Atayos' frown had only deepened and he rode his horse close to his ward, speaking quietly and only for his ears.
They presume to address your people, in your stead? In particular, your uncle forgets his place. He is here as your guest.
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Garrett returns Atayo's comment with a small smile, "Uncle Torrin meant no harm, and has always been the talkative sort. I was less than pleased with my cousin referring to him as an oaf. There are always squabbles, but we should maintain a united front in front of the smallfolk."
"Enough about that for now, Sir Atayos, we have more pressing matters to attend to." Sir Garrett says, bringing Argos to a full gallop.
M'Lady might I offer some advice. Next time some tries to hurt you introduce them to the pointy end of a dagger. He says before racing off with the rest of the group.
Sir Garrett these people are anything but small. Thinking of them is to forget your heritage as a knight of the realm. Your duty is to protect them for they are what make you noble. . He pauses for a moment. that and there are many fine women among them.
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Sir Garrett these people are anything but small. Thinking of them is to forget your heritage as a knight of the realm. Your duty is to protect them for they are what make you noble. .
"True enough, cousin. All the more reason to make haste to the Cerwen homestead, so that we might spare others its fate."
You ride on, pushing your horses hard. After a couple of more hours you approach Eel's Crossing, which sits the east bank of the Singing Eel river. The Singing Eel river flows down from the Fog peaks, making its way south into the Verduran forest. It eventually flows into the mighty Sellen river and out to the Inner Sea. It is known for its eels, which some claim make a strange melodic singing noise when caught, and it marks the border between Hawkhaven and the Barony of Redstone, which now belongs to Uncle Harkon Albercroft.
The Singing Eel isn't particularly wide, but he bridge that once spanned it at Eel's Crossing was destroyed during the Borge War and has yet to be rebuilt. However it is still fordable at that point and merchants still pass through. However crossing it in the spring when the waters run high is a challenge, especially if one is trying to bring wagons and such through.
The village of Eel's crossing is fairly unremarkable. The village proper is fortified by a muddy ditch and an earthen rampart wall, which protects the north, east, and south sides of the village. The west side is protected by the river itself. There is no castle in the village, but the Stirling family maintains a stone manor house that is now referred to as Stirling Hall.
The Cerwen homestead lies outside that village proper and the protection of the village's earthworks. You pretty sure it is north of the village, but you aren't familiar with all the families around Eel's Crossing, so you aren't sure exactly where.
Atayos spoke a little louder, no longer whispering.
As you say, my lord. I would not recommend we waste time delegating a scout duty; we are few as it is. We should ride in force and not spend time dallying with peasants- not with urgent matters at hand.
He addressed Sir Albercroft's younger brother with less deference in his voice, but still in an advisory capacity. Lord Randofrain, your concern is a virtue but there is a time and a place for it. Innocents of the barony could be being put to the sword while you offer to heal a black eye. If you feel the woman is being abused, you shall have a chance to look into the matter at your leisure; at your father's birthday celebration.
The unfriendly scowl on Atayos' face as his ward's cousin dared to lecture him made his displeasure plain, although he said nothing in that instance.
Atayos consulted his detailed map of the barony to find the Cerwen homestead.
Atayos, your map isn't quite so detailed that it marks out the individual homesteads of all the small folk in the barony.
Theodric:
Cousin! It's been a long time but isn't the homestead that way? he points in a direction north towards te village on the Eel Creek. Let us have Desna bless our travels and dear gods I hope Fiona is okay. as he tries to push the mounts faster.
"As I told the lady, Atayos...help from Iomedae will be given to any who ask for it. One or one hundred."
Ride
You break off from the cart path shortly before reaching Eel's Crossing and head north overland towards Eel Creek. You ride for nearly a mile until you crest a rise, and in the valley below you spot Eel Creek, which winds its way westward to flow into the Singing Eel river. Nestled in the valley are a few homesteads. You recall that these homesteads belong to more wealthy Yeomen not serfs. The Cerwens, though not members of the bearded class, are more well to do freeholders.
