Eleanor smiles at the tiny fey, "Well thank you very much! We will go to the humans first, and then come back this way as soon as we can, with honey."
Eleanor repeats the conversation in common to her companion then asks, "did you get all that in your journal?"
"I think we know where we are going then, lets make towards the river. First though, it would be rude not to leave a gift, Dassah, were you able to finish a couple sketches?"
"You are more than welcome to come along, we have food and some odds and ends. We are heading to the man with the skull I think. I will have to learn more about the real stag lord on an island. Perhaps when I return with honey."
The fey appreciate the sketches, once again rolling around laughing. Perhaps! Perhaps not! We want to find someone we can trick with the gold.
12-15th Pharast
The next several days are spent carefully exploring the area around the kobold's lair. The nights are tense and watches cold without a fire to sit by. Nothing unusual happens, save that you notice a lack of wildlife. The birds and other small animals are present, but you don't notice any of the usual deer, elk, or wolves.
16-21th Pharast
Your journey takes you to where the Thorn and Shrike rivers meet. Near the confluence, a gravel bar rising out of the Thorn, creating a ford. Though very swift, the waters don't seem to get any deeper than three feet. Your wagon should be able to handle it. As you explore the other side, the weather begins to turn. The wind picks up and the sky darkens to a charcoal grey. I think it's going to storm, and it may last a while. Also, I think something may be following us.
22th-26th Pharast
You're nearing the rumored location of the Stag Lord's fort. Dassah doesn't see her phantom again, but says she occasionally gets the feeling of being watched.
Her promised storm arrives, in spades. Rain fall day and night, with only occasional let-up. The wind buffets and drives raindrops into face and clothing. The clouds are so dark that it is hard to tell the time of day. The only respite comes from the oil leather and canvas of your wagon. This wagon is wonderful, and it's a good thing we crossed when we did. Ashberry remarks. The ford must be impossible now.
As you follow the river, looking for the fort, a voice calls out from the gloom. Hey! Whose got you out while Gozreh havin' a piss? as miserable looking group of five men in wool cloaks trudge down the game trail you're following. I hate this f~*+ing weather.
Eleanor whispers to Ashberry, "There is a difference between kindness and being suicidal. We cannot just start killing everyone we come across. So we will investigate first."
Smiling, Eleanor summons a grig to her side and asks in sylvan, "See those five men? I am not sure whether or not they are friend or foe. If you see them do or say anything hostile, stick them to the ground, please."
"I need you to hide, but keep an eye on those men. If they try anything. . . you know what to do"
Once she has her companions in place and alerted, Eleanor speaks in a loud, clear tone the words Alinka give her "By the Bloody Bones of Saint Gilmorg who wants to know?"
Without giving them a chance to answer back, Eleanor quickly follows up with, "Hail there, you five men. We have a delivery to make. We got here some strange green liquor that is destined for a client. Pray tell, where are we, and where are we headed?" As she speaks, Eleanor searches back in her memory, trying to remember the possible passwords the bandits at Oleg's gave her. Finally remembering
Finally remembering the bandits name, Eleanor quickly adds, "Krestle is dead. I think these bottles are supposed to be delivered here. Didn't really leave any instructions for us."
Eleanor slipps a stag head pendant on before she moves any closer, and hands the other to Ashberry whispering, "Better put that on, just in case...."
The little fey chirps agreeably and vanishes.
As Dassah hides in the wagon. I can't believe I didn't notice them! This weather makes things so difficult.
===============================================
Huh? You're from that b*%$& Kressle's band? What the f~!@ have you been doing? Dovan said your camp was empty when he got there, and was skinnin' mad about it too. You're in the s++~ now. Better have something amazing to show for being late or you're beaky chow.
As the bandits get closer, Where'd the wagon come from and who's the kid?
"The kid is my apprentice of sorts. We were attacked by trolls. Krestle was eaten, and I was hurt. Not many healers out here so it took a while to let nature take its course. The wagon is mine. Call it an heirloom. Lets my base move with me. To damn many people out bandit hunting lately."
As she is speaking, Eleanor pulls out the bottles of mysterious green liquor.
"Krestle never told us what these were, just that they were for the boss and that he was here somewhere. Figured with her dead, it was mine to collect on what ever the hell this is worth. No way I am letting them go to anyone but the boss. Ever seen a troll rip someone in half? Yeah. These are mine. You want the stag lord to get them, then he gets them from me."
"I am guessing he has been waiting for a month atleast for these to show up. Probably pissed as hell. Probably more pissed if you keep us out here much longer."
