DMaster:  there are some men standing around with you

DMaster:  they hear the noises too in the distant valleys of 
         the mountain range

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Rylan I think we need to go check noises out

DMaster:  RYLAN: Im not to sure about that

DMaster:  RYLAN: These noises are the sound of battle

Vulcuran:  Vulc:well then maybe we should get everyone up and 
         get moving

DMaster:  RYALN: Where to M'Lord?

Vulcuran:  Vulc:towards home

DMaster:  he points towards the noises

DMaster:  RYLAN: THis is the quickest way home

Vulcuran:  Vulc:well it looks like we head toward the noises 
           then

DMaster:  if we veer from the path, we are talking days upon 
          days of tough mountain movement

Vulcuran:  Vulc:well then rylan looks like we have to head  
          toward noises

DMaster:  RYLAN: So be it... maybe we should wait it out a bit

Vulcuran:  Vulc:maybe

DMaster:  what do you do?

Vulcuran:  Vulc:we will wait a bit\

DMaster:  rylan nods and heads back to his tent

Vulcuran:  I am gonna head back to carriage and get armor and
           weapons out

DMaster:  ok the guard is standing there

Vulcuran:  start putting armor on and clean sword

DMaster:  ok

DMaster:  the morning is upon you

DMaster:  all the men are up and they now know about the 
          noises.

Vulcuran:  I am gonna go find rylan

DMaster:  Its a mostly cloudy day

DMaster:  cool

DMaster:  light winds

Vulcuran:  okay

Vulcuran:  head to rylan's tent

DMaster:  Rylan is eating

DMaster:  outside his folded tent

DMaster:  a couple men are around him talking

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Rylan we had best be prepared for what is ahead

DMaster:  RYLAN: Aye

DMaster:  RYLAN: I believe the noises  are dying down alot... 
          the battle is almost over

Vulcuran:  Vulc:yeah but is that a good or bad thing

DMaster:  RYLAN: WEll better then going head first into a 
          battle

Vulcuran:  Vulc:I agree there

Vulcuran:  Vulc:still we dont know what we are gonna find ahead

DMaster:  RYLAN: Aye

DMaster:  RYLAN: Shall we gear up and move in?

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Best tell the men to be prepared

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Yes tell them to gear up and move in

DMaster:  the men scatter and begin to get there stuff ready 
          and get ready to move on

DMaster:  the noises have died down quite a bit

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Rylan just want the men to be prepared seen 
          stuff like this before

DMaster:  RYLAN: We will be as ready as we will be...

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Good Rylan we dont need to lose anymore men

DMaster:  you guys move in...

DMaster:  its a crude like pathway

Vulcuran:  okay

DMaster:  that winds in between latrge mountain ranges

Vulcuran:  sit back and relax a bit

DMaster:  the ride is real bumpy

Vulcuran:  ugh wish I was riding a horse

DMaster:  8 hours in... nothing

Vulcuran:  eat some food

DMaster:  you pause briefly to listen and its quiet

Vulcuran:  too quiet 

Vulcuran:  keep hand near sword

DMaster:  8 more hours

DMaster:  5 hours in

DMaster:  the caravan comes to a complete stop

Vulcuran:  look out window

DMaster:  you see bodies strewn about

DMaster:  blood everywhere

DMaster:  broken swords

Vulcuran:  damn 

DMaster:  the stench of death

Vulcuran:  ugh

Vulcuran:  get out of wagon and look around

DMaster:  the complete area looks like a huge battle took place

DMaster:  recently too... blood is still wet

Vulcuran:  see if I can identify troops 

Vulcuran:  or bodies I mean

DMaster:  well they look like warriors or did look like warriors

DMaster:  most of the bodies were crushed

DMaster:  heads are bashed 

DMaster:  and the like

Vulcuran:  well do they have uniforms on

DMaster:  most of the men are in awe.... in shock almost

DMaster:  some of them cant stomach it

DMaster:  no uni's...

DMaster:  nothing uniform anyways

Vulcuran:  damn

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Okay men lets move out

DMaster:  ok

DMaster:  no one argues about moving out

Vulcuran:  good

DMaster:  the gruesome scene goes on for about 5 minutes 
         of traveling...

