Sarkon, now reunited with his old friend Grüshnag, began the long journey back to Nardth. Having Baarid get away was not ideal but the banditry and the like would surely be reduced for years to come. The remaining guardsmen, Darvin and the duo headed back through the woods.
The group was somber, save Grüshnag. The orc was more disappointed he hadn’t had a chance to fight and crump some more of the bad men. Sarkon walked behind the group with Grüshnag. He was busy telling him about all the things that had happened: the merchants in town, the attack at the main camp, the escape, everything. Grüshnag too, regaled Sarkon with how he was captured after faking being a bandit and the plan to sell him to other humans.
After a time, the group stopped to rest. Ever careful, they move off the road and into cover for the night. The evening begins to draw late when one of the guards gets up to relieve himself. A few minutes later, the rest of the group hears some talking and a commotion. Quickly, they spring out to go and see what the heck is happening.
The stumble upon the guard and a merchant with a hired hunter from Nardth in the road. Confused but relatively relieved themselves they ask the man what brings him.
“I’m here on behalf of the merchants to come find you lot. We were worried and so had a few of us band up and search for either you or your final disposition. May I say, I’m beyond excited to see you are alive and well. This surely means the adventure with the bandits is all well and good?” the merchantman asked.
“We lost some good men and we didn’t get the main man in charge but the rabble around here is gone. This elf, Sarkon, is well worth any reward and accommodations you have to offer. Grüshnag too, for he helped keep them distracted with his feint in joining them,” Darvin replied.
“But of course. You and your men too. We would surely be all as prisoners or worse had those marauders had their way. Please, we must hurry back. The safety of your return is of the upmost importance. You have all earned a great deal of respect and renown for yourselves. Now please, let’s us not waste anymore time,” the merchantman said to them all.
“Please, sir, understand. We must rest. How’s about we make for it at first light? Your new hand can help ensure we are safe by taking the watch as well,” Darvin returned. They were all still tired and wounded and needed a real nights rest.
“Fine, you are fair in your point. We have extra supplies with us just in case.” The whole lot moved back to the spot they were and laid out on a few fresh rolls and a bit of fresher food. True to the word, the hunter stood watch all night, knowing no rest would be had til much later the next day.
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A solid bit of uneventful travel lead the new local heroes to the tavern where it started in Nardth. The majority of people that could make it and heard the news attended the welcome party.
“Now please, the leader of the merchantmen and the local people would like to thank you. Don’t be modest. Wait here.” The merchantman escorting them left. Very quickly a gathering was called.
Soon, there were a lot of little “cheers to that” speeches and a few awards/gifts given to the company. Most generous was the inn keeper gifting them all free room and board anytime they needed it for as long as they needed.
“Now hear me,” the elder of Nardth called. Silence followed. “These brave fellows took it upon themselves to help us all honest folk to finally have a chance to become a real haven in these uncertain times. Let us not waste this gift and let us remember the men who didn’t make it back. You, and I mean all of you, have earned a debt we cannot repay for helping us do what we could not. We wish you safe travels to wherever you may go and good fortune to always find you. When you are ready, take the supplies and support of Nardth with you and tell them we repay any kindness from strangers as best we can. Enjoy your evening now. Find me when you are ready and we will arrange everything you need. Now cheers to that!”
The party lasted late. The room was not spoiled even when Baarid was mentioned as still being out there. The day was won.
Sarkon’s and Grüshnag were now put to a decision. Continue with the merchants or strike out on their own? They hadn’t planned on anything more than passing through but now they were being pressed back into adventure. It was a tough choice.
As promised, when the everyone was gathered to leave, food and various supplies were given by the people of Nardth. It was… meager by most standards but it was everything they could give. It was special. Just as they were departing, Sarkon and Grüshnag strode up and announced they were joining for another adventure. The mountain was just too intriguing and held too many opportunities for all.
With a final goodbye, the merchants and the elf/orc duo left for the distant mountains.
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