"I never said it would be 'trial by combat', I said it would give her the opportunity to die fighting."
"To the other," he shrugs, "I have no objections."
"Fair distinction. My second point remains though. What do you think we should do with her in the unlikely event that she bests you? Do you expect me to avenge your death with a swift sword stroke? To let her go to regain her strength?"
Alayi's eyebrow raises, but her lips and eyes indicate that she is taking this seriously.
Kesten chimes in on Korinne's point. "I'm not really a law minded man. Just doing a job that Brevoy sent me here to do. She would be pretty in line for the noose in Restov, not much question there. Personally, I don't think we should be relying on 'River Kingdom laws'. As far as I know, you lot were tasked with bringing the Swordlord's justice to this land so I think their laws should hold sway. Not many people here beyond bandits so I don't really think you're going against the "law of the land" here. The River 'Kingdoms' have always been a land with little regard for law and rules to begin with."
"I must agree with Kesten." Castor pipes up. [/b]"We were asked to clear these lands so that they might become a prosperous kingdom all their own. I believe it would be wise to begin applying now what laws we wish for this kingdom to have later."[/b]
"As much as I share this sentiment, our charter in that regard is very clear. The unrepentant bandit – which I take it Kressle qualifies for – should be executed 'by sword or rope'. The only leeway it gives us is to decide whether to do the deed ourselves or let Restov handle it."
"As for this execution by combat you suggest, Rufus... I have conflicting feelings about it. Though I fully respect your point about the dignity of dying sword – or axe – in hand, it still strikes me as either an oxymoron, or a very chancy endeavor."
Rufus' expression at Alayini's follow up question makes it painfully apparent the idea that Kressle might succeed in defeating him had never seriously entered his mind before she brought it up. In fact, the question so flustered him that he fails to fully grasp Kesten's statement as he continues to contemplate such a ridiculous possibility.
Drawn back from his consternation by Korinne's words, Rufus sighs. "In the two hundred and-some years since Choral the Conqueror established his rule over the lands of Issia & Restov, binding them together as the realm we now call Brevoy, these 'Stolen' lands have never been successfully 'tamed', and not for lack of trying."
"In the better than two thousand years since the Fifth Taldan Army of Exploration first explored & mapped the lands we now know as the 'River Kingdoms' Brevoy, among others, these 'Stolen Lands' have never acquiesced to the plow or the pick or even the flame. Tymon, Sevenarches, Daggermark...
Even Gralton," Rufus' tone assumes a particular resonance of disdain none of you have previously heard from him, "and Liberthane have all made a place for men, not too mention countless others."
"Here," he thrusts a finger down, "Not one community, not one Fort, not one farm or monastery or Keep has survived even a score of years. Something always happens."
"Claims," he adds, looking directly at Korrine before shifting his gaze to the others present, "have been made, many times & not just by Riverfolk. This isn't the first time Brevoy, or Rostland before that, have attempted such. ::snort:: Rostland this land the name 'Stolen'..."
Contemplating further, he adds, offhandedly. "I never said I was invulnerable, but I beat her once & I'll beat her again if it comes to that."
Xelani listens intently to Rufus' brief history lesson. Granted, having spent most of her life within a stone's throw of the Stolen Lands, she knew how their history of lawlessness run far and deep, though just how far and how deep she's only now discovering.
"Perhaps where whole armies have failed, a small group of six can succeed. Try to subdue a ruthless territory through a display of force, and it will coalesce against you and push you out. Respectfully make you entrance, taking time to know the peculiarities and the balance of power of the land before you even register as a threat – and you might as well have a chance against all odds. If that's what you meant when you mentioned those... "River laws", I understand your point. And I share it. Kingdoms built on conquest alone rarely survive their founders – and vice versa".
"If you think she'd rather die standing than kneeling by a chopping block, and you'd feel like indulging her in that desire, by all means, not only I won't try to dissuade you, but I'll also praise your gallantry. What I can't promise you, however, is that I won't keep an arrow nocked at all times – in case even the most remote of eventualities comes to pass."
"Well, first off, none of those groups were us. And, thanks to you, we have the benefit of knowing both that they failed and possibly a bit about why they failed too. Maybe we will fail as well, maybe not, but it won't be because of bandits or repeating the past's mistakes, at least I hope not, that cause us to do so."
Alayi inclines her head to Rufus as she speaks.
"Second off, if that many people have failed from that many directions, perhaps we should be more wary. This area must have some thing or some one that does not want civilization to spread here. We need to find this source and deal with it if we are going to succeed I think."