You spot activity at one of the farmsteads, which you assume must be the Cerwen farm. There are about a dozen peasants. Several look like they are digging graves near the homestead. Others are grieving. 4 severely ravaged bodies lie on the ground near the graves that are being dug. You also see a young man on horseback wearing chain armour overseeing the work. You are at a distance, so it is hard to tell for sure, but you believe it is Kelden Stirling.
The farmstead consists of a farmhouse, a shed and a barn. There is a pen attached to the barn and you see several dead goats in the pen. They too have been badly ravaged.
"As I told the lady, Atayos...help from Iomedae will be given to any who ask for it. One or one hundred."
Ride 1d20+5+4
Do not be so naive the Golem scowled at the response. If your sword had time to prevent one man's abuse of one woman, or defend three lives against a sword blow, which would you choose? Right every wrong that you can- but you must spend your time with care, when time is a variable that could cost lives. Knowing that the attack could still be taking place, we wasted time conversing with two performers. I hope that decision does not later weigh on our conscience. Regardless... I think there was more to her tale. Something to do back home.
As the group arrived, Atayos laid an expert eye over the scene.
It looks like our delay did not cost our conscience- this time. The lesson was still appropriate, regardless. Sir Garrett, these people will be yours someday. Put your best foot forward.
Kelden sees the riders approaching and comes out to greet you. As you get closer, you see that the bodies are clearly horribly mangled.
Kelden gives Sir Garret a slight bow from on his horse but does not dismount.
Thank the gods you have arrived so swiftly. These folks were attacked last night. Old Ben here says he thinks it's trolls. Uncle Feldar never got to telling me what he thought. He just told me to send for as much help as we could get, and then he went north. I've been out here all morning doing what I can. A couple of the Cerwen's are missing, but the rest are here. He motions to the mutilated corpses. I just got word from Sevrin here that your brother and cousin have crossed the river and are at the manor right now. I'm not sure what they want, but I don't' want to leave them alone with my sister for long, so I'm heading back. I was planning on leaving Brother Agron here to say some prayers for deceased and see that these poor souls are properly buried.
I'll leave that up to you. Uncle Feldar is a man who can take of himself, but against trolls... I think even he would be in serious trouble, and he'll be needing help. Still, I was hoping that you could help me see to the safety of the villagers. If it is trolls they'll likely be back tonight. I hear they sometimes don't stop their raids until they've devoured an entire village.
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Garrett turns his attention to the house guards accompanying him, "Feldar went off to the north and has at least an eight hour start on you. Ride out to the north no more than hour, if the area is secure return to the village."
Turning his attention to his brother, uncle, cousin, and honor guard, "You are free to choose your path, go with the guards or stay here with me."
Sir Garrett returns his gaze to Kelden, "I will accompany you to the manor, Vors being here does not bode well."
Atayos said nothing, thinking it obvious that as Sir Garrett's honour guard, his only place was by his side.
Garth, one of the household guards, and one of those types that seems to always have a question about every little direction and always has an attitude that is borderline subordinate, looks to Sir Garret.
Secure the area sir? There's six of us. Just how would you like us to go about securing the area especially from trolls.
"Garrett, I don't think I trust Vors' behavior around you. I'd prefer to make sure you are safe, then after we send him off, we can go troll hunting."
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Garth, one of the household guards, and one of those types that seems to always have a question about every little direction and always has an attitude that is borderline subordinate, looks to Sir Garret.
Secure the area sir? There's six of us. Just how would you like us to go about securing the area especially from trolls.
"Perhaps you would prefer the security of a prison cell, Garth? Count yourself lucky that you are with me and not my brother, Vors. He wouldn't have scolded you, he simply would have beaten you to a pulp for questioning his orders."
"Investigate the area for more troll activity. Do not engage the trolls. I would simply prefer to have warning if their lair is close."
Garth, who is also the oldest, most experienced, and clearly outspoken of the household guards, sneers, ignoring Garret's threats and turns his horse.
