14th Patchwall, Freeday

The Seekers quickly refound the main road and headed on to the west. After about three miles, they came upon a spur which headed to the southeast. "Must be the alternate route Perciss told us about," observed Cassandra. "maybe we'll try it on the way home."

They continued at a steady pace for most of the day. The forest seemed normal for late fall, with the occasional sound of wild animal, but not much else. Till late afternoon, having covered some 12 miles in all, they began to note a change in the tone of the woods. The forest and foliage became more prevalent and the sound of wildlife increased. It was at this time that the road became more like a path, with foliage closing in on all sides. They struggled along, till the path led them to a glade. In the middle stood a huge oak tree, perhaps a half mile in diameter. It rose above the rest of the forest, making the other trees seem mere blades of grass. At the foot of the tree rested a small marble building, inside of which sat a white clad figure. He noted the Seekers presence and said in a low, calm voice, "And what may I do for you, my children of the wood?"

Grummie stood steadfast and gawked in awe at the grandness of the wood. He had spent his entire life wandering the woodlands of home and abroad, but never had he seen the likeness of this grand glade. His eyes glazed over, and one would think a tear might fall upon his cheek, when finally, he heard the white-clad figure speak. Grummie immediately fell upon one knee, and with his head lowered in reverence, he muttered in a soft tone... "Oh master o' da wood. We be de Seekers o' Chatwin, but we be humbled by da greatness which doth tower above and surrounds us. We seek da aid o' da druids which be called Lost, but nae for ourselves, but for da needs o' one maimed centaur of nae mind or spirit." He gestured toward the centaur, while never raising his head, then continued. "We pray da kind spirits of nature and goodness find pity on this beast, we beseech thee kind 'elp, and that o' da great tree." Grummie waved his hands behind himself, as if to encourage the others to show reverence, in their own fashion.

Jutos stood transfixed, staring at the tree. For one of his size, it was rare that he felt dwarfed; however, that was exactly his feeling. He glanced down at Grummie, wondering if that was how the gnome felt in general, especially next to himself. Looking back up at the tree, he said to nobody in particular, "That's a big tree."

Gork echoed the sentiment. "Yes, beeg tree."

Lwcynda approached the robed figure "I am Lwcynda Mooncrest, Priestess of Mayaheine. I am truly humbled by this beautiful forest and grateful for my companion's composure as I am at a loss for words." She bowed her head in respect and then continued to look up at the great tree.

Aware that speech was not his best asset and not sure how to take this white figure, Andremar was nonetheless impressed with the normally irreverent gnome's supplication before this entity. Thus, when it came his turn, the gangly mage carefully bowed his head and then, looking at the white clad individual, said "Ah, Andremar Leetledeek, um, Sir."

Cassandra was never one for reverence, so she remained silent, and slightly back, off to the right of the others.

The white clad man rose. "From what you are telling me," looking more towards Grummie than anyone else, "you will need to see the High Druid. Wait here while I see if he can see you now." He disappeared through a rear door. Before the Seekers had much time to discuss anything, he returned.

"The High Druid grants you an audience, but first you must remove your weapons. Only golden sickles are permitted in his presence."

Cassandra stepped back and forth, foot-to-foot, somewhat uncomfortably. "What's a golden sickle, anyway?"

The white clad figure spoke calmly. "It is the symbol of our order. It is also our weapon of choice. So, only those who carry the golden sickle may be armed in the presence of the High Druid."

Cassandra seemed somewhat mollified, but still nervous. She spoke loud enough for him to hear, but directed her words to her companions. "Uh, I'm not much of one for trees anyway, and I doubt our centaur friend can climb a tree, so what's say I just stay out here with him, while those of you who are willing to disarm go have a pow wow with the big limb, or whatever? I can keep an eye on our stuff."

The white clad figure nodded, while saying nothing. Jutos looked uncomfortably at the tree, then looked towards Cassandra. "I shall remain with you," he said with a wink, "and with the centaur."

Cassandra acknowledged the tall one's decision. "Fine with me."

Drist removed his weapons and other things and gave them to Cassandra to watch over, then he turned back to his companions. "Well, are we ready to go?"

His only weapons were a small knife, that he used more as a general tool than anything else, and his walking staff. Andremar would have laughed at the thought that anyone would consider these a weapon when in his hand were the situation not so somber. Leaving these two items with Cassandra, he followed Drist. It wasn't that he was comfortable with the events that were now unfolding. Rather, he was just too curious to not participate. Seeing Cassandra's upraised eyebrow, he could only shrug and hope that he wasn't walking into a hornet's nest.

Cassandra nodded in such a way as to reassure the mage.

Grummie stood and turned to Jutos as he removed both short swords, his short bow, quiver of arrows, and a hunting knife. He piled them neatly at his friends feet and glanced up saying, "Twill be a'wight me big friend. Watch o'ber me tings, and we shall return in but a moment." Grummie then turned back to the white-clad man, and stated "Aye, we respect yea order and da wishes o' da high Druid. We be prepared to follow thee." Grummie took his place alongside Drist and Andremar, then glanced back to Lwcynda.

Lwcynda removed her weapons and gave them over to Jutos and Cassandra. "I'm ready, " she declared.

Cassandra and Jutos took seats within the marble entryway. Gork stayed just outside, the centaur on his leash. The dogs frolicked in the glade.

The white clad man opened the door once more. "They're coming up," he shouted above. In an instant something seemed to fall from above. Momentarily taken aback, then calmed, as it turned out to be a rope ladder, an old woven rope ladder. From his seat, Jutos was rather glad that he had already stated his desire to stay below. The four who had decided to enter looked up, maybe 150`, as the ladder dangled above them. "This way," indicated their guide. "You first, and I will hold the bottom steady, then follow." There were a number of gulps and deep breaths, then Grummie began the ascent, followed in close order by Drist. Andremar, always the gentleman, yielded to Lwcynda. Then with a couple of extra deep breaths, he, too, ascended.

The climb only seemed to take forever. After a time, the four found themselves on a very sturdy wood platform roughly seven feet in diameter. From it a suspension bridge of ropes and a two foot wide wooden walkway led to another platform.

Once their guide had climbed up, he led the way to this next platform. From it a number of bridges led off in different directions. As the four Seekers took in their surroundings, they could see many other platforms off to the sides, above, and below. From the second platform the man led them straight ahead to another platform, only this one had walls. At the entrance of this one, there was a small bowl into which he dipped his hand, then sprinkled in four directions. As the others got there, they could see a small green sprig floating in the bowl. This platform was 60 x 40, constructed like the hall of a manor house. At the northern end an old man sat in a highly polished, but unornamented chair. His great white beard flowed down onto his snowy white robe. He wore a necklace composed of golden oak leaves and acorns, with a golden sprig, similar to the one in the bowl, as its ornamentation.

The guide escorted the four inside, then stood off to the side. The old man spoke in a pleasing and well- modulated voice. "I heard you have journeyed quite a way. My friend," indicating the escort, "informs me you have come into the heart of this great old wood to seek aid of some sort." He was silent for a moment, while the guide left. "How have you come to be here, and of what help can we be?"

The white clad man left this hall, walked back to the ascent platform, and made his way back down to ground level. Once there, he informed Jutos and Cassandra that their friends were in the presence of the High Druid. "Is there anything I can offer you while you wait?"

Jutos smiled, well, half-smiled, trying to avoid showing his fangs. He was a bit uneasy; however, the attitude of the man helped to put him at ease. "Perhaps a bit of fresh water? I can help myself if there is a stream nearby." Looking at the centaur, he added, "and our charge could likely use some drink as well."

Cassandra echoed Jutos concerns, but her tone was less respectful, "Yeah, how about some refreshment."

The white clad man, who finally offered his name as Blake, saw to their needs. "As far as water, there is a stream, just a short distance along that path," indicating one that had gone unnoticed till this moment which went beyond the glade, "I'm sure the centaur and the dogs will be very happy there." He looked at the female with raised eye brow, "As to yourselves, I'll have some more suitable refreshment brought by your return." He turned and went back into the tree.

Cassandra, Jutos, and Gork, took the centaur and the dogs along this path to the stream. The water seemed crystal clear, ran smoothly, and was a cold as ice. It was the freshest water any of them had ever tasted. After the animals had been satisfied, they returned.

By this time, so had Blake. There sat before them a couple of pitchers, "Wine, fruit juice, mead," he pointed out, as well as two platters. One had various game meats, the other vegetables. "Help yourselves. You have obviously come a long way." He sat down and watched.

Meanwhile, up in the tree, ....

Grummie bowed to the old man in reverence, and spoke softly, "Oh druid on high, we hab trabeled from da town o' Chatwin, across do great Welkwood fores', under da high mountain, and across da mighty waters in search o' da Lost Druids, for so they hab been called. For whils't in Chatwin, we didst happen acros' a centaur, who be not of right mind an' lost in spirit. Some doth think da gentle beast be Druid, alost by foul magic, an' robbed o' his soul. In our trabels, many great caster o' spells an' woodsman dids't beseach us do seek the Druids Lost, for dey be as one with da wilds, andst dey alone might aid dis fair creature. Alas, our path hast cross many wood, dat be not as dey should. We fear a clan o' Gypsy hath desecrated these fair lands wid magic most evil, and da nature o' life doth suffer at dey hands." Grummie lowered his head again, in closing, "For dis, da centaur an' da life-giving wood, it is we seek thee aid, most humbly."

