Chapter 4: Lyrie's Sendoff

Khel has just left Brodert Quink when he hear a voice calling out for help. "HELP! HELP! We need aid!"

Coming around the corner, he can see an old farmer limping into town. His clothes are dishelved and stained with mud and what could be blood.

Sandpoint

"The scarecrows!" the farmer, almost oblivious to Khel's presence. Then almost as if he notices him for the first time, he grabs Khel by the lapels of his robes. "They're alive boy! Alive!"

Looking him over, it is clear that he only have light scratches and the blood don't seem to be his. His lips are parched and he have signs of dehydration. The soles of one of his boots have almost come off, and the foot underneath is full of blisters.





The Sanitorium

Grim punches the man so he doubles over in Chigaru's grasp. But he still stands, and he bites at Grimwulf, by now almost frothing at the mouth.

Chigaru holds tight however and soon Erin returns with two burly tiefling twins in white shirts. They help you secure the crazed man in a new straightjacket.

"What did you say to him?!" Erin exclaims.

Khel is capable of calming the man, and by now several people have taken interest in the situation. One of the guards tries to scoot people away, but as soon as he realizes his authority don't outshine their curiosity he instead tries to guide Khel and farmer Grump to the Citadel.

With a cup tea in his hands the farmer tells a harrowing tale. "The southern farmland have become plagued by foul walking scarecrows that stalk the night," he explains to Khel and sheriff Hemlock. "There's been somethin' strange happening over at the old Hambley place. We've heard sounds comin' from there. And no one seen hide nor hair of old man Hambley. So we gathered up a posse."

"You should have come to me first," the sheriff butts in.

"Then you'd be as dead as the rest of 'em. The scarecrows killed 'em all. Even the dogs!"

"Don't know he's telling the truth," the sheriff whispers to Khel. "I could smell moonshine on his breath before you entered. But I don't want to take any chances. If you're inclined to check it out I can spare some men to go with you."

Grimwulf can notice som scrapes in the floor on the southern side of the room. A telltale sign that the closet can be moved aside to reveal a secret door.

Saldrina gets the idea that Erin isn't entirely truthful.

"You've spoken to your suspect," he says. "So I don't know what you think you're doing snooping about."