Let's rid lads. I've been dealing with nasties like trolls since our lord here was but a twinkle in his father's eye. We'll go see where these trolls are at while Garret socializes with his brother.
He doesn't wait for a response from Garret and rids off. The other five men spur on their horses and follow after him.
As it seems that they are staying to secure the area Theo looks at his cousin, gives a nod and rides back to the farm. Once there he doffs his chain shirt and grabs a shovel and begins to help with the graves. He attempts his condolences and gather whatever info they might have. He also sees who exactly was killed.
Garret and company:
Only Garth's last comment was really overly insolent, and he was pretty intentional about riding off before you guys could say anything, either forcing you to ignore it for now or actually chase him down in front of all the peasants. If you want to ride after him go for it. He hasn't gone far yet.
The group is at the Cerwen farmstead, which is about a mile from the village proper where the Stirling manor house is. If they want to help better prepare the defense of the area they will need to go back there. If you want to stick around and help burry the dead you should stay at the farmstead.
I'll be at the farmstead helping bury the dead and gather what info I can.
The peasants are a solemn bunch. A solemn bunch that is terrified that the fate that befell the Cerwens might befall them as well. Among the peasants is a local priest of Serenae he does his best to lift their spirits and he says prayers for the dead.
The bodies have limbs that have been torn off. They have big bites out of them. You only catch glimpses though, for they have been covered with sheets of burlap to hide the mutilation.
The locals seem to have a lot of respect for the fellow that Kelden had referred to as Old Ben. He tells you that based on the tracks he's seen and the nature of the carnage that he's pretty sure it's the work of trolls. He also figures there's at least two of them, maybe as many as four.
In addition, you learn that Fiona and her brother Edric are the two Cerwens that are still missing. Old Ben believes that they were carried off by the trolls, but he has little hope that they could still be found alive.
You hastily ride south to Eel’s Crossing with Kelden Stirling. You enter the small village. There is plenty of clamor as the locals come out to see you. You can see relief and hope in their faces; clearly they see you as saviors.
Kelden leads you to the Stirling manor house. It is a modest building by noble standards, but still the only stone building in the village with the exception of the church of Serenrae. The manor has a stable building beside it, and you can see seven horses tethered in front the stables. You recognize two of the steeds; one of them belongs to Vors and another belongs to Luscious Albercroft- Uncle Harkon’s son and Garret and Rando’s older cousin. Luscious spent some time living with the Albercroft family when Garret and Rando were kids. He’s the same age as Vors, and he and Vors were friends. The pair had similar dispositions and both of them enjoyed tormenting Garret and Rando much to the chagrin Baron Albercroft.
A young man is busy grooming Vors’ warhorse. Kelden dismounts his own horse and calls to the young man, who immediately comes to take the reigns of his steed.
Miguel stop worrying about our “guests’” horses. Lord Garret and his entourage have ridden far and hard to help us. See to their mounts instead.
Kelden then looks towards the sturdy oak door of the manor house and then back to Garret and his companions.
He’s your brother. What’s the best way to handle him?
Rando stood silent, gving his brother his due respect to answer the query, but he knew the best way to handle his older brother, Stand up to the bully!"
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"First order of business is to see what in the Nine Hells he wants. As for how to handle my brother, show no sign of weakness, do not back down. He can no longer take the chance of starting a fight with Rando and I, he will certainly look for every opportunity to cause us to strike first. That means that you could be the target of his aggressive behavior, Kelden."
"Be direct, but do not sink to his level. Vors is not a subtle man by any strech of the imagination." Garrett says contining toward the door.
Rando nods, and falls in behind his brother and Golem heading toward the door.
Theodric I was figuring that you were not there. I have a bit of other things in mind for you until you reunite with the party.
I'll have time for a couple of longer posts later this evening.
Kelden leads the way; you climb five stone steps and enter the manor house through its heavy oaken doors.
