There's still a lot of light left in the day. I'd prefer to use it, and leave our "friend" to his task
Looking to the sky Bein feels the burn of embarrassment as he realize's its still fairly early in the day. He lifts his visor open and gives a another small chuckle at his mistake. "I have been known to be wrong before." He smiles broadly as he repositions himself in his saddle. "I guess I should stick to fighting bandits and training horses telling the time is for those of more scholarly pursuits. I'm ready to be off again whenever you are friends. He gives a quick salute and shuts his visor.
Jack gives Bein a slight smile. "Your visor perhaps shades you too much from the sun, Sir Bein."
"Our thanks for your time and knowledge, goodman. We shall be on our way. May the Nine look with favor on you this day."
Jack gives Bein a slight smile. "Your visor perhaps shades you too much from the sun, Sir Bein."
Why, Jack, that was rather wry of you! Is the tortoise coming out of his shell a little bit?
Jack gives Bein a slight smile. "Your visor perhaps shades you too much from the sun, Sir Bein."Why, Jack, that was rather wry of you! Is the tortoise coming out of his shell a little bit?
Jack studies his feet shyly in response. (But you might see a bit of a smirk there, that he is trying to hide.)
Bein chuckles lightheartedly at Jacks most wry and good humored comment. "Perhaps your right Jack, this visor does obscure my vision but it can't be helped. For now though at least there is still plenty of daylight left for a ride in the country."
The trapper grunts a terse goodbye as you ride onwards the cart's wheels sticking in the mud of the fast-flowing stream but coming loose as the horses strain to pull it out. The trapper stands and watches until you pass over the crest of the hill. You continue on your journey northwards until eventually the sun starts to creep towards the horizen.
Jack looks about with a terse frown. He is anxious to return but has no desire to push tired animals too far.
He also considers: if more rain is to come, it would be better to move on. If not, travel tomorrow might be easier with a slightly drier path.
He briefly expresses these thoughts in as few words possible, ending with, "What say you all?"
"If there is no pressing need to be back at Master Oleg's, I suggest we set up camp for the night. I doubt he or Mistress Lana would appreciate us rousing them in the middle of the night."
Bein considers for a moment whether a forced march onwards or another night in the glorious open was best. Unable to decide, he shrugs as he says musingly "It matters not to me friends, whether or not we arrive late this night or early in the morning. I foresee a victory feast in our near future, much to Master Olegs delight and despair~" He gives a hearty laugh at the thought of Oleg's face as he is delighted at the thought of the bandit menace being quelled and then the despair of his pockets getting lighter because of his most honorable wifes generosity.
"Although I think I will pitch in some so the poor merchant isn't eaten out of house and home by us vagabonds." He raps on lower part of his armor and laughs at the resounding echo of metal on metal. "Ya see, I am famished and most likely I will cause the greater share of the damage when we raid the pantry!" As Bein chuckles, Arundel huffs loudly rolling his great eyes as he seems to be annoyed at Bein 's weak attempt at humor.
"All right, let's find a place to stop. But I want everyone to be on their toes tonight. I don't like staying in the open with such a wagonload."
Quickly marshalling his features and focusing back on the task at hand, Bein nods in acknowledgment to Lord Finnabar's command. He keeps his wits about him as they continue to ride and assist's in setting up the camp and picket line for the horses once they find a suitable place to stop.
Just as the sun is setting, lighting up the western sky over the mountains in a gorgeous display of red and orange light, you manage to find a campsite amongst a copse of small Silverbark trees. Each of you go about your usuall tasks and before long a fire crackles in the firepit surrounded by your tents, the cart, and the horses. The night is warm and the sound of crickets in the undergrowth lends a pleasent background to Xerafine's evening prayers.
7th Day of Pharast
The 7th dawns with a few whispy white clouds high in the sky above the mountains, you pack up the tents and load the cart and continue on your way towards the trading post. Travel is easy as the ground firms up as it rises towards the western mountains and before long you site Oleg's trading post in the distance. As you draw closer you can see a new lean-to structure has been begun on the eastern outside of the post's walls and a flag, unidentifiable from this distance flutters from a new flagpole next to the gate.
With his own pennon flying in the gentle breeze Bein is caught off-guard by the sudden change at Olegs. Keeping his emotion's in check, Bein's mind mulls over the possibilities. With a grim determination he tightens the strap on his shield and adjusts his position in the saddle as he prepares for combat.
"I'm not sure what has happened here but I hope for Master Oleg and Lady Lana's safety, perhaps these are reinforcements they were expecting." As if feeding off of Bein's emotions, Arundel seems to tense up and looks in the direction of his rider as Bein adjusts his hold on his lance.
