Smashing Evil into Defeat [IC]

[ThirdEmperor]

Mundus. The prime material. Only one of infinite planes yet the only one worth concern with at the present, an ocean of etheric void punctuated by a million brightly burning suns in sharp contrast. Each of those suns harboring a half-dozen or so spheres of rock and mud in infinitely ponderous orbit. Each world host to life in one form or another.

Once again, it is only one of these worlds that concerns us. It's name is simply "the world" to it's inhabitants, for it was named long before they knew of any other land, a delusion which still persists in many of it's less educated inhabitants.

Of this world of four, perhaps five continents, depending on which of it's many tribes is counting, only one small sliver is worth inspection at present. The rest are mostly still- what wars there are, for there are always wars in some form, the quiet kind that comes as a slow rot of life and decency rather than raging wildfires of seething hatred. Those kinds of wars are in the past for now, the near entirety of the northern continent a grim reminder of the horrors that such unchecked aggression brings, the earth there stoll strewn with the bones of soldiers felled and rich with the blood of the dragon-kings whose empire was toppled upon those grounds.

This small sliver that is worthy of note is the relatively minor kingdom of Cadleth, a land of no significant military might nor agriculture but rich in precious metals untouched beneath the rolling hills. To narrow it down yet further our story begins in the town of Copperbrook, a small hamlet built at the very edges of that kingdom, at the fringe of the great forest which separates them from the neighboring patchwork of duchies and territories.

Today, just an hour or so before now, from this otherwise unimportant village set out a small caravan. It carries no cargo save for traveling provisions and it's beasts of burden are no more than two grey nags, but the mission is nonetheless an important one, at least in the minds of those undertaking it. They journey to a shrine secluded deep in the forest, built atop a holy spring possessing great powers of restoration and once the center of a thriving wilderness town that has long since faded to dust, leaving only the temple behind.

This yearly pilgrimage is the most important of rights to the villagers of Copperbrook, where the ground is unfit for proper farming and food scarce enough as it is, said to be all that ensures even the meager harvest that allows them to survive the brutal winters. Hence why although only two old monks, brothers Alton and Malby, are needed for the ritual, five of the village's best warriors have been sent along to protect them.

At this very moment they plod slowly through the forest, following an overgrown dirt path just barely visible through the all-entangling weeds, the oppressive midday sun kept off their backs by the thick canopy of leaves overhead. Birdsong and the rustling of small animals throughout the brush is the predominant sound, mingling with the quiet chatter of the two priests and the snapping of twings and leaves beneath their horses' hooves. As much as the village elders must have feared danger upon the road to send such heavy guard, things are peaceful, and the five chosen youths have little to do but talk amongst themselves for now.

I doubt it will remain so for long.

[missmvicious]

At peace in these woodland areas Ainsley feels a sense of peace with the beautiful day. She enjoys the occasional patch of sun as she passes through it and keeps one ear on the song of the world around them while chit chatting with her companions. She runs her fingers through her long red hair, pulling it away from her face then absently twisting it to get it off her neck while chatting. "You see that bird over there?" She says with a nod in the direction of a bird singing in a tree. "There is a funny story about them from my homeland."

[Mordae]

From his position at the right guard of the caravan, the youthful half-elf, Envynthiarus, cranes his neck to get a better look at Ainsley's ornithological musing. "The one with the red crest? I do believe I read of them in my father's library. Strangely enough, they are close cousins to the mighty roc. Do tell of your story," Envyn encourages his traveling mate. If it were not for the other youths, he would have to listen to the dry offerings of the monks, and that would be little different than a day spent at home.

[HearTheRequiem]

The heavily-armoured, lumbering hulk of a Warforged seems out-of-place in a woodland, especially so when travelling with an otherwise-nondescript group of people. To its credit, however, it seems to be trying hard - with some success - to not trample the flowers.

As the redhead speaks, the juggernaut's head turns in her direction, and replies with a metallic, echoing voice booming from somewhere inside its chest cavity.

"Bird?
...The Sentient Mechanised Initiate of the Templars Exalted regrets it has no recollection of any tales involving a bird.
It would, however, be interested to hear a story of such a bird, if the red-haired lady would like to tell the aforementioned story."