Impressed by the Gnome's noble speech and feeling even more inadequate in his verbal skills, Andremar can only follow with, "Um, er, ah, ... what he, ah, said."

The High Druid nodded. "A noble cause, for the good of a centaur. Hmm, I'll have to have a look at the creature, or at least have some of our clan examine him." He looked at Andremar, "That's quite a stutter you have there. Perhaps we could prune back your tongue while we're at it." He waited for the mage to gulp a bit before adding a grin.

He then looked at Lwcynda, "A priestess of Mayaheine, I see."

She shook her head in agreement, "Yes, I am. I have come with these others to seek help for the centaur. But, that is not the only reason for our journey here."

The others thought for a moment, as Lwcynda paused, then continued. "On our way to the Welkwood, we passed through The Downs, a small farming area which ash come under the curse of a gypsy. The elder there, a mage named Delon, asked us to seek out those whom he termed the Lost Druids to see if there was anything you could do for them. When we passed through we saw that the fields lay barren and the harvest was small. Perhaps you could see it to aid them in some way?"

The High Druid took some moments' contemplation. "So, let me see if I understand this. You have brought us a centaur to examine, and you are seeking some aid for a farming area under curse? Is that all you have come for?"

The four Seekers racked their brains to see if they had lost any other motives over the course of their journey.

Andremar added, "Um, er, if it would not be, ah, too much trouble. Um, is there anything you, er, could do for my, ah, speech? Other than, um, ah, cutting my, ah, tongue?"

"Yes, young man, we just night," Again the High Druid needed some time in contemplation. He looked each over thoroughly. "You seem reasonably experienced, and there are others with you, are there not?"

"Yes, we have three more companions waiting down stairs, er, down limb," answered Lwcynda.

"Well, then, let us see what you are made of. It is well that a group such as yourselves have come here. Lately we have been bothered by many things in this Greate Olde Woode." He reached behind his chair, pulled out a bottle, and gestured toward it. "This is a potion which will help those crops. If it is properly diluted and applied to the farmlands, the damage should be reversed. Surely my old friend Delon will know how to do it. I give this gladly to you for the good of the Downs - if you will do me one small favor in return, as a sign of you good will."

He stood up, and pointed westward. "It has come to my attention that there are those who are despoiling land within as day's journey of this sanctuary. I do not blame the animals, for it is their nature to hunt and kill. I do not object to that. I do object to goblins who would gather the great wolves and use them to unleash their terror on others who live in the woods. That such a thing would happen in sight of the Golden Bough is unheard of."

He set the potion down before him. "If you rid the sacred woods of those who would desecrate them, this potion is yours."

"What about the centaur?"

"We will do for him what we can regardless, especially if he is one like us."

The High Druid sat down again. "Do we have a bargain?"

Grummie turned to the others, and spoke softly... Not to hide his conversation, but more so to honor the hollowed halls in which they stood. "Aye, tis a fair note ifen I do say. We'd not come all dis way for naught. Nor woulds't I suggest disappointing dis one. Ifen yea all agree, den I be wid yea. Shoulds't we speak wid da od'ers first? I fer one woulds't like not'in less dan ta vanquish a horde o' nasty (*spit*) goblins." Realizing what he had done, Grummie quickly dropped to the floor, and began to wipe up the spittle with the corner of his cloak, glancing up at the high druid apologetically.

The High Druid raised an eyebrow, then said, "I, too, find them repulsive." He spat on the floor in agreement.

Lwcynda said to her companions, "I am sure that our friends will agree to this quest, but I feel it is only fair that we check with them first. In any case we most likely would not leave until the morning." To the High Druid, "perhaps you might wish to meet our companions, as we are a fairly unusual group. I am sure they would like to meet you."

The High Druid responded. "I do not leave this tree, I am afraid. However, I can send one of my closest companions down with you. From what I know of you four, I am certain that your friends are worthy."

Drist nodded at Grummie. "I agree, we should talk to the others first, while the druids examine the centaur, then we can be on our way to where ever these goblin's may be."

Even more nervous, Andremar attempted to answer by saying, "We, er, the Seekers I mean, ah, we do this, you know, sort of thing, usually I mean. But you should, um, know that we have a, ah, goblin with us. He is a, um, friend. Still I believe, that is, I think my friends will agree to, ah, attempt what you, er, wish." The gangly mopped the sweat which had formed on his brow and so mops it with his sleeve, hoping the High Druid would take no notice.

He seemed to miss this motion. However, he responded to the mention of a goblin. "I have no quarrel with goblins, per se. They are creatures of this realm with as much right as any others to existence. This particular band has upset the natural balance of behavior by taking and using wolves to evil ends. Hunting wolves, or any animal is fine; perverting their nature is not."

Grummie added, "Oh, but me no tink' oh Gork as a Goblin," he almost spit again, then puckered his lips in rememberance. "Me dids't nae think I wouldst er say me seen a good Goblin, but Gork suredly be one o' da few. Nae, nae, we seek to rid da wood o' a pestilance, dat jus' so happend ta be da type o' Goblin dat me nae care for! But it be best we speak to Gork o' dis quest, an' da posibility dat we might spar wid 'is kindred blood." Grummie wrinkled his eyebrow," but me still nae tink he be o' da same bloods as ones so mindless ta foul nature." Grummie snorted in contempt. He apparently understood what he had just said.

The High Druid said, "Hmm, yes, I see your point," in a very deliberate manner, as he looked around the room. Then he summoned another. This man was younger, maybe mid-thirties, with dark hair and eyes. Naturally, he was clad in white. "This is Elton. He is my right hand man. He will go back down with you to meet the others, and to examine the centaur."

Before leaving, Grummie addressed the High Druid again, asking "Oh mighty druid, what can'st thee tell us o' dese vile creatures dat woulds't desecrate da wood. How many be dey, what armor an' weapons hab dey? So we might best dem, for the cause o' da Golden Bough."

"Some miles west of here, along the main road, you will find the remains of a once great keep. It still bears the name of Castle Karn, though the designation `castle' is as loose an interpretation as one can find. Much of it is fallen, ramshackle, and gone. Within it reside a band of goblins, aided by their captive wolves. They prey on travelers, make forays into the lives of those who live within the forest. In general, they are a negative force, and I would like them dealt with any way you see fit. In addition to their wolves, reports of their weaponry include swords, dagger, bows. No mention of magic has been made. Of course, you are experienced enough to know that no report is ever 100% accurate." He smiled wisely at Grummie, then at everyone.

"Elton will lead you down. While you discuss this with your other friends, he will take a look at the centaur. Once you've come to a decision, you are welcome to feast with us this evening, and to stay within the tree for the night." With that he motioned to Elton, who opened the door and led the way out and down.

Back on terra firma, these four found Cassandra and Jutos enjoying a snack, while Gork tended to the centaur and the dogs still frolicked in the nearby woods.

Elton approached the centaur. It seemed to take to him immediately. The Seekers were left to discuss their options and to plot strategy.

The four who had been up the tree shared what they had learned and been asked with the others.

Drist took out some paper from his pack and held it up on a nearby tree. He quickly sketched a map of the trail they would follow and of where the castle was. He took it back to the rest of the group. "This is a rough sketch of where we are going, according to the High Druid's directions. We should follow the main road until we are almost at Castle Karn, then we should scout the area to make sure it's safe. Remember, there ARE wolves, and they'll be all around the castle. I wouldn't be surprised if we will have to kill a few."

"We need to be able to get inside the castle and find the goblins without getting discovered by too many wolves, which will mean we should find a back way in of sorts. Once we are in, all we have to do is find the goblins and maybe surprise them so as to kill a few off before they can retaliate. Any other ideas?"

Grummie nodded and agreed, "Aye, tis a good plan. Once we git closer an' scout da area out, we will know more ta do. But me'tinks we shoulds't agree on one ting. Ifen we meet any o' dey scoutin' parties o' patrols, dey must nae be allow'd ta escape, at any cost. Ifen da fort know o' our approach, den we may ne'er get in'side." Grummie waited momentarily for everyone's comments, then he changed the subject. "So, da Druid on high hath invited us sup an' logging wid'in da tree fer da night. What say yea?"

Jutos looked from Grummie to the tree, then back at Grummie. "How many trees will I find large enough for my size?" asked Jutos, not really expecting an answer. "I guess I'm in."

Lwcynda said, "Sounds like a good plan and I agree we do have to try and sneak in without being seen if possible. Maybe the High Druid would have something that might change our smell to wolf or something and then we might not attract the wolves. Anyway, I'm for having a good supper and a good rest before the A.M. Gork, what about you -- do you want to come with us or stay here with the druids and the centaur?"

Gork could see that the centaur was in good hands. "Mee go with you. Mee no like nasty goblins. Used to know some, reemember?" Lwcynda, Andremar and Cassandra did recall how they first met Gork.

