Chapter 1 - Change

Ewen looks to Magan's suggestion about the bodies and nods. He listens to the words of the others and stands quietly for a moment. "I have not always been the best judge of people and their intentions; however, I believe you all to be decent folk. You haven't attacked me without provocation or tried to scapegoat me for all the evil in the world solely on my oddities. As such this puts you as different from most and perhaps that means you could prove to be trustworthy companions. I have been alone for a long time and would relish the chance to travel with folk who would stand beside me as opposed to against me. I f you would have me, you will find me to be a stalwart friend who will not betray you will. Stand with me and I will stand with you." He looks at Kara. "I do believe that perhaps we were all brought together for a purpose, but what the purpose could be... I could not divine. Such things are beyond my ken as I do not understand or study the Gods. I place my faith in...other powers." His left hand absently reaches over to touch the pommel of the beautifully crafted sweord hung on his right hip.

Magan smiles. "Perhaps. Perhaps the world, perhaps the gods, perhaps fate. Perhaps something far more tangible brought us together. Maybe we should not have messed with powers so beyond our comprehension. It matter not except that we have been placed in the same place. Before we decide on anything though, we must find Gawen, without him I fear we are out of work. Kara, get us to shore." He eyes Ewen's sword as he touches it, not with envy or jealousy, but with curiosity and a little concern. "I really would feel better upon the land and with all of our belongings. I do not like what has occurred  here and would like to know that all is well. I mean, with our friends. And my horse."

With the longboat in tow, the Red Wolves sail the Howling Ghost out of the estuary and upriver, back towards Caerswyg . The entire trip takes around three hours, which gives Branok plenty of time to see to the wounded, and the boats draw no small amount of attention from the shore along the way. Isolde dances about the boats as the adults work, the stress of battle apparently quickly forgotten. She grasps at the mast with one hand and swings herself in circles around it. As Branok stitches Coelred's wounds, it seems to draw her attention and she skips over to the larger man and starts to play with his auburn locks with a giggle. (OOC - Anybody who wishes to may take a short rest. Roll HD to restore vigour in discord.)

Ewen spent some of the trip back resting to regain some of the energy he'd spent during the fight. He checked his ribs where the arrows had struck, but failed to penetrate and discovered a very large, purple bruise beneath. Now that the adrenaline had worn off, he noticed that breathing was painful and realizes he may have bruised or cracked a rib. While the party was going through the spoils located on the ship, Ewen spots a very nice set of armor and found no one else to be interested in it. He swaps out his old woolen tunic for the oddly designed leather jacket-style armor. He wraps his sword belt around the long armor and moves around, testing its give and flexibility wincing occasionally at the painful twinges in his ribs before sitting back with a satisfied nod. He watches the antics of the young girl with a slight smile, glad to see her being able to enjoy the joys of life despite the harrowing battle not but a few hours past. As the ship gets closer to shore he suddenly changes his appearance to a tall, wiry Celt with a thick dark beard and long, dark hair with pale green eyes wearing the same style clothing. His voice is slightly different, a little huskier than his normal voice. "Pardon my deception, but I find that most folk are not as receptive to my true appearance and do not wish to cause any undue problems for myself or any of you."

Had it not been for Ewen's contribution in the last fight, Guthric would've jumped for his weapons. "Seems your from the northern lands, then? My tribe's from that way."

Ewen shakes his head. “Nay, I’m from the southern reaches, a small village near The Dartmoor along the River Plym. This.” He indicates the face and body. “Is the deception. You all saw my true visage, one that not many have seen. I would ask you keep that secret. One grows weary of the constant fearful looks and need to look over the shoulder anytime something happens near me. That is assuming they do not immediate drive me from the gates.” 