Alayi stands up. "Regardless, we need to get parts from Restov if we are to get the catapults working again. A goal that I am finding myself wanting happening quicker by the moment." She turns to Arawn. "No matter what 'proof' we send to them of Kressle's demise, we will need you to get them to send us the parts. Rob and I will be compiling a list. Also, if you don't mind the moat," here she smiles to Oleg, "we will need to tools to dig it out and possibly some oil so that we can make it burn. Oh, and we will need some spikes too. I want to make the walls less scale able by placing them along the top of them... make sure that anyone trying will get their hands pierced for their efforts."
"Well spoken" Xelani says nodding in heartfelt approval towards Alayi and then Korinne. "If the Stolen Lands have been resisting every attempt made to reclaim them for centuries uncountable, it stands to reason there's something more than mere bandits or kobolds lurking out there. But spending too much time dwelling on it is akin to already admitting defeat. In the meantime, let's focus on those problems we can solve."
She then turns to Oleg. "Master Oleg, as it stands, this might very well be the last bastion of civilization before the untamed wilderness that is the Greenbelt. This, coupled with your gracious hospitality, makes it the perfect staging point for our future forays – but it also puts it in danger. Please, allow us to continue reciprocating your generosity; let us help you restoring this fort to its former glory. You've heard about our plans, both today and yesterday as Alayi and I were inspecting the fortifications. If you're amenable to them, we can put our newfound manpower to work even today, under either Alayi or Rob's supervision. Any part or component we cannot build ourselves we'll have sent from Restov – at our expenses, of course".
With that, she takes out the rolled piece of parchment ser Garess handed her two days before. "Speaking of expenses. I know our opinions on what properly delivering an outlaw to justice means might differ, but if seeing them bound and disarmed is proof enough to you of them no longer being a threat to Restov's trade and interests, would you be willing to write the Swordlords we've now qualified for cashing this bounty? In which case, part of the sum could be delivered in the form of those same gear and goods I've mentioned; I'm quite sure Alayi can have an exhaustive list compiled in no time".
"Indeed I can, though as I mentioned when Kesten and his men arrived I also need some iron and steel to start forging weapons. If this truly is to be a defendable location, we need to make sure that it can support a garrison if need be. To me, that means a well stocked armory. I will also need quality feathers and wood for arrows, though we might be able to get those locally."
Alayi stands us and nods to her companions.
"No matter what her fate, let me know when Kressle is taken care of and I can get my workers back to being productive. I am going to go talk to the other man you brought with her. Depending on his responses and attitude, we may have a fifth hand working on restoration here... or a second execution following Kressle's."
"For how long?" Rufus inquires of Xelani & Alayini.
Alayi looks at Rufus quizically and shrugs. "How long to get everything repaired? Weeks, maybe months if those supplies are late in coming and we have to fabricate replacements from scratch. If you mean to get this place fully fortified... well, that will take a bit longer unless we want to pitch in and help with the fortifying. If the only ones digging and shoring up the fortifications are our not so skilled laborers... well, I'd estimate we might have it finished in four months. Possibly longer if they have to rework significant sections of the walls, run into supply issues, or discover the need for additional fortifications to be added."
Alayi shrugs. "But then, I am not really an engineer... it could take less time... or a lot more. Though, on the bright side, I think that I might very well become one by the time I have finished our work fortifying here." Alayi's smile as she says this is mirthless.
"You misunderstand me. For how long will they be laboring at this? Fin, Healy, Shem, Ward..." He trails off, muttering "the other fellow never did give me his name before I downed him..."
"They need to learn something other than banditry, yes, but for how long?"
"For life, gods willing... once picked up, honest work is not set down again until either death claims you or infirmity prevents you from continuing... and the best workers are always learning more about their trades." Alayi shakes her head.
"But you are probably really asking how long will they be here, under my tutelage as prisoners, before we let them attempt to stand on their own in civilized society. And to that question I will give you roughly the same answer I will give them if they ask: it is entirely dependent on them. I will not release them without them knowing enough to have a chance at establishing themselves in the outside world honestly. So, the faster they learn, the more the put themselves to the work, the sooner they will earn their freedom as repentant citizens of this new settlement."
"A wise answer, Alayi. It is my hope that these men will join us as future citizen of this kingdom-to-be, but they will be free to go wherever they please once we feel we can trust them not to return to the ways of banditry."
"It would be a wise answer," Rufus rebuts, "if they could be certain you won't use that rationale to hold them here indefinitely. There is a word for people held such, I doubt any of you would tolerate it applied to you."