The lead bandit spits at the mention of trolls, F%!#in' hate trolls. One of the men behind him laughs. Jeb, you 'f@#@in' hate' everything. Don't mind him green. He's just pissed 'cause Akiros laid him out like a drunk wench. I'm Sneeg.
F!~& you greybeard!
Nah. Rather have a sheep. Better company. At this rest of the crew laughs wearily.
The leader, Jeb, cusses again. Yeah, yeah, whatever. Got anything beside the bottles green, cause that's a f*@@in' sad for two months of dues. Anyway, forts back that way. gesturing down the track they followed. We'll show ya the way.
Eleanor helps Ashberry down from the wagon, and gathers a few odds and ends that might be considered dues. Glad I left all my coin in the bank! Even more glad Ashberry left hers with her family at Oleg's. Eleanor Eleanor piles a half dozen winter blankets, a half dozen blankets, 100 feet of help rope, a dozen dozen days rations into the arms of the bandits. After she has weighed down the bandits, she follows Jeb and his crew of merry men to the lair of the Stag Lord.
"Please take the horses and wagon away. Lead them off somewhere remote. I will keep in contact. As soon as possible, follow us but keep far enough back to keep out of trouble! Sneaky as possible. If you get spotted, or get into any trouble, let me know, and run. Run fast."
"Just so we are clear, this one is mine. Completely and unconditionally. Touch her, and I gut you like a fish. I will make it slow, and painful, and I will make it last as long as humanly possible. When I am done, I will move on to your friends, family and loved ones. Just want to be clear."
S+#!. She's bad as Kressle. Jeb remarks. We're still hours away from the fort, so just calm the f&!@ down. I'm not carrying your s~%$.
As you follow the bandits down the track, Sneeg chats amiably and gives you some useful advice. If you want the slip girl to stay safe, keep her away from Ayles, Jeb's brother, and Dovan, one of the lieutenants. They seem like they'd be into that. You should be careful too. Only reason Kressle didn't get raped to death is she cut off the balls of the first one to make a move. Boss thought it was funny and let her live.
Can we kill all of them this time? I don't think letting them go would be a good idea.
=====================================================================
After a few hours you come to the fort. Situated on a hill where the river and lake meet, it gives a commanding view of the surrounding area. A crude wooden palisade surrounds a stone ruin. Just what a bandit lair should look like. The upper 300ft or so of the hill are oddly barren, devoid of anything more than tuft grasses and thorny brambles.
Trying to leave the wagon at the tree line, Jeb confronts you. Ain't our job to carry. You bring the whole thing up so the boss can inspect it himself.
"We will see how it goes. Important thing is to get inside and see what we are up against. Until then, we need to keep our plans flexible."
"Hey you guys speak any sylvan? I need to learn. All I know is a song. I want to know what it means." Eleanor begins to hum, waiting for an answer.
Eleanor sings in Sylvan, quietly to the little summoned Grig, "Little friend, we need your help. Find your friends, bring them here. Soon we may need your help. Peace we need, sooner than later. Please go now, and bring us help."
Then in Common, "I think it might be a prayer or something. . . Heard someone singing it a lot. Never found them though."
No, we don't speak f$%~in' fairy. Is Jeb's surly answer. Maybe, but definitely not those two the old one mentioned. Nobody get's to hurt our mouse. Hey, look at his left jaw. See how swollen it is. It looks like someone hit him with a club. If he was hit by Akiros, can we do anything with that?
The grig taps your shoulder in acknowledgement and flies away. A short while later, the spell ends. Minutes tick by, but nothing happens.
"How is it someone as big as you let someone lay you out? Not trying to pick a fight, but. . Damn. He must be huge! I don't know if I could do that kind of damage if I fell a tree on you. Kudos though. I mean you probably coulda snapped him in half like a dry twig. Good to see you all know your place. Not like you can do much to a superior. Sucks though. You have to wear that trophy of his for weeks. Remind me not to cross that one. If he scares you, Gods know what he would do to someone like me."
After Eleanor salts the wounds for Jeb, she moves on to let the man sulk. Slipping to the rear with Ashberry close to her side, Eleanor asks the others, "So what can the rest of you tell me about the mountain of a man the fell your boss? Or the big boss himself. All I have ever heard is legends and faerie stories. I would like to survive our first meeting, so anything at all would be helpful. Might even throw some of whatever share I get back at you all if you can help me make a good impression."
