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The rain drizzles down, pouring life-giving water down on Summer's rugged exterior. The clean scent of the rain, so unlike the polluted poison that falls from the sky over Nex, carries with it the scent of loam, animal dung and the crispness of cold. This far north, thousands of miles and hundreds of days into freedom, winter is more than a word - it is a real season. Although it has finally passed the spring is still brutally cold and the chill would eat into the bones of a lesser being, but Summer is too hardy for such concerns.
This is not however the case as she approaches the fast flowing stream however. The snow melt has turned this normally placid stream into a torrent and the brave, or foolish, man who attempted to cross it has clearly ended up out of his depth. Summer can see a head bobbing away downstream - but in front of her is a fine looking horse, panicking and thrashing around in the water. Its reins have become trapped in the remnants of the wooden bridge crossing the stream!
Moon Grove sighs contentedly, clearing his mind, as he lounges back upon the luscious meadow grass. The simplicity of the warmth of the sun upon his skin and the sound of insects working busily around him, fills him with joy. He knew that this was to be the last day to enjoy this body before he had to sell it for the final time.
This would be the last time he needed to sell his body before he paid back his loan and had saved up enough to buy his own bow and sword to protect himself. That would mean he could start travelling with no ties and responsibilities to his current owner. He knows that selling himself on the underground market is against the law when he already had an owner, but selling his body for food gains him a lump sum, and that lump sum was just enough.
This time he was going to have a fresh start; a new lease of life. He will remould himself as a woman so no one recognises him, maybe it would be a good change. Summer; that is a happy thought. He would name himself, Summer.
A crisp spring morning was not Summer's favourite, but she was not too displeased as the drizzle wets her face, all life needs a balance and this rain helps to provide it. Everything is colder up here in Brevoy than she was used to back home, but she couldn't let something so small stop her search now; not after so long.
Making her way down the river path, Summer stops in her tracks as she sees something unknown stirring in the raging river. She takes a second to focus before realising that it was a living being. Not being one to shy away from danger, Summer drops her sack and bow before diving straight in to calm the horse. She easily makes her way through the water, and goes to grab the horse's reins.
Summer surges into the stream and closes with the horse but the animal continues to thrash, not reassured by the presence of another, strange smelling creature threatening it!
A kicking hoof glances off Summer's skin.
Summer recoils as the horse continues to thrash. "Woah there little thing." She says in low hushed tones, barely heard over the rushing river, trying to calm the beast as she draws her dagger to slash at the reins and free the horse.
The dagger cuts through the thin leather reins with ease. "Go, run free." She says, shooing the horse our the river before turning her attention to the river itself.
The horse, freed from its restraints, kicks hard and soon makes its way to the other side of the river. It clambers out and stands there shivering, nosing at Summer when she clambers out to join it.
"That was really good!" A cheerful voice calls out from the water. "I think he's a bit too cold though, could you help me get him out?" In the middle of the rushing water, apparently completely unconcerned is a smiling face surrounded by a shock of blue-white hair. She's towing the man Summer saw before, and his face is nearly as blue as hers. That, Summer knows, is not a good thing.
The ghoran's muscle is easily up the task of dragging the man out and he mutters something that might be thanks through chattering teeth.
"Oh, is that your stuff on the other side?" The figure in the stream asks. "I'll get it for you!" She ducks under the water and knife through the current - emerging on the other side and transporting bow and sack over in the space of perhaps two minutes.
"Umm, should we start a fire or something?" She says, standing stark naked on the riverbank, apparently without feeling a hint of cold. "He doesn't seem well..."
Summer watches the talkative woman dash off to retrieve her things, trying to ascertain who, or even what, she is, forgetting about tending to the man with chattering teeth for a moment. She moves over to the horse, who she naturally feels more comfortable with, patting its neck and running her fingers through its tangled mane.
"Thank you, they are indeed my belongings" She says, in a matter-of-fact tone, accepting them from the unusual woman. She looks back over at the man, calculating whether he is a threat or not. Deciding that he is probably not good for walking down the path, let along trying to eat her, she nods in agreement.
"Making a fire is not my forte, I don't have much practise." She admits, yet again in her matter-of-fact tone. "Fire, is not something I tend to enjoy, but if it would help this human then I can do it." Summer searches around for some twigs and kindling, before crouching down to light the fire, not turning her back on the two strangers at any point.
