Rise of the Runelords

You moved off to establish camp and decide how to proceed.  You decided to run a scouting mission after nightfall.  You volunteered D'Argo to fly into the keep and look around.  The group approached the keep to a comfortable distance and looked to D'Argo and said "G'luck."  He was off.  About a half hour later, Malloric felt a tap on his shoulder and spun quickly and connected with an invisible creature.  D'Argo appeared brushing his cheek. "Sorry 'bout that."

D'Argo filled the group in on the layout of the keep and what he saw of its occupants as well as the make up of the 'armies' camped around it.  You headed back to camp to discuss options.  No one came up with anything good.

The next day you decided to ring the mesa to look for something more that might help.  Early in the afternoon, you noticed a small group of riders leaving the keep.  They were following the only road that led past a stone structure about half-way to the keep (as the crow flys) and on toward the pass where four dead stone giants lay.  You figured you'd beat them to the pass and interrogate them for information.

Some of you hid while the other more eloquent of the group waited at the pass.  The riders approached and stopped.  You began a parley.  They, a male human fighter in light armor and scimitars and a female in medium armor and shield, rode in the front.  About a half dozen other riders followed slightly behind.  Some of you recognized the symbol of Wee Jas she wore.  You learned that they had just completed some trading with the giants and that they were heading back to civilized lands.  You told them that you were on your way to the keep when you came across the dead giants.  You weren't completely sure she believed you.  But she did nothing about it.

A little frustrated with the pace and/or results of the conversation, D'Argo follwed the plan and put up a wall of fire behind the riders.  Bach charged the priestess and the fighter lept off his horse and landed near her.  Malloric opened fire and the fight ensued.  The fighter had taken a defensive stance and did not attack.  The priestess dismounted and approached Bach.  She reached out and gently touched his shoulder.  Wracks of pain contorted his body and he fell to the ground dead.  Fighting continued witht the scimitar weilding fighter defending them without making any attacks of his own.  She cast another spell with her hand on his shoulder and they disappeared.  You dispatched the other mercenaries and took their horses.

A fractious debate followed about what happened, why, how it could have or should have gone and what to do next.  The consensus developing is that the group will head back to Wraithekeep and make a final decision there.