Long Lost Friends (Into the Great and Awful Forest)

12 Feb 1371 (1828 Grimmlands calendar)

 

As the two thieves dry off, Knives uncorks a vial of healing tonic and downs its contents.  Warmth spreads throughout his body and his bruises begin to fade. 

“So, shall we head straight for the castle, find an inn on the outskirts, or walk for a bit and camp.  Long con is over so it’s time for a plan.”  Chronosaj says as he inspects his powderhorns and cartridges to make sure their contents are still dry despite immersion in the river.  Satisfied, he slides his dueling pistols back into the holsters concealed inside of his sleeves. 

Knives sits on a rock while his potion does its work and proclaims, “We should head straight for Jack’s castle but if we happen to find a tavern along the way, I wouldn’t turn down the chance for beer and wenches.  After all, the taxpayers’ money should be reinvested into the community.” 

The two set out despite the middle of the night being upon them, wanting to get as much distance between them and Hamelin as possible before someone finds another way across the river to take up the chase once more.  The pair casts about, looking for an open route to follow and find a path, nearly obscured by weeds and brambles made of crushed gravel.  This narrow road leads off toward the northwest, more or less in the direction they need to travel if they are to reach Jack’s castle and the Loomslag Peaks.  Low branches seem to reach and pluck at the travelers’ cloaks while twisted vines seek to entangle their feet.  Once the pair moves away from the River, the smell of a damp cellar becomes pervasive.  The haunting hoot of an owl echoes distantly in the wood and somewhere in the distance the howling of wolves is punctuated by the gurgling cries of a deer meeting its end.  The skittering and shuffling of Unseen Things provides a constant counterpoint to the mosquitoes buzzing past ears in the dark that prompt a continuous chorus of slaps.  The few weak beams of moonlight that do manage to penetrate the forest canopy, reveal sickly white mushrooms that can be seen growing on the sides of tree trunks. 

Chronosaj: 86% health

Knives: 84% health