As Alexander heaves one of the bandit bodies on to the back of a horse, he speaks quietly with Oleg, We can't be sure to catch all the bandits out on the road, so at least one of us will have to remain here to help protect the post. As for him, he indicates Happs with a nods of his head, his punishment is mostly up to you. Thaliar's suggestion is sound. Removing the top two knuckles of the man's right hand will keep him from using a bow, or properly wield a weapon. He'll still be able to work, and he'll still be dangerous if he's not watched, but as a bandit...he'll be much less useful. He grunts with effort as another body is loaded unto the back of the horse. Consistent punishment of this sort will mark criminals for all to know.
He throws a body over the back of a second horse, But it is dangerous to keep him alive. And it's your post that he's been attacking. The choice is yours. I'm sure he'd be happy to help rebuild this place in return for his life, even with half a hand missing. And if we leave someone behind to protect the post, they can also keep an eye on him for you.
With the last of the bodies loaded, Alexander turns to Oleg, We'll be back in a bit. Think about it. He mounts a third horse and waits for Radomir to finish with prisoner, along with anyone else that's planning to join them. Once gathered up, he rides out a short way down the road looking for a proper spot. Long enough that the bodies won't disturb the Post, but close enough to serve as a warning. His usual charming attitude replaced by a serious tone, he sets to work as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Radomir silently mounts Czernabog and follows Alexander from the fort
Andrea will help keep watch on the fort.
You find an area not too far from the trading post where a stand of trees with some nice, sturdy branches are close enough to the road to serve as a good place to hang your warning signs.
Whoever is out there, hanging up the bodies will see a man coming down the road while you are hard at work.
Whoever is left in the trading post can help clean up the mess of battle and keep watch over a tied up Happs as Oleg struggles with the decision of what to do with the bandit.
Radomir lightly taps Alexander on the shoulder and points towards the man in the distance.
"What do you want done with him, Sir?"
Soren trudges through the muddy road, his bow strung and in his hand, an arrow in the other.
No use in being caught off guard... Though I should be coming up on the trading post soon. Best not approach it with a weapon. Especially if they recognize me...
He continues though, as he was, his thoughts turned to how he shall escape Brevoy, where to go, and what exactly to do with his skills.
I would probably be best doing as I did for the guards last year... There was good money in it. And a new city wouldn't recognize me. Indeed, I think tha--
His thoughts are interrupted by the sight of several armored men in the process of hanging corpses from the trees. Bandits, it looks like. He almost takes to the cover on the side of the road, but thinks better of it.
If they've already seen me, that would be suspicious. And I bet those are bandits. Damn, this isn't good...
Instead, he slides the arrow into its quiver and slings his bow over his back.
Hail fellow travelers! I assume I'm on the correct path to Oleg's? I have some supplies to purchase there!
The sight presented to the group is a young man, 21 years of age, wearing a leather tunic and a forest green cloak. A well made longbow is slung over his back, and two quivers hang from his backpack. A rapier is on one hip, and a set of pouches runs around his belt on the other. He approaches amicably, but warily. The sight presented to him has him a bit on edge.
Instead, he slides the arrow into its quiver and slings his bow over his back.
Hail fellow travelers! I assume I'm on the correct path to Oleg's? I have some supplies to purchase there!
One of the men Soren sees is a large muscular man dressed in black leather and wool of a military cut. A black-enameled breastplate is strapped about his chest. Beside him is a fierce warhorse in studded leather barding. The horse bares its teeth at the new arrival.
"Easy Czernabog. Easy!" Radomir drops the dead bandit back in the cart and places his hand on the horse within easy reach of the bardiche strapped to the saddle. "Ho, Friend! Oleg is but a short ride down this road. We just came from there. Once we are done stringing up these bandits, I'm sure we could help you."
Alexander looks down the road where Radomir points, Seems we have travelers already. He smiles as he walks a few feet out to the road to greet the newcomer. We should say hello.
The tall man's hands rest on his sword belt as the traveler approaches. He too seems wary, but his spear remains leaning against the tree and his shield strapped to the horse nearby.
