Aye, Dimitri, we won. As well, a rest here would not be amiss, then we could return to Olegs.
He then goes back around and recovers his bow.
"I'm glad to see you're okay, Dmitri," Kareta said, kneeling down and pulling Eshie into her lap to check on his wounds. "You had us really worried for a second!"
"Let the halfling run, Tyanos," Happs chuckles, a rare and earnest smile on his face. "He did his part, and he's bound to come around when he realizes there ain't nowhere out there to go. The Stag Lord'll see him dead for what we--or you, anyways--did here, and the beasties out there aren't gonna think twice about making a meal'a some short folk."
Illana looks better after a little blessing from both Erastil and Iomedae, but Jhod's face is grim even as his wounds stitch themselves back together. Most of them, at least. He raises a mutilated hand, its index and forefingers missing. A dirty, bloody rag wraps tightly over where they used to be. The priest is deathly silent, staring daggers at the surviving bandit but saying nothing
"Uh, I didn't have nothing to do with that... that was all Sneeg's idea! The priest-"
"Jhod did nothing but defend me!" interjects Illana, her voice firm and unflinching. She glares for a few seconds before continuing, slowly. "Sneeg was a barbarian, but you were all complicit in the matter. You could have spoken up. Done something..." She grows quiet, turning her eyes down and away from both Jhod and the surviving bandit. "...It should have been me to be punished, not an innocent man."
Jhod shrugs, though its clear the gesture is more out of habit than any real resolution. "Who but a child is truly innocent in this world, who truly undeserving of a test of spirit? We cannot know the wills of the gods, but simply believe that unknowable path will lead us where we wish to go." He looks down at his hand and winces, though it's unclear if its from pain or memory. "I'd say this is a hell of a test of faith, though."
The bandit grimaces as though expecting some kind of frontier justice, but looks ready to answer any questions you might have...
Tyanos gives Happs one of those unnerving looks.
"I may on occasion forgive, I don't forget my friend. A merchant always keeps his eye on the ledger and firm grasp on those that are held accountable."
He gives a slight smile before listening to the exchange.
"My lady luck can protect me with her kindness from time to time but she is no crutch. The world is cruel, some make it more so then it need be, yet it is. We can only work to change that for ourselves and others perhaps. If I am not mistaken that is part of your god's way. Better to forget test of faith and simply do your best in following your gods ways. Nothing changes by thinking on it, you have to do something in order to bring about that change."
He puts a hand on the priest shoulder before turning to the bandit. He wears a hungry look and a wicked smile.
"As for you, well I think it's time you started talking. It's not looking good for you truth be told. As the lady said, your an accomplice at the very least and not a bell has gone by sense you raised a weapon against us good and lawful folk. At the moment you have gained a quick death, if I were you. I would try very hard to work my way up, at least to life in prison. Who knows you may make it to only a short term, you wouldn't be the first bandit to shorten his punishment with good behavior."
Not that he was feeling very forgiving after Miko. He meant what he said to Happs, he was not going to forget that debt. Sooner or later he would collect, even if it was finding his bones in the forest after something made him a small meal.
Thomas looks at the mangled hand.
Father, i will try to figure out what i can do to fix that hand.
He then looks at Dmitri and Hadin.
You two should be resting. I will bring you your meals and check on you in the morning.
I can help, Thomas... Dmitri should rest. I'm just a little banged, he nearly died.
Trying to get up, despite the pain and the blood loss, Hadin is a little dizzy
What can I do to help?
I think Mr. Happs would see clear to letting us stay here one night now. I for one, along with Dmitri and Hadin, could use the rest.
Kareta takes a moment to assess the building they have battled before.
"Wait, was this a temple of Erastil once?"
Jhod heaves a heavy (and apparently at least somewhat pained) sigh. "I know, I know. I appreciate the concern, but I figure it's just something I'll have to deal with. No different than trimming a blighted sprig away from the rest or the sad mercy of putting down an old dog. One of those little--or not so little--burdens we are challenged with. But who would I be to give up now?"
He turns to Kareta, nodding a greeting. "I don't believe we've met... but yes, I believe this was once a great temple to Erastil. Your companions were kind enough to lay to rest the uneasy soul that stood guardian and the man Wetscale brought me out here to have a look... A look that, unfortunately, has cost us all greatly..." He closes his eyes, muttering a quiet prayer to the departed, then grows quieter still as he stands off to the side of the group. "Such a cost of atonement..."
