The bandit manages to scramble to his feet, avoiding the fangs of the wolf. His mind operating on a primal level, he draws his axe, and hacks at the wolf. In a more rational state he probably would have tried to run. The odds are stacked heavily against him.
The frenzied swing connects, biting deeply into the side of the wolf, with a spray of crimson.
Torek moves to his target and secures that bandit, removing weapons and tying his hands. After that he says, "Got this one done!"
Frostbite gave a cry and whimper of pain as the axe bit into her side. Though the action caused a growl to come from Autumn's throat "You dare!" She snarled before she took a moment to center herself before lining up another shot.
Frostbite, though hurt, responded in kind.
Drazen runs to catch up with the walking horse with the sleeping rider...
Autumn's arrow sticks into the bandit, he drops to his knees, too wounded to fight on.
"Frostbite, come." Autumn called as she put her bow away. But the she-wolf still wanted to pounce upon the bandit who had harmed her.
"Frostbite, come here." Autumn said with a little more force but that wasn't the order Frostbite wanted so she remained.
Finally Autumn stomped up and grabbed her animal companion by the scruff of her neck. Frostbite turn to snap at whom ever grabbed her, still believing herself in danger. But after noticing Autumn she seemed to calm down and whimper. "Shhhh, girl. I know. I know." Autumn said before she knelt down next to Frostbite and slowly moved her hand to the wound. "I've got you, don't you worry." She reassured her before casting a small healing spell.
The wound closed over and healed as if it has never been and Frostbite showed her gratitued by jumping up on Autumn, giving a affectionate lick to her cheek. They young aasimar giggled before she stood and pushed Frostbite down. "You're welcome girl!" She said.
"Herger, can you and Titian round up the horses? Drazen, you and Torek bring the rest of the bandits over here please? After you bind them of course." Autumn called out to the others before she took rope from her own bag to deal with the bandit before her. "Not your day, is it?" She asked almost sarcastically as she bound him with the rope.
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With a command of his tighs Titian starts to round up the horses while the others bind the bandits.
Looking at those that are mortally wounded he rides back and lifts his visor and bows toward the newcommer.
"Well met. I am Sir Titian Stagson. What brings you to this lawless lands."
After the introduction Titian nods towards the bandits.
"What shall we do with them? What do you think Herger. What does those of the faith say about bandits?"
Torek sees the last of the bandits fall. He sags, the tension of the past hours draining from his body. The apparent knight gathers the horses when Autumn's calling on the holy favor of Erastil catches Torek's eye.
Torek cries to Autumn, "Sister Autumn, Ol'Deadeye works his favor through you now, how blessed. Praise him, for sending you in my hour of need." Torek seems to be turning around to speak to each but all at once. "Brother Herger, you as well, I greet you in his name, your guidance did much for me." Then Torek, seems a bit puzzled continuing, "I understand you being here, finding a new home after such loss is ... difficult but.." Torek turns to Autumn, "I truly did not expect you here at all, Sister Autumn. What takes you so far from Home? ..." Torek trails off as the atmosphere changes and seems glad of Titian's interruption.
Torek bows slightly at Sir Titan's introduction. "Blessed day, Sir Titian Stagson. I'm Torek Vakt, son of Haron. As to your most pertinent question, mostly the lawlessness itself. Constable Hull said that he quietly sent a party to these lands to quell this situation but that some of his choices 'didn't work out'. So, since I worked with him a little before, he gave me a charter and sent me to join up, but told me little, much too little it appears."
"There is no home left Torek." Autumn answered as she turned to him. "Bandits... burned and raided everything..." She explained as she tilted her head to look at the bandit she just tied up. A small look of hatred in her eyes before she shakes her head.
"Also Torek, while I am one of the faithful, I am not one of the clergy." She corrected her old friend. "Not that I wouldn't be honored, but credit should only be given where it is due." Autumn stated.
"Wait, you where sent down with a charter?" Autumn asked a bit shocked before she smiled. "Yes, the told you far too little. This group here is what now works for the charter." She explained. "I am glad to see you alive and well Torek! But last we met you where not so strong in the faith, yet now you speak so fervently about it. Almost like a Paladin of the faith would. And how come you to know Herger?"
