Where do we go from here?

While they were mulling over what to do, Larkin came out of her sanctuary, which seemed to be rather pointed, as the other witches seemed to react in hushed tones.

They told the boys that Vae would need to rest overnight, and that even when he awoke, he would be catatonic for a short time, and it was unclear how long it would last.

Larkin suggested he either stay behind, or that the boys would have to protect him, as he would not be able to fend for himself. They once again asked for more information as to what was happening in the outside world, but Larkin suggested they speak to others, and to find some lore masters in the great cities.

When asked if the rest of them could stay the night in the grove, Larkin was unsure, but they went to speak to Thymea, who eventually acquiesced.

Having rested in comfort and safety for the first time in what felt like ages, the boys had a renewed sense of vigour upon waking, and felt stronger than ever.

They were escorted out, and while this was happening, they asked if they could return if they were in trouble, but Thymea seemed displeased at the prospect, she once again reiterated that the coven did not want to interfere with the outside world.  It was unclear if they would be allowed back in.

Undeterred,they decided to go back home, to check on everyone after their harrowing visions. They bid farewell to Thymea, and started heading back the way they came.  The decision was to skirt south east in order to avoid Marthport, as they didn’t want to risk the guards there recognizing them.

Realizing they didn’t want to sleep out in the wilds overnight, and that they would never make it back to Wavemeet before dark, they chose to find a farmstead that they might be able to trade work for lodging, as they no longer had any money.

They picked one of the easternmost farms outside of the city, and calling it a farm was a stretch. There was one farmhouse and a barn, and a few small fields.

There were a few people working in the field, and when asked for work, they pointed them to the farmhouse, where they could find the owner. There, the boys met Parker Davies, and older, grizzled man who was skeptical at first (given the boys’ armour and weapons), but said yes.

The boys quickly got to work, and since they had experience on the farm back home, made quick work out of the planting. Lan even had time to fix the roof on the barn.  Everyone was quite impressed by them, and once it was dinner time, they got to meet Parker’s wife Winnifred, who cooked everyone an amazing, if simple meal. The boys were to be put up in the barn, as there was no room anywhere else, but that suited them just fine.  They brought a meal back to Vae, but had to feed him by hand, as he was still in his frozen state, not really responsive.

They passed another comfortable night, without any worry. Morning came, and with it, a chill wind…