Session 25 - Chapter 4 - Midsummer Murmurs

Hello & Welcome!

The last of the Gnoll squeals died out, replaced by the exerted pants of Dafnae, Pipp, and Torsion and the quiet sobs of the young girl they had rescued from their clutches.

They made their way back to the town to assess the situation. Three buildings were on fire and they were burning steadily and the general area was carnage - Gnoll bodies everywhere intermingled with all of the items that they didn't find useful or weren't able to carry as they made their hasty escape.

Behind them they heard a voice call out to them timidly, "You there, where are the Gnolls? We heard reports of a Gnoll raiding party." The young girl buried her face into Pipp's dress and started to sob louder.

Torsion turned to face the voice and replied, "Can't you see laddie? They've been killed already and they're all around ye!"

The man behind the voice was a tall Human Guard, wearing armour adorning the sigil of Daggerford. He seemed a bit unsure of himself and continued, "Yes, well, we were, uh, tending to the fleeing villagers and putting our gear on to come and help here but seems like, uh, well, seems like you had everything all under control. Who may I ask are you? I'm Sgt Hawkin Bowden Hammer and lead this regiment of Guards from Daggerford to provide protection."

Dafnae looked back at the Guard, put her boot on the head of one of the dead Gnolls and braced against it as she freed one of her arrows from the creature's neck with a loud *SQUEALCH*. "Yes, we are guards with the Caravan that arrived earlier today. Looks like you and the boys have arrived just in time to help with the clean-up efforts and you best do something about those fires." She wiped the arrowhead clean on the Gnoll's tattered rags before placing it back in her quiver - surely this would help slay another monster soon enough.

Unsure of what to say, the Guard looked at her for a moment before he continued, "Err, umm, yes, quite right. Men! Get some water from the pond and put those fires out!" He carried on barking orders to his troop in awkward uncertain tones and then they went about fetching pails to douse the flames. 

The Party meanwhile lead the girl back to the Campsite in order to try to find her family.

Seeing the Daggerford Guards start to fetch water, those villagers that were not injured joined to help douse the flames and bring down the buirning walls in order to contain the flames and prevent its spread. Torsion tended to the wounded, his frustration about the senseless raid being vocalised in low grumbles as he made splits for broken limbs and applied salves for deep cuts on the poor villagers.

Pipp lead the young child through the camp in search of her parents. Luckily through the crowd a woman joined by two other small children came running up to them and grabbed the child in her arms exclaiming her relief that she was safe. She thanked Pipp profusely and Pipp replied with "Next time be careful, you are a wee bit young to be adventuring just yet!" The young girl gave her a smile now that she was back in the comfort of her mother's arms.

The villagers quickly fell back into a routine to clean-up and start the rebuilding process. Seems this was not the first, nor the last, time that they had such an experience. Perhaps it was fortunate that they were expert loggers. Or perhaps it was borne out of necessity?

The father of the young girl was the owner of the small local tavern and in thanks he said to the trio that they can stay the evening in the few rooms that they had and enjoy a meal free of charge. They agreed and thanked him for his gratitude.

As they walked through the camp to see who else needed healing, they could not help but notice that the other members of the Caravan would linger their stares on them and would speak in hushed tones around them. The few items they did overhear from them was that they were really starting to question just who these people were. This hadn't been the first time they rushed into a combat situation and came out, mostly, victorious. And especially after this most recent incident they rushed in before the stationed Guards were able to get their armour on. 

The evening was a bit subdued as most of the villagers were still cleaning up and the next morning the Wagons would have an early start. 

The next morning the usual preparations allowed the team to trundle off on time, continuing their travel North. It would be two days until they would reach the next village which would be the small hamlet of Liam's Hold. The journey was comfortable and uneventful with pleasant weather and rolling orchards with the occasional farmstead dotting the horizon. 

Midway through the journey they encountered a dozen heavily armoured knights again with the emblem of Daggerford on their banners riding South. They gave way and didn't stop to discuss with them. These knights seemed determined to reach their destination quickly and it was unlikely that they would have other news. But it was yet another sign of the growing unrest in the land.

