Torek chases Sasha around while riding Hope, until Sasha realizes he being an idiot and will just die tired, if he believes that he is going to be killed. "Why did you run? Redach had talked himself into a hanging. You had not." Torek is not trying to persuade Sasha exactly, more curious than anything else.
Titian’s sword bites into Redach, ending his life.
Sasha halts, brandishing his shovel. ”You people are crazy.” He looks around wildly. ”If you don’t want to hang me, let me go. But you chase me down. New life she says. But she lies. You lie.” Sasha glares at Torek. ”You take me to Oleg’s, he’ll hang me, if’n you don’t. Ain’t no new life, just only lies.”
"I have never lied to you." Autumn said as she stepped forth. "I am many things Sasha, but I am not a liar." She went on. "You would not the first bandit who left the Stag Lord's employ, there is another and he still remains at Oleg's trading post. When we settle the land he will return to being a farmer." Autumn explained. "Erastil strike me were I stand should I be false, but we are trying to offer you a better life. Why would we lie only to hang you? I know we killed Redash, but through the whole thing he was unrepentant. You did wish to move on, and I myself brought you among us. If we were just going to hang you, why then would I do that? " Autumn asked him. "Please Sasha, calm down and let us show you." She requested.
Torek adds "Neither have I lied. Why do you think we are taking so much time to talk to you? We do not like killing anyone; we do it only to protect good people. I only chased you because you would run back to that bandit king or someone like him. We offer something else. A genuine new path to build something good. Start the path to a greater good, and we will help along the way. We do not want to kill you and won't if you come with us to a new and better way."
Help this conversation along.
"Bah another fool to bury when a peaceful path was offred."
He said nodding to Sir Titians skill with a blade.
"I dont like the idea of it, but I suppose instead of a willing prisoner we will have to keep him trussed and tied till we reach the trading post and leave him in Keston's care. What thought's do you have Titian?"
He asked grabbing the shovel and getting to work to add another grave.
”Who’s Kesten?” Sasha asks. Facing Torek and Autumn, he takes a step backwards. The shovel is still tightly gripped in his fists. Not that he could put it down if he wanted. Someone had tied it to him.
Torek replies to Sasha, "Kesten is the commander of the soldiers now protecting Oleg's trading post. A good man. He will ensure the safety of those living there while you work to prove that you are to be trusted. Do so and a better life for you and others opens. It will take a little time to earn the trust of people there but will be well worth it." Torek tries to paint a fair picture of what is being offered to Sasha.
"He came from Brevoy like most of us." Autumn explained. "He and a group of guard came here because of the Stag Lord. The threats and danger he pressed upon Oleg's was too much and he sent for help. For protection against the bandit chief. Kesten and his men answered that call. He is a good man and we often speak with him when we returned to Oleg's, as he and Oleg often gives us updates. He looked after Curley when we brought him to the trading post. He is a man you can trust so long as you are true about leaving this life Sasha."
”You’ll tell him I’m a bandit.” Sasha takes another step back. ”Brevoy law sez death for bandits. That’s how I know you lie.” And another step...
Autumn pulled out her charter. Unrolling it she moved closer to Sasha and showed it to him. "Here, read this." She instructed him.
by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and
authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the
Dragonscale Throne, is so granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. 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 bearer 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 24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of The Dragonscale Throne."
"See? If I tell him you're repentant, and you hold to it, he cannot harm you. Else he will be dealing with me. I'm not going to tell him you are a bandit. I'm going to tell him you where a bandit. That you're repentant. That is a huge difference."
Sasha backpedals away, not letting Autumn get close.
”That ain’t how it works, and you know it!”
"It worked for Curley." Autumn told him. "As I told you before he is still there at the trading post. You wouldn't be alone in your journey to a new life Sasha."
”Don’t know no Curley.” Sasha’s feet shuffle a couple more steps back, taking him farther away from Autumn, once again. And closer to the trees.
