Rising Darkness
The group relates their brief journey to the White Clan's council ring in front of Jutin. Ariebeth has made some very keen observations about the Lunar commander Jutin. Valensti, chieftain of the White Deer clan, approaches the newly returned group with grave news; no one knows what is going on in the South or why the Lunars are sending companies there. A Black Rock messenger arrived on Ariebeth's war horse, claiming that she would be needing it shortly. He's a self-assured, charming individual from the Black Rock clan. In order to avoid being killed for worshipping Orlanth, he's been hiding in the Hunters' Lodge, recuperating from his long, fast ride. A man who cannot, or will not speak is introduced to the group. He's to take them to the Tribal Market in Apple Stream where they are to gather information about the Lunars and what is happening in the South. The Black Rock messenger, Karos, is also to go with, as an additional pair of eyes and ears. Therasarin, Black Rock champion is busy preparing the fyrd to met with the White Deer fyrd and leaders to form a formal treaty in this troubling time at a secret meeting on Sword Day. The Lunars leave the village at true night and the sentinels of White Deer claim to have seen Trolls leading the army.