Waking up from their long rest back up in the refugee's cavern the cohort made their way to the command tent to debrief. Charles and Akash stopped by the training ground to affix the new spear heads to the sharped shafts. Charles made sure they would fit properly, then had Akash meld the wood around the base to seal them in place. Once they were satisfied with their handiwork the two met back up with the rest of the group who had gathered the rest of the refugee's leaders.
"So, here's what we now know." Started Gnoll, "The kobolds worship the spirit of some ancient but long dead dragon, they bring scraps of metal to it as some form of offering. They also have an extensive library that contains a surprising variety of texts, and a very well stocked armory that I think is the source of their belief in offering metal to their goddess. We were able to conduct a small amount of research in their library, and came away with valuable insight into demon-kind."
"I read an account of one specific demon-lord who may be behind recent events." Said Naivara, stepping forward. "I found the passage in an Abyssal tome that spoke of the demon Prince of Deception, Fraz-Urb'luu. According to the text Fraz has attempted to rule the material plane before, but was sealed away by an artifact known as the Ichor Lance. I do not know if he is free, but, the influx of demons, tales of dead barons returning to their keeps, and a recent fear of magic make me think that this may be his doing. His power over illusions and manipulation are truly second to none according to the book."
"There have been many demon-lords who have tried to rule the material. How can you be sure it's him?" Asked her father, "Also how could he be here, you said he was sealed."
"I'm not sure honestly. Call it a hunch, but I think it's him. As for the lance, who knows it might be weakening, or maybe he found some way to break the seal."
"Regardless of if it's him or not we still got a lot of good, hard information on the demons that are out there now." Said Charles, interjecting. "I think we should go up to the wall, then head to Velling like we planned a few days ago. Whatever we find there can help us confirm if it's really this Fraz or not."
"I agree with Charles." Said Akash, "The new information is great, but we need to get some more information on what is really going on out there."
"You all know my stance on your expeditions to the outside." Grumbled Naivara's father, "But, once again, I suppose I cannot stop you, so I must wish you the best of luck. If there is anything you need before you leave, I will do my best to provide."
"I think the only thing we will need is a few hours in your workshop so I can help adjust some armor for Gnoll." Said Naivara.
"Very well, my tools are yours."
Naivara led the way out of the tent to her father's tent and over the course of the next hour cut and attached an intricate lattice of leather straps that expanded upon the existing network of leather that held the suit together. Eventually, after several test fittings she was able to get the armor to fit Gnoll's oversized form to a satisfactory level. By late morning the cohort, along with Krags and Gonlin were on their way north to the wall.
After a day-and-a-half of constantly dodging vrocks and various other demons they came upon a clear-cut swath of the forest with a massive wooden wall enclosing the far side. The field in between was littered with stumps and piles of burned foliage. The destruction saddened Akash, however, that feeling was quickly overtaken by an all consuming rage as he noticed a line of heads impaled on spear tips on the stumps closest to a gate in the wall. The heads belonged to a variety of magical folk, a clear sign of the purpose of this impressive structure.
"How could they do this?" Hissed Akash under his breath.
"I don't know…" Came the quiet reply from Charles. "I can't see much from here, does anyone want to venture out to the gate with me?"
"Well, the rest of us will probably get shot at by those guards if we come with you." Said Gnoll, gesturing to five guards patrolling the top of the wall with heavy crossbows at the ready.
"Well, I can make myself look more human." Said Hal, as a ripple of magic ran down his body and suddenly his face appeared a little less angular, and his ears lost their distinct tip becoming more rounded like Charles'.
"Very nice." Commented Akash as he inspected his friend's new appearance. "I can't do that, but I could turn into a horse so you and Charles could ride side by side."
"Good idea." Said Hal. "Do you guys have anything to disguise with?" He asked the rest of the group.
"Krags and I do not." Replied Gonlin.
"I don't really have anything, not sure about Gnoll." Was Naivara's reply.
"I don't either." Said Gnoll " I think it's a good idea for us to hang back here, and we can rush in to support you if things go south."
"Very well, are you two ready?" Charles asked Akash and Hal as he mounted up on Buck.
"Yup." Said Hal
"One second." Said Akash as he leaned forward and grew into the form of a large blue roan horse. He then flicked his head, gesturing to Hal to climb aboard.
The scouting group then made their way, trotting across the open field. Almost immediately the guards trained their crossbows on the group. When they got in ear-shot one of the guards yelled out, "Ho! Who goes there?"
"Just some weary travelers!" Yelled back Halimedes. "We have been dodging demons for days and would greatly appreciate some respite behind your magnificent wall."
"Are you human?" Was the guard's only response.
"Yes!" Hal said, "I imagine your warning is quite the deterrent for any other folk." He continued, gesturing at the severed heads.
"Right you are!" The guard then barked a quick order over the opposite side of the wall and the large wooden gate started to groan and swing inwards.
"Be ready for anything." Charles whispered to Hal and Akash as they trotted through the now open gate.
They were greeted by the sight of a modest outpost. Boxes and barrels of supplies were piled up beside an old inn and several large white tents rimmed the edge of the small courtyard. Another dozen guards were milling around, sparring, eating, or just on general break. However, before the group could get far an individual dressed in a captain's uniform flanked by two other guards stepped forward and put up a hand.
