Volpe kneeled in the cramped lookout space, as everyone remained distracted with talks down below. He eased himself into a sitting position as he rubbed his battered ribs, sadly the rough riding had worsened his injuries. Whether it was a temporary pain or going to continue to worsen was to be seen.
He continued to peer between the branches with his bow nearby as he tried to relax up in the guardpost. "I am too old for this... Blasted ribs..."
"Oh miss," Bokken replies to Xerafine, "Bokken don't talk with them Kalds. Nothin' t' say to 'em if ye get Bokken's meanin'. They be savages milady. Nah, we just avoid each other mostly. Why'd ya wanna talk t' them anyways? They're nothin' but trouble. You take my advice you'll leave 'em alone like Bokken does."
"Likely we will run into them sooner or later anyway. We can only hope for a good outcome, but are prepared if that does not occur."
He looked about. "We should probably get on our way, once we help Xarafine pack away any purchases she makes. And you, sir, should be careful, as I doubt the bandits will stay quiet."
Xarafine purchases the necessary herbs to replenish her healing kit, and if Bokken has any healing salve, she will purchase a jar of that as well.
"Thank you for your hospitality and forthcoming, Master Bokken. Please do not hesitate to call upon us if you need assistance."
She gives the trader a friendly smile.
bump!
Hi guys... Really sorry about the lack of posts. My interwebs are down and won't be back until at least the 8th or 9th . Sorry again - stay put for next update ASAP.
OK! Internets are back!!!!
You leave the campsite, Bokken, and his horse behind you as you continue down the path on your way out of the forest and back towards Oleg's. The sun's progress across the sky becomes more obvious as you sight it more frequently through the forest canopy. As dusk closes in you find yourselves approaching the site of the campsite where you met the trapper some days ago.
"We're only a few hours to Oleg's and the weather and paths are clear... should we push on?"
Bein grimaces at the thought of riding at night but rolls his armored shoulders with a low grind of metal. "I say we push on, despite the dangers it may pose to our horses, if the terrain gets too rough we will dismount and move on foot. Everyone take a torch and Jack. Bein nods to their lead scout. "You take lead, your eyes haven't failed us yet and I trust you won't get lost as easily as I would. Best we be off quick, night will be upon us soon and everyone. Stay close, no one goes off alone not even for privy time."
Volpe nods to Jack, knowing is fellow Caravan Guard better then anyone, he also hides his smirk at Bein's last comment. Trying not to smirk in the Teachers direction, he hides it with a well timed cough.
Volpe is hiding his discomfort as his injuries continue to bother him, he's obviously trying not to slow the group down.
With a gruffness in his voice Volpe nods in agreement with Bein. "With Torches we can ride until its too dark and then move on foot, sound plan. You up for leading Jack?"
"Yes, let's go, I would'nt mind sleeping with a proper roof over my head."
"Yes. We are this close; we may as well finish the journey tonight."
Jack nodded to Bein. "We are so close if we have to walk part of the way, I don't think it will do us much harm, and better not to harm the horses."
Jack pulls forward a little to take lead, as always staying alert for any last minute, unwanted events.
Led by Jack, you continue to the west, the sun dips below the mountains seeming to make their peaks glow with an unworldly light. Soon the sky darkwns further and you have to pick your way more carefully through the gassland. Fortunately Jack's keen eyes enable you to avoid hurting the horses. Soon you spot a small light to the west which, as you approach, resolves itself into the light of a campfire burning merrily below the walls of the trading post.
As you draw closer you can see that the soldiers have completed the lean-to they were working on when you last visited, and have begun work on extending the pallisade to encircle their camp.
You finally pass into the compound itself, watched from the top of the pallisade by several yellow-coated soldiers. As dismount from your tired horses Kesten Garess appeares from what used to be the storage hut, flanked by two guards.
"Welcome back to the Southguard fort," he says "I look forward to hearing of your exploration, but first." he turns to Volpe Volpone Lorenzo Estefan Coltello Fabiola. The swordlords have requested your presence in Restov. It appears that allegations have been laid against you by a noble of Illisarn. I am sorry to have to take you into custody but these questions must be adressed."
