Baleson avoids casting his eyes towards Jalene and the magistrate.
"Harg could go either way," the sheriff says in a low, hoarse whisper. "He's in Kreed's pocket and terrified of the man, but he also hates him something fierce. He'll work against Kreed, but only if he knows he can get away without repercussions. I think that's what Jalene's counting on: spooking Harg into giving her a loophole."
The talk of hags and harpies sets Baleson's face into a grim mask of concern. The notion clearly worries him.
"I don't think the Vale's had to deal with something like that since the Harpy-Hag Massacre of 4603, and the beasts were only kept at bay once one of the old Larko clan's sons was married off to one of the daughters of the Great Witch of the Forest. If those creatures are pressing upon the town again...calling for aid from the Diamond Regiment may be our only hope."
It is clear that Sheriff Baleson does not make this recommendation lightly. As Wulf can attest, the stubbornly independent Valers don't care much for the army presence in the region. The soldiers know they're not welcome, and for their part, they only come this far north to escort convoys of precious darkwood.
"The Gleaming Tower sits just east of Olfden, about ten leagues south from here."
"Ten leagues south. We can do that. Will Sheriff be safe until we return?"
"Also, would like to learn more about this Great Witch marriage. Perhaps this would be of use in current situation."
"Any more information about the marriage would be useful. Perhaps it might lead to someone that we could talk to. I know hags aren't the nicest of people and it would be prudent to at least try and solve this without bloodshed. Though since I only just arrived it may be too late for that all ready."
"Hags, mayhap not, but witches are perfectly fine arcane types. although they have a rather odd way of learning spells," says Kit.
"...however, my friends, this marriage would be a century past now. It's quite likely that the romance has ended."
Kit arches an eyebrow. "Well, and here I was looking for lodging. We should leave forthwith, then? How do we travel?"
I have heard that some bards can sing a protective countersong that will protect from harpies but my mother never taught me how to do that.
"Those hard times were all well before my time," the sheriff says. "In fact, there's no one left around who lived through the Massacre. You'd have better luck finding folks 'blowing cinders' at Jak'a'napes, sharing the the old stories passed down by their grandparents."
When Boggel asks about the sheriff's safety, Baleson squares his shoulders and crosses his arms.
"Friends, I've been keeping my face out of the sawdust long before you came around," he calmly boasts. "I'm not about to let any of Kreed's goons put a bolt in my back now."
To reach Olfden safely, Sheriff Baleson suggests traveling with Ayda Vorshin.
"Once she's unloaded her cargo and received her payment, she might spend a single night carousing at Jak'a'napes or the Rouge Lady, but she'll be keen to get back on the road south pretty quick."
"Oh, splendid. She loves Freyja and me to death," says Qitaba with a chuckle. "Well, she'll love our gold at least. Let's go find her. Jak'a'napes first?"
"And where are you all housed? If dear Vorshin is staying a night, I wouldn't mind sleeping in a bed and washing up."
"If we are heading south I have some things I have to take care of. The farm can't run itself while I am gone. I'll see you all in the morning" Wulf says as he begins to head out to his farm and set everything up for his departure.
I am not sure its a good idea to split up now Sir Wolf. How about we all go help you with the farm?
"We have to find Vorshin," reminds Kit. "That shouldn't take long."
"Well got to feed and water, talk to the neighbors or find someone willing to do a bit of work while I am out. Tend the plants, make sure the guests are fine. You know the usual"he says looking at Freyja like she was daft.
And these enemies could find you there while you are alone doing these chores. Freyja patiently explains. But it is your neck Sir Wolf. I’ll not force my company upon you.
"I understand that but if I don't tend to it no one will. Tis a hard job but one I have done. In earnest, its tis the only source of freshwater and my crop helps feed the people here without it being the spoiled scraps Kreed and his men want." Wulf says as he sighs.
"This place is my home, and I have worked that land since I left the military. I have used it to help as much as I can, unfortunately, the dam has broken and I must fight. So I need to make sure it stays up and running for when I return, and when the town returns to normal I'll be able to return to doing what I love and that's working the land to feed the people I care for" He says looking at her with a fiery passion. It was odd but the man did love working the land.
Sheriff Baleson and Deputy Splint remain at the Tribunal to keep an eye on both Jalene and the magistrate, ensuring that neither of them get up to any "funny business." The sheriff dispatches his other two deputies, Corin and Daphne, to escort Wulf back to his farm.
Nevertheless, if Baleson feels the need to send deputies alongside you as an escort, you take that as a clear sign that he, like Miss Freyja, is concerned about your safety.