DMaster:  when less and less bodies are seen

Vulcuran:  sit back and try to relAX

DMaster:  the caravan comes to an abrupt stop

Vulcuran:  look out window again

DMaster:  there are two Giants standing in the caravans way

DMaster:  they are covered in blood

Vulcuran:  see what kind of giants they are

DMaster:  they dont look to sophisticated

DMaster:  your guess

DMaster:  is Hill

DMaster:  you here RYLAN calling for you.

Vulcuran:  I go up see Rylan 

DMaster:  the two giants are just standing there

DMaster:  they look weary

DMaster:  and agitated

DMaster:  GIANT: more pesky traspassers

Vulcuran:  Vulc:we mean you no harm please let us ass

Vulcuran:  pass

DMaster:  GIANT 2: you pay toll

DMaster:  GIANT: ya, pay toll or bash you

Vulcuran:  Vulc:what is the toll

DMaster:  let us ass? 

DMaster:  LOL!

DMaster:  the two giants look at eqch other

DMaster:  GIANT: 10 nigs

Vulcuran:  hand is near sword now

Vulcuran:  how much is ten nigs

DMaster:  10 gold nigs

DMaster:  gold pieces

Vulcuran:  do I have that on me

DMaster:  yes

Vulcuran:  Vulc:if we give you toll are you gonna let us pass

DMaster:  GIANTS look at each other

DMaster:  GIANT: uhhhh ya WE LET PASS

Vulcuran:  put money down on ground

DMaster:  the giants look at each other 

DMaster:  one of the giants raises its spiked club

DMaster:  GIANT: If this trick you die

Vulcuran:  vulc:no trick

DMaster:  the giants are about 11 feet tall

DMaster:  both very stocky

Vulcuran:  Vulc:no trick I am a man of my word 

DMaster:  the one giant leans down grabs the coins

Vulcuran:  keep hand near sword

DMaster:  GIANT: 10? this 10?

Vulcuran:  Vulc:yes it is ten

DMaster:  the one starts shaking his head in approval.

DMaster:  GIANT: Pass

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Thank you 

DMaster:  they walk way to the side

Vulcuran:  get back in wagon

DMaster:  looking at the coins

DMaster:  the caravan moves on...

DMaster:  then suddenly

Vulcuran:  still keeping hand on sword as we pass

DMaster:  nothing happens

DMaster:  hehehehe

Vulcuran:  smartass

DMaster:  you move on... another 4 hours of travel

DMaster:  and the caravan stops

Vulcuran:  guess we are taking another break

DMaster:  Ryaln rides back

DMaster:  RYLAN: permission to break for 4 hours

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Yes Rylan we all need the break

DMaster:  its a cloudy night

DMaster:  its getting windy

DMaster:  and its cold

Vulcuran:  I will go to sleep

DMaster:  the men cant start fires

DMaster:  they eat rations and roll up in there blankets and 
         try and get sleep

DMaster:  you doze off.

DMaster:  you wake up

Vulcuran:  look around

DMaster:  its early morn

DMaster:  movement outside your carriage as men get ready to 
         move on

DMaster:  THe Guard across form you is still snoozing

Vulcuran:  get up and stretch in wagon

DMaster:  the caravan starts moving again

DMaster:  and withoin the hour you break from teh mountain 
         range... into a heavily wooded (pine) 

DMaster:  forest

Vulcuran:  sit down and snooze again

DMaster:  you snooze

Vulcuran:  zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

DMaster:  you wake up after a bit

DMaster:  you travel 8 hours

DMaster:  nuttin

Vulcuran:  okay

DMaster:  another 8 hours

DMaster:  nutting

Vulcuran:  eat

DMaster:  you breakinto a grove

DMaster:  and the caravan stops

DMaster:  you eat

Vulcuran:  okay if we are on break get out and walk around

DMaster:  ok

DMaster:  the ground is frozen still

DMaster:  the sun is shinign bright, blue skie

DMaster:  its getting warmer

Vulcuran:  is there anyway I can shave or something

DMaster:  in the sun its very warm

DMaster:  not really

DMaster:  its a frozen ground grove

Vulcuran:  okay

DMaster:  rylan walks up to you

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Yes Rylan

DMaster:  hes looking over a map

DMaster:  RYLAN: according to the map the Vermeer kingdom 
          gave us

Vulcuran:  I will look with him

DMaster:  were about a 4 day journey from home

Vulcuran:  Vul:good it will be good to get home

DMaster:  RYLAN: aye!

