The mindless undead generally do what they are told. Grant had wandered about freely inspecting the various processes throughout the foundry without so much as being accosted by the undead workers running things. It was not until they had decided upon a course of action to rid the compound of the forced labor that the undead rose and defended themselves. One might wonder who told them to do so?
No answer was forthcoming. The group fought a number of loose bands of the undead effectively enough, and then set to scour the location for any clues. Aside from a ledger leading them to a mine to the south, there was little to see. They moved from the compound proper to Mr. Peterson’s cabin, and found our murdered proprietor. Quickly looking through the structure, they found the deed to the lands, Mr. Peterson’s name accompanied by that of a mysterious Ragnar. Leaving the cabin, the group was attacked and nearly defeated by a possibly undead creature. They immediately dubbed this creature “Ragnar.”
This taste of the supernatural had the group all too ready to leave Peterson foundry, but not before they made certain that the furnace could never be used again. They set the furnace on fire and left. After limbering up a mule to cart out some of the refined steel, they beat a hasty retreat across the river. Their plans were to head to the mine listed in the ledger, owned by some person named Ryals. As they traveled through the forest toward the South Road, they ventured too close to a wary community of fey.
A few of the fey hunters brought down their quarry and brought the party into their copse. The fey, known as grigs (think of a pixie with the lower body and hindquarters of an oversized cricket) discussed the last few hours’ activities in “their wood” with the group. Upon learning that Grant, Sho Tao and Ark-Amedes were responsible for destroying the zombie smithies, they rejoiced and rewarded the intrepid band handsomely (with some useful equipment and food), then sent them on their way.
The group agreed that it was in their best interest to travel to the south, following the River of the Three Pines to New Thesh. The mine that they had word of was located near the Great Library of the Conclave. Stopping there would give the group an opportunity to possibly communicate with their contacts back in Morville. The trip should have been straightforward and short. New Thesh is only a few leagues east from the South Road, and this portion of the road was wide and clear. However, they were beset upon by highwaymen disguised as part of the Red Duke’s guard.
The Red Duke (a very powerful and influential noble who shall be discussed at a later time) had been charged to protect the South Road. His guard kept travelers on the South Road safe from brigands, wild animals, even bad weather. In these disguised brigands, the group had uncovered the barest clue to a much larger problem. The group was able to rout the would-be thieves and claim their horses, weapons and hauberks, deciding to pay Duke Offa a visit.
Ark-Amedes was the first of the group to speculate that they were being followed. Rather than possibly endanger Winny, Sho-Tao conceded that the group should break off from the Road and travel due east. This would take them to the headwaters of the lesser Thesh River. Then they would cross to the northeast of New Thesh. This trek would take more than twice as long to reach their destination, but highwaymen and anyone tracking them would be much more hard pressed to follow.
The passage was relatively safe, considering the location. The foothills of the Great Thesh Mountains that cradle the headwaters of the three tributaries of the Thesh river are not very suitable for cities and castles. This makes for a wild and uncivilized area, where kobold are free to live in their grottos without being accosted by men. Likewise, the mountain villages of hobgoblins enjoy relative prosperity away from the heavy hand of the Emperor. However, as a result, travelers such as our erstwhile companions are also free game.
The group was first ambushed by a squad of kobold hunters who destroyed their cart and drove them to the Headwater Bridge, which the kobolds had already destroyed. Grant led the group away from the ambush and they traveled up into the mountains to continue their journey. Along the way they narrowly avoided a series of traps laid out by both their kobold hunters and a company of hobgoblins. The hobgoblins tried to scatter the group, but Sho-Tao kept the band together and they retreated out of range of their assailants’ bows. Weary and exhausted, the group managed to, at long last, reach the small town of New Thesh.
They boarded a room for the night, purchased a new cart, and stabled their horses, allowing themselves a short respite. With Winny’s help, Ark-Amedes took the time to visit the Great Library of the Conclave, the largest library in the Theshian Empire. He was only allowed to view a handful of tomes. Meanwhile Sho Tao performed for the inn patrons to pay for their room. Grant visited a shrine of Arguth, tithing and restoring his spirit. Battered and tired, the group had a good day of rest in New Thesh. The next morning would see them traveling to the Ryals Mine, a good ride to the west.