"Drazen," the half-elf introduces himself almost timidly, reluctant to interrupt his companions' reunion with an old friend. Still, he offers a kid smile and a firm handshake to greet the welcome addition to their group.
Torek listens shocked and appalled at Autumn's grievous news. "The village wrecked ... everyone ... lost? Why would anyone do that? It's ... I'll never understand criminals I guess. May Erastil grant those innocents the justice in the Fields of Heaven that they were denied in life." Torek grieves for Autumn but as she follows with questions he lets her move on.
At her correction Torek blinks but says with mild reverence, "Of course Autumn, but still to have Old Deadeye's favor, to work miracles in his name, very few of the faithful can do that. It so wonderful a blessing."
A gentleman, clearly possessing elven blood, interrupts to greets him. Torek responds, "Torek, at your service, new and well-met friend."
Torek answers Autumn's questions. "Yes, well I guess meeting Brother Herger and my full embrace of the truth of Erastil are the same thing, in part. After we left, when all our traps were despoiled, we moved to Restov. It was hard, Dad and I worked what day jobs were around, but Mom was the real breadwinner with her cooking, you remember how good she is. Well, a plague swept the quarter and Dad didn't make it. I tried after that a new trade, hunting men with bounties on their heads. I wasn't too good at it. But then I met Brother Herger, he taught me the way of Old Deadeye, how to truly talk to a man's heart. It helped me greatly, and to work with less conflict. While I respected my father's wish, as a good son should, to stay with the spirits that he worshiped, after he passed I was free to make my own choice. The path is clear and I prosper by his grace. But it's not the best trade so I looked for a better path and here I am. So, what now? I'm afraid I'm near spent, and Hope even more so." Torek taps his horse that is trying to move to the water to drink his fill and maybe too eager to Autumn's trained eye.
The bound bandits glare furiously, straining at their bonds, while the horses are rounded up, and as you talk among yourselves.
Autumn sighed as she moved over and raised her leg, placing her foot upon one of the bandit's chest pushing him to the ground.
"Listen, you've lost." Autumn stated bluntly. "You cannot outrun a wolf, or my bow. So just sit and stay." She said before she looked to Titian.
"We need to decide what we're going to do with these here. The charter said that we've the right to punish any non-repentant bandit. To put them to death by rope or sword." Autumn explained to him. "You asked what the faith says of this, I am no priestess but I can say this. Anything that would threaten the community is something that must be dealt with, either through understanding or... well execution. Animals can be trained." She said as she reached out and gave Frostbite's head a pat. "People... well people are more dangerous. Those with darkness in the heart find it harder to turn away. Animals have natures that can be learned... we, not so much." Autumn spoke before she looked to the bandits they had caught. "If they do no repent, we've little choice."
Torek looks torn as the conversation turns towards the fate of the bandits. "I hadn't fully thought through all the implications of the charter; it is a grant of the right and duty to execute the high justice in these lands. When I brought a bounty back I turned them over to the courts or lords for justice. It feels different now but it does need to be done. I'm good at persuading people but still not good dealing with falsehoods. So how do we go about being a ... a court of our own? " Torek seems a bit disturbed by the weight of what they must do aggravated by his evident tiredness.
Drazen nods, seeing the wisdom of Torek’s idea. ”If we all are charged with executing the kingdom’s justice in these lands, then indeed justice should be served properly and with dignity. That being said, what is the punishment for an attack on the crown? And is there an opportunity to repent?”
The young half-elf turns to the prisoners, his meaning quite clear: ultimately, is death the only suitable punishment for their crimes or can they be forgiven, should they prove themselves worthy, somehow?
"The laws state that the act of unrepentant banditry is punished by being hung by the neck till dead, or put to the sword." Autumn answered as she took her foot off of the bandit. "I suggest we hear what they have to say and if it proves unrepentant we keep with the law of the land." She suggested.
Torek nods, turns to the bandits and firmly says, "You chased me for what felt like forever, clearly wishing to rob me of all my goods, and at the end threatened me with mutilation. Those are actions of bandits. You know the law. But I do believe in allowing those accused to speak for themselves. So what do you have to say for yourself?" Torek looks straight into the eyes of each of the men, as he lists his charges.
Convince them to find a way to repentance.
He had been silent for a long while, watching the others, weighing their words. He didnt like how this was going, not at all. But they were bandits and had done wicked evil things. Quietly he studied the captured men. Gazing upon each sternly.