DMaster:  he walks off 

DMaster:  the men gear back up after a 4 hour rest.

DMaster:  to move this along

DMaster:  Ill roll for each day to see if anything happens

Vulcuran:  get back in wagon

Vulcuran:  okay

DMaster:  the caravan starts moving and stops almost immediately

Vulcuran:  look out window

DMaster:  broken wheel on one of the other wagons

DMaster:  they fix it

DMaster:  and move on

Vulcuran:  sit back and relax

DMaster:  first day

DMaster:  nuttin

DMaster:  second day

Vulcuran:  okay

DMaster:  nutting

DMaster:  third day

Vulcuran:  eat sleep etc
DMaster:  nuttin

DMaster:  Fourth day

DMaster:  nuttin

DMaster:  more and more villages and hamlets appear on the road

DMaster:  alot of them watch you roll by

Vulcuran:  smiling to myself almost home good

DMaster:  its the kingdom of Camerondale

Vulcuran:  yes home 

Vulcuran:  I bet then men are smiling

Vulcuran:  the

DMaster:  yeah they cant wait to get back home

Vulcuran:  neither can I

DMaster:  finally the walls of Camerondale are in site

DMaster:  its about 3 pm

DMaster:  its late spring

Vulcuran:  good still early yet

DMaster:  (early may)

DMaster:  its cool out

DMaster:  a few clouds

DMaster:  but nice weather

Vulcuran:  good

Vulcuran:  cant wait to get out of this wagon

DMaster:  you wheel up to the gates...

DMaster:  a huge gathering of of your men are at the gates 
         cheering

DMaster:  on the walls

Vulcuran:  keep waiting for door to open

DMaster:  a Guard opens the door

DMaster:  GUARD: Welsome home M'Lord

Vulcuran:  climb out

DMaster:  Welcome

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Thank You good to be home

DMaster:  its a joyous scene

DMaster:  men greeting each other with hand shakes and hugs

DMaster:  wives meeting up with there men in tears

DMaster:  you were gone for almost a month and ahalf

Vulcuran:  smiling as I get out

DMaster:  a 5 star walks up to you.

DMaster:  5STAR: M'Lord, the King would like to see you 
         immediately

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Okay 

Vulcuran:  Vulc:take me to him

DMaster:  you go through the gates... men still cheering 
          and the like

Vulcuran:  wave and stuff as I walk through gates

DMaster:  you head up to the 2nd gate

DMaster:  through the second gates

Vulcuran:  okay

DMaster:  and on into the castle

DMaster:  your home

Vulcuran:  home sweet home

Vulcuran:  never thought I would miss this place

DMaster:  you notice colorful banners all over the town and 
        alot more merchant tennts starting to set up

Vulcuran:  good

Vulcuran:  keep going until I get to the king

DMaster:  Jerimiah comes from out of the hallway and 
         walks up and hugs you

Vulcuran:  hug back 

DMaster:  JER: So good to see you again Vulc... we feared 
         the worse

DMaster:  JER: Come I have food for you in the dining room

Vulcuran:  Vulc:glad to see to see you old friend

Vulcuran:  Vulc:I didnt think I ws gonna make it back either

DMaster:  you two sit down

DMaster:  chicken and vegatables with a nice glass of wine

Vulcuran:  yummy

DMaster:  you eat up.

DMaster:  JER:

DMaster:  I'm glad your sitting

DMaster:  JER: There is alot to tell you

Vulcuran:  Vulc:tell away I have time

DMaster:  JER: (he pauses as tears well in his eyes)

DMaster:  JER: THorin is dead.

DMaster:  he chokes up a bit

Vulcuran:  Vulc:what happened

DMaster:  JER: He was found in an alley way... 

DMaster:  JER: witha  bolt in his head

Vulcuran:  Vulc:who do you think did it

DMaster:  JER: no one knows

DMaster:  JER: what happened

Vulcuran:  Vulc:damn that sucks

DMaster:  yes it really shook the Royal court

DMaster:  Britney is a wreck

Vulcuran:  Vulc:I bet it did

Vulcuran:  Vulc:I bet 

Vulcuran:  Vulc:is there anything I can do

DMaster:  JER: Devon has been overthrown

DMaster:  JER: An unknown opponent took over the great army 
         and now is settling down in the southern regions 
of teeter winds

Vulcuran:  Vulc:is that a good thing or a bad thing

DMaster:  JER: THey announced that they are now a legitamate 
         "kingdom"

Vulcuran:  Vulc:what does that mean for us though

DMaster:  JER: im not sure yet.