"Hey, if you want to be extra sneaky, how about you see if you can spot something important like belonging to the guy who hit Jeb, and stick it in Jeb's bunk when we get there. Or better yet, the opposite. Give ol' Jeb here extra reason to dislike his lieutenant. I know you are sneaky, but I don't think you are particularly thiefish, so lets try when no one is around to notice you?"
F~#* off green. Is all the response you get from Jeb.
The mention of possibly getting a little reward gets the others talking. Boss? Jeb ain't in charge of anything, just likes to pretend he is. Unless you're a lieutenant or got your own gang, you're a grunt. Akiros ain't actually that big. Ox is though, swear that guy has ogre blood. Dumb and vicious as one at least. Don't touch his toys or he'll beat you stupid. Don't call him stupid or anything else like that. He's sensitive about it. Akiros is just really abrupt, and scary cold. Not like Dovan, but the real deal. Dovan is scary, and makes sure you know it. Drops hints about things 'you can't imagine' and I believe it. Get on his bad side and he'd enjoy hurting you, so be respectful. Let him know that you know he's in charge. Akiros though, one minute he's writing in one of his books, the next you're waking up sore because he decided you're being too loud, slacking off, or just annoyed him.
Dovan and Ox used to be the Lord's seconds before Akiros showed up. Dovan was the brains and Ox beat anyone who didn't jump to. Akiros appeared and the Lord put him in charge. Dovan's been sore about it ever since, probably because Ox listens to Akiros more than Dovan now. Gotta admit, Akiros is probably the best boss we've got. He's the one that came up with the plan of making other groups part of the gang. They give us the loot, and we sell it in Mivon and share back some of the profit. Dovan's to busy getting you to listen to him, Ox is too stupid, and the Boss is drunk most days now. Don't get me wrong, boss is a hell of a fighter, probably take out Akiros no problem, but he cares more about drinking than getting things done.
Oh yeah, to get on the Lord's good side, offer him the bottles first thing. Before you tell him about yourself.
"The big one who seems Orc like. He is protective of his stuff. He and Dovan used to be in charge before the one called Akiros showed up. If we get you inside, unnoticed, Look for small things that aren't worth a lot of money. Someone like Ox holds on to something that is worthless only for one reason. It matters to him. Take it, put it in Akiros' room, and then disappear again. I am sure they cannot be taking up the whole of whatever fortress they have. There has to be somewhere you can hide."
"All I got is this necklace, a couple bottles of green, and that gear I showed you. Trolls made off with the rest when they ate my boss. Think that will do? Don't want to offend the bosses on the first day. Not much I can do about it though."
Eleanor makes small talk the rest of the way to the fort, continuing to gather information, and relaying all information she is able to gather to Dassah.
"No offense, I am sure you are a lovely lot. No way I am hiking back and forth to my wagon while the Boss is putting me in a new gang, and no way in hell I am spending the night camped with a dozen men who want to rape me and mine. I will need a place to stay."
"So north west, we got trolls. wolves, and fey. What do I have to worry about out here?"
Guess we'll find out. Anyhow, you were asking about dangers around here. On the west side of the lake there's a witch that's pretty dangerous. Powerful magic and real ornery. Some of the Kames have underground rooms with traps, old magic, monsters. That sort of thing. Sometimes there's treasure though, so it can be worth it if you're desperate. Only other thing we really deal with is the island in candlemere. Something's off about that place and it's worth your life to set foot there are travel past at night. Do it full daylight and stay away.
======================================================================
The bandits grudgingly help carry your tribute up the hill, except for Jeb. Who simply refuses to help.
A pair of miserable looking men huddle under cloaks atop a watchtower. Once you get within easy shouting distance, Jeb calls out, Hey, found a chit who claims she was part of Kessle's band. Got some stuff for the boss man.
The sentry calls down, What's the password?
We just left this morning s+!~-head. Open up.
You want Akiros to bash your face in again? I don't, so give the password or you can sit there.
Bastard. Fine. Who is the queen of the green?
The green lady. Hey, Cragger! Get Ox and open the gate.
The log gate slow creaks open, and you can better see the nature of the fort. The palisade is made of roughly smoothed logs, with gaps usually a few inches wide between them. A small, muddy yard separates it from the inner structure. A roughly square stone building fallen into ruin. Hide and canvas, much like your wagon's covering, have been used to patch the holes in the structure's roof and walls, mostly protecting the inhabitants from the weather. Walkways and watchtowers along the outside, giving the bandits a clear view of all approaches.
