Part 4: Second Attempt to Plumb the Barrowmaze

[Ludanto]

"I do not see that we have a choice," Mortiganto answers.

[DMStue]

Taking Marcus's hands, Dren waits for assistance from the others .... "It could have been Dren lying there .... and Dren would have wanted a proper burial. Marcus shall have one too"

[GTan_Baq]

Erinar lifts Marcus and carries him out of the room and back to the room we all came down into. "I'll need some help getting him up and out of here."

[RiotInferno]

Pyrrhic stows his shield and spear and helps Erinar lift Marcus out.
"This has been a grim trip, already. Let us not forget that this could have been any of us."

[ybn1197]

The entry chamber is right around the corner from the room where Marcus was killed. Pyrrhic and Marcus are able to haul him out of the room while Mortiganto and Dren insure the hall is clear for you all to pass through. It only takes a couple of minutes to work your way into the entry chamber and escape for the labyrinth. You once again find yourself outside the largest barrow in a field filled with Barrows.

What do you do?

[Ludanto]

"I am seriously considering taking up a trade. I've got a cousin in Westchurch who can get me in where he works", Mortiganto says to no one in particular.

Then, with a sigh, "But no. Not today. We've got to make this all mean something, right? I say we continue from where we left off."

[GTan_Baq]

Erinar says, "Lets bury him out away from the barrows. He was our friend and I would hate to face him if he were risen as one of these foul undead."

[RiotInferno]

"Shall we head back to town and have a proper service?"

[Ludanto]

"Might as well," Mortiganto says with a shrug.

[GTan_Baq]

Erinar thinks a minute then agrees, "Yes, you are probably right. A proper service would be best."

[ybn1197]

Between the three of you (Dren is too short), you are able to bundle Marcus's body and carry it back to Helix. It takes the better part of the day and it is nearing dinner as you stumble back to the square. A crowd has begun to assemble as you make your way into town. Some stare solemnly, some remove their hats and bow their heads reverentially, and others simply sneer and mutter there goes other fallen of Barrowmaze. By the time you make it to the square (1) a man approaches you from the Shrine of St. Ygg (6). He is followed by two others, a woman and a male half-orc. The man looks at you solemnly and asks "Would you like us to conduct services?"

[Ludanto]

"Yes, please," Mortiganto replies solemnly. "After what he's been through, we must be certain that his soul will find its way."

[DMStue]

Dren bows his head and follows on solemnly, feeling guilty and wondering if there was anything else he could have done to save Marcus.

[GTan_Baq]

Erinar follows the others while muttering prayers to Pelor.

[ybn1197]

The man bows his head again. Looking at you he introduces himself. "I am Brother Othar. I am in charge of the church of St. Ygg and for the shepherding of the people here in Helix. These are my acolytes, Cella and Gamdar." Cella and Gamdar move forward to assist you with carrying Marcus. "Come," Othar says turning his back to you and making his way out towards the outskirts of town. Cella and Gamdar make to follow him.

[Ludanto]

Mortiganto follows silently, helping to carry his fallen companion.

[GTan_Baq]

Erinar follows the group.

[ybn1197]

The small procession makes it way outside the village, following a track that, though not wide, has seen it share of traffic. The trail leads to a small lot of land concealed behind and within a stand of trees. The clearing inside the stand of trees has a number of markers forming rows. The cleric makes he way across the clearing towards the opposite side where a pit has been excavated, the mound of dirt built tidily next to the hole. Gamdar whispers to whomever is nearest, "We always maintain one site as there is always one unfortunate soul."

The procession brings Marcus's body to the grave and careful place him inside. Othar says some words, praying the body and soul of Marcus find peace. At the conclusion of his prayers, he looks to the rest of the group to see if anyone has any words they would like to add before he concludes the service.

[DMStue]

Shuffling forwards, Dren pauses and takes a deep breath .... Dren did not know Marcus for long, but we fought side by side and without his bravery, Dren may have suffered the same fate. Rest in peace comrade .... May your gods find space for you by their hearth"

And with that, the halfling stoops and gathers a handful of dark brown earth, tossing it into the grave.

[Ludanto]

Mortiganto approaches the grave, stands over it for a few moments, and then tosses a handful of earth into the hole without comment. He returns to the rest of the group without making eye contact.