At Jak'a'Napes, you find that Vorshin has already reserved three rooms at the inn: one for her, and two for her guards and porters to share. However, none of them are presently at the inn. The proprietor, Jak Crimmy, tells you - with a roll of his eyes - that they're all raising hell over at the Rouge Lady just outside of town.
Kit shrugs as Wulf leaves. "He seems rooted to the soil," he says noncommittally. At Jak's, Kit inquires about rooms for himself and other newcomers (such as Freyja), and then twirls his finger and prepares for an about-face off to the Rouge Lady.
"When we see Vorshin, she'll probably need us to buy an extra drink," he jokes to Freyja.
" Hmm... If you ever need tips for growing plants I'll be happy to help under less pressing circumstances. ", she says to Wulf.
Kit turns around, a few paces into his march to the Rouge Lady. "Hello? Sabah al kheir? Let's get moving, you slowpokes! Poorly appointed tarts and ill prepared brews await us! If there's one thing I know about rouges, it's that they'll pick your pocket, haha."
Boggel appreciates Wulf's sense of duty, and his love of the land. He has chosen well to trust in this one.
As for this Rouge Lady... he turns to Kit with a curious look on his face. "Why would we want an ill-prepared brew? And what is a poorly appointed tart? Is that a pastry of some kind?"
"Is it a poison?," Teasel chimes in following in Boggel's confusion.
As you pass the eastern gate in the town's palisade, you can already hear the waves of raucous sounds emanating from the Rouge Lady. The gambling hall sits among a cluster of leaning shanties and shacks. The whitewash peels from the thick pine planks in long strips.
In sharp contrast to the warehouse-like exterior, the interior of the Rouge Lady is draped with genuine silk. The curtains screening the windows tint the sunlight creeping in from outside, leaving the hall shaded in reds and oranges. More such veils obscure the rooms at the back, and occasionally a comely woman escorts a burly patron into those hidden places.
You find Vorshin and her caravaneers inside, shoulder-to-shoulder with loggers, hunched over bare tables hosting dice and card games. The centerpiece of the gambling hall floor is a broad circular saw with large, dull teeth mounted atop a board. Daring gamblers take turns taking chances spinning the saw, hoping one of its red-painted teeth lands favorably for them.
The air is thick with sound, and sour with the smell of watery ale.
The dwarf has a bit of a frown on his face as he approaches the Rouge Lady. With a sigh of resignation he loosens his face and sets his jaw.
”Wonderful. Well this is the place then. Let’s talk to this Vorshen you’ve told me about and let’s secure passage.”
”Oh! And I forgot to tell ye. We rescued some women that might have wound up here as sex slaves, or at least bar girls—if they were lucky I might add! There are some in this town with sick appetites. Anyway. I just wanted to explain to ya’ why Wulf was also so keen to make it back to his farm.”
Another thought crosses the dwarfs face.
”Heh! Except it isn’t even as simple as that. I’ll have to tell ya the rest later.”
Kit's eyebrows threaten to climb into his hair. "And these women are at his farm...?"
Kit walks up to Vorshin's side, carefully.
"Ah, Vorshin, if I can intrude for a moment. We have a well-paying transport job for you. We have around eight people to take to Olfden--a prisoner and a witness to report to the Gleaming Tower. We can all pay well."
He waits for a reply, knowing that Vorshin got tired of his flowery effusiveness on the way north.
And is still not in Vorshin's good graces...
Teasel looks at the half-orc and says,"Yes. It shouldn't be much of a problem and we pay well....."
Looking about awkwardly quietly whispers to Kit,"How much gold is well? I don't usually spend any gold."
Boggel has never seen such furnishings. He's seen bars before, sure, but nothing with silk drapery. He may or may not be aware of what the job of the doxies are. He's clearly curious about the gambling. He's seen card games and dice, but the saw wheel is beyond him. He whispers a string of questions at Helgrim. "What are they doing?" he asks pointing to the wheel. "How does that work? Where are they going? Where are the pastries?" The last question seems to be the most important.
"She can name her price, Teasel," says Kit through gritted teeth. Splendid, a fetching oracle and a master orator trip over their own tongues talking to a half-orc ferry-person. Well done, Kit. Mutaqin.
The caravaneer looks up from her dice table with a sneer on her face, but then turns back to the game when the other players demand her roll. She tosses in a silver then rolls two dice. One of her opponents roars with delight and begins raking the pool of coppers, silvers, and golds towards him.
Vorshin leans back with a low growl, then aims a sidelong glance at you.
"To Olfden, then?" she says in a low voice before pausing to think. "Five crowns per head, and I'll get you there safely."
Why do we need her again? Freyja asks the group.
"The sharif suggested it," says Kit.
"We're taking the perpetrator to a neutral third party. The reason we need her help is that the path to the third party is relatively dangerous which is why the snake organization is able to influence this town so easily. I think.... Also a crown? I thought we paid with gold pieces."