[missmvicious]

Ainsley looks at the bird as she walks past and feels as if the bird was looking right back at her as she begins her story "Many years ago, before the time of any civilization, before the great divide of the elven races and even the time before fire. The world was made of small tribes all hoping to survive the hardships of a great and terrible winter a chief elder of an elven clan set out on pilgrimage hoping to find the answers to his people's plight before they froze i their sleep through meditation with nature. He walked for many days through the cold bite of winter's wind staying alive more through will then physical strength. He broke from his chance in the dark hours of the morning sensing a light move through the trees. Carefully he followed the light wondering what had made such an unusual glow. In dawn's early hours the light paused in a clearing and the elven elder approached silently. He saw a red crested bird like that holding fire itself." She pauses for a moment for a bit of dramatic flare.

[HearTheRequiem]

"The bird was holding fire itself? You mean to say that such a bird can produce fire?"

[missmvicious]

Spurred on by the warforged question Ainsley goes on, "That is exactly what the bird did actually. As the elder crept closer he watched the bird take the flame and tuck it into its crest, no longer needing it with the sun's rays turning the skies pink. In awe the elder stepped on a dried twig and the red crested bird, startled, flew off. The elder despaired briefly at loosing sight of the mysterious bird but then set his mind to finding the bird again. Something told him that fire would be the saving grace of his people. So he walked in the direction the bird had flown and looked for any signs of it that he could. He spent a week walking and searching for Narcalas, the flame crested bird. One night while watching out for the tale tell illumination the elder got his wish as he spotted the bird. Very carefully he stalked after the bird, as far as he could tell he'd need to get his hands on Narcalas then plead his case, less the bird take flight again without hearing him out. All night he followed the fiery glow this time making no more noise then the shadows being cast. Then when the sky lightened and the clouds were pink the bird again stopped ready to tuck away its flame. That is when the elder made his move moving like a great cat he leapt out and grabbed the bird. Then he recoiled in pain. The fire burned him and his hands ached. Narcalas fell to the ground in the moment of confusion but was quickly up and took flight away from the elf without delay. The elder watched again with dispair as Narcalas became a smaller and smaller on the horizon. Then he noticed the smoulders on the dead branch Narcalas's flame had touched. He inspected it closely and coaxed a small flame out of it. The warmth of this fire was not so hot and he did not burn himself. He collected the branch and took it home to his people as quickly as he could. It wasn't until nightfall did Narcalas notice the missing flames and by then he had put a hundred miles between himself and the crazed elf. He waited till dawn and went in search of the elf. When he finally caught up to the flame's thief he was surprised to see a fire warming women and their children, with food being heated over it. He opened his beak to say something but was cut short when the elf elder saw him. "Oh thank you great bird, your fire has saved my people" the elder said. The bird was pleased to see what a great thing his flame had done and lost all anger about the incident. He decided to spread fire to the races of the earth and flame by flame gave all his fire away. No longer can those birds pull a flame from their crests but they will always be remembered for their great gift." Ainsley finished her story and looked to her group to see their expressions.

[HearTheRequiem]

The Warforged seems to consider this story, then nods as if to say it understands.

"Then let Narcalas be an example to us all."

[AvocadoAvenger]

ThomSerra walked with the group, enjoying the the shade and scenery that the forest provided. At first he was skeptical about his place in the group. He was not the type to seek out adventure for himself, but he saw good that could be done and going outside of his box would certainly prove to be a worthwhile experience for him. Though for the first part of the trip Thom walked in silence, only contributing to the priests's conversation every once in a while he soon realized that the group seemed friendly. So when Ainsley began telling her story, he tuned in as well, listening intently.
"Truly" he added, contributing to the conversation "if the legend holds true, then it sounds like Narcalas has made our world a better place." His voice is thoughtful as he says this, like he has seriously contemplated the myth.

[missmvicious]

Ainsley reaches her arms up to the sky in a mighty stretch and ponders the origins of her story herself considering the red crested bird. Then she says "Indeed, we owe them our gratitude."

[Mordae]

Envyn smiles as the tale is retold. It is a story of beginnings, recounted at least three different ways in the oldest transcriptions of the elven oral tradition, and one good to recall in difficult times. "Well-spoken, Ainsley. While none can ascertain for certain how the art of fire was first learned, there is no doubt of its transformative power on all civilization. On such humble beginnings rest the sum of all knowledge--without which we could not be graced with company as interesting as Smite." He offers a nod of appreciation to the warforged at the lead of the procession. "Likewise the spring to which we journey--the source of the gift unknown, its remarkable potency within our village undeniable. Of such stuff are great legends born."

