A Twist of Fate

Haywitch paced back and forth across the wall of the new defenses constructed around Crossroads. Finally he came to a halt as a small dust plume rose up in the distance. Soon after Marshal Nail dismounted from her Reaver mount, expressly purchased from the Godhunters for scouting the movements of the Corrupted Ruiners.

“What news?” Asked Haywitch.

“The Ruiners are still in the field, the Two-Stripes are all but destroyed. If past experience teaches us anything, the Ruiners will be returning to the palace soon to recharge.” Haywitch and Nail began walking together towards the Crossroads tavern, one of the only permanent structures in Crossroads.

“Was Salvation able to procure one of the Voyager weapons?” Haywitch asked.

“Yes. The Voyager weapon should provide enough firepower to knock out the support structures and collapse the palace. We will need to get it to the palace then defend it in the meantime.” Nail responded. The two sat at a table by themselves and clean water was brought to them, a tribute to their stations. “If those Ruiners hit while we are attacking the palace things could go south very quickly. I wonder if one or more could be intercepted and eliminated before the attack is made.” Haywitch mused.

“Our only settlements in the northern valley are are Brackish and Salvation. Brackish seams content to guard Brackish bridge and we’ve already asked enough of Salvation.” Nail replied.

“If the attack on the palace fails all efforts will have come to nothing anyway,” Said Haywitch darkly. “We should at least give them the opportunity while the Ruiners separated are from the palace.”

“I will send a letter then.” Said Nail “Give them the option. Then at least it’s their choice. Even if they are able to distract the Ruiners before the attack it may give us the window we need.” The doors to the cantina opened, and an Ironframe clad in dusty wasteland traveling clothes stood framed in the doorway. F1ND7 spotted them and strode over to their table. “Two of the 5 Ruiners have returned to the palace,” they said in their flat monotone voice. “The remainder are unaccounted for.” Haywitch shot Nail a look.

“Likely hunting down two-stripe survivors.” Nail suggested.

“This is the first time we’ve seen the Ruiners split like this. If two are here then its possible the other three have separated as well, and that means…” Haywitch did not have time to finish his thought before Nail had stood and was rushing towards the nearest courier caravan.

“Amusing to think the fate of so many may hinge on a coincidence or happy twist of fate.” Said F1ND7, their voice unchanged. All Haywitch could do was nod in agreement.