Tassira saddles up on Percival and carefully directs the horse out the gates of the trading post, following Sheoll's lead. Along the way, she tries her best to help him track...
...it appears getting a good night's sleep did wonders for her confidence--she's certain that with her help, Sheoll has no chance of losing the trail.
From her place atop Gael, some feet behind Sheoll, Rowena watched and observed the ground, hoping to aid Sheoll on their ride to seek Cadell and Gernon.
Occasionally, she looked up and scanned her eyes across their surrounds, on the lookout for enemy or obstacle.
Alexander places his most recently purchased piece of equipment on the back of the cart. just before they move out it is a unremarkable but serviceable lance of wood tipped with a steel head. A horse would have been nice to go with this.
Alexander shrugs to himself as he mounts the cart. Go ahead Han try to keep up as best you can. Alexander makes his sling ready for use and takes the pouch of bullets from his backpack and places them on his belt within easy reach should they be needed.
His mind focused on other things Alexander is unable to discern any tracks from the ones left by the other horses within the group as they follow behind.
At mid morning Cadell and Gernon meet the rest of the party on the road.
Good you all are here. Cadell says as he and Gernon ride up. I had expected you to get a little farther than this by now but it is just the first day back on the road. We will need to pick up the pace a bit if we are going to be able to hit the bandit camp tomorrow morning. The trail is safe for another mile or so. We didn't scout any beyond that. He continues as he dismounts. Gernon give Alex his horse back and ride Morgan for awhile, I am going to ride in the cart with Hans for awhile. Be careful though he bites.
Tassira folds her arms and looks at Cadell with a measure of irritation mixed with relief.
"Cadell, you could have at least waited for us to wake up and let us know where you were going before going off scouting. What if you and Gernon ran into trouble?" She starts before sighing in resignation.
"Oh, well. Just... please let us know where you're going first before scouting, okay?" From the sound of things, she was honestly worried about him.
With Cadells return Alexander directs Han to halt the cart. He traipses in like a conquering hero talking about how we weren't making good time. He ordered them to put Block back on the cart instead of the new horse we left at the post and I couldn't really change it since he just left without telling any one what he was doing or anything grrrrrrrr.
Alexander holds his anger in but when Cadell stops and makes himself ready to take a seat on the cart Alexander halts his progress with a light touch of his hand to the shoulder moving in to speak into Cadell's ear his voice quiet but held a tightness to it that carried a sense of anger that screaming just couldn't properly convey. We Will Speak Later. with those words Alexander moved to the rear of the cart sliding the new lance from its end and staking it to the ground tip first before mounting Brutus and returning to pull the weapon from the earth. Lance in hand Alexander spurs Brutus farther forward in the march order gaining some distance from the equipment cart before halting just behind Sheoll.
Having halted the horses, Rowena glanced at Cadell, then at Gernon, now by the cart. They seemed unharmed. There was something in Cadell's manner and the way he spoke to them that made Rowena feel as though the man could not see past his own accomplishments. She prayed to Erastil that the younger nobleman would widen his sight for the sake of the party and even himself.
In polite manner, she addressed the two men, "It is good that our group has reunited. Did you and Gernon spy anything up ahead?"
Before they could answer, Rowena noted Alexander's posture, although she could not hear what was spoken between them from her current position from the cart. Then just as swiftly, Alexander had taken his lance, mounted Brutus and pressed the horse forward. He now took his place between Sheoll and herself. She awkwardly backed up Gael a few steps in order to give Alexander room and space since he was holding the lance now. She was ready to continue forward, third in order, casting a swift glance back at Tassira and Cadell with their two new recruits sitting in the cart.
Guide us, Old Deadeye, she prayed silently, touching the silver holy symbol about her neck.
From the front of the party Sheoll only paused and watched as the two groups became one again.
There was little to be done about the discord that had happened, and in any case, he hoped that it would be resolved so that no further issues came up.
There was much to do in the days ahead. Face bandits, face the wild, face their own egos and inner strife...though admittedly there were some handling that better than others.
Calling back to Gernon and Hans,
"Just point out if we're moving in the wrong direction."
He looked back for a moment at Alex, noting the frustration in the man's face, and then over to Rowena and her apparent confusion. He had to remind himself, that the group has still only known each other about a week...true camaraderie can take time.
Looking to the sky, he squinted, imagining a great black canopy, and finding a star above. Will you guide us sister?
Alexander tightens the grip on his lance as he closes his eyes and sends a silent prayer to Erastil. Erastil grant me patience as the farmer who knows the slow growing tree bears the best fruit.