"Actually, we met his brother, Nork, first. He was getting beat upon by some of his own kind," related Cassandra. "Then he helped us find Silverlance the Unicorn. Afterwards, when we encountered more of those goblins poor Nork got killed. Gork here was the sole survivor, and he became our friend since we had helped his brother."

Gork agree, "Yes, that's right."

Andremar brought the conversation back to the plan. "I can find, er, no fault with your plan, Drist." I may not be much, um, help with any party of, ah, party of goblins we discover outside the, ah, castle since I am not, er, as well suited to the woods as, um, you or Grummie. Also I would, er, prefer to hoard my limited magic until, ah, until we get inside."

When the subject of the night's stay was broached, the young mage responded, "I would prefer to, ah, accept the High Druid's offer of, um, a night's stay." To Cassandra he added, "He really seem to be, er, a nice man." Andremar paused for a moment and then continued to Cassie in a quieter voice, "And I didn't see any, er, valuables present."

Cassandra seemed somewhat mollified. "Perhaps these priests of the woods live a more Spartan lifestyle than those greedy ones in the cities. All right, I'll join you all in the tree. If Jutos is willing, so am I."

The one called Elton was leading the centaur around. "Not absolutely sure, but I do think he has lost his mind in some way. No crazy or anything like that, just his mind is not working properly. I'll report this to the higher ups. I'm sure one of them will have an idea."

The centaur was brought inside the tree, as were the dogs. The Seekers set about climbing back up the long rope ladder, and eventually ended up on yet another platform which served as a large dining hall. There a veritable cornucopia of foods were present, as were some twenty or so men in white ropes. They appeared to range in ages from mid-teens to very old.

As all enjoyed the food and drink, Elton discussed the centaur's condition. It was concluded that the being had probably been feebleminded or something similar. There were two in the gathering who felt confident that they could restore him to his former condition.

"Might take a few days, but then he should be right as rain. Maybe he'll be able to tell us what happened."

The other main topic of discussion was the assault by the Seekers on the goblins residing in Castle Karn. Some of the plans which had been drawn up were bandied about. One of the Golden Bough said, "What remains of the old castle sits in a open glade. There is a small stream with a foot bridge which crosses it running in front of the wall. Be aware, the outer wall is broken down in many places, so there are many ways in. Within, there is a open court yard. In there, there are some remaining structures. It is in these that the vile ones reside."

Grummie enjoyed the festivities and meal, paying attention to the banter that was involved, but rarely spoke, as he was quite busy with the vittles in front of him. Having completed several helpings, unusually grand for one of his stature, he settled back in his seat, finding a comfortable posture for his now-bloated gullet, and interjected. "Aye, tis a good plan. Might we just make sure o' dis. Let us always be mindful o' da direction o' da wind, so might we be upwind o' da wolves ifen we hear dem. An we shoulds't a'proach da castle from da side least oft' trodden upon, where dey might nae tink anyone wouldst be comin' from. An be ready to thwart da patrol should we find one, quickly, watchin' fer runners, an' concentratin' our efforts on dem. Oar dan dat, I can tink o' no oder plans." Grummie looked around awaiting the comments and amendments of the others, then stood and prepared to gain rest. He bowed at all the others in attendance, and thanked them for their hospitality, inquiring as to where they should bed.

The plan sounded fine to Lwcynda. She had no other questions or comments, a rare moment, indeed..

Andremar had a feeling that there was something important that had not been addressed. It was not, however, until Grummie spoke that the thought congealed. To his friends and the druids the young mage spoke. "Grummie, er, raises a good, um, point. The goblins will, um, likely use the, er, wolves as a first, ah, line of defense. We could waste our, um, strength fighting the wolves who the, ah, druids find no fault and would, er, have us preserve. Is there any, ah, way to avoid or, um, neutralize the wolves without, er causing them permanent, ah, harm?"

One of the druids answered. "Wolves hunt more by scent than by sound or sight. We rub you all with herbs, so you will all smell like the forest. Until you are seen, you will be safe."

Andremar saw the wisdom of this and was satisfied.

Cassandra added to what Grummie had mentioned, "once we are close to the keep, we'll take to the woods, so we can get a good look at our surroundings, certainly before they can get a look at us. "

The eating and drinking continued for some time, till all were ready for sleep.

15th of Patchwall, Starday

All slept exceeding well and woke refreshed and ready for the day's adventure. After a hearty breakfast, the Seekers made their way down to the ground level. There they found the temperature to be cooler. They figured the tree must have some sort of heating system. Outside, there was a dull grayness to the sky.

Following the druid's directions, and Drist's sketched map, they made their way westward till they began to note tracks, both wolf and goblin, along the trail. They made their way into the cover of the woods, with the quieter ones, Drist, Grummie and Cassandra, in the lead. Lwcynda and Andremar lay back ten to twenty yards, and the less than light-footed Jutos and Gork followed, another twenty yards in the rear.

They made their way slowly through the woods till the first glimpse of Castle Karn was garnered. They gathered together under the cover of the woods to take a gander at the `castle.'

Obviously, it had seen better days. "Whoever this Karn guy was, he was not much of a house keeper," noted Cassandra. No one dissented. From their vantage point some 50 yards to the east of the castle, they could see the spire of one lone tower loom darkly some fifty feet up against the sky. The east wall of which it was the front corner ran south about 80' and ended with the remains of another spire, only 20' high. The east wall, 15' in most places, was relatively intact. They adjusted their angle of approach to get a better view of the front of the castle. The front was about 150' long. The center 30' jutted out about 20'. A wood drawbridge lay open across a 10' wide moat which appeared to have water in it. Above the draw bridge, serving as the gate to this place, and old wood sign stretched from one low broken tower to the next. The wood bore the name KARN. A lone goblin, with sword and shield stood at this gate. Further stretching of the eyes revealed another goblin patrolling the east wall, and another on the south one. From where they hid, no good look of the west wall could be gained.

Cassandra volunteered to take the long way around just to see what was over there. The others held court, watching for other goblins and wolves. As they waited, three other goblins turned up at each of the watch points, but no wolves were seen. They also got the impression that the lone tower was occupied, but by whom or what they could not say. They had seen shadows from the window some 30' up.

Cassandra returned with the news that while the south/rear wall was in very good shape and patrolled by two goblins, the west wall had the remains of two more towers, now mostly rubble, and had deteriorated to the point where it was as low as 3-4' in some places. She saw no goblins on it, "Not much to stand on, I guess," and had seen some low building walls inside, 30' from the side walls. "Once inside, we've some open space to cross before we get to the bulk of them I guess." She stopped. Then added, "Did come across some padded animal tracks on my way, but did not see any wolves."

It was 10 AM on this chilly gray day.

Lwcynda offered, "I guess that means we will be out in the open and they might see us. Do you think we should wait until dark and then try to sneak in?"

"I don't think so," replied Jutos with a shake of his large head. "The goblins will be able to see better in the dark, and there are also wolves to contend with. The daylight is our ally."

Looking back at the castle, he scratched his chin, thinking. "Perhaps what we need is a diversion." Turning to the others, he began to speak as he thought. "Why don't I approach the keep and offer to join the goblins. They will certainly all come forth, likely their leaders as well. Then you can steal in through the west side." Glancing at Gork, he smiled, "In fact, I can even bring Gork with me, to set them at ease." With a smile, he added, "Just be sure and hide when the fighting starts."

The stalwart goblin responded, "Mee not fraid. Mee not hide. Mee tough leetle guy."

"So was your brother," Cassandra reminded him.

"Ooooh, that's right. OK, mee see what happen first, then mee deeecide. I go weeth big guy, though."

Drist nodded. "Jutos is right about the sunlight, and I see nothing wrong with his plan. Maybe he can get close enough to the leader to take him out right before the fighting starts. We could signal him somehow once we are in the castle and ready to come from behind the group Jutos will have distracted. Then it's a matter of killing them before they realize that they were tricked." Drist smiled for the first time in days and stood up slowly. "Everyone ready?"

To Jutos, Andremar said, "You speak with the, er, wisdom of a, ah, sage. Your, er, plan seems, um, wise."

Rather than giving his knees a chance to start knocking, the nervous mage..he nodded his head to indicate affirmative when Drist asked if all are ready.

Grummie added, "Aye, tis a goo' plan. We needs ta be able ta get Jutos out o' trouble once we strike. Mayhaps a good bit o magic, ta turn dey attention away fro' him once we start da assa'lt. I whist use me bow to try an' take out da highest rank goblin's I see. Ifen we knock down da' leaders, den we mights ney have ta kill'em all. But ifen dat be da case, so be it... I be ready."

Cassandra added, "Yes, Jutos, sometimes when people, or even goblins, judge one by appearance it can well be to their disadvantage. I will lead us around to the west side. Give us half an hour to get in good position, then make your approach.

The requisite thirty minutes passed. Andremar, Cassandra, Drist, Grummie and Lwcynda held a position in the woods, maybe 50 yards from northernmost corner of the crumbled west wall. From where the crouched, they could see into the keep where there were some low buildings, and the guards on the south and west wall. They could see lone intact tower way across the bailey, and had some view of the front gate. Some twenty five yards from them was the 10' wide moat. they could see ways over what was left of the west wall.

