The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 5-3
As Marro and Glynora rush back to the meeting point, the Skyland Turtle corpse, something large flies just over the treetops, the gust of wind that follows in its wake is strong enough to send the pair of them flying forward a few feet and out into the clearing. They see Captain Rhodon and Varon standing back to back, Rhodon with his shield up and his sword at the ready as Varon holds his spear out. Lamara and Tyrric come running out of the trees. "That is one large and very angry bird!" Lamara shouts, looking panicked. Tyrric growls as he ducks out of the way of a falling tree that was uprooted when the bird's large talon struck it. "What in the Hells is a Rok doing all the way out here?"
Rhodon frowns and shakes his head. "No idea. I've only ever heard of them living in deserts, at the tops of very tall mountains, or occasionally in a great forest. Regardless of why it's out here, we need to either kill it, or capture it and release it somewhere with its own kind." Lamara looks at her Captain like he's just grow a second head. "That's a ROK? And you want us to fight it?! Have you lost your mind Captain?!?" He glares at her for a moment before shaking his head, deciding to ignore her slight disrespect. "I understand your concern, and I won't fault you for being afraid. But we can't let it stay so close to the city. We could use your bow and your aim, Lamara. But if you'd feel safer behind the city walls, then by all means, run back inside. But be sure to send for some help, maybe a few Red Circle mages if you can find any. And at the very least, go up to the ramparts with some other archers and give us some backup." She looks torn between wanting to stay and help her comrades here and now, and wanting to retreat to safety. "I....I won't just run and hide. I'll be sure to get help, Captain. Good luck everyone, help will be here shortly, I promise!" She takes off running back to the city gates.
As Lamara runs to the gate, a thought crosses her mind. -Wait....something doesn't feel right here. Rowana made it sound like she saw a group of creatures. And someone as experienced as her wouldn't mistake a giant bird for undead and someth similar. I think there's something more going on here.- She reaches the gate and pounds on it. "Open the gate! It's Lamara of the city guard!" One of the gate watchmen looks down from his post. "Lamara? Where are the others?" She scowls at him. "I ran back for reinforcements. We seem to have a Rok problem. Now let me in damn it!" His eyes widen in surprise and he hurries to open the gates for her. "Finally!" She growls as she rushes in as soon as there's enough room for her. She starts heading for the Red Circle tower as she uses her Communication Stone to contact any and all fellow guards within range. "Attention! This is Ranger Lamara! We need immediate backup in the Blackshire Grove! We encountered a Rok! We need archers and magic users! I'm headed for the Red Circle to see if they can lend a hand!" -And afterwards, I plan to find Rowana. I need to know exactly what she saw out there.-