With his prayer sent off Alexander finds the most comfortable position to bear his lance for the long ride and speaks to Gernon the tightness previously held in his voice gone leaving in its place a sense of weariness. Please go ahead and point the way Gernon.
Cadell is suprised when Alexander rides up to the head of the group near Sheoll and stays there instead of taking Gernon and scouting ahead. He made so much noise about his military experience that I thought he would be better at this. Now I feel like scouting ahead this morning was a waste of time. Cadell thinks to himself as he settles back in the cart. Cadell strings the short bow he trade Oleg for and sets it next to him in the cart.
We didn't see anything. No ambushes, no rampaging beasts, It was kind of a boring moring ride. he says in response to Rowena's guestion. I didn't think Alex would be so angry about me taking his horse. I thought it would be best to take his since he doesn't need the practice. I also thought it would be kinda funny but I will acknowledge I have a questionable sense of humor.
So Hans, where do you come from?
Cadell chats with Hans as they travel along. He keeps a close eye on the surrounding landscape though.
As the party meets up about mid-morning, the sun is still in a clear blue sky. Gernon rides ahead slowly, giving a small look over to Hans of 'shouldn't have left...'
Hans, though, doesn't notice it and turns to Cadell to answer him. "Me? Well, not too sure. Been in Brevoy and the Stolen Lands most my life, though I know my mum said we came from further west. But I never really cared to ask where. And from your name you must be from near the Golushkin's yes? And a noble too. Probably hit your family's caravans a few times..." He chuckles nervously before looking over to Gernon.
Gernon, at least, decides to change tack. "It'll be near dusk by the time we get to the camp. And you all might want to be on guard. We're late, and Kressle will have started trying to round up a posse probably."
Really! I hope they were good caravans. I have robbed a few myself and I can tell you my father has moved some truely worthless drek over those roads. . . I suppose I counted as noble once, but I have been disown. Cast out of my home, and told never to darken it's door again. Cadell says dramaticly If you did attack my father's caravan's you must be a better bandit than I thought. My father and brothers were very keen on chasing and killing bandits.
You and Gernon don't need to worry about lord Alexander. You were doing what I told you to do. So if he is mad, I am the one he will be mad at. Cadell tells Hans in a soft voice. He is a bit uptight about some things, but I think he will come around eventually. He is a smart man, but he was a soldier and it is taking some time for him to adjust to being out on the edge of things.
With Gernon's warning Alexander decides to speak up and ask some more questions about what they are going to be facing. Thank you for the advise Gernon let us know when we are within a mile or two of the camp. Does Kressle generally run a tight command or is she lax with camp discipline?
Gernon shrugs. "Kressle is Kressle. She's usually drunk, but she can be a viper when she wants."
Hans nods at Cadell. "We lucked out usually. But yeah, desperate times..." He leans in and whispers. "Still better than Kressle..."
Alexander acknowledges Gernon's words with a nod of his head as they continue on their path. The way you have described her now and before she doesn't sound as though she would give in lightly. Do you think the others would be willing to leave a life of banditry for the opportunity to have their slate wiped clean by working off their crimes?
Sheoll listened to Alexander and Gernon speak about the camp ahead and the leader, Kressle.
It seemed likely, assured almost, that there would be more combat. Inwardly, the voice inside him rejoiced, and Sheoll found himself listening to it. He craved battle as well, and was not sure if that should worry him. If there is wrath to be done, surely it is better to turn it on those deserving of it, no? He wondered if he was rationalizing or if that was what he truly believed.
"How many more men can we expect? Was it a half dozen?" he called back.
He wondered how the fight would go with the new "recruits". Would they hold true to their conviction, and work against their former comrades? Part of the barbarian didn't care. More blood needed to be shed, and if they were amoung the dead, surely their fates had caught up to them. No. They were given a second chance, and unless they forsake that, they will be only watched.
The young priestess did not think it right that she attempt the give reason for Alexander's reaction to his horse being taken without consent or any other matter that did not exactly pertain to her. She did, however, give a bit of advice on the subject,
"Talking to each another and gaining prior consent would probably be wise. Goes a long way toward goodwill and trust." Rowena gave Cadell a small smile before moving herself and Gael back in position behind Alexander.
***********************************************************************
Rowena had been silent, guiding Gael as best as she knew how, as the conversation proceeded in front of her, between Alexander, Gernon and Sheoll.
Waiting for a lull in conversation, Rowena interjected as politely as she could, since they were already asking questions of Gernon. "Gernon, do you know if Kressle practices magic or if the bandits have a primary caster among their lot?"