Jutos and Gork sauntered along the path, then veered right, directly up to the drawbridge which served as the main entrance to Castle Karn. "Hail, fair goblin," spoke the large one. "My companion," indicating Gork, "have heard far and wide of your exploits. We were hoping that we could become members of your bold band of brigands. Bound to need a large hand once in a while, wouldn't you?" he asked, waving his large left hand about.

The front sentry took notice, then called to another. He in turn called to another, to another, ..... Minutes passed. From where they hid, the others saw some goblins come out from one of the intact buildings. They saw two head in the direction of the tower. All the wall guards focused in on the movement in the courtyard.

Jutos and Gork saw four goblins join the one at the gate. One called back, "We summon Acrad. You wait."

Having nowhere better to go, and no pressing engagements, Jutos stood his ground. He surveyed the area, and caught a glimpse of a quick wave from the woods to the west. He knew the others were in place, though he had no clear idea of what they might do, or when they might do it. He pondered his situation for a few more minutes.

The others saw a great deal of commotion in the courtyard. a party of six goblins came around from where the tower stood. One ran to one of the lower buildings, opened the door, and quickly produced two very large wolves, for now restricted by leather leashes. The six, and the four pawed friends, headed towards the front gate.

From their angle, the others could not see exactly what the situation was at the front gate, but they could see Jutos looking into it from he other/safe side of the drawbridge with renewed interest. Jutos, and Gork, now found themselves a ten foot drawbridge away form ten goblins, and two very large wolves. One of the ten stood between the wolves. He called to Jutos. "I am Acrad, chief of this tribe. What business you have with us?"

She took a swig, vanished. The vial appeared in Andremar's hand. Cassandra' voice cautioned, "Use it wisely," and then she vanished, in another way.

Grummie glanced at the vial left by Cassie, trying to measure it's remaining content.

Although shaky in battle, Andremar was a trained mage and had a clear understanding of the handling of alchemist potions. He estimated that Cassandra had taken merely one eighth of it and then carefully and concisely doled out equal portions of the invisibility potion to those who wanted it.

Grummie took his swig saying, "I ken try to move near o' dere Chief, an help Jutos take 'em out wid me bow, probably wid'out needin' ta cross da moat."

Drist walked over to Andremar and Grummie. "I think that I should use some of the potion. I could take out a few goblins with my sword/bow before they see me." Drist swallowed some down and disappeared. "Ready," he whispered. It was suggested that he head in from the side and join up with, or help Cassandra, once she appeared on the rear wall.

Lwcynda, whose spells had range said "I don't think I need the potion as I will be casting a spell as soon as I can so it will be wasted on me." She told her friends her plan of spells so they will know what's going on. "I'll go with Hold Person, should get 3-4 of them. Then I'll try to blind one with light, and maybe command a wolf to sleep." She mentally prepared her arsenal of spells, adding, "course, when all's said and done, I'll just fight what's left. "

Andremar imbibed from the potion last. "OK, I'll, ah, go with Grummie towards, er, the front. Once in range, I'll hit that, um, main group with sleep. Depending on how that, er, goes, I may, um, use it again, or go with, ah, my specialty magic missile. Try to stay off the, um, bridge as I might grease it.

Not that any of it could be seen, Drist headed directly off towards the moat, while Grummie led Andremar around the front, nearer and nearer to Jutos. They could see him looking at Gork, who appeared to be translating. Jutos pointed to the large wolves saying, "Nice pets you got, but they taste good?" He then smiled wickedly, showing off his usually hidden fangs. As Gork translated, Jutos loosened his great mace, resting his large hand.

Lwcynda moved to her right so as to have a clearer view of the goings on at the main gate. She saw Jutos hand move to his mace, about the same time as some of the goblins started to speak more loudly, as if something had upset then. Then, as she had her hold at the ready, she saw many of these goblins fall to the ground, and Andremar appeared, alone for the moment, some thirty yards from the main gate. She also saw the flicker of an arrow, then another, as they flew towards one of the wolves. It leapt as one struck its flank, and Grummie jumped for joy with the accuracy of his shot. Lwcynda's hold froze the remaining goblins in place. Jutos and Gork were faced by many held and sleeping goblins, and two fierce, angry wolves.

Meanwhile, upon hearing the earlier commotion, Cassandra made her move on the rear wall. She quickly dispatched one before her knew what hit him. The other turned in time to meet her attack, but she proved the quicker. He fell from his guard post and lay still on the ground below. Drist took this as the time to dispatch his arrows at the two who stood upon the east wall. His first flight flew high, but the second found its mark. The wounded goblins called to his comrade and both pointed to the now visible elf in their courtyard, the one who was quickly joined by his female companion.

Jutos was about to find out just how this wolves might taste. They raced cross the bridge before any Seeker could react. Gork took quick cover behind the cleric as the two loosed their fangs at him. One sunk its teeth into Jutos lower leg. Grummie ran to the big guy's side, while two of Andremar's magic missiles found their mark on a wolf's flank. Grummie drove his short sword into this wolf, and the animal fell to the ground. The nimble gnome slashed at the other with his dagger, drawing blood. Gork's long sword swiped from behind Jutos, but missed. Jutos had drawn his mighty mace. He brought it down with great force, but the wolf dodged, and apparently taking stock of the situation, broke for the woods.

Meanwhile, the wall guards screamed something as they began to make their way down from the wall. Drist had time to loose more arrows. One of the goblins fell. The other, though wounded, continued down and towards them, still shrieking something in goblin. Cassandra aimed her short bow, "like shooting apples in a barrel," she quipped. Her first arrow found its mark, and the shrieking stopped. "Wonder what he was going on about?"

Drist shrugged his shoulders, then, ..., pointed, "Perhaps them?" as five more goblins appeared, emerging from one of the rear buildings. Cassandra had time to loose one more arrow, which struck one, before the five were upon them. Both Seekers dropped their bows in favor of swords and daggers. Cassandra ducked and dodged her two opponents, while Drist danced a bloodied dance with his three, one of whom nipped his left arm.

Cassandra struck with the fury of one possessed, quickly slicing up the two before her, and driving her dagger into one in front of Drist, felling him as well. "That evens up the odds, wouldn't you say?" she noted to the elf.

The goblins stuck back. One's sword found Cassandra's left side. Cassandra and Drist both struck out at the two who remained. Drist cut into one; Cassandra's luck had turned. It was at about this time that the main group had crossed the bridge and dealt with the held and sleepers tying them up for now. Grummie, Jutos and Gork entered the courtyard dragging the well trussed up leader along as a lesson for any who still resisted. At this point, the two remaining goblins dropped their weapons and lay prostrate on the ground. They. too. were quickly added to the hog tie party.

Grummie gasped desperately for air, as the adrenaline rushed through his veins and the excitement of such a huge victory set in. He began tumbling head over heals, much like a jester would, cheering and grinning from ear-to- nose-to-ear...

After a moment or two of uninterrupted revelry, he stopped his antics with a heavy sigh, but still grinning. He glanced around, and took note of everything around, looking for places that might house more goblins or wolves. As he pattered about, he added, "We shouldst be ready for patrols dat mights be returnin'. Surely, dey all nae be in da keep right now. Dere must be oders. I be scountin' about. Yell, ifen somfin' is afoot."

He and the other Seekers stood in a dirt barren courtyard, 20-30' inside the front gates. Just inside the front gate was a stone shed. the roof had bark shingles and the wooden door hung askew. Further east, about 60', was the one intact tower, from which they figured the leader had come. The was a ground level opening to it. Further along this eastern wall was another shed, from which the large wolves had emerged. Near where they stood to the north, what they figured was a long building, 60', of some sort stood, its door open and inviting. Back against the rear wall, slightly west of where they stood, was another shed like structure, its door closed

As always after a battle, Andremar emerged from it as if confused. This time however he remained conscious, possibly because he had bigger concerns.

"Have we, er, truly won?" he asked, coming out of his daze. He looked about and the worried wrinkle on his brow remains creased. "Or are there more, um, hidden? There may be more than, ah, one reason why they chose this, um, stronghold, ruins though it may be. Perhaps we should, um, have a quick look about, you know, after posting the guard that Grummie suggested. Er, Drist, do you think any, ah, tracks might be left that show from, um, where the goblins emerged?

Drist and Cassandra pointed to the long building, "Our assailants came from there."

The young mage will kept his eye out for further trouble, looking Cassandra's direction frequently, almost as if he expected it to erupt from that spot.

Cassandra moved to his side, to help ease his concern, and to retrieve her potion. She was pleased to see that it was still half full.

Lwcynda offered healing, and brought Jutos back to full strength. She then asked Jutos & the others, "Now that we've tied them up, what shall we do with them? Shall we dispatch them, or bring them to the Druids?; and/or question the head guy? And I guess we should look around inside."

Cassandra offered to stand watch on one of the walls, "till my talents are needed. Unless someone else would rather be the scout?"

Jutos seemed preoccupied with something, "Yes, for now I would rather man the walls. Your talents may well be needed inside."

Drist looked down on the captives. "I can't decide what we should do with them." Drist said to his companions, "Should we kill them after questioning, or bring them back to the druids? As for where we should look in the ruins, I think that the tower would be the best place to start."

