Thad goes to the shed and brings Cal out first, to face the assembled crowd. On the way he tells him "Here's your chance to tell your side of things to the folk who'll be your neighbors when this is all over. We know how things are out here, don't go cleaning up your story on account of Svetlana or Aliana- just tell it straight and we'll get this over with."
Thad leads him before the gathering then rejoins the others and says, OK Cal, let's start with you telling us how you came to be part of Kessel's gang..." He asks a series of questions about what sorts of things Cal has done while living as an outlaw and says he's heard enough when Cal comes to the account of the ambush by the river.
Cal nods at Thad's whispered advice. The former bandit's features are still brightly colored from the fey magic, but in some way the man seems to have taken well to the experience and treats it as a badge of honor. As if he has survived a terrible encounter with ferocious beasts.
As he steps in front of the group, Cal holds his head high, but also with a level of respect and deference. Clearing his throat he looks each of those in front of him in the eye. After a few seconds and a deep breath he tells his tale.
"Well, it's like this. I used to be jus' like you good folk. Had me a fam'ly an' believe it or not even a few friends. Worked a bit of land jus' north of Jovvox in Mivon. It weren't an easy life, but it wasn't bad. Most years we 'ad enough to eat and a few coppers to spend an evening in the pub with a cheap pint and talk."
He pauses for a moment, a pained expression crossing his face as memories surface that have been buried for a long time. "All was good until one o' the local barons got into a tiff with 'is neighbor. The two went to feuding an' o'course it was us poor folk who took the brunt of it."
"My oldest boy was impressed into the baron's guard and promptly killed in some skirmish. With 'is death, I packed up and moved the rest o' us north into the Stolen Lands with a bunch o' us folk who just wanted out. Figured it'd be better than stayin. We did alright for the first couple o' years. Had a nice little village and system."
Cal's eyes take on a haunted look and his voice grows quiet, "But then the plague hit an' changed everything. Lost Emily 'an both the little ones within a month. After it was over, there were only two of us who lived in the village left. Myself and Dell. He ain't hardly spoke since."
"We tried to make a go of it on our own, but wasn't enough left to save, and truth told, neither of us 'ad our 'earts into it."
"So we wandered north. Eventually came across 'is Lordships settlement. Not knowin' what he was at first, we didn't avoid it. So we was impressed ourselves. Of course, he wasn't as much a big shot then as now. But still a scary and paranoid bastard."
Shrugging his shoulders, Cal sighs heavily, "Weren't nothin' else to do 'cept loose our 'eads at that point. We did what we were told and nothin' more or less. Took the chance to get out o' the main fort and come north to join Kressle's group when we could."
"She's pretty even 'anded for one o the Lord's bunch, but then she's pretty much on 'er own up 'ere. Runnin' the protection rackets and makin' sure the Lord's own brew got shipped on regular and on time. It wasn't until the last month or two, that orders to get more aggressive came along with one of the Blackrobes."
Shivering a bit at the mention of the blackrobes he unconsciously makes a simple peasant gesture of protection against evil. "Our bunch under 'apps was sent north to watch the river, an' 'pparently there was order to knock over ol' Oleg who always was stubborn about payin'."
Stopping his speech for a minute Cal seems lost in thought. Lifting his head, he looks around at the gathering again and says, "I guess you folk know the rest. I admit to stealin' from people an' helpin to ruff 'em up a bit if they put up a struggle, but I swear to you that neither Dell or I sent anyone to their god. We did what we 'ad to do an' we'll gladly stay on with you folk, pay our penance, an' do our part."
The bandit glances over to the shack, "As I said afore, Dell he don't talk much, but he's a good lad. Never was the same after loosing 'is baby girl and wife to the plague."
"Grubby's not a bad man either. Not sure o' 'is story, but I think it's 'is sister what keeps him tied to the Lord. Mentioned 'er once when we were drinkin'. Said she was a servant in the fort, an' as long as Grubby played along, she'd be safe."
Cal leans in dropping his voice, "Personally, knowing the Lord and those that stay on at the fort, she's likely already used up and forgotten." He says sadly shaking his head.
"Well, there you 'ave it. Not much more to add as you know the rest since the bridge." He looks to the various faces waiting to see what his fate might be.
Thad nods to Cal then turns to the others. After a moment of silence around the table he volunteers, "Well, I'm in favor of letting him work his penance." He looks to his companions to see if any will speak against their prisoner who, if his story is to be believed, has suffered through so much.