Magan bites his lip disguising his scowl but says nothing for the majority of the journey. Of course, he can change his shape, he takes the form of a wolf, perhaps our next companion will fly. More pressing issues though. Let Gawen decide for himself whether he wants them along. "If you are to travel with us you should know a few things." He stands up, breaking his silence very suddenly. "We travel east, we need to investigate these rumours of Christians landing on our shores. We travel with a man named Gawen who must arrive there. We march when I say, we rest when I say, and there isn't much time for resting in towns, this visit has proven a mistake and I am not keen to invite another delay and certainly not more complications. The girl is under our protection, if you are with us, you must keep her safe also. If you are hiding from something, running from something or seeking protection you must reveal it now. If we are surprised we will not protect you from it, we have enough things hunting us as it is. If you accept these conditions, then welcome to the red wolves. Don't make me regret it."

Guthric chuckles at Ewen apprehension of discovery, "Truth be told, none of you were supposed to see what just happened. It's my people's gift, passed down and bestowed on all within The Great Pack." After Magan's speech, Guthric can only help but laugh again, "Sounds like you're in charge, eh? Well, so be it. You've seen what needs to be seen. I'm not running from anyone, but I'd like to keep it quiet."

"Very well, we are not about to start a lynch mob here, you will be safe with us in that respect." He offers his hand in friendship before turning to Ewen. "And you? Any more surprises?"

Ewen listens to the man named Magan intently and reaches over to shake the offered hand. "I appreciate you being upfront with your concerns. As far as I am aware, there is no one actively hunting me. I am different, much like Guthric here, and superstitious folk tend to immediate lay blame on those that are different from them. That is why I choose to hide my true form and identity. I am kin to the aes sídhe, which is why many fear me before they know my intentions. I do have other secrets, but none that will bring ruin upon you and yours. I will decide when to reveal them to you all, should I decide to do so. I shall strive to keep the child safe while she is in our charge. I have no objections and I am more comfortable in the wilderness than towns as I can be myself there."

Magan nods. "Good, then let us return to the temple."

A short while later the Howling Ghost brushes up against the wharf on Caerswyg 's docks. The walk back up to the temple is only a little more than 10 minutes and Branok volunteers to wait at the docks with Isolde and watch the ships until the others return with the wagon. He also makes a point of asking Magan what he plans to do with the vessels and if they will stay another night in town - it's starting to get late in the afternoon.

Kara sighs, having to leave her newly acquired ships at the docks, but follows and helps get the wagon and other supplies ready. It wasnt anything against her group, for they weren't as seafaring as she was, it was just the sudden lose really. However, she still had a duty to her companions and so she knew they needed to go overland.  " Let us get this over, and perhaps we can go raiding the christian lands together my friends. That would be fun no?"

Guthric takes his equipment ashore and pauses on the wharf, "The ships seem in good shape. If we need to spent the night, we could probably do it aboard."

Magan looks uncomfortable. "I think it would be better if you did not stay alone. You have already been in far more danger than I ever planned on you being in. I think we should sell the boats, hard though that may be, then head to the temple to search out our friends and some answers. Kara, take our new friends and see what interest you can drum up in the boats. Branok and I will see what happened to our friends. "

The afternoon is drawing on in Caerswyg and the streets are quiet and lazy. The sun is shining warm on the city and many of its inhabitants are relaxing in tavern gardens or around the river. It doesn't take Magan, Branok and Isolde long to reach the temple. All seems very quiet, the large double doors at the front slightly ajar. Inside, everything seems normal and orderly, although nobody is obviously present in the main hall.

Magan looks to Branok.  "What is the etiquette here? Should we enter?" 

Branok hesitates. "The temple is for all the Gods' worshippers, but typically somebody would be here to greet them. We may enter." He walks in, peering about to see if anybody is nearby. "Hello?" A brief moment later somebody does appear. A young man with loose red hair comes in through the side door that Magan knows to lead to the rest of the temple grounds, including the chambers in which they spent the night. "Yes, hello? My apologies, I just stepped out. How can I help you?"

"Good evening, we were looking for our friends, they were here with us yesterday, but we were separated after the celebrations. Do you know where they may have gone?"  Magan eyes the man suspiciously, ready to take a step in front of Branok. 