"I see your point, Sir Rufus. And you are correct that, of all words, that is one I would not tolerate. Perhaps setting a timespan to their captivity would be for the best. Past that point, they would be free to stay or go."
"Just Rufus," he corrects, but with the hint of a smile, "it takes the labors of at least fifty men to maintain a knight, I try to do what I can with my own."
Alayi shakes her head side to side, "While I understand what you are saying I have to disagree with you on a time table Castor. I am not holding them as slaves, I am holding them as prisoners whom I am trying to make into something more than either word: citizens. Let me explain why I am opposed to a strict time limit... let us say that I give them, say six months. What if they are not ready to really be able to support themselves using this trade by then because they have not learned enough, or just are slower to pick up the finesse of the skill, or because they know that they only have to give me the minimum effort for six months and then they are free? What happens then? Are they likely to try to learn another honest trade? Or are they more likely to go back to what they were somewhat good at: banditry."
Alayi sighs. "Even if they do not go back to their old ways, if they cannot support themselves then at best we have unleashed five beggars on to whatever city's streets will hold them. I cannot in good faith to my trade and to these potential men do that. Better that we execute the lot of them now and save them the slow deaths of starvation or the later deaths by the noose or sword."
Alayi pauses for a moment, then continues slowly, as if an idea is beginning to form and she is sounding it out. "You are right though... slavery under any name is bad, at least when you are the slave. So, compromise. After we start getting metal I intend to split their time between working on the fortifications and learning proper smithcraft. I was intending to stockpile their creations for a rainy day, but perhaps something better is available. We shall sell them back to Restov, or elsewhere in Brevoy if we can reach them. The base costs of the metals will be deducted from the sale price... as will the majority of the profits, say three quarters, which will go to Oleg and Svetlana for room, board, and as restitution for past crimes. The remaining quarter, while not much, will be theirs to save toward the day they finally do leave. It will encourage them to work well and learn well, as the finer blades and bows cost more than shoddy ones do... which in turn means they will both be able to leave faster and have more money to set up shop when they do leave. Does anyone have objections to this plan?"
"It indeed strikes me as one of those rare instances where pragmatism and justice manage to go hand in hand. Very well thought, Alayi" Xelani proudly says.
"As for setting a definite limit to their captivity... in the end, even should we allow it, it'd still be a matter of trust on their part, trust in our goodwill, trust in us staying true to our word. Trust is the matter social contracts are built on, after all; and indeed a law is only as just as the hand that enforces it. Here and now, we are that hand. So let them pay for their misdeeds in sweat and gold rather than time, just as Alayi suggested. Let the Levetons judge how much compensation their previous crimes would warrant. Once they've paid for it – and accrued a reasonable sum for themselves in the meantime – they'll also have secured their freedom. Meaning the defter and better their work is, the sooner their captivity is bound to end".
"So, if there are no more things to discuss, no more issues to raise, can we call this meeting adjourned?"
Though obviously not pleased by Alayini's counter, Rufus nods acknowledgment & seems willing to let the matter stand.
At Xelani's request, Oleg says, "I can put in orders for just about anything. I have contacts in Restov that can have anything delivered here but it will take time. Maybe a week or so to get the request out and come back."
After Oleg finishes, Kesten speaks up to Xelani's question on what to do with the reward, "I assume you lot will go out and about to explore this place? Oleg and I can talk about money to pay for your orders. It shouldn't be too much trouble. I'llgive you whatever is your do when you return."
A small check with Rob tells you that it'll probably require 50 gp in parts to full fix the catapults and a bit of time for install.
At Xelani's request, Oleg says, "I can put in orders for just about anything. I have contacts in Restov that can have anything delivered here but it will take time. Maybe a week or so to get the request out and come back."
After Oleg finishes, Kesten speaks up to Xelani's question on what to do with the reward, "I assume you lot will go out and about to explore this place? Oleg and I can talk about money to pay for your orders. It shouldn't be too much trouble. I'll give you whatever is your due when you return."
"Now that we know this trade post is safely guarded and the threat Kressel's gang posed in neutralized, that would be the next logical step, yes. Thank you for being willing to take this matter in your hands, Kesten. As Lady Alayi mentioned, we will probably also need oil, wood to make spikes and raw ore for her smithing, though this is something you'd better discuss with her".