Torek, keeping some distance from Sasha, manuvers his horse between Sasha and any reasonable escape route. "Sasha, please, you cannot escape us, help us understand you. Do you have some reason to fear going towards Brevoy? Are you a wanted man there? We may be able to help with that." Torek continues to reason with Sasha.
|
Titian wipes the blood from his blade and ponders for a moment.
"What he says is true. But there are other punishments apart from death. If you want the chance to repent, and earn your living I can give you the chance to become our first, or well second camp follower. You will be paid, but you will have to work for it. And sometimes hard, make no mistake of this. This means cleaning camp, taking care of our horses, carry gear. Your choice."
Torek says, "But not harder than what the Stag Lords asks." Torek sweeps his arm out over the camp. "To build a fort in raw wilderness is brutal hard labor, lumber-jacking is harder and more dangerous than hunting or trapping. Remember Old Man Kinjek, Autumn, helping cut down that tree to build the new barn? How it fell on him and the Father couldn't heal him enough. I'll never forget that day."
"He never walked right again." Autumn said somberly. "Yet I still found him trying to defend instead of hide. Club in his hands, eight arrows in his chest." She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, closing her eyes. "It isn't shocking you wouldn't know him. He was here before you.... look, Sasha I have the most reason out of anyone here to prefer to see you dead. My home, my family, my friends, are gone because of bandits. But you seem more like a kid who has lost his way then a murderer." She tried to explain. "Run and prove me wrong and Frostbite with run you down. You might be fast but I can promise you she is faster, as is my arrow. But let us say you do get away. You make it to the tree line before my arrow finds you or my she-wolf catches up. You think I can't track you were ever you go? You think I won't be in persute? I need no sleep, I see in the dark, and thrive in this place. How far do you think you can get before I find you? With hands bound, in a forest full of dangers, with me and Frostbite on your heels? Be prey, or join the pack. It will be hard work, I won't lie to you. But at least you have a chance at life. Run and that chance is gone. Because if you run, I will find you, and I will treat you like I do all prey." Autumn stated. "Make your choice." She declared as opened her eyes to show them morphed into that of a tiger's eye.
Torek nods at Autumn's ultimatum, "I did not bring up Autumn's past because it's her's to tell. But in spite of that she is trying to do the right thing. So is everyone here, to give you a chance at a better life. But Brother Herger is right too, we are not followers of the Dawnflower; decide now Sasha, we cannot and will not forbear any longer. Any further debate will be fruitless and we have much to do."
Sasha’s face takes on a look of fear, after the change in Autumn’s eyes. ”It don’t matter. My goose is cooked.” He waggles the shovel. ”I wish you’d take this off me. Makes me feel like I’m armed. Like I should go down fightin’ “
Autumn stepped up, slinging her bow over her shoulder she moved to get the shovel out of Sasha's bindings. "You're not going to die Sasha." She told him. "Not if you choose a better life." Autumn said once more. "It is a leap of faith Sasha. You just have to trust us... which I know is hard."
Torek takes the shovel from Autumn, "I'll bury Redach, and see to the rest. Sasha it will take time to build trust, you in us and us in you. You go help prep the camp a bit, not so hard as all that, and with less emotion, given time you can come to know that your fate is in your hands." Torek leads Hope away to the other horse, and gets to work on the burials. After that he check around the camp taking up goods in stuff they can and should carry and other piles with bury (a distance away) or burn stuff.
He frowned at the whole situation. This stag lord really was becomming more and more of a problem. Especially if he was beginning to try and sound legitimate. Maybe it was time to try a different tactic. When Torek took up finishing up the burials, he moved closer to the young man taking great care not to loom over him too much.
"Tell me about yourself if you will. Where are you from, what brought you here. Do you have family."
He asked simply.
”I come from Tallgrass. It’s a stupid little village on the Rostland Planes.” He spits on the ground. ”Ain’t got no family. Came down here, ‘cause a man can make his own life round here.” Sasha seems about to say more, then stops, then says. ”If he works real hard like a good boy.”
Autumn rolled her eyes slightly. "You don't have to be a 'good boy'" She stated almost patronizingly. "You just have to not be an ass. You know, not attacking innocent people, no stealing, take a job to earn coin." Autumn explained.
