"Are we going to be able to recover fast enough to make a preemptive strike against the bandits? I figured you spell casters needed at least a nights rest before we moved out again."
"Also, I suggest a facial brand instead of taking body parts Dyrm. There are legitimate explanations for a lost hand, but a mark on the face is much harder to explain away. Oleg should be the one to decide the bandits ultimate fate though, why don't we go ask him for his judgement?"
" A full on assault of the bandits base of operations might work, Kern. Save that we have no idea how many or how well equipped they will be as of yet. Surprise doesn't help us if there is 50 of them in their camp. We may be overmatched by them too. I can only access the first Circle of Faith in Abodar's teachings, and honestly that's not much compared to what can be accessed in time. Say this 'leader' of theirs is some kind of devil or demon. We wouldn't stand a chance. I think more information is required, and I'm afraid we may not get it from these fellows here. Agreed, Dyrm let's ask Oleg his opinion. A brand of some kind is a good idea Theo and yes I need a nights rest and prayers at dawn to recover my spells. Tho I still have my Orisons.. Other than that I am waiting on guidance from on high." Cromwell will finish with a shrug, and climb back up the wall by the gate to keep watch.
"I am not convinced completely OF body parts of facial brands either vay, Theodric. I just recognize it as a possible haf vay measure instead of killink someone out right." As the others seem to agree with him that oleg should have a say in this, the dwarf walks seeks Oleg out, "Ve haf a question or two for you regarding der prisoners."
"You want my opinion?" The aging man is apparently touched by the show of respect. He puts on his most serious face.
"What are our options?"
"Vell, ve can hang zem, either just their leader, or all of dem. Though I vould like to believe a few can be salvaged. Ve can brand zem or remove a hand, again from just the leader or all of zem. Ve can strip them of their weapons and send zem back into der vild demanding der vord zhey never take up banditry again. Der Leader, Happs, says he vill pay off his debt in labor,as might der othersand that too is an option for you. Each option has its dangers, of course. Even killink them all might make der bandits that much more desperate, vhile signs of mercy leave you only mit der vords," The dwarf explains plainly.
"Dyrm has the right of it. I would recommend to you that you not trust Happs, but that is your choice. The others may be more trustworthy, either to work off their debt to you or to be exiled...I would suggest to the west, towards Numeria."
"Personally, I'd recommend against a brand or maiming. If we presume these men will accept a better path, we have a responsibility not to immediately label them to the world as criminals."
"If we kill them then we will be done with the issue for good. It also sets a long term president that we will not be lenient with banditry. The cost will be lower as well; all we'd need is some rope. That means that bandits might be more reluctant to try anything in the future for fear of execution, but it also means that when we do have to fight them in the future that they will fight like cornered animals because they will know there will be no leniency."
"Exiling would be impossible to practically enforce. A few goodhearted ones may actually leave, but odds are they would just go back to their thieving ways. It also makes us look like push overs who they don't have to worry about angering."
"Keeping them as indentured servants makes this problem a long term one. You'd have to worry about keeping them fed and clothed, and prevent them from escaping. You'd also have to worry about the risk of them escaping and hurting you and your wife. It is however the only option that ends up seeing you reimbursed by them. They could work off the debt that they owe you and possibly even end up making you more money then they stole. In time they might actually become willing employees and find they like working for you better then being bandits, and inspire their fellows to give up a life of crime for honest work."
"That's how I see the options at least. Killing them or keeping them as indentured servants is probably the best options. The former is less risky for you, while the later is potentially more rewarding. Which one is better I cannot say; in the end it's your outpost and your choice"
"Indeed" Lanya says as she rejoins Oleg and the rest
"You have been wronged by these bandits and should deserve the right of choosing their fate."
She lets the rope dangle in her hands as she motions Ned to get back to Happs's side.
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Oleg lowers his voice as in leans in to the group.
"Honestly, I can always bring in more trade. I really just want Svetlana's wedding ring back. Those bastards took it the first time they came just to show me that I was helpless."
"I say we kill any that won't truly repent. Except for the female with the axes. If you find her, kill her for me."
"It is the truly part that is difficult, herr Oleg. Ve are not soothsayers. Still, consider der voman dead if I should see her," the dwarf nods
Then he turns to the others, "It looks like it comes back to us vhat constitutes 'truly'. Dis vill not be easy."
Lanya listens to Oleg and then turns to the others in a whispering tone.
