After retrieving the address, the party decided that continuing on their main goal was a good idea. The walk towards the parade was fairly short, and with Yvah and the approaching cacophony of military pomp guiding the way, it was impossible to get lost.

The parade was a grand spectacle. Citizens of every shape lined the streets, cheering on the paraders. Marching through the streets were hundreds of soldiers on a myriad of displays: cavalry rode upon regal steeds; archers twirled artows like batons as some shot blunted arrows with parchment rolled about the shafts into the crowd; the fife and drum played a lively marching tune; swordsmen whipped their blades in a frenzy to show off their skill; mages shot harmless sparks in the air; and clerics cast holy orisons on those they passed.

At the head of the parade was the group's quarry: General Aengus Cavanagh, perched upon a white stallion gilded with gold and violet trappings, and an obviously powerful lance at his side carrying a banner of a white wolf on an azure field, the sigil of Bourgund. Leading the stallion was a male gnome who appeared tickled pink to be in the midst of the festivities, and waved to everyone with an enthusiasm that felt contagious. By contrast, the general simply smiled and nodded at those he passed, sometimes lifting his hand an inch off the reins in a light wave. 

It was obvious that there was little the group could do but wait for the parade to pass and to follow behind to catch up with the general later. Of course, they were not the only ones with that idea, and the party soon found themselves swept along in a crowd of followers. Most of the party (those with a Passive Perception of 10 or higher) were able to see one of the papers that the archers haf shot into the crowd. The top of the paper proclaimed in broad capital letters: [b]WELCOME TO THE 258TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF BOURGUND INDEPENDENCE FROM THE MAGOCRACY OF ALLAIN![/b] The bottom half contained what appeared to be a coupon to a local merchant: 1 gp off a purchase of 10 gp or more from Pilly's Parlor of Splendid Sundries. The address for the merchant seemed fairly close by.

About an hour passed with the group being pushed along in the excitement of the crowd. The parade came to a close, and the majority of the crowd dispersed, a handful of people pressing forward to try to talk to the General, but being held back by a line of city watchmen. Aengus could be seen in the distance dismounting from his steed and handing his banner to his gnome compatriot who struggled to hold it aloft. The general entered a building and the gnome followed with a handful of soldiers as the remnants of the crowd finally dispersed. It seems that now would be an opportune time to talk to the General, assuming the City Watch allows you past.