As the group returns to the Copper Hills Fort, Ethelred is feeling his mortality in a way he has not before. The brush with death has not shaken him from the hero’s path, the loss of all his gear has not defeated his spirit (even if it has rendered him more or less useless).
“Alexis, we can’t out run or hide from the Darkhand for ever. They will find us at the Copper Hills. There probably wont be an army, who know what forces will remain. And ever if there was an army they wouldn’t care about our squabble with the Darkhand.
We do know of at least two groups that have no love for the Darkhand. Our current travel companions, though they seem more interesting in killing Gods? But also the bandits we gave the sword to.
Could we deal a blow to the darkhand by defeating some valued treasure hunters? Ride ourselves of foes and forge some loose alliance with the bandits?
Maybe you have other plans?
And can you talk with Telosh. I need money to get some tools”
“I’ve been thinking about the Dark Hand since we left the Greyfax estate. It’s still a little surprising that they were in the area, and very possibly using Barra’s seeing pool. Also good to know that they didn’t have any orcs with them. All good information. Possibly enough information to be able to go back and deal a blow to the treasure hunting portion of the Dark Hand.”