"I believe the other one, Ned, could be saved. I think his story sounds true enough and his reasons for being a bandit were out of his hands. I think all he needs is a new purpose in his life and starting with a clean slate."
"How did you guys fare with Happs? Do you believe he can be trusted?"
"Too true, Dyrm. 'Truly' is the operative word. This is why gods should judge men and not us each other."
leaning over and looking down at the grouping of his companions, Cromwell will offer aloud..
" Also if you would like to wait until morning, I can pray for a spell that will tell me if they have strong aura's of Evil. Unfortunately, most normal people fall well below its threshold, and can't be detected. Everyone has some evil inside them, and some good. However if they are REALLY bad, it will be revealed by my spell."
"Then let us vait for the spell, it is...somezing." Dyrm says and nods to Lanya, "I am not sure... I think Happs may have some sort of honor, but does he think his honor applies to US? Zat is the question."
"Personally, I am reluctant to cede our judgment to a spell. There are priests of Abadar who would fail that test."
"Currently, we sit locked by the desire to analyze the options seeking a perfect answer or a way to avoid taking direct responsibility for our actions. Let's not fall into that trap. We need to make a decision, and then learn from the consequences in order to make a better decision thereafter."
"Personally, I vote we hang or behead Happs as an example. He not only participated in these raids, he led them. 'I won't rat out my friends' is no more than the "honor" of a pirate, and to my mind deserves no validation."
"Lanya has spoken with the other, Ned, and feels he can be redeemed, so I vote we attempt to do so. We know nothing about the others, so it seems worth waking them and quickly determine their fates."
"Agreed, Kern said everything I had on my mind"
Taking one last look around for any threats, Cromwell will once again descend to the ground.
" So what have we decided? An example , servitude or death for the bandits? Even if we don't kill them, I believe they need to pay in some way for their crimes. But will abide by the group's decision whatever it may be. Kern, you are correct in your statement about some of Abodar's priests, but none of them would break the Law to begin with, so it is a moot point. And to be perfectly honest, I don't believe these bandits would even register to the spell."
"Kern's suggestion probably is the best course of action. I'm somewhat fond of Happs and his twisted sense of honor though, so I don't want to hang him. Not betraying your friends earns him some mercy in my book. If we have to kill him we can give him a quicker and nobler beheading. I'm willing to do the deed if no one else has the stomach."
Looking down at the bundle in his arms, he sighs. "Now that we've decided the bandits fates, are we done with our interrogations or do we want me to work on some of these other bandits? I do not think Happs will break without me spending way more effort then I care to do."
"I don't think Happs will say anything Theodric. Ned also said he would say more when he had a certainty of mercy."
She glances around the prisoners and then looks to the sky.
"Whatever we do we should do it quickly. We can't have lengthy debates about punishment every time we take prisoners."
"Theodric, if you prefer beheading to hanging for Happs, let's get that done now. Let's also wake the others and let them make their case, and then decide whether we stay here and try to defend the place or press forward in an attempt to catch the others off guard."
"Lets get this over with then. Cromwell, since you're the closest thing we have to a judge you can be the one to sentence Happs to death. Then we'll ask if he has any last requests, I'll perform the execution, and we'll have his friends give him a proper burial."
Theodric hands the interrogation supplies back to Oleg. "Now you won't have to bill me for these Oleg. You and Svetlana are welcome to watch the execution if you like, or wait inside if you prefer."
Turning away from the trader, Theodric adresses the rest of the group. "I'm ready to do this whenever the rest of you are. Kern, Dyrm, and Lanya, why don't the three of you go grab the rest of the bandits? They should be there for the sentencing and execution. Cromwell and I will go get Happs. Meet in the courtyard."
As soon as Cromwell is ready Theodric will follow him to Happs and help take him to the courtyard.
Dyrm listens, and then nods, "Very vell." He moves to the other bandits. "Come mit me."
Cromwell will nod in accordance with the groups wishes.
" I agree, and will pass sentence on Happs."
He will then walk with Theodric to retrieve the prisoner...
" Come with us Happs, it is time to pass judgment on you and your companions."
Once they are all gathered in the courtyard, hopefully with others standing guard, Cromwell will pull clerics vestments out of his pack and don them over his armor.
" It is with much discussion and great solemnity that we gather here now, to render our judgment on our prisoners.
