"So, what do you guys want to do? I don't really think they want our help..." Iris said awkwardly.
"I do have the ability to invoke my god's name in order to allow us to pass, however it can be risky as they might not follow the command. However, I am sworn to do whatever I can to complete my divine mission." Alexander remarked.
"I'm not one to place too much faith in the Gods, but if you think it will help us - then by all means." Alarei looked behind him to see the Palace once more, and the bitch inside. "I say we ignore her, we were here to kill the Goblins. We do that, we might gain the Queen's favor."
"And a Queen's favor sounds a lot more valuable than coin ever could."
"Well, the, er, Captain did leave us a suggestion. I suggest we follow that before we... Go about the business our own way, whatever our way will be." Geckle looked forwards at the woods uneasily. "What if the patrol encountered a party of, er, goblins? They seem too well-trained to be late for trivial reasons. Considering what we're here to d-do, it sounds like a place to start."
"Mm, the little one is right - we should investigate the disappearance of this patrol, we'll see first hand whether or not these guards are as cracked up as the Mage bitch seems to think they are." Alarei led his horse by bridle behind him. "I say we hitch our horses somewhere near the palace - trekking in the woods with the horses could create some unwanted attention - and it'd be a little harder to navigate through the thick undergrowth on the back of a horse."
"Sounds good to me, but what say you, Gwenaƫl?" Iris asked, turning towards the ranger.
"I say we'd best get moving. With that smoke in the air, there won't be much time. As much as I'd hate to do help someone so rude and prudish, we need to help with the goblins."
And with those parting words they soon found themselves approaching the dark wood, it was an insidious place, with very few game, and even less fruit. The trees had bark that was reminiscent of flesh, and the sap would ooze like festering wounds a thick salty muddish brown mixture. Only the strongest and wiliest of creatures could survive there for very long. The grass lands quickly turn to purple caked dirt, and there was no sound of life where there was life but moments before. The group stood at the precipice of the forest.
((Everyone Roll 2d6+Wis/Int whatever is higher, on 7-9 you get 2 questions 10+ I'll give you 4))