Grummie returned to his comrades, after his brief patrol, just in time to overhear the conversation relating to the various structures within the keep courtyard and their possible contents. He surveyed the area then turned back to everyone stating. "Why not we jus' check dem all. One at a' time. Let us stay t'gether, lest we find somethin' o' danger widin dem. We be nae in a great hurry, an' be better dat we not split up. I fer one a' bit weary from da assault."

He then turned and sneered towards the goblin captives, stating, "As fer des vile munsters. ::spit:: Whils't I'd be not troubled by der immediate demise, we shoulds't prolly best let da druids deal wid dem. Let nature's justice be dere lesson. What say yea?"

"I, ah, suggest," Andremar started, "by questioning them. Cooperative ones can be, er, taken to the druids since, um, they may want to, ah, further question them further. I believe that Grummie and, er, Jutos can judge their level of, um, cooperation. Afterwards they can be, um, gagged as well as tied to keep them, er, quiet."

He turned and looked for Cassandra, who as usual was standing slightly behind him and to his right. "I suspect that, ah, Cassie has some questions about this place that she would with asked. Regardless, before we, um, depart I suggest we search this place thoroughly to discover, ah, why these goblins chose it."

In their defeated and helpless state, and since, some of the goblins spoke some common, and Gork translated the threat to the others, there became a major competition to see which of them could be the more helpful, and therefore, live the longest. Only Acrad, the leader, remained stubbornly silent.

From what they blurted, these goblins were a rogue band who had come upon Castle Karn, found it empty and to their liking, and began to use it as a base of operations. From here they made forays into the country side, waylaying small groups of travelers whenever they figured they had numbers clearly on their side. They had heard of the Druids, but had not seen them, and figured they had it real good here, "till you all showed up." The tower was identified as the leader's personal area, and the eastern shed was the large wolves kennel, though the goblins referred to them as `worgs.' It was confirmed that they had only two of them, both devoted to the leader.

Jutos, Lwcynda, and Gork remained outside for now, to keep watch and guard the prisoners. Lwcynda told her companions to let her know if they need her.

Since someone had suggested starting with the tower anyway, it seemed the likely place to head for. The ground floor door was wide open. A stone stairway curved upward 20' to another open door. The circular room, maybe 15' in diameter was rather barren. It contained a small dirty pallet and a small chest. Rotted wooden stairs appeared to lead to the collapsed floor above.

Grummie turned to Cassie and smiled, stating, "Me-tinks dis be yea specialty m-lady." He then bowed, as would a courtly gentleman bow to a fair maiden he had asked to dance. With this, he backed away, making room for her to do her "magic".

Cassandra took a quick looked, "Didn't even bother to lock the padlock," she noted. She was about to just pull the lock off, when caution overcame her, "Of course .... sometimes the obvious ....." She knelt down and took a closer look . "Oh, lookie here, a little old dagger just waiting to flick into me chest." She cautioned everyone to stand out of the dagger's aim, "case I don't get it right," as she set about to remove it. A minute or so later, she held the object in her hand. "OK, now let's see what's so darned important." She began to rummage through the stuff inside. "What the???? A pile of dirty clothing is all?" H voice rose in anger. "A stupid knife trap to guard his smelly clothing. Expecting troglodytes or something, was he?" Not the happy camper, she set about turning the chest every which way she could, but used goblin size clothing was all she found.

Grummie turned to the remainder of the small barren room. He inspected it closely for any possible crevices, orifices or movable fixtures that might conceal the more valuable artifacts held by the rogue band. Twas he who hit `paydirt,' as he called it. For, as he turned over the filthy pallet, he found a noticeable lump on the underside. "Aye, what ken be in `ere," he wondered as his sharp blade slit open the sheet pouch. "Ah, `tis the old mis direction." He held five shinny gems in his hand.

Further search of the room turned up nothing. Since there did not seem to be a safe way to get up to the roof, and since much of it was missing anyway, they came back out into the courtyard.

Cassandra said, "Can't believe I was fooled by that one. Oh well, where to now?"

When the companions returned, they produced the results of their search of the leader's tower.

Grummie glanced around and added, "Make nae difference ta me. Let us check's 'em one at er time. Wid da closest 'en next. Dat be simplest. Aye?"

Lwcynda suggested a systematic look through all the buildings. "That long one was probably the barracks, but what about that shed over there which seems closed?" Her interest piqued, she headed for it.

Rather than looking _for_ something, Andremar was more the type to "look out" for something. Therefore, he stayed near Cassie, who was quickly following Lwcynda, "lest she get herself in trouble." He went through his memory bank of protection spells as he followed along. Grummie followed along.

As they neared this shed, they noticed two things about it. Many of the shingles were missing from its roof, yet the door was in good shape, and appeared locked with a large hasp and chain. Andremar stood to off to the side, allowing a view of Cassandra at work. He felt secure in his familiarity, thinking *perhaps more so than she would prefer.* Nonetheless, they had made a good team in the past. He realized that along with Lwcynda, they had been together for quite some time, [two years in the real world. Happy anniversary.] He watched as the wiry thief examined the lock setup methodically, finally declaring, "just a lock and nothing more." Course he knew she could be wrong. She hadn't been yet, but there was a first time for everything.

She began to insert a small metal sliver into the lock, moving gently within the hole, till a satisfying `click' was heard. "Told you," she remonstrated, "oh yee of little faith," as if she knew what Andremar had thought. She removed the lock from the chain, the chain from the hasp, and opened the door.

Sunlight streamed through, casting its rays on the dust within, and upon what appeared to be two female humans, who slowly rose from a lying to a sitting position. These girls, maybe 12-14 yrs, squinted into the light, then one said plaintively, "Do not hurt us-we have no weapons."

Andremar could only stare in disbelief. He glanced at Cassandra as if to ask or accuse, "now what have you found?!" Out of his element, he looked for Lwcynda to take the lead and calm these girls. He backed away.

Drist stared in disbelief at what, not who, they had found. He shook head and came to the front of the group, crouching down so that he was eye to eye with the children. "Don't worry, we won't hurt you. As a matter of fact," Drist chuckled and grinned slightly, "We seem to have rescued you, unless you were here by your own free will, which I seriously doubt. If you don't mind me asking, who are you? How did you get here?"

"Emily," said one.

"Mayline," said the other, then she mumbled, "Some grubby creatures took us."

"Well, don't worry, you're safe now." He assured them. Drist stood and offered to help the girls up.

Emily, the younger of the two, took the elf's hand and got to here feet. Somewhat weak, she managed to stand however unsteadily

Grummie gawked in amazement, not expecting to find children of non-orcish origin within the confines of the keep. Having an uneasy feel, perhaps a residual dizziness from the exertion of combat, or perhaps from last evenings meal, Grummie backed away cautiously. He tried to remain in position where he could peer through the doorway, but kept an alert eye on everything about outside as well. He said nothing, but his face spoke loudly of his concern.

Lwcynda will approached slowly so as not to frighten the girls. She asked, "Are you hurt? Are you in need of healing or bandaging?"

The other pushed herself up. "No, not hurt. Hungry and scared."

Lwcynda waited till the answer. Then, rather than scare them any further, she restrained herself from asking too many questions too quickly. Instead she offered, "Do not worry, we are friends. The goblins are not going to hurt you any more. We can take you home from here if you wish. Your parents must be worried."

Emily took a few shaky steps towards the outside, "Yes, Pa is probably worried sick."

"Too true," added Mayline.

They helped the girls out of the shed and over towards one of the interior walls, where the two sat back down and accepted, devoured actually, any food and drink offered them. The site of Gork, who only wanted to help, almost sent them into apoplexy. The poor little guy slunk away for now.

The girls told of how they had been traveling with a local woodsman returning from a visit with an aunt, when they were set upon by "at least a dozen of those creatures." They live between here and the Dragon tooth Mountains on the "southern route," the one which the Seekers had not taken to get here.

Once again the girls were assured of their safety, and that they would be taken home soon. The Seekers set about finishing their search of the castle.

"Main area left seems to be what we think are the barracks," Lwcynda said.

"We watched them come out of there," confirmed Cassandra.

As the girls rested in some sunlight, Lwcynda remained with them. "Call me if you need me," she told the others.

Grummie, Cassie, and Andremar made their way through the open door into a 20' x 40' room. Leaves and straw apparently used for bedding covered much of the floor. Stairs to the east led up, while a closed door was to the west. A large fireplace dominated the center of the rear wall.

Grummie rummaged through the straw, as making a huge mess, but looking for trap doors, or anything of interest. After spending several minutes plundering, he diverted his attention to the fireplace, inspecting it for anything unusual or otherwise, prying closely at each brick, as he did so, he chuckled and said to himself, but loud enough the others could easily hear him, "Leave nae one stone unturned." Something about this seemed to have tickled him, as he continued to snicker under his breath throughout his exploration.

The more he searched, the more he came to realize that this was where the goblin band cooked, ate, and slept. The fireplace served as the stove, though the ashes were cold at the present time. Even when he tried to reach up into the flue, he came back with nothing but an ashen hand.