In the common room you see several men seated at a banquet table. You immediately recognize Vors and your cousin Luscious. Seated with them is another man, a large savage looking fellow with a completely bald head covered in tattoos. This fellow is clearly not from Taldore. Luscious and Vors are heavily armored in their plate male, while the savage wears a chain shirt and hides. In addition there are four of their house guards with them. They are busy devouring bread, stew and ale. Kelden’s sister and mother are nervously waiting on them along with another man, an older fellow who you know to be the house steward and father of Miguel (the groom). You currently can’t recall their names.
Vors and Luscious look up as you enter. They seem only slightly surprised to see the lot of you. Both Vors and Luscious are husky men with dark hair and beards. They look more like brothers than cousins.
Vors nods to Garret and Rando as they enter.
Greetings brothers. It’s been a while. I trust all is well with you, though I hear there’s been a spot of trouble.
He then looks to Kelden.
Sorry to hear about your father’s death this past winter. He was a strong man and a skilled warrior- just the sort of man you’d want to protect your lands. I’m sure his presence will be missed.
When Vors sees Kelden looking with concern towards his sister and mother he adds:
Fear not, Kelden, in your absence your mother and sister Lily have been treating us well. Had I know you had such a pretty sister, I might have come to enjoy the Stirling family hospitality sooner.
Theodric
After helping Brother Agron with the burying the dead and the last rites. You quietly perform your own blessings to Desna and Sheyln.
Brother Agron approaches you.
Thank you for staying behind and helping. I think the folk here appreciate it. They appreciate seeing their lord come so quickly to their aid as well. I just wish he had sent his men to outlying farms instead of out looking for the trolls. I'm sure word has reached most of the farms by now, but I can't be sure how the folk will react. I think it's imperative that they go to Eel's Crossing and are behind the ramparts by nightfall. It's too dangerous to stay out here.
There's also another matter. Perhaps one you could help me with. There's another homestead not far here. The lady of the house is in the midst of her labour, and the midwife is with her. I've heard that it's not going well. Normally I stay out of such matters, but I fear that my aid might be needed. Perhaps you could accompany me. Perhaps your skills might give the lady the inspiration she needs to birth her child a little more quickly. Alternatively, since you have a horse, maybe you could start riding to the outlying homesteads and tell the families to gather their belongings and make for the village.
The pair of them look up from their meals and stare at Garret. Vors speaks first.
Well brother. If you must know, we're seeking a pair of fugitives. A couple of thieves, a young man and woman. We have reason to believe that they've come to Hawkhaven. They've got a bit of head start on us, but as far as we know they are travelling on foot, so we should catch them soon enough. Did you see any such travellers on the road from Oxtongue?
The man with tattooed head seems fixated on Atayos.
You're a grim looking fellow. He comments gruffly.
Luscious acknowledges the comment.
They call him the golem. Ask him about that scar on his face.
The tattooed man snorts and then mutters with his mouth full of food.
I like the name. How'd ya get the beauty mark?
As he arrives he sends one of the men off on his horse to gather the men to the safest place he can think of whether that be the village itself or the keep. And to tell the lords its on his request when everyone shows up on the door step.
Theodric
Brother Agron looks to one of the peasants.
Perrin, you ride well. Take Lord Theodric's steed and make haste to as many farms as you can get to before dark. Tell the families that they must gather what they can carry and go to Eel's Crossing for safety. Then make your way there yourself. We'll meet you back there.
Lord Theodric thank you for your generosity. Now come quickly.
You follow the creek west for about 20 minutes and soon come to another farmstead. The men of the farmstead are gathered outside, obviously worried about the fate of the woman giving birth.
You hear some groaning coming from inside. The man of the household thanks Brother Agron for coming and sends the two of you in. Inside you find a woman in the midst of her labour. The midwife is attending her. The woman giving birth looks pale and sweaty, and the midwife seems concerned.
Brother Agron hurries over to the woman and puts his hand on her head. He then mouths some prayers to Serenrae and uses some healing magic on her. That seems to help the woman. He seems pleased, and the priest's spirits lighten.
Lord Theodric, do you know any good birthing songs?