The beach gives way to hard grass at the forest’s edge. Grissey looms ahead, cool shade spilling between the trunks as the troop settles into a waiting hush.
Wor Gokk
He lifts a hand toward the line of carts, then back to the ranks. "Say the word, Kadash. Black Arrow, if that is the banner we march under."
The two buffalo shift side by side, steam faint from their nostrils. Elves tighten straps, cat-men square shoulders, and the gully dwarves look ready for work or song.
Kadash
Black Arrow.
The name hangs in the cool air. A few heads nod at once, as if the words set their feet on a clearer road.
Wor Gokk
He gives a short, satisfied grunt. "Good. Then let it be known. Cargo first, guards at the sides, no straggling. We keep the line clean."
The troop eases into motion, not hurried, but steady. For a heartbeat, the forest feels less like a wall and more like an open doorway.
“I ask the group to raise hands who wants to be in charge of scouting, and their skills”
SUCCESS (Good Leadership, rolled +2)
Kadash lifts a paw and the line slows without breaking. He asks who wants scout duty, and who can speak to their skill.
Hands rise in pockets along the troop. A wood elf with a reed green cloak taps two fingers to her bow, then points toward the tree line. A cat-man farther back thumps his chest and lifts a short spear.
Wor Gokk
I keep the carts and the wounded moving. But if you want a point on the road, I can pick one who reads tracks and one who watches the sky.
Wor Gokk
As for skills, name them plain. Archer, druid, tracker, listener. I want no false pride on the march.
Wor Gokk
I know three worth hearing already, Kadash. Nella sees prints like they shout, Sorn can scent wet stone, and Vey answers bird calls better than most men answer names.
The troop loosens by a careful degree, not relaxed, but proud to be asked. A few quiet voices trade abilities down the line, and the buffalo settle as the carts stand still.
Nella
I can go ahead. Two hundred paces, maybe more, if the ground stays clean.
Sorn
And I can tell you if the forest has drunk recently. Damp roots, broken brush, old feet. It all speaks.
Quest Complete
Reach Grissey Forest
Skill Upgrade: Leadership Good→Great