She sits down on the sodden grass, not bothered by the rain but she does sit further away from the fire than the others. "I was looking to sit and rest a while, so I suppose now is a good time." She states, not elaborating any further or performing the usual social graces of an introduction.
Even Summer realises that a fire in the damp grass on the river bank is not going to happen, but luckily within a short distance is a copse of trees. Under their boughs can be found bare earth, twigs and dry pine needles - providing everything a budding ranger needs to start a fire. The chatty river-girl chivvys the human along with cheerful comments and the occasional push and by the time he reaches the trees there is a hint of color in his cheeks again.
With his horse calmed and the fire warming his bones the man finally seems to recover his humanity, especially as the water in his clothes starts running in tiny streams across the earth and flowing up the river-girl into an approximation of clothing. The man coughs, seems to finally realise just how naked one of his rescuers is and looks away.
"Well, err. Thank you both." He says finally. "I would not have survived without your aid. My name is Orri Lodovka. Are you heading north? I feel as though I ought to offer you both something, in exchange for my life and my family is wealthy. I'd be grateful for your company on the journey as well."
"That sounds like fun!" The river-girl says with a smile. "It's a good time of year for going to see new things! And now the bridge is broken my stream is going to be quiet until summer, so I'll come! Oh, introductions! Right. I'm Snow-Melt-runs-into-the-Valley. But you can call me Snow."
Summer does the calculations in her head. If this human is truly wealthy, then more money or the promise of shelter is indeed worthwhile. Summer knew that she was on her last few gold, having spent much of what she had saved up from her previous body.
"Yes, that would be agreeable." She nods, trying to smile in the way that humans so often do, she thinks to show kindness. "I am Summer Grove of no specified homeland."
Summer doesn't seem phased by Snow's unusual attire, but her own attire is not what you would call 'normal' either. Her clothing appears made of vines and leaves twisting around her limbs and wooden armour covering key parts of her body. The vines and leaves winding their way around her limbs until they reach just under her jaw. Her midriff is kept exposed, revealing what looks like a large naval, surrounded by narrow golden leaves emanating from it. It's unclear if her clothes are separate items or actually part of her body.
"Orri Lodovka, is your family part of a large settlement, or are you part of the countryside?" She asks. She knows that humans like to make conversation and has been learning the ways of small-talk recently. She finds it tough to think of what to say, but tries none-the-less.
"Well we have holdings in Restov of course, but the true heart of our family lies along Lake Encarthian in the north." Orri explains, "So I suppose you could say we are both, really."
The journey takes a couple of days and would likely be awkward if it were not for Snow who burbles away merrily, providing a steady stream of small talk and keeping spirits up all round. In the evening of the second day Restov finally looms on the horizon and Orri lets out a sigh. "Warm beds tonight!" He says, "Thank the gods."
----------------------
The Lodovka family are as hospitable as any human, plant or fey could wish for - warm beds and ample food are provided, as well as warm baths which Snow seems to enjoy immensely. The Ldovka's insist on being your hosts for a few days, and Summer gets a chance to wander a city where she is seen a curiosity - not food. The children in particular are very direct and "Are you a flower?" is a question that Summer becomes very familiar with. After several days of this Lord Krystian Ldovka requests Summer's presence for a walk around his garden.
"I felt that you both might be more comfortable here." He explains to Summer and Snow, who was also invited. "Our flowers are a matter of great pride to my wife, there are not finer gardens in all of Restov." The trio walks quietly for a short time before Lord Krystian speaks again. "I owe you a huge debt, Orri is my heir and were anything to happen to him the future of my house would be in jeopardy for years to come. I had thought to reward you each with a large purse of gold and my thanks, or a trading contract with Lake Encarthian which is a less overt way of offering wealth, but it has become apparent that you are not..." He pauses for a moment, "City folk."
Snow shakes her head with a smile before Lord Krystian goes on. "So I thought, perhaps, there might be something else I could offer you. The Swordlords have put out a call for pioneers, hardy, frontier sorts to be given charters to go south and lay claim to the Stolen Lands which lie south of Brevoy. There have long been bandits and other such disturbances there and it affects trade and stability. The nobles of Restov have been asked to put forward candidates for these charters and I feel that this might be a better reward for you than a trading contract and more useful than a purse of coin." He looks Summer up and down shrewdly. "The Swordlords hope that their pioneers could carve out a series of small states on the southern border and serve as proxies for Brevoy in the Stolen Lands. However the Swordlord's rarely keep their minds on anything for more than a few months so I suspect that such states would enjoy a very high degree of autonomy, were they to be successful."