"Oh, Torek hold a moment." She requested of her friend. "I leave Sasha to you Herger, I wanted to check the pockets of the one Redash said had a family. Maybe he has a letter from them or something that will say we're he sent things to, I'd like to inform his family if we can." She explained to Herger, and Sasha as they were next to each other.
Jogging off to meet up with Torek she explained "Let us check the one who had a family's pockets. See if we might be able to send a letter to his family." Autumn explained to Torek. "I'd like to inform them of his death if we can... And if what he told Redash was true..."
Torek frowns and shakes his head at Sasha's snark. Still trying to to talk his way into a noose. Hope he learns better soon.
When Autumn asks his help Torek readily agrees. "Of course Autumn, that's a good idea. He's over there I think." Torek goes off to the body and carefully searches it, with respect, but thoroughly.
Search body.
Torek looks around and alone with Autumn says in hushed tones, "I don't want to hurt Drazen's feelings but he's been awfully quiet and he don't look so good. He's a great guy with good heart but I'm not sure he's cut out for ... a life on a hostile frontier. I'm feeling a bit strained and I'm sure you are too but we were more prepared for this sort of life. Well somewhat anyway." Torek looks concerned but a little tentative as though he might be stepping over a line.
Autumn helped Torek go through the body's pockets. Though she listened to what Torek had to say, and nodded in agreement. "Can one ever be really cut out for this?" Autumn asked him softly, "We can live in this place if we have to Torek, but that isn't really living... It is just surviving. But when we take down this Stag Lord we can truly live, set up a community, a life. Yet I cannot say how long it will take to do that, or if we'll be able to protect what we build..." Autumn paused a moment, her sight turning the the lush green trees. "Back home... I loved being in the forest. I felt like a true place to be, if that makes any sense... It was why I jumped at the chance to do a long range hunt... It was one of the best hunts I'd ever had, Erastil blessed my bow, and put abundant game in my path. Winter was going to be closing in soon yet summer's heat still seemed to hold warmth in the air. The dawn's light gleamed over the trees, painting the sky and forest floor in one of the beautiful shades I'd ever seen." She said before she closed her eyes to keep back the tears. "I'd give all those moments of wonder in that forest if it meant I could have been there to protect my family. But... I can only believe that Erastil gave me those gifts to ease the pain... it didn't... Nothing ever could." Autumn gave a shaky breath. "Some people can survive things like that, but others can't... Just like some people can build a home from nothing, while others can't. Maybe Drazen just... can't. We mortals can't do everything. If we could we wouldn't need all the different parts that make a community what it is." Autumn finished as she looked to Torek, trying to offer him a smile, though her eyes still held the water for tears.
There is no tattered letter, or papers of any kind, for that matter, to be found on any of the bodies. The one called Redach wears a carved, and painted wooden amulet on a leather thong around his neck. The motif is a purple and yellow winged moth with a hollow eyed human skull on its back.
Between them, the bandits had 18 gp 20 sp and 13 cp.
Sasha wears studded leather, as did 3 of the others. One had scale armor on. The ones in studded all had a buckler as well. (4 bucklers.)
The weapon inventory is as follows:
glaive-guisarme 1
sap 4
dagger 4
Composite longbow 4
rapier 3
greatclub 1
cestus 1
arrows 183 (Including sheafs of arrows stowed in the lean-to.)
As noted before, the bandits had a good supply of other paraphernalia about the camp:
shovels 5
iron dig bar 1
picks 3
axes 2
cross-cut saws 2
bow-saw 1
50' rope 5 (hemp)
trail rations 20 days
other rations 10 days
whiskey 3 bottles (equivalent to Oldlaw)
2 1/2 barrels of beer. (trade goods 5 sp for the full barrels, 1 sp for the open one.)
Additional camping gear to the value of 30 gp. (Not going to list it all, but fishing gear, and traps are definitely in the mix.)
Sasha ignores Torek's orders, instead he goes to help Herger with the burials.