[Liams12]

Kline walks in the shade where he does not speak unless asked a question, nor does he make any means of opening up to the group.

[missmvicious]

"the magic of this world is amazing, is it not?" Ainsley says smiling happily, then to keep her hands busy she briads a tiny secion of hair while walking.

[AvocadoAvenger]

ThomSerra seems lost in thought for a minute while reminiscing on the different legends and magic impacts that fill his split soul, but still paying attention to the conversation. "Yeah, it really is something" Thom says, shifting his full attention back. "It is also a bit frightening; we can only hope that it makes itself our ally instead of our enemy."

[missmvicious]

"Or that we are stronger then the evil of the world." Ainsley said.

[ThirdEmperor]

Alton and Malby clap a little in appreciation of Ainsley's tale, the former spurring his horse to trot up alongside the wood elf so that he can speak to her. "A fine story miss, although... I cannot help but notice you disregard the classical form for such tales. I think that when we return to town, you might wish to peruse the temple library and learn more of civilized storytelling." The old priest says, obviously trying to be kind but unable to keep just a hint of condescension out of his tone

It was not a particularly uncommon attitude in Cadleth, particularly among the old and set in their ways, to view races other than the predominant humans and halflings as lessers, uneducated savages. Dwarves, elves, especially orcs, all were treated with quiet disdain in most settlements, if not outright hatred. Copperbrook was far better than most towns in that regard, but, as demonstrated by brother Alton, not without it's share of the ignorant.

But whatever scathing reply Ainsley might have for the old fool shall have to wait, for any she makes now will surely be drowned out by the overwhelming din that ensues the very next moment. A horrible humming, buzzing cacophony fills the air, drowning out the party's chatter and the singing of birds in the trees, startling the horses into a panic. "Dire flies! Keep alert! They'll steal your breath and eat you while you sleep!" Brother Malby yells, trying to keep his horse under control as the beast turns and rears, flailing it's hooves at the air.

[AvocadoAvenger]

ThomSerra thought ill of Alton's disregard for the legitimacy of Ainsley's story, and was about to say something to try to right any hurt feelings when the noise began. Immediately, he began to fear. He had never had seen combat before, and was not accustom to that kind of imperative brutality. His mind did manage to clear, however. This was likely thanks to the duality of experiences coming from having a second soul sharing his own. In fact, his moment of fear was barely noticeable; one deep breath with resolve was. Then ThomSerra drew his morningstar, and said "Be on the lookout! Would anyone like the protection of my faith (a "Shield of Faith spell, I wouldn't have as much healing if I cast it though)?" He spoke with leadership in his voice, and the hints of the commanding nature were more than drowned out by the fact that being on the lookout would be a good idea.

[missmvicious]

Ainsley's travels had brought her through many areas where racism ran rampant and the results of it had gotten out of hand. She held back any venomous remarks that others of her kin might have made. As she normally did, Ainsley had gotten into many a fight about man's arrogance but she had learned by now that usually man didn't mean much by it. As this old man looked down upon her she pitied him. Humans never connected to the world like the elves did. Animals would run from them and fey folk would not easily come out to play. She pondered if the half elf had picked up the old man's tone before the insects drowned out the conversation. All while she pulled out her bow and knocked an arrow, her keen elven eyes "much sharper then a human's eyes" she thought, scanning looking for the first fly to come into sight.


Readied action to attack the first fly that comes into sight.
Spot check
[roll0]

[Mordae]

At the warning, Envyn rips his light blade from its sheath and scans the trees for the approaching danger. The priest's insults would have to wait for a reply--the xenophobia of the land was well-known, if not universally shared, for clearly his mother held nothing against the elder race. "Save your energies, friend, and let us dispatch the foe with just vigor and due haste." He takes up a position close to brother Malby, but not so close that the priest's flailing mount might land a kick.

[HearTheRequiem]

The Warforged adopted a fighting stance, pulling a greathammer from its back.

"We ask that you refrain from further obstructing our path. You have six seconds to allow us passage."