Greetings to you as well, traveler. This is, indeed, the way to Oleg's fine Trading Post. He'll be happy to have customers. He smiles, though his eyes never leave the man. We're headed back that way ourselves if you'd like to ride with us. We have some unpleasant business to attend to, but it shouldn't take much longer. His arm waves to the hanging bodies.
I am Alexander, and this, nodding to the large armored man, is Radomir. He'll introduce any other that came as well. When we get back to Oleg's you can meet everyone and we can all trade stories about why we're out here in the middle of nowhere. Alexander chuckles.
Soren's approach seems a bit calmer when the men hanging the bandits don't seem to realize he himself has been one for the past year, and he smiles.
Well, in that case, need a hand?
His face pales though, when he sees the face of the man Radomir was about to pick up.
Kerric? I wondered where'd you'd disappeared to! A different band? So who did you fall in with...?
Soren looks up at Radomir and Alexander.
So... Are you guys with the guard? These look like bandits.... Any idea which band?
"Their leader was Happs. We're still discussing what to do with him. They attacked Oleg's. They were unsuccessful." Radomir's voice is grim as he picks up another body and strings it from a tree. "These bodies should prove warning enough for anyone who would disrupt the peace."
Happs... I don't remember if he was in Jarek's band with me or not. Times like this kind of make me wish I had a diety... I do not need someone recognizing me in front of a group of bandit killers...
Soren tilts his head at the mention of Happs, and thinks for a moment before speaking.
Hmm... I don't remember that name. I would think I should, though. I know these woods better than anyone else I know. I even did work for the city hunting bandits in these parts for two years. I'm a woodsman and hunter by trade. And whatever I'm hunting depends on who's paying, if you get my drift. Name's Soren Bowman. Pleasure to meet you both.
Radomir's eyes narrow as Soren announces himself a mercenary. A man who claims coin is his master, is a man who can never be trusted. He waits for Alexander to decide the man's fate, however. "I am Radomir Shax, and this is Czernabog." He gives the horse an affectionate pat on the neck.
While the others were stringing up bandits Thaliar stays behind with Oleg and the bandit. The man might want to take out his frustration on the bandit and while that was understandable it also was wrong.
"How much rain do we get here Oleg? If it isn't too bad we could dig a pit to "store" Hopps while we're out. Just throw him some food and a full waterskin every so often. If there's lots of rain it won't work though," Thaliar helps clean up while talking, guiding horses into the stables and removing guts from the floor.
"Oh we get a fair amount of rain here, great for putting things into the ground. I'd promised Svetlana a proper garden when we first got here, but once those bandits started coming around, I didn't want her out there on her own to tend to it. They'd probably have just taken anything we grew anyway. Though now, with all these horses, I can hook one or two up to the plow in the stable and fix her up a proper little field to grow some vegetables in."
"The stable has got two little tackrooms in it and one already has a small cot stored in it. I suppose it could be shored up and fixed with a lock."
Soren nods at the introduction.
A fine steed there. I was hoping to pick up one of my own at Oleg's. Makes traveling a lot easier.
He helps string up the bandits while he talks.
Well, "pick up", steal, whichever is easier, at least.
Andrea will just finish putting everything away as she has no real input right now.
Alexander laughs, Well, if you're looking to hunt bandits you've come to the right place. Come, grab a horse and we'll ride together back to the post. I'm sure Oleg would be happy to meet a new customer. Once they're done with the task of stringing up the bandits, he gestures over to one of the now burden-less horses. Help yourself.
Coincidental timing? Another bandit? Who knows. We'll have to keep him close until we know more about him. Perhaps we can get him to travel with us. If he's one of the bandits, it'd be best not to let him go off to warn them.
Not to hunt bandits, I'm afraid. I'm on my way to Oleg's to purchase enough supplies to make my way out of Brevoy. A new start, and all that.
As he speaks, he swings up onto one of the horses and gives it a pat on the neck.