"Seperate them a bit,I'll bare a look into their eyes and we will see what wisdom Erastil grants me."
With them split out of earshot Herger will speak to each man simply. They can repent and return with the group to a period of service for a year and a day to aid the trading post and perhaps a future settlement, or they would be sent back to their ilk with a warning.
The bandits all say that they want a chance to repent. They all make promises to change their ways. But their eyes are cold and flinty. Their sullenness can't be hidden, and their body language speaks of dishonesty. One of them even twists and tugs at his bonds while you all are watching. Trying to break free right under your noses.
"I am sorry for your lack of honesty. Hold them, I'll take their right hand as pennance. The offer holds, if you find life as a bandit hard now, you can come find us and work yourself back into good graces. Sir Titian if you will hold them down, I'll tie off their arm and enact punishment."
He said grimly though there was a hint of sadness in his voice. He had really hoped they would see the light so to speak and repent. But their example might sway others at the least.
Torek listens to the bandits professions of reformation and is uncertain but Herger is unconvinced and so the real intent of the bandits becoes clear as one bandits goes so far as to feebly attempt to escape.
Torek is greatly disturbed by Brother Herger's words. "Brother Herger, that is not the law! I ... I appreciate your desire to preserve life, as the Parables says 'Life is precious and shold be honored', but think of the consequences. Overlooking the matter of its unlawfulness, see these men for what they are. These are hard, cruel men who already chose a vicious life. Just for fleeing from them they wanted to torture and main me. If you take their hand and free then what do you think will happen? They will learn their lesson and go merrily on their way? No, they will be even more desperate and cruel."
Torek draws a shaky breath. "I have no desire to kill anyone but as is said, 'Do not suffer the rot to endure in thy home or hearth for it spreads to sicken all.' I know you are a good and kindly man who doesn't want the burden of these men's lives on your conscience. But the price of your harsh mercy would be paid in the blood of innocents, these men will not reform, they will simply attack more brutally and more desperately and torture and kill others, the weakest they can find. They must die to save others in this land, the high justice is a great burden but in signing the charter it is one we swore to bear, bear it we must or assume responsibility for all the harm they will do from now on; can you live with a murdered man, a tortured child, an outraged woman, that would, nay, will be prevented here, if we but follow the law, however harsh is still just?"
Torek sits down clearly exhausted by his impassioned speech.
"I agree with good Torek," Drazen admits, albeit reluctantly. "These are not mere thieves, and it should never be said that the law in these lands is lax. They should suffer the punishment that is fit for their crimes, bearing in mind that in these lands, we are the crown. While I might have allowed some chance at redemption if they had shown honest remorse and a desire to make amends, they have proven themselves unworthy of such clemency. I submit that they must die."
"I agree with Torek...They aren't just thieves." Autumn spoke up. "They're bandits Herger!" She pointed out as she looked back to them. "They murder, steal, maim, they ruin lives! A missing hand isn't going to stop them from doing that." Autumn went on to say as she looked back to her group. "They don't care the age, how much you have, nothing! They're like rabid animals lashing out."
Crossing her arms, the assimar's grip tightened hard upon her upper arms to keep herself from shaking with rage. "We take their hands, they'll return to take all we own. If we let them go they'll find others and we'll see them again... and when we do they won't give us the mercy we're giving them, they'll murder everyone we're with..." Autumn said through clenched teeth. "They are unrepentant. They didn't do this to feed themselves or their families, they did this out of greed and the love of killing... Let them reap the harvest they have sown." Autumn stated as she closed her eyes. "I take no pleasure in this Herger... but I will not sit by to let further injustice be paid to my new home and those I care for. I suffered the death of my family. My sister was suppose to be marriage come summer! I found her in a burned stable and only knew it was her because she was in the arms of the stable boy she was to marry. They ruin lives Herger... Winter wasn't even 15 yet. Summer was 10!" Autumn cried as she shook her head. "I can't-.... I can't let it happen again, I won't let it happen again. I will not allow another family to bury their to suffer the way I have suffered. Had they been repentant they could turn their lives around... but they don't want to do that, they're laughing at the very idea of it."
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Titian nods and replies.