We have decided, that though you gave your vow, and agreed to labor to pay off your debt to Oleg, Happs, that we cannot trust the vow of a bandit leader. You continually refuse to aid us in recovering the stolen goods, and in identifying and locating the remaining bandits. You say they are your friends and you won't betray them. How then can we trust you not to betray us TO them at a later date? We cannot. However, your loyalty has inspired some admiration on our part. Therefore, our brave Cavalier has volunteered to give you a quick death by the sword as opposed to death by hanging. But you may choose hanging if you prefer.
So have you any last words or requests? I am here if you wish to dedicate you soul to Abodar and confess your crimes.
By the authority of the Church, sentence is passed.
Do any of you others wish to sue for leniency and repent by aiding us in our endeavor to clean up these 'Stolen lands'. Just say so and give us the location of the other bandits as proof."
With that somewhat wordy speech, he will step back and await replies.
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Happs frowns sourly.
"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place. I lived a good enough life. If you choose to take then damn you, but don't think you own me. I am Happs and I die freely and by my own choice."
He spits and kneels before Theodirc. "Don't botch it now boy."
Theodric takes a firm two handed grip on his longsword and brings it down with all the power he can muster.
With a sickening thud, the blade strikes the bone in Happ's neck and sticks, leaving the deed unfinished. A collective gasp escapes the amassed bandits.
A second swing is enough to dispatch the bandit captain.
After an excruciating pause, the remaining bandits errupt with petitions to give information to evade the butcher's blade.
"I'll tell you whatever you want! Don't put me under the cleaver!"
"Please give us the rope if'n we's not good enough ta live!"
"Wachu wanna know!? We'll tell you anythang!"
When all is said and done Theodric is too stunned to show much of a reaction to his botched execution. His outer calm is in stark contrast to his inner turmoil.
It was supposed to be a merciful death. A quick, clean death with a bit of honor to it. A hanging would have been merciful compared to that. What the hell just happened? Why did my sword fail me?
The bandits pleas snap him out of his conflicted introspection.
"I've done my part. The rest of you can finish things up here."
Theodric walks away from the courtyard with blade in hand without waiting for a response. Once he is out of sight of the bandits he throws down his bloody sword and goes in search of strong liquor, hoping to drown the bloody sight out of his mind.
Lanya looks on horrified as the execution goes awry, turning away her gaze with a jerk of her head.
As the bandits plea to tell them everything, asking for a hanging instead of the sword. She walks over to them, thinking.
At least the info we get from them about the other bandits should be accurate, they are far too scared not to tell us. We should make use of it. Though I wonder if all of them want to change their lives I'd need help confirming that.
"Cromwell could you help me please?" She calls out as she tries to calm down the pleading bandits.
She waits for Cromwell to arrive, then starts to talk to them again.
"I haven't talked to any of you except for Ned, so he is excused from this.", she waves and calls Kern or Dyrm over, "Would you take Ned's statement please, he can tell us about the closest bandit camp from here, can't you Ned?"
She whispers to Cromwell: "Can you tell me if they are lying or still hiding something? You looked so inquisitive at me in the carriage that I figured you might have some skills in that area."
"Well now, let's start with a few simple questions, what are your names? Where do you hail from? How long have you been a bandit in these parts?"
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Ned gives a single, sharp nod and moves off with Kern and/or Dyrm.
"It's just under a day's ride from here and there's probably 10-15 of them there at any given time unless they go raiding.That ain't something they've done since they come to Oleg's here. There's a little creek and a bunch of trees. They've got archer's platforms in some of them trees and they're all a fair shot with a bow. The camp proper is in the center of many of such platforms. There's no real way to sneak up and surround them all. You're bound to have some at least shoot at you if they don't see you coming. I'm not sure what else to tell you, honestly. Anything else you wanna know?"
Meanwhile, the two men with Cromwell and Lanya eagerly answer the questions asked.
The first bandit, a wiry fellow with a bald head and patches of orange beard, names himself Edgar and claims he "don't right know where he come from and [he] ain't real good with numbers but [he] reckons [he's] been thievin' near on most [his] life."
The second is a big man with powerful arms and a bull neck. "I'm Bruce. I come from Daggermark originally and I've been here two years."
Dyrm inclines his head at the botched job. He should have used an Axe...but then, I should have offered mine. For a moment he considers following the cavalier to apologize for not suggesting it first.