My thanks for the company on the way to the post, though. Tell me, what brings you fellows to this neck of the woods? Not much out here but bandits and wilderness...
Alexander smiles as he mounts his horse, We can talk about that back at the post. I'm sure the others will want to meet you. You'll have to forgive the mess, Oleg's been cleaning the place up but we had this, his thumb points back over his shoulder at the bandits, to deal with.
But he has enough supplies for anyone looking to head out of Brevoy. This seems like a poor direction for someone to head out on their own though. The Stolen Lands are unsettled for a reason.
Radomir mounts up after Alexander. He keeps a firm hand on his lance, and keeps Soren between him and the bard. The meaning is clear, although he also refrains from directly threatening Soren.
Soren notices the distrust from the large man with the lane, but makes no mention of it. Instead, he makes sure to remain as unthreatening as possible. His hand never goes neR his bow, and he stays the same distance from the two the entire time they ride together. He waits patiently for an answer to his question, never prodding.
"We are here to bring order to this region." Radomir finally intones from his position at the back of the train.
Order? Are you fellows Charter holders then?
Lovely. So they are a threat to me. I best be extra careful...
"I am here, because I am here." Radomir's voice carries the finality and certainty of one speaking from rote, but also that he firmly believes that what he said is an actual answer. "My duty is here." He narrows his eyes at Soren. "My Order compels me to perfect the world by removing its imperfections."
Soren nods at Radomirmd words.
So... It's a "bringing the law to a lawless land" kind of thing?
"Aye.". His face remains grim, despite the conversational. "You said you have done work in this area."
Soren answers Radomir with a small smile.
Indeed. You'd be surprised how many men flee into the Stolen Lands, thinking to brave the danger. I'd say by the time I'd hunted them down, they were glad to be on their way back to the city, in chains or not. I know these woods fairly well as a result.
Charter Holders? Perhaps this is my first stroke of good luck... If I were to be their guide through the wilderness, joining them and helping establish a new kingdom would be much better than fleeing... much better...
After a moment of silent pondering, Soren speaks up again.
Say, if you're here as Charter Holders, you wouldn't happen to need a woodsman, would you?
Yes, indeed, we are the Charter bearers for this section of the Stolen Lands. Alexander laughs as he rides, Those exploring the woods can never have enough woodsmen around. You'll have to meet the others first though. We'll see how everyone gets along.
He shrugs and laughs again, Should be fine though. As long as you buy something, Oleg will like you at least!
Soren laughs with Alexander, and then grows serious.
Well, you'll need someone familiar with this area, for sure. There are worse things than bandits that call this place home. There have been quite a few times I was hunting down a bounty out here and got ambushed by wild animals, or worse, the fey.
He almost shivers at some memory, and then smiles again.
I was on my out of this kingdom, trying to start my life over, when I learned of the Charters. What I would give to be able to help found a new kingdom altogether!
"That it is good you have come to Alexander's service, if he will take you." Radomir never eases his grip on his lance as he talks, and he remains within easy charging range of Soren.
With a new potential friend in tow, Alexander and Rodomir safely return back to Oleg's trading post.
Aside from a few dark stains on the ground, the Post yard looks back to normal. From the stable you can hear the sound horses neighing and a hammer pounding. Oleg comes walking over with a bucket of water in one hand and then pours it over one of the larger, dark stains. "What we really need now is a good rain to wash all this back into the ground. That Merryn fellow is finishing up turning one of the stable tackrooms into a makeshift jail for that Happs fellow for now. At least until we can decide what to do with him permanently I guess. Anyhow, have you lot given much thought yet to what your next steps will be?"
Soren remains quiet as Oleg greets the group, waiting to be introduced. He looks around, trying to gauge the rest of the group and their abilities/personalities.
Dismounting smoothly, Alexander calls out to those in the Post, Seems we've run into a customer of yours on the road Oleg! He indicates Soren with a thumb over his shoulder, This here is Soren, Soren Bowman, and he's looking for a place to pick up some supplies.