"A man without hand can only beg or steal. When I accepted the charter, I made a vow to uphold the Kings Justice. And the Justice is clear. They will be jugded in the afterlive.
May Pharasma judge them with as mercy as they deserve."
Moving towards the ine who was shaking the most he raises his sword in a tight, twohanded grip.
"By the powers invested in me by the crown of Brevoy, you are found guilty of banditery. You have chosen to live by the sword, so you will be judged by it. You have time for a last confession."
One of the bandits sits, silently glaring at Titian.
The next tries a different tack. "We're not bandits, we're freedom fighters. Brevoy has no right to seize our lands. Scrap of paper or not."
The last begins to weep, and blubber, begging for his life.
"Yet you where so ready to maim a man you found upon the road?" Autumn pointed out as she stepped up before the one who tried to take a different track of thinking. "Freedom fighters don't do that. Bandits do that." She stated before she moved to the one weeping.
She took a knee before him and asked "Why weep? If you wish to live so badly why did you not take the chance a repentance?"
Torek glances regretfully towards Herger but moves to assist the others. He'll help any who needs it to restrain the doomed bandit until the deed is done. As each goes to his fate, he says, "I'm not one to wish ill on anyone, so I'll just say deserve it or not, I pray that you receive more mercy in death than you gave in life."
The self styled freedom fighter just glowers. "Just get on with it. I'll be waiting for you in hell."
The weeping mans says: "I did repent. I don't want to die. Them two made me do it." He's clearly willing to say anything to avoid execution.
He watched impassively, no pity for the men at all.
Like Titian however he proceeded to give the men their last rites, before he turned and finally spoke to the others.\
"I dont disagree with their end, and in truth that was my first instinct, but then I thought that perhaps taking of their hand and sending them back from whence they came might serve as a sign and a warning to the others. Perhaps it would have made them think, and turned their minds from their current path. Had it even been one bandit who saw the light I would have considered that a good thing. We will deal with their lot soon enough I suppose."
He began then after a moment he smiled broadly. Moving closer to embrace Torek.
"It is good to see you Torek, Your mother? Still Well?"
He asked already walking away from the bandits. He was through with their ilk for the day at least.
Torek finishes the grisly business, but stops to rest as he breath grows harsh from exertion. At Herger's first words he nods, but says, "I understand but couldn't take the chance."
Herger embraces Torek who returns the hug just as firmly. "Good and more than good to see you Brother Herger, praise Erastil. Mother is doing well, misses Dad of course, but she is working at an inn as cook, she'll be fine until a safe settlement can be made in these lands. How is Ulfgar, he must be near or at a man's age by now?" Torek unintentionally steps on the issue of Herger's son's maturity.
Autumn turned to focus upon the new horses they had gotten since the bandits each had one. Keston had said that he was making his soldiers into cavalry so she was sure he'd welcome these horses. She looked over to Herger and Torek as if she was going to say something, but chose not to at the last moment.
When she came to the wounded horse she waved Frostbite to sit and stay where she was.
The she lead the injured horse over to Herger and Torek. "I hate to interject but... I cannot heal this poor creature, I used what ability for that I have upon Frostbite. Would you be so kind Herger? The beast still seems well and can be put to work. Not to mention Keston would welcome the them." Autumn said as she gently ran her hand over the side of the horse's face to calm the creature.
Curley's instructions call for going farther up the Shrike to a place where the river forms a large oxbow. From there, he had said to strike out across country in a northeasterly direction.
"This Keston," Drazen speaks as they travel farther up the Shrike, "does he also carry a charter? I understand that the horse that I am riding is his and I am grateful, but is there any particular reason that we should give him our spoils?"
"I mean no insult. I'm just curious. If we are going to deliver the kingdom's law and justice, then we'll need means..."
"Because at the moment, he is a part of the community."
He began moving to the wounded horse. For a moment concentrated then started to make noises just like a horse.
"Whinny Horse horse horse, neigh, snort, Horse horse"
As the renewing energy coursed through the animal he continued speaking to Drazen.
"Keston has a desire to chase out the bandits, giving him our spare horses means the community as a whole will be stronger and safer. Many hands make lighter work as they say."
