Prelude: Homecoming

[Vardaen]

The unnamed injun, known to the others as Hunts-by-Scent, just grunts disapprovingly at the whole thing. "I can't track a spirit, even a foul one." He rubs his chin thinking, "But Russel Kane is a man, so lets get to it."

[Bitom]

The old councilman seems to be used to talking over young warriors who wish to get moving. "I believe that the black spirit is the twisted soul of a man. I have seem such things before. When a man is killed by one of these, his body goes into his own shadow, and they go off together to kill more. They are stupid creatures, but dangerous. I do not think that the dark spirit that fuels this Kane's power would be so low as to come out and fight, even to destroy a village. But it might give him the ability to control such a creature. This, I have seen before." He then questions the youngest of the warriors on what he saw, and the Marshall can tell by the description that it is Kane. Once trhis is confirmed, the old man comes to a decision quickly.

"You may pass into our lands and do what must be done to kill this man. He is not to be captured and transported back to the United States He has killed our people, and tresspassed in our nation. But since you have hunted him, we will let you bring him our law. These two," he motions at the brothers. "Are a skilled guide and tracker. Moreover, they are my representitives in this matter. They are to remain with you, and will escort you back when your mission is done. Listening Raven will take you close to where this man was last seen."

[Vardaen]

Hunts nods deeply to the old council man as he is made a represenative of the NAN Councilman. He speaks no other words, only looking to his brother to see if the more sagely of the two has anything to ask or add before hand.


Then he has to ask, "Old Man, (Used as a term of respect and endearment), can you tell me how to kill a spirit or how to protect ourselves from such a black spirit?"

[Brennor]

William nods his head shortly after the councilman speaks.

"Thank you for allowing me into your lands to continue my hunt. This man is wanted dead or alive, so having to bring your law to him will not affect my own laws too much. I just want the threat of this man stopped, whether it is by capture or not."

He then stops speaking to listen to the answer to the younger Injun's question.

[Bitom]

The elder nods. "A spirit such as this can be touched only by magic, and even some of this will pass through unnoticed. Enchanted weapons will hit sometimes, and pass through them on other attacks, with no obvious logic. Spells will be the same. The only thing you can count on hurting them is a weapon that was held by one who was turned into one. Such weapons fall and are then usable against them."

[od]

Lucas nods along with the elders comments, "Also, the will of God channeled through a true believer may smite such creatures." The preacher comments to the injuns, "Though if the evil one is stronger than the believer there is no partial effect on the spirit." He concludes with no further explanation leaving it to the others to decipher his words. "But such a malevolent creature may also be unkillable without the proper priestly magics. I am not sure I am powerful enough to permanently destroy a spirit as dark as this one seems to be."

[Bitom]

The old man seems to know nothing of this, but does not discredit the preacher's word. He's given his permission and his wisdom. He now stands to dismiss the others into Listening Raven's care. The assistant looks at the size of the new group and shakes her head. "Too many. You'll have to wait until tomorrow. I'll take the two brothers back tonight so that they may spend time with the children, and return for the others in the morning."

OOC

Last chance to ask the old man questions before we move on to chapter 1

[Trogdor]

"We will find this man and stop him, teacher." Raven says with a nod. "Do you have any enchanted weapons we might use against him or his spirit? We'll manage without. But anything that might help us hurt them would be of use."

[Vardaen]

Hunts listens to the words about the ghost and takes it to heart. He wonders how he gets his rifle enchanted to kill spirits, but doesn't say anything about it letting his brother do the speaking.

When it is finally time to go, he says his good byes and returns to the Lakota camp via Speaks with Raven's transport.

[od]

Lucas considers what the elder said and just resigns himself to the fact that his wagon won't be coming with him. Once they leave he'll see what he can do to make sure it is still in Denver when he comes back. Most people will look after a preachers things...its good bargaining material when your standing at the gates.