Revenge
Jul 28th - Arr 4th
Danat Peres and Amblay ride away from the scene of Malethrax’s death. The young Bretonian spy, Raven, drifts in and out of consciousness as they ride away. Before long they meet three travellers: Aravan, a young Elenorian woman fighter, Banak, a Menelothian fighter dressed in plate armour and carrying a greatsword, and Voltorb, a strange Darim Sword Cultist. The three disparate folk ride north as they flee from the vicious Vostrar and his men-at-arms.
The party are surprised when Danat’s white stallion speaks to the martial artist; "She is dying," he says, referring to Raven. Banak steps in and with his survival skill is able to stop the bleeding and prolong her life at least until morning. Danat decides to head north but during the first night lanterns can be seen on the plains – Vostrar and the men-at-arms are closing.
Danat and Amblay ride off north in the hope of reaching the safety of the wilds…Voltorb, Banak and Aravan remain in the hope of steering Vostrar off the trail. Vostrar limps into camp, his thigh heavily bandaged and sodden with blood. He leaves without gaining any information and sends the men-at-arms out to flank Danat. The three travellers sense their opportunity and as dawn breaks make plans to come at Vostrar from behind.
Amblay peels off from his northerly journey and heads for Vostrar; the three travellers close in, the trail of blood easy to track. When Vostrar realises that he has ridden into an ambush it is too late to call for help. Amblay – Marraq archer – launches a deadly shaft at the injured warrior. As the arrow plunges into Vostrar’s chest Voltorb, Banak and Aravan move in to complete the attack.
Banak swings the greatsword at the horse and fells it with a monumental stroke. Horse and rider collapse, Vostrar falls heavily and grunts in pain as he rolls onto his injured leg but even badly hurt the warrior has in his hand the broadsword that slew Malethrax. He lashes out ferociously and in seconds he has cut the throat of Banak and caved in the chest of Voltorb. The Elenorian woman, Aravan, swerves away on her horse from the deadly blade as Vostrar struggles towards her.
Amblay has the warrior in his sights. His final arrow is telling – it penetrates Vostrar’s skull between the eyes and the dangerous warrior is slain.
Danat doubles back as Amblay and Aravan search the fallen warrior. They retrieve the letter, which has been opened, but are unable to decipher the writing. As a trophy the broadsword of Vostrar is taken and they head north once more, Danat worried for the health of Raven.
The men-at-arms disappear. They melt into the background (possibly back to Van Myrid) leaving the three travellers breathing space for the first time in weeks. Just before noon a thousand riders come into view – the Myrnarians are a welcome sight. Their leader Ganthar has with him Ivara – the priestess of Elena – she immediately tends to the stricken Drenai spy. Once healed by the priestess Raven hugs Danat in thanks for her life and sheds a single tear for her fallen companions.
Raven is able to read the letter. She confirms that her uncle, King Rufus IV, has information that Malakar’s influence has entered the palace of Van Myrid. She explains that the king wanted Malethrax to deliver the letter so that he could expose the traitor and ultimately deal with him.
For the next week Amblay learns to ride amongst some of the greatest horsemen on Grayhawk. Danat meanwhile ponders what to do about the newfound information…he decides to head for Van Myrid.
Danat Peres, Amblay, Aravan and Raven turn their horses to the southwest and ride towards the capital city of Myrid…