Warren nods at Thad's words.
Maybe civilization can drive people to do things they don't want to do.
Kams stands, staring sternly at the bandit. You speak well, for yourself and for Dell, but I wonder, to whom or what will you commit yourself, should a second chance be offered you. What will drive you, moving forward? What will you pledge to, that your word, your life, your freedom will have worth once more? Each of us here holds to something, or someone, that binds us to this common cause. Have you anything, seek you anything in this, beyond your freedom?
Looking around at the others, he continues. You drew steel against the common folk of these lands. Will you now prove your own metal, show them the steel of your heart? Or is this simply the chance to escape a gallows dance, the razors edge, or perchance the fuller of my blade? If not the others, then I seek some assurance you are worth the price these people stand to pay should your heart in this be false.
Cal listens intently first to Thad, then Kams. As the ranger speaks, an expression, half frown, half ironic smile crosses the former bandit's face. His shoulders sag further, and silence fills the air while the man struggles to put together the thoughts swirling around in his mind.
"'Tis true my life isn't worth much, being as I'm a small man in'a big, big world. I could cross blades with you, but we've already tested that an' we ended up 'ere. I never was much with a sword, but I'd take a beating if it'd satisfy a sense of justice."
He turns to look back over his shoulder at the shed and then back to the group, "Every man in that shed 'as a story. Some set out on that path willingly, an' are simply bad trouble on two feet. Others, ended up there by chance or bad luck. I'm not sayin' I made all the right choices, fact is, I know I didn't."
"I could'a laid down an' starved, but I tried to live. In doing that, I got trapped in with the only power in this forsaken scrap of country, an' ended up dying little by little on the inside."
His stares back at Kams, matching the ranger eye for eye, "You ask, what I'd swear by, well sir, I got nothin' 'cept my dead wife and younguns that mean anything to me. Everything else I 'ad in this world is gone. All I got is Emily's memory, 'an I'd swear on that, I'll be true to these folks 'ere, and do what I can to 'elp 'em make a go of it."
He looks Meyerson in the eyes and says softly, with what sounds and appears to be honest regret, "Neither Dell or I knew there were children in your wagon. We couldn'a stopped 'apps from attacking, not with that thing aroun' 'is neck, but I would not 'ave 'armed 'em none."
Dropping his gaze the man steps back a pace waiting. His shoulders slump a little and he holds himself as if carrying a heavy weight, but at the same time he appears to be easier and more at peace than at any other time since his capture. As if telling his story had finally released him from his own burdens and brought a needed sense of relief to the man.
Kams looks the man over, sternly at first, then finally allowing his own inner judgement to show. I would never have left you with the caravan had I thought you not the man you show yourself to be right now. No beating is necessary, save the one you and all good men must offer themselves daily, to stay on the right path, the hardest path, Erastil's path. Your life is worth more now than it was a moment ago, for you now choose to lead your life, not merely live it. Hold true to that, and to those around you, and you will find your way again. Looking to Thad and Warren, I agree with allowing Master Cal this chance at redemption.
Cal's expression remains serious at Kams' words, but there is a strong sense of personal pride that seems to return to the man, as if he has regained something he had thought lost forever. He bobs his head at the ranger and the others and with all seriousness says, "I thank you good sirs, an' I'll do all I can to make you an' these good folk proud o' your choice to give me 'nother chance."
He then looks around with a puzzled look on his face, not sure what to do. After a few moments he turns to Thad, "Will that be it, Sir? Is there somethin' I can get to work doin' right now?"
After looking Cal up and down Thad decides that the night in the shed hadn't helped the man's grooming or hygiene, "For now just get yourself cleaned up and get some breakfast. When this business is over we'll be discussing what yesterday's attack means and what to do about Kessel... I'm sure we'll be needing you then."
Warren just smiles and gives Thad an approving nod.
Cal bobs his head to Thad and then moves over to where the remaining food is still laid out. Grabbing a couple of rolls and slices of meat he eagerly dives into the meal while watching the rest of the proceedings quietly.
Kesten escorts the other two 'colorful' bandits in front of the group. Dell is a tall, slim man with sandy hair (now a bright lime green) and gray-green eyes. A set of small scars mark his cheek just below the right eye. His clothes although quite brightly colored by the fey magic are still threadbare and dirty from days and nights of outdoor living. He moves with calm, deliberate motions, while his eyes take in his surroundings but you aren't certain he is actually seeing anything at times.