As Volpe leans heavily against his horse, his wounds bothering far more then he can hide, he smiles grimly at Kesten. His past had caught up with him... His grim smile turned to look of dismay as Bein stepped between Volpe and Kesten, drawing his sword so quickly that the ring of steel echoes before the guardsman or their commander can react to his unsheathed blade. "First you call this place Southguard Fort, then you lay out allegations against my comrade. Both do not sit right with me sir and I openly challenge you and any of your men to a duel..."
Volpe staggers over and places a hand on the young Cavaliers armored arm, as he tried to defuse the situation. "Don't do this Bein, this is not your fight. It is mine and mine alone, please put away your sword." He gives the others a pleading look as Bein continues holding his blade steadily. "Bein, drawing on official is against the laws of Restov."
"Wait!" Jack calls out, though he knows better than to get in front of Bein's sword. In his heart, he fully supported his comrade's outrage, but he did not support his rashness.
"Volpe is very sick from a wound, as you can clearly see." He waves toward Volpe, still pale and shaky, especially after a long day of travel. "He needs attention of a healer before he goes anywhere."
He glares at Kesten, making it very clear he shows no sympathy or loyalty to this man. "It's getting late, Garess. If you've waited for our return this long, you can wait till morning to deal with this. He turned to Bein. "As can you, I hope--we cannot delay getting Volpe to a safe bed."
He looked at the others. "And we can speak to Oleg to be sure he was willing to go along with any changes made to this place."
Bein looks to Volpe and then back to Kesten. "I know the Laws better then most men and the stolen lands are not directly under Restov's control, this land is a lawless piece of territory controlled by no one and the furthest reach they have is this fort. Lord Finnabar was issued to make the laws here and if this noble has allegations he can ride his well bred stallion down here and impose them honorably in person for Lord Finnabar to decide! Not call on lackeys and soldiers who have walled themselves up within a small run down fort and have absolutely no power to enforce judgement. We risk our lives only to be repaid with This! No. Stand Aside Vol..."
Bein looks at Jack as his words break through his outrage, finally noticing Volpe's sad state, it is then his sword wavers and his resolve weakens. With a final sigh, he slowly sheathes his sword. He doesn't, however, move from standing between Kesten and Volpe. "I see your point Jack, I can wait."
Arundel gives a tired snort, the destrier looks back and forth among the short men around him and paws the ground with an iron shod hoove before Bein gives him a short curt whistle. Arundel snorted loudly at his rider, impatient with the short leash he was kept on. It did however have an effect on the soldiers standing to close the purebred destrier.
"Master Coltello was gravely injured in the defense of our expedition. He is currently in my care to receive healing. Please allow me to make certain he is fit for travel, else this accused man not survive to face his accuser."
Diplomacy:
Volpe nods thankfully to his friend Jack, he was to tired to to try and convince the young cavalier of anything. Especially when he obviously believed they had been wronged. He did however take advantage of the steel wall that Bein imposed between him and his soon to be guards. He gave the Teacher a weak smile as she spoke up and he looked to Kesten as he added. "Its not like I can get far in this condition, besides you have my horse." When he sees no one is laughing at the joke, he stops smiling.
While the fiery knight expose his views, Finnabar rubs his chin, pondering his answer.
"As my cousin said, it is quite late and Volpe has sustained heavy injuries. The first thing to do is to put him in a bed."
Looking down to the sergeant from horseback, he adds in a calm voice: "You have quite a way of welcoming people back. But I know better than trying to harm a messenger for the news he carries. You're doing your job, sergeant, and you're right to it."
"Bein, please, take a deep breath and think about the consequences of your actions. Whatever your opinions about Volpe are, there are only two possibilities about this situation: either the noble claims are true or they are not. If they are not, he will be able to set things right and claim damages from his accuser. If they are true, then he must face the truth and learn from his mistakes."
His eyes eventually fall on Volpe and he looks into his eyes to make his words count:
"But whatever your past deeds or not, Volpe, you've demonstrated your loyalty and your character and that is not something the d'Orlovsky House forget. We do have credit in Restov and I will write a missive for you to take with you. It will ensure you get the best possible defence in Restov, so that you can come back as soon as possible."