Autumn shook her head. "Either he didn't have a family, or he carried nothing to remind himself of them." Autumn said. Though while going through their belongings she paused and looked at the wooden amulet that Redash had. "What is this?" She muttered. "I'll, be right back Torek." Autumn stated as she stood and made her way over Herger.
"Herger, does this look familiar to you?" Autumn asked. "I feel like I should know... yet I can't place it."
He frowned slightly at the man's dislike of his home. Not so much that he hadnt been happy there of course. Herger understood that. He had grown up far to the north and had never really liked his home. Had Ilse not been so ambitious he no doubt would have died a cold miserable man.
"Sasha. I cant tell if you are being honest or sarcastic about your comments about hard work making a man. And it doesnt matter. We are giving you a chance to set your life on a good path. If you choose to go a different way, that will be on you, But I have faith you will see the light.We are all here to find a better life, be our own folk and find family."
He said simply patting the man on his shoulder before turning to face Autumn. He blinked a moment as he looked down at the woman almost confusedly. His eyes finally moved from hers to the item she held in her hand.
"Hmm whats this?"
He began holdin it up to the light some looking at the wooden amulet.
A bit taking aback by how dark Autumn went after his comments about Drazen, Torek hesitantly says, "Uhm sorry to bring up memories Autumn, perhaps." At Autumn's interruption Torek gives way replying. "Yeah sure, anytime." Torek goes and places Hope back with the other horses then makes his way to the others. Noticing that Autumn and Herger seem to be looking at something, he pops over, saying "What's that thing? Is it important?"
"I'm sorry..." Autumn muttered to Torek before she left to go to Herger. "I just mean... I'd rather he realize he isn't made for this then learning it in the worst way... I don't want to bury another I care for again..."
When Torek popped over to Autumn and Herger. "It was something I found on Redash, it seems familiar yet I cannot place it. I wondered if Herger could."
Time passes, the dead are buried in the blood soaked ground. The sun hangs low in the west.
He was quiet for some time frowning, looking at the amulet for some time. He sort of gave a start after a few moments when he realized the others were there.
"Bah. Sorry its not important at all really. Its an amulet to Urgathoa. Shes the goddess responsible for disease, gluttony and well the undead."
He paused and let the amulet drop to the ground.
"oftentimes folks who follow her focus on personal pleasure, hedonistic types and dont care if folk are hurt by it. They avoid repercussions. Says a bit about the folk, not surprised really to see that amongst them."
He moved torwards Sasha again purposely stepping on and smooshing the amulet into the dirt.
"Are are lot of the folk under the Stag Bandit worshipers of Urgathoa?"
Autumn corvered her mouth when Herger informed them what the symbol meant. "Oh no, no no no." Autumn said as she shook her head, obviously very unsettled by the fact of what this was. "I'm... I'm going to set up camp." Autumn said as she walked away from Torek and Herger, but more so the terrifying amulet.
She walked up to Titian and Jhod. "We've only got a little bit of light left. Will you two help me set up camp? Might as well get some rest before heading back to Oleg's. And don't worry Jhod, we'll just be there long enough to hand Sasha off to Kesten then we'll head back out."
”Nah. I don’t think so. She’s more for rich people, don’t you think?” Sasha answers Herger.
”Sure.” Jhod sets to work. Though there is little to do. The camp site is good order, with plenty of wood laid up, and a shelter already built.
”I don’t know if I’ll be going back to Oleg’s. My path leads elsewhere.”
"Thank you." She told them both as they set about helping her. She grabbed a few thing out of the bags of their pack horse to make dinner with. "You sure you want to cook?" Autumn asked teasing Titian as she handed the items for a stew off to him. However the words Jhod spoke had her worried. "Are you sure? I know you have this mission but, is being so dogged in persute really a good thing? What you described doesn't sound like a creature that should be dealt with alone. Besides, we do better in groups. In packs." Autumn said as the gently pet Frostbite's head. "Is there a deadline you must meet?"
”It’s my quest. You clearly have your own knitting to tend. Things that are of no interest to me. At any rate, some of you think I am nought but a horse boy. Doesn’t make me feel like being part of your “pack’”. Jhod gives a faint smile. ”You seem pleasant folks. I have enjoyed our time together. But it seems Erastil wills our ways to part.”