Without a second thought Bein readies himself just in case they are set upon and keeps his shield raised slightly in preparation to block the first volley.
Xarafine shields her eyes against the morning sun and tries to make out the banner, or uniformed men moving around the area.
"Can anyone see the banner clearly? I can't make it out, but if someone could describe it to me, I might be able to tell if they are friend or foe."
[b]"If someone had taken this fort, they would not start by building something outside its walls. Let's go forwards and have a look. Anyways, we should be able to see what that flag looks like before getting into arrow or bolt range."[b]
If no one disagree, Finnabar motions the party forwards.
"If someone had taken this fort, they would not start by building something outside its walls. Let's go forwards and have a look. Anyways, we should be able to see what that flag looks like before getting into arrow or bolt range."
If no one disagree, Finnabar motions the party forwards.
They wouldn't start by building outside, but they would start by raising a flag, if they thought they had the right of rule. This introduction probably won't be dangerous, but I doubt it will be comfortable either.
Jack nods in agreement with Volpe.
He squints at the flag as they ride closer, trying to get a better look at it. Perhaps the elven eyesight he inherited from his unknown ancestors will be of use.
Bein maintains his position at the head of the group as they move toward the Trading Post and he mentally prepares himself for possible hostilities. Not focusing much on the flag, he watches the gate and battlements for movement.
As you draw closer the flag becomes identifiable as the flag of Restov - A White Eagle silhouetted over a red sun on a white field. Standing on the fort's walls you can make out two figures wearing the Light-blue coats of the Vithanian army, as you approach one of the figures gestures towards your party, appearing to be talking to someone within the compound.
Bein lowers his shield and looks to be at ease, he sticks close to Lord Finnabar and Teacher Xarafine as best he can. He keeps his lance raised and allows his heraldry to fly proudly in this beautiful day.
Bein chuckles at Volpe's statement before adding his own in a calm and measured voice "I Care not what flag they fly, Lord Finnabar is our patron, and their hold in this region is tenuous at best. Besides that no one, man nor woman, will get near Lord Finnabar or our Teacher so long as they carry a blade."
Xarafine surveys the outpost, then turns to Finnabar.
"I suppose we should introduce ourselves to the company commander, Captain, and make certain that Master Oleg and Mistress Lana's hospitality has not been ill-used."
Finnabar snorts at Volpe comment and in a voice he tries to keep as stern as possible.
"You can count yourself lucky we are not in the army, Volpe. That would be insubordination and close to treason if I remember well some of the officers I met when I was younger. But instead of one of these, you have me. Which means you are double lucky."
He pauses a moment, staring at Volpe and when he speaks again his tone is lighter and almost merry.
"Because, with me, you're going to visit new places, meet new people and try very hard not to kill them unless necessary. But more over, you will learn lots of things you've never dreamt of learning. Starting today. In the Vithanian army, lame personnel - or lame ex-personnel - are dispensed of saluting. Further more, you do not salute all the flags hanging here and there, otherwise you'll just spend your day doing that. But the most important thing is, what we have is a right of exploration, the right to pay ourselves whith our findings, and the promise of a 400 sovereign bonus if we remove bandit activity. Which I'm not sure we have fully done yet. So the person carrying our paycheck right now is the one driving the cart. So we should all be saluting you."
and he dissolves into fits of laughter.
Xarafine surveys the outpost, then turns to Finnabar.
"I suppose we should introduce ourselves to the company commander, Captain, and make certain that Master Oleg and Mistress Lana's hospitality has not been ill-used."
Regaining his usual serious air, Finnabar replies:
"You're right, Teacher, let's meet them and inquire about their mission. If they are sent to protect the outpost, it will be easier for us to explore with a safe base camp here."Finnabar urges his horse forwards towards the fort.
"So the person carrying our paycheck right now is the one driving the cart. So we should all be saluting you."
and he dissolves into fits of laughter.
Or perhaps the horse. He's the one doing the real work. You had me worried for a moment, sir. All right, then. I will try to keep a more serious attitude in from of the military folks. If it look like we're having too much fun, they might want in on it.
But Volpe does indeed put on a more serious demeanor.
As far as getting paid is concerned, I wouldn't be surprised if some of our plunder is Oleg's merchandise to begin with. He seems a fairly honorable man. If he recognises some items, do we believe him and simply return them? I think that would be right, if you think we can believe him.
Jack pipes in softly. "Oleg and Lana have shown us great generosity when they had nothing. I doubt they will suddenly become greedy."