Heeding Grummie's direction, Cassandra turned everything right side up, as he had already turned each thing upside down. As before, Andremar went along with Cassie to provide support,... from a distance that was. He watched as the two touched just about every inch of this room, wincing as they did so, fully expecting some sort of explosion, flying weapon, anything. But, after a good thirty minutes, the two looked at each other.

"Mayhaps I was wrong. Doesn't seem ta be a thing `ere worth lookin fer."

The rogue agreed. "No, there does not. Well, maybe that door will prove more promising. Cassandra walked over to the door, examined it, pronounced it `safe' and pushed it open. This new room, 20' x 20', appeared to be a storeroom. Large barrels and full sacks filled it. Three skinned deer hung from the roof. A door to the west stood open onto the courtyard. A second door, centered on the rear wall, stood closed.

Grummie wrinkled his brow at the discovery of the second "closed" door. He then whispered to his comrades, inquiring, "Let us get Gork ta go wid us, and when'st we find dese closed doors, he ken proclaim aloud toward da door, dat da coast be all clear - in goblin tongue o' course. Den mayhaps dey will come out. Den we nae have ta worry 'bout dese traps an such, or da ambush behind da door."

Cassandra stepped out of the room for a few moments. This gave Grummie and Andremar time enough to glance through the barrels and sacs enough to gather that these were the food stores.

Once outside, Cassandra told the others of what they had found, and invited Gork to follow her. "Any of you guys want to be in on this, feel free to come along," as she and Gork headed in. She returned in due time to the storage room with Gork in tow. Following behind her was Lwcynda. "Since the girls seemed OK, thought you could use me in here," she explained. They all moved towards the rear of this room, nearing the closed door.

Gork spoke loudly in goblin, as per Grummies' instructions. There was no response. Cassie listened closely at the door. She could hear nothing. Near the door as she was, she noted, "It does have a key hole, not that I can see anything through it. However, there are fresh scratches around it, as if a key, or some such object, has been used on it recently. "

Grummie scratched his head, then flicked his monstrous nose as he thought, trying to recall if any key had been found upon the fallen goblins. He examined the door for a moment, then turned and concluded, with a shrug, "Cassie, be yea so kind as ta work yea magic on here keyhole? An ifen need be, we ken call o' Jutos ta bash 'er down, aye?" Grummie clenched the hilt of his sword, and prepared for what might be inside, winking sideways at Gork, in appreciation for his efforts thus far.

Cassandra set about examining the door more closely, but could find nothing unsafe about it. She got out her tools and began to work the lock. It took awhile, but soon the reassuring `click' was heard.

As Cassandra readied to open the door, Lwcynda prepared a hold spell.

Cassie gave a stiff push and the door moved away from her revealing a narrow, 5' x 20' room. There were several huge jars, which appeared to overflow with coins, a sack lay in the left corner, and a closed coffer was pushed against the right one.

Cassandra was about to step in when Grummie cautioned her. "Dis seems a bit too easy dis does."

Lwcynda agreed, "Even I am not that foolish."

Chastened, Cassie paused, picked up some dried meat from the storeroom, and tossed it against the back wall. In short order scampering and scurrying sounds accompanied by loud squeals were heard. Five gray-brown creatures with shining eyes and long, slender tails appeared and attacked the meat.

"Rats," said Cassandra, "figuratively and literally, that is."

Grummie leapt to one side of the door, using the exterior door frame as a blinder. He hefted his sword high overhead, (well... it's high over his head anyway)...and slashed at each rat that would be bold or crazy enough to traverse through the door.

Lwcynda muttered to no one in particular "Well, I guess a hold spell won't do much good here." She prepared to help Grummie attack the rats as they came out. But the rats seemed content ravage whatever Cassandra had thrown them.

The wily thief suggested, "Missile weapons?" Those who had them used them, "like shooting fish in a barrel," was uttered more than once, as the rats were either picked or driven off, scampering up the wall and out through a small hole in the roof. .

Access to this small room was gained. As they rummaged through the jars, they found a good supply of gold [200gp], more silver [500sp] and an incredible amount of coppers [10,000] Lwcynda said, "I guess they have been stealing from everyone around here. But what have they done with those they took this from?"

The sack in the one corner just lay there. It appeared to be empty.

Cassandra moved to the coffer in the other corner. Her well tuned senses told her to give it a thorough going over. "Ahhh," she said satisfactorily, 'lookie here. A small needle." Having found it, she used a cloth to remove it. "Think I'll keep this in a safe pocket. Might come in handy someday, you know, to `give someone the needle.'"

She lifted the lid to the coffer, and exhaled noticeably. From within she removed a very beautiful necklace, "High quality pearls, lest I miss my guess." She held it out for all to see.

Grummie gawked in amazement at the fine string of elegant spheres. "There be nae finer glory in all da lands, dan mother earth's own treasure o' gems an' jewels," he said. He then turned to the others, his eyes all aglow with the found wealth, and inquired, "Mayhaps we ken find a cart o' wagon whilst we search da rest o' da keep, and use it ta take much o' dis wealth back wid us ta Chatwin." The gnome continuously skipped around, and danced in elation, all the while muttering to himself, "Wait til Fido see's all dis. He nae ee'r believe it. Oh glorious day..."

"My, my....." Lwcynda muttered. "Yes Grummie, I think we will need a cart. Let's finish searching and we will likely find one. ...my, my, my....."

Having finished with the coffer, Cassandra moved over to the other corner where the seemingly empty sack lay. She prodded it first with the end of her sword, but it did not react in anyway. She picked it up. "Funny," she noted, "looks and seems empty, but weighs about fifteen pounds."

As they continued to revel in their new found wealth, Gork mentioned, "Yes, Gruumee, mee see wagon outside, in back by wall."

Figuring that no one could steal any of what was here, they all, even Cassandra, headed back outside. Around to the right, sure enough, there was a small wagon in reasonable condition. There was but one unsearched area, the one from which those wolves, dire wolves actually had emerged. After a cautious approach, heads poked inside only to find gnawed bones, rotted leathers, straw matting and the distinct smell of dog.

"It looks like we've searched this whole `castle,' Cassandra noted.

Andremar had been quiet yet attentive during Cassie's search. At the mention of the bag that appeared empty yet seems to weight 15 lbs, his curiosity and suspicion was piqued. To all he said, "Cassandra has undoubtedly found and, ah, neutralized that which is, er, dangerous. If no one, um, suspects other threats, I would use my remaining, ah, magic to look for magical, um, traces on the bag and, er, perhaps even that necklace. What say you?"

Lwcynda said, "Good idea Andremar. Go ahead. Meanwhile we can get the wagon and start loading it. If there is room the girls can ride too. Then I guess we can head back to the Druids with our prisoners and all and decide what to do next. What does everyone think?"

Grummie stepped backward, away from Cassie, with a look of dire concern on his face. He uttered, with a slight stutter, as he pointed her way, toward the mysterious empty but weighted bag... "M-m-m-e seen dat fore. Bag seem empty, b-b-b-ut heavy. Me made mistake o' dumpin' it ta see what weight was. Even dough it seem flat an' empty a huge s-s-s-nake fall from da bag, out o' no where. I'd nae be stickin' me hand in dere, ifen I were you!" Grummie didn't take his eyes off of the bag, as he helped load the wagon.

Drist nodded to everything. "There should be enough room for the girls to ride in the back of the wagon. Although, I was wondering how we are going to get all the hostages back to the druids, even though they aren't very far away." Drist began to say more, but just realized something and could not take his eyes of the new-found wealth.

Cassandra, as cautioned by Grummie, brought the bag out into the center of the courtyard, where she lay it on the ground. then, using a long stick, she fiddled with the sack till she got it open, and awaited the snake. Alas, no snake came forth; the interior of the bag did actually look empty. Andremar directed his magic talent upon said sack, and came to the momentous conclusion that it did radiate magic! The necklace did not.

It took many trips and about three hours to load all the coins onto the wagon. The final tally came to the numbers they had already estimated, give or take a few. The coppers, therefore, weighed in at 1,000 pounds! The rear of the wagon still had space, but was weighted down indeed. While there was room for the girls to fit in, their extra weight might just make the wagon difficult to pull. As the Seekers pondered this, a new realization came over them,

"Pulling it?" wondered Cassandra. "Hey, how are we going to pull it. Did anyone see any horses, mules, or other draft animals?" As all heads turned to look about, all realized they had not, and no amount of looking was going to make any appear.

"Hmmm, a full wagon, some place to go, but it won't pull itself."

Twas Andremar who solved the problem. In respnse to something Drist had asked, the wily mage suggested, "If our, ah, `guests' were tied to the, er, front of the cart to pull it, then, um, perhap two of our, er, problems would be solved?"

It took a bit of doing, but eventually the remainin goblins were harnessed to the front of the cart. The Seekers began to make their way back to the grove of the druids, under the full steam of their eight goblin power engine. By four that afternoon, the glade of the druids was in sight.