The dwarf is distracted a bit by the grippli’s questions and he tries to answer them quickly as he knows the scene must be alien to his amphibian like ally.
”Ummm, well you see, it’s a game of chance. There are, I don’t know?! Like 200 teeth on that saw. Anyway, you take your coins and try to guess what tooth will stop at that point there. If you pick the right one you get more coins. If you pick wrong, 199 times out of 200 you will, the establishment keeps your money. There might be a variation of the game too like, every other tooth you get a tiny payout, but if the saw stops on a missing tooth the establishment keeps the money.”
”It’s another one of those human things. Me, I’d rather keep my gold thanks. At least with cards there is some strategy and MUCH better odds. But say you can turn a copper into a gold, maybe I’d take a few spins, especially if you are desperate. For some in here a chance to turn a copper into gold is probably their only chance at it, but a 1 in 200 chance.”
”Odds are always in the favor of the establishment, but it’s s 1 in 200 chance better that what most in this town get.”
The dwarfs eyebrows draw in suspicion.
”Hold off on the drinkin and eatin for now Boggel. We don’t need any more of us poisoned.”
The dwarf watches the interaction between Kit, Teasel and Ayda. He was concerned with the amount of information given out, but it was now too late to worry about it. He figured he’d better jump into the negotiation now that the introduction had been made.
”Bah! 5 crowns a head? With my companions and my axe added to your caravan, ye should be payin us, but this town does have a dearth of boats, horses or wagons so you’ve got us in a tight spot.”
There is a twinkle in the dwarfs eye.
”I can fix and repair yer equipment while enroute, we are fighters not cargo and can carry our weight, and I can pay you 2 crowns a head here and now for the group. What do you think?”
”Oh, and I’m Helgrim Ironstar by the way. Pleased to meet your aquantince.”
My dwarven friend is correct. We are not your normal less than useful passengers. You may very well need our skills on the trek. How about 3 gold each? Agree and I will even entertain on the trip. Freyja sayss with a dazzling smile.
The caravaneer smiles arrogantly as the Ulfin bard talks up the price from her dwarven friend. Vorshin is not a fan of Freyja's singing, but she recognizes how it will boost the morale of her men.
"I think we have a deal," she says. "Three gold per person, and I'll even feed you."
She turns an appraising but haughty eye upon Helgrim.
"You talk a good game, dwarf. I'm almost eager to see your strength at arms. If we get ambushed by some Blastwaters, I'll stand right behind you and let you have at them."
She grabs a mug of ale right from the hands of the man beside her. He looks forlorn but offers no objection, suggesting he is one of her hired men. Vorshin downs the drink, wipes her mouth with her forearm, then speaks again.
"We'll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning. The nightlife in this sawdust-choked town isn't bad," she says, looking around the gambling hall, "But by day this place has all the appeal of a kobold's anus, so I see no need to hang around."
In a passable mix Orcish and Taldane, Kit says, "Smell is in the nose of the beholder." He chuckles. "We'll be back here soon enough. A fair price, Vorshin."
”What the!? Fine, 3 It is, food included and all, but at least buy me a drink after the arse reaming you and Freyja just gave me!”
The dwarf grumbles.
”I hope yer singin is better than your negotiation skills.”
He slaps his money pouch down in front of the half-orc.
”Tell me more about what lies between us and our destination if you would.”
The dwarf plops down in a “ready to hear war stories” kind of way.
"Darkmoon Plain is 30 miles of nothing...as long as you know the road like I do," the half-orc caravaneer says with the same devilish smile that Kit and Freyja remember when setting out with Vorshin the first time.
"The earth is angry on either side of the road, rife with mudpots and geysers, and hot springs that'll boil a man alive in seconds. The northern stretch of road also passes by the bones of Northsap and Falconridge, the logging towns that came before this one. They're haunted by ghouls and ghosts, and only crazed kobolds or goblins bother to squat in those abandoned places. Of course, that don't mean those nasty sorts don't occasionally stray close to the road and pick off luckless travelers."
Vorshin's eyes roam across the party and the other locals around the dice table, looking for signs that her words are succeeding in spreading fright. A couple gamblers raise their mugs and try to quaff away their rising superstitions, eliciting a smile from Vorshin and encouraging her to continue.
"The Diamond Regiment doesn't bother coming this far north, unless there's a caravan of darkwood that needs escorting. They usually leave it to adventurers to scour those ruins. Of course, I hear the last few bunches never came back. Oh well.
"South of the crossroads in the middle of the plains, watched by Fort Riven, things aren't any safer. Closer to the Arthfell, you're more likely to run into holdovers from the Goblinblood War and, of course, werewolves - including the surviving silverbloods!"