Grubby is a big man, standing well over six feet tall and large in the chest as well as belly. At first glance he could give Donal a good run in the size and strength arena. However, he is simply filthy from head to foot. Covered in a solid layer of dirt and grime that even diminishes the magical coloring of the fey. His hands nervously twist a ragged cloth hat while he watches Thad with wide brown eyes. Like Dell and Cal his clothing is barely that above rags. Initially he is a bit shy and extremely uncomfortable standing in front of the arrayed group, but a smiling and encouraging nod from Cal seems to calm him for a bit as he waits for Thad's questions.
"Dell, Cal told us about your family and the plague- I don't intend to make you speak of it 'less you want to. Right now you need to answer for your time in the Lord's service... tell me what you think of the fightin' and the stealing, and what you were doing at the river when you put that arrow to that string and let fly at us. Are you a killer, Dell?"
Once Dell's spoken for himself Thad turns to Grubby. "First off, I'll have your name. We're trying a human being, not a bunch of dirty laundry and 'Grubby' will hardly do. If he provides his name, Thad continues "Now, tell us how you came to enter the Lord's service and what you have to say for yourself."
Dell twists his head quizzically at Thad's question. With a frown his lips start to move but no sound comes out. His eyes focus on Thad for a few seconds, then he simply shrugs his shoulders as if having little to care about in the world.
Standing to the side, Cal initially looks hopeful as he watches Dell, but then drops his head shaking it slightly.
A few more seconds pass as the bandit stares at the paladin. Thad can see the struggle being waged behind the man's eyes. Memories and thoughts buried deep down inside where they can't cause more pain and anguish. Finally after about a minute of tense silence and internal struggle, the bandit shakes his head in the negative. In a hoarse, raspy voice he says softly, "Not intend to kill. Try to scare you away. Keep you from coming here."
He glances over to where the children play and a deep sadness reaches his eyes, "This is no land for children. Shouldn't come here.
With that he drops his eyes and stares at the ground.
Grubby winces a bit at Thad's comment. Twisting his cap even tighter with both hands he looks abashed saying "Grubby's the only name I've known your Lordship. It's what Ray has always called me since we were little. I guess it's just 'cause dirt's always seemed to be 'tracted to me."
Listening to Thad's next question the man glances around to Cal and Dell. Seeing that both men have obviously talked to the group he decides to do the same. His voice is strong, but it's clear he lacks much education and doesn't have a large vocabulary.
"I gotta fight an' do what I'm told, 'cause Ray said I needed to. Gotta keep her safe and make sure we can eat. If'n I don't go along, then she'll end up goin' to one o' the Blackrobes."
The man shivers and his eyes glance back and forth as if expecting something to leap out and attack him when he mentions the mysterious Blackrobes. "Happs and Kressle say if I don't do what dey say, Ray'll end up bein' hurt real bad. Don't want Ray hurt, so I hafta fight."
His shoulders sag and the big man almost starts to sob as he continues, "Now I can't fight, don't know what will happen. Hafta get back to Ray. Can't let her get hurt or sent to the Blackrobes!"
His eyes start to look around frantically. A combination of extreme fear, concern, and confusion mix together rapidly creating a volatile cocktail of emotion and stress that is taxing his clearly simple mind. It's easy to see the man might try something if someone doesn't step in quickly.
"It's not the land that's bad here Dell, it's people. People everywhere, who get to thinking that ruling a land is more important than taking care of its people. It's why folk are leaving Brevoy and headin' down South... there's good folk everywhere but it always seems that some lord or another is out to take more than they have to give. I came out here to protect those children, and anyone else who wants to live a decent life with their neighbors, and I think you're the sort who would rather be defending children than shooting at them..."
Thad fixes the quiet man in a steady stare and asks, "What do you say, Dell, will you swear a year and a day of your life in penance for the banditry you've done?"
-----------
Thad intervenes, "Grubby! Listen to me! Happs is dead now and for all Kessel knows so are you. They've no reason to hurt her! Now listen to me, we're all here to figure out the right thing to do." He pauses for a moment, his mind scrambling for something to say to get through to the huge man. "Think back on the last time you saw Ray smile, and try to tell me she'd be proud of the things you've done." After a pause he continues, as much to himself as to the man before him- "Now, I didn't know much about 'the Lord' when I rode into these lands but anyone who would treat folks in need so poorly is an enemy of mine. Even when I was- ...back before I swore my oaths, I'd still have a meal for a starving traveler or place by my fire for someone caught in the cold..."