"Hello travelers." The captain said, "I understand that you have been traveling through dangerous country recently, however I have one final check I must do before I can allow you to walk free north of our wall. I'm sure you understand." Hal and Charles exchanged a brief glance while the captain pulled a purple strip of cloth from his pocket. He then tied the strip over his eyes as a blindfold, golden glyphs glittered across its surface. "Liars! Seize them!" The captain commanded, pointing at the group. "That man and his horse are of magical descent!"
"What?" Exclaimed Charles, reigning Buck backwards, "You said you were human!" He yelled at Halimedes. Quickly turning to the captain he said, "I am so sorry, I had no idea I was traveling with foul-folk."
"Aye, we will deal with you later." Said the captain, his obscured gaze locked onto Hal and Akash as his partner guards took up positions around the duo, spears leveled at Hal's chest. "By the order of King Bowman, I hereby sentence you to death for trespassing into the northern territory." At the flick of his hand the flanking guards lunged with their spears.
Akash reared back, kicking his front legs out at the captain as the flanking guards' spears piercing his sides. Hal drew his blade and struck out, cutting the haft of one of the spears. Charles took advantage of the confusion and lit a torch as Akash leapt forward, deeper into the courtyard. Charles threw the torch into the pile of supplies beside the inn. By now the other guards joined the fray, and began attempting to corral Buck and Akash, and by extension, Hal and Charles. Just before the group was fully enclosed Gnoll and Naivara dropped through the black smoke that was now rising from the inn off the backs of two giant eagles.
"There's more of them!" Yelled the captain, splitting his forces in two. Naivara's bullets ripped through the first two guards who split away to engage her and Gnoll. With their forces now divided Akash broke away from the line and streaked towards the northern gate on the far side of the courtyard. With a massive crash he slammed into the gate in an attempt to break through. Unfortunately, it held fast and he stumbled backwards stunned.
"Ow!" Exclaimed Hal, leaning over Akash's neck. "Why did you do that?" Akash simply shook his mane and neighed in response.
In the main battle, Charles, Gnoll, and Naivara were taking advantage of the split forces routing the guards. "Wait! Wait! Please, we surrender!" Yelled the captain, ripping his purple blindfold off. His men threw down their weapons at his plea, raising their hands to the sky. "Please, you can go north, just let my men be."
"We will let them live, but you must come with us. We have questions for you." Said Charles, as he bore down on the man from atop Buck. The man swallowed hard, but nodded silently. "Good choice."
Gnoll walked over and relieved the captain of his armaments, blindfold, and bound his wrists. The cohort then left the outpost, their new hostage in tow. They continued past the treeline, deeper into the forest to deter any rescue attempts. Finally, they stopped at the base of a large tree and sat their captive down.
"Alright, first things first." Charles began, "What is your name, and who do you work for?"
"My name is Carl, and I am a captain of the guard under King Bowman." He answered, his voice quivering slightly.
"Next question, why are you killing people of magical descent when they come to the wall as refugees?"
"I'm sorry ok? One of the King's Grey Veils came down south and told us they were a threat to be killed on site." He paused for a moment, "I swear I didn't want to do it, but I had to, it was an official order."
"Sure. How long has the wall been up, and was it put up before the demons started attacking?"
"They were put up about the same time that the attacks started, which was about three months ago. They just started attacking randomly, always from the south." His voice shook more and more as he continued. "Please, you have to let me go back north."
"Don't worry, we're almost done here." Said Charles. "Does the name Baron Eldbridge mean anything to you?"
Carl perked up a little, "Not much, I just know that he became the Baron of Velling about a year ago. But I've heard rumors, terrible rumors about him. People say he died, and that whatever he is now, is not the same man he once was."
"Alright, Akash you got all that?" Charles asked over his shoulder to Akash who was furiously taking notes of the conversation.
"Yup, think I got it all." Akash snapped his notebook shut and stepped forward to kneel in front of Carl. "I know you said it was just orders, but I want you to know something." Akash reached out and gripped Carl's right wrist. "Each and every person you killed, or ordered to be killed had a family, hopes, and dreams. You took that from them for no other reason than your own cowardice to stand up for what you knew was right. You said you didn't enjoy it, that it was just an order. Well now I am going to make sure you never forget those you killed." He spoke a single arcane word and electricity coursed through his hand gripping Carl's wrist, searing the skin in a branching scar, a silent howl took over Carl as he tried to jerk away from the pain, but Akash held fast. "Now you too are touched by magic, may this serve you well as a reminder of your sins." Akash then stood and turned his back on the man.
"That may have been a little far." Gnoll whispered in Akash's ear.
"I don't really care." Was Akash's only reply.
Gnoll tended Carl's fresh wound, healing it only enough to prevent further damage, the silver scar tissue still showing a stark contrast from the otherwise well maintained skin. He then gave Carl a sturdy branch to act as a staff and stood him up. "I may not agree with my friend's method, but I agree with his sentiment. You have a long path of repentance ahead of you, I wish you the best of luck." Gnoll told Carl before giving him a gentle pat on the shoulder and directing him north back to the wall.
"Well now that we're done with that." Said Naivara as she watched Carl stumble through the forest, "I suppose we go to Velling. Finally confront the source of this invasion."
"Agreed." Came the resounding reply.
"Krags and I will report back to your father, but we can travel together until the cave." Said Gonlin, "I hope you all can end this."