He smiles at Snow and adds. "The Stolen Lands form part of the River Kingdoms, if that is any inducement to a young lady such as yourself?"
Summer does her best to keep up with the conversation on their journey, however it is very unnatural to her. Luckily, Snow seems to be well-versed in conversational topics and can effectively hold a whole conversation herself with a few nods to keep the conversation going from Summer. She watches over them each night, spending time with Lodovka's horse, watching the moon thoughtfully in remembrance of her past life.
----
Summer spends the couple of days at Lodovka's home, tirelessly wandering the garden and Restov both day and night, not making any use of her room that was provided. In her wanderings, she spends time considering what her goals are whilst also doing her best to learn about these humans. Its unusual that she can have a conversation with one without it eyeing her as if she was a delicacy. Each night and day, summer is drawn back to the gardens and lounges upon the soil amongst the plants, taking in any sun's rays that she can.
She knew that she wanted to do something to help those like her get to experience this too, but she has no clues as to what that might be. These couple of days don't seem to make much difference to her lack of actual plan.
----
Strolling through the garden with both Snow and Lodovka, Summer pauses at each new species of flower touches it gently, tending to it with care.
"This is indeed a garden to be proud of." Summer agrees as she prunes a couple of drooping leaves from a rose. "But you are right, I am itching to continue my journey beyond. These humans in these buildings are so limiting. What is your suggestion for reward?" She asks, before he explains further.
As Lodovka explains the situation, she listens carefully, watching the movements of his eyes and lips as he speaks with interest. She doesn't reply quickly, but continues to stare before coming to her conclusion.
Maybe this could be my actual plan. Maybe this is what I was created for?
"This sounds like an agreeable proposal. You say there is freedom there? Do you mean I would be able to carve out a safe haven for those that are seeking freedom from human settlements for themselves?"
"I am no expert in what the Lord-Mayors eventual plans are, but should your expedition go well you will always have at least one friend in Brevoy." Krystian replies, placing one hand over his heart. "I will offer what aid I can, and perhaps in future we will be friends and trading partners for a better world? I take it that I have your agreement then?" He asks, before turning to Snow.
Snow's eye grew large when Lord Lodovka mentioned the river kingdoms and she nods vigorously. "That sounds amazing! I can come Summer?" With the ghoran's agreement she practically bounces. "Wow, this is going to be amazing!" Lord Krystian gets a hug and so does Summer, the river-girl's exuberance overflowing.
"This is going to be great!"
As Snow bounces and leaps in to hug summer, Summer's arms stretch out wide to the sides, unsure of what to do with them. "Oh. That is an interesting reaction." She comments.
As Snow lets go, Summer reluctantly agrees and relaxes her arms back down to hang by her side.
"I suppose that we could do this together and complete this expedition as a pair. It is always safer in pairs after all."
Summer thanks Lodovkin for his recommendation as her mind starts considering the possibilities of the said expedition.
As is the way of all government things it takes a long while to do anything, but once the machinery springs into motion things move very fast indeed! Thus it is little more than a week after the conversation with Lord Krystian that Summer and Snow find themselves once again wandering through the drizzle of a brevic afternoon. This time however they lead two horses, carry purses of gold concealed under Summer's tunic and, most importantly, possess a charter complete the seals of the Lord Mayor of Restov and the Dragonscale Throne.
Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and west and sixty miles south of Oleg’s Trading Post. The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope.
So witnessed on this 18th day of Pharast, under the watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
A short distance ahead looms a square built stockade and a gatehouse, with a homely curl of smoke rising from inside the compound. This must be Oleg's Trading Post, the boundary from which the charter officially begins. Business, however, does not appear to be good as the road is empty and has been for the last two days. Whatever may have brought Oleg out here, it wasn't the pursuit of wealth...
Entering the stockade brings Summer and Snow face to face with a short, bearded man with brown hair and a suspicious glower seemingly etched into his craggy features - he has an axe in hand but lets it hang when he sees the two women in the gateway.
"You don't want to stop here." He says, growling. "Come back tomorrow, if we've anything left by then we'll be happy to trade with you then."
Summer looks down upon the short bearded man.
