Rocko's mind was racing over what posabilities could befall their group and his spiders in the future, but all outcomes that were in their favor seemed to center on one thing.<span style="font-style: italic">'I can't keep this secret from them and hope to achieve what I want. I need not only their help, but their cooperation. The orc seems in charge, I'll speak with him.'</span>He reached out with his mind for that now familiar link and called four medium sized spiders to where they would be stopping, telling them to wait for his next command. "Durzol, you should stop and scout the area, I think the boy's running hot." It was a small lie, but one that wouldn't be questioned. Such pitiful fibs meant nothing so long as they surved their purpose.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">The wagon was slowed down and eventually stopped as he looked back where Azior lay, "He seems to do that, but alright. We can make camp here. Do you know how to start a fire?"</span><br/><br/>"If you've the tools for it. I'm afraid conjuring one is beyond my abilities without flint."<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">"Everything we should need is in the Wagon. Get the fire going and I will get us some tents up."</span><br/><br/>"Good i'll tend to the boy." On Durzol's return to camp the fire was lit and roaring gently, the boy sound asleep in a bedroll, and the small Halfling, Rocko, at the fires edge. "Durzol, a word please." he motions for him to sit opposite the fire.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">He does simply as requested and sits beside the fire, "Yes?"</span><br/><br/>"I have a proposition for us all. You see, though it may not be obvious I am a man of great faith." One arm procures his holy symbol and raises it from his chest. "Men of my faith do not seek followers or power, but wisdom, and such wisdom I have a great amount of already." He takes a pointed look at the boy. "But none yet of what has happened with him. I offer you, Durzol, servent and arm of Hextor, this knowledge and skill. In return I ask that any such knowledge revealed in our quests be bequeathed to me."<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">"When you say skill? What do you mean by it?" the half-orc asked with a slight shift in his weight to make it so that he could move infront of the boy and protect him least this...man of faith try to take anything from him. Or more like gain anything from him.</span><br/><br/>At the orcs question, the forest rustled behind the Halfling. Slowly and carefully, Two spiders not unlike those in the inn crept from the shadows just outside the light of the fire and remained stationary, as if awaiting a word or command to even flinch. "It is hard to say with one word my friend. for even I don't know what the definition will become at the end of our journey. But for now, I am these creatures new master, and my offer stands."<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">In an instant he was on his feet, axe in hand and at the ready. "WHAT IS THIS? HOW DID YOU DO THIS?!" An angry glare thrown in the direction of the halfling, the head of the axe pointed at the still seated man. "HOW NEW IS NEW? DID YOU HAVE THEM ATTACK US IN THE INN?"</span><br/><br/>Remaining seated with his arms raised in placation, he spoke calmly. "Quite new. In fact just after that attack. While you dealt with what remained, I found the boy and his late mother under attack by the leader. Inscribed on the creatures hide were ancient runes. Instructions if you will. Their old master is no more however, and I learned that they were searching for food. I spoke the words to gain control of the hive, I have given them peaceful means of sustenance, and I have their loyalty. And through me, you can have theirs as well. My offer stands."<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">The axe was lowered though it was still firmly in hand as he looked from the spiders and then back to Rocko. "You will give me the power of the Spiders? Make me their master?"</span><br/><br/>The spiders backed away into the forest and the Halfling lowered his hands. "Through me. Know this Durzol, we have mutual goals but I am no fool. If you treat me as an equal, you shall have my knowledge and my army to command so long as you give me the knowledge this quest promises. I stake my life on the honor of my word. If you know anything at all of the followers of Aaxom, that should be more than enough proof for my integrity."<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">Silence filled the camp for a moment, save for the pops and snaps of the wood from the fire and the breathing from the boy beside them. “I will let you have what knowledge that I feel would benefit you and your faith. However, knowledge that would be for mine or the boy’s well-being I shall take possession of. You must also swear that you will never use your army to harm myself, the boy or anyone who is a follower of my faith. If you can agree to this then I shall help you gain the knowledge you seek and need.”</span><br/><br/>"All knowledge. I need not possess something physically to obtain it. Those you deem you require, I merely wish to view and study for a short time. Do I look a man that travels to obtain a great number of material things?" He chuckled reclined onto the log where he sat. "Otherwise I swear by your choices. No harm shall come to you or your charges, on my word." He rose and walked confidently towards the still standing orc, holding his hand towards him to shake. "You will find I am not unreasonable to work with my friend. Let us seal this pact and get to sleep. A boon of my own charges, we can sleep soundly, all of us, with them at watch."<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">He stared at the hand for a moment, his jaw worked slowly in thought before he grasped it and shook the seal the deal, “On your oath this pact is made and on my oath it is sealed. Should harm ever befall anyone under my God’s protection, our deal is ended and your head is mine.”  Eye contact was held for a long while before he released the smaller man’s hand and returned to his seat. “I shall stay up a bit longer to ensure Azior is resting well, I have weapons to clean and tend to, not to mention animals to see to. When I am done, I shall sleep.”</span><br/><br/>"Likewise to you my friend. Rest well, we have much work to do for the boy's sake and my charges." A mental sigh of relief crept through his psyche as his hand was released, and he walked back to his resting spot more confident than ever. With a final command to remain near the camp to guard it well until sunrise, he made to get ready for bed. As an extra aside in the command, he impressed upon the spiders great reward for guarding the camp well, in the form of first taste of the next hunt they would go on.<br/><br/>He could feel the pleasure from the four, and the satisfaction from the hive itself on being reminded of fresh hunts. Perhaps soon, this mental link would be more than just a leash on a wild animal. Perhaps soon.