We all quickly gathered, hidden, to watch the scene and decide what our course would be. We watched as one of the men wandered off the side of the hill, seemingly having heard something. When he returned, it was with a man, but not one of their own.
This man, as we would later come to learn his name, was Ioranir One of the Lossoth, but also known to our company.
Though we could not understand their words, the other 4 men were yelling at Ioranir, who was still lying on the ground. Lady Gisuna, brave as she is, immediately jumped into the camp and covered the man, protecting him. Amathlan and I also headed in to the center of the camp, though more cautiously.
Most of what happened was a blur. Lady Gisua continued to protect Ioranir, while Amathlan spoke to one of the men. His blade was right at the man's throat, but the man could only say the word 'slave'.
I should have been paying more attention, as Amathlan pointed out later. One of the other men decided to try his best at attcking me.
I was too slow to do anything about it. I am glad Amathlan was close, as he immediately threw his shield arm out to protect me. Not that I could not have protected myself.... But it was a nice gesture.
My mind and body were both more prepared the second time, when the 'slave' tried to get to me once more. This time he found my arrow pointed in the direction of his eyes. If they had been more than slaves, he would have found himself dead.
The consensus was to let the men go, for the hills filled with goblins and orcs would be a worse fate that our own weapons.
We then decided to make our way back to Bree. We had not found what we wanted, but we had rescued this man, so I was mostly content.
This man, Ioranir, must have hit his head, for he decided the best way to make his way down towards Bree was by swimming down the river. He stripped basically naked and jumped right on in. Lady Gisuna decided this would also be a good idea. What was she thinking?
This probably would have been the right time to tell Amathlan of my childish fear of water. But it was not to be.....of course it was not. When do things ever go as we wish? I lost my footing on the rocks and fell right on into the river as well.
I tried my best to make my way above the water, but the flow was harsh and dragged me south. Fortunately the current caught me up with Lady Gisuna and Sir Iorinar, and I was able to grab onto the man's arm.
I am glad that whole ordeal is over with. Eventually we made our way back to the company house, though some of us hurt and all of us soaking wet and tired from lack of sleep.
We still have yet to find the two men who ambushed us at Minas Eriol. But we shall not stop searching if I have any say in it.
