Mists Over the Musarde, Chapter Three

[Lord Skybolt]

"Hey the only tracker in our group was Buckman as far as I knew ." Alain answering Dorgio's question about his tracking ability .

[steveflam]

"Not me, bub. But I kin see in the dark though."

[Adam]

Bennedict looks on in mute horror at the torn body of their companion lying below him. "Mein gott," he says under his breath, regretting more and more the use of the dark magic he had used to drive the mind-controlled hunter away.

At last, he tried to shove the guilt and revulsion to the back of his mind. It wasn't helpful, there would be time for self-recrimination later. He tried to study the body for any tell-tale signs that would indicate what kind of beast they were up against now.

[ewancummins]

Benn gets closer and examines the injuries to Buckman's body. The shallow scratches and the horrific bite wound on the neck look like the work of some large animal with sharp teeth and not-so-sharp claws. In fact, the injuries are similiar to the ones that giant weasel-like creature had inflicted on Norzak, in the fight at the farmhouse of Marie's family [and to the injuries found on the body of poor little Marie's mother, too].

Benn also sees that Buckman's flintlock pistol is neither in its holster, nor in the dead man's hand. The tracker's net is missing, as well.

Anyone looking closely at the area around Buckman doesn't see any clear tracks- nothing that can really be followed.

Cold rain continues to drizzle down through the overhead foliage, pouring down in sheets anywhere the sky can be seen with an unobstructed view. The wind picks up, and the upper boughs of the trees twist and sway, branches and limbs creaking and groaning in protest as the gale pushes against them.

[Adam]

"It was a creature like the one that attacked you at the farmhouse, Herr Norzak." Benn shudders in revulsion. "I fear it may be nearby, and now armed with Buckman's weaponry. It's time to move on." He shudders, hunching his shoulders against the cold. "Either we find Jon now or we get inside. The creatures won't need to do anything to us if we catch our death of cold."

[steveflam]

" Well we kin get inside. Mebbe me shadow can find Jon if it's got o'er its fright 'o' tha monster back there."

[JMaytr]

Ahead in the darkness Jonathan can see a light. As the sensation of flight leaves him he can see that he is surrounded by trees and that he is soaking wet. The rain stings his face and makes it hard to keep his eyes open. Moving towards them he can hear hushed voices, realizing after a moment that they belong to his friends. The topic of their conversation is clear; Buckman lies slain at their feet. Hearing them suggest that the beast may still be nearby he rushes towards them.

"Norzak! I'm so glad to see you."

The boy embraces the dwarf, his body still shaking.

[Lord Skybolt]

"Well at least we don't have to look for you on this dark and dreary night . We just need to find shelter for the night is all ." Alain commenting on Jon's sudden appearance .

[steveflam]

"Hay laddie! Glad ta see ye too. Ye ok?" Norzak takes a good look at the boy. "LEt's get ta that cabin an get ye out o them wet clothes or ye'll catch a cold."

[Le Noir Faineant]

Checking in, first posts, coming along tomorrow...

[Adam]

Benn rests a companionable hand on the boy's shoulder before turning and heading towards the shelter.

"Dorgio," he says, "Neither of us are woodsmen, but let's try and remember where to find this place. I would rather not leave Buckman sitting out to rot."

[steveflam]

"Ay, I kin leave me pal around to help us out, Benn."

[Brock Marsh Runoff]

Dorgio smiles when he sees Jon return. "It is good to be seeing you again." He then gestures at Buckman's body. "Had you been seeing anything that might have done this to him?"

Dorgio nods at Benn's words, then produces a bottle of holy water, and lets a few drops fall on Buckman's forehead.

"To the cabin then, but perhaps we will not be finding so warm a welcome. If he was not trusting us before, why should he now? Still, it seems we are having little choice.

Then, looking at Cirdan, he asks. "Are you wounded?"

[steveflam]

"Fair enough, Dorgio. "E'll let us in fer sure if someone can persuade 'im magically, mebbe? A lil charm spell kin 'elp us or just some plain ole charm. Dun count on me, though. Be nice if 'e does let us in. I dun feel like sleepin in tha woods tanight ta be honest."

[Le Noir Faineant]

"Are you wounded?"

Cirdan will check the joints of his plate armour...

Am I, actually?!