The man opening the gate must be Ox, and the name is fitting. Slabs of muscles and rolls of fat cover a frame more befitting a beast of burden than a man. The squashed pumpkin of a face holds a look of vicious stupidity. Slung across his back is a rusty greataxe. At the sight of Jeb, the giant laughs. Heh Heh. 'ros gonna hit you again.
From inside the main structure, a thin man dressed in black leather and strange tatoos, briefly sticks his head out to see what the commotion is before returning to his business.
Wait here chit. Jeb tells you. Akiros will be out in a minute.
Soon enough a man with prematurely gray beard and hard eyes emerges and walks over to you. Report.
"Report. Right. Kressle never explained the formalities, so I will go with the base facts, if that is quite alright. Kressle is dead. Troll ate her, the others ran or died, depending on who you are concerned with. Here is the gear I managed to grab while running away from said troll. I didn't go back for more, because there was a frickin troll eating prople there. Figured no sense in committing suicide on a nice winter's day."
Eleanor takes the blankets, rope, and rations from the entourage, and places it neatly as possible between herself and Akiros. When the less interesting items are stacked, she removes her pack, and takes out the bottles of green, and sets them down next to the pile. "This is supposed to be the most important part, I guess. Kressle's people seemed to think so. Kressle never explained anything to me about it though."
Eleanor then removes the silver stag's head pendant, and hands it to Akiros. "This was hers."
Rummaging in her beltpouch, Eleanor produces the coins she carries as well, and hands them to Akiros, "I was going to keep those, but I suppose cowardice is getting the better of me with Ox standing there."
"I suppose I could tell you more, but half the point of this life is not having to explain much to anyone, eh?"
Lastly, "This is my adopted daughter. Rescued her some stray kobolds. She is mine. You can have the rest, but no one can have her. That is non-negotiable."
While speaking to Akiros, you notice the armament of the various bandits. Most are equipped like those you encountered before, but slightly better quality. Swords instead of axes and leather that has been reinforced with metal.
Ox wears leathers that appear to have been patched together from a dozen different sets and some bits of pure rawhide. His greataxe appears to be his only weapon.
The thin man, probably Dovan, wears professionally made studded leather that has been dyed black, which seems out of place amide the dull browns and greys of the others. A rapier and several daggers seem to complete his weapons. He and Ox are the only ones you have noticed without longbows.
Akiros' gear is very different from the rest. Reminding you more of Captain Garess than anything. He wears a battered, but quality, breastplate. It appears to have once had a symbol engraved on the front, but the area have been so badly scored that it is difficult to make out. A greatsword is slung across his back alongside a bow case.
As he studies the amulet you gave him, the man's eyes narrow, and for a moment you see them filled with a terrible, yet focused, rage. Then you are kneeling in the mud trying not to wretch as Akiros stands over you.
Ashberry rushes to your side and begins to chant, the bandages on her arms starting to smolder. This ends abruptly with the bandit's sword against her neck. Don't. Is all he says.
Looking down at you. Next time, the whole truth. before signaling to one of the onlookers and stepping back.
A few minutes later a tall, well-built man staggers into the grey light. He's dressed in filthy leathers and wears a helmet made from a stag's skull that covers the entirety of his face. A jovial, if slurred voice booms from the helmet. Ya brought me drink! 'Heres a good lass! 'Ros! give 'er a fine reward and light duties! Now hand those over! I'm gettin' drunk! As he scoops up the bottles and teeters back into the main structure.
As the others begin to disperse to whatever occupied them previously, Akiros signals you. First watch, with me. Sundown. Jeb smirks at this but makes sure to stay well out of arms reach of Akiros as he stalks back inside.
"So . . . I assume I turn this all over to you, and then you give me a share? I think that is how it is supposed to work?" Eleanor makes mental notes on the bandits behavior, and send word to Dassah.
"It will be dark soon, and it is already piss poor out. How about I take the green stuff to the boss, and then you all help me find a safe-ish place to spend the night? And as lovely as you all are, no, safe isn't spending the night with any of you. Although. . having a meal would be nice."
Dovan takes the remaining items inside. You can hear the sound of something heavy, maybe a cellar door, being dropped back into place. Ashberry whispers to you, Are you alright?
Eleanor nods to the halfling girl, "I think so, just a little nervous with all these men types about. Just don't trust them." Eleanor picks up the halfling girl, and holds her close under her cloak.
Eleanor takes a quick look around to see if she can spot the door recently being shut , and report its presence to Dassah if it is indeed a door.
"Well, it is a good thing you can climb. This is less a camp and more a fallen fortress. How are you doing out there? Keeping safe I hope?"