Guthric had considered staying with the ships, then a snooze on the deck, then a walk through town. In the end, he decided to follow the others. When he reaches the temple, though, it seems they already went inside. Guthric, ignorant of more urban customs and courtesies, let himself in regardless and began to wander around for his comrades.

"I'm afraid the temple has been rather quiet today," he remarks. "I wasn't present yesterday, but I understand that many returned to their home in the small hours of the morning. What do your friends look like?"

Being used to keeping a low profile, Ewen remains behind Magan and Branok, keeping an eye on the young lass, Isolde. He also scans the doorways and other darkened areas in the room as he looks for any sign of treachery.

"They were staying here. A giant of a man, and a smaller young boy with a woman's beauty. With them was also a woman of unusual appearance but a certain beauty to her. Perhaps they left a message with our belongings. May I?"  Magan moves to pass through to the Chambers where they stayed the night before. 

"Of course," the man begins, but Magan is past him before he can say much more. Magan's and Kara's rooms are as they left them. However, there is no trace of either Gawen or Felix and their quarters have also been vacated.

Magan collects his and Kara's belongings and rushes back out to the main temple complex.  "No sign. Perhaps they left word with the wagon? It is where I would have looked for us."  He collects Ealing from the stables, ensures all his belongings are untouched, and leads the way back to the workshop. He is silent on the journey, clearly concerned for his companions. 

The workshop is only a five minute walk away, and as the group approaches it Magan spots the stark contrast of Theli's white-blonde hair and pale skin against her black travelling cloak. She is sat atop her chest outside the building with her head in her hands. As they draw nearer she looks up, spotting them, and jumps to her feet angrily before storming up to Magan. "Where have you been ? You were supposed to protect me and you vanished! You've been gone all day !"

Magan looks shocked to see her alone.  Theli, I'm so glad to see you too. And especially well. What happened? We all woke up far from the temple with no recollection of what had passed and half of our group is missing. Have you seen Gawen or Felix? Have any more unfortunate events befallen you?" Though he mocked her in greeting, his tone is one of genuine concern and he is pleased to see her well. 

Theli turns away with a frustrated grunt and paces in a circle. "There's no trace of either of them! I don't remember half of last night, although I barely touched a drink. When I awoke the great hall was empty and I came here looking for you. It was like all of you had vanished into thin air. I came here in the hope that you wouldn't leave your carriage and I'd be able to find somebody. I've been here for hours and nothing has happened."

Kara laughs and claps Magan on the back, cheeriful adding "It could be worse. We could be carting around a woman with child in her."  Kara shakes her head, thinking they were lucky when it came down to it really. It could've been worse, alot worse. Instead they picked up capable fighters going their way it seemed.

"But lost our job, Gawen was our deal. Without him, I sincerely doubt anyone is getting paid for this. All we can do is hope to find somebody else who wants to pay to have the Christian's removed from these shores. Find the cartwright, inform him of our success and leave message here for Gawen. We leave as soon as the wagon is ready. "

Guthric finally catches up to the others after wandering through temple and town on the trail of the others. He comes into the conversation very clearly confused by the whole situation, "I've only heard the name before, so what's the fuss about these Christians? Are they invading or something?"

Isolde skips off inside the workshop ahead of Magan and Branok, who quickly hurries after her.

Magan shrugs. "That's what we need to find out. They landed a while back, started converting people. The gods are displeased and nature seems to be falling out of balance as far as our expert in such matters could explain. We were to find out their intentions and stop them." He hurries after Isolde and Branok.

Inside the gloomy workshop, Magan finds the carpenter fitting together a joint. He looks up as they enter and smiles in recognition. "Ah! I hear the Howling Ghost has graced our docks once more... without its crew. You have my thanks. I'm surprised to see you so late in the day. I was under the impression you were in a hurry."

"Things have been busy. The wagon ready?" 