Then he's asked to take a statement from Ned, nods and does so.
It's just under a day's ride from here and there's probably 10-15 of them there at any given time unless they go raiding.That ain't something they've done since they come to Oleg's here. There's a little creek and a bunch of trees. They've got archer's platforms in some of them trees and they're all a fair shot with a bow. The camp proper is in the center of many of such platforms. There's no real way to sneak up and surround them all. You're bound to have some at least shoot at you if they don't see you coming. I'm not sure what else to tell you, honestly. Anything else you wanna know?"
"Ja, I do. Vhat hand signals or words are said by a patrol when they approach dis encampment? Do you all vear the same gear or is there are particular mark they recognize fellow bandits by?" Dyrm asks.
Seemingly in shock over what just happened, Cromwell stands and stares at the bloody corpse for a moment before following Lanya.
How...How.. Ghastly! I thought I was in the right, but now I'm not so sure. Do we have the right to make these choices? Abodar please guide my hand. Lead me away from abuse of power and toward the prosperity we aspire to.
Pale and shaken Cromwell remains quite after acknowledging Lanya's request, only nodding to show if they are telling the truth or shaking his head if not.
Lanya nods at Edgar and Bruse's answers, glancing now and then to Cromwell to see what he thinks.
"Well Edgar and Bruce, why did you come here to be a bandit? Is this what you want to do or are you just resigned in doing so?"
Edgar seems like he is perhaps too old to learn anything new besides banditry, let's see if I'm wrong. Bruce on the other hand looks like a muscle man, pretty intimidating but I'd like to hear his story.
Having watched Happs execution with no visible reaction, Kern keeps an ear open to Lanya's conversation with Bruce and Edgar, while turning to talk to Oleg.
"Oleg, you mentioned that the horses the bandits were riding belonged to you. I will assume that applies to the tack as well. While we may ask to borrow one or more if we decide to strike the bandit camp immediately, you should otherwise consider them an example of the benefit we provide from being in the region."
"Their other gear we will claim as spoils of battle. I suspect that we will need to sell most of it for operating capital. Is that a transaction you can handle, and can we get a better rate for 'store credit' than for straight monetary sale?"
"I had given up such things as lost forever. In truth I do not know what I want for my future. Much less killing I think. I'd like people to have positive associations when they see me. To what end, I am not yet sure."
"Mmm... most of mein own skills lay in der killing, but perhaps ve can teach you new vays. Engineering, or even healing...der are not alvays clerics about, after all so a von vise in stitching vounds or bracing bones can be velcome. Who knows? But zis you must know, Ned. You haf been given a chance to reforge yourself into something..somevon new.It will be like all forging, requiring strength, focus, and sweat, but it can be done if you do not give up. Just make sure der new person you become is zomeone to your liking, ja?" He pats Ned on the arm, "Unless der is more you can think of , ve can return now. Later, if you have more advice for us, tell us."
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The bandits before Lanya and Cromwell look unsure of what to say. Bruce speaks first.
"I killed a man in Daggermark is the whichawise I'm here. Hetried ta rape my sister, so I killed him. Thing is, he had already got her tongue out so she couldn't co-rober-ate my story. So I ran, see? Figured no one else 'd want me so I took up the knife. I ain't sorry I killed that fella, but I don't much care for taking what ain't mine 'n sleepin' in the woods."
Edgar simply grins and nods. "I'm a good bandit. I always does whats I'm told and I always gives up me share of the loots 'cause other people can handle that bi'ness better 'n me." He punctuates his words with a sharp nod.
Bruce is telling the truth. He would rather work honestly, but why bother when living in the open makes him likely to be caught? If he had some assurances, maybe he'd give it up.
Edgar is just too stupid to make his own decisions. He likely fell in with the wrong group at an early age and no one ever told him to stop. If someone he trusted were to give him a new path, he'd probably follow it eagerly.
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Ned gives Dyrm a stiff nod and a half smile. "Thank you Dyrm. I will think on your words."
Oleg looks Kern over carefully, clearly switching to a business tone. Oleg becomes as readable as a blank book. A tradesman indeed.
"Horses are mine and I am happy to rent them to you at a reduced price and I will throw in the use of the tack as a thank you."
"Anything you want to sell me is fine. I can give you store credit, trade, or coin if I have it. I can also order in just 'bout anything you could want, but it'll take some time so be proactive in your ordering. As far as which trade will get you more money for the item: it costs what it costs. I didn't get in this business to make friends by breakin' my rates. I'll buy at 55% market value on anything your bring me that I can use or resell. Deal?"
