An Icy Shadow

The night was moonlit, a chill coming over the hills, carried on a brisk wind. Outside the town of Tulra, the ground was still muddy from a persistent rain that had plagued the region for weeks. A distant lone howl was the only sound as a group of silent riders made their way carefully through the remote countryside.

Their leader was a grim, yet pleasant man. Sitting upright and tall on a horse that was noticeably bigger than the other beasts. Though, the rider was not dwarfed in any way by the imposing creature. Upon hearing a faint nose from ahead, he gave a sharp whistle, the company coming to a sudden halt. With a few short whispers, their attention was turned to the looming shadow of an unlit farmhouse on the horizon. Then came a sound - to which the leader prompted his horse into a charge, followed by his men at a breakneck pace. 

At that exact farmhouse, a small group of refugees had just been discovered. Exploring the empty abode after having been tasked to check on potentially missing inhabitants. Distracted and preoccupied by a shiny lockbox in the attic, they failed to notice when a band of brigands rode up, surrounding the home. Revealing the ultimate trap that had been laid for them.

Despite this the refugees showed great resourcefulness. While being surrounded and well outnumbered, a small goblin was able to sneak away from the conflict, releasing their enemies horses, frightening them into a stampede - injuring foes in the process. While a reclusive druid was able to harness the power of height, crushing foes under his catlike feet.

Even still, one of their small companions was taken into the night. And the tides weren't fully turned until the warband thundered onto the scene. Cutting off reinforcements who were on their way from another farm looted just an hour earlier. With deft efficiency they dispatched the captain and his few remaining men, who turned to fight the newcomers (a foolhardy mistake, due to the adrenaline of battle).

The brave half orc Bulk was the first to step from the shadows of broken rafters, hailing the strange warriors. Greeted in kind, Bulk and the captain, who gave his name as Elisar, spent an hour together speaking of many things, til the sun began to rise.

Elisar spoke of his travels and struggles within the land of Durth. He was patrolling one step ahead of the armies of Baalion. Harrying advance skirmishers and helping people evacuate their towns and cities. As if these challenges weren't enough, order was slipping within the Kingdom, as thieves such as the ones that lay dead, were taking advantage of the chaos. Destabilizing the Kingdom from within.

Having just come from another farm, he had found it also abandoned - just like so many others that were turning up the same. The exact furrow marks also appearing at each site. With each discovery, the parties alarm grew, spurring them on with haste. Hunting whatever man or beast was upon this town. Showing up at the farm, Elisar knew of the thieves tendencies, though he was doubtful they were behind the missing farmers.

In the coarse of their exchange, Elisar shared his great hope. They could not assume to overcome their ultimate foe, fighting small and individual battles. For they would eventually be overwhelmed in that way. Instead he would go throughout the Southern lands, rallying people together, until he had the forces gathered to make a decisive blow. In three months time, all who answered the call would meet at the great bastion city of Edril, which lies next to the lake Merloyn.

Then in hushed tones, Elisar revealed that he knew of a rumored secret, that if true would truly change their fortunes, though it was only a distant hope, and one he must confirm for himself first. Taking him out of the contested lands and further South. This he lamented for it meant the people would be without his help or protection. But he felt confident others would rise to keep order and resist darkness.

With words of encouragement, he bid Bulk farewell. Tossing him some silver. For Elisar knew well what it was like to be alone in the world. Going from one place to the next, surviving only by wits and determination. Then summoning his company, they rode off into faint sunrise. Leaving the adventurers in a post conflict hazy light, with much to consider. Wondering what step to take next.

Opportunity to be part of history. Chasing after a mission companion, or to seek revenge on those who would take advantage, to perhaps even to investigate for those belonging to empty houses, finding many roads to walk.