Storm Island Expedition

The Cyclopes Village

David, Sienna, and I ran as quickly as we could for nearly two days straight.  In the end, we only stopped because Sienna drank the last of the Energy Potions.
David dropped to the ground out of breath.   'Alright, time for a breather.'
Sienna only shrugged, 'Fine.   I'm winded too. But if it wasn't for the slowpoke there bringing up the rear ... '
'Someone had to mark the best route.  Three times you circled about looking for a quick or easy way across a stream.'  I started to realize we were in bad shape if I was starting to bicker with her. 'Look, we're ... 'I had to take a deep breath 'We're almost there.  We can plainly see the village.'
'Well, at least they look civilized.'
'Oh?'
Sienna pointed out the well tended crop fields and orchards.  'I've seen enough villages and camps of trolls, goblins, and giants.  When was the last time you saw one that advanced at farming?'
David chuckled, 'She has a point.'
'Luckily we haven't run into any of the villagers.  Remember, we're outsiders.  Try not to pick any fights.'
'Think you can remind the locals of that too?'
After several more hours of running, with a few breaks, we finally got within shouting distance of the village.  The village was certainly massive, certainly beating out Rimmington or Gunnarsgrunn.  It is hidden by a large wooden fence, at least twenty feet high with a wide ditch, either for drainage or defense.  It took us a few minutes to find the gate and bridge in the center south.  It did not take long for us to be spotted by some Cyclopes.  I was a little unnerved, these villagers were taller than most of the Cyclopes I had even seen in the Warrior's Guild.
Sienna slowly walked up to the first pair she saw, 'Uh ... hi' as she casually waved to them.  'Look, we are sorry to bother you ... but ... '

Just then, three more Cyclopes came around as well.  They were nearly a full head taller than the first two.  Each eyeballed us from head to foot for a long moment.
'Hi. We are in need of some assist ... '
One of the larger ones, probably the leader of the group, started to motion as if he was waving us off.
Sienna started to implore again 'Please, we need some help, one of our ... '
The Cyclops made a very strong gesture pointing us away and mumbled 'Go.'   He then ushered the other Cyclopes inside, and closed the gate.
David was displeased.  'Well, that went well.'

For the next two hours, Sienna tried knocking on the gate and shouting inside, but there was never any response.
'Some help they are.'
'Maybe we could try sneaking in?'
'What?  Climb over the wall?  Dig under it?'
'Sure, and wait for the cover of darkness?'
I shook my head.   'No, no, and no.  We want their help.  Sneaking or breaking in would be bad for that goal.   Besides, the rocks around the edge of the village would take a while to dig through, and there is some sort of sappy substance on the tops of those spikes on the wall.  I don't think I want to risk what would happen if we got that on us.'
'So what then?   Back to knocking on the door and shouting at the top of our lungs?'
'Yup.'

Dusk approached, and I took over annoying the gate.  Apparently a few more minutes of knocking finally reached their breaking point as one head poked over the gate.
'Well, seems we finally got your attention.   As you may have noticed or heard, we sort of need some help.   And we're not exactly leaving until we're certain you can help one way or another.'
David and Sienna both looked at me in shock.
Sienna started to stutter 'Please oh please oh please take that back.'
Confused, I asked her why.
'That was the worst possible way you could phrase it.'
A moment later, the gate opened up.
'See, they probably are just coming out to talk.'
When the gate finally opened, five very large and heavily armed Cyclopes were there to greet us.   Each was equipped in some crude looking steel armor.   Three were equipped with melee weapons, one wielding the trunk of a tree as a club, one with a large scythe, the leader holding in one hand a sword that would pass for a two handed sword if I wielded it.  The other two, on had a giant sling, and the other had a large number of light looking spears.
Sienna and David got up quickly and stood near me.
The five Cyclopes stepped out from the gate, and then harshly pushed us backwards.  The leader then made a gesture that clearly indicated 'leave'.
'Look, I told you, we came for help.'
The lead Cyclops simply said 'No.' Then the three meleers took up positions while the one with the sling readied a large rock, and the one with the spears took aim.  I guess that one planned to toss them like javelins.
Sienna pulled out her bow, David unveiled a large sword that seemed to crackle with lightning, I pulled out my Gumbai.
'Guys, look, try not to kill them.  I still don't want to make them upset.'
Sienna still couldn't believe me. 'They look quite upset to me.'