He indicates each of his companions as he says their names, That there is Thaliar...Andrea...over there is Eduard and Merryn. And that... he points to the bound man, is Happs.
Oleg there is the owner, you can speak to him about picking up whatever equipment you might need.
Alexander guides his horse and the other that he was leading into the stables. He spends some time taking off their saddles and cleaning them, then returns to the others.
Radomir dismounts and remains silent while the Alexander talks. He stables Czernabog and then helps Alexander take care of the remaining horses. "Sir, Soren could prove useful to you. We do not have a skilled tracker, or bowman. I have some skill in the wilds, but we lack someone who is properly trained at following a trail and sneaking past encampments unawares. Soren has those skills."
When the two are done in the stables, Radomir will silently stand near Alexander to serve as the bard commands.
I believe we should attempt to find the camp of the other bandits and fulfill our charter of exploring the Stolen Lands.
Soren nods to each person in turn, save for Happs. That one he takes a slightly closer look at, and sighs inwardly when he doesn't recognize him.
He doesn't know me... Thank whatever divine is responsible for that!
Then, his thoughts turn to the group of charter holders.
So, now to see if these fine people need my help in their endeavor...
He dismounts as he speaks, casually slinging his pack over his shoulder beside his longbow, and patting down the horse's neck as he speaks.
Aye, as your man Alexander said, my name is Soren Bowman, woodsman and tracker. I was on my way here to resupply for a trip out of Brevoy, but I heard you all were the Charter Holders for this area. I thought I'd offer my services to you all. I'm familiar with this section of the Stolen Lands. I used to hunt down fugitives for the city guard in this area.
His words are calm and relaxed, but a hint of hopefulness finds its way into his voice.
Coming out from hammering in the stable in time to listen to the newcomer, Merryn speaks thoughtfully. "If Soren here is an experienced tracker, then maybe it would be best if I stayed behind here with Oleg. I know we all wouldn't feel quite right about leaving Oleg and Svetlana alone with a prisoner and with the chance of any bandit wandering by to check on things. I can also help with fixing things up a bit."
"It would certainly be a relief to have another body around here to help out. Now that you guys are dealing with the bandit problem, I'm sure to be getting more visitors here and I'd like to have the place looking decent."
Alexander nods in agreement, A fine plan. Oleg will certainly need help defending this place if it's attacked while we're out. He turns and nods to Andrea, and, indeed, our priority should be finding this other bandit camp.
As for Happs, Oleg...have you decided? His gaze travels to Happs and his demeanor grows solemn.
Soren smiles at Alexander and Radomir.
So it's settled then? In that case, I have enough supplies for the journey to wherever this bandit camp is. If Happs here will give me a somewhat detailed location, I can take us there whenever you are ready.
To Oleg, he holds out his hand for a shake and says
Sir Oleg! I plan on leading these fine fellows to the camp of the bandits responsible for what I assume is roughing up your establishment. I was wondering if you have any incendiary arrows? Such things are useful for surprise attacks, and I haven't been able to locate any lately.
He gestures to his quivers on his back, where one quiver contains normal arrows, and the other contains two different kinds. One type are blunt headed arrows, and the other type are wickedly barbed arrows with a hole in the back of the shaft, for attaching rope and entangling foes.
Oleg looks over to Alexander. "I just don't feel right choosing his fate myself. Sure, he wronged me, but he's wronged plenty of other people in his life too. I'd just as soon leave the decision up to you."
Oleg looks over to Soren next to answer his question. "Sorry, but they didn't really care for me keeping weapons on hand and always kept taking anything like that for themselves. I suppose that old hermit Bokken might be able to whip some up, but I've never asked him."
Thaliar nods at the newcomer as he follows. Another woodsman and one that says he hunted brigands. Probably a former brigand himself then, those were the best for that job.
When the talk comes to Happs's fate he does speak up again, "We can still do as I suggested. Mar him and put him to use. With Merryn staying behind that means an extra pair of eyes to keep an eye on him." He then turns to face Happs, "And if you treat him fairly he won't even have a reason to do anything weird. Food, shelter, some time to relax now and then. Maybe he can even earn himself a good bed and his own roof over his head given time and hard work."
