimney. They would be very comfortable there.

Who would not be comfortable there was Arvin. The mage was too aware of the fact that the town may look bright and safe at this moment, but only a misty journey ago it had been quite the opposite. He didn’t trust the situation for one little bit.

While the others went out to gather information or rent rooms, he followed his instinct and tuned in to Cass, his faithful companion. All through the tiresome travelling he had felt that though they were lost themselves, his familiar was not lost to him. Somehow the connection had been maintained, and right now the empathic link would guide him to where he needed to be.

He crossed the square and entered on of the many cobbled streets. He noted little shops left and right, cropped between domestic residences. The further he walked, the more houses grew apart from each other. He finally stopped in a neighbourhood where large mansions were surrounded by big fences and stone walls. It was from one of these that he felt Cass’s connection. The guards at the gate noted his stare and approached him.

“The Mayor isn’t home, sir. If you want to speak with him, you’d better make an appointment at the town hall tomorrow.”

Since they were eyeing him too much he decided not to take his chances and come back some other time. He headed outside the town and started conjuring his Secure Shelter.

(OOC: Going to stop here to give Ayrn a chance to come into the game. I’m assuming you’ll be having some food and a drink in the common room later. His character will be there as well. Also, I would like to stress here that I’m not a fan of groups splitting up. Now since this situation is so weird for your characters I’m going to allow it. In the future though, you make decisions as a team. )

Mylos was as charismatic and friendly as ever when trying to pry information from a local of any town or village they may be staying at. His lips parted to a dazzling smile and he was full of compliments, telling the man what he wanted to hear. 'His carving was of great craftsmanship' Mylos told him despite only seeing a shoddy and poor attempt at a rider on a horse. The rider however struck him, he was very familiar, though Mylos was not sure why?

As the conversation turned to more current affairs, Mylos learnt a lot. The town was not safe after dark and young men and boys were being stolen from their homes, even the Mayors son himself. Though the woods were even more dangerous, and he thought immediately of Arvin. His face did not betray his apparent worry but he was worried nonetheless. The man did seem to have some fascination with shutters, as if they were of the greatest protection, could it be that they were important or was he merely a frightened peasant. Either way Mylos would certainly be closing his shutters tonight.

As their conversation was fading the man offered to sell him the half finished carving. Mylos politely rejected him, touching the amulet around his neck.

“Though a fine piece, it is still not even half finished. You keep working on it sir. When you are done it may be worth more than just a few copper pieces.” He walked away from the elder, leaving a look of bemusement upon his face.

He strode towards the Boar on rotation, beckoning Anna to follow. “We need to find the others. You heard what the man said, Arvin may not be safe, even with his magical shelter he kept ranting on about.”

Mylos opened the oak door to the tavern and strode inside, his eyes scanning for Marius. It was not for Mylos' intention to go out hunting for the stubborn wizard, but rather to try and gain some more information from the drunken men and women inside the homely inn. But that could wait first he must seek out Marius and the others.

Room for four… That's what Marius had asked for and that's what he got. He would've preferred it to be one for five people, but there was no turning Arvin around. They both knew it, so the witch hunter hadn't even bothered to try. The lad was big and strong enough to take care of himself no matter what might lurk in the dark of the forest at nights.

Having to pay up front wasn't all too uncommon for the templar. Maybe it was his looks or maybe it was the trouble he seemed to attract for some reason unknown to him. Or maybe it was something else. Whatever the case, he gladly dropped the eight pieces of gold into the barmaid's awaiting palm. The sendrian then fished out a few more and nodded at a free corner table. "I'm sure my companions wouldn't mind a warm meal and a couple of pitchers of your best wine to wash it down. Oh and why don't you give me a nice warm cup of mulled wine to drive away the chill from my bones right now."

Marius emptied the mug almost too hastily nearly burning his tongue in the process. But the spicy hot drink really did its magics to him and the witch hunter immediately felt better. Nodding his thanks to the lady behind the counter, Marius headed up the stairs to the "most luxurious room" in the house. It wasn't anything fancy, but it would do just fine. What he liked the most was the chimney in one corner of the room. It would definitely keep them warm through the night. There'd be no need for bed warmers tonight. Marius picked a bed in the corner for himself - one with a good view at both the door and the window and dropped his backpack on it.