Standing up she briefly addresses Oleg. "Once again, thank you for helpfulness – and for letting us go ahead with our plans. I know no amount of gold can ever erase the distress Kressel's gang has brought you and your wife, but I hope having her former henchmen pay for their freedom by making your own home a little safer can at least mitigate your sense of discomfort. By the way" she says turning to the others "was Svetlana's wedding ring among the spoils you retrieved from Kressel's camp?"
Shaking his head, Rufus answers, "No, Kressle claimed some forest creatures stole it from them when Arawn questioned her."
"So those hunters weren't just recounting old wives' tales, after all. In this case, all the more incentive to go check on the nature of this presence, assess the threat it poses – if any. On that topic, we collected another rumor yesterday. There's supposedly a temple further south, one consecrated to none other than Erastil, my Lord, currently occupied by a savage bear. Jhod Kavken, a fellow faithful of Old Deadeye who also arrived here yesterday, would like it restored to its former glory; something I won't pretend wouldn't also please me to no small amount. Still, gods work in mysterious ways, and as vivid as his description of the place was, he could not pinpoint its location with any degree of precision. Which means that, at least for the time being, I can only pass this information on to you should we stumble upon it in our travels" Xelani pensively replies to Rufus and Korinne.
That said, she politely excuses herself, feeling there's no more information to be shared or learned. She then proceeds to go check on Jhod Kavken and asks him to join her in her morning prayers.
"Then if there are no objections," standing, Rufus looks to their host & the commander of the guard complement, "I'll be talking with Kressle."
As he is about to walk through the door, Rufus turns, "Master Leveton, have you any shields in your stores?"
"I will follow you. Might as well have you there when I talk to the other man so he knows his alternatives. And I might as well introduce myself to Kressle, given in the unlikely even you fall I will be taking her head for Restov and her hand to be burned on your grave."
Alayi smiles mischievously to Rufus as they leave.
"In all seriousness though, do you want me to examine your sword for you before your fight? Would hate to have you lose due to something as... petty and mundane as a knick in the blade or a patch not quite sharp enough."
With little more than a sideways and downward glance, Rufus draws his long blade, adjusting his grip to hand it to her hilt first before reaching in to the pouch at his waist to draw out his sharpening stone & oil.
Alayi nods in thanks to Rufus and accepts the blade and implements.
To Rufus, Oleg says, "Hmm yes. I believe I do. A woodsmen came in a few days ago with some goods. I believe one of those was a rather large wooden shield. Not exactly great craftsmanship but it should block a blow or two."
To Korinne, Svetlana says, "I guess you can help me. Oleg has a few repairs to do to the roof but you can help me with taking inventory if you wish."
"That sounds like a reasonable plan to me," Castor replies to Alayi's suggestion.
Then, on the subject of the gathered equipment, he states: "I've little need for any of what we've gathered. I wonder, however..."
Castor gives the item a quick look-over, invoking the gift of magical detection granted upon him by the stars.
"That aside; Oleg, would you like some help with the roof?"
Chagrined, Rufus adds, "I don't suppose you or your wife have any toiletries available?"
GROOMING KIT
Price 1 gp; Weight 2 lbs.
This pouch of toiletries includes a comb, scissors, a nail file, a sponge, a hairbrush, a miniature mirror, soap, a chewing stick, and tooth powder.
After performing the morning rites with Jhod, Xelani politely tries to get to know her Erastilian brother a bit better, seeing if she can shed some light over the matter of the bear-infested temple.
"Brother Jhod, meeting a kindred soul in such a place cannot be just a coincidence. My father, like you, was a cleric of our Faith, and he used to say his Brothers mostly gather around communities or travel between them; and the Stolen Lands are not known for hosting many of them, to use an euphemism. What is it that brought you to the Greenbelt, so far away from civilization? I don't want to seem rude or distrustful, but you've never really told us how exactly you came to know about this abandoned temple you speak of. Would you confide in a Sister of your Faith?"
To Rufus's question, Oleg only laughs. "These hinterlands have trolls and orcs a plenty and you worry about your looks? Unfortunately, we don't really carry anything like that. I can order it from Restov if you want. In the meantime, feel free to use some water from around the post and we have knives a plenty to cut you're fine hair." While mocking, it is obvious Oleg doesn't mean to much by his jibs. He hefts up a small toolkit and looks over at Castor, "Aye, I could use some help. My back sure isn't what it used to be..." Taking another short glance at Rufus and chuckling a bit, he makes his way out of to the buildings in the post.
***********************************************************
Outside, Jhod replies to Xelani's question, though he looks a little unsure or embarrased. "I...I had a vision not too long ago. Of an ancient temple and an angry bear that guards it. I confess I do not know if this was Erastil's guiding hand or just a bit of indigestion. I only hoped that it was the former for my sake and felt compelled to travel south. I came to this post and heard about your groups duty and felt it would be best to ask you."