Soren tries to recall everything he knows about the hermit Bokken, which isn't much.
Bokken? I've heard a few rumors here and there, but I didn't know he had alchemy skills... That'll be good to know in the future.
To Oleg, Soren smiles and replies.
Ah well. I have plenty enough that I can make do without. It was a shot in the dark anyway, they can be pretty hard to find. you said the hermit could make some, though? I haven't heard much about him, to be honest. He possess alchemy skills?
He then moves over to speak with Alexander.
Alexander, you appear to be the leader of this outfit, so I ask you. How do you want to proceed? Did Happs give up the location of the camp or should I question him for it? Also, should we leave right away or wait?
He said to the south-west I believe.
Soren taps into his knowledge of the area to see if he knows where the bandit camp would likely be, given the direction it's in.
Alexander looks thoughtful concerning Oleg's words, then nods sternly as Thaliar speaks. He turns towards Happs and approaches the man slowly.
Happs, for the crime of banditry, the punishment is death by hanging. However, because of your repentant nature and the aid that you have rendered, you will be granted mercy.
He frowns as he nears the criminal and looks down upon him. Your hand will be maimed and you will never properly hold a bow or weapon again. But you will live. It will be painful. Let this pain remind you of the service you owe.
Alexander rests his hand upon the hilt of his sword, You will serve Oleg here at the Trading Post for as long as it takes to restore it. I expect no more than a year. In return you will be fed and clothed. When finished with this task, you will be released as a free man. He leans in to whisper to the man, But know that if Oleg or his wife come to harm, there is nothing that will stop us from hunting you down. You will not be killed. I'd give you a description of the torture you would endure, but I imagine you can guess for yourself.
The tall man stands up straight, Now prepare yourself. It's best that we do this quickly. Alexander looks towards Andrea. He will need the bleeding to be stopped, can you prepare some bandages? He then nods to Radomir, Hold him.
Alexander proceeds to have Radomir hold the man's hand out over a log and retrieves Happs' own dagger. The work is bloody, but quick. Once finished, he waves his hand slowly over the blade, then over himself, as the blood cleans away. He turns the clean blade over in his hand, then puts it through his belt.
Soren, once he's rested, speak to him about where the camp is. It's already been a long day. The usual smile still missing from his face, We'll leave in the morning, Alexander looks around at the group, Unless anyone thinks that time is of the essence?
Soren nods to Alexander, and goes through his own supplies, making sure he has all he needs, and then spends the rest of the time of Happs' rest tending to the horse he rode in on.
After the former bandit is rested enough to answer his questions, Soren makes his way to his side, and kneels down beside the man.
So, I need a few questions answered, and then you're free to begin your new life as an honest man. I need to know where your encampment is, who they follow, and if there is any information you can give me that will aid in a surprise assault. And I wouldn't lie about anything, I'm pretty sure that big fellow with the horse would be quite unhappy if you did.
Andrea bandages up the hand, making sure it is properly done but not wasting her blessings on him.
Happs tries to submit to the punishment as stoically as possible, telling himself that missing bits of a couple fingers was much preferable to missing ones head. Though he can't hold in the scream of pain as the digits are severed from his hand and blood squirts out before they are bandaged.
Though he is still in quite a bit of pain, Happs tries to answer the questions put forth by Soren. "I told em, it's the Thorn River Camp. Got it's name cause that's where it is. All you gotta do is head on down south west until you come to the river and then follow it to the camp. Barely a quarter mile from where the river first enters the forest from the grassland. You can either cross the grassland till you hit the river and enter that way or go a little more west than south into the forest, hit the river and follow it down that way. As long as you are on the river, you can't miss the camp."
"The camps leader is Kessle, though she follows the Stag Lord. As for surprising the camp, I can't think of anything that would help you to do that. They usually set out a watch around the perimeter of the camp. Four total, one at each end of the river and the one at either side in the woods."