You follow the two soldiers #38

They’re not going to get away with this, you think to yourself.
“I know that look,” whispers Valda. She sighs. “I’m ready when you are.”
“No signatures, no training, no real weapons or uniforms issued,” you spit, “which means this is a setup.”
The Gypsy’s eye glint in the dim starlight, her fingers tapping on the hilt of her dagger. “I’d like some payback.”
“As would I,” you growl. You locate a fallen branch. It’s perfect as a walking stick…and may come in handy when applied to some heads, you grin. “Right, let’s go cause some trouble.”
You follow the ridge of the mountain range, keeping to the deep shadows as you go. Before long, you smell the sweet scent of bourbon tobacco in the air.
You tap Valda on the shoulder. She notices the scent as well.
There’s a small snap of a tree limb in the distance…and then you hear the soft singing…
…of Kutollum folk-songs.
“What the blazes are you doing out here in the woods?” you snap at Dorbane as you barge into the open moonlight.
The Kutollum jumps from the tree log he’d been leaning against and grabs you both, hugging you like a bear. “MY FRIENDS!”
“Shhhhh!” stammers Valda, slapping a hand over Dorbane’s mouth. “We’re tracking murderers!” She motions to the cover of a group of trees. Dorbane and you follow.
“Why are you out here, Dorbane?” you ask.
His head sways back and forth, embarrassed, “I didn’t have the heart to join up, once I heard they were shipping new recruits back North. With my family gone, Andilain’s become my new home—though I do miss the snow.” He smiles brightly, and you can see his teeth, even in the shadows. “I didn’t have anywhere else to go, so I thought I’d walk for a spell. Maybe head back to the orphanage,” he winks at Valda, “Maybe find two new youngsters to raise into fine members of society.”
She moans.
“Well, we’re tracking two men who like killing fine members of society.” You poke the dwarf int he chest, “Which is something you’d probably like to do something about, yes?”
His look shifts to the cold reality of business.
Gripping his axe, “There’s a camp not far from here.” Dorbane grins menacingly, “What’s say we drop in for a visit?”
So as not to be caught unaware, the three of you spread out and make your way towards the firelight you see in the distance.

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