Liam's Hold was just a small waypoint on their way to the larger town of Gillian's Hill which would roughly mark the 3/4 point of their journey. Hopefully they could travel the rest of the remaining miles without any more incidents.

There was some upbeat mood in the Caravan as they travelled through the small hamlet because Midsummer was the next day and they had their next scheduled day of rest would coincide with their arrive in Gillian's Hill so they would be able to enjoy the festivities.  It was one of the biggest celebrations of the year and the local people would be uniting to prepare for their regional Fete's. 

But Liam's Hold was nicely decorated, for a small Hamlet. The villagers were excited and they too would be making the journey to Gllian's Hill to enjoy the celebration in the larger nearby town. The rest of the farmers in the Orchards around the area would also make their way in as well to showcase their specialities in the different stalls that would no doubt be setup.

It was a quick onward journey to Gillian's Hill.

The walls of Gillian's Hill were in sight roughly around midday when suddenly one of the wheels of the Wagon directly in front of the first of the Heroes' Wagons went over an awkward rock with a loud CRACK and the wheel snapped in half, causing the Wagon's back right corner to crash to the ground and it lurched to a sudden halt. As it crashed to the ground, three crates fell out of the back of the Wagon, one of which landing on another rock causing it to burst open spilling its contents onto the ground. And to those near enough to see it was very clear that wrapped in various cotton cloths were piles of coins, gemstones, and various bits of jewellery. Not the sort of cargo that would likely befitting of a typical Merchant.

Shouts of "Woah!" and wheels grinding to a sudden halt came from behind the wagon. Horses snorted in annoyance.

Etterdan and Larian initially looked stunned at what had just happened and eyed the contents of the broken crate lying all over the ground. Torsion and Dafnae were closest and moved up to help. Larian called out loudly, "Don't worry, we have it, we'll sort it out, just move around us, move around - we'll join you in town once we get it repaired!" Dafnae moved further to calm the horses of the afflicted Wagon speaking soothing Elvish to them. Torsion stayed with the two Guards and asked "Right, let's help you get it cleaned-up and that wheel replaced. Do you have a spare wheel handy? Did the axel get damaged too?" and he went to assess the damage on the Wagon.

The two Guards again hurriedly said "Don't worry, no no no - we have it all covered. Please just move past - don't worry about us!" as they rapidly tried to scoop up all of the loot on the ground. Torsion eyed it but knew better than to ask about it.

By this time Pipp had caught up from the other Wagon behind and saw the scene - Dafnae calming horses, but looking back to Torsion with the Wagon at the broken wheel and two flustered Guards trying to scoop up gemstones, coins, and jewellery. She didn't comment but then spied Larian slipping a handful of items from the ground into his boot instead of putting the full handful into the back of the damaged Wagon. She clocked that for later use. But it was a strange situation and very suspicious.

Shouts continued, waving the halted Wagons to move round. Acreny and Urgalag didn't waste a moment longer and moved past. The Wagon behind the two was from the same Merchant group. They paused long enough when they came up to the damaged Wagon to shout at the two Guards, "Hurry up, get that cleared up! We'll head to the town and send back the wainwright to get that wheel sorted. Don't muck about!" And then he urged his horses forward.

The three consented as well and said, "Right, we'll see you back in town, looks like you have this sorted," and they left the two flustered Guards hurriedly scooping up items and piling it back into the back of the Wagon.

As Dafnae, Pipp, and Torsion slowly walked to the town they were on their own as the other 4 wagons hurried past. They had an opportunity to chat about what they had seen. They all agreed that this was very suss and that it was very unlikely that this wagon was just carrying typical Merchant's goods and instead that it was more than likely linked to the Dragon Cultists and their horde. And if this one was carrying such goods, then it was also likely that the other two wagons from the same Merchant company were also involved. They would need to keep a keen eye but this was probably the best break they had so far to figure out who was in league with the Cultists.

Gillian's Hill was decorated with flowers and streamers and the townsfolk were busily working to finish preparations. It was Midsummer's Eve and the excitement was in the air. The sweet smells of fresh flowers filled the air together with the scent of baking pastries and breads. Carts carrying barrels of locally produced cider rolled past and stalls were being erected in the open area. 