Eleanor follows the others in, and spends a good while being innocuous. Once she has some sense of safety and acceptance, she will begin speaking to the major players in an attempt to learn of any weaknesses, or strengths to be avoided.
Me neither. She says while holding tight under the cloak.
Though you can't find it on your own, the men informed you that what you heard was the door leading down to the 'freak', which is where the loot is stored.
Overall the men don't seem too dissimilar from others you've met from the area. More, and more persistent, offers for sex, worse smelling, and with an added veneer of petty villainy, but otherwise quite normal. Running from local law, falling out with family, or just plain down on their luck. One fellow claims to be from the city of Pitax and came seeking inspiration in the 'romantic life of true highway men'. Overall, they might kill you for your purse, but would rather you just hand it over. If you're a woman, they'd probably amused themselves then let you go.
You find plenty of people willing to talk about the Stag Lord, or 'boss' as most call him here. Unfortunately, you don't learn much more about him than you did before, and you probably won't have a chance to talk to him tonight, and don't try tomorrow. He'll be cranky until his first couple drinks. Strong, deadly shot with his bow, and fond of drink, more so lately than in the past. Other than that, the members of his crew know little about him. He came to the area last summer and started taking over the various bandit gangs through brute strength and ambition. Unlike most gang leader, the Stag Lord wants to gather all the outlaws of the Stolen Lands under his control, though for what purpose no one knows.
Some claim to have been with him before he came here. Back then, he wore a leather mask to hide the horrible scars covering his face. When his group found the ruin here, they slew the troll occupying it and found the helmet he know wears. Though he used to lead raiding parties and administer punishments himself, he now leaves the mostly to his lieutenants.
The only real new piece of information you gain is the Stag Lord is apparently obsessed with a someone known as the 'Green Lady' who made him a man. He lives to find and please her, though isn't sure what would please her. It's best not to mention her, or that anyone told you about her. Also, the magic freak who lives downstairs has been with him longer than anyone. No one knows what the story is, but whenever the boss is in a bad mood, he'll go down there an beat him. There goods are stored there, but everyone avoids it if they can. The creep gives them the willies.
Akiros is an enigma to the bandits. Obviously a skilled fighter, most think he his from Taldor, judging by is accent and mannerisms. His equipment and mannerisms suggest training beyond that found in the river kingdoms, possibly as an officer or hedge-knight as he seems too refined for a common soldier, but not enough for a true noble.
It's difficult to learn anything though, as his two responses to personal questions are to ignore the speaker or beat them into unconsciousness. The only one he hasn't beaten is the Stag Lord, who asks him no questions. He arrived at the fort near the beginning of winter, and quickly took Dovan's spot as second. First by giving better suggestions. Second by nearly killing Dovan when he objected. A frequent topic of conversation, when Akiros isn't around and there's nothing better to do, is to guess the symbol etched on his breastplate. Most think that he obscured it himself.
What the men are certain about are his skills and temper. He usually keeps to himself, reading from a few well-worn books or writing in ones of his own, unusual hobbies for a bandit. Those are not to be touched. Last man who did ended up with Akiros' sword through his chest. Despite his oddities, the men find Akiros to be a better leader than the Stag Lord or Dovan. It was he who suggested selling the stolen goods en-mass in Mivon. When under attack, here or on patrol, he is always the first to rush into melee.
It's in battle that you see the other side of him, the men say. Though you can sometimes see it when he's upset. This fire waiting to leap out. His eyes go real intense, and then he does his best to kill whatever's in front of him, whether against man, beast, or troll. Nothing scares him, and he shows no mercy. Nothing he's fought against has stood very long so far. Oddly, he doesn't show any great pleasure, like Ox or Dovan, or even satisfaction at slaying of foe. He just does it.
Ox is as open as Akiros is closed. Ask him anything and he'll give you an answer, even if it's a blank stare and 'Huh?' The simpleton hooked up with Dovan when the thin man saved him from a deadly brawl in Daggermark. Claims it isn't his fault the other guy couldn't take a punch without dying. Only things he really cares about are his collection of toys, don't touch those or he'll hit you with the sharp side of the axe until you give them back, inflicting pain, he likes to break prisoner's limbs while Dovan questions them, and sex, but opportunities for whores, rape, or both, have been severely limited since leaving the more populated areas. Watch yourself around him. He's actually not bad, if you aren't a woman or a prisoner. Akiros talks to him sometimes, but Ox won't discuss it other than to belligerently bellow about keeping his word and not saying anything. Ox wades into battle swinging his axe around and bellowing loudly. Dovan uses this to slip behind, so the two make a good tag team.