Vulcuran:  Vulc:so what else is goign on

DMaster:  JER: The Spring festival is this weekend... 

Vulcuran:  Vulc:good we all need to relax

Vulcuran:  Vulc:we almost didnt make it back had a battle 
          with witch and some minions

DMaster:  JER: Yes... jousting, swordsmanship

DMaster:  JER: Dancing, eatsing

Vulcuran:  Vulc:good I cant wait need to relax

DMaster:  JER: Well with THorin being gone

Vulcuran:  Vulc:wont be the same without him

DMaster:  JER: You go back to your normal routine as Duke... 

Vulcuran:  Vulc:I am glad to do that

DMaster:  Jeriamiah looks extremely worn...

DMaster:  depressed and tired

Vulcuran:  Vulc:It will be okay Jeriamiah

DMaster:  JER: I'm getting weary my friend

DMaster:  JER: I am not sure I will be able ot lead this 
          kingdom much longer

Vulcuran:  Vulc:You have to Jeriamiah no one else can do it

DMaster:  JER: I will not be around forver

DMaster:  my age is catching up with me
Vulcuran:  Vulc:so who is gonna do it

DMaster:  he looks at you

Vulcuran:  Vulc:now we have been threw this before

DMaster:  he nods

Vulcuran:  Vulc:you know I aint a good leader Jerry

DMaster:  JER: Agreed

Vulcuran:  Vulc:but if I have to become king again I will

DMaster:  JER: Wll I must be going

DMaster:  JER: I have to get some rest before this weekend

Vulcuran:  Vulc:take it easy M'lord it will be okay

Vulcuran:  I am gonna go for a walk in the town

DMaster:  its about 6

DMaster:  its warm and nice out

DMaster:  you see Britney walking towards the castle

Vulcuran:  go talk to her

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Hello Britney

DMaster:  her head is down

DMaster:  she looks up... its obvious she has been crying

Vulcuran:  Vulc:come here Britney

Vulcuran:  give her a hug

DMaster:  she starts balling

Vulcuran:  Vulc:its okay let it out Britney

Vulcuran:  Vulc:I am here for you Britney

DMaster:  BRIT: (sobbing) I don;t know what I am going to 
         do..... (sob)

Vulcuran:  Vulc:well you need help I am here remember that 
         anything within my power I will do

DMaster:  BRIT: Thanks Vulc

DMaster:  BRIT: He thought of you as a great friend

Vulcuran:  Vulc:as I did him

DMaster:  you two sit there embraced for a few minutes

DMaster:  BRIT: I must get going, the Barons needed to give 
         me the rest of Thorins stuff

Vulcuran:  Britney:just remember what I said Britney

DMaster:  she nods... as tears start to flow again

DMaster:  she walks away towards the Castle

Vulcuran:  man I feel bad

Vulcuran:  I am gonna keep going

Vulcuran:  gonna just walk around the town

DMaster:  you see its pretty busy its thursday before the 
         Spring festival weekend

DMaster:  everyone is in good cheer

Vulcuran:  as am I

DMaster:  you pass by a bar

DMaster:  its called the Dukes den

Vulcuran:  hey go on in

DMaster:  its a simple bar, pretty big... tables all around 
        with a bar to the far wall

DMaster:  you notice a big man tending bar

DMaster:  its about half full\

Vulcuran:  go order a drink

DMaster:  people eating and drinking

DMaster:  the big man you recognize as Joshua

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Hey Joshua
DMaster:  he turns to see you

DMaster:  JOSH; VULC!!! MY BOY! he grabs you pulls you 
          across the bar and gives you a big hug

Vulcuran:  Vulc:easy Josh

DMaster:  JOSHUA: Whatta think of the place?

Vulcuran:  Vulc:looks nice 

Vulcuran:  Vulc:who owns it

DMaster:  he looks at you real strange

DMaster:  JOSH; You do you goof!

