Zork raises a brow, "I was actually wondering about it the other way around. Its not often you get 'escorted' unless you're a very important person." He walks off and checks his horse and equipment.
"Excuse Zork for that," Durgan apologises. "He says what he thinks. We'll be happy to camp with you and will join you on watch, so not all of you have to stay up."
Watch order of Durgan, then Zork, the Sessativa.
The night passes quietly and in the morning you break your fast and prepare to head down in the valley and towards the castle of the Earl. The patrol mounts up and are ready to go when you are. The road is clear for the first part but traffic with farmers taking some goods towards the castle start to become common place on the road. It is just before mid day when you get to the castle proper. In front outside is a market place where farmers and tradesmen have set up stalls and displays of their goods for people to purchase. It is a bit slower getting through this crowd but you eventually get through and are at the front main gate to the castle. The patrol leader bids you farewell as they pass into the castle. You are stopped at the gate and asked your business and reason to visit the Earl's holding.
Knowing they will be returning to civilisation, Durgan and Sessativa prepare different spells. It takes an hour which may annoy the guards.
The guards at the gate will inform you that you can trade the horses with others in the general market place. The horse traders are on the far part of the market away from the main area. There is other livestock available in that area too.
The guard asks for the important information so that they can decide if it is worth disturbing the Earl.
As far as a place to stay there is a inn on the east side of the castle were there outlaying town is located.
"We would settle for just the Earl's female adviser and wizard if we cannot get an audience with him. We'd prefer to speak with both if possible." Durgan warily hands over the message from Lady Estari. Both he and Sessativa tense up.
Out of Character: Txtrpg, we got this mission on page 225 if you want to brush up on the context.
The guard looks at the seal on the letter and you see his eyes widen. He motions you through as he heads over to another guard. This guard takes the missive and then snaps upright. He yells at the other. "Be on alert!" The guard respond quickly and he comes over to you. He called for a squire who comes over and takes the horses. The Guard addresses you three. "I am Lt. Frath I will take you to see the earl. If you will follow me." He bows and then waits for you to dismount. After you have dismounted and the squire has the horses he will lead you inside the main keep. Once inside he leads you across a well cared for lawn and into the building proper. Other guards snap to attention and he leads you directly to the earls main thrown chamber. The Earl along with a lady and other gentleman are in conversation. As you approach behind the LT Frath the conversation stops and the Earl turn to you. "What is the meaning of this interruption?" The LT takes the letter up the the Earl and hands it to him. He reads it and hands it to the other two. He looks at the three of you. "Do you know what was in this letter?"
"Your Excellency, we got a little understanding of it from Lady Estari," Durgan replies. "But as the honourable lieutenant saw, the seal was unbroken. Something about a corrupt councillor preforming black magic while using muscle to eliminate political opponents. We were almost victims to such a brutal assault. Many of my congregation died."