(065) An Unlikely Rendezvous

The Lobby (Josiane, Dorgan, and Helmut)

The gaggle of pilgrims jump at the opportunity to enter into the abbey--believing rest and safely are surely at hand!

Ten weary pilgrims (seven women and three men) file into the lobby, and look about askance at the arrayed weapons therein.

"What are we to do, milord?" they bemoan, bewildered at their predicament.

"We are parched and famished from the road!" seems to be the general consensus.

Dorgan will inform the group of the current situation in Ket.

Dorgan will inform the group of the current situation in Ket.

This is modestly important news. What, in character, is the "current situation in Ket"?

Helmut secures the door as best is possible.

"Come with us," he replies to the whinging pilgrims, "These people are our friends," he adds by way of introduction.

"The Lady," he continues, acknowledging Josiane with a tip of his helmetted head, "is Joasiane the Saint, formerly of Ket".

"She will guide us. Trust in her wisdom, for she has walked many paths in the name of Thuul."

"I shall accompany you, Lord Helmut," says Josiane, stepping forward to salute her fellow Templar and flashing her pretty smile; "Josiane the Guided, Knight in the service of Thuul and Saint Tamarae. My sword is at your service and that of your flock. Let us make all haste to bring them to safety."

"I am honoured, Josiane the...", suddenly Helmut's eyes grow wide and he gasps, "The Vagabond Knight!"

He drops to on knee and bows his head.

"Indeed, I am most honoured my Lady, " he says, palpable reverence in his voice, "Even in Maine we have heard of the exploits of The Vagabond Knight, also known as The Saint, and those who travel with her."

Raising his eyes to again take in the gathered group while remaining on one knee, he appraises them anew, "I am honoured to share the company of any companions of this Lady and count you all friends."

Josiane blinks a couple of times, seemingly in some confusion.

"Um... and hello to you too."

"I have exploits?" she thinks to herself, somewhat baffled; "And there's that 'Saint' thing again!"

But she then follows the martial Templar to the gates where his flock await. She notes (with a degree of disapproval) his (in her opinion) over-harsh words to them, but says nothing.

"Good people, welcome in Thuul and Saint Madelaine's name! It is true this holy place has been defiled, but fear not! We shall do all in our power to ensure your safety. Pray follow us and keep together."

"Perhaps we might conceal them in the hidden sanctum?" she whispers to Dorgan; "The enemy does not seem to have been able to penetrate that holy place as yet."

"Perhaps we might conceal them in the hidden sanctum?" she whispers to Dorgan; "The enemy does not seem to have been able to penetrate that holy place as yet."

Dorgan replies, "That's about the only good option we got."

Dorgan will inform the group of the current situation in Ket.

This is modestly important news. What, in character, is the "current situation in Ket"?

Dorgan will explain that snorks inserted themselves into the Traders Council while Lord Gottfried was out on campaign, managed to get goblins mixed in with the Men of the City Guard, and then used their position of trust to open the gates to a conquering army that included goblins, dire wolves, and giants (as in more than one).

The ordinary people are stricken with dread that fortified center such as Ket could have fallen into Goblin hands!

"Goblins! Wolves! Giants!", "They will have us all!", "What hope is there?" they cry. Some are visibly pale, shaking, or wobbly on their feet.

They are only too happy to oblige their Saint and Protector! The flock will follow where Josiane shall lead...

Torben

Torben's quiet thoughts are interrupted by a chorus of wailing and moaning from the pilgrims streaming into the abbey. He opts to politely excuse himself from his companions in the chapel and quietly make his way down to join Dieter and the rest.

The ordinary people are stricken with dread that fortified center such as Ket could have fallen into Goblin hands!

"Goblins! Wolves! Giants!", "They will have us all!", "What hope is there?" they cry. Some are visibly pale, shaking, or wobbly on their feet.

Helmut casts a see-what-I-have-had-to-put-up-with glance at Dorgan, wary of the unapproving eyes of The Vagabond Knight.