Rather than frightened, Boggel appears enraptured at the half-orc's description. It's not the danger he's interested in, but the description of the terrain. He's never seen geysers or hot springs, though he has heard of them. Plus he's never had any experience with ghosts (the spirits of the ancestors, perhaps, but not ghosts). And then she mentions the werewolves.
"Excuse me, but what is a 'where wolv'? And why is their blood silver? That sounds very inconvenient."
The dwarf grins.
”Sounds like job security.”
Aye Helgrim. It does sound like we will be needed, no?
Kit waggles his fingers and smiles, nodding. "Caravan guarding--a specialty of mine."
"You're paying for dependability," Vorshin boasts, making a rude gesture towards a server to call for a fresh mug. "The only way to travel through the Vale any safer is to be a pile of darkwood and get an army escort. There aren't any bandits or goblins that'd dare attack my wagons."
Vorshin's eyebrows shift as she seems to contemplate something. She turns to Kit and Freyja with an arrogantly appraising look.
"But didn't I just bring you two to town? And you're leaving already? You must make enemies fast. Can't say I'm surprised," she says with an amused smile.
Escorted by Deputies Corin and Daphne, Wulf returns home and finds it much as he left it, much to his relief. There is no evidence that any Consortium strongarms, fey nasties, harpy beasties, or any other dangers visited in his absence.
Solana sits on a rock in the pasture, keeping an eye on the animals she's let out to graze. Closer to the farmhouse, Olga is wandering through the crops. Although her hands are caked in dirt, suggesting she tried her hand at helping weed and tend the plants, she is currently curiously examining the Fangberry sprigs so recently transplanted from the darkwood grove.
Within the farmhouse, Izbeth sits idly in a chair, thumbing through one of the few books she found on a shelf.
Trying to be friendly Freyja chooses not to rebut the caravan leader, a sharp quip freezing in her mouth. She only smiles pleasantly and adds I will ready to depart on time.
"Sounds like we signed on with the right outfit then Vorshin! With that I think we will leave you to your well earned evening of leasure and will see you in the morning. Good night."
The drawf raps his knuckles on the table and gets up to leave.
as he heads out he says to the others.
"Lets make a swing past Jackanapes on the way back. We need to get Boggel some provisons."
"Of course, I will gladly share, my friends," Boggel says. As they walk out, he adds, "I can also help find out where the wolves are, if they're curious."
Teasel looks kind of awkwardly at Boggel and says,"I don't think those are the wolves your thinking off.."
Wulf looks at the young ladies and then to Daphne."We saved them from Bloodeye, I couldn't let them go back into town and I feared for their safety on the road. I am gonna talk to them and tell them what is going on and what I want them to do. I would if you don't mind to watch them if they decide to stay" He says as he walks over to Solana.
"Me and me companions are gonna be heading south to talk t' the Diamond Regiment. Things in town are getting hectic, I am hoping you'll hole up here and help tend to the animals. The food and what not is yours, as are the weapons to defend it. I'm hoping Daphne will come to look after ye and help ye with weapons training.That is if you want to stay, if not avoid the town and head down the road, try to link up with a caravan. I don't wanna see you dead for my ignorance. Okay stay safe."
To Olga he smiles as he crouches down and tends to the Fangberry."Fangberry, local weed makes a potent medicine that helped keep the commonfolk alive and well when the rich bought all the herbal concoctions so they could sell it for triple. Olga, Me and me companions are leavin' if you wish t' stay you may. Please feel free to make yourself at home, just make sure you take care of my home and lively hood.'Tis weapons in the barn to defend the place and if you do have t' leave avoid the town and head south along the road.Don't let me find you dead okay. Also I am hoping Daphne here will come and check on the farm and help train you guys in the basics okay"
Finally inside he looks to Izbeth "We are leaving to get justice. I know its sudden but we are looking for aid form the Diamond Regiment. I am hoping Daphne here will come by to help look after the place and train you girls. Weapons are in barn and make yourself at home. If you have to flee head south along the road and avoid the town." He says as he goes to his closet of a room, overturns his cot of a bed and pulls out his old uniform, his old boots and his medals. He dresses and heads back towards the town knowing all too well where he was going. His cloak wrapped about him and his hat left behind he heads back with Daphne and Corin in tow.
"Thought I'd be done with this uniform but it seems it might be needed again." He says as he leaves ready to go to a different sort of war. One where he would make sure Andors principles and spirit is defended properly and not swayed with coin.
After a bit of distance from the farm, he looks to Daphne."Do you want to talk about it now? As I am unsure as to how fast all these threads with unraveling and whether I will live through them all. I will say that I have fancied you for some time, and thought that maybe you fancied me too?"