He then opened the window and had a look outside to evaluate the ease for an uninvited guest to climb inside or for himself to drop down if need be. Satisfied with the check, Marius headed back downstairs and to the table he had reserved for their little group only to find the food and the drinks already waiting. With a very rare smile on his face, the templar sad down with his back against the wall and poured himself a goblet of wine. There was no telling what was going on at the inn, but it certainly seemed much better now than on their initial visit two days ago. Perhaps an explanation to everything would come with the morning. And even it didn't, then at least they'd get to sleep in proper beds and enjoy a nice tasty dinner.

[Berodin, in his private room at the Boar on Rotation]


It had been only day since the dwarf’s arrival at Varithne. The townsfolk were friendly enough to a stranger and Berodin had found the hospitality at the Boar on Rotation more than adequate.

Still, the village was unfamiliar to him and the people seemed... slightly... odd. Never heard of you, Lord? Really? While the notion that there would be civilized towns where no altar, much less a temple, to the Shining One existed was farfetched enough for Berodin, the idea that a whole town might not even know his name...

I shall have to rectify this then, hmm, Lord? An unsettling, distant silence disquieted the dwarf’s soul, as if his god were somehow veiled. A vexing angst filled Berodin’s heart, an angst that had been growing this past days – ever since he and his companions had been lost in the mists. That angst and the grief over the loss of his companions needled at the priest as though working to rob him of any hope or joy.

“Enough of such dark thoughts,” Berodin chided himself. “A drink and a full belly – that’ll help bring some proper perspective.”

As Berodin exited his room and moved to the bar of the common area, he switched his thinking back to his evangelistic efforts towards the townsfolk. Already, a plan had been forming. Through conversations with the locals, the priest had learned a sad tale of woe that had come over the people – young men disappearing over the course of these past six months. With the high profile disappearances of the mayor’s son and even the Baron’s, Berodin thought solving the mystery of the disappearances and, may the gods allow, even finding the lads might raise the renown of the Shining Lord amongst these unbelievers.

He just needed some sturdy companions, some brave souls to bear witness to his lord’s glory...

Scanning the room from his stool, Berodin asked the barmaid for a warm meal and a tall ale. When she returned with his food and drink, he inquired about the lone figure dressed in dark leathers, “He new in town too?”

[Almerin, feel free to add something here]

“Hmmm,” Berodin nodded to the maid. “Thanks.”

Picking up his plate and mug, he moved across the room towards the dark figure and placed his food and drink down at the table. “Might I have a word with you, stranger?”

[Raven, insert response... should it be close to “No” disregard the rest and assume Berodin leaves the lone figure alone once more. If “yes”, continue...]

The priest takes a seat, “You seem a man of sturdy stock and a hardy soul. I am looking for some hardy folk to join me on a mission, a quest, if you will. A mission for the good of these people.”

Berodin paused for a moment to see if the man was still tracking with him before continuing.

“You may have heard that the town has lost some of their lads these past six months. Those lost include the sons of both the mayor and the baron of these parts. It is thus far an unsolved mystery, and joy-stealing one at that, as those remaining worrying and wonder if their son might be next. It is my intention to solve the mystery and, should the gods allow, return the lads to their families, giving hope back to the people and driving out fear.”

Again, the priest paused, allowing the man to weigh his words, and allowing Berodin to observe the man.

“A mission for the good of these people is motive enough for my purposes. Though I heard there may be one willing to compensate us for our efforts, should we explore this mystery. Interested in such a mission, sir?”

Boshaunn sighed as he sat at a corner table of the Boar on Rotation, rubbing the bridge of his nose tiredly. A mug of mead sat untouched at his left hand, which held a small wooden carving of a sun disc, polished smooth and well cared for. Replacing the carving onto the leather thong around his neck, he looked around, noticing a dwarf of some faith approach a man in dark leathers. Sensing no evil about them, he turned his attention back inwards, feeling for the divine light he had followed since his youth. His sword is slung across the back of his chair, while his shield rests against his left leg. Both look like they are ready to be wielded at a moments notice.

