
Zork replies "My lady I can assist but I'm afraid we are on a mission against the same bandits that have harassed you. Maybe you will like to join us first and then we can join you."
Durgan nods his support.
Zork, already captivated by the woman, agrees and as an afterthought looks at his companions to see what they have to say.
Durgan says, "It would be our pleasure." He allows himself to relax and discuss what happened to the lady.
"First it would help to get more information on those that threatened you. When and where did it happen? How many were there? What equipment did they hold? Was there a leader among them?"
"Secondly, how many men, what equipment and resources do you have at your disposal?"
Durgan and Zork head down to where the lady is at and they can see the tents contain three girls each about 4-8 years of age each. The tent where you saw her disappear to contain only one sleeping roll. So she is escorting 12 girls north by herself.
She tells you that the bandits are about a hour to two hours south of here. She saw 12 of them but feels that there is possibly more. She did not want to confront them as it is easier to pay them to let her pass than risk her life and these girls lives by taking them on.
After seeing that sight Zork says, "My lady you are doing this all on your own? Who are these girls and where are you taking them?"
Durgan is slightly annoyed. "This won't do at all. Not a single guard with you? Do you know how to fight, m'lady?"
She smiles at you and says some times one does not always need many guards if one is a mage of not small standing. I just chose my battles when they favor me. Not knowing where all the bandits were it would not have benefited me or these girls to cause a scene. IF you wish to assist in ridding the bandits from their nest we can do that after a nice night of rest.
Before even consulting the others his captivation with the woman makes him say, "Yes, we can spend the night."
Durgan about to answer, remains agape, then asks a question to both of them. "You know the bandits might not know about their lost patrol. I would prefer to strike sooner if possible.
"Of course the girls need to be safe as a priority. Are they apprentices?"
While Zork talks to the girls he finds out that they are heading north to enter a school for orphaned girls that show promise in being "Gifted" They are eager to go see the school and learn if they can be as gifted as the Lady is. One girl will tell you about the guard that tried to take advantage of one of the older girls who suddenly lit on fire. Since then there has been no new male guards.
Lady Mithalindra says, "While it may be better to strike now the light of the day will not be with us much longer and I would rather attack with the sun behind them instead of behind us."