Dovan is a mystery, and makes sure you know it. He plays up his dark, mysterious persona and has an obvious taste for pain and cruelty, not crude thuggery like Ox, but more exotic punishments that leave prisoners alive, and screaming, for hours. That fits since he is from from Nisroch, and everyone knows those Kuthites are sick bastards. He usually tried to get behind something, or sneak up on it, and stab it in the back.
"Looks like he will be more than a little difficult to take out. I think most of the others are afraid of him. There is something strange in the basement we will have to check out later, and I think our way is through Akiros. You will know him. He is the only clean-ish one. When you get inside tonight, if possible, take a couple toys from the big stupid one, and break them. Leave the pieces at Akiros' bed so it looks like he stepped on them. If Ox is on watch at some point, make a sound near Akiros, like throw a rock in his direction, so Ox will go investigate. Dovan is the scary one. He likes to hurt people. Don't get close to him. If we can get the three sub leaders to go after each other, I think I will have a plan. Not a great plan and a plan you will personally dislike, but a plan none the less.
Eleanor wanders the grounds with Ashberry, making as many mental notes as possible, and passing the information on to Dassah. The key location they are seeking, is a room close to the Stag Lords. Preferably with a door. Eleanor needs to talk to Ashberry before midnight.
Once we have our safe, quiet spot, and are free of eyes meddling, Eleanor casts "Message" on herself and Ashberry.
"This is the bandit lord of the area, we have to be very very careful. I am sorry about Akiros, but there was no way we could take on all of them at once. We will make due with out strengths, and try to mitigate our weaknesses. So I have somewhat of a plan, I just can't decide on a role for you for sure yet. I need to know how you feel about all this, and then I will give you a job based on what you think best for you."
Why are you sorry about Akiros? He hit you! Ashberry seems a bit puzzled. I think the best thing for me to do is support your creatures with my magic.
As night falls, Akiros summons you to take watch with him atop one of the towers. Tell me the rest of your story. No lies. Looking at Ashberry, Yours too. Neither of you fits.
"This seems rather like a game of doctor, or a game of chicken. . . Maybe both. I have asked around and you don't really fit either, so tell you what, you show me your's and I'll show you mine."
No. And with that falls silent.
After a few moments, Ashberry speaks up. I'll talk. I'm from here, along the river. Kobolds captured my family and left me for dead. I went looking for help and Eleanor is the only one who would. She went inside the kobold's lair, killed them, and freed my family. She even fought the possessed ones, and won. Got us back on our feet too. I'm with her because I owe her and she needs someone to watch her back. You shouldn't have hit her. We didn't have to give this stuff to you, but came here anyway and were treated badly for it.
The hard man smiles at Ashberry's defiance. The River Kingdoms are a place were swords are welcome and history doesn't matter. It seemed a good fit for me. I'm with the Stag Lord Akiros does little to conceal his contempt at the title because I heard what he was doing, and it seemed worth my time. I run this band because he is too drunk to care and no one else knows how.
As the business with Akiros continues, Dassah's voice comes to you, noticeably weaker than usual. I don't like being this far away. I'm about to start up the hill.
Shortly thereafter, you hear a loud hiss coming from the hillside as well as the sound of ground being disturbed. The other bandit on watch, Sneeg you think. Laughs aloud. Hey Akiros! Did you tell her? The hillside is haunted girl. Step foot anywhere but the trail and the dead rise to claim you. Doesn't matter if you're man or beast. Keeps things nice and boring for us. Eleanor! There are zombies here! They won't follow me into the trees, but no matter where I go, they always start appearing from the ground. Ideas?
"Those things will be dangerous! You hide, after midnight, I will perform the summoning ritual to bring you to me. Apparently, you have to follow the exact path or they come out. If you cannot find the path, I will have to wait. Do not do anything that will get you hurt! That is a firm request."
"What was he doing?" Eleanor asks, the adds "I will tell you the short version of my story, but I would prefer it stay here. . . and private." Eleanor smiles and nods at Sneeg, waiting politely for him to be dismissed, or for Akiros to offer some form of assurance.