Bein chuckles as he turns to salute Teacher Xarafine, while looking totally ridiculous twisted like he is in all that armor. "Between having a firm hold on the pay and the good thwacking she gives out-of-line degenerates, like ourselves, perhaps saluting her would be in our best interest... and good health. His chuckle becomes a light laugh for a moment.
He listens intently to the conversations going on and nods in agreement to Jack and Volpe, his voice is solemn when he replies. "More then likely some of this is their lost goods and returning these goods is reward enough for our services. Besides... we came out on top compared to those who tried to profit by exploiting these innocent traders and even gathered enough gear to arm a small militia. Hopefully, because of our deeds, we have a place we can call hearth and home for a time without reservations."
You ride towards the trading post under the watchful gaze of the two lookouts as you draw nearer you can hear the sound of hammering from the half-built lean-to and can see two shirtless men working on the structure. As you pass by they briefly look up before returning to their work.
As you approach the gates of the trading post Oleg runs up to greet you, wearing a broad grin.
"Ahh, my friends, you return at last. We were so worried and what is all this?" he gestures at the cart "I see that you must have been successful! Ahh, but come in, you must be tired. And you must meet the Lieutenant - he arrived just the day after you left with these soldiers. Lana'll be glad to see you, she's just preparing some food. Come. Sit-down."
With that he gestures towards the courtyard tables.
Bein opens his visor, a large smile on his young face, as he sits his saddle completely at ease after seeing Master Oleg is well. "I will let Lord Finnabar and our Brave Teacher explain the details Master Oleg, I'm glad to see you and Lady Lana are unharmed in our absence. I was wondering if we were going to have to lay seige to this fort to recover you!" He chuckles briefly as he set's his lance down in its holder and dismounts.
He stands at attention watching these newcomers carefully while he awaits Finnabar and his comrades to dismount. As they dismount he takes the horses to the stables, except for Arundel. Arundel's training ensure's that when Bein doesn't have hold of his reins that the powerful warhorse remains in place until commanded to act.
Once everything is settled he joins everyone where in the courtyard.
Xarafine surveys the post and the men working. She also watches Oleg and Lana's behavior. She keeps her expression even.
Hy:
Xarafine is cautious, and wants to make sure everything is as is appears.
Does anything seem wrong?
Is Master Oleg putting on a facade, or is he genuinely happy these men are here?
"It seems that the Nine smile upon you, Master Oleg. The bandit Kressele will no longer trouble you, and it appears that your post will be in good repair within a fortnight."
Jack's face notably relaxes when he sees Oleg and Lana, and he smiles at them but emits no verbal greeting.
As always he stays on the alert for trouble, but Oleg's happy demeanor puts him somewhat at ease.
He offers to help Bein with the horses as they have many of them, and joins them at the table after they are done, quietly pouring himself a drink as soon as he sits.
Nothing seems wrong - the uniforms are (so far as you can tell) genuine, and the soldiers seem to be acting as you would expect.
Oleg's not fearfull of the soldiers but he doesn't seem happy that they're here, nor does he seem particularly upset though. - More resigned to the situation.
"It seems that the Nine smile upon you, Master Oleg. The bandit Kressele will no longer trouble you, and it appears that your post will be in good repair within a fortnight."
"Well that is good news, oh, but i never had any doubt that you'd succeed. The journey? I trust you were able to find shelter from that horrible storm?"
Soon Lana emerges from the house with platters of food and wine she hurries accross the courtyard with them and expertly deposites them on the table before bustling over to Xerafine and giving her an enveloping hug. Just as she starts to talk, the door to the storage shed swings open and a tall, slim man with a small neat goatee beard and wearing the light-blue jacket of the Vithanian Guard trimmed with the red of a Lieutenant, approaches you.
"Well then. You'd be the explorers then?" he says with a smiile. "Let me introduce myself. I am Lieutenant Kesten Garess of the Eagle Guard. May I join you?"
The name seems familier and, searching your memory you can recall a scandal when an affair between a noble called Kesten Garess and a lowborn woman named Tania, a weaver’s daughter, became public knowledge. His father Evan,a cousin of the Garess family patriarch, disowned him.
You ride towards the trading post under the watchful gaze of the two lookouts as you draw nearer you can hear the sound of hammering from the half-built lean-to and can see two shirtless men working on the structure. As you pass by they briefly look up before returning to their work.
As you approach the gates of the trading post Oleg runs up to greet you, wearing a broad grin.
"Ahh, my friends, you return at last. We were so worried and what is all this?" he gestures at the cart "I see that you must have been successful! Ahh, but come in, you must be tired. And you must meet the Lieutenant - he arrived just the day after you left with these soldiers. Lana'll be glad to see you, she's just preparing some food. Come. Sit-down."