(OOC: character description should be being put up soon, as almerin has yet to add it to my character sheet)

The common room of the Boar on Rotation was slowly filling up. Mylos and Marius had just sat down, and noted that this was not the kind of bar where one would expect to find a fight. It was cosy, with the ceiling low overhead and a round fireplace in the middle of the wall opposing the bar. As they ate, more of the townsfolk gathered, though only half of them ordered drinks. The people just talked among themselves, occasionally glancing in the direction of the newcomers, but mainly minding their own business. Discussions were held quietly, words exchanged without a smile. This was not a joyful town.

One of the customers stepped up to the adventurers’ table, and asked if he could share a seat to eat his food on their table. He didn’t introduce himself, but rather plunged into a proposition. He affirmed what the old man had told Mylos on the town square; there was something strange going on. Young lads were disappearing without a trace. Even the mayor had not been spared.

“A mission for the good of these people is motive enough for my purposes. Though I heard there may be one willing to compensate us for our efforts, should we explore this mystery. Interested in such a mission, sir?”
Before they could answer, the door to the common room opened once more, and in came a man in his late thirties holding a lute. He held up his hand to the crowd in an apologetic manner and said: “Sorry for being late, people. Got held up on the Longtusks’ bull.”

He strode through the crowd and sat down on the wide, stone edge of the fireplace. He put his coat on a nearby chair and cleared his throat.

“Alright, what shall we start with tonight? Something for the little ones, then?” He winked at a group of young children who giggled under his attention. Then he strummed his lute once and started playing a melody. It went slow, and the words he weaved through it spoke about Herbert Hawking, who went out walking, went out walking in the night. Herbert’s stalking turned to gawking, when he caught a horrid sight. A shadowed spectre, please neglect her, please, neglect her wail astray. Though Herbert begged her, dug red nectar, took him with her nails away. Keep the door barred, Ezra keeps guard, so lie safe in linen’s hide. Herbert’s head was hard, now his soul is jarred, in the shadow dome tonight.

His words died away while his fingers ended the lute’s tune. He then went on with a song about the different animals of the forest and their special traits.

Meanwhile, on the table rested a proposition yet unanswered.

Marius nodded to Mylos as the Brathun sat down on the chair next to him and nodded at the food and wine before taking a mouthful from his goblet. The unlikely duo sat in silence and observed the crowd at the tavern. The place was obviously a common living room for the townsfolk as some where only chatting with friends and not drinking or eating anything. Although there was already some people at the Boar and more were coming in little by little, there was no cheerful talking or laughter to be heard. Some cast suspicious looks at the witch hunter and the gnome, but no one made a move to have a chat with them. But that was fine by Marius. The witch hunter had met the same kind of behavior towards strangers many times. It was only natural for people of a small and remote settlement to be suspicious of visitors. Yet, he couldn't help it. There was something else in the air too…

Having finished his meal, the templar poured himself another drink, leaned back and had a look at the crowd. He noticed a chord coming down the stairs and heading towards the bar. Another stranger for sure. Marius could see some of the townsfolk giving the dwarf the same look too. The newcomer ordered a drink and a meal, picked them up from the counter and turned around looking for a place to sit down. There were still a couple of empty tables, but he decided to head towards the one the Sendrian and the brathun were sitting at. The dwarf put his dishes on the table and looked at Marius: "Might I have a word with you, stranger?"

The witch hunter looked at the man for a heartbeat too long making situation almost awkward before nodding at an empty chair opposite to Mylos. The chord took a seat and turned to face Marius: , “You seem a man of sturdy stock and a hardy soul. I am looking for some hardy folk to join me on a mission, a quest, if you will. A mission for the good of these people.” He gave it a moment to sink in with the witch hunter apparently waiting for some kind of a response or reaction. He didn't get one outside Marius's attention. “You may have heard that the town has lost some of their lads these past six months. Those lost include the sons of both the mayor and the baron of these parts. It is thus far an unsolved mystery, and joy-stealing one at that, as those remaining worrying and wonder if their son might be next. It is my intention to solve the mystery and, should the gods allow, return the lads to their families, giving hope back to the people and driving out fear.”