"I am a pioneer of sorts. I was abandoned by my human parents because I was a bit of a disappointment. I think it had something to do with the red skin, yellow eyes, cloven feet, horns, and wings. But there were possibly other reasons. They never really gave me an explanation, and I have never met them. For twenty years, I sat alone in a tower with my tutor and jailor, until someone killed him. He was a good person, and deserved far better. You can imagine my would be rescuer's reaction when he learned that rather than rescuing a damsel in distress he had instead freed a demon. So I ran. I headed as far from Ustalov as my legs could carry me, and ended up at Oleg's. Since then, I have tried to make this entire area a little safer. Your 'boss' is an obstacle. I have no desire to make you all into something you are not, or to do much of anything with you all so long as you stop killing and pillaging. Otherwise, you too will have to be removed. I don't just slaughter bandits, some of you have no better alternatives. In fact, the last group I encountered, I brough to Oleg to get honest work. They are now doing quite well for themselves. So, much like you, I am here because out here, history does not matter."
Do you know where the path is? With directions I should be able to find it.
Keeping watch. Unless you shout no one will hear, and Sneeg will keep quite regardless.
Listening to your story, Akiros smiles and twitches his fingers You are either brave or stupid, to walk into a thieve's den and threaten him within reach of his blade. What made you think I wouldn't simply kill you?
We are doing well. The men respect and fear me, soon the Stag Lord will drink himself to death and I will command a band of several dozen men. What do you offer in place of this? He sweeps his hand in a gesture encompassing the fort and surrounding areas, a gesture that is proud, and yet somehow mocking or derisive. Do you see me running errands for a merchant and his wife, or Ox contentedly ploughing the earth like his name-sake? What else would we be but brigands?
Eleanor does her best to recall the path, complete with any landmarks, trees etc. that she pased on the way in, then relates that information to Dassah.
I can't seem to remember a damn thing about the walk in. Maybe if you start back at the beginning, you can track us? Our prints might still be fresh enough to follow. If you can't find the path, I will summon you in as soon as I can. Careful, I love you, and you can't get hurt, ok?
"That is a most difficult set of questions. No I don't think you would be happy as a lackey. That is why you are unhappy here. I do think Ox would be happy doing something else. I think he would be phenomenally happy as a toy maker, or having his own toy menagerie. Dovan, no. He would not be happier than when causing pain and suffering, and I don't see him happy outside of this little hole in the ground.
"You though, you confuse me. I don't know what would make you happy. Certainly not this for ever though. Living in the wilds, chased by dozens of bounty hunters, never having a home or children. I don't think you come from so low, and I hope you don't aspire to sink so far. No offense intended, but look at them all down there. Surely, you want more for yourself than a haunted hill?
"One way or another, you know that the Stag Lord has outlived his usefulness. Perhaps together we can reach an understanding. The first step though, is knowing who you are, and where you want to end up.
"I get that brave or stupid comment a lot I think. If it ok with you, could we go with good person instead? Never cared for bravery or stupidity, but I want to prove my heritage wrong."
Eleanor pulls Ashberry closer, and wraps her protectively in her cloak. I really hope his dream is not the mass slaughter of everyone . . . Most of these people would probably like the option to plow a field or work for a merchant rather than . . . whatever it is they are doing here.
Perhaps I do want more, but what is?
And I you. Remember, you're the one surrounded by murderers. As long as you are safe, I can never die, so be safe, for both of us. I'll try following... uh oh. Dassah's 'voice' devolves into a jumble of anxiety and surprise.
Soul-sister, our phantom tail is werewolves, they want to know if you need to be freed. They seem excited by the idea, not in a good way.
Akiros snorts contemptuously. 'Goodness'. 'Happiness'. What makes are person 'good'? What is happiness? I doubt even the gods know. Leadership? A nagging burden of people unable to accomplish anything of themselves. Love? Delusion and lies that ends in sorrow and rage. Hate? An empty hunger that gnaws but cannot be satisfied. Life? Something that will be lost regardless. Death? The end of one existence and the beginning of another with as many flaws. I read the parables and the hides and each is as useless as the other. Perhaps the daemons are right and the only peace is oblivion and the hope of it the only true joy.
Now you see why the only one who talks to me is Ox. I am too gloomy for the rest. He at least gives honest, if crude, suggestions. F!!& a women or hit someone, perhaps both. Don't worry, seeing your tight grip on Ashberry, I've tried both and found them lacking. I may kill you, but that is all.
If the understanding you seek is his head, I could give it to you now, but what then? You have yet to answer the important question, what would happen after? So far, you're only answer was to ask me the same questions I keep asking myself. So tell me, who am I? What will make me happy?
Really? That is so sweet! Tell her I don't know yet, but I might. . . or, if they seem a little over anxious, just stall them. If I yell, I am in trouble!