Thad collects himself and locks eyes with Grubby, "I give you my word, I'll do what I can to see Ray returned to you safe. Will you give me your word to give up banditry and work in the service of these good people for a year and a day?"
Dell contemplates Thad's words for a quiet moment. As the time slips past, emotions burst across the bandit's face. Over time, switching from fear, sorrow, anger, and finally simple understanding and shame. His eyes turn up to the late morning sky as his lanky frame drops to its knees. His lips move, but no sound escapes his throat until he drops his gaze back to Thad.
"I never met harm to those little ones, and I swear on my life I'll not let harm come to them as long as my heart beats."
Bowing his head in shame he continues on quietly, "And I'll work your penance. It's the least I deserve."
He sobs quietly for a few seconds then gets back to his feet, brushing a dirty pink sleeve across his face.
After composing himself a little a shiver runs through his body and his gaze turns south, across the courtyard, to the lush forests and marshes of the Greenbelt. Fear again returns to his eyes and in one last raspy whisper he says, "I was wrong, but you are wrong about the land. You'll see. It's angry, it's sick. I've seen the blood weeping from the soil and the stones. It ain't gonna make it easy for these folk to survive, but I'll do my best to see that they do."
Grubby's big hands clench and unclench rhythmically while his face twists in the agonized pain of fear and uncertainty. At first, Thad's word don't seem to penetrate the growing chaos inside the large man. Yet, as he mentions the man's sister and her smile he slowly appears to calm just a little.
Still breathing heavily, his eyes dart around the gathering and eventually land back on Thad. Hearing the paladin's offer of help he seems confused by the thought as he says, "You'd help me an' Ray?"
Sensing the sincerity in Thad's words the man calms more and a sudden smile erupts across his broad face. "You'll get Ray away, bring her back?!"
Clapping his hands together once, he giggles a little and adds in a much lighter tone, "I'm tired of hurtin' people. Don't like it. Rather work and build anyway. If you can bring Ray back, I don't hafta follow the Lord's orders no more. Follow yours instead for sure, promise."
Breathing deeply, he relaxes and looks around at the group with a crooked grin on his face. The emotion and chaos of mere moments ago, simply vanished for the time being.
Kams lets Thad run his lead out with the men, giving them time to come to understand what is being offered. He then steps up, to ensure they also understand what is being asked of them.
You men are being given a second chance. Others might not be nearly as forgiving, or welcoming, as these folk, gesturing to the assembled Oleg and company. That said, if you wish the "evil" of this land gone, or "others" freed from the yoke of your former masters, you'll need to tell us everything you can about them.
Pacing Kams continues, The blood of this land will be healed only by removing the canker and rot that festers here. This master, his blackrobes, and whomsoever they serve, they are something we can work together to end. You with good works here, and with any information you can give us about them, about the lands they roam, and about the places they call home.
Kams looks around the group assembled, slipping a friendly wink to Aliana, then back to the motley hued men. We will handle the easy part, we will purge them and their black taint from these lands.
Raising a hand, pausing the procedings, That is, if the others concur you, and you are to be allowed this second chance. My vote is yes, should you both agree to take on more honest professions here with these folks.
Assuming the men's nodding ascent, Kams turns to his fellow judges, Men, what say you?
Warren nods at Kam's words.
If nobody has anything to say against the two men, Thad will excuse them to get some breakfast. Then he will bring out the bandits who attacked the trading post for questioning.
Both Dell and Grubby bob their heads in gratitude to the group and move over to join Cal and get something to eat.
As Thad approaches the shack where the other prisoners are being held, the paladin immediately gets a sense of something disturbing. Warily opening the door, his nerves tingle as a strong sense of evil permeates the far end of the shack where the big bandit who had stood alone on the battlefield sits brooding sullenly. Cold, gray eyes stare at the elf as the man's lips form a slight grin.
Two of the five others also throw off a feeling of evil, but not as strong or overpowering as the other man. The remaining three seem similar to Cal, Dell, and Grubby with no evil intentions or leanings, but more likely unfortunate men caught up in the tangled deceptions or machinations of the Stag Lord.
Thad eyes large bandit mistrustfully and calls him forward. "Your turn. Cal, Dell, and Grubby have said their piece and are getting breakfast... now's your chance to speak for what you've done."
.