All along the way Grummie seemed puzzled, and much quieter than usual. His face twisted longways from time to time, proving obvious that something had vexed him deeply. Then, the object of his conundrum became clear. His eyes often drifted toward Cassie and the mystical bag without the snake. It was difficult not to laugh at him as he gestured with his hands and mouth, quietly acting out his prior mishap with the bag and the snake. He even, recreated what must have been the moment when he jumped back in fright as the serpent came out of the bag. As the party troddled onward, he never spoke, save a single word, and he repeated it after each charade enactment.. "Damn!"

" Well maybe it is some kind of bag of magic tricks or a bag that can hold a good deal of stuff. I think I have heard of such a bag. We can ask the Druids what they think -- or we could ask the goblin leader there. I can cast "zone of truth" and then we can question him or the others for that matter."

Cassandra said, "You know, Grummie, that little dance you keep doing is quiet entertaining. Perhaps you'll tell us the story behind it sometime? Maybe at dinner. I'm sure the druids could go for a good tale."

As the moved into the grove, they recognized the druid Elton, the one who had greeted them upon their first arrival. "It would seem you have accomplished your mission." he noted as his eyes ran up and down the line of goblins. "And you have brought us some new visitors. I am sure the High Druid will be pleased." He called up into the tree for some help, and a couple of other white robed men came down. The goblins were taken out of the makeshift harnesses, and led around behind the giant oak.

Elton returned his attention to the Seekers. "If any of you are wounded, you should go down to the stream. You will find it very replenishing, as well as refreshing." Cassandra and Drist took advantage of this offer, and came back all smiles. As the group debated what they might do for the remainder of the afternoon, the heard rapidly approaching hoof beats. They all turned to see the quickly arriving centaur. He cantered up to them and stopped.

"Anachraeus," said Elton to the horse-man, "these are the people who brought you here."

The centaur stomped his forefeet soundly, then spoke. "I wish to thank you all. While I have no clear recollection of our journey together, but apparently without you, I'd be somebody's draft horse?"

Cassandra simply said, "Probably."

Elton's attention was drawn to the young girls. "Don't remember them being part of your entourage when you left." The young ladies' situation was explained to him. "Ah, the southern path, yes the one with eventually goes over the mountains. Yes, I know approximately where you are from. And, I see that two young women were not all you found?" his eyebrows raised, as his vision lighted upon the heaps of coins in the wagon itself.

"Booty from the goblins," was all Cassandra offered for now.

Elton informed them that there would be a grand meal in their honor at eight o'clock this evening, "Till then you are free to do whatever you please. And, if I or any of my friends can be of any other assistance to you, feel free to ask."

Anachraeus, the centaur, smiled at all the Seekers, "Me to. I mean, if there is anything I can do for you?"

Grummie asked the centaur and the druids, "How did yea come to be in da state dat yea was in? Was it dat gypsy we heard tell of?"

More relaxed now that the goblins have been turned over to the druids' care, the young mage now takes the opportunity to introduce himself to the now lucid centaur. "Ah, Anachraeus. I am, er, Andremar, ah, Andremar Leetledeek. Like Gummie here, I would be, um, interest in hearing your, ah, tale."

Anachraeus recalled his last memories. "I was making my way through the Welkwood -I roam the southeastern regions of it, when I heard some sort of commotion, which I deemed to be a battle of some sort. I approached the area cautiously. I saw a group of orcs, maybe as many as twenty, on either side of a road. They had surrounded a wagon, slain the horse which was pulling it, and were pelting the two inhabitants with arrows. One of the men was firing back, the other seemed to be casting spells. Some of the orcs went down from the arrow fire. Then, a number of arrows struck the first man and he went down in a heap. I decided to come to the aid of the second man. A number of the orcs had fallen, seemingly asleep, and I was able to hold some others. The surviving man seemed to have some protection against the arrows, as they continued to bounce of him. I trampled a few of the orcs and his spells took care of the rest.

"This mage surveyed the scene. I assumed he would offer me some thanks, but the first words from his mouth were, `Hmmm, it seems my horse is dead.' The last thing I remember was his eyes falling upon me as his finger pointed at me. He said, `Guess you'll have to do then.' Next thing I knew, I was here with these white robed druids, and they told me some people had brought me here."

Cassandra asked, "This mage you speak of, was he like a gypsy, as my friend asked, or was he a more standard looking one?"

The centaur responded, "Gypsy? Why no, he dressed in a normal manner. He did speaking with a hauty style, what little I heard."

"Sounds to me like the fellow we dealt with in the streets of Chatwin," she noted.

With time to kill while awaiting the meal, Grummie consorted with the druids as much as possible, hoping to gain some kind of knowledge or better understanding of the more "mystic" ways of the wood.

And had listened to the Centaur's story and engaged in polite conversation for a time. But, he was more curious about that `bag.' Since Cassie was not investigating it already, he decided to experiment in what he hoped would be a non-destructive manner.

Once he had finished with the sack, he asked Elton if he might have a private word with the High Druid. Elton checked, and reported that the High Druid had in fact expected and requested his presence. Andremar went up in the tree. About an hour later, with the grand meal a mere half hour away, Andremar returned.

Cassandra asked him, "What was that all about?"

But for now, Andremar remained silent.

Lwcynda was pleased to see Anachraeus has recovered, but she not with the man who had done this to him. "Maybe the gentleman will still be in Chatwin when we return -- he should have thanked Anachraeus rather than turn him into a slave. Not a very nice person. Anyway, it is good that you are well now. Tell me please are there many centaur-druids? And where do you live? "

Anachraeus said that there were.

Cassandra recalled, "Yes, not a nice fellow, that bossy one. And to think we paid for a horse for him. While I doubt he'll be in Chatwin, he seemed so bent and determined to leave, I'll wager he left a noticeable trail of people who he will have annoyed or browbeat. Perhaps we'll check out his trail once we return home."

Lwcynda had thought of other questions by now. To Cassandra and Andremar she asked, "So have you figured out that mysterious bag? Maybe Elton might know what it is."

Drist leaned back against a nearby tree and took a relaxed pose. "So, after the feast, and a good night's sleep, where shall we go? Should we head back to Chatwin, or maybe backtrack and explore the caves we came through? I for one, am curious to know what else was in those caves, for surely they were not natural."

When not spending time with the druids, Grummie, too, thought about what lay ahead. He responded to Drist, saying, "Aye, what doeth lie ahead? I feel yet uneasy about these gypsy folk that plague dis land, an' feel we owe da townspeople o' da wood our aid. Da caves be good o' place as any, lest Elton can guide us in their pursuit." Grummie again gained that puzzled look, when the mysterious bag is mentioned, then his thoughts turn to the booty that came from the keep. A look of concern crosses his face as he relates, "Oh, what shall we do wid all da coins? Take dem back across yonder bridge, and through da caves? Lest my guess be wrong, I nae think that be wise, or safe. Perhaps the druids would have gemstones or valued baubles they would exchange for the coins?"

Elton felt this an appropriate time to speak. "If you all intend to return across the swing bride, and back under the mountain, I must strongly advise against it. We have advice from our animal friends that many orcs are massing in that area. Seems someone, you people if I am not mistaken, dealt a band of them a cruel, if not undeserved, blow. They are just waiting for the return of the perpetrators."

Cassandra added, "and then the is the presence of the two girls. Do they not live on the southern spur, the one which goes away from the bridge route?"

The girls and Elton confirmed this.

"Then, we would be doing them and us a favor by going back the other, safer, way."

Elton noted, "Of course, that means you will have to go over the mountain range this time."

This news was greeted with a collective sigh of regret.

"Not a real treat either way," said Cassandra.

Anachraeus spoke, "Not to worry. I have crossed the mountains before. I can serve as your guide. It is the least I can do to repay your valor. Besides, I have no desire to meet any orcs. Last time I did, I ended up as a horse's ass."

As the conversation continued, Grummie's attention began to focus on the mysterious sack. His eyes burned brightly, as yet another idea struck him, and he gazed again at the mysterious magical bag that still baffled everyone.

Cassandra offered him the bag. "I promise there are no snakes. Now, if you, or anyone, has an idea, say so."

The celebratory meal was minutes away. Vacuous aromas titilated the air, teased the nostrils, and wetted the appetites.

Andremar was focusing on the bag. He knew well the lessons that magic did not necessarily follow logic but certainly the Law of Similarity applied. He thought to himself, *Since this effect appears permanent, perhaps the Rule of Balancing Opposites might apply. In that case, if the bag weighs more than it should when empty, perhaps it weighs less than it should when full?*

To test this hypothesis, the young mage took the bag to where some pebbles and stones lay and started to fill it, check for proportional or disportionate weight gain. No matter how many, nor how few pebbles he put inside, the bag's weight remained the same. He will emptied the bag, and it still seemed to stay at a consistent weight, about 15 stone.

By now, he had the others' attention. He roused from this single-minded investigation and readdressed the group. Still looking at the bag Andremar said, "The secret, of course, of any successful investigation is selecting a reasonable hypothesis or set of hypotheses, selecting factors which can both be isolated and varied, establish true/false or pass/fail criteria, and conducting rigorous tests until one and only one hypothesis passes all tests. Results are then conclusive and rigorous and have the additional advantage of repeatability." He then explained about the bag's seeming ability to maintain a constant weight, and size, no matter how much he tried to fill it.