DMaster:  the DUkes den

Vulcuran:  remember dude I was around when he did work on 
         it etc

Vulcuran:  wasnt

DMaster:  but you named it and you knew where it was

Vulcuran:  okay brain moment

DMaster:  JOSH; Your store is done also... but it isnt 
         open... just sits there

Vulcuran:  Vulc:guess I am gonna have to open it

DMaster:  JOSH: I guess so!

DMaster:  JOSH: Are you gonna be in any tournaments?

Vulcuran:  Vulc:not sure yet do you think I should

DMaster:  JOSHP: WHy not???? Itll be fun... do it for 
          promotion on your bar and Jewelry store

Vulcuran:  Vulc:sounds like an idea 

Vulcuran:  Vulc:so how is the bar business

DMaster:  JOSH: its doing great... when everyone thought you 
         were dead... they piled in here

DMaster:  the Books

DMaster:  JOSH: The books and accounting stuff is in back

Vulcuran:  Vulc:well I guess I dissapointed everyone

DMaster:  JOSH: Come again?

Vulcuran:  Vulc:it is a joke josh

DMaster:  JOSH: ahhhh hahahaha

DMaster:  JOSH; He pours you a beer

DMaster:  JOSH: Its on the house (nudges ya)

Vulcuran:  Vulc:HaHa Josh

DMaster:  THames and Carol come in

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Hi guys

DMaster:  THAMES AND CAROL: VULC!!!!!!

Vulcuran:  Vulc:how are you guys doing

DMaster:  carol leans over and gives you a kiss on the cheek

DMaster:  Thames shakles your hand

DMaster:  shkes even

DMaster:  SHAKES

DMaster:  THAMES: we heard you were safe and decided to 
          see if you were here

Vulcuran:  I shake his hand back

Vulcuran:  Vulc:I almost forgot I owned place

DMaster:  they laugh....

Vulcuran:  laughing as well

DMaster:  CAROL: I suppose you heard about thorin huh?

Vulcuran:  Vulc:yes I did very unfortunate told britney if 
          she needs anything to ask

DMaster:  CAROL: She has been staying with us....

DMaster:  CAROL: This is so hard for her

Vulcuran:  Vulc:I can understand that I remember what it 
           was like when I lost Cobra my brother

DMaster:  they nod

DMaster:  THAMES: well pour us one... 

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Jerry is a wreck over this too

DMaster:  THAMES: He really has changed over the course of 
         the past few months.

DMaster:  THAMES: He mentioned he can't lead anymore...

Vulcuran:  Vulc:He is getting tired 

DMaster:  THAMES: Its scaring me.

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Yes he did to me too and I asked him who would 
         lead if he did not lead and he looked at me

DMaster:  CAROL: This are uncertain times ahead of us Vulc... 
         very uncertain.

DMaster:  this=these

Vulcuran:  Vulc:I understand well if I must step up and lead 
         again I will

Vulcuran:  Vulc:but I will worry about that when the time comes

DMaster:  the place starts to fill up as people congratulate you on your journey

DMaster:  the place starts to hop

DMaster:  a bard in teh corner is playing tunes

Vulcuran:  Vulc:look at Josh a round of drinks for everyone 
          Josh

DMaster:  JOSH: ALL RIGHT!!! DRINKS ARE ON THE HOUSE!

DMaster:  everyone yells and shouts and cheers

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Lets Party everyone

DMaster:  everyone is talking and laughing having a good time

Vulcuran:  Vulc:Josh I am gonna take my leave one more round 
         on the house okay

DMaster:  JOSH: Very well

DMaster:  JOSH: Have good one buddy!

Vulcuran:  Vulc:you too Josh I willbe back tomnorrow

DMaster:  JOSH: Ill be over tomorrow to go over the bar and 
         store

Vulcuran:  did I buy a house too

DMaster:  Yes but it still sits there

Vulcuran:  okay I am gonna have to fix it up

Vulcuran:  go look at my house

DMaster:  well its 10 at night

DMaster:  you pile out of the bar

DMaster:  the place is packed

Vulcuran:  head to my house

DMaster:  ok

DMaster:  you dotn remember where it was... you never visited 
         it before you left
Vulcuran:  it was near xena's house

DMaster:  yeah 

DMaster:  but you have no idea which one

DMaster:  its not the nicest neighborhood either

Vulcuran:  okay wait till tomorrow on that one

Vulcuran:  go back to my room in the castle

DMaster:  Ok you head back........