The man uses the wall he's leaning against to slide into a standing position. Maintaining the lopsided grin, he strides out of the shack in a slow, casual manner stopping briefly at the door to allow his eyes to adjust to the sunlight.
Blinking a few more times, he steps forward to stand in front of the gathered group. As he stands there, his cold, gray eyes land on each of those gathered eventually stopping to stare back at Thad before he leans forward and spits at the elf's feet.
Thad ignores the insult and meets the man's gaze. His tone is one of resignation, but certainly not regret. "I can see by the taint you bear that you have taken the oath. You need to know- the spell can be broken, the talisman defeated. I removed it from Happs and he'd be here now if he had given me even a few seconds notice that he was in danger. What do you say? Will you forswear your blasphemous allegiance, and pay pennance for the evil you've done?"
Thad is ready to leap to the bandit's rescue and attempt to remove the talisman that he assumes is concealed under the man's clothes, if he indicates that is what he wants or if it starts to attack him.
If Kams has the opportunity to notice the larger man as Thad leads him out of the shack.
If not, Kams simply watches the events unfolding, equidistant from the shack, the court audience, and the dining former bandits, if possible.
Everyone take a moment, we shall resume hearings shortly.
Perception:
Aliana's eyes narrow a bit as the fourth bandit is led forward. Still watching the bandit, She moves near to Kams and whispers so only he and those nearest can hear. That man's bindings are loose. He may try mischief if things don't go his way.
The bandit looks at Thad, the lopsided grin still plastered on his face. At the mention of Happs, the man snorts and slowly shakes his head from side to side. His voice comes out as a raspy semi-whisper likely caused from whatever injury created a rather long and ugly scar from the base of his left ear down across his throat.
"Happs was a pathetic fool, like those over there." He says, nodding toward Cal, Grubby and Dell. "The man couldn't be trusted to do anything without screwing it up."
His gazes at the gathered wagons and watches carefully as both Kams and Alaina approach. He gives the monk a leering smile while ignoring Kams and his drawn blade.
"Clearly the man couldn't even hold a simple river crossing for a few days. If he'd done his job, the rest of us would be sittin' comfortable right now. Instead..." he shrugs his shoulders, "Glad to hear, the Blackrobes got their pound of flesh from the idiot."
Kams grits his teeth, staying alert. His mind rages, so desirous to give the blackrobes oh maybe eight more pounds of flesh, say the man's head toppling from his shoulders. Kams' knuckles turn white holding to his blade, but he waits, knowing the others wish justice to run it's course. To Kams, the man has professed his guilt and sealed his fate.
The ranger moves to block the man's view of the gathered folk, to further protect those beyond should the man rush forward, attempting to break the makeshift barricade he and his companions represented.
Master Thad, shall we secure his bindings, and proceed with the hearing? I have no problem simply passing judgement now. This man speaks quite clearly as to the matter of his heart and soul. The blood he has spilt has been done with gladness and no small measure of joy I'd say.
Ali give me the strength to not strike this scum down where he stands, or if not, then a clear cause to do so.
Thad nods to Kams and offers a simple "Aye." to the suggestion of re-securing the bindings and proceeding.
Once Kams is satisfied that the bindings are secure, Thad continues. The elf's features are placid as he declares, "As you wish; we all choose our own paths to the boneyard. You have sworn yourself heart and soul to an evil cause and committed acts of banditry against Brevic citizens. By the lawful authority of the throne of Brevoy, granted under charter of the Swordlords, you will hang." Thad has heard enough of magistrate's proceedings to ask the next question, though he strongly doubts anyone will care to intercede... "Does anyone wish to speak in this man's defense?"
If there are no surprises, Thad will prepare the noose and pick out a sturdy limb on one of the trees growing near the fort. He plans to conduct the hanging 'western style' with the condemned man standing on horseback, absent any other suggestions.
Tityanna tightens her embrace when Donal shivers. "That is exactly the response they wish to evoke," she says and looks up to smile at him gently. "They wish for goodly folk to fear and avoid them, so that they can continue to terrorize the weak." Tityanna pauses and sighs, "Admittedly, combating evil was not what I was expecting when I accepted the charter, but... "
Tityanna arrests herself and blushes again. "Several things have changed since I left New Steven," she admits softly.
"In any case, though it is certainly rational to be frightened of these... creatures, we are singularly poised to dispatch their sinful taint upon these lands. And so we must be as an example to those who rely upon us, no?" she purrs and smiles confidently at Donal.