Alexander allows Brutus to lag behind enough for Rowena's mount to catch up. He urges his horse to match pace as he listens to Gernon's reply before speaking to Rowena his voice intimately quiet. Thank you for speaking to Cadell on my behalf. Anger has a habit of tying my tongue and leaves me unable to reply except with my actions.
Alexander sighs as he speaks almost wistfully at first before coming back to the here and now. It is why I am out here today but that is a story for another time. I wish for you to know you have my.. Alexander seems to search for the appropriate word and seems dissatisfied with the selection but continues on any way. confidence. I may have seemed distant before. I war with myself and wish to explain what vexes me once we have the time if you are open to listening.
Tassira's been curiously quiet the whole time, focusing on the road ahead of them.
"I just hope we'll have a repeat of what happened at Oleg's..." She says to no one in particular. "...well, at least, I hope we end it quickly."
"Talking to each another and gaining prior consent would probably be wise. Goes a long way toward goodwill and trust." Rowena gave Cadell a small smile before moving herself and Gael back in position behind Alexander.
Prior consent! who does this lordling think he is, my mother? The one that is showing himself unworthy of trust right now is him. I can't believe he hasn't sent anyone to scout ahead. If he didn't want to do it himself he could have sent Sheoll. I thought he was a soldier. Cadell thinks with a frown. So Hans what can you tell me about the layout of your camp? Is it tents or actual buildings of some kind? How was the group organized did you follow the whole strongest one leads bit? Cadell asks the former bandit continueing their conversation.
Gernon thinks for a moment and shrugs. "The camp is pretty mess up. No real order, just throw a tent up where you want. There are some guard posts, but beyond that not much. As for numbers, normally there are about 5 at camp or so. But if Kressle thinks something wrong, she might try to call in all of the guys. Then you're looking at about 10."
Hans trots back up to Cadell and nods. "Tents, mostly. And most of us just follow Kressle because she is damn good at what she does. Two guard posts, too, and Kressel's place is reinforced some, mostly to guard against some of the worst weather out here. You know, last summer I saw a tornado! Came in just before a massive rainstorm. Took out a good section of the forest, too. I've seen magic, but nothing got nothing on that."
Gernon grunts, piping up again as he hears Hans story for probably the fiftieth time. "Well, not sure, but I think Kressle might know a mage. She has some potions that I've only ever seen at temples that heal. Then again, she might have just as likely stolen them. But none of the others know more than maybe a quick trick with some cards."
The next few hours pass quietly enough, and you all soon begin skirting the edges of the large forest.
Alexander allows Brutus to lag behind enough for Rowena's mount to catch up. He urges his horse to match pace as he listens to Gernon's reply before speaking to Rowena his voice intimately quiet. Thank you for speaking to Cadell on my behalf. Anger has a habit of tying my tongue and leaves me unable to reply except with my actions.
Alexander sighs as he speaks almost wistfully at first before coming back to the here and now. It is why I am out here today but that is a story for another time. I wish for you to know you have my.. Alexander seems to search for the appropriate word and seems dissatisfied with the selection but continues on any way. confidence. I may have seemed distant before. I war with myself and wish to explain what vexes me once we have the time if you are open to listening.
Rowena watched as Alexander had slowed his mount and positioned himself beside hers. The young priestess listened to his words and watched the expressions flicker across his face. She would have reached out to soothe him, but it was not appropriate at this time and she did not want Cadell disparaging them, anew.
Her words were equally quiet, only meant for the two of them. "Thank you for bestowing your confidence upon me. Of course I will listen to your explanation, Alexander. And as to Cadell, your manners were not questionable, and, even in anger, you spoke with civility. I do not pretend to understand Cadell's motivations, but I would not see certain actions repeated. You are welcome."
Gernon grunts, piping up again as he hears Hans story for probably the fiftieth time. "Well, not sure, but I think Kressle might know a mage. She has some potions that I've only ever seen at temples that heal. Then again, she might have just as likely stolen them. But none of the others know more than maybe a quick trick with some cards."
Rowena nodded upon Gernon's reply. "Thank you for the information, Gernon. Every little bit will aid us this day and in the coming days."
Gernon shrugs, looking at the cleric with a very slight blush. "No problem. Least I can do from being strung up..." He coughs and points towards the woods. "Now, we're just a few hours away now. But keep a look out, we could run into others..."
Rowena trained her eyes in the direction of the woods, mindful of Gernon's caution.
Alexander nods agreement to Gernon's caution he gently increase Brutus's speed to recover his place in formation. Turning back Alexander smiles to Rowena. I look forward to finishing our conversation.