[AvocadoAvenger]

ThomSerra dons his shield, and takes a five foot step diagonally to position himself diagonally from SMITE, ready for the attack (that's two move actions, and several free for the surprise round). He nods in response to Envyn; his idea made sense. He now waited after SMITE spoke, but doubted there would be any reckoning with the buzzers.

[Liams12]

Kline draws his sword and prepares for combat

[ThirdEmperor]

Out of the trees and bracken fly a quartet of huge bugs the size of cats, much akin to dragonflies with four green gossamer wings apiece all blurred by constant motion and beady compound eyes staring dumbly from either side of their black-carapace covered heads.

As they zip out from cover towards the party, one is immediately brought short by a well placed arrow from the ranger's bow slicing two of it's wings off at the stem, twisting it's charge into an awkward zig-zagging circle.

The other three continue on unimpeded though, circling 'round the party and horses where they stand assembled, moving like blurs of green and black as they dart and feint and about, staying always just a step out of reach and slightly overhead as they wait for a chance to put their sharp-looking mandibles to use.

[Mordae]

With his free hand, Envyn makes slow circling motions as he incants the words to a spell. Suddenly, a bolt of fire bursts forth from his outstretched palm, enveloping the nearest of the oversized insects. "Let the powers of flame consume you!" he offers with a grin.

[roll0] - only first 1d6 counts if the fly has SR and I fail to overcome it with [roll1] this caster level check. Reflex save for half damage.

[HearTheRequiem]

"Combat mode engaged. Initiating anti-vermin protocol."
S.M.I.T.E. lumbers towards the nearest insect, bringing his hammer down with a sickening squish.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[missmvicious]

Not wanting to break the ring Ainsley stays next to the old men and takes aim for another shot. When she locks on to her next target she lets the arrow fly.

Attack
[roll/1d20+5[/roll]
Damage
Damage
[roll0]

[AvocadoAvenger]

ThomSerra delays his initiative count one, to after SMITE. After SMITE uses up their, presumably, only attack of opportunity for the round, Thom advances forward and makes his attack.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Liams12]

I am switching weapons as a move action then attacking with my bow.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[ThirdEmperor]

The party's combined assault cuts through the giant insects like a knife through butter, SMASH's mace swatting one out of the air with a single strong swipe and Envyn's spell incinerating another into a puff of ash. ThomSerra's attack is less successful though, the 'dire fly' managing to quickly maneuver out of the morniningstars path and leaving the hapless cleric off-balance for a crucial second that the insects are quick to capitalize upon.

The two surviving flies quickly dart in from either side, one biting ThomSerra on the arm with it's serrated mandibles and drawing blood, the other, the one previously injured by Ainsley's arrow, grabbing him with it's prehensile forward legs and using some sort of innate magic, a sudden wave of drowsiness afflicting the kalashatar's mind.

A moment later the group's two archers fire, Ainsley striking true once more and finishing off the insect she already wounded, Kline's shot going just an inch wide and missing it's mark- although thankfully missing Thom as well.

But it's far from over just yet.

Four more flies burst from the trees, swooping menacingly overhead, while out of the undergrowth marches a huge beetle-like creature nearly half as tall as human. This new beast is armored by a thick blue-gray shell, moving upon six stumpy legs with a seventh appendage, this one stronger looking and ending in a four-fingered hand, jutting from it's shell just above the creature's singular green eye.

ThomSerra takes 1 point of damage, has a -1 to Will saves against sleep effects for the next minute.

Init for the new creature; [roll0]

[missmvicious]

So its been 23 hours waiting for Vix to show so I am just gonna post my turn now and it can be bumped to after his or what ever but waiting is lame.
Attack Roll
[roll0]
Damage
[roll1]


Ainsley quickly lets another arrow fly at a near by fly, but immediately regrets not taking more time to aim as her shot goes wide and misses. "Bullocks" she curses under her breath.

[Mordae]

"What in the nine Hells is that?" Envyn wonders before preparing and sending a spell in its direction; this time, a silver-grey ray springs forth toward the oddly appendaged beast. "This encounter cannot be a coincidence--something works against our purpose."


Casting Ray of Enfeeblement at the new creature.

[roll0]
If hit, take [roll1] Strength damage.

