Slaen launches another dart through the air and it hits it's target. The khobold trying to grab his bow is stopped in his tracks as it pierces his chest. With a prolonged shriek it falls to it's knees and sits in this position, clutching his chest wound.

You bravely swing your sword in the direction of the fleeting khobolds and assert yourself to any others who might be in earshot. In your path is the last Khobold grabbing his chest due to Slaen's attack. Eyes blurry, lips trembling and his small fingers twitching at the Dart just where his heart would be.

The woman with the shield gives a heavy sigh of relieve as the Khobolds can no longer fight. With sweated brow she nods to you all and lowers the cane she was using. She quickly looks around and in the distance. She fixes her eyes on the West Exit of the town for a moment. In the distance, you see some figures waving and beckoning her. She replies with a raised hand wave but turns back to you all. css "Thank yae kindly. I thought I would be done in for sure with dad weighting me down and the kids hanging by my side. I owe you a lot, which I might not be able to repay right now. But take this for now." She reaches to a pouch on her side and takes out a crudely fashioned jug with a plug. and hands it to whoever takes it. "I thought I might have to use it myself, but now that I am here, I can give it to the needy. The old man, my dad, he runs an oddity store. You might be more well known with this kinda stuff, it's an elixir that mends wounds." The woman looks over to the Keep just South of the town's center. She grimaces as she sees the scaled monstrosity still circle it. css "I know I am asking a lot right now, but you seem competent enough to maybe help my hometown. These raiders just appeared and now this flying beast. Perhaps it is a sign of the Gods..." She catches herself in thought before she shakes her head and faces you again. css "Would you... Would you be willing to head towards the Keep, find the Governor and help him? Tarbaw Nighthill is his name. Take my shield, when they see you approach with it, they should know you are on the right side. Nighthill commands the militia and oversaw the escape of the towns people. He himself is in the Keep, trying to keep things moving and minimize the carnage. I think he would feel blessed by having you there."

Exhausted from swinging his blade around, Archy takes a moment to assess the situation. His mind becoming clearer now that his heroic song has ended, he looks at the dying Kobold at his feet, and with a few seconds of hesitation and looking around, drops his sword and kneels next to the Kobold, and mutters quietly: [Draconic:] "Why would you do all this..." he glances at the burning houses and corpses lying around, when his gaze lands upon a mutilated body of a human, jaw hanging loose, her dead eyes staring at nothing, and quickly averts his gaze. He then looks at the Kobold's wounds, and the dying creature's helpless expression. The Kobold exhales his last breath. He then places his hand on his scaly forehead, and closes the kobolds eyes. He stands up, grabs his sword from the ground, and joins the others with a somber expression, standing closer-than-comfort next to Slaen

Archy snaps out of his thousand-yard stare and walks out a few steps from behind Slaen "Uh, uhm, of course we will help, Madam!" He exclaims with an uncertain smile, and takes the shield. He observes it for a second and slings it on his back. "Nighthill is lucky to have found a group as helpful as us, right?" he says while his expression is unchanged, looking around facing Slaen, Garbek and Ra'Sha

Ra'Sha notices the change in Archy's eyes and gives a troubled frown. He then walks towards the young dragonborn, hunches over him and rests his hands on his shoulders. "Did we know beforehand this would have turned into such a hellscape, we might have considered letting you stay back. I am sorry you had to see all this dismay, young one." Ra's facial expression turns warm and kind [In Draconic:] You fought valiant and did not think twice defending those who stand beside you. You bear the heart of a warrior poet. The tiefling looks at the woman and nods. I'd think most of us would like to do what we can. Yet it might be wise to bring Hanford up to date so the caravan knows what the situation is.

Archy gleefully smiles at Ra's compliment "I-it's okay... I've heard stories about the world out here, I just didn't think I'd get so close..."

