Quoted By:
You quickly check the runners with Sage by your side. It is clear that at least 5 runners are not up to snuff and depleting their energy faster than expected.
"We should check on Joseph's sledge before we depart."
You also want to check on Ason's condition. The snow is lightening, visibility has improved, but great gusts of wind stir up loose snow occasionally and blot everything out with white. Joseph's sledge bears the mark of some great claw racking across the back of the sledge. Four long lines gouge into the wood and across the protective charms. Sage runs his calloused hands over the gouges, puzzled and disturbed by the damage.
With the ghostly red banner unfurled above your head and the shining antlers still dripping divine ichor over your face, you look inside the sledge. Among the jumble of baggage, young Ason is wrapped in a pile of fur blankets. You can't see his face, someone has placed a warm covering to protect it from the cold.
"Where is the Flamekeeper? I don't see anything from Eoman to warm Ason up!"
You glare about the party, eyes searching for the fat man. You find him, and he is slowly walking towards the sledge. The Flamekeeper is cupping his hand over something and blowing furiously at it.
"Bring Eoman's blessing quickly, we don't have all day! We need to get to the scarlet sanctuary by nightfall!"
You shout at the tardy contracted Flamekeeper. A dark scowl stains Theo's face, he is not used to a lowly runner giving orders. That it is the Master lead runner shouting at him makes no difference; It must be humiliating.
"That young servant is lucky that I deem him worthy for anything from Eoman. Those furs are good enough for the likes of him. Why should I just head back to my sledge and sit back down to rest."
He mutters loud enough for more than a few to overhear. A big mistake as one of them happens to be the butler Ogier. The gigantic man used to be quite the warrior in his younger days, and he is still incredibly intimidating.
"Lady Aurelia commands. You obey."
The older man marches right behind the Flamekeeper and watches him like a hawk to supervise. The fat Flamekeeper panics and picks up his feet to walk faster.
"Of course, of course. I would never dream of disobeying a direct order of House Andohar. Rest assured, I have the fire charms ready for the young servant."
You make a face at the sheer sycophantic behavior of the Flamekeeper, then turn to speak to Ason whimpering in the sledge.
"Well, little man, it looks like you're going to be warm and snug all day and tomorrow too. No more hauling luggage and tending to the party. Here, take this antler charm of Tarn as a memento and reminder of your first search for Spring."