"He will be no loss."
After Thad's declaration, the bandit simply resumes his lopsided grin and stares into the distance. He doesn't really struggle or put up a fight as you tighten his bindings or start to lead him away.
Eventually he breaks his own silence saying, "Of course you're right, love. I'm not truly afraid of these fool bandits and I'd not turn back to Brevoy because of them. No, I'd never run. I'll do my part to fight, build, and work hard to create a good, safe home for those like the Meyerson's and any others seeking better life."
"I've little doubt about the ability of you and your good companions to deal with this lot of scoundrels. It's just that any fight is a deadly and...random thing. I've seen skilled, dangerous fighters go down, simply because a rock decided at that moment to shift under their feet, causing them to slip and letting their adversary strike. Certainly we've got to fight, but I'll still have a bit of fear for those who hold my heart."
He's quiet a few seconds more then chuckles softly. "Ah well, no sense worrying like an old grandmother is there? After all, there's much work to do."
"I believe I've already got one order for a new tower shield." He says with a smile and quick kiss.
Should we do this now, or wait until we have finished hearing each man out. Gesturing towards the barn, We could gag this one, secure him to the post outside the stables until the proceedings are finished, then lead them out one by one to dance in the wind.
He slightly shudders at the thought of the execution, remembering his past, Myself, I'd rather take a blade to them, quick and simple, right where we intend on buring them. He attempts a little humor, though his heart is not in it. Saves on carting them around afterwards. Like they carted mom around the square after all was done.
He takes on a thoughtful look then continues. The freed men could help me dig the graves, then leave back here till all is done. Let the labor of that first mercy be the beginning of their road to redemption. No man should have to dig his own grave, then stand ready to step into it. By this act those new men would have a hole to throw their own past into, to be buried and done with as they start new here with these folk.
Thad hesitates for a moment, thinking over Kams's idea. Finally he nods. To him, the noose had the advantage of being impersonal- a tool for doing something that had to be done as opposed to the visceral experience of taking a man's life with a sword. He preferred to distance himself from the act but he couldn't fault Kams's passion to see it done by his own hand. If the caravan had arrived even an hour later...
"Fine, I'll tie him there and get the next man." So saying, Thad proceeds to gag the bandit and bind him to the post. He brings the next fellow out from the shed and brings him to face his judgement. "Please, tell us your name. You're facing sentence for banditry, punishable by death. Why did you attack the trading post? What do you have to say for your actions?"
The next two bandits interviewed are similar in nature to Cal, Grubby and Dell, although they don't have as sympathetic stories to tell. The first man's name is Hemp, a former woodcutter and resident of some forgotten village south of the Greenmarch. He set out to make his fortune in the vast woods, but ended up being robbed and nearly starving to death before joining one of the many local gangs in a desperate attempt to survive.
After answering the group's questions, the bandit seems willing to swear allegiance to the party and work off his debt for the attack on the outpost.
The second man, calls himself Wink, likely a name given to him by others due to a rather prevalent tick that causes his right eye to blink every few seconds. The bandit is a nervous, ragged, scrawny man who has clearly never had much education or money in his life. He claims he used to handle wagons for a Brevian merchant family until his caravan was attacked by a group of the Stag Lord's bandits. Those who survived the fight, were forced to swear allegiance to the bandit lord and join his group of thieves. He's only been with Kressle's gang for about a moon or two, and claims he was just following orders when he participated in the attack on Oleg's.
When asked, Wink is openly willing to swear a new allegiance and work off his debt.
Warren speaks to Thad, "Well done, you will make a top notch magistrate. My faith in humanity has been restored."
To the group, "I am ready to explore the wilds now. Sitting judgement on my fellow man makes me yearn for the open skies."
Although I feel these men have much to atone for, and I am not sure of them yet, I feel they should at least be given the chance. I leave the final decision to you others, feeling confident you are better judges in this than me.
I would agree, Master Redcloak. Wink....doesnt seem, well together enough to have been much more than useful fodder. Not enough to excuse him perhaps, but I think he may be given the chance to live a more honest life. The other... he is harder to read, but perhaps the same can be said for him.
Tityanna grins up at her partner, usually present flush receding. [b}"And here I thought it too much to hope you had not passed the comment off as a fever dream,"[/b] she says happily. "I will have to think on a sigil to grace my gargantuan shield. I am no rider, so a horse would be silly. A cat perhaps? Have you any images in mind?"