[HearTheRequiem]

SMITE's voice rings out from its chest cavity, once again.
"You will leave at once. You will not interfere with the pilgrimage."

It then leaps towards the newcomer beetle, bringing its hammer down.

Charging Mr. Beetle!
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[AvocadoAvenger]

"Just take them down, team" Thom says, as he strikes again at the flying fly.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[ThirdEmperor]

An unfortunate turn indeed for our heroes. Thom takes a swat at the flying foe that plagues him with his mace, but the monstrous insect darts back out of the way before diving in for another bite, only quick thinking and a quicker backhand repelling it. A stalemate on this front, with neither Thom nor his opponent left worse for wear from the exchange.

Not far elsewhere, SMITE makes his charge, rushing towards the lumbering, beetle like creature and smashing it's hammer into the monster's side. But to no effect. The beetle's armor is simply too thick at the point of impact, easily absorbing the impact and giving it ample opportunity to counter-attack.

Luckily, the team's ranged combatants have his back. Another volley of arrows and spellcraft is launched, first the ray striking the beetle to sap at it's strength, then the arrows, one bouncing off the creature's thick armor whilst the second finds a weak point, drawing blood and a screech of anger from the monster. It swats at SMITE with it's hand-like appendage, but it's armored defenses come at the cost of speed and the robotic defender of justice finds the attack easy to deflect.

With the melee combatants no longer defending them though, the archers are vulnerable. The swarm of buzzing insects descends, one distracting Envyntharius while another darts around behind him, a simple touch sending waves of dizziness through his body.

Kline fares even worse. Two more bugs attack him, one grabbing onto his now arm and sinking it's teeth in, the other landing on his back and using it's fell magic.

Envyn has a -1 to Will saves against sleep effects for the next minute.

[Mordae]

With his magicks having succeeded in drawing the enemy to battle, Envyn reverts to his preferred method of combat--the sword. His thin blade darts like a stinger all its own, seeking the innards of the overly large fly nearest.


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[AvocadoAvenger]

ThomSerra begins to tire of the bugs evasion of his attacks. With frustration and determination, he strikes again.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[missmvicious]

Ainsley inhales i deep short breath, knocks another arrow and lets it fly.

Attack
[roll0]
Damage
[roll1]

[HearTheRequiem]

"THE INJURED WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT UNTIL SUCH A TIME AS IS POSSIBLE TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION."

The Warforged lashes out with his hammer again, and lumbers towards the beetle, trying to smash against it.

Full attack!
Hammer: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Slam: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]+[roll4]

[HearTheRequiem]

Crit confirm: [roll0]
Damages: [roll1]

[ThirdEmperor]

Arrows fly, weapons are swung, but all to no avail. Each arrow loosed meets only earth, each mace and blade striking nought but air. A hammer does strike home though, a hammer belonging to a certain warforged defender of justice. With one mighty blow SMITE shatters the monstrous beetle's shell and nearly kills the beast outright!

Barely still standing, the beetle tries to retreat, letting out a keening, sonorous hum as it does. Envyn, SMITE and Ainsley will feel nothing, but the effects are clear from the reactions of those around them. Kline is the first to collapse, followed by the two priests, all falling into magical slumber at the sound. ThomSerra too feels the spell begin to work on his mind, the drowsiness brought on by the attacks of the flies nothing compared to the overwhelming fatigue that grips him.

Abandoning their previous targets the enormous dragonflies swarm the robotic crusader assaulting their leader. As much as the warforged might try to dodge or leverage his armor against the mass of foes there's simply too many, the insects biting and nipping wherever his guard is down and dodging his attempts at retaliation.

SMITE takes 5 damage from as many bites
ThomSerra needs to make a DC 12 Will save vs. Sleep.

[missmvicious]

"Tampa tanya!" Ainsley shouts at the dragonflies as they swarm S.M.I.T.E., firing another arrow to cover her friends.

For those that speak elven
Stop that!
Attack Roll +1 because I assume I am within 30ft and -2 because I also figure I am firing into melee.
[roll0]
Damage
[roll1]

[Mordae]

With the big walking statue having the beetle well in hand at the moment, Envyn settles for clearing his animate companion's back of pesky insects. The half-elf works his blade in a circular pattern, focusing in, before lunging at one of the dire flies.