With that he gestures towards the courtyard tables.
"Thanks for your welcome, master Oleg. As you can see, we've put an end to this group of bandit's actions. And we've brought back everything we found at their camp. When we have finished here, you're welcome to come and identify what they stole you."
Limping forwards, Finnabar reaches the table and takes a seat. Once there, he looks around for the Lieutenant and introduces himself.
"We are glad for your company, Lieutenant. I am Finnabar d'Orlovsky, head of this little group. We have been charged of a mission by the governor. I hope you're the reinforcement sent here to secure the outpost. It will make our work easier and ease our worries for master Oleg security here."
Jack's face notably relaxes when he sees Oleg and Lana, and he smiles at them but emits no verbal greeting.
As always he stays on the alert for trouble, but Oleg's happy demeanor puts him somewhat at ease.
He offers to help Bein with the horses as they have many of them, and joins them at the table after they are done, quietly pouring himself a drink as soon as he sits.
Bein accepts the help with much cheer and since he has an extra hand he removes the saddles and makes the draught beasts even more comfortable. Although it is apparent that Bein is somewhat nervous of the newcomers and seems to be moving hastily.
Once he finishes with the draught beasts he moves out to the courtyard and finds Finnabar already talking to the lieutenant. He quietly gets into position near Finnabar's side and remains standing, as he watches their surroundings carefully.
The name of the man before them is unfamiliar to him but seeing that Finnabar is at ease, Bein finally seems to relax some and keeps a more casual stance near Finnabar. Once he is done speaking with Kesten, Bein removes his helm and gives the lieutenant a salute respectfully. In Illisarni: "My name is Bein'Meleth Rámalóce, Initiate of the Order of the Sword, it's good to see that Master Oleg and Lady Lana are in good hands. Let me know if I can lend assistance in getting the fort back up to snuff. If Lord Finnabar doesn't mind, we have a work horse we rescued from the bandits. Its has some fine flanks and a solid frame, it is a hearty beast. I can assure you it can help pull some logs to help replace the rotten sections of the wall."
Soon Lana emerges from the house with platters of food and wine she hurries accross the courtyard with them and expertly deposites them on the table before bustling over to Xerafine and giving her an enveloping hug.
It's a blessing for us that the bandits never seemed to find the larder. Mistress Lana always has such a wonderful repast!
Limping forwards, Finnabar reaches the table and takes a seat. Once there, he looks around for the Lieutenant and introduces himself."We are glad for your company, Lieutenant. I am Finnabar d'Orlovsky, head of this little group. We have been charged of a mission by the governor. I hope you're the reinforcement sent here to secure the outpost. It will make our work easier and ease our worries for master Oleg security here."
"It is good to meet you Mr d'Orlovsky. Yes, my men and I have been posted here to guard the trading post as a secure stopping point for caravans travelling from the Kingdoms to Restov, but also to patrol the road in this area. As you know there has been trouble with bandits in these parts and the Swordlords consider that a military presence on the road might go some way to ensuring the safe flow of traffic upon it."
he pauses and then replies to Bein,
"My men and I have everything under control," he says "but I thank you for the offer nontheless. I would hate to delay your exploration of these lands, and in any case, the work is good for them.
I'm relieved to see you and your men, lieutenant. We were worried about double duty, keeping a guard on the fort, and chasing down the threats.
In lieu of attempting a military salute, Volpe tips his hat and offers the lieutenant a handshake, with a hopeful glance at Finnabar.
"Good to know we have more capable men on the front. Gods know we need them." With a final salute to Kesten he turns and sees the food Lana has so graciously brought out, Bein gives a hearty laugh at Volpe's comment about the Larder. He bows respectfully and moves out of Lana's way as she goes about setting the food down.
Once things seem settled he unstraps his weapons and leans them against the end of one of the tables. He sits down at the end of one of the bench seats to avoid being too awkward in his armor. Looking at the grand meal before him, he suddenly looks very reverent, he slowly clasps his hands together and then starts speaking softly to himself.
With that Bein becomes like his normal self, smiling and looking shocked as more good food and drink is set out. He eyes the wine for a moment and respectfully takes a small glass of it.
Xarafine returns Svetlana's hug with a warm, if startled smile. Patting the woman on the back, she gently extricates herself from the woman's bear-like grasp.
"I am glad things are well here, Mistress Lana. Your hospitality and fine cooking are a comfort and welcome. I trust you have kept the Shrine in good order while we were away?"
Jack nods to acknowledge the lieutenant but does little else in his direction. He finds he knows little what to do with military; they have little involvement in his past life. Finnabar and Bein are different, of course.