Another pause in the speech, but the templar felt the stranger wanted to continue. Expressionless he nodded for the man to carry on. “A mission for the good of these people is motive enough for my purposes. Though I heard there may be one willing to compensate us for our efforts, should we explore this mystery. Interested in such a mission, sir?” Marius pondered the question for a moment. Money he didn't require, but having been in the town before and seeing it devoid of people was certainly something that required a closer look. The kids disappearing was definitely the work of some evil power and hence it felt like the witch hunter's duty to find out what exactly was going on.

But before Marius had time to respond, the inn's door opened once again when the local bard entered. The witch hunter would've expected something happier, but apparently the minstrel knew his crowd as most had turned to watch his performance. As the somber song died away, Marius turned to face the dwarf again. "The disappearances sound most strange indeed. And although I can't really speak for my companions, I am fairly certain we all would be keen on knowing what lies behind it all."

Mylos strolled over to the table where Marius was sat. He was desperate to tell the stone-faced witch hunter of his discovery but as always Mylos felt uneasy and awkward around the hard Sendrian when by himself. Instead of telling Marius the information he had gained straight away, he supped on the tankard of ale on the table before him, careful not to spill it down his front.

Mylos took in his surroundings, noticing the suspicious, scared and solemn faces all around the inn. There seemed little happiness and Mylos was half tempted to summon and instrument and clear the awkward air that filled the tavern. The tension was too much however, and he feared reprisal from the townsfolk.

The moment came to tell Marius of the disappearing children and the terrors of the night. He turned to him and opened his mouth, but as he began to part his lips a dwarf came to their table. He was obviously not of the small-folk, he gave no suspicious glances but instead a confident look. He addressed Marius more than Mylos, clearly seeing him as a leader.

He spoke of much or all the information the old man had told him prior. The disappearing boys, the Mayor and Barons sons being kidnapped and the dangers after dark. He requested their help to find these fiends and rid them from the village. Mylos took him to be Paladin of sorts at first, with his noble attitude and pious talk. Yet he wore no armour and carried little weaponry and even those were blunt. It dawned on him then. He was a cleric.

Mylos was not fond of clerics, there pious attitude and devotion to the gods often was contradictory to Mylos' own behaviour. He cared little of the gods, other than Alanus the god of greed. Gods often didn't hear his prayers and Alanus was the only one that had ever answered him and even that was only once.

He heard the cleric out however, and studied him intently, he wanted to figure out this dwarf. He had met clerics who seemed pious enough to others taking food, drink and even gold to help get others prayers answered, yet once the cleric was full, his throat parched and his purse heavy he soon left for another town, ripe for the picking. Mylos had considered taking that for a life of his own, but even he could not stoop that low in his quest for gold.

The pious do-gooder seemed genuine enough however, and Mylos was willing to help him, the group may as well have another sword when the gathering mists came again. He awaited Marius' reply, as the question was directed towards him and Mylos rather suspected he already knew what his answer would be. However, before the cold-eyed witch hunter could reply a bard walked through the tavern entrance. Mylos found himself rejoicing, finally someone to lighten the dull mood, he thought. However Mylos' happiness was short-lived, the bard sung of the terrible things afflicting the town and the atmosphere grew even more sombre. After the song Marius had decided on his answer, it was as Mylos predicted.

"The disappearances sound most strange indeed. And although I can't really speak for my companions, I am fairly certain we all would be keen on knowing what lies behind it all."

After Marius, Mylos piped up his own opinion on the matter.

“I am sure you are both men with noble ambitions, however I am not such a man if I am to endanger my life for the existence of some pitiful, droll peasants I will need recompense.” Mylos paused to look around, hopefully his voice hadn't carried beyond this conversation. “When I say recompense I mean gold, not a sense of my own pompous well-being.”

Mylos sat back into his chair, his eyes piercing the young clerics face searching for corruption.