"What do you sell? Snow-melt-down-the-river, you don't want to buy anything do you? We are not planning to be here to trade. We are here to start an expedition." Summer says simply not picking up on the man's unpleasant demeanour.
"We're here from Restov," Snow says, ignoring Summer. "We have a charter to explore the lands to the south and deal with banditry."
Oleg, for it is he, seems cheered by that fact. "You are? Well then, where are your men? Who else has the Lord Mayor sent?"
"Oleg!" The scolding voice comes from a blonde haired woman standing in the doorway to the inner building. "Let the poor girls in at least! Apologies for my husband." She adds shepherding both women inside. "He's worked up, what with the bandits coming for their 'tribute' tomorrow." She spits into the hearth - making her feelings clear.
"You give tribute to these bandits? You know that will only cause them to keep coming back don't you?" Summer says a little densely as she allows herself to be shepherded inside. "Snow and I will be able to deter these bandits I think. That way we will all benefit. How many are there usually?"
Svetlana lets out a sigh of relief at Summer's words and Oleg grunts as he comes in behind. "There were a dozen of them the first time they came." He says, clearly angry. "The bandits’ first came 3 months ago—they threatened to burn down the trading post and abduct
Svetlana for their own amusements back at their camp if we didn’t hand over all of the furs and trade goods we’d made over the past month from hunters and trappers."
Svetlana takes up the story. "Since then, the bandits have returned twice more, each time within an hour of sunrise. We leave their “taxes” outside and then they leave pretty fast. I'd guess their camp must be most of a days ride away at least. When they first came," Svetlana shudders, "There were a dozen of them — led by a cloaked man armed with a bow, and a woman who carried two small hatchets. The woman did the majority of the talking and she was just... evil."
"She nearly cut my hand off." Oleg adds, looking ashamed. "Stole Lana's ring right off her finger and said it was 'payment' for keeping my hand. She didn't come back next time, just the cloaked man and some of his thugs. Six the second time, and four last time. He thinks we've got no fight left in us - but with you." He looks at Summer, having apparently decided that Snow is not a warrior. "We might have a chance!"
Both Leverton's look at Summer, clearly hoping that she can come up with some sort of wonderful plan.
Summer listens carefully, taking in all the details of the bandits in the area. "This is exactly what we have been tasked to do and both Snow and I are happy to lead the defense against these outlaws. It might even just be two this time, but let's plan for four just in case. I will pose as a customer arriving much later than normal, and Snow here can be my....friend." SUmmer adds, unsure of what Snow can pull off. "With that, we can return the bandits own mistreatement of others upon themselves to make them pay for what they have done."
"Would that please you both?"
Summer ensures she is prepared to spring a trap to ensnare the bandits at the time specified by Oleg and Svetlana.
Oleg nods enthusiastically and Svetlana smiles, becoming rather pretty as the worry slides off her face. "Oh, thank you both! You'll stay here tonight, as our guests! I have a stew going, do you like coney? If not I could make another, with just vegetables. Oh, if only I still had some fangberries." She bustles around, somewhat flustered.
Snow gets up to help and the two end up in a discussion about the best way to cook stew, while Oleg moves over to Summer.
"Want to see around the place?" He asks, clearly trying to make some sort of overture.
--------------------------------
The next morning, just as the sun rises, the small groups makes their final preparations. "If you want to jump them I can act as the bait." Oleg offers. "Lana stays inside though, I'm not risking her getting hurt."
Out of the sun as it is almost fully above the horizon come four horsemen, who swing out of the saddle to approach the fort on foot.
"Ho, Oleg?" One of them, apparently the leader calls. "Hope you got your taxes ready!" This earns a chortling laugh from the others behind him. They stride into the encampment as though they own the place and the leader closes in on Oleg. "So? Or would you like me to take your fingers?"
Summer agrees to a tour, as it seems important to the man. "I could also always go and search for fangberries if your wife would like?" Summer offers, before being reassured that it is not necessary.
That night, summer sits outside the Trading Post watching the moon and stars that alight the world in a different light as she awaits the sleeping beings.
----
Summer, pretending to browse the wares outside the trading post, leaps to Oleg's defense, drawing her greatsword and swinging with all her might.
"You don't get to do this anymore." She states, oddly calmly given the situation.
Summer's appearance from behind the wagon catches the bandits horribly off guard and she cleaves into the bandit leader, felling him in a single stroke!
