The party arises. Merle does tai chi and Stago copies her motions but doesn't manage to break her concentration. Giving up his game, the gnome goes off to memorize his own spells and prepare for the journey into Dagger Falls. Elessaria prepares a morning meal, and after the group eats, they start off on the trail to the town.
The landscape mellows as they descend into the Tesh river valley: the dark woods give way to soggy river land and occasional outlying farms and fields. Thoughts of drinking cider and eating spiced pies in Dagger Falls begin to crowd out any fears or caution.
Noon
Suddenly, the party hears pounding hoofbeats and in a moment a band of several riders comes into view on the road ahead, galloping towards you and throwing frequent glances behind them. Their leader is a handsome man with long brown hair.
The company flags the horsemen down, to inquire as to the urgency of their ride.
The leader of the horsemen rides forward and greets the company: "Well met, travelers. I am Randal Morn, and my men and I are the protectors of Daggerdale. I could use some stout swordsmen...and bladesisters...like you."Elessaria speaks up, "I have heard your name, Randal Morn, and well have I heard when it is spoken. Tell me, what is your need, and how may we lend our assistance?"
Randal Morn continues, "A strange fever is stalking Daggerdale by night, catching the good Dalefolk asleep and leaving them trapped in their slumber. The Dream Fever magic comes from Dagger Falls where the usurper Constable Tren rules. Any man who can put an end to the fever will have earned my thanks and my gold."
Stago asked, "This Tren, is it him you wish us to take out?"
"I don't know the cause of the fever or if Tren is behind it. I doubt that he is, but I do know that he is placing the blame for the illness upon my shoulders. Do not be deceived, I would do no harm to the dale that I love, only to those who already do it harm. Beware of the Constable. Tren is a lackey of the Zhentarim, a coward and a blackmailer, but he is not a man to be crossed lightly. What say you then, will you help us save the good people of this Dale from the Dream Fever?”
Randal holds his reins with one hand and keeps the other on his sword. One rider watches back down the trail while Randal waits for your reply.
Routunious asks, "If you have your own fighting force, why do you need the help of adventurers such as we?"
"Strangers such as yourselves have a better chance at succeeding than any of my 200 irregulars, almost all of whom are known to Tren," Randal says, looking over his shoulder again before continuing, "Zhents may be following us, we must be away. What say you?"
Routunious asks, "Any other advice you can give us?"
"If we succeed, how do we find you?" Selina asks
Randal waves his men on and shouts back to you, "If you succeed you may claim your reward from Loudon the Cooper at the Red Rock Tavern. May the gods be with you!"
The adventurers discuss this turn of events as they continue to walk towards the town.
"Elessaria, you said you had heard of this Morn person?" Routunious asked.
"So have you, at Shandar's table. Karryn told us about him."
"Ah, either I wasn't listening or have forgotten the important details. Can you refresh my memory?"
"Randal Morn is the rightful ruler of Daggerdale, though his title was wrested by the Zhentarim 50 years ago. Randal is an adventurer who is the last survivor of House Morn. The Morns ruled Daggerdale for centuries, until Zhentarim mercenaries and spies deposed them After the fall of Teshendale Randal rules three-quarters of the Dale's countryside. The remaining heavily populated area surrounding Dagger Falls is controlled by the Zhentarim. Years of struggle have left Zhentish sympathizers in the heart of Morn's territory, but he retains some support in Dagger Falls itself."
"Shandar's ranger told us all that?"
"Well, we continued to talk after dessert."
"You see! I knew I wasn't nodding off!"
Selina says, "A good ally to have, but not one we should brag about in town."
"Indeed." Elessaria replied.
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