He does smile at Lana, albeit a little sheepishly (she still reminds him of his Aunt Ria). The young man sips at his wine, tuning in and out to the conversations going on around him.
The Lieutenant stands politely until Xerafine and Lana have taken their seats before taking a place at the bench. He waits intil the ladies have served themselves before taking a small portion of stewed meat, potatoes and a small glass of wine for himslef. Settling back he turns to Finnabar.
"I see that your excursion has been a success." he says "Master Oleg informed me that you were planning to assult an outlaw base somewhere in the Narlmarches. Tell me, did you manage to eradicate this nest of vipers? Should we expect the bandit problem to die down? The Swordlords will be eager to hear reports of any headway you might have made in this manner, and i must admit that I would welcome information about what level of banditry I should expect on the road. I've also got a somewhat personal stake," he continues a man called Flgram Sneeg, a thief and ex-member of my families' retinue has been reported to have moved into the Greenbelt and may be acting as a bandit. I would particulary welcome any news of this him, alive if possible. Should you be able to deliver the man I can offer a number of valuable weapons of your choice, crafted by Tarlen Faren himself, as a reward.
Tarlen Faren is well known for producing weapons of exceptional quality, primarily for nobles of Vithan.
Xarafine listens as the Lieutenant speaks with genuine and polite interest, but refrains from responding.
The Lieutenant stands politely until Xerafine and Lana have taken their seats before taking a place at the bench. He waits intil the ladies have served themselves before taking a small portion of stewed meat, potatoes and a small glass of wine for himslef. Settling back he turns to Finnabar.
"I see that your excursion has been a success." he says "Master Oleg informed me that you were planning to assult an outlaw base somewhere in the Narlmarches. Tell me, did you manage to eradicate this nest of vipers? Should we expect the bandit problem to die down? The Swordlords will be eager to hear reports of any headway you might have made in this manner, and i must admit that I would welcome information about what level of banditry I should expect on the road. I've also got a somewhat personal stake," he continues a man called Flgram Sneeg, a thief and ex-member of my families' retinue has been reported to have moved into the Greenbelt and may be acting as a bandit. I would particulary welcome any news of this him, alive if possible. Should you be able to deliver the man I can offer a number of valuable weapons of your choice, crafted by Tarlen Faren himself, as a reward.
** spoiler omitted **
"Well Lieutenant, we have indeed killed about 7 bandits, their leader, a woman name Kressele, and another three of the same group before that. Another one is prisoner here. And from his informations, two are still at large. However, the two leaders were wearing stag pendants and we do not know if it means they were part of a bigger organisation or not. So the immediate surrounding should be safer but you should really keep alert.
If you encounter some more bandits, please keep us informed and look for other stag pendants."Pausing a little as Oleg returns, he turns towards him:
"Master Oleg, I'm afraid we haven't found your ring. But we'll keep looking for it, they may have sold or given it somewhere. In the mean time, please have a look at the goods we are bringing back and tell us which are yours. I would also be happy for you to sell the rest for us if you can."
Bein listens intently and ponders on his time back with the Wardens, so far they had indeed taken down two groups of bandits and with each battle they seemed to be getting more vicious and oddly. Organized. Having finished his small cup of wine, he was drinking some water in the hopes he could avoid getting drunk.
He didn't know of Tarlen Faren, but he trusted Kesten's word on the man's skill, he made note of this Sneeg. He lets the higher ups discuss business as he turns toward Volpe and Jack, giving them a respectful nod before saying quietly in Illisarni: "I'm not so sure that this is over, not by a long shot. I can trust us keeping our heads but we may have to watch out for his Lordship and the Teacher. Call me paranoid but in all my time fighting bandits I have never seen 'symbols' for a higher leader..."
He sits quietly waiting for their response, he starts mentally running the gear they have on hand and what gear Kesten and his men might have. Somewhat frustrated, he runs a calloused hand through his shaggy hair as he sighs quietly, there were just too many variables to think about.
"Master Oleg, I'm afraid we haven't found your ring. But we'll keep looking for it, they may have sold or given it somewhere. In the mean time, please have a look at the goods we are bringing back and tell us which are yours. I would also be happy for you to sell the rest for us if you can."
"My thanks sir d'Orlovsky," Oleg replies, getting up from the table and moving over to the wagon where he carefully looks over the goods. "Possibly some of the coin and some of these furs, although its hard to tell, them not being cured or worked, nothing else though. I'll tell you what, I'll purchase as much as i can from you, i should be able to sell it on to a passing caravan or other travellers. If you'd like to seperate out what you'd be willing to sell i'll offer you a fair price."