Investigation Begins
The team exits the main hall as soon as the king dismisses them. They are brought to a private meeting room in the castle, as requested by Denila. There, they all sat together around a table with tea and snacks prepared. Benjamin begins digging in and slowly sips the tea.
"Now that we're in a private place. There shouldn't be any eavesdroppers" Denila says
"A cautious one! I like you" Adelgeld comments
"Mind telling us, information about this incident?" Jonathan asks getting to the point as he eats muches down some cookies
"Hm. Very well. It was a stormy night? Yes yes, we traveled under a heavy blizzard from the port. I was with other travelers and since weren't traveling much goods compared to merchants, the time it would take to travel wouldn't take long. But in the middle of the path, there was a tree blocking the way which forced the carriage to stop. When the carriage stopped, that's when everything went down. They took the driver which caused panic in the carriage. Moments later, the carriage gets flipped over and they begin smashing their way through. They looked human, but had inhuman strength. It was hard to see with the blizzard hindering my vision" Adelgeld shares then takes a sip from his teacup
"Hm, I knew the moment I stepped into the icy fields, something is bound to be dangerous" Jonathan says
"Is that why you only did quests within the city?" Denila asks
"Oh if you knew... So many things were going on in the different districts of the place" Jonathan replies
"Anyways.." Benjamin says trying to go back to topic "We're to investigate this incident.. Scouts were sent but went missing. Somehow... this survivor made it out. How did you get out?"
The others begin to look at Adelgeld in suspicion, agreeing with Benjamin. Azgore kept calm drinking his tea and eating the cookies as he listened to everything that was going on.
"Correct. I did get out. The moment the carriage was flipped over, and they smashed through. We all stayed inside until they completely made a big hole enough. Once they smashed a hole open, everyone just started rushing out. I went out as well and took advantage of the chaos happening. I noticed that the snow was thick, and with my white robes, I hid the purple scarf inside me and tripped on the ground. I stayed down thinking it's over but it seems like they didn't notice me at all" Adelgeld explains
"Honestly.. that still sounds pretty suspicious. It's either they didn't really see you because of that robe. Or they intended not to take you" Gunvil adds
"Hey, I'm completely innocent. I'm telling you guys everything I know of this and even volunteering myself to join you on this quest to investigate" Adelgeld defends himself
"Let's not jump to conclusions, assuming we're all thinking of the same. For now, we'll let him off the hook. If he tries anything funny, pretty much he'll get a beating from the top tier adventurers like us" Azgore says
"I came here on my own accord. Apparently, the rumors of the forest spread overseas, and it got me curious. So I was eager to come" Adelgeld adds
"You know! I just wanted to stay in the tavern-"
"Drink all day and play your lute? I'm a regular in that tavern too" Gunvil interrupts Benjamin
"We have NO information about the enemies, we're risking our lives in this investigation. If the knights that were sent to scout the area along with hunters that are well versed with the forest didn't make it back. What makes you guys think we're even going to make it out alive?" Benjamin exclaims desperately
"Do you know of any pattern of the attacks?" Jonathan reverts back to Adelgeld
"I've only heard of the attacks happening in the road. It started with wealthy merchants going missing, and now us travelers. Rumors have also said that some people found a track leading deep into the forest, but never followed. I've asked hunters about this track, they replied saying that they have no knowledge of this track existing there" Adelgeld answers
"I swear... this is how I die..." Benjamin mumbles to himself in different language
"What was that?" Gunvil faces to Benjamin asking
"Nothing, never mind" Benjamin answers quickly
As they team continued their conversation. They would be interrupted with knocking on the door. Azgore gets up and opens the door. Outside, stood one of the knights from the main hall earlier. Still had the full plate armor and helmet on. He salutes to the team.
"Cilion, of the royal knights that serve the royal family of Icy Vale. At your service. As requested by Your Highness, I am to assist you in your investigation and to bring the missing scouts" he says
"Perfect! Looks like we can stand a chance against these creatures" Jonathan exclaims
"Can I have a drink! I need to get REALLY drunk for this!" Benjamin pleads
Jonathan gets a small bell from his bag and pats Benjamin's back attaching the bell on him with a string. Benjamin, with a concerned look on his face, turns to Jonathan as he pats him on the back.
"Er.. Hello..." Benjamin says nervously
"Heh? Anyways Adelgeld, how will you be able to help us in this adventure?" Jonathan immediately asks Adelgeld
"Suicide mission you mean? Ahem" Benjamin says
"Hm. I can show you the way? And also show the way out? I have good memory" Adelgeld answers
Denila shakes the hand of Cilion and leads him to a chair. She closes the door and they continue their conversation.
"He's asking if you can fight. From this composition, we have Jonathan who can sneak his way around. Me and the royal knight Cilion who can fight in the front lines. Denila doing her magic in the back row while Gunvil covers her. Not sure about Benjamin though" Azgore says
"Hey! I can use magic too! My power comes from my skills!" Benjamin exclaims
"How'd you know I can use magic?" Denila asks
"You don't have a weapon on you, yet you're a top tier adventurer like us. Magic had to be the most logical explanation" Azgore says
"No. I can't fight. But I did say my use, so everything should be fine" Adelgeld says
"Ah, so we're bringing a regular traveler with us who got through with luck? Well... I don't know how to feel about that" Gunvil says
"It's fine, as long as he stays out of the attack zone. Everything should go according to plan" Jonathan says
"Wait what plan?" Denila asks looking surprised "I didn't know we had one!"
"Guys!! Can we go back to the inn! I really need to drink!" Benjamin pleads once more
Azgore stands up then stretches his body. He turns to the door then stops right in front of it.
"I'm starting to like this team. So here's the plan of action. We'll head out tomorrow at daylight. We meet at the gate. Also you guys have a room at IcyShade inn right? Then I guess you guys can just go together. I'll go back first since there's not much to discuss at this point. We'll think of the plan once we know the situation" Azgore says
Azgore leaves the room, and the rest of the team follows after exchanging their goodbyes. Cilian reminds them once again of tomorrow's meeting at the gate. They all nod in understanding then leave going back to doing their own thing. Benjamin buys and drinks ale from the tavern he was in earlier then returns back to his room in the inn. Jonathan sneaks around some more in the castle until he is soon found by the guards then sent out. Denila, Azgore, and Jonathan returned back to their rooms at IcyShade inn and took their rests to prepare for the next day's adventure. The day ended and everyone slept peacefully in their rooms.
Now morning, Adelgeld and Cilian are waiting at the gate. Checking on their gears to see if everything's ready for them. They continue waiting for the others but no one seems to be coming.
"Think they overslept?" Adelgeld strikes a conversation with Cilian
"I don't think they would do that. Especially during a quest given by Your Highness" Cilian replies
There, the conversation ended with an awkward silence. Few minutes later Denila arrives along with Azgore.
"You guys finally made it?! Nice, all set?" Adelgeld asks
The remaining three would be seen from a distance running trying to catch up with the rest. But ended up moving regularly and using up energy because of the thick snow making it hard to travel. Jonathan looks around as if searching for something.
"Hey, we're not traveling by foot are we?" Jonathan asks
"A carriage won't be provided, by foot we're going" Cilian answers
"The broken carriage shouldn't be that far ahead" Adelgeld says
The guard approaches them and Adelgeld begin explaining things to him. Once the guard finally understood for the reason of their meetup, they open up the gates and the team begins heading out. Despite the thick snow on the ground, and the little light that is present due to the dark clouds they continued to travel towards their destination.