Garbek approaches the woman as he puts his axe on his back. "Yer very much welcome, and I'm sure we can put this elixir of yours to good use, especially if we're planning on movin' up towards the keep. Like Ra'Sha there said, we'll have to discuss this with the others, they're nearby..." He grabs the elixir and gives a quick smiling glance to Archy. " ...but I'm convinced Tarbaw will see our helpful little group approaching very shortly." Shall we report back then?" He says to the others.

As Archy shelters behind Slaen her stance becomes a little more defensive protecting the young one. Recognising the conflicting feelings he is having she pats him on the shoulder in support. She says with a smile "You did well, and you're still standing. Perhaps we could run through some more sword drills when this is over, it might make you feel a bit more comfortable should we run into circumstances such as these once more." Slaen starts to secure her bo staff back around her body, and checks to see all of her pouches are closed and situated. She nods to Garbek and Ra'Sha says: "Yes, it would be for the best to let them know what's happened before we run off to uncertainty." She turns to the women and a stiff but kind expression and says: "I cannot make you any promises but I will try my best for your people. Please get to somewhere you deem is safe and stay there at least two hours past the last sounds of fighting that you hear." With that Slaen turns and starts to head back to where the wagon stopped moments ago.

The woman hands the shield to Archy as he reaches for it. A simple kite shield, wooden inside with light metal plating the front. On it is the heradly of Greenest. A simple brass colored shield crest with a griffon holding a sword and shield. By the gate you can see 1 of the armored guards you arrived with, Hanford and a guardsmen from Greenest. Civilians run past them and huddle behind them for safety. Soon enough and as you approach, the wagon you arrived on slinks into view by the gate. The 2nd guard handles the one horse while Greenest guards help the young and frail onto the wagon. The woman finds the old man and the children and leads them to the wagon. She returns the cane to the old man with a small stifled laugh. Hanford's eyes light up as you approach, he walks towards you while he eyes nervously left and right between the houses as if he's looking for more enemies. css Right, we had to do a bit of work there. We agreed to help take the old and young to safety, to our caravan. Our 3rd man returned a bit ago, the command from the Caravan Master was to help Greenest as best we can. They are working on getting a few empty wagons here to help evacuate. They brought some supplies if you need some. Hanford takes a breath as he points back to the lone wagon. As people are helped in, a few crates are put down. They bear the symbol of the Paladins from the Caravan. css I see you handle yourself well enough, too. Did not look like those critters were up for a dialog though, so we are still a bit in the dark on what all this is. Seems a bit too intense for a simple verminous raid, dont you agree?

Approaching the wagon, Slaen gives a feint smile at seeing the exchanged between the women and older man. She looks at Hanford and nods in agreement. "Well Sir, if we are to help the best we can then our next focus should be making our way towards that keep." Slaen points towards the keep in the close distance, "The Governor of this town, Tarbaw Nighthill is held up in there, possibly holding off more combatants as we speak. The fallen did not even attempt a dialogue with us... not that they had much of a chance too.. so If anyone knows what's going on it ~will~ be that man." Slaen looks to her party with a look of intent, to the keep and then settles her eyes on Archy. Firmly placing her hand on his shoulder, she says: "What do you think team? I know we've only been companions a short while, but I wont see these people slaughtered. Archy, you think you could muster the courage for round two? Put all that swordsmanship training into action and save these people?"

Garbek nods "Aye, no usual raid, that's for sure. We'll provide a safe evacuation for the citizens we come across as we move towards the keep. At the keep we'll join the Greenest forces. We can hopefully help to hold off the raiders, or provide support for a full retreat." The dark haired dwarf speaks as if he's been in similar scenarios plenty times before. His usual laid-back demeanor is gone while he summarizes the needed tasks.

"Of course! Bring round two!" Archy exclaims, before seeing the dragon still circling around "I-Ill be right behind you!"

