Red Approaches the clearing

                             Onyx

I also feel we should ride past the clearing quickly but carefully. 
I do not trust that group of people and the clearing may be a good 
place for them and possibly more of their band to ambush us.  I 
think we should keep a good eye on that clearing before we enter it 
and possibly scout it out before we get close to it.  Unfortunately, 
I am not much of a scout.  Are any of you good at scouting?

Whatever we decide I will get the wagon moving.  I will be keeping a 
close eye on the woods when we get near the clearing whether we 
scout it out or not.

                          Jeath
The clearing up ahead sounds like a bad place to stop.  It all 
sounds like a prime place for an ambush.

I suggest that two of us who can travel swift and quietly ride 
ahead, scout out the area and set up our own little ambush.  If we 
are attacked, we will have a surprise of our own waiting for them.  
If not, then those two can just wait a few minutes after the wagon 
exits the clearing to make sure we're not being followed and then 

catch up with the wagon.  

This may be a stupid thing to do, but I will volunteer to ride 
ahead.  Any one else?  Remember speed and silence are at a premium.

No offence meant to Zeptha or Darrin, but I would have been more 
concerned if the young man hadn't given Zep the once over.  Lord 
knows I have, again no offence intended.

                             Darrin
Looks up sharply at these words, but after a few seconds with his
jaw clenched he shakes his head at himself as if to say, he is
only commenting on her all to obvious beauty, and surely did
mean no harm.
                           FOLDIS

    " I think we should continue until it gets too dark to 
safely travel further, I really didn't like the way the 
young one eyed up Zeptha. 
    I also think that we should have someone on the back of, 
or alongside the driver of (myself I think but I may be 
wrong), the rear wagon keeping an eye out for any trouble"   

    We could easily tie the horse of any watcher to the rear 
of the first wagon, presumably the carriage, and from a 
distance no one would be able to tell what we had done. 

                              Onyx

I think Foldis has a good idea.  I think we should put Christeel up 
by the lead wagon and Cyril by the back wagon (or the other way 
around if they prefer).  That way we will have a mage at each end 
of our group to help deal with any trouble that arises.  Also, if 
we have no one here who is especially good at scouting and we think 

getting some information on that clearing before we go through it 
is a good idea, I am willing to give it a try.  I am not especially 
quiet, but I am willing to give it a shot if ye think it is worth 
the effort.  I also think we should have Zeptha ride in the middle 
of the group or in one of the wagons.

                            Cyril
        I think it is not safe at the campsite they perscribed, but 
I think we could handle any thing that popped out. Otherwise on the 
way to the opening or elseware I will be by the back wagon. Turning 
my head over my shoulder and to the woods every once in awhile.

The StoryTeller
 
    The plans are laid and Darrin quickly agrees to go with Jeath
to scout the clearing.  A few cries of protest on this account
are silenced as Darrin points out that he has travelled this road
many times and knows well the clearing that lies before us.  He
explains that there are several sites just like this on the way
to Waterdeep and they are kept stockpiled with wood by the Out-
Riders of Waterdeep, or by a few men stationed in Daggerford.
They are quickly away and out of sight.
    As we approach the clearing we see no sign of Jeath or Darrin.
A small path leads off to the clearing which is nestled in a small
outcropping of trees.  Quickly the ever quiet one(Phearez), slides
from the wagon and is quickly hidden at the side of the road.  
    Zeptha holds tightly to her reins, her face drawn tight over
her clenched lips.  She mouths Darrin's name and all can tell she
fears for his safety, but she is wise enough not to let fall one
sound.
    Suddenly from behind, out come crashing two horses with riders
low over the saddle, waving sword and battle axe in the air and
letting loose blood curdling yells.  Zeptha screams and you all are
startled.
    You grab for your weapons, only to see the two riders rise up
in their saddles with loud guffaws at the looks of surprise on your
faces.  It is Jeath and Darrin, safe and well... for now.