The scouts can see there are humans, Elves, What looks like Orcs, and other creatures that walk on two legs that I have not encountered.  Some are hairy and mean looking, some appear to be hobgoblins.  It is a mixture of creatures all walking on two legs.  They appear well armed.

As the one loops towards the rear it catches sight of movement behind you about 2 miles.

Travis, now riding in the saddle moves keeps a lookout for danger. He has his trusty light crossbow armed and ready. He is situated towards the rear of the pack.

Listen/Spot # 10

To Jason, I say, quietly, "I can cast comprehend languages from one of my icons, and then we can understand them all, but that's only up close. I we deliver a message as you say, it'd be better, in order to start a dialogue. It's quite a motley group though. Almost like a gang of mercenaries. You think they were hired by the Merklin dude?" I relax, settling myself for another possible battle and trying to be prepared for the worst. "As far as the Dire's go, we should be able to perform the same actions with them, and possibly get them out of our way harmlessly, if they come a calling."

"Agreed, we have no beef with the wolves and still have the six-legged deer offerings. I'm more nervous about this trading post then the Dire Wolves. I think we either have one person sneak in to talk to people and gauge their reaction or walk in as a group like we belong there and yeah, Merklin was the guys name. If there are Orcs and Hobgoblins down there I have no idea what to expect but I don't want to make an enemy out of people that might not be."

  I stay at the rear of the group and prepare for possible attack from behind. Caesar stays back alongside me and watches curiously.  I lope along at approximately 50 yards behind the others.   

"Lets try to make peaceful contact with that group. I honestly don't like the idea, but just attacking them straight out seems unwise. Lets set up an ambush for it though, if they prove hostile, we'll make it their last mistake."

"First though, we seem to have company coming from the rear, lets get ready for that, then handle the rest."

Finding a defensible position, we'll wait and observe as whatever is approaching from behind comes our way.

The grou finds a defensible area of sorts on a small rise that gives you a little better view all around as you wait to see what is coming your way from behind.  It is a a little over half a hour when you see a female rider with two elf boys alongside her watching the area ahead of them closely as they move cautiously.  The first thing they see is a large ape and a Raptor type dinosaur looking at them.  They freeze as they wait to see what is going to happen next.    Looking closely you will all see that the rider is looking very familiar to you

Lowering my weapon, I step out into the open and wave. "Greetings Susan! And you two as well! We weren't expecting friendly faces out here."

Relaxing as I recognize our gravid compatriot, I smile and wave as well, turning back to the other known threat that awaits not far off. Linking with Ariel, I espy the motley again, trying to see if I can get better details. -Don't go any lower, though- I tell the scout -Let's just see if there's a pattern that tells me who the leader is- Switching back to keep an ear on the reunion, I mention to Jason the reason why I'm far away now and then. 

OOC - trying to pick out leaders and lieutenants. 6 add 5 for Spot, 1 for Sense motive or Gather Info, and 4 to any of them from inspiration. 

Knowing that the two elf teens and Vickie has once more joined your group you turn attention back to those that are North of you heading in your general direction.  The two scouts look at the larger group and can tell you the following.  In the middle of the group is a unarmored Female human.  She seems to be carrying a rock you all are familiar with.  There group around her seems to move as she directs and they seem to be move very cautiously making sure she is well protected.  They count the ones in armor to be close to 25 individuals both large and small.

 My eyes go wide and I grin as I hear about the group's composition and the magic stone, "Well now, that does make things interesting."

"Okay, check my thinking here, she's probably the leader of the hobs we've been dealing with, or at least a senior representative of the leader. That makes getting a chance to speak with her a high priority."

"At the same time, peaceful contact seems unlikely. We have been killing her minions after all, and whether or not we can beat that group, it probably wouldn't look to them like we can beat that group, so they're likely to attack us out of hand if we try to extend an olive branch."

"That means a show of force might be in order. Rachel, how often can you use that ring of yours? Think you can go back and request some reinforcements? Enough to negotiate with them from a position of strength, or failing that, easily capture the leader. I believe the lord would relish the chance to speak with this woman, indirectly if nothing else."

  I cock my head from side to side as i listen to him.  Lifting a foreclaw, I wave it to and fro. Where a deinonychus stood now I stand in my normal form. " That was interesting ...... such a fun form to take. "  Shaking my head I snap back to the present situation.  " Jason, I think you see the situation correctly.  They will attack us upon sight most likely. I can use my ring of recall now to summon aid.  It is useable multiple times a day.  Caesar and i can be away immediately if that is the plan...." Caesar eyes me strangely now as he seems a bit confused.   

I grin, "I'm glad you had fun there, I can imagine it being an exhilarating experience. Anyways, that sounds good. Anyone have any suggestions or alternatives?"

"We don't have the forces to look formidable enough, and I'm sure she's been informed of our antics against her forces searching for the item they seek. Having a small army at our back when we open negotiations is definitely ideal." I say, still watching through Ariel's senses now and then, and checking our own area against surprises. 

  I shrug and grin at Caesar.  " Let's be off then since there are no objections. " Looking at the others I get serious. " Please, all of you be careful.   Don't get killed before we bring help.   " I scan the area taking note of the current location.   " Okay, we will be right back. " I activate the ring and there is an empty space where Caesar and i were previously standing. 

I smile at the group. 

""Looks like my Energy Ray may come in handy here." I state matter factually.

OoC: Will not do so until the right time. Will figure out with the rest of the group the best way to deal with the enemy approaching

Travis also greets the Elven teens and Vicky again. "So good to see all of you again. Yes indeed your energy ray will come in handy here. Only next time I may hold off in the smoke screen ruse," Travis says with a smile.

He decides to mount up with his horse towards the middle rear of the group. In the marching order.

Rachel and Casear disappear and the rest of you are sitting there on your horses looking ahead of you.  The scouts report that on their present course it will be about two hours before they get to you.  The area you are is a small rise with trees all about.  The trees can be used for some cover but anyone can see that large area effects can be a waste of time due to targeting difficulties.  You do anything else for the next two hours.

"Right, lets see if we can find a more suitable spot for our little rendezvous while we wait. A nice clearing should do. We can likely get a bit of rest in, have some lunch, etc. If reinforcements still haven't shown by the time they get close, we'll back off."

The scouts will report that the closest clearing that would be halfway defensible is next to the large body of water.  It is about a hour  and a half north and east.  The trading post is off to the south side of the western tip but the western tip does provide a defensible area with a small cliff to the north and beach to the east and south and a clear area of approach from the west by about 100 feet.