The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

Silent nods. No time like the present. He's ready to set off for Felderwin, planning to hunt on the road rather than spend any of his newly-earned money on rations. 

Alton nods, "Do we want to see about getting a third horse, or maybe a cart that two of them can pull before leaving. Unless either of you mind having me ride with you. Oh, and if we aren't in a hurry to get to Felderwin, could we swing by my home? I've got some things I'd like to drop off and I'd like to let them know I'm okay."

Alton heads off to see if he can find either a horse or a cart to buy.

Silent tells Alton he'd like to visit his family home with him, and will accompany him on the search for a horse and cart. 

Alton, you find a horse merchant near the southern gate of the city, but she shakes her head glumly at you. No horses for sale, not round these parts. There's a war on, in case you hadn't heard. The Righteous Brand has taken every creature I own, even the ones that should be put out to pasture. I've got a pretty letter saying they will definitely give them back, or pay me, once the war is over. So that's fine then. Carts I can do, if you don't mind pulling one. And you can get an ox or two just there, over the road. She points at another merchant, who is busy haggling with another customer.

A cart alone will cost 20 gold, slightly increased from the normal price because of the war.

Balassar just follows the two figuring it best to be on the road as soon as possible to Alton's family.

Does the cart look like it can be hauled with two horses instead of an ox?

Yes, it does.

Alton hands over the 20 gold for the cart, "Thank you." He turns to Silent and Balassar, "Now we have a way to carry more stuff with us and we don't have to keep our packs on our backs all the time. Though, well probably move a bit slower, but that's okay."

Balassar just nods "Smart thinking, plus we can carry more now." he'll quickly look to see if the man that sold the cart happens to have a blanket in good condition.

While Balassar looks for a blanket, Silent will pull Alton away from the merchant and ask in a low voice, I didn't wanna bring it up earlier in front of the Captain, but it's been on my mind the whole journey... that wizard, all the stuff he was yelling. Seemed like he knew you, or at least thought he did. You ain't got any idea what he was on about, do you? For a case of mistaken identity, the old bag o' bones seemed real confident. 

Balassar, the cart guy doesn't sell blankets, but a blanket can be had nearby for a reasonable price (five silvers) if you wish.

Balassar will buy two blankets and fold them up into a bed in the cart for ghost before they leave.

 You are all walking towards the gate of the city, ready to rejoin Ghost and head off - back to Felderwin?

Balassar, you get your blankets and make a cosy resting spot, you hope.

Does Alton have a response for Silent?

Alton gives Silent a shrug, “I don’t really know what that was all about and I’m just as confused about it. If I had to guess, it might have something to do with my great granddad; but my family never talked much about what he did. All I really know is he went off on some adventure and found something and hid what and where it is in his journal. Most of my family thinks he just went mad. So, I’m on my own adventure now to prove he wasn’t as crazy as my family thinks.” 

Silent raises his eyebrows, intrigued by this story. You got this journal? Or a map, any hints to where this thing might be? If we can get the Lawmaster off our backs we oughta put all our heads together and go on a treasure hunt.

As you're talking, you reach the gate and exit the city. About a mile beyond, Ghost comes padding shyly out of a small wood, glancing nervously at some labourers who haven't yet spotted him, and picking up the pace as he heads towards you.

Balassar will just pat the back of the cart for him to jump in and then point to the blankets "Rest a bit Ghost."

Alton gives Silent a nod, "I do and there was some stuff in that tower that looked like it might be helpful. We can look over it while riding in the cart, and some help would be nice." Alton scrambles up in the back of the cart after Ghost and scratches them behind the ears. "So, what do you guys think about negotiating out of working for the Lawmaster? I'm sure there's stuff you two want to do or places you want to go. Maybe we can help each other with our goals. We were kind of brought together by circumstance and have mostly stayed together through these jobs. Also, we really haven't picked out a name for our little band yet. Silent joked that people might think Balassar is a Tarrasque with a sword if he gets any bigger; so I kind of thought of The Tarrasque Pack; I also thought of abs too, just using the first letters of our names. What do you two think?" 

Silent thinks on Alton's words. Aye, I reckon it's time to get ourselves outta that deal. Been a drifter for a long time, no goals aside from getting better with this blade. But there's a man I've been looking for kinda halfheartedly. Figured I wasn't who I needed to be in order to face him again but, well... I don't think I can keep avoiding that search much longer. And whatever in the Nine Hells was going on with that Art fellow and those undead nasties. I ain't forgotten that either. 

He then pokes Balassar in his armoured belly and suggests, As for the name... how 'bout a combination? The Tarrasque's Abs.