Entry 8 - Waterday, Flocktime 19, Common Year 613

A most interesting day indeed. About mid-day at the local tavern where all of us have been staying, a man who reminded me of Jackson at first glance, walked into the tavern. Due to smelling worse then Jackson, one of the other patrons, an elf in the company of a dwarf, left holding his nose. He remained at the bar complaining of the resent loss of companion I believe.

Not long after, a group of what can only be described of as battle-scared veterans entered to shake the dust from their cloths and slake their thirsts. I was immediately drawn to one of them. I could "feel" her presence like something on the edge of my peripheral vision. I have only experienced this feeling a few times previously and it never precluded the arrival of a humanoid. The presence I detected was that of a woman, neither young nor old, neither beautiful nor weathered. We stared at each other for a moment. I'm sure I was exuding caution and amazement at what I soon realized this meant though I tried to remain calm and collected. There was something about her presence... as if she was only barely able to contain some sort of violence or madness or both.

As the newcomers ordered their drinks and dispersed about the room, a few of them began questioning the other patrons. The dwarf immediately engaged into conversation with them over a few drinks, while Shandala did her best to avoid conversation all together. It wasn't long before the gist of it caught my ear; they were asking for any information regarding the Flinds in the area.

Seeing an opportunity to perhaps recruit others on the venture, I shared with them what we knew of the area. Unfortunately after speaking with them, they didn't seem the type to be venturing with us. In fact to be truthful most of the others would only slow them down judging from their obvious experience in "the field" for lack of a better term. Soon they left in the direction of the keep, and I then realized just who it was that they were asking the questions for.

Later that day, I made a point to spend the gold acquired from hawking that ancient jewelry to purchase mounts and better equip what remained of this band so that we could still explore the mountains without having to wait for the return of the other members. I happened to find a plain, but well made farmer's scythe at one of the shops. I took it as a sign from the Reaper and decided to purchase it. It has been too long since I wielded even the peasant form of the God's weapon. Perhaps one day I will have a more war-like version fashioned that would better suit the chosen of the Bringer of Darkness.

While resupplying, I was also able to recruit the dwarf from the tavern, Gruntonimus Ironbeard, or "Grunter" for short and his Elven companion, Cylix Lor'ander at the cost of a fair share of any spoils from our venture. Wealth is not of high concern to me at this point, so I quickly agreed to the terms. The fools may not survive long anyway, and if they do, they would prove well worth the effort and resources. After everyone was properly equipped, we agreed to leave the next morning at daybreak.