PlanetADnD.com

[OOC] The pool the boy is talking about is the one in the middle of the courtyard, so it is inside the gate. He wants the gate secured in case someone else tries to get in. [/OOC]

After the group disarms, the boy leaves the balcony and comes out into the courtyard. His appearance would best be described as "disheveled" but he is doing a good job of putting on a brave face. In his hands he holds something resembling an oar, about five feet long with a wooden shaft and a metal blade. He holds it raised. ready to strike a blow if needed.

"Who are you, and why have you come?" he demands.

Inside the doorway, in the shadow of the balcony, there is a bit of movement - a small figure, possibly another child, or perhaps two.

Liri gets down on one knee to get her own face level with the child's, her arms open. "We have come to find out what is destroying these lands" she says in a calm voice. "We hoped to find some information here. Are you willing to tell us what happened?"

"The war-priest happened. He came here to see my uncle, to ask him to fight. My uncle refused. Then he came back a few days later with a small group of men and attacked us. The men fought, even the slaves fought, but they lost.
"Then the war-priest took the adults, slave and free alike, and left us behind."

"Larus Mano. He was a legionnaire before he retired to this vineyard. The war-priest knew him from their legion days, and wanted his help."

"Well.." Angel speaks after a few moments silence while she assesses he situation. "As Liri here says we are on a mission to find out what is happening here, and to save our friend." She attempts to give her best smile. "We are unfamiliar with this area."

Galanis looks around wondering... like he is awakened from a dream.

=====================================
(OOC: Who is our friend we are rescuing?)

[OOC] The legion commander is holding Salia as hostage, to ensure the group doesn't take off now that they have left the village. [/OOC]

"War. That is what is happening. My uncle told me that when war comes, everyone suffers. He was right. Those things the war-priest brought here to fight for him: they used to be people. I knew some of them."

"The War priest is an Evil Man, I would like nothing more than to relieve him of his head." Angel speaks before her mind catches up with her. "I am very sorry for your loss, I truly am. We are looking for someone in the hope that it will stop all this.." She waves her arms in the air. "We need a Guide."

Liri keeps her face straight, even though she thinks that Angel isn't using the best tactics to get the boy's cooperation. she hopes for the best, hopes that the boy isn't too frightened by that approach and they will get the information they need.

Galanis takes out an apple from his pocket, rubs it and bites.

"I do not know where the war priest went, or what he is doing now," the boy says, "but I recognized some of those things he had with him. They were laborers from the villa northeast of here.
"You can find your own way there. It is not far. But I can not take you there. I have responsibilities here."

"Northeast.?" Angel asks and nods, "I will be outside with the Horses." She adds and leaves the group alone.

"I'm ready to go too." Galanis says and walks after Angel.

Ari moves near the boy and looks him over a little after he speaks. Strong lad... yer doin yer duty well. If the kid allows he claps him on the shoulder. We'll deal wit tha priest, he almost spits the word, showing what he thinks of one who does such abominable things. Keep that spine strong, boy. Ye'll do far better than most grown men these days. He nods to the young man and moves off with the others, gathering his things as they go.