Chapter 4.2: The Dim Journey to Orlane

Dell will do his best to see if he can find Ene's trail. He figured it would be easy since she was moving through the wood carrying a heavy war hammer and just trying to get away but there were a lot of extra game or zombie trails out there also.

Berthold assisted Dell by pointing out the spot where he had last heard Ene crashing through the woodland undergrowth as she fled.

With the last of the undead reduced to ash, Antonius helps finish the grim work of clearing the remains before turning his attention to the wagon. He assists with securing the supplies and checking the harness, working methodically until everything is properly packed and ready for the journey. Once satisfied, he retrieves his armour and possessions, fastening the familiar pieces into place with deliberate care. The weight of the armour is reassuring after his recent injuries, even if every movement reminds him that he is not yet fully recovered.

Rather than riding, Antonius walks alongside the wagon, shield secured and his borrowed mace at his side. His eyes remain watchful as the party makes its way toward Cecily's Road, occasionally glancing toward the forest where Ene disappeared.
When Dell eventually emerges from the trees ahead, Antonius straightens and calls across the distance.

"Dell!"

He waits until the rogue is close enough to hear before asking, "Any sign of Final Measure? Did you find Ene's trail, or has she managed to lose you in the woods?"

His expression remains controlled, but there is unmistakable concern beneath it. The empty place at his side serves as a constant reminder of what they are trying to recover. The cleric’s eyes scanning the roadway in hope of seeing any sign of Ene’s passing, more of desperation and any skill.

Dell can only think he wishes Chase was there. He could track Ene on a granite road. He has found her trail and follows it back to the road but back on the road he just can't tell where she went. He hears Antonius call to him. He will wait for the party to catch up as he continues to search. As Antonius approaches he will tell him'I tracked here to the road but can't tell which she went. Sorry my friend I have failed you."

Antonius approaches Dell as the wagon rolls to a halt, his expression steady despite the obvious disappointment at the news. He looks briefly down the road in both directions before turning back to his companion. "You have not failed me, Dell." His voice is quiet and measured. "You found her trail where I could not. The road has simply taken the choice from you." He gives the rogue a small nod of genuine gratitude. "Thank you, my friend. Your efforts are appreciated." With that, Antonius turns his attention toward the road ahead, his hand resting briefly where Final Measure would normally hang at his side, before falling back to the replacement mace Berthold had given him. "We shall simply have to determine which way she went."

Dell will nod"If my brother were her he would have been able to track her even on this road. He has a sixth sense when it come to these things. She would probably get better coin for such a fine weapon in Hochoch. She is alone and desperate so probably looking for some quick coin. And there are those in Hochoch who would buy it no questions asked. But she will have to be careful with the Dungeon Buster presence there."

Berthold observed the road calmly in two directions. He trusted Dell’s assessment of the tracks. He did not forget that he had sworn to capture Ene the previous night, a threat he had made with determination.

"She’s with Bandit Black. Either she knows where to find his accomplices, and is out of our reach, or she is headed to Hochoch or Orlane. She knew we were headed to Orlane, so would probably head the other way. Selling the hammer might be her plan, and that means we can go around Hochoch’s blacksmiths and arms salesmen, and try to fin the hammer, or traces of the girl."

Kazzak stays silent as he guides the oxen past small holes and around curves. He knows the relationship between a soldier -- Kazzak considers Antionius a soldier for Wee Jas -- and his weapon is often special, although some treat their weapons as simple tools. I hope we run into Ene alone. Thieves deserve justice and Antonius deserves his hammer.

The dwarf surprises himself with a separate observation. He appreciates the openness of the surface world while traveling as compared to the shafts and caverns in the mines. It's much easier to drive wagons and transport people and goods. Smoother routes and bigger animals. It's still too sunny, though.

Antonius listens quietly as the others weigh their options, his eyes lingering on the hard-packed road where Ene’s trail has disappeared. There is a faint tightening of his jaw at the thought of Final Measure in the hands of a thief, but he keeps his disappointment firmly in check. At last, he nods. "Hochoch, then. Your reasoning is sound. If Ene intends to sell Final Measure, it is the place I would look first." He rests a hand briefly upon the borrowed mace at his side, a reminder of what has been lost. "The hammer was given to me in service to Wee Jas, and I will not abandon the hope of recovering it. But neither will I allow its loss to draw us recklessly into danger."

He looks toward the road ahead, then offers a quiet prayer beneath his breath. "May Wee Jas guide its path back to mine, should it be her will." With that, Antonius falls into step beside the wagon, travelling with the others toward Hochoch. Though he says little more, his thoughts remain with Final Measure—and the hope that, somewhere ahead, the ruby-inlaid weapon is still waiting to be reclaimed.