Autumn gave a small roll of her eyes before she stepped up and poked Jhod in the forehead. It wasn't particularly hard, but sure enough to get his attention. "You fought beside me, you saved me. When I was in that tower fighting Redash, it was too crowded. I was taking as many hits as I was giving... It was your arrow that got him to surrender, which means you ensured my safety. How is that nothing to you?" Autumn asked, slightly confused. "I must repay that Jhod, so till I do, you're apart of my pack. We each may have our own path to walk Jhod, but that never means we have to walk it alone. Why would you choose to do so?"
Torek is very disturbed at the idea of Urgotha having any followers here at all. Tucking dark thoughts about that away he keeps attention on Autumn a bit concerned for her. After her exchange with Brother Jhod, Torek pipes up. "Brother Jhod, I see and understand your point but clearly much is going on in this area. How can you be sure that what we do here is not part of your quest? Darkness seems to be rising in this land, we are working to stand against it. If you had a clearer view of where you needed to be perhaps haste may be in order. But given what you know, we can only wander in the wilderness for who knows how long? Have you considered that the journey may be as, or more, important than its end? After all as the writ says, 'Many stand as one, but one only stands alone.'"
See if Jhod can delay a bit so we stand together.
Jhod tries to avoid the forehead poinking, but fails to dodge in time. Her action angers him, that become apparent. His eyes flash, and his his voice grows hard. "I'll thank you to keep your hands to yourself!"
Luckily, Torek steps up with a calming voice. Jhod listens to what he says and replies. "It is written, yes. It is also written:'Know your station. As important, know the station of those around you.'" He gives Autumn a cold look. "Wisdom that you have failed to follow." He turns back to Torek, and his attitude softens. "For instance you call me Brother Jhod. That's not my title, yet you have not bothered to ask what it should be." A look of sorrow crosses his face. "You should just call me Jhod, though that was not always true." He turns away. "All that aside. As I said before. my path leads away from Oleg's. I have my vision to follow. I really have no interest is loosing a fox into the hen house. Sometimes it's best to walk alone. I've learned the hard way. Sometimes the herd can be wrong. Sometime the path to righteousness is a solitary one. I would have welcomed the companionship, but perhaps it is Erastil's will. We all have our own burden's to bear, it seems. All is not foretold, perhaps there is wisdom in your path. Forgiveness, and mercey are noble traits indeed." He takes a long look at Sasha. "Though my gut tells me they are wasted on that one." Jhod sighs. "But I've been wrong before. As I've said: It is not foretold...
"I just call your Jhod." Autumn muttered as she crossed her arms. "What station does one have when all is gone?" Autumn asked as she placed her arms behind her, "I no longer have a station, I no longer have a home, I'm trying to make one here, trying to find a way make a new community." She tried to explain. "You say your gut tells you that they are wasted on Sasha." Autumn said as she looked from Jhod to the young man. "It is possible that you are right, that he is beyond our help, beyond turning a new leaf..." She let out a long sigh before she turned her attention back to Jhod. "But I have to believe he isn't... If I cannot believe one can make up for their failings... then... how can I believe anyone can? How can I believe I can?" Autumn asked. "There is nothing that says you have to do this alone. I may not be a priestess, nor do I have the wisdom of your years, but if it is not foretold then that means we still get the choice. You don't have to do this alone. Why would you want to?"
”Of course you have a station, child.” Jhod says. ”You are the bearer of the Charter of the Sword Lords. Agent of the King’s Regent. Charged with the task of eliminating the scourge of banditry in these, the Stolen Lands.”
Jhod gives an half smile. ”My station is that of a wandering priest. As such, I hold all the rights, and privileges of a free yeoman. Such that your charter gives you no authority over me. Furthermore, I have many years of service in the Church. Thus, respect is due to me from those who revere Erastil.”