Cassandra stared open mouthed, "What did you say?"

Finally looking up, Andremar saw the open mouths of his close friends. He responded with "I mean I took a guess."

Cassandra said, "er, I mean, how did you say, um, ah, you spoke! You spoke with no ums, ahs, or ers, for that matter."

Andremar pondered further why any mouths remained open. "Oh!" Now a bit shy, he answers his friend, "The elder did a special spell that removed the block I had when I spoke. He said it should be pretty effective." He paused to wipe the moisture that now appeared on his brow. "At least until I get, ah, n-n-nervous."

Lwcynda was excited. "Why Andremar, that is indeed wonderful! You must be thrilled."

Then she recalled, " I have also heard of something called a bag of holding which will hold many items and not feel too heavy. Perhaps this is one. Try putting some bricks or something heavy in it and then let us see if we can remove them without mishap. If this is a bag of holding then we can carry more and not feel loaded down."

She could find no bricks, this being a forest and all, but some good size logs sufficed. She stuffed in a healthy number, and yet the bag neither stretched nor broke, and still it appeared to weigh the same.

Grummie marveled at the bag's spectacular bottomlessness, and though back to his incident, wishing he had not ran away, and had kept the sack once the snake was thwarted. Nonetheless, he was intrigued. He said, holding his hands out, "Lets me see that th..." His sentence stopped short mid-way, and he withdrew his hands. After a momentary pause and a streak of concern, he reconstructed his request, pointing back at Andremar and Lwcynda, "Ahh... ner .. uh... you take it, and turn it abottom to atop, an' see ifen dere be anythin' else hidden widin' da folds o' da bag. Mayhaps it had somefin' in it all da time... somethin' oder dan a snake o' course." His countenance blushed slightly, as he obviously felt embarrased about his fear of snake- bearing bags.

"Alright Grummie, we can do as you suggest, however, I now think that the bag is safe so I will just put my hand in it and rummage around and see what I can pull out of there. Unless you want to Andremar?"

Responding to Grumie and Lwcynda, Andremar answered., "I am not certain that it would be wise to turn it inside out. The magic may be containing a pocket-plane inside the bag. Exposing it to normal time-space might do nothing, but it might cause the magic to unravel or, even worse, disrupt our normal, ash, existence."

Cassandra added, "Ahh, I see," though her face suggested she had no clue what here suddenly loquacious friend had said.

The young mage paused for a moment and then clarified, "It, um, could, er, kill us."

"Lwcynda, I think your suggested course of action would be wiser. I think the interior is safe but, if you suspect danger, perhaps your healing skill will be needed. Accordingly, I certainly offer to explore the interior of the bag with my hand."

Grummie pondered the possibilities of space and voids, and such things, but knows not of how they could be in a bag.. So he said, "Aye, you be more wise dan I, so I agree.. But ifen yea ken nae feel da bottom, yea mights at least turn it down-side up, so as ta see ifen they be somefin hidden' in it's belly."

Andremar smiled upon his diminutive companions. "OK, for the sake of argument," and he turned the bag upside down, and gave it a good shake. "Here slimy reptilian forms, come out come out from your tomb of horror." But nothing nor no one fell from the bag. Then the mage thrust his hand inside, wriggling his fingers all around. "I can find nor feel nothing inside. I hereby declare the bag empty."

At about this time, the call to dinner was made. The Seekers made their way up into the Oak, depositing their weapons in a box provided for just such an occasion. Cassandra said, "All that bag checking made me hungry. I'm willing to give up my sword if it will fill my belly."

On one of the many platforms that made up the Druids home, they found a fully laid out banquet hall, long table, many chairs, and incredible selection of food and drink, and about eighteen men in white robes, including Elton and the one they already knew as the High Druid. After much eating and drinking, accompanied by the melodious strands of the Druids' Three, their woodwind trio, the High Druid called all to attention.

"Fellow druids, we are honored to have among us this fine band of brave adventures. They have cleaned out Castle Karn, rescued these two young damsels, and brought honor to us all. And, all this for the sake of The Downs, a place now under curse by some vile Gypsies." He held aloft a small bag. He spoke directly to the nearest members of the Seekers. "In this sack is enough grain to restart the crops in the region known as The Downs. Bring this back to Delon the Sage. He will know what to do with it, I assure you." He offered the sack to whoever came forward to take it.

"A toast to you all." Silver goblets were raised by all the Druids. "Here-here!" shouts accompanied the drinking. The High Druid nodded to another, who brought out a tray. On it were seven vials, one for each Seeker including Gork the Runt. "Some of you have already availed yourselves of our healing stream. Feel free to return here any time you are in need. Each of these vials contains one drink from that stream. It will sure what ails you."

After more food and drink, it became clear that the Druids were happy to have company, and that the party was free to stay as long as it wished. At one point Grummie was seen in deep conversation with the High Druid, after which the Gnome announced he would need about a week, "I be workin on somethin," and then he'd be ready to leave. Cassandra said that she was in no hurry, "those mountains we must cross are not going anywhere." Andremar confirmed that, "while patently obvious, you are geologically correct. ... Unless some seismographic calamity takes place."

During the celebration, Andremar was in high spirits. He rejoiced in actually being able to say a limeric without constant stuttering. He waxed eloquently until such time as the drink overtook him, laughing at Grummie and Cassandra's friendly jibes, enjoying Lwcynda's and Jutos' impromptu wresting match, attempting to sing when their was song and dance when there was dance.

17th through 25th of Patchwall, 583

During the ensuing week, Grummie spent little time with the party, having been preoccupied with the druids and their woodland lifestyle. He was even seen late one afternoon, smearing mud all over himself, and sticking bush branches and various foliage into his shirt sleeves, hat, and belt. The little gnome looked just like a miniature walking bush... a miniature treant or wood spirit even.

Cassandra spent much of her time trying to pick Anachraeus' brain about the incident with the mage. She seemed bent on revenge.

Awaking the day after the celebration, Andermar, with a thick tongue and pounding head, took refuge in the Druid's stream to cleanse himself. Later, he sought out Lwcynda. To her he offered the tube with the scroll in it, that they found under the mountain, that provided protection from undead (wights and lesser). "Lwcynda, I do not know what the others think of this item but it is incongruent with my magic. If it would not serve you better, then I think that you would know who this would best serve.

Lwcynda thanked Andremar for the scroll. "I'm sure that it will come in handy someday."

He next tried to seek out Grummie but was unable to locate the Gnome.

Finding Cassandra instead, he hailed her. "CASSIE. - Ow, my head. I can't believe I drank both cups of ale. - Cassie, the bag you found is still with me. I think it is your answer for the problem of bringing the gold with us. Since I know you can fill it better than any of us, perhaps you should hold it for now?"

Cassandra took the bag saying, "Never had a problem with the gold, but might help with the coppers."

Andremar sought a quiet spot and let his headache go away. He spent the rest of his time with the task of improving his spell book. The Druid's gave him access to one of their platforms of meditation. There he spent some days in solitude with pen and ink. He took on the arduous task of copying spells from scrolls into his spell book and then learning these new spells. It took a few days, but he managed to scry shield, unseen servant, ray of enfeeblement.

Once done, he asked if the druids had access to other spells that he might copy, but their spells were more of a clerical nature, and beyond the scope of his skills.

Lwcynda took the responsibility of carrying the seeds, and stowed them away safely in her belongings.

She spent much of the week relaxing from the stress of the battle, and the calories of wining and dining by meditating, running and practicing her marshal arts. She was granted access to the druidical library, where she spent her spare time. She also worked with Gork on his language and cooking skills.

Before they knew it, a week had passed, and the Seekers seemed ready to bid the Lost Ones, the White Druids, a fond farewell. The young girls, Maylaine and Emily, were anxious to get going. They really missed their father.

Before departing, Grummie sought one last audience with the High Druid. With his normal regal approach, the bold Gnome inquired if the druids might have any knowledge of gypsies, how the party might best them in a confrontation, what to expect of their powers and abilities, and finally, if the druids had anything that might be of assistance in dealing with them, should they be encountered.

The High Druid replied that all the druids knew of gypsies were that they were tribal people, usually closely knit. They had no special powers simply because they were gypsies, but "any band of gypsies, like any group of people, could have mages, clerics, whatever, among them." Since the tribe the Seekers are on the lookout for has been responsible for a curse on The Downs, "I would conclude that this clan has some type of cleric or shaman," but beyond this there was little he could offer.

Knowing the druids affinity for nature and wood, before departing Andremar asked for their blessing on his staff. While they were perfectly willing to do this, Elton suggested that, "Perhaps you would like a true oaken one?" Andremar was delighted to receive a very gorgeous carved oak cudgel. "Use it well in the ways of nature, and it will reward you," said Elton, and then he bid the mage farewell.

Satisfied that he had accomplished all that he could during their brief stay, Andremar made ready to depart.

Lwcynda and Gork readied themselves. She thanked the druids for their hospitality and bid them a fond farewell. Cassandra announced herself ready to leave on the morrow. "Rather anxious to get back. There's someone I'd like to find."

Should you like any information about the Seekers, or if you'd like to lurk, email the Game Master via the address below.

[Email the Game Master]

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page