Meanwhile, the bandit gulps down a lump in his throat, then struggles to find the right words Tyanos seeks. "I- I don't know what you want me to tell you? I've never met the Stag Lord, and you just killed my boss and by the way you're talking I think you killed the boss's boss and his partner, so I can't- I don't- Please don't kill me, just let me go, I won't hurt nothing no more."
Tyanos shakes his head.
"That is a pity, you have nothing to offer. No information or anything of use in your favor. If that is the case then you will be judged by the law of this land without my intervention or support to aid you."
He shrugs at the man.
"For the record, only Sneeg was killed outright during his ill advised plans. As I have already told you, the one that lead us here has run off. Losing the good will he had earned to a degree. While the others are held prisoner awaiting our return. Unless they have done something incredibly stupid in our short absence, they should be alive if likely unconscious. Now you will join them and your judgement will be rendered at the same time as theirs. We follow the law and do not execute without cause."
If he was truly repentant or useful enough then he would be spared. He had no problem gaining more allies, that is only if they could be trusted. But by the same token, opportunistic bandits had no place is these parts. Their was enough trouble out here as it was.
"I- I mean- I don't-" The bandit looks defeated, unsure of what he could say that could allow him to escape his fate. He looks down at his defeated comrades, their blood pooling in the dirt beside Erastil's forgotten temple... and then his eyes settle on the Erastite's mangled hand. Without a word, the bandit turns his eyes downward and seems to settle with his presumed fate.
Happs Bydon shakes his head, a grim smile on his face. "Now I know I told you that you'd be running the show, Tyanos, but I don't see any reason to go about pretending the laws of Brevoy extend all the way down here. Never have, never will. Don't get me wrong, now, I respect your desire to do right by the law or whatever it is you all are following, but as far as I'm concerned there's only six big laws around here that matter worth a damn. And most'a us here came out here for that sorts of freedom, one way or another." He looks at Illana, who simply nods, leaving whatever freedoms they each sought in the River Kingdoms unsaid between them.
"Put to death before the sword or put to death at the rope... What a terrible choice to have to make," Jhod mutters. "In any case... perhaps it would be best not to linger here, lest we attract scavengers or worse."
Tyanos coolly lays his eyes on Happs.
"I am well aware of the river freedoms, after all I have your oath as you had mine. I certainly intend to collect my friend. After all I have kept mine and your lady is returned. This bandit will be judged with the others all at once. It is as much practical as lawful to me."
He leaves it at that. If he was going to be involved in ending lives, he would do it quickly, not drag it out or snuff them one by one. Anyways their were still things to be gained, not that he would allow his hope to overcome his sense.
"I agree with Jhod, let us leave this place. We have taken all that is useful and should not stay among the dead."
He goes to prepare his horse for the journey back.
Jhod, they are only put to death if they are unrepenant. If they are willing to reform, they may suffer a punishment, but not an execution.
Thomas straps the fallens gear to the pack horse for.the ride back to Olegs.
He then looks at the remaining bandit. Did you ride here, and if so, where is your horses.
The bandit looks at Tyanos, as though unsure if he should be answering questions from others, then slowly answers Thomas. "Most of us walked. Only the boss and his crew got to ride the horses. On loan from his boss, I think."
Happs shrugs, heading back to where you'd tied up the horses before the bloodbath began. "Don't matter, ain't that far'a hike. I'll walk alongside y'all as we head back. Then you can take all yer bandits and put 'em up for whatever justice ya think they deserve. So long as it ain't gonna waste any'a my time with that nonsense."
No Mr Happs, we will not be wasting your time.
Thomas then looks over at the bandit.
So you brought none? I just did not want them to starve tied up and no one coming to free them.
Tyanos was already mounted and ready to go.
"Well shall we depart already?"
As he brings his horse up besides Happs.
"Fear not my friend. You will have plenty to do with your time and I promise no nonsense will be intended."
He says with a wisp of a smile playing across his face. Something oddly close to the same one he had for others he trapped not to long ago in his schemes.
So, what can we do now? Should we judge the bandits?
I am thinking that will wait until we are at Olegs and not here. Besides i think we all could use a day to rest before judging him.
The group makes haste back to Happston, eager to leave the events of the temple behind them. The journey takes only a few hours, thankfully dull after the bloodbath on Erastil's doorstep.