He nods and dusts of his callused hands. "Aye. Good as new. Pleasure doing business with you." He holds out a hand for Magan to shake. Meanwhile, Isolde has sequestered herself in a corner of the carpenter's workshop and is playing with a selection of carved wooden toys. Particularly a small bird, which catches craftsman's eye. He lets out a low chuckle. "That's a sweet little one you have there. She can keep it. You look after after her now."

Magan takes the offered hand.  "My thanks. One thing. If my giant friend comes looking, we have continued our journey as planned. If anyone else asks, we are taking the boat to Tintagel."

The carpenter nods in understanding and shows Magan and his companions to a large set of double doors around the side of the workshop, where the carriage is being kept. The axle looks good as new and Branok begins to go about seeing to the horses.. "The afternoon draws on Magan," he notes, "do you still want to leave before sunset, or should we stay one more night and leave at first light?" Meanwhile, Theli is checking her possessions and upon unlocking her chest lets out a squeal of anguish. "My gold!" She cries falling to her knees. "It's gone! It's all gone!" Inside the hefty wooden box, lie her possessions and her silver, but the stacks of heavy gold coins are all gone. Theli rounds angrily on the carpenter. "You! You did this!" she screams, but the man simply shakes his head sadly in response. "The chest was locked, lass. You just opened it yourself."

"Theli, you know what happened. Don't cast blame where it isn't deserved."  Magan puts a kind hand on her shoulder.  "Don't worry, I will honour our agreement even if you do not have the funds. We will help you earn the gold back." 

She stands and presses herself into Magan's chest, still sobbing quietly as she clings to him like a rock in a storm. Eventually, it stops and Theli pulls herself together, before meekly climbing inside the carriage. In the meantime Branok has made everything ready to leave and looks to Magan for instructions.

"We need to sell the boat. Then we leave. If you need to sleep, I can steer the wagon. Kara, can you find somebody to buy the boat?"  He looks over his shoulder, wondering if the cartwright will have any interest in the boats. 

Kara groans and nods "I can find someone, but I will have you know that one day we will need a ship and I shall say Remember when we sold perfectly good ships?"  She is a bit upset she is having to sell the ships, for it was clear she was hoping to have keep them. However, she did sign on for Magan's leadership. She goes to the docks and looks about for the harbor master, hoping to sell.

"Ships?" The carpenter interrupts, his emphasis on the plural. "I thought you took the Howling Ghost ? There are more?"

"A long boat, good quality too. Are you interested in taking them off our hands? You could make good profit on them." 

Ewen steps quietly over to Kara, whispering into her ear. "I've no knowledge of a ships value, perhaps if you could advise a good asking price I could negotiate something with our friend here? When people are not focusing on my appearance, they find they quite enjoy my presence. I am not the most adapt of haggling, but am willing to give it a shot."

The carpenter hesitates, but is clearly tempted. "I... I'd need to take a look at their condition. I have some contacts on the docks who might be interested in selling them on. Can I get back to you in the morning?"

Magan sighs but.nods. "We should spend the night on board then." 

"People put a lot of value in these things, right? Fisherman treat them as valuable as homes and traders can't live without them." Guthric muddles a few thoughts over, trying to get the right wording, "I guess what I'm trying to say, and I really don't know how true it might be, or if it'll happen...." With growing frustration ovet the concept propriety and value, and the anxiety of looking foolish, Guthric finally just spits it out, "What if we can't leave?! I mean, I've traded deer pelts for clothes and meat, right? But there was this one time I haf a great hunt and brought all kinds of deer, rabbit, and the like, but they gave me so much I couldn't carry it all. Now what about a boat, and a big one at that?"

Kara thinks on Ewens offer long enough to overhear the carpenter think about buying them, and so she says somewhat overly loud "I am sure there are some strong men in this town who would love both boats, and when I tell them there is a bargain  for buying both, surely we should have no issue with buyers."

As Kara and Ewen take on the sales, Magan smiles softly at Guthric, his father had often spoken of the bargains to be had when trading on the edges of civilisation.  "You don't need to worry of carrying the payment. We will trade for gold and silver, and use that to trade for the goods we really need."