Ra'Sha nods when Garbek speaks. "The keep it is! Let us move swiftly before more causalities are made" Looks at Archy! "Also, thank you for your beautiful chants and songs of lore in the midst of battle. It sure "fired" me and Garbek up!" Ra then laughs in a sharp and rumbling manner.

Archy smiles at Ra wholefully and shrugs

Ra'sha smiles as well. "Silliness aside! I do mean it." Ra'sha then awaits for a cue to move towards the keep and looks between Slaen and Garbek.

Hanford hands you a broad leather satchel. In it you find 3 vials you easily recognize as Restore Health. The forth and final pouch holds a similar shaped and sized flask. css Sounds like a clear cut plan. Remember, stay safe. Part of the caravan had to stick to schedule, but we have enough people to set up a triage for towns folk. The Caravan Master is on stand by if things get dire. I will keep news traveling from here and the camp. Hanford looks to the Keep before returning to the wagon. He walks off with a troubled expression. You set your sights to the South East, to the Keep overlooking Greenest. There are only a few streets between you and the hill, but you can see the local guards presence lacking as you leave the West gate behind you. The huge scaled beast still hovers around the Keep itself. While not attacking, it's still very fixated on the construction and it's inhabitants. At the base of the Keep, up the hill you do see small groups only barely visible due to torches by their side.

Archy walks towards the keep, checking his surroundings and looking back at the dragon now and then, while grabbing the shield with the griffon on it facing it towards the group with torches

”Stay safe Hanford, we might be bringing back a few more folks if things go well so be prepared for more to come.” Slaen nods to the Paladin and then follows the direction that Archy set off in, attempting to stay out of sight of any potential combatants by staying close to buildings and walls. She whispers: ”Try to stay low Archy. They had archers in that last scuffle so let’s not take any risks.”

Archy nods understandingly

Garbek salutes Hanford as he walks off. The dwarf then turns to the rest of the group and follows suit. "Y'ever held a shield before, not so little lad? Not much to it, as you'd expect from a plank of wood. Just make sure the straps are fine, and hold it in front of whatever you don't want to get hit in. Simple as that." The dwarf falls a little bit behind as he is checking his pockets and bag to see if he still has everything with him. The way he goes through everything makes it seem like he hasn't actually lost anything, it's just a routine.

You keep together and make your way through the small streets. The growling of fire and distant clattering of wood and metal hum around you as you check your corners and slowly approach the Keep. The dragon still looms and hovers the Keep. It is currently not breathing it's breath on the inhabitants, but it's eyes stay on the Keep. With caution, you move in the dim shadows to reach the crossing before the Town Square. Slightly North-East, behind it to the South the ground raises and leads to the Keep. South is another large road that splits and provides a more direct route to the Keep. From the Town Square oozes a bright fire, the clatter of wooden carts and beastfolk-speak. You can clearly hear 1 voice over all the others and can vaguely make out a robed silhouette towering over the other moving, humanoid shapes. Looking to the South-East, you see more movement. A larger wooden construction with large, creaking wheels is being slowly pushed towards the Keep. Groups of dark clad figures push the contraption and scream in the distance. When you look to the Keep you still see groups lightly illuminated by torchlight. However, it becomes clear that these are varied. Some groups are dressed in black robes or black armor while a small group to the North side of The Keep seems dressed in simple cloth and leather, ranging from beige, to brown and white. A single torch among them makes them harder to see. The other groups of dark clothed figures seem to slowly surround the Keep. They seem to have the strongest presence on the South and East side of the Keep. The streets behind you seemed to have calmed down a small bit. A lot of people have been able to escape out the West Gate and hopefully have been picked up by Hanford.

Archy tugs on Slaen's cloak, points at the wooden construction and asks quietly: "What's that thing being pushed over there?"

Following in the direction that Archy is pointing Slaen takes a look and pounders for a moment. "Um, well. I've never seen one in person but I think it might be a weapon of some kind."

Archy looks nervous for a second "We've got to hurry to the keep and warn them!"