"Hmm? Oh no. He was sent down from Brevoy. Oleg abd Svetlana where having bandit problems so they called for aid. Keston was sent to guard the outpost with his men. They marched here on foot however so he had been buying up as many horses as he could to turn them into cavalry. Or at least thay is how he explained it." Autumn answered. "And, you're not borrowing that horse Drazen, that steed is yours. I used some of the money we have on credit with Oleg to buy you a mount and the saddle and tack to go with it. Oh, correction. Herger and I. The credit was for both and I did ask first. Herger liked my idea." Autumn explained.
"It was while purchasing your horse that I found out Keston was also grabbing as many horses as he could. I feel that offering these steeds to Keston would be in tye best of interest for us as well. He protects Oleg's trading post, if we strengthen him then he can better protect the post which we are also calling home at this time no? What we give up now we reep in the safety of the trading post and later our community. After all I don't think Keston will be leaving any time soon... though I could be wrong. I don't know the man too well."
Then she stopped and sigh. "Yes what Herger said. And I took twice as long to say... I need to work on that..." Autumn commented.
Torek, rather embarrassed, asks Autumn, "Hope seems to be a bit distressed, how do I help her appropriately? I fear a learned only to hunt animals, in acquiring her I overestimated my ability to properly take care of a horse in the wilds."
At the mention of traveling further that day, Torek replies, "It would be wise to look for a good campsite soon, I'm all for hard work but some rest would be nice."
To Drazen Torek asks, "Who is Keston and what does he have to do with us?"
Autumn gave a small shrug as she answered. "I am not sure honestly..." She looked to Hope. "I am not as well versed in horses as I am other beings of nature. But!" Autumn began as she pointed to Titian. "He, knows more about horses than I! I've even asked if he'd teach me what he knows so that I can better take care of Soltice."
Then she looked to Titian. "Titian my friend, wpuld you be so kind as to help Torek with Hope?" Autumn asked.
"Keston leads the guards at Oleg's outpost," Drazen explains to Torek. "But if Autumn isn't sure about the man, then we should probably get to know him..."
"In any case, I am in your debt," Drazen thanks Autumn and Herger. "I will endeavour to reimburse you if and when I can."
He stays quiet a moment, thinking.
"We'll also need warriors to ride with us and to defend key positions in these lands," Drazen continues. "Who does Keston answer to? Are his men at our service or does he command them as he sees fit?"
"Again, I do not mean to disparage the fellow. I do not know him or his worth, and assuredly any man who wishes to defend the realm from bandits is welcome."
"Well, we haven't really had the chance to sit down and speak with him." Autumn explained with a small shrug. "We've been so busy since we got here, speaking with others had been difficult... I don't believe we've stayed at Oleg's trading post more than a night ever week or two. We've been out on the land dealing with problems."
"When it comes to whom he serves, I believe Brevoy? I am not totally sure. Kesten Garess is his full name, and he said he had been changed with the protection of Oleg's trading post. He seemed a good enough man but as I said I've not spoken much to him. Though he did say to keep an eye out for a man named Falgrim Sneeg. He betrayed Kesten when they where mercenaries and stole the pay the group had. Kesten wishes to bring him to justice and has asked that we keep an eye out from him." Autumn went on to say.
"Kesten said Falgrim is a gray haired Varisian with a full beard. He favors the rapier. He's about five and a half feet tall, and built like a barrel. So if you seen anyone matching that we'll need to act swiftly to grab him." She stated.
"But, Drazen do not feel indebted to me for your steed." Autumn said with a kind smile. "You are one of us now, you help us survive in this place and clear the way for the lives we wish to build." She explained. "If you must repay me with something, then repay me with this, help us in every way you can to make this place a home. Not just for you, me, and those among us, but for all those wishing for a new life and a place to call home."
"Fair enough," Drazen agrees, ready to let the matter rest for the time being...
At Autumn's request Torek looks to Titian and says, "Yes, I'd appreciate any help; I fear I am not the rider I thought I was. Hope is rather blown from the long flight.
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After the necessary deed is done, Titian strips down his armor, takes a spade and starts digging the graves, asking the others to help him and Torek to prepare a plank with a note to other bandits.
Stripping weapons, armor and valueables down he makes a bundle and loads the horses, tying them together with rope so that they can lead them onwards.
After the bandits are laid to their eternal rest, and Herger has said some final words, Titian rearmors himself and mounts.
"We have still many hours to explore. Let us not waste sunlight!"