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In response to Val's question to Unbar of how his bridge is coming along - "Poorly. The wood needed will take to long to free from the buildings. As much as I dislike it, the ropes are a better idea."

When Vic leaves to watch the fort, Unbar accompanies him.

Unbar recognises the faint glow coming from behind and above the southern gatehouse tower probably to be from a brazier as something to warm guards rather that to aid vision. His mind runs through the possiilities that it could also be used to set off a beacon (but unlikely as there aren't a string of forts way out here in the wilderness) or to light oil poured onto intruders (perhaps a standard precaution but most likely purely for guards' comfort).

The dwarf's martial expertise allows his to instantly rcognise the movements of the light approaching along the road from the south to be a hooded lantern jostled by the gait of a walking horse. It's either a centaur or, more likely, a man on horseback.

***
Vic returns to the watchtowers overlooking the western drawbridge into the village to find Isaril awake and aware in the more northern of the the two towers. Lowering the drawbridge requires one person to operate the winch mechanism in each of the two towers.

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Which tower will Vic go to?
And what will Unbar do?

Vic will stay with the elf to translate. He suggests Unbar go to the other.

Unbar follows Vic to the watchtower Isaril is in.
"Aye. That makes sense. Give a holler if you want the drawbridge lowered." Unbar heads off to the other watchtower.

With the trio in their chosen towers the bobbing light approaches to apposite the drawbridge towers. A resonant masculine voice calls out, "Ho! The Towers! Travellers seeking shelter."

The light flickers as its holder operates the lantern's shutters before being played over the group behind it, seven sturdy-looking folks, two females, five males, all in leathers and on horse.

One fellow in the center of the band answers first, "I am Xolkin. And, these are my associates. Gentlemen?"
He is the owner of the pleasant, resonant voice that called out initially.
They call out, one, after the other:

• "Freddy!"
  "Eddy,"
  "Andy,"
  "Bandy!"
  "Candy,"
  "Dandy! At your service."

Andy and Candy are the females and Dandy makes a sweeping bow from the waist.

Apart from Dandy's affectations, the voices are unremarkable, ranging from impatiant to bored.
Xolkin is clearly in charge and accustomed to authority.

Xolkin replies, "Seeking shelter from the wilds. We are on a quest, but that sounds too grand. A task, a mission, if you will. But I'm afraid the specifics are not mine to divulge." He gestures to thew drawbridge, "May we enter?"

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Insight check if you wish.

Insight: [1d20+4] = 2+4 = 6

"Caution, the town was recently attacked. We are almost sure we have cleared all the goblins out."


Yelling to Unbar.
"Shall we let them in?"

Unbar pokes his head out of the tower he is in and looks the group over. "If they are in here with us then I'd say put them up at the inn for the night with a watch comprised of their group and ours." Addressing the group awaiting admittance he states "No offense meant, but we need to be cautious." Turning his attention back to Vic he continues "Your call Vic, but if I were in their spot and sincere, I'd appreciate a night in the inn."

"Drop the bridge!" Much quieter to the elf. "I hope they are friendly as they seem."

"Can you raise this with Unbar? I will go let the others know of the company."

Vic will go tell the others at the Inn of what just happened.

The druid nods and Vic disappears down the ladder.
As Unbar's chain shows some slack Isaril matches the effort and the drawbridge starts its descent.

Vic gets within a dozen strides from the inn as its door swings wide and Val emerges.
The pair have time for a brief conversation before the drawbridge thumps down on the riverbank.

Xolkin waves a lazy salute and the seven horses and riders start to cross into the village.

***
Unless interupted they follow Xolkin across the town square to dismount and tie the horses to the hitching rails outside the stable.