Most of the decorations were concentrated around the tower in the centre of town. It had long ago been turned into a Tavern after it had served its purpose as a fortification tower. 

It was a lovely scene and if someone hadn't known there was unrest around, one would think that life was peaceful and calm. It just shows how important it is to focus on community.

The travellers rested in the campsite and later in the afternoon they saw the damaged Wagon arrive. Etterdan and Larian joined the group and Torsion called out to them, "Did ye get the wheel sorted then?" To which they just waved and nodded.

In the evening it seemed like everyone went to the Tower converted tavern to start the celebration early. Pipp asked if she could give a performance and she was delighted when they said of course. She performed several Midsummer related songs, much to the delight of the patrons.

The crowd especially enjoyed her rendition of "The Midsummer Apple Jig" - 

Verse 1
Oh the sun sits high on a golden day,
And the carts roll in with the orchard’s pay,
There’s cider sweet and pies stacked tall,
And laughter loud from stall to stall!

Bard calls: “What fills the cup?”
Crowd: “The apple’s cheer!”
Bard: “What brings us back?”
Crowd: “This time each year!”

Chorus
So swing your mugs and stomp your feet,
For Midsummer’s here and the harvest’s sweet!
From tree to barrel, from press to song —
We’ve waited all year and it won’t last long!

Bard: “What do we drink?”
Crowd: “APPLE ALE!”
Bard: “And when it’s gone?”
Crowd: “WE DRINK IT PALE!”

Verse 2
Now Farmer Brigg with his crooked grin,
Swears his apples are blessed with sin,
“They’re red as lips and twice as fair —
And strong enough to fell a bear!”

Bard: “Who’s got the best?”
Crowd: “BRIGG DOES LIE!”
Bard: “Then whose do we drink?”
Crowd: “WHATEVER’S NIGH!”

Chorus
So dance on barrels, spin and sway,
Let worries melt like frost away,
For crowns and coin mean little here —
When cider flows and friends draw near!

Bard: “What beats a crown?”
Crowd: “A FULL CUP HIGH!”

Verse 3
The fiddles play and the lanterns glow,
And secrets bloom where apples grow,
A stolen kiss ‘neath orchard shade —
More deals are struck than coin has paid 👀

Bard: “Where hide the bold?”
Crowd: “THE ORCHARD ROW!”
Bard: “And what grows there?”
Crowd: “…WE’LL NEVER KNOW!”

Final Chorus
So raise it high — the press, the peel!
To honest work and a hearty meal!
Let nobles choke on wine so fine —
We’ve orchard gold and cider divine!

Bard: “What’s richer than gold?”
Crowd: “THE APPLE TREE!”
Bard: “And who drinks free?”
Crowd: “THE BARD! NOT ME!” 😄

The preparations continued the next day. And the festivities began properly in the early evening with the lead up to sunset.

During the day, Pipp sought out Levisius and told him what she saw with Larian. She asked him to ask around and see what he could find out about him. He was happy to sniff around he said. But he couldn't help but ask Pipp, "So, be honest, you are not regular Guards, are you? Really, what business are you on?" Pipp was able to deflect his inquisitiveness by saying that they were taking the job in order to travel North to meet with some people. Luckily this was enough to pacify him but she was sure it would not be the last time he asked for more information. 

The town was a buzz with the revellers moving from stall to stall, mugs of cider in hand. There was laughter and music abound. And each pastry looked more delectable than the other.

Pipp was in heaven. She loved such festivals. Dafnae also felt at home - it was a feeling very much like being on the streets of Baldur's Gate, but a lot less cramped. Torsion however was not so fussed and quite frankly didn't like the crowds.

But they walked through the area, taking in all the sights and sounds and smells and tastes. As Halflings go, Pipp's appetite for sweets and cakes knew no limit - their ability to eat was world renowned and the other two saw it for themselves. She especially loved those pastries that were highly risen and spread thick with sweet glaze and apple butter. But there were so many goodies to try and Pipp was determined to try all of them:

• Orchard Honey-Apply Tarts
• Spiced Cider Hand Pies
• Caramel Orchard Cake Slices
• Fried Apple Blossom Fritters
• Glazed Harvest Knot Buns

Torsion was glad when they happened upon Acreny and he asked if they wouldn't mind swapping out the lads and guard the wagon so they could enjoy the Fete a bit as well. Torsion was more than happy to oblige and he bid them his leave and he relieved Urgalag and the rest and he perched up on the Driver's Seat and was happy for the quiet, although the sounds of the festival were still audible in the background.

