Elwin immediately began scanning the fields and nearby areas for signs of movement, or any clear clue.

(( Perception Check: 16 ))

New tunic? Del gets to ask R on the way before coming upon the ruins

Del will allow R to sneak in if first she wants. If she want she can have a B.I. (1d8 bonus) If not or after, approach the farm cautiously Perception 7 than dismount and start to check out the main house with the ajar door Investigation 23

Mindartis gets off his horse and looks at the terrain, "This... isn't normal..."

 Elwin sees nothing moving in the fields except for the occasional wild bird.

Del checks out the house very thoroughly. It is small and humble, though well-built of clay, with a thatched roof. Half of it shows signs of being used to house livestock, with a manger and a trough, and straw scattered on the dirt floor.  The other half holds a bed, table and chairs, a fireplace, cooking implements, and a wardrobe with a suit of common clothing and some coats and hats,. On the dead coals of the fireplace is a pot containing the blackened remains of something that cooked away to ash. Over the door are a couple of empty hooks, that seem like they might once have held a weapon or tool.On the wall is a drawing of a woman in a carved wooden frame. In the straw mattress of the bed, you find a sack concealed containing 43 silver pieces and 38 coppers. There is a loft covering the human side of the house: going up the ladder you find it divided into sections by rough walls: one division for hay, one for straw, and two with piles of straw and blankets on their floors, and a few carved toys and straw dolls on shelves.

There is no sign of a struggle, apart from some of the chairs being knocked over.

Let's get everyone together near the farmhouse, now that we know it is clear, and the kids can answer questions. To help us find your folks, tell us - what is missing? It looks like something was grabbed from above the door and your parents ran out in a hurry. Maybe they went looking for the two of you, and the farm was damaged after. Or maybe there was danger and they ran away, or ran to attack. Where are the nearest neighbors? What are you parents like?

Quentin, to be as thorough as possible, will also spend some time to ritually cast detect magic in an effort to see if there is anything magical nearby that could help explain things. 

"I am going to check the area around the homestead." Raven says, tieing her horse to the coach.  She sets off then, walking the perimeter  of the place, checking for tracks and anything out of place on the outskirts of the small farm.

Stealth: 15

Perception: 16

Survival: 10

Quentin finds nothing magical.

The kids are starting to get teary-eyed and frightened. Cara says, "Papa kept a pitchfork above the door, to move the hay and straw, and to run off troublemakers and bandits. That's Mama's picture on the wall--one of the Ondomar boys drew for papa after he helped find their lost sheepdog in the wilderness. Their farm is that way." (She points north) "It's old farmer Ondomar and his wife, and their oldest son and his wife, and their two little ones. They raise sheep and have a cherry orchard."

"The Athelows would not have been looking for the children, I believe," the Prince says. "It was my understanding that the Free City police had communicated with their parents and they knew Cara and Toth were being brought home. I could almost suspect a gnoll raid, except that the raiders could only have come through the Fey wilderness. The fey have no love of the gnolls, and would never have let them pass. Every sprite community would have been up in arms, and the less martial fey would at least have reported their presence to the sprites, or to the Naicas or Aldalires bordering their lands. Besides, gnoll raiders generally leave..." he hesitates, glancing at the children, "...a bigger mess behind."

Raven scouts around the farm. It was rainy a few days ago--the night of your Candyman raid--and the ground must still have been soft when the raiders came. Your time in the fens taught you to recognize the prints of gnoll sandals.  Scattered around them are tracks that someone else might mistake for large dog or wolf prints, but you recognize as the hyenas that gnoll bands bring with them. The only sign of violence you find, though, are a few blood-soaked places surrounded by scattered chicken feathers.

The tracks of the gnolls came from the north and go off to the west. There are also booted footprints among them, and bare footprints that may be elvish or other humanoid tracks, as well as the tracks of livestock.

You estimate around 30 gnolls, five hyenas, and possibly ten other unknowns.

Elwin nearly commented aloud on the tragedy, but held his tongue as he glanced at the children. He tried his best to piece together what he could from the other's observations. There was a good chance that, despite--or maybe even because of--the size of the raiding horde, the parents were still alive. But as to how long that would last, that was probably a gamble no matter which way they went with it.

"I suspect," he began slowly, "that time is our greatest asset right now, and that we must minimize its loss."

He looked toward the north. "While getting more answers would be helpful--" He turned, his eyes following the tracks toward the west, "--I think it's wiser to skip to the end of this trail, that being our best chance at influencing... the final result."

He finally turned to face the prince, directly addressing him. "If we are to do this, and follow after this band, we should do so now."