The ball of flames arcs in the night sky and travels from your hand, over the road and towards the savage construction. As it trails down it plants itself on the cylindrical shape. For a brief moment, silence. The light from the flaming orb you launched slightly illuminates the crowd and part of the machine. You now can clearly identify it was a heavy wooden ram, painted black and adorned with sharp metals. Heavy wheels and a ramhead of metal, shimmering by the flaming light. But, you notice more. Smaller cylinders are set on the side of the ram. Seeming symmetrical and with equal distance between them as they line the roundness of the ram. Your fire flickers for a short moment on the ram as eyes turn towards it. The writhing flames turn into violent sparks! Some of the surrounding crowd, that you can recognize as humans and more Khobolds, start running or ducking their heads down. A taller figure, only briefly illuminated, points violently at the Keep as he appears to be barking orders. The light around the strange ram dims for a moment, Your flame is expunged and the sparks have stopped. Before the silence even hits you, a shattering explosion rages across the town. From the many strange barrels attached to the side of this ram, one of them just fiercely blasted fire towards the Keep. Right before you understand what you're looking at, the flaming burst from the ram lunges itself towards the Keep Door up the hill. A clattering of screams, wood and stone crumbling and breaking crunch over the night time sky. You vaguely hear more commands being barked near this wicked creation as it slowly rotates to face you. The taller figure points in several directions before they swiftly turn around and walk to the East with a small group. Many shadowy figures push the ram towards you and you can see some smaller humanoid shapes on top of it.

"Now you've done it." Slaen says with dismay. Seeing the chaos that is about to decent on the group. Slaen grabs into a small pouch on her hip, takes out a large handful of Ball Bearings and throws them to the road south of the group. She then looks for the nearest cover close by and attempts to sneak away and hide. She takes another dart out from her belt pouch and grips it tightly.

"Haha! Solid throw Garbek! We might need to hit those strange barrels on the side of the ram. Let me try!" Ra whispers some strange words and stretches his right arm. His hands glow red hot and he hurls a ball of flame through the air. He aims for the one of the barrels on the side of the ram. (Casting Fire bolt)

As soon as he sees the contraption turn towards the group, and Ra's firebolt flying towards it, Garbek runs and hides behind the nearest house. "OH SHITE, TAKE COVER, IF THAT THING FIRES AT US WE'RE CRISPY."

Ball Bearings clatter out of Slaen's pouch and spread to the ground before her, towards the South. The creaking wheels of the ram are set in motion as small humanoids on the top of the Cannon-reinforced Ram point in your direction and begin lighting torches. From behind you, to the North you hear an uproar of voices to match. From a glance you can see torchlight from the square move it's way to the West, to the crossing just North of you. Slaen, Archy and Garbek seek cover behind the houses to their South West as Ra'Sha hurls a bolt of fire at the cannons of the ram. Small stones rain down on the ram and it's wielders. Archy can vaguely make out one of them flinching and reaching for it's face after a particular hard toss. While an impressive throw, the Firebolt lands cleanly on the back of one of the cylinders lining the ram. Much like before, the flaming orb turns into wild sparks. Some of the humanoids step back while some others hold the wheels firmly. With another ear-deafening blow; a bright plume of fire erupts from the cylinder on the ram. A slight whistling is heard.

A loud, yet dull 'THUD' noise accompanies the quaking of the earth. You feel a slight aftershock rattle through you. Slaen, Archy and Garbek hold against the wall of the house used as cover a moment. In front of them, out in the open and away from the cover of the house is a blackened pit. Dark smears and streaks lead from the newly dented and scorched earth, turning only slightly red as it slowly fades back into road and grass. Barely anything tangible remains. The ringing in your ears persist from the loud impact noise. You find yourself covered in specks of black and vague crimson. You feel as if you were pelted by a small hailstorm as you notice small white, chalky pieces and bits among the dark spots on your clothing and faces. You do not see Ra'Sha.