Making Camp, Answering Questions
The equipment has been divided, prayers have been said, spells have been
memorized. The group moves on, hoping to get as far from the temple as
possible. After an hour of walking Gareth reiterates his question. Do
you continue looking for the idol, or do you resume your mission about
the countryside.
During the rest break, Gareth broaches the subject of continuance. "As I
see it, we have two options: clear the situation regarding the idol, or
leave the problem behind us and sweep other area of the land. Before I
speak my view, I want all of you to understand that I will not hold grudges
should you dissent; I will be guided by majority." The paladin pauses to
let the comment sink in. "Here, however, is my view. We have had many
hardships trying reclaim this idol... and lost many companions. It might
be my stubbornness, but I do not like leaving a challenge lying on the
ground. I think that to survey the lands, but not respond or correct the
problems, is not fulfilling the duties given unto us. It has always been
my way to seek out the dangers of the world, not flee cowardly from them.
To fulfill this quest grants some worth to the deaths along the way; to
leave strips it. I would rather honour the dead and resolve the
uncertainties of this area." Gareth shifts position, resting one leg upon
a fallen log.
"'If we are marked to die, we are enought to do our country loss; and if to
live, the fewer men, the greater share of honour. Pikahl's will, I pray
thee, wish not one man more. By Pikahl, I am not covetous for gold, nor
care I who doth feed upon my cost; such outward things lie not in my
desires. But if it be a sin to covet honour, I am the most offending soul
alive.'" The knight surges atop the fallen log, striking azure blue
against a dismal background. "'He which hath no stomach to this fight, let
him depart; free passage shall be made and coins put into his purse. We
would not die in that man's company that fears his fellowship to die with
us. He that outlives this duty and comes safe home will stand a-tiptoe
when this feat is named and rouse him at the name. He that shall see this
duty and live old age will yearly strip his sleeve and show his scars, and
say, 'These wounds I had.' Then shall our names, familiar in his mouth as
household words, be in their flowing cups freshly remembered. This story
shall the good man teach his son, and gentlemen in Dragonmeyr now abed
shall think themselves accurst they were not here, and hold their manhoods
cheap whiles any speaks that fought with us upon this time.'"
As Gareth reduces his volume from the nigh-shouting level at the oratory's
conclusion, he smiles wryly and dismounts the log, favouring it with the
same pat given many a times to his sturdy mount. "I am open to other
options though.." he offers with a shrug.
Everyone ponders what has been said, and knowing within their own hearts they must avenge the deaths of their friends, and right the wrongs done here, they all agree to continue on, and swear a pact to keep each other safe and healthy.
Turn 43