The Evening of the 16th - Watersday - The Streets of Alistair's Stand

Captain Raido stared at the report, unable to make heads or tails of it.

''Goblins...offered...tribute? What in the Nine Hells, the Three Heavens, and all the blasted ground between is going on?''

He glanced up at the Outrider. The poor man was as confused as the Captain, or perhaps even more.

"You say...they offered you...food?"

"Yessir, that they did sir. They said it were for keeping the "demon-bats" away from their home. Said they were going to clear out and move closer, sir. Said they were going to set up a camp at the crossing of the rivers, which I assumed meant where the Run hits the Arden, sir."

Captain Raido sat back in his chair, and after a moment or two, let out a burst of air that was at least part laugh. "Phew..."

"There were more, sir. They said we could stop sending the black-cloaks and their bones to the valley, since they were clearing out."

Captain Raido sat back up, his amused expression instantly gone.

"Black cloaks? Bones?"

"Aye sir. Do you think...?"

"Yes, it's Cyric. It has to be. But what could they want with the caves?"

"Well, sir, there's more'n the caves in that valley sir."

Raido frowned darkly.

"The ruins? Hm...well, its too far for the Outriders to investigate. We'll have to hope that the valley keeps its own..."

As the Outrider saluted and retreated, Raido swiveled his chair toward the fire.

''So the Cult is spreading even further. Damn them. Someone has to stop them before they accomplish whatever it is they're trying to do. Should I ask that elf if she...''

His face, pensive, fell.

''Hm...she died, didn't she? Of course. Why shouldn't she? Everyone else has.''