Finding his place in formation again Alexander puts on his game face and begins to scan the trees and surrounding woods. being concerned with ambushes Alexander relays his concerns to the party. With the trees be mindful of what lies above as well as on the ground. You also may wish to have your weapons ready in case we meet sudden resistance. Saying this Alexander Shifts his grip on the lance in hand making sure it is ready to respond with lethal force should it be necessary.
Like the rest, Sheoll is on guard as they travel towards their destination. He listens to the others as they speak, finding himself curious when Rowena speaks lightly to Alexander. Why so interested? he wonders to himself, unconsciously patting Kalak's mane. Perhaps you are more than just impressed and calmed by the priestess?
He shook the thought away, deciding it would take further introspection when time allowed.
So, Sheoll or I riding in there and challenging Kressle for leadership of the band wouldn't work. Cadell says thoughtfully to Hans.
At Gernon's warning to Alex, Cadell stops lounging in the cart and takes up his shortbow. He sets himself in the cart so he can stand quickly if he needs to and nocks an arrow to his bowstring.
Alex! he calls to the older man. We should probably look for a place to make camp for the night soon. Unless you want to take on the bandits tonight.
Hearing Cadell's question Alexander calls up to Sheoll to bring the group to a halt. Sheoll let us stop for a moment and decide what the best coarse of action is.
Alexander turns his horse around so they are facing back to everyone else. Cadell makes a good point, we could push on depend on what light we may have by then or we can set camp and attempt to catch the enemy in the morning while they still slumber. Each has there own advantages and disadvantages.
Alexander continues to speak once Sheoll joins the group. If we camp it will be a difficult night since we are so close we would need to strictly control our noise and light tonight. That means no cooking fire, no light stronger then a candle and even that should be shielded from the open air. Even with those precautions we may be stumbled upon loosing any surprise we have. If we can get through the night we will likely catch the enemy at least partially unaware and if we are lucky and skilled enough end any fight before it starts with a minimum lose of life.
As Alexander continues to lay out what he sees as the two primary choices, his hands are active making it seem like it is either to be left or right. Our other choice offers to keep the momentum we currently have and doesn't risk us being caught unaware as we camp but we would be pushing forward hoping to muscle through any forces they have marshaled together so far while they are aware and likely ready. I favor the the first choice because it offers what may be a deciding advantage. The only other factor of import is what light we might have by the time we reach the camp.
Turning to the two recent additions Alexander asks their opinion on the waning daylight. Han, Gernon do you think we would arrive before it becomes too dark to see adequately in the forest.
[occ]It is early afternoon now. You all are travelling steadily, though not too quickly.[/ooc]
Gernon and Hans look a little more on edge. Riding over towards Alexander, Gernon looks over towards the tree line. "We... The Bandits occasionally place some bandits in the treeline. Not too far in, mind. Strange beasts and stuff like the woods..."
Alexander points out the trail at the forest edge. That trail I see, is it something most folks around here might use or one that your former group uses pretty exclusively. Either way we should be off the trail by some length before setting up camp. Assuming we decide to wait until morning.
Tassira isn't paying too much attention to the exchange. The bandits were this way, and waiting to catch the bandits by surprise sounded like a good idea.
She gently strokes Percival's mane as she looks around the trail. Her expression is faraway. "That would perhaps be a good idea--catching them by surprise in the morning could work wonders."
She looks like she's quite comfortable out in the wilds, in contrast to what her noble blood demands of her.
Gernon shrugs but Hans pipes up a bit. "It's an old trail. At least, that's what I've been told. And you all can camp but That just gives Kressle more hours to get her gang worked up. Still, hours of riding is rough for both rider and horse..."
Tassira looks down at Percival. "What do you think, Percival?"
She looks back at the rest of the team. "Truth be told, I'm open to pushing onward as well as resting. If we're on the clock, it would be for the best if we made the most of the time we have--but both options have their merits."
The young priestess noted the warning about the strange manner of beasts in the woods. She unconsciously bent down and patted Gael.
Her mind torn, Rowena decided to leave the decision to the more experienced soldiers of the party.
In a low voice, she asked, "So, do we proceed and attack this night or wait until morning? I concede to those who know better in such matters."
Sheoll pondered for a moment, weighing the pros and cons. On the one hand, it may be good to have rest on their side. On the other however, the dark would be a disadvantage to them both...but less so to him. Also, the sooner they attacked, the (sooner I can RIP MAIM TEAR) less time the leader, Kressle had time to prepare.
Frowning, he spoke his opinion.
"Although I am not greatly opposed to waiting, I think the sooner we deal with them the better. Gernon makes a good point. The longer we wait, the longer they have to prepare. They don't necessarily know that any trouble is headed their way, but it is probably better not to take the chance."
Resigned, he continued.
"So yes, I think it's better if we press on."
