15. The Trail in Yorven

The next morning, the party proceeded further towards Yorven before following the directions of the lone thug that Kent had tricked into divulging what information he could. They spent the better part of the morning observing the bandit camp from a distance, though at midday, the bandits seemed to be making a move to pack up and leave. At this point, the party approached from their hiding place, almost nearly avoiding the attention of the nearby thugs. The subsequent fight led to the remaining bandits taking what strikes they could against the party and the mage pelting them with more devastating lightning bolts. However, with their ranks dwindled, the bandit leader, Lyzer Fes, and the mage, who the party discovered to be named Halia, retreated with the latter ignoring Kent’s attempts to receive information on the courier from her. The adventurers subsequently searched the remnants of the camp, and while they uncovered a certain amount of riches, they seemed no closer to locating the courier.
With Yorven nearby, the party headed for the town, taking to rest for the evening. The following day, while nothing disturbed them specifically, they came to know that the Order of Avalon had an increasing presence in the town. While the adventurers searched for the mayor, they came upon a bounded off investigation scene where he was present. Kent attempted to talk his way into an audience with the mayor, though the Order personnel manning the perimeter refused to grant him access. After some time, however, Kent did catch the attention of Barry Johnson, the secretary to General Firon Gael’toryn, who had been acting as a scribe and liaison for the current proceedings in Yorven. Bringing the secretary to the rest of the party, Barry gave the adventurers a mixed greeting. The subsequent private discussion led to both sides divulging sensitive information to the other, as well as Barry offering to arrange transport to Curieux for the party, who now fear the wrath of a vampire. While Barry estimated that the arrangements would take a few days, Jester hoped to continue the search for the courier in the meantime.

"Well, they're helping General Gael'toryn, so that's more than good enough for me to do what I can for them!"

— —Barry Johnson