Jhod regards Autumn, his face impassive. ”So, now you know about your station, and mine.” He looks towards Sasha. ”I believe my quest is one for redemption. I follow it because I seek redemption. You say you want to make up for your failings. And I assume you do your best to try. ” Jhod points toward Sasha. ”But he. He has only claimed to want redemption, to save his neck from the noose.”
Jhod shrugs. ”Perhaps he is sincere. Only he knows for sure. And, anyway, you are offering him a choice. ‘Tis his to make.”
Now Jhod’s voice grows thick with sarcasm. ”You offer a rabid bandit a choice. But not me. In your mind, I must follow you. Come with us to Oleg’s. You say. You must. ‘Cause I say so. You are in my pack, because I say so. On, and on with this. It never will end.
Jhod pauses, then finishes. ”That’s part of why I need to go alone. The main, and real reason is much simpler. And I said it before... You have your task; self chosen. It lies that way.” He points in the general direction of Oleg’s. ”My quest lies somewhere over thataway.” He swings his arm in a great arc, in the direction opposite Oleg’s.
”So our paths must split. You go your way, and I go mine. Simple as that.”
Torek shakes his head, "Sorry Priest of Erastil Jhod, i'm a relatively recent convert to the faith, I thought a priest without a congregation had the title Brother. I have meant to discuss this with Priest Herger, but haven't felt the moment was right. My deepest apologies for any perceived disrespect."
Torek continues, "Also while I wish to set a certain tone in our dealings here with all our too many responsibilities, it is not Sasha's soul I am most concerned about. It's Autumn's. I spent about two years in her village, she is the one that started my journey to the light of Erastil many years ago, Priest Herger aided me in much of the rest."
Torek stops himself, "But that is an aside. Autumn lost everything to bandits. All her family, all her friends that lived there, and she had few elsewhere, and those forced away by raiders. Her entire community, all of it, slaughtered, she returned to total devastation. She is at risk of falling into the snares of the Tramp Goddess Calistra, the path of vengeance for vengeance's sake. That is the greater moment, the worth of a soul, that is my greater goal. I do not disrespect your choice, I just asked wither a short delay may be worth it. I fear for the consequences of yours."
Jhod listens carefully as Torek speaks. ”I see. Very well. I shall return to the trading post with you. Mayhap, my salvation lies in watching over criminals.” Jhod doesn’t seem too happy about it.
Autumn was about to say something when Torek spoke up first. His words froze her own in her throat. She wasn't foolish enough to think this was a trick, Torek wouldn't lie about something so important. But, was that how he really felt? She couldn't be that bad... Could she.
"I,... Am sorry if you believed I wasn't giving you a choice. I just thought, you had made it. When you joined us, fought alongside us in two battles... I'm sorry. My mistake." Autumn said as she gave Jhod a small nod along with her apology. "If you will excuse me." She then said to the both, then turned away and made her way to the tree line. Frostbite following at her heels.
Torek realizes what he just said and how it could sound when he hears Autumn's broken reply. "Aut... Autumn I didn't ..." He facepalms as she walks to the woods, very quietly remarking, "I should have said that better..." He debates with himself if he should go after her but decides to give here some time.
Autumn and Frostbite stepped into the woods, a place that once held meaning but swiftly Autumn was reminded that it wasn't this forest. These game trails where not the ones she walked in her early teens, the trails she taught Torek on, or the ones that lead her home. She found herself wondering just how many times her mind reminded her of that fact. The time when she tried not to talk about it at first, even when addressed. Then when they found Torek, and Autumn remembered how angry she got, how she went off on Herger when all he wanted to do was take a hand from the bandits who sought to kill her friend. The rage she felt, and the hurt. Finally, the statement she made to Sasha. It was true that she could track Sasha through this whole place, but actually hunting a human being?
The thought made Autumn's stomach lurch and she placed herself up against a tree. Slowly she slid down the trunk, her hands over her lips. 'What... what have I become?' Autumn thought. Frostbite moved closer to Autumn's side and placed her head upon Autumn's knee. With laden movement, Autumn turned and hugged her she-wolf close. "Frostbite... I fear he maybe right.." She whispered, and that thought scared her.