Snow meanwhile pops up from behind the wagon and starts chanting something in a musical language...
Snow finishes her spell and both bandits are bathed in a brief shower of mist. When it clears they are both sound asleep!
Summer nods in approval as Snow puts them to sleep. She strides over to them and dispatches them both with ease.
She wipes her blade with a bundle of leaves and then stows it away on her back.
"Oleg, I don't think they will be troubling you anymore." She says, confirming the bandits are now more. "Thank you for your help Snow. We have started this expedition well, already ridding the world of some vermin."
She walks over to Oleg and nods, standing before him, awaiting a reply.
Oleg hasn't even managed to run back inside like the plan had specified. He just stands there blankly for a few moments before a wide grin stretches across his face!
"Damn! Well, with two folk like you out here maybe there is hope for us after all! Lana! Lana! Get down here! See what the lasses did!"
He's downright gleeful and Svetlana, although more restrained than her husband, seems relieved as well. "Thank you both, so much! At least we have some time now, a month or so before they send anyone else - hopefully. We'll buy any of their gear off you, playing full price of course! It's the least we can do."
Snow works her way through the bodies with swift hands, amassing a small, but significant pile of useful items.
"So," She says brightly. "I suppose we'd best start exploring! I've still got the map! Which way do you think we should go Summer?"
Summer ensures that she bargains with Oleg and Svetlana as she doesn't want to be tied down with the goods that she and Snow managed to salvage. She ends up selling them her own longbow and swapping it for the more powerful bow from the bandits. She also sells them the rest of the goods that they don't need.
.
"I'm looking forward to exploring the wilderness Snow, think of what we might discover and what we might be able to do." Summer cracks a smile, one of the first genuine smiles that Snow has seen yet.
"I am concerned that we may have caused further problems for these two hosts however. If these bandits don't return to their group, then others might go looking for them. We are tasked with improving this area after all. I think it would be worth it in the long run." She says, calculating the pay off. "I think the tracks lead SSW, this way, do you see?" She says, pointing in the correct direction.
Following the tracks southwest leads the two fey into the edge of what appears to be a very large wood. After several hours skirting the forest the tracks, or what signs Summer can detect, veer eastwards, apparently to avoid a huge patch of brambles and thistles. Summer's keen senses pick up a familiar smell - radishes.
"Moon radishes!" Snow says with a smile. "We should get some for Svetlana! Or maybe on the way back?" She adds, in a rare moment of practicality.
"Oh, that sounds like she would like them doesn't it. Maybe on the way back so they do not spoil." Summer suggests as they continue on.
Summer strikes up a conversation with snow as they continue on following the tracks. "So, tell me about your river Snow. It's your home isn't it? Is it Okay that you came so far away from it?"
"I'm a naiad." Snow explains. "So I'm kinda the spirit of all rivers. It's just that we like to have a particular one. Like a home. We bond to it and then we take on its characteristics. My... mother was a very big river, very slow moving. She was nice, but quiet. I have a big extended family though - we almost all know each other a bit. Hopefully I can find a nice river out here that I can bond with for a while - that would be nice. I start feeling all dried out and pruney if it goes too long."
She smiles at Summer. "Can I ask what you are? You smell really nice all the time!"
There is a rustling in the bramble patch as you ride by, almost as though someone is watching you go...
The rest of the day passes in pleasant conversation and a large tree provides shelter for the night, although the tracks lead further south west.
The next morning dawns cloudy and cold - typical weather for Pharast, although mercifully dry. Following the tracks onwards takes most of the day but finally, in the late afternoon Summer can make out a thin trail of smoke rising into the sky - it appears that you have found the bandit's lair.
"What are we going to do?" Snow asks. "Walk in and tell them that they're in trouble? Or maybe wait until its dark? Humans don't see well when its dark."
Summer listens and learns of Snow's nature with interest. "That is a fascinating way to live. Being able to bond to a river must always mean that you have somewhere to place your roots. I have no roots right now." She says with an unemotional tone. She doesn't appear overly upset by it.
"I'm a Ghoran, ever heard of us? We are not the luckiest of souls, made for food for humans that were struggling. Makes relations with humans tricky at times when they try to eat us. Im on my fourth body now, a body I'd very much like to keep if I can."