Alexander turns to Cadell and cocks a wry smile. It appears that you have the deciding vote. What do you feel is the best coarse of action Cadell.
Well,I was thinking to sneak in to the camp tonight to look around, Cadell says with a thoughtful frown but if everyone feels ready to take them, I can't think of any good reason to put it off. Especially if it the lads think it will give this Kressle time to get her group worked up. We don't want any of them fighting to the death when they should surrender.
I would like Hans and Gernon to make a point of capturing the bands horses during the fight though. This cart is uncomfortable.
Gernon and Hans look at each other and then at the group. Gernon clears his throat and speaks up. "We'll help where we can. Horses are easy enough, I guess." Hans nods along.
"After you all are done, we can help do whatever, right?"
Alexander seems confused by Han's and Gernon's statement. I am not sure if I am following you. Did you have something in mind that you wished to do or not do? I can understand if you feel conflicted about fighting those you share history with. I personally hope that we can end this as little blood as possible. Is that what you mean?
Looking over to Alexander, and then Hans and Gernon, Sheoll had questions of his own.
"Aye, that should be discussed. I don't expect them to do more than defend themselves if there is a battle, though perhaps ranged support would be more useful. I think it's unlikely we'll avoid such, but tis good to know before we get into the thick of it."
Focusing on the new recruits;
"You will indeed be able to help. Additionally, this will be a true test to your vows. In the interactions that lie ahead, you can prove yourself worthy by sticking with us and heeding our instructions closely."
With a stern look on his face,
"I trust that won't be a problem, yes?"
With both Alexander and Sheoll having spoken to their two recruits, Rowena waited to hear what Gernon had meant by his words: "doing whatever to help".
Gernon shrugs. "We don't know what you would want of us in the camp. We can help break it down, tie up the bandits, or whatever."
Hans nods. "Personally, I'd like to just handle the horses. The guys never were real close to me, and the farther they are from me the better I say."
I think dealing with the horses would be a good job for Gernon and Hans. Those horses will help us with the exploration of this area and will go a long way towards recompensing the Levetons. They should take bows, and maybe sheoll could go along to keep the bandits from trying to take the horses and run. Cadell says rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Sheoll would need to join in when the rest of us attack the camp. Out of curiosity what kind of magics do we have available to us for this. The one that Tassira knocked me out with the other day would be a good to have available.
Tassira looks down, somewhat embarrassed. "I still have that spell prepared. I hope I don't have to cast it that often..."
Gernon looks at Tassira and Cadell. Smiling, he lets out a bit of a course laugh. "You got him too? Now I don't feel so bad!"
Hans, a little slower, thinks before he finally catches up. "Oh! Oh! That's funny!" He lets out some soft laughter but still isn't sure how he should respond.
Gernon rides over to his comrade and slaps him on the back. "Come on, it's pretty funny." Nodding over at her, he grins. "Just please don't aim it at me, please. Unless I can't sleep and mead doesn't help."
Alexander nods in agreement to Cadells question. Yes knowing what we have as resources will help us build an attack plan. I currently have a similar spell to Tassira's memorized it requires close proximity to use though. The spell causes seizures in several people within about 10 steps from me that view the display of intense alternating colors. The display is intense enough that it can also temporarily blind those affected and may knock them unconscious as well. I also memorized a spell that creates a small shield of force for my personal protection during intense fighting. I have several other minor magics mostly focused on combat but each of those only targets a single person one is capable of producing a small dart of acid and the other creates a flash of light that can hamper a persons ability to see not unlike what you might experience after looking into the sun.
Sheoll nods again. The prospect of combat was seeming more and more a possibility, though that may have been prodding from the voice in his head.
He took a moment to calm himself, quietly reciting the familiar mantra from his mother's tribe.
"Good. It is good that we be prepared. Seems we have magic on our side, as well as Rowena Hunter's prayers. I have a bit of magic in my blood, and can take a different form for a short time when need be."
He started a low chuckle.
"I wonder how Kressle's men will feel if they come across a full blooded orc running at them?"
He frowned.
"Though I suppose I should save that for whe... diplomacy fails."
Gernon looks at Sheoll, the strange Aasimar still appearing odd to him. "I'm sure that if you changed and rushed them, some of the supplies from the camp would need to be used for new pants." Hans, as the image crosses his mind, roars with laughter now.
Rowena glanced at Sheoll as he mentioned her prayers. Her brow furrowed for a mere moment before her face appeared composed once more.
In a low but steady voice, the young priestess answered; her response to no one in particular, "I have healing and protection spells. Old Deadeye is generous to his faithful." She reached up and touched the silver holy symbol on the chain around her neck.