(OOC: Unless anyone has anything pressing here then I assume we'll leave soon. Based on where the Gorgons have been spotted, would Cybele know the best town or military outpost to bring the group to so they can get the most current information on the situation?)

Cybele will perk up a little when Herkules mentions that he's leaving for Atlantis. She's heard so many tales of the city, but never been. "Achilles is journeying there too. Perhaps you will meet him along the way." Her frown will deepen as she eats some bread to try and soothe her rebellious stomach. "We will have to be even more vigilant then usual. The Drow and their allies will probably try and start something. Now that I can move us through the trees, it should give us an edge they don't expect... for a while at least."

(OOC: Carrus would like to visit his sister on the way out of the city, just for a few minutes.  Don't want to tie the story up too much.)

"They're welcome to try." 

Anax passes the time offering to spar with the others. He would normally default straight to Cybele or Carrus, but he cares to offer some tips to Dicaeus that he feels could be handy - discussing the importance of cover, routing enemies and battlefield control.

Carrus nods at Cybele's words about her tree-travelling.  This is a powerful ability.  With many uses.  Scouting.  Strikes in the heart of enemy territory.  Extracting spies.  Despite the pounding headache, he begins for the first time to appreciate the potential military uses for Cybele's new magic, and whistles.  This could change the course of a war...

 Carrus eats a hearty breakfast and drinks plenty of water.  As the hour comes to an end, he says.  We should go.  Our King has other business. 

He glances regretfully over at Herkules.  It would be a fine thing.  To fight at his side.  To see that maul swing.  Another day, perhaps.  He downs the rest of his water, trying to keep the pounding in his head at bay.  I would make a stop, as we leave the city, he says to the group.  A short one.  He stands, preparing to make his farewell to the King and set off.

(He says all this when Herkules is not at the table, but off making his preparations).

Anax bids a final farewell to Herkules, thanking him again for the sword, and promising that he'll soon bring him the heads of Greece's enemies.

He gathers his pack, takes a final chicken leg, then joins Carrus on the Plateau to make the long descent into Olympia.

Dicaeus prepares to depart as well, bidding Herkules a pleasant journey before packing up and joining the other two that stand on the edge of the Plateau

Cybele, Towns and villages in Sparta are few and far between. Mostly a nation bred for war, Military outposts are what substitutes for the lack of common towns. These outposts are HEAVILY guarded and each hold around 300 (Yes this was on purpose) Trained spartans. The closest to the border of Sparta would be the Ares outpost, None of you have ever been inside the Ares nor do you know who is in charge there.

"Achilles travels to Atlantis as well? Hmmm, that is.....interesting." Herkules has finished jamming the sack full of parchment and has slung it over his shoulder. "Your horses wait at the eastern gate, Mira tends to them. Safe travels my friends and may Zeus watch over you." Herkules bids you farewell as you leave the Den. 

The sun is bright and warm as you step out of the doors and meet the day. It's another majestic day in Olympia. Once more taking the winding staircase down the Side of the man-made mountain. You can already hear the bustling nature of the city before you even come close to the ground. 

Stepping onto the packed dirt, Carrus once more takes the lead. Intent on at least seeing his sister before you leave for your journey. Once more bringing you into the Bazaar on the southern part of the city. Carrus is walking fast and confidently, He knows exactly where the store his works is located. Brushing shoulders with the General populace he leads you all to the same wood and stone building he had pointed out before. Yet something seems different this time. Before there was tapestries and fine clothes hung everywhere on the outside, Now it looks like nothing more then a run down building.

Carrus pushes on the door to test if it is open, and calls his sister's name.  Cari?  Are you there?  He looks to the others.  Wait a moment.  If there door is not locked, he enters the building.  

Carrus the door gives and creaks open. You get no response as you call your sisters name. Opening the wooden door you find the entire store barren. No goods to trade or sell, there are a few wooden stools that are on their side and the sign that once hung over the front door. "Pins and Needles" The sign has notable burn marks on it. 