"I didn't think that far ahead," Summer says with caution. "I think your plan is a good one. Let's wait until dark and hide and watch who comes and goes until then." Summer gestures forwards towards the rising smoke until they are within sight range of the entrance of the camp before finding a patch of foliage to conceal both Snow and herself.
Snow trails a hand in the water of the stream that runs by the camp. "This river is the Shrike." She says with a smile. "It'll help us if it can."
Dark falls and the bandits light fires, there is one major fire around which a number of bandits seem to be sitting. Each outlying fire has only one sentry - taking them down would be relatively easy. If only it can be done quietly.
"I could make them sleep?" Snow offers, "Try at least. If that would help."
Summer nods. "Absolutely Snow. Thats sounds like a plan" Ssummer agrees. She pulls her bow to provide cover for Snow, just in case it all goes wrong.
The bandit seems determined to stay alert but Snow's magic gradually lulls him to sleep and he slumps down on a log near the brazier.
The second bandit goes the way of the first and Summer dispatches them both with efficient motions of her blade. The bandits around the main fire seem to have no idea that you have dispatched their sentries and are preparing for sleep, but the leader woman sits against a log sharpening a hatchet.
"Let's wait til they're asleep Snow before ambushing her. What do you think, would that be acceptable? They cannot continue to pray upon the innocent that live here."
Summer waits until an opportune moment before attempting to sneak to a good viewpoint before letting loose an arrow at the woman with the hatchet.
Once all the bandits have settled down to sleep Summer waits for her moment and puts an arrow straight through the woman's shoulder. She lets out a series of yells and curse words that would make a sailor blush, apologise and forswear all foul language in future.
Summer let's loose a second shot before the woman gets another chance to move but unfortunately, it whistles past the woman shoulder.
Snows weaves another spell...
And the woman slumps down onto the floor.
The bandits all stir blearily and one, quicker than the rest, yells "We're under attack!"
"At least we got a head start Snow."
Summer aims an arrow at the closest bandit, singling him out.
Summer sends an arrow flying straight into the bandit's throat and his cry turns into a gurgle as he collapses. A second bandit shakes the sleeping leader awake while the third one fires a highly speculative shot nowhere near Summer!
Snow frowns and retaliates with a ray of ice.
Summer targets the second bandit, hoping that it doesn't get time to wake up the leader, but knows she is most likely too late.
Summer's arrow is deflected by the bandit's armor and both he and the leader rush towards her!
Snow sends the last bandit to sleep again, just before the axes arrive!
Summer drops her bow and draws her greatsword and swings mightily but isn't quick enough as the bandit sidesteps easily.
"Can't we all just relax and have some fun?" Snow asks, reaching out to the woman with the axes.
The boss seems to find that idea quite hilarious. "You know what Blue?" She responds between chortles. "I'll kill you last. You're funny!"
The bandit meanwhile tries to take some bark off Summer's hide.
Summer, ignoring the blow that splinters her thigh, continues to swing at the bandit, knocking it unconscious and heavily bleeding to the floor.
With Snow's help the bandit chief keeps laughing, but she seems to maintain at least some of her wits and falls back swiftly out of sword range!
Summer sprints after the woman with a slight limp.
"Stop and Drop your weapons or I will chase you down also!" She shouts into the night, but doesn't quite get the tone right and the woman keeps fleeing.
Snow gets one out of two - the woman tosses a hatchet blindly over her shoulder and then sprints on out of the firelight and into the darkness.
The remaining bandit still sleeps soundly and it is a simple matter to end his life in accordance with the charter.
supplies like food, firewood, and tents under the platform at area
K2, currently include 321 sp, 90 gp, a pair of silver earrings worth
150 gp, a wooden music box worth 90 gp, three crates of furs and
hides worth 50 gp per crate, and a polished wooden case of potent
greenish herbal liquor. There are still eight bottles with liquor left
in them, each worth 20 gp.
The axe the bandit leader threw is a masterwork handaxe. You also get five suits of leather armor, five longbows, 60gp and five shortswords from the slain bandits.
This deals, rather conclusively, with the bandit threat to Oleg and Svetlana. It seems that the second phase of the charter, exploring and mapping, may now begin!
Summer and Snow head back to the trading post to reassure both Oleg and Svetlana, and more importantly to see if they're interested in the trade goods.
---
After this, Summer sits down with the map to decide on their next direction. Eventually Snow and Summer settle on travelling East to find what is on the boundary of their charter.