Raven returns to the group and reports what she saw.  "Seems like a decently-sized group of raiders, out of the North and headed West." She frowns.  "The only signs of violence I found here were where a couple chickens were probably killed." She glances to the kids.  "I think your family might have been taken prisoner, or have escaped prior to the attack."  She looks to the others.  "The path leads West from here, and I think we should follow in all possible haste."

The prince nods. "I should probably have Hogthimble take the children back to the Monkey Shines, so the news can be sent back to the castle. Or north to the Aldalires.  They may have some men at arms nearby. I truly can't imagine how gnolls managed to get here, though."

“The sprite villages we’re supposed to be investigating, where are they located? Would they have been a defense point? Or maybe like the Barleyman they’ve found a slip in the planes and have portals through defenses.” Quentin theorizes 

"That is something we will have to learn, after we see what we can do about this band." Raven says.  "Once that is done we can backtrack them to see what allowed them to cross so freely into this land." She glances to the kids, biting her lower lip with her teeth as she looks them over.  "Yes, I do agree that the kids should be taken back to the tavern." She says with a nod.  "Maybe you should return there yourself highness."  She meets his eyes for a long moment as she makes this suggestion.

We've had hints of gnolls acting odd (for gnolls) taking prisoners, raiding with deliberation. And if the sprites ought've stopped them and we're seeking missing sprites - answers all seem to point that way. So, yes, get the kids safe and let's chase 'em down, Highness. Del assumes / hopes the prince is coming on the hunt, eh, ...ayy what's up danger...don't be a stranger...

Del gets ready to ride hard, longbow ready, fiddle slung, fiddlebow and arrows equally accessible in his quiver

"The sprite village is indeed west of here," the prince admits.

He meets Raven's gaze, and reluctantly says,"I agree that it might be wiser for me to withdraw and gather more forces...though after being seen running from the demon fight at the Thamasaille, it may be all my reputation is worth. We will go north, though. Teddran Aldalire administers the western orchards, and he keeps a small fighting force on hand to repel owlbears and troublemakers. He will have someone who can send a message to my father at once, as well as to the border patrol. Go carefully. I wish you the best of luck."

He hands his shield to Raven. "We will ride quickly, and be on Aldalire lands within two hours. I am not without defenses. If you can use this, it would be best you take it, to help ensure your safety." (Shield +1)

He unstraps his sword belt, and passes it to Del. "My friend bard, I notice that you are but poorly armed. A musician must be ready to deal with critics." (Longsword +2)

Pulling a small book out of his doublet, he presses it into Quentin's hands. "I have this only to study. Most of these spells are far beyond my small training. May it help preserve you and your friends, so we may meet again. An Adiyodi of Ellantar is certain to make far better use of this than I ever could."

He releases Quentin's hand and turns to Elwin. "I regret that I do not have a suitable gift for everyone in the party. But so that you know my regard for you, this is in my power as a prince. I name you a Knight of Lomalos, Sir Elwin Cold. Your courage does you credit, and I know you will bring great honor to the title."

He turns to Mindartis. "Midartis Liadon of the Feywild, I may have an idea about what it is that you seek. But it would be wrong of me to solve your riddle and take your quest from you. So I will only say that I believe what you are looking for may appear in the sky...but not very often."

"Once more, the very best of luck to you all."

"Come along then," Lintelér says, taking the children by the hand.

"No!" says Toth, pulling away. "I'm going to stay and fight the gnolls and rescue Mama and Papa!"

"If i have to go, so do you," the prince tells him sternly.

"I can fight!" Toth insists. "I want to go with the heroes and fight!"

"Thank you my prince." Raven says with a curtsy, accepting the shield.

As Quentin accepts the book, for the first time that day looking the Prince in the eyes, he subtly points at him and send a message before quietly accepting the book, concern in his eyes though.

Shock. That was what was on his mind... and what was shown on his face.

Elwin lowered his head, not even able to speak, and afraid of what would come out if he did. He'd been adventuring, in part, to make something of himself, to become someone, to gain power to change his station in life, and those of others.

To have been given the title of knight--and not just tossed it out of charity, but to have earned it--brought about a whirlwind of emotions he could scarcely deal with. But he had to.  It would be beneath him not to, now. Choosing his words carefully, he looked squarely at the prince.

"You honor me, your majesty. Know that I will do my best to demonstrate your wisdom in this decision. Thank you. And... good luck."

Quote from JacWalke >>

As Quentin accepts the book, for the first time that day looking the Prince in the eyes, he subtly points at him and send a message before quietly accepting the book, concern in his eyes though.

“I still have a lot of questions about this morning. Be safe. It’ll break my heart if I come back to a dead Lintelér.”

 

Lintelér returns Quentin's message.