Thad has his reservations about Hemp, the story seems a bit too polished... though he did have all night to think on what he would say. After a minute's silent deliberation Thad finally offers, "We'll give you the same chance we've given the others. The next year will not be easy for you, but if you're sincere in your desire to begin anew you'll end your service with more than just your lives- dignity, pride, and the respect of your fellow man." So saying, Thad steps forward, unties their hands, and tells them to get some breakfast.
Finally, he brings the remaining two bandits forward to face their judgment.
Hemp and Wink humbly accept the judgement and punishment set out by the group. When released they quietly join the other former bandits while making an noticeable effort to avoid looking at the man still bound and gagged awaiting execution.
The final two bandits step out of the shed. They both have a bit of swagger in their step as if confident of their ability to come out well despite the current circumstances. Both men could be considered handsome if cleaned up and given even a modest set of decent clothes to wear. Yet, even in their current condition, they have a certain rugged charm.
The first man has medium length dark hair with green eyes. A small scar marks his cheek just below his left eye. A few days rough growth covers his chin and cheeks adding darkness to his already tanned and slightly weather-worn skin. He introduces himself as Devon.
The second man is lighter in color and goes by the name of Chance. His hair is cut in a similar fashion as Devon's, but is more of a dirty blonde and his eyes are a shade of muddy brown. Lighter skinned than his companion, he is still tanned from many days spent in the outdoors and he walks with a slight limp caused by slipping off of his horse after succumbing to Tityanna's sleep enchantment.
The men weave a similar tale claiming that they've known each other for most of their lives. Both were born and raised in the Stolen Lands. Banditry, smuggling, rule of the strongest is essentially all that they have known since their earliest memories.
Speaking in a rich, deep voice Chance sums up their philosophy in a few simple words. "We do what we have to do in order to survive. The strongest live and rule out here. We know we aren't the smartest or the best swordsmen, so we follow those who treat us the fairest or who hold the most power. Old Bone Ears, is the meanest, toughest man in the Greenmarch, so we took his orders. Nothing more, nothing less."
"If you all plan to make a play for his turf, we'll not get in the way. In fact, we'll do whatever you like as now you're the ones holding the power. It's just the way things are."
"Initially I may have thought a falcon or eagle, but that would be more in Master Kingeagle's nature. You mentioned cats, how about a jaguar, mountain lion, or leopard? We could match the green eyes of the cat, with the emerald of your own."
Suddenly the man is lost in thought as the creative energy and inspiration cascades through his mind with a vibrant intensity.
"A knotwork boarder representing the complexity of your magical skills, the leopard to show your prowess in battle. Hmmmm...perhaps some cranes along the outer rim to highlight grace and beauty..."
...the punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution... Unrepentant indeed.
"Nope, gents, that won't be do. It's not enough. That may be the way things are around here but we're aiming to change that. If you cast your lot in with us I expect you to be more than a turncoat... we'll treat you fairly but you need to swear yourself to a just life. Start a new path- protect the weak and work for your bread instead of stealing it. Swear by whatever you call good and holy, else swear by the stag and I'll teach you what that means over the next year and a day."
After a moment, if they seem hesitant he further prompts them "...or else you can throw you lot in with him." Thad gestures toward the bandit tied to the hitching post and waiting to meet his end.
"Okay, okay!" says Chance as he looks over to the hitching post with a shiver. "We don't want to hang with him. He's always given me the creeps. I don't like sharing a meal with the man, better yet an afterlife."
He turns to Thad, holding himself with a bit less confidence and surety. "We understand you lot are trying to change things and I'm happy to support it. Neither Kressle, the Stag Lord or any of his lot are worth getting my neck stretched." He flicks his eyes back toward the doomed man. "Can't imagine why anyone would think that's a good idea."
"We'll swear to work for a year and a day, and we're sorry for what we've done. Honest, we won't go back to thieving or raiding. We thought you lot were just looking to be like all the others, not something....different."
A light sheen of sweat breaks out across the man's forehead, despite the cool late morning breeze.
Absent any protests from the rest of those gathered in judgment, Thad offers them a small smile and says "Alright then, get yourself some breakfast while we confer... your duties will begin soon. Chance, do you need someone to take a look at that leg?"
Once they've left the immediate area Thad turns to his fellow charter bearer, "Kams, if you'd rather that one met his end by the sword than by the rope, that's your privilege. How do you want to do this?"