The chase

As the sun rose the next day, and the party woke, looking out across the land, they could see over a score of riders racing toward the lighthouse. Obviously fixing the feeders had drawn the attention of one of the patrols. They were approximately 30 minutes away and outnumbered the party 5 to 1.

Thundering away from the lighthouse, our intrepid adventurers began racing across the countryside away from the patrol and toward the west. As the morning wore on they were able to pull away a little further since the patrol's mounts had been running longer.

As the day wore on and the countryside continued to whip past, the pursuit continued . Midday came and went without acknowledgement. The horses Richard gave the party truly are from the finest stock. They continue to carry them without slowing.

As the day drew to a close, the cave Robert told them about came into view. Everyone was exhausted. The patrol was still in pursuit, and had been slowly gaining the past few leagues. Ekeraath’s mount, being unaccustomed to carrying such a heavy rider, had begun to tire and slow. Racing up the last 100 yards to the cave, Ekeraath’s mount stumbled. The horse pulled up lame and Ekeraath was thrown to the ground from the saddle. Quickly recovering, Ekeraath made it to the cave just as the patrol came into range.

For the record, here was the posible outcomes depending on the roll.

Ekeraath make a DC 22 check against endurance.
Success = Ekeraath and his mount stumble but make it to the cave

Roll between 15 and 22=Ekeraath falls from the saddle and is able to recover. He and the horse make it safely to the cave

Roll 10-15=Ekeraath falls and the horse pulls up lame, unable to make it to the cave. Ekeraath can make it.

Roll less than 10=Ekeraath and horse crash to the ground. The horse’s neck breaks, pinning Ekeraath underneath it.

Making it to the cave, there was ample room for everyone and their mounts. There was a small amount of rations hidden deep in the cave, along with the passage that led to the dragon cave, and the secret, cliff exit. At least 2 score riders filled the area outside the cave, but did not approach. A couple hours after setting up camp, the largest Hobgoblin any of the party had ever seen approached.

Addressing the party, he said, “I am General Karag. You are hopelessly outnumbered. Surrender and you will not be killed. You have one hour.”
As he begans to walk away, he turned and said “Do not think you can escape, the opening on the cliff has been caved in. There is no were for you to go.”

While this was transpiring, Rudy explored the escape tunnel. Sure enough, the monsters had caved in the escape route. Continuing to explore, Rudy found the dragons cave. The beast was asleep atop it's hoard of thousands of gold pieces.