Alarmed, Carrus calls to the others.  Something's wrong.  Come.  Help me search.  He searches the building for any sign of what has happened, and then goes to find a neighbour to ask them if they know anything. Investigation 18 (Using DM inspiration)

Carrus the building is completely gutted out. You can see scrape marks along the floor and with that Investigation check. A few specks of dried blood on the far wall that looks smeared.

Going to the neighboring building You find a butcher shop, Various meats hang on hooks from the ceiling , Left to dry in the warm sun. You see a burly looking woman, While not as muscular as Anax, she is surprisingly very close to it. Short in stature with blonde hair tied back into a bun behind her head. 

She looks up from a piece of meat she had just clove in two. "The Pins? "Fraid I dont know Dear. Saw Isaac, Cari and some other man cleaning the place out before Dawn, They seemed in a rush. Loaded their wagon and took off towards the southern gate." She stops and ponders a moment. "Cari did have a fresh cut on her cheek if that 'elps."

Isaac is the owner of Pins and Needles. 

Cari's little boy?  Was he with them?  Carrus demands, a little more aggressively than he intends, a crushing feeling in his chest.  He manages to back off a little.  Please, ma'am.  I'm Cari's brother.  She may be in trouble.  I must find her.  Is there anything else you can tell me?

Dicaeus comes in just in time to hear this last demand. "Carrus? What's happened? Where's your family?" The pale man seems to be in considerable distress, knowing what its like to lose family. 

The Woman instinctively grabs the cleaver she had been using, not in a threatening manner but more of a self defence reaction as Carrus becomes slightly more aggressive. Her shoulders are high and she is now looking at the four of you with a "Oh shit" look on her face. Yet it all fades away when Carrus explains who he is to Cari. "Your her older brother? My word she spoke highly of you young man." She puts the cleaver down and scratches her left arm.

"Now that you mention it the youngin wasn't with her, Strange usually she takes that boy everywhere she goes. Im sorry young man I do not know anything more then that.......You should talk to Lucine! She worked at the pins up until a week ago, Perhaps she knows something, Last I 'eard she was workin at a bakery not far from here.......called.......Somethin to do with Flour?" 

Which way?  Carrus asks in a flat voice.  He takes off at a run, following the woman's directions to the bakery.  Come, please, he says to the others, not wanting to stop and waste time explaining.  My sister needs help.  He scans the area, looking for a bakery and asking people if needed.

Cybele's frown deepens as the scene unfolds. As Carrus leaves to look for the bakery she'll say, "I'll stay here and catch the scent." She'll look at Anax and Dicaeus, and then at all the common folk standing around who are about to see a sight.  "... One of you should make sure people don't get themselves too worked up when I change."

She'll step into the shop and in a smooth rush of fur turn into a Dire Wolf. She doesn't know the scent of Carrus' kin, but the butcher said the sister had been bleeding from a cut. That should leave a trail.

Perception: 18

Anax looks troubled. He addresses Carrus during the confusion, "We find your sister before we leave, Olympian." He claps his hand on the man's shoulder. "I'll stay with Cy and make sure she doesn't get into any trouble, you two should check the bakery - Dicaeus has a way with words." He says nodding at him. "Don't worry brother, we're the Four, not a lot can stop us!"

Dicaeus looks to Carrus. “Do you know roughly where we’re headed?” Assuming an affirmative answer, he follows the Olympian’s lead, following closely behind. 

The Butcher shakes her head. "Fraid I dont know dear may-" She is cut off as Carrus rushes off. Carrus begins frantically asking folk about the bakery, none seem to know what he is referring too but one does point him to a small building towards the western side of the bazaar. It looks run down and un-inhabited. Yet there are folk walking in and out of it steadily. No sign hangs above the door.

As Cybele changes into a massive wolf, folk begin to scream and run away. You can hear someone calling for guards. Cybele you take a moment, not getting distracted by the common folk screaming and fleeing. Sniffing the ground and the dried blood on the far wall of the pins and needles. You do get a scent and a strong one at that, This blood cant be more then 11 hours old, It would explain why it is dried but also still giving a strong scent. Following the scent out into the now cleared out streets, the trail leads off towards the southern gate. From there you can see two dozen armed guards rushing towards you.