Lanya nods as Bruce and Edgar mention their pasts, glancing quickly at Cromwell to see what he thinks of it.
"I see," She looks at Bruce, a slight twinkle in her eyes, "if that is the case Bruce, I can fully understand it."
She mutters under her breath as she turns to hear the conversation between Oleg and Kern.
"That's my sense of honour, not bound by rules and legislation, but protecting the ones you love."
"Oleg, I might have a something I'd like to order, you'd probably not have it. I'll be there in a few moments."
Kern nods to Oleg, "Fair enough. I had to make the attempt. Quote me a price on the horse rental, and I think we are don until we've made some decisions on our next steps."
As Lanya approaches, he turns to her, "I caught much the statements taken, and Bruce seems to be salvageable. Do you believe his tale?"
Oleg smiles. "Can't fault a man for batering, just for trying it with me." He says good naturedly. "The horses go for 5 silver per day, and I add an extra charge if they ain't well groomed when they get back. If there's anything I can't abide, it's the mistreatment of animals."
Svetlana appears from around a corner and smiles sympatheticly at the young knight.
She removes the mostly empty wine skin and sets down two, small, fried fish, a loaf of sweet, dark bread, and a mug us weak ale.
"How are you feeling, sir?"
Dyrm walks to Lanya, "I haf Ned's statement if you vish it."
Lanya turns to Kern as she approaches Oleg. She waits for a pause in their conversation to speak.
"Well, his story is believable in my eyes, I'll trust Cromwell on his insight into others though. If he says his story checks out, I'll be the first to extend a helping hand to Bruce."
"Oleg, might I have a quiet word with you?"
She comes close to his ears and whispers.
As she finishes the conversation with Oleg, she hears Dyrm's voice behind her. She jumps a little, though not scared, just startled.
"But of course Dyrm, I would really like to hear it. Every bit of information might help."
Oleg frowns disapprovingly.
"That doesn't sound like something I want poppin' off in my trading post. What's it for?"
As she finishes the conversation with Oleg, she hears Dyrm's voice behind her. She jumps a little, though not scared, just startled.
"But of course Dyrm, I would really like to hear it. Every bit of information might help."
"Ist all vell? I am not normally known for mein stealth, though I do haf my moments."
Nevertheless, he fills her in quietly, "Der camp he spoke of ist just under a day's ride away. Der are roughly ten to fifteen men at any time so numbers vill be on der side. Said camp ist near a small creek und some trees. On some of dese trees ist archer platforms. zo dey haf der high ground, und dey are not bad shots, or so he tells me. the camp being surrounded by der platforms, ist almost impossible to sneak up on. Worse, zey have a policy zat anyone not showing their face vhen zey approach vill automatically be treated as a foe and shot. Zis vill be a hard fight, Lanya.
"Just startled Dyrm, I was a bit lost in thought as I remembered my days in Lastwall."
"That does sound like a pretty tough nut to crack. We might need a very well-thought out plan to take out that outpost. Alas Oleg does not have the necessary equipment yet for a standard back-up plan I have.
We should gather around in a while and think of some way to get those bandits out of there."
She then turns to Oleg again and resumes her whispering conversation.
Lanya glances at the rest talking and Dyrm standing close by.
"Well it is for certain situations, when numbers aren't on our side. Think of it as a diplomat's ambush."
"I'm sorry Dyrm, I know it is not polite to whisper when in company. Just something, personal, to take care of."
Oleg thinks it over for a moment. "Well, I'll order what I can. You just make sure nothing bad happens in my home or I'll think twice before ordering for you again."
He gives a playful wink to show he means well despite the serious message.
Theodric gratefully accepts the meal from Svetlana.
"Thank you, that smells wonderful." If the empty wine skin didn't give away the fact he'd been drinking, the slur to his voice did. "I'll be alright come the morrow. The wine is already starting to make the exact details of what I did delightfully hazier."
Theodric pauses to take a few bites of the bread before continuing.
"I can't believe how badly I botched that though. I don't particularly like causing pain unless it serves some purpose. That's why I volunteered to behead him in the first place. A proper beheading is a quick and respectable way to go. Not nearly as painful as a hanging either. Grisly things hangings. Ever seen one done?"