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[HearTheRequiem]

SMITE lashes out again at the beetle, before jerking its head back, trying to smash into a dragonfly.


Greathammer: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Slam: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3] + [roll4]

[AvocadoAvenger]

[roll0]
Overcoming his weariness, ThomSerra casts sleep into the thick of battle. Now the creatures that make up the four lowest hit die must make a DC 14 will save or fall asleep for one minute.

[ThirdEmperor]

The flies finally begin to fall, SMITE reducing one to a greenish smudge upon his metallic skull with a mighty headbutt while the party's two elves manage to slay another in concert, Ainsley's arrow winging the beast and leaving it unable to escape Envyn's follow-through with the blade. Not before it manages to sink their teeth into the warforged's hide once more though, tearing at the semi-organic tissue beneath with their serrated mandibles.

Rallying from the beetle's lulling song ThomSerra calls up his own magic and turns the creature's own tricks against it, incapacitating two more dragonflies with a spell of sleep.

With the battle lost the general turns to retreat, SMITE's hammer bouncing off the unbroken side of it's carapace as he tries in vain to prevent the beetle's escape. The last of the flies follows suit, pausing only to snap it's jaws ineffectually at SMITE before flitting up into the air and away.

SMITE loses another hitpoint!

Four hundred and fifty XP each!

[AvocadoAvenger]

ThomSerra puts his weapon arm down, and looks relieved. "We got 'em- nice work out there everyone." he says, trying to up everyone's spirits a bit. Next, he attends to his unconscious comrades one at a time to be sure that they were in fact put to sleep as he nearly was, and not subjected to a worse fate. His suspicions confirmed, Thom turns to the rest of the party and says "I think now would be a good time for the injured to receive medical attention." he does not mean to mock SMITE; it is likely that the noise of SMITEs voice proclaiming that earlier had just drilled it into his head. ThomSerra looks from face to face tenatively, realizing hardly any of them took damage, and he has no idea weather his healing would even be effective on someone who is half-machine.

[missmvicious]

"How do you go about repairing your body S.M.I.T.E.?" Ainsley asks the warforged inquisitively.

[HearTheRequiem]

"SMITE has been built with a rudimentary understanding of mechanics and, given sufficient time, can fully repair itself. Its rudimentary understanding of humanoid biological cycles indicates it would be most efficient to do this during the rest period of the rest of the group.

Magical healing also has a limited effect, however it is inefficient given that it is not working on living matter."

[missmvicious]

Ainsley turns the concept over in her mind as she listens and replies "Interesting."

Is everyone back on their feet?

[ThirdEmperor]

Alton, Malby and Kline are still unconscious, the former two lying slumped over on their horses, the last face-down in the dirt. Whatever spell was cast through the creature's song must have been powerful indeed to keep them unconscious so long.

The sound of birds singing from the treetops has finally returned, along with the chirping and buzzing of smaller, less deadly insects in the bracken. A good sign if any that their foes have truly retreated and will not be bothering them again soon, if ever.

[missmvicious]

Ainsley moves towards Malby. "Its okay." she whispers to his horse reaching out a comforting hand to it. She then tries waking Malby.

[Mordae]

Envyn keeps a watchful eye on the horizon while Ainsley wakes the sleepers and ThomSerra ministers to the wounded. His own injuries were exceedingly minor, though the bite mark burned with a familiar tingle of lingering magic. That such creatures existed was a testament to the inherent intertwining between nature and magic--that, or some ill-intending wizard had grown too old, or senile, or bored, to control his own foul creations. Regardless, nature found a way to win in the end..

Tearing himself from his thoughts, he casts a glance in the warforged's direction. "How long do you reckon before we reach the temple, SMITE?"

[AvocadoAvenger]

"I figured you might say that" ThomSerra says in response to SMITE's answer. "Well, time heals all wounds" he continues with tones of wisdom in his voice "I guess all we can do next is keep going. If our companions aren't awake now, we might be best off carrying Kline, and leading the horses." He looks at Anisley leading the horse towards the later part of his sentence. He seems ill at ease, keeping some attention towards the trees where the bug attack had come from. Under his breath but still audibly, he says "Best not to stay in this spot for too long..." Finally he approaches Kline and shakes him softly, then more rapidly and vigorously, lifting him up.