Squishy casts a 24-hour charm person on Mel again. They leave the horse tied up at the camp. Mel is reluctant to leave the area without a lookout. They tell him that someone is already watching from the tree. They journey along the southerly trail skirting the mountainside. Several hours pass along the cumbersome landslides and forested foothills as the trail curves around to the east. A glint of something catches their attention. Off the trail sits a short stack of gold on a tree stump. The stump is surrounded on all sides by a seven foot pit. Two of the guards are tempted to grab it. Mel grins, “Watch this..." he gleefully whispers. "No, go ahead. Try to take it.” Squishy‘s voice echoes in their heads, “it’s a baaaaad idea.” They decide not to try. They’re already getting paid enough.
The party comes up to the bandits near the edge of the forest. Squishy charms the lieutenant (Tourven), one of the bandit guards, and the bandit leader (Bachas). Elf detects magic and discovers the potion on Squishy. After a long talk, Elf and Jak manage to convince Bachas to come back to the town with them.
The conversation reveals that the bandits encountered a priest of Erythnul, who asked them to do something for him. They were awaiting further information from their superiors when the party found them. Jak convinces Bachas that they have a safe place just outside of town. [Since they were still awaiting word from the Raven Robbers Guild, Tourven stays to receive a message. Bachas has been making the guild sign to all the members of the party. Since nobody gives the response gesture, he is convinced that the party has no guild members.]
The party accompanies Bachas & 3 bandits to town. Elf breaks off and goes to get the guards. Jak & Bachas talk a little more. He seems relaxed yet eager to know more about the party. [Bachas is trying to learn about how the group got involved with the bandits.] Elf arrives in town and tells the guards they’ve captured Bachas. They need an escort to bring him in. One of the Raven's guild members overhears Elf’s report and raises the alarm to the guild.
Squishy remains his humbug self trailing behind the party. At the sound of approaching horses, Squishy uses his Mind Blast on everyone in front of him. One bandit makes a weak effort to defend himself, expecting a party of allies to back him. He throws a spear that almost knocks Elf from his horse. Elf returns a magic missile at a bandit. Everyone else refuses to put up a fight against the fifteen guards. With bandits bound, the troop leads everyone back to the castle for statements.
As they are led away, Squishy overhears that some guards are missing. Jak also hears that they are still waiting for guards to return. Jak talks to his fellow apprentices & Master Erol Flintstead. Mary talks to the guards to learn that her drills will be on Saturday (4 days from now).
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