Seekers of the Stone Maker

Mr. Muffins woke up, and it took him a minute to realize where he was. It had been months since they had been at Stillmight Campground, and with the extended stay at Moonbright, it took a moment to acclimate to a room that didn’t change by his wish. On the side wall, he could hear Nuv and Kiks in their connected cabin moving around. He smiled, stood up and stretched, and made himself some coffee.

He could smell breakfast being cooked at the dining hall, so he dressed, grabbed his coffee, and walked over. Many of the troupe had already made their way inside the wooden building, waiting for Blight to finish. Over at one end, his friends sat with Elysium and Torra, talking over their cups of coffee.

It wasn’t that he didn’t like the coffee made here, but there was an art to making good coffee, and it was hard for him to trust others to make it how he liked it. He walked over and sat down next to Myla. He noticed a few things quickly. Elysium no longer had his cane, which he assumed Rhokhishi’s removal of his curse helped. He also noticed that Myla was more alert today, even with everyone nearby. Whatever Odin did, it seemed to work.

Take the win when you get it.Don’t overlook it for now.

Elysium looked over to him, raising his coffee cup in a slight salute.

“You’ve all been quite busy since we left Moonbright. Taking on a dragon, visions, and more!”

“It’s been eventful.”

“I’m just glad you’re all safe,” Torra mothered over them, lovingly picking at their clothing before sitting next to her partner.

Ana walked over, a tray of plates in her hands, and set them down.

“Blight and I have been working on all this for the past few hours!” She exclaimed.

“It looks wonderful, Ana,” Elysium eagerly stated.

They ate happily. Mr. Muffins was content with the restful feeling. He knew they had to leave within a day or so, but being back was nice. It was cut short as a gnomish figure walked up to the table.

“Good morning, everyone,” Leaf waved.

“Morning.”

“I know things were rough yesterday, but I have an idea that could benefit us all, the party and the troupe. When you’re done, please meet me at the main tent?”

He didn’t wait. Leaf turned and walked away. Mr. Muffins could see the awkwardness in his step.

That must have taken a lot for him to do.

It didn’t make up for some of the things he’s done, but he could see Leaf’s small progress.

He’s got a ways to go.

“Blight already wants to start on lunch and dinner, so I’m gonna stay here. Will you all be okay?” Ana asked.

“We should be okay. We’ll be in the campground,” Rhokhishi stated.

They finished their food and walked out of the dining hall. Mr. Muffins took his time, making sure his things were together. At the door, Lyla turned and grabbed a muffin.

“Come on, Muffins! Come with us, kitty!” She smiled mischievously while waving the muffin in the air.

“I swear… If another dragon doesn’t kill her, I might.” He mumbled over to Elysium and Torra, who both smiled.

It was still cold outside, but the sky was cloudless, the sun blazing down. If the wind would calm, it would be a decent day. He followed the group to the main tent, where Leaf was sitting on the ground against the exterior wall. As they got close, he stood up and put his spell book away.

“So, what were you going on about?” Mr. Muffins asked.

“Well, we all know that Ramona’s cabin was trapped.”

“Obviously,” Lyla whispered.

“I feel like we missed something last night. There has to be some clue as to what she was doing and how she’s connected to the Hounds of War.”

“She’s a hag. Maybe she’s connected to Baby Yaga?” Rhokhishi thought aloud.

“Yes, but why would she resurrect, then dispose of her sisters, just to bring The Dark Crow to our realm?”

“What do you think we should do?” Myla questioned further.

“When we were with Helena, I grabbed two of the gnolls that were killed.”

Leaf pointed to his arcane bag. Mr. Muffins knew precisely where he was going immediately.

“You want to animate a corpse, just to search around more?”

“Yes. It would keep us safe, and I’d be able to control it around.”

“What happens when we’re done using it?” Myla asked.

“Well… We’d have to kill it again.”

“I don’t know if I’m okay with this,” Myla stated, a look of concern on her face.

“Me either,” Mr. Muffins added in.

“Why did you even take the corpses?” Lyla pointed at the bag.

“In case we needed protection, just like this. They’re the perfect meatshield.”

“As the person you used to call meatshield… I’m terribly offended by that Leaf.”

“It’s not even about that. What if you don’t have control of the corpse? What then?” Mr. Muffins interrogated.

“I could use my abilities to dispose of it,” Rhokhishi jumped in, seemingly okay with the plan.

Leaf turned for a moment, then walked over to one of the twins. He looked up, and his sincerity rang through his words.

“I’m sorry for calling you meatshield, Lyla. You’re more than that. You’re a friend.”

“I’m not Lyla, Leaf,” Myla turned to her sister.

“I am,” Anger caused her face to redden.

“Sorry!” Leaf moved back, realizing that he spoke to the wrong twin.

Mr. Muffins shook his head in disbelief.

“I’m not going to be involved in this. If you want to risk the party by walking into a possible death trap, so be it, but I won’t come to save you every time your plans fail.”

“I’m sorry, Leaf. I agree with Mr. Muffins on this one,” Myla said quietly.

“I’m willing to try. But if things go wrong, we take out the corpse immediately,” Rhokhishi ordered.

Mr. Muffins walked away, Myla following close behind. As they rounded the corner of Rhokhishi’s cabin, he stopped, letting Myla walk over to Shaynth’s. After she went inside, he stood there a little longer, trying to figure out the right move. Finally, he shook his head, made his way to the other side of Rhokhishi’s, and leaned against the corner of the building. Across the way, he could see Leaf, Lyla, and Rhokhishi make their way over to Ramona’s.

Someone’s gotta keep an eye on them…