Rufus smirks back at Oleg, taking advantage of Alayini's inspection of his sword to fetch the shield Oleg mentioned. Once he had returned & Alayini had 'pronounced' his blade fit to use once more, he hefted both, along with one of Kressle's blades as he strode to her place of confinement.
"I'll be talking with the prisoner now." He states to the guards.
"Well, I like to think your stomach isn't imaginative enough to come up with such a vision" Xelani says laughing heartily. "Truth be told, I had surmised as much. I know fully well how difficult it often is to make sense of the destiny the gods are trying to impart on us; this is why I have already shared what you've told Alayi and me with our companions. I can make no promise we'll actually manage to find it, but should that be the case, I swear on my honor as a servant of Old Deadeye I'll try my best to reconsecrate this shrine to its rightful patron".
With a small nod of her head and a heartfelt smile, she then takes her leave from the priest. "Thank you for joining me in prayer, Brother Jhod. It was a long time I have last had such an opportunity. It... brings back memories, for sure. May Erastil always guide your path to friendly doorsteps".
She then briefly inspects the carriage the others have brought back from the bandit camp before heading towards Kor and Svetlana. "Need some help with the inventory? After we're done here we might also want to check on the wagon; perhaps you'll recognize some goods that have been stolen from you and your husband among the stash, Lady Svetlana."
After some time spent sorting and cataloging the disparate items Oleg's trading post has to offer, Xelani strikes up a conversation with Korinne. "It's funny how it's been three days since we met, and I still know so little about so many of you. Sure, those have been tumultuous days to say the least – well, they've been for you riding into the wilderness to face Kressel and her goons, anyway. Still, if you'll forgive my intrusiveness, I have to ask: what pushed a talented young mage into such a risky endeavor? I'm sure your talents are rare enough in Brevoy that few courts would have denied you shelter and hospitality in exchange for your expertise" she asks the brown haired arcanist, her tone genuine in her curiosity.
At Xelani's question, Korinne laughs, looking slightly embarrassed. "Oh, I don't know that my talents are especially rare. If you've the interest, any small degree of aptitude, and the means, nearly anyone can learn the basics of weaving magic. Of course some choose to take their study of it farther than the basics and that's where the truly talented shine. I'm still just beginning my journey, so I suppose we'll see how I do. If this venture doesn't pan out, perhaps I can find my calling as a Harrow reader in a Varisian caravan somewhere."
"As it often happens, the nightingale has a hard time understanding how singing might come difficult to the crow", Kor's modesty brings a smile of endearment to Xelani's lips. "Well, as much as traveling around Avistan in a Varisian caravan might sound appealing to some, I still think your talents are better suited elsewhere. So I'll consider keeping you here in Restov an extra incentive for our efforts to succeed" she winks.
Her laughter fades, and the young woman's face takes on a surprisingly serious expression. "Why am I here? You'd think that I would have a more eloquent answer by now, considering how many times I've had that question put to me over these past few weeks as I prepared for the journey here." She looks down, seemingly focused on the task at hand, but sighs before continuing to speak. "There are several reasons. Brevoy and Rostland specifically is my home. I don't have the experience with more courtly environments and politicking that some of us seem to have, but even I know the real reason that these charters were issued. Considering that these would-be kingdoms are potential neighbors, I have a vested interest in making sure that if one forms here, it won't be as an enemy to Rostland."
"If we succeed, the Swordlords secure their southern border and gain a precious ally should the power struggle against Issia come to its bitter end. And if we don't, it's not like they've really lost anything, is it?" Xelani says, grunting as she lays a heavy batch of pelts on the ground. "Still, I understand what you mean. I'm half-Rostlander myself on my father's side, and a full one by upbringing. But it begs the thought: if our efforts happen not to be in vain, if we actually manage to build something, here, in the Stolen Lands... wouldn't that make it so that that something becomes our home?"
Korinne continues to work, but the tone of her voice shifts from one of seriousness to one of wistfulness. "But my main reason for being here is in remembrance", she adds softly.
Xelani stops what she's doing, putting down a hunting knife she was holding to lay a hand on Korinne's shoulder. "I'm sorry if my question has brought your thoughts to linger on sorrowful memories. It looks like we've both lost something, or someone, some time in our past. I understand if you don't want to talk about it; but if you do, they say I'm a good listener, and I'll be honored to be your confidant".