Kerric:

”Perhaps we should head off the road and towards the smell,” suggests Kerric, looking to Ebele and Xalkas, looking in the direction indicated, his hand straying to the hilt of his sword.

Perception (visual) in the direction indicated:  15

Kerric sees berry bushes intermixed with brush and ( for him) knee to waist high grass with a scattering of large rocks and some trees further in

Xalkas attempts to move quietly through the grass that’s above his head listening intently for anything besides the group. 

Stealth: 8

Perception: 10

Kerric:

Following Xalkas in (who is presumably following his nose), Kerric attempts to be quiet as well.

Stealth:  10

“Should I start banging pots and pans too?” The monk would jest, following those who were trying to be stealthy. 

Kerric:

Not knowing whether to be indignant or amused, Kerric looks back at the monk and whispers, “Shhhh.  We are not trying to hide from you...”

***failed patience check****

luckily it seems nothing heard you,   about 150 yards(137 meters :P ) off of the road you come across wheel marks that seem to be turning to the left and going south 

“These tracks seem to lead towards the smell of campfire and food. Though it does seem a bit odd being so far off the road.” Xalkas says looking around at the group for an agreement with his assessment and a plan for moving forward. 

Kerric:

"Agreed," says the elven warrior, "but they could be simple travelers.  If we can approach stealthily and discern their intent we may find the truth."

Kerric idly picks a few berries as they go by, putting them in a pouch for later.

Ebele would brush past the others and continues her way down to follow the ruts from the wagon. “What if I were to blindly wonder their way...” the monk would purposely stumble to make it look like she’s suddenly struggled to find her footing, but continue forward without skipping a beat. 

Rehgys enjoyed singing ballads of the life in these hills, the tastes of the southern wines, and the pleasures of the company of northern men and women. It's a lifely mix of vocalised folk tales, bawdy tavern songs, and lyrical accounts of events true or fictional. When the ruts are discovered, they quickly stow their instruments, and, cowering behind Kerric, slowly approach.

At the suggestion that Ebele go and suss out the nearby travelers or bandits, Rehgys can't help but feel worried for the monk. They are much too afraid to suggest going to see for themselves though, and ever so slightly nudges Kerric to do so instead.

Kerric:

Shrugging at Ebele’s ruse, Kerric follows her at a short distance, trying to stay hidden and quiet.

Stealth:  10

Xalkas follows along behind Kerric also attempting to move stealthily. 
Stealth: 21

Advacing maybe another 400-500 yards the ground rises slightly and the smoke smell is stronger 

as you approach the rise Ebele what do you do?

Ebele would take a deep breath to centre herself, listening for anything else besides the crackling camp fire and the footsteps of her companions. 

Perception: 11 + Guidance: 3 

Kerric:

Wondering why Xalkas decided not to follow along with them, Kerric keeps Ebele in his sight and looks ahead carefully.

Perception:  21

Ebele you hear metal being scraped against something  murmers of voices but cant tell for sure how many, something growling, and a snippet of conversation

"how long are we supposed to be out here"

Until we take the delegation or here otherwise, you know our orders as well as i do so stop whining"

Kerric:

OOC:  sigh, try that roll again...

Perception:  7

Kerric has Ebele firmly in sight.....but where did the rest go?  lol

kidding   Kerric smells the smoke getting stronger 

Xalkas stands ready to use mage hand as a distraction should Ebele need one.