The ramshackle gates of the settlement open with a nod from Happs to the sentry on duty. Sighs of relief run through the camp as news of Sneeg's band being gone for good quickly spreads. More than a few of Happston's nod a silent thank-you--though whether it was for dealing with Sneeg's band or helping Happs himself is unclear.
Your captive keeps silent as he is brought to join the others, currently tied to a post at the center of the camp. They look in roughly the same condition they were when you left--alive, if only.
Happs grunts, spitting at their feet as the survivors is tied alongside them. He looks at Tyanos, then inclines his head towards the lot. "Bundled up for a picnic, just like ya wanted 'em. Judge 'em or don't. But if'n I see one of them again, I figure that'll be the last time anyone sees 'em."
They will be judged. However, we will look into this in the morning, as I for one need some rest.
Thomas changes the bandages on both Dmitri and Hadin before trying to find a spot to rest.
"We'll deal with them tomorrow. Best see to your people and keep a look out during the night, just to be safe."
After he tells that to Happs he gathers the people he brought from Oleg's and sets up a watch on the prisoners as well as their own. Going over to where they are tied up.
"You will get your chance tomorrow. But I will be perfectly clear, you won't get one tonight. Try anything at all and I won't blame anyone for ending you at all. I won't be interested in keeping you alive ether. That's the kind of mood I'm in. So I suggest you sleep well."
He didn't need an answer and was not likely to get it as they were tied up and gagged in more then a few ways. Still their ears were left open.
Tyanos gathers the party once everyone is up.
"I'm going to have a chat with each bandit separately from their fellows. Anyone interested in helping me? Not only to make sure they don't try anything but also to make sure they are not trying to fool me. I rather have some good judgement besides my own to call upon."
Once that is settled he chooses the sorceress.
"Ladies first."
Once she is brought out of ear shot and sight of the other bandits. He draws his crossbow and places it on his lap, pointed at her and ready.
"I don't like repeating myself but some people are thick. Apparently local bandits most of all. Try anything and it will be your last act."
He has the gag removed but nothing else.
"Now would you like to introduce yourself then explain yourself? Unless you rather just get to the judgement?"
He was not going to very kind to this one. He could care less that she was a woman or sorceress with blood magic like his. He had already witnessed her arrogance and heard of her character. She was sitting in a pit, it was going to take a great deal to climb her way out.
Thomas goes through his morning routine, and then sits in on the trial.
Hadin will survey the prisoners, when the trial begin, offering them a stern look.
There is a time for mercy.
There is a time for justice.
Seeing as Thomas and Hadin have the prisoners covered, Kareta decides to check up on Dmitri before exploring the villiage.
The sorceress regards Tyanos with piercing eyes. She tilts her head, as though trying to measure the merchant's game, the corner of her lips upturned into the slightest of smirks. Amused by some joke only she could hear, a quiet laugh like a soft breeze escapes her.
"Judgement? How banal." She shrugs, a gesture muted by her bondage. "I'll admit I underestimated you. To put down Sneeg without breaking so much as a sweat. Impressive. Perhaps the Stag is not the man destined for greatness in the Greenbelt." She pauses, her smile fading. "I am Sae. For generations this land has lain unclaimed. My blood demands I pledge myself to he that wishes to change that fact, the Iron Stag of the Greenbelt." She meets Tyanos's eyes. "Or so I thought."
Tyanos didn't like that. Someone without loyalties to anyone or anything but their own desires or sense of importance. Amorality was an effective tool but as a way of life it was self destructive not to mention a burden to those around them. Sneeg could have been a result of that as much as his own foolishness. He shakes his head.
"So it was some sort of misguided sense of destiny was it. You murdered and stole for no other reason then to serve a man that you thought was important. If that is all you can offer me then you will never know the fate of the Greenbelt, Little Sae."
At his last words his eyes turn hard. He didn't know if his own blood was reacting to hers but the linnorm with in wanted to devour her for the impudence shown. He pushed it down.
Hadin was checking on the sorceress, trying to sense if she was beyond redemption or not
This is not a joke, Sae. This is judgment, this is time for you to face the consequences of your unlawful acts. Show some humility, if you can, and we will show fairness in our judgment, because we have to. We don't want to act in anger or wounded pride, but we are humans and subject to passions.
Thomas looks at her, and shakes his head as he makes a calming motion to Tyanos.
Miss, I strive to be fair. And as we admitted we are only human, but this trial is to determine whether we think you should live or not.
This is in response to your acts, and not those of everyone else.
So is there anything that you wish to say in your defense
Thomas sits back slightly, and waits for her response.