"Well, I think, what would happen after is we could build something better. As for what makes a person good, that is hard to figure out. Doing good is a lot more than just following the law, or praying to the right god, or wearing the right clothes. It is certainly more than your pedigree, as I hope I am able to show. Doing good is doing what is right purely because it is right. This next part, is harder..."
I think I am going to tell him about our friends from the kobold lair, I don't want her to hurt them, and I certainly don't want them to hurt me. I am a little less worried about them being able to hurt her, but there are stories about the drunken lord. So tell her to be careful if it comes to that.
"This part is intended not at all as a threat. Ok? This is not an or else, or a demand, or me trying to bluff, scare, or otherwise threaten you. I just want that to be clear.
"You are kind of surrounded as we speak by potentially a pack of werewolves. They have taken a shine to me I fear. I kind of saved them all from a demonic kobold clan. At any rate, it would appear they followed me here, and are a little keen on returning the favor of a rescue. I think they are ... Well I think they won't hurt me, but I think they might try to come in and kill you all. Perhaps you could escort me out to calm them down? Just in case? I really don't want them to save me from you all, it could get very, very messy. I like her, and I think I am starting to like you. Let us end the Stag Lord's cruelty, and then let us talk about the ways you could bring this motley crew to a better place on the way to meet my pack?
"[b]Again, no threat, no ultimatum. Just wanted you to be aware. Also want you to see the power inherent in being good. A pack of werewolves. Waiting outside, because I was willing to try to do the right thing.. That is what I am talking about... I think you understand. No one who has never understood can feel what you are feeling. I think you just need an excuse to put your feet back on the path."
If the mother can make it to me, perhaps she could scale the tower quick like? I am not sure. I am a little nervous here, and if she is ok with scaring them a little, and not ripping them to shreds, maybe she could join me here?
Eleanor stares around the fortress, down and around the walls surrounding her, sending as clear an impression of her location as possible back to Dassah.
Don't go getting yourself killed in the attempt if it looks too dangerous, but this is where I am.
"Just do me a small favor. Don't over react to anything that happens in the next couple minutes.
I'm glad you're rolling well on diplomacy. I must confess, telling someone, 'I'm not threatening you, just politely informing you that grievous bodily harm, including, but not limited to, being eaten alive or being turned into a rampaging monster, will follow harming me or not doing what I say.' seems like a bad idea, but hey. The dice gods favor you.
I'll do what I can. E, they are speaking in Kellish. Remember that word Oleg and Svetlana used, Jumala-soittajan. It means god-caller. The werewolves are calling you that. The demon-god-caller. It think it is important to them. I think there are between six and twelve. Some are much smaller than the others, the pups I think. About Ashberry's size.
The mother is coming for, maybe to, you. And... she's going right now.
That's quite a threatening non-threat you've just given me. Very well, I will play along and for a few minutes. I will not; however, walk outside the fort with you.
As Akiros stops speaking, howls and snarls, like wolves but louder and more savage, erupt from around the hillside around the fort. All around it. Soon sounds of tearing flesh and breaking bones join the cacophony.
I'm glad you're rolling well on diplomacy. I must confess, telling someone, 'I'm not threatening you, just politely informing you that grievous bodily harm, including, but not limited to, being eaten alive or being turned into a rampaging monster, will follow harming me or not doing what I say.' seems like a bad idea, but hey. The dice gods favor you.
I'll do what I can. E, they are speaking in Hallit. Remember that word Oleg and Svetlana used, Jumala-soittajan. It means god-caller. The werewolves are calling you that. The demon-god-caller. It think it is important to them. I think there are between six and twelve. Some are much smaller than the others, the pups I think. About Ashberry's size.
The mother is coming for, maybe to, you. And... she's going right now.
That's quite a threatening non-threat you've just given me. Very well, I will play along and for a few minutes. I will not; however, walk outside the fort with you.
As Akiros stops speaking, howls and snarls, like wolves but louder and more savage, erupt from around the hillside around the fort. All around it. Soon sounds of tearing flesh and breaking bones join the cacophony.
"Yes, to the gate then, I just hoper we are in time to keep the damage to a minimum...."
Akiros draws his sword as the three of you descend to the courtyard. Sneeg calls out from the other watch-tower, Akiros! What's the plan? Those wolves ain't natural, bet life on it, but I can't see a thing.
Ashberry whispers to you, How and why did they follow us? Were they hunting?
Reaching the gate, you hear the sound of claws on wood, and the crouched form of the mother appears atop the wall, next to the tower. Getting ready to spring, you have only a moment to try to prevent bloodshed.