Sitting there in quiet contemplation he saw Oliver and Maerwynn sneaking off into the orchard, hand in hand, each giggling softly. This left their Wagon unguarded. And this Wagon one of the Wagons from the same Merchant Company as the one with the unusual cargo. Were they in league with the Cultists too? It seemed to Torsion that even Cultists could be taken by the atmosphere and give into the basic desires of wanting to love and wanting to be loved. How strange he thought to himself - did they realise they were working towards the destruction of the world? How can the concept of love fit along side that?

He watched as they slipped deep into the trees. And he looked at the unguarded Wagon. Torsion debated and he decided he would have to try. He hopped off his Wagon and crept to the back of the other Wagon, looking around to ensure there was no one around. He peeked in the back and found the same style of crates and a large chest. The chest was padlocked. He grumbled. Blast - where was that Rogue ... This wasn't really his nature as he preferred to be more direct but he took his crowbar and very quietly tried to pry the padlock off to peek inside. He was trying to be too careful and so he was unable to pry it open. Feeling uncomfortable, he quickly hurried back to his Wagon and resumed his perch. He could hear the two young lovers quietly still in the orchard.

Meanwhile, Dafnae and Pipp continued to walk around the Fete. Dafnae spied Walter with Larian off to the side. She whispered to Pipp that she would be right back. Pipp was curious, nodded, and took another bite of another new delicious pastry.

Dafnae deftly used the crowd to slink close to the two of them. Close enough to overhear part of their conversation over the crowd. There was a lot of ambient noise, but she was able to overhear the words "unhappy" and "Rezmir". Her eyes went wide at the latter, thus confirming their suspicion that they were linked to the Cult of the Dragon. And by Walter's tone, she could tell that he was very frustrated with Larian.

She saw Walter chastise Larian a bit more before he stormed off into the town. Larian looked despondent. She took the opportunity to ask for two mugs of cider from the nearby stall and she headed to Larian.

"Here," she said, "you seem to not be enjoying yourself. Its Midsummer after all."

Larian looked up, startled to see Dafnae, and said, "Oh, thank you."

Dafnae pried a bit more into his background and what their next plans were. Even prying him with a few more mugs of cider, while he was open and answered her questions, he didn't give much away in terms of information. She bid him a further enjoyable Fete and he moved off into town also, now a bit loosened up by the cider.

Dafnae found Pipp easily and she whispered to her that she has news. Now a wide-eyed Pipp stuff the last of her latest pastry and gulped down the last of her cider and she followed Dafnae as they headed back to Torsion.

They saw Torsion heading back to their Wagon from the other Wagon. What was he doing snooping around that Wagon?

They quietly moved up to him and climbed up next to him on the Driver's seat and Dafnae explained to both Pipp and Torsion what she learned. Pipp went even more wide-eyed and Torsion furrowed his eyebrows even more. He explained what he saw and asked Dafnae if she could take a look. The lovers seemed to still be engaged.

Under the cover of darkness, Dafnae quickly made her way to the other Wagon and had a look and she saw the chest Torsion mentioned. 

She used are lock picking tools and very quickly heard the satisfying CLICK as the padlock gave way.

Dafnae swiftly opened the chest and had a quick look. More treasure - at the top was an ornate candelabra, several necklaces, and a jewelled comb. She saw that there was something large underneath but she could not make it out. She wanted to be quick and not get caught - it would make for an awkward trip until they made it to Waterdeep otherwise.

She closed the lid but decided to leave the padlock unlocked. Maybe they could cause some internal dissent amongst the Cultists and perhaps exploit what they knew about Larian. 

She crept back to their Wagon and joined her friends on the seat and they quietly chatted about what this all meant. They agree they would need to be extra careful and keep a very keen eye on the  members of the three wagons linked to this Merchant Company - they were most definitely involved in the Cult of the Dragon.

The plot seemed to finally become more clear to the Adventurers ...