At Bein's words the liutenants eyes narrow and, when he draws his blade, steps backward in surprise. As soon as the blade is free of its scabbard both soldiers flanking Kesten draw their own swords and the four soldiers on the pallisade draw crossbows which are swiftly leveled at Bein.
Kesten takes a step forward. "You would be wise to listen to your commander, southerner." he says to Bein "This duty is not my desire, or my pleasure but these are the orders I have been given. Restov's laws currently extend to this fort - now known as the Southguard Fort and are founded on the same basis as those that underpin the charter under which your party is now opperating." The lietenant turns to Finnabar. "Now my Lord, If you can keep your men under control? - I have no desire to treat your man with any harshness - he should certainly be of good health before his return to Restov where he will be treated," he glances at Bein, "with all of the respect due to him under the laws of Restov. I trust that you will support me in carrying out my duties and will restrain your men."
Volpe bows his head to Lord Finnabar appreciatively and respectfully. "Thank you Lord Finnabar, it is more then I deserve and I hope to return to aid all of you again once more when this is sorted out."
He moves up alongside Bein and places a hand on the young cavalier's shoulder as he leans in and whispers something to him. It is then that Bein relaxes some, but remains looking straight at Kesten and ignoring the the blades and the sounds of crossbowmen adjusting their aim.
Volpe looks to Kesten then and speaks 'politely'. "We just spent days traveling with strange creatures flying overhead, a large spider and fighting some blasted thing called an 'owl-bear', so forgive the lad this once."
"Come Volpe, let's get these horses stabled, and you to bed. If not all of us."
Volpe gave Jack a tired smile, he patted Bein on the shoulder as he walked his horse to the stables with his old caravan friend. After a few steps Volpe shakes his head. "The boy is so headstrong, hopefully you can keep him in line while I am gone old friend. You did well back there by the way."
Bein lifts his visor so he can look the man square in the eye, his sword remained in its scabbard as he looked at each of the soldiers with a blank stare. He understood this man now and Volpe was right, there was no honor to be had here only regret. Had he known this was going to happen, he wouldn't have returned at all. He looked as Kesten again and spoke in a even and respectful tone. "I apologize, I wasn't expecting such poor news after our journey, I also wish to apologize for the insult to you and your men. So long as you remember my title doesn't begin with Southerner it is Sir Ramaloce and I will not forget again that you are Lieutenant Garess of the Eagle Guard. I hope we can come to an understanding on this."
He turned from them then, completely ignoring their weapons and presence as he stood before his mounted commander. "Lord Finnabar, I have overstepped myself and brought dishonor to myself and our group. I demand to make amends for my lack of discretion and poor judgement, please name it and I will see it done firstly."
Jack did realize he would not have spoken so at the start of the trip, and he was glad to hear Volpe noticed--and that he thought it was a positive thing.
"Well, th-thank you. But I think the only creature that can fully keep Bein reined in is Arundel," he commented drily. "But I will keep any eye on everyone. I don't know why those bastards are making you leave now, but if you agree to it, then I'll stand by your wishes."
Volpe gives a loud laugh and then wheezes as his injury flares up, his injury doesn't stop him from smiling broadly at Jacks comment. "You have come a long way my friend, I will have to remember that for when I return! Sadly it rings true though, a young headstrong knight and his equally headstrong, impatient destrier. What could go wrong?"
As he thought of Jacks other words he frowns. "My teacher once told me that 'When you make your bed, you must lie in it.' I ran from my troubles and the caravan kept me on the move, which made it easier to avoid anyone finding me. I couldn't run forever though and..." He pauses for a moment, holding the belt of his horses saddle as he saw the belt had been restitched. He sighed and continued pulling the saddle off. "In truth my friend, I don't wish to leave and I had hoped I had more time. If I don't leave though more trouble will come and it will only get worse from here. For everyone's sake I must go, but! I plan on returning once this is done, can't have you lot making a name for yourselves while I sift through the political mire that is Restov."
"Less talking from you, Master Volpe, and more walking towards your bed," Xarafine states firmly.
"Lieutenant, you have done much since we left. Is there an established infirmary?"
"Less talking from you, Master Volpe, and more walking towards your bed," Xarafine states firmly.
"Lieutenant, you have done much since we left. Is there an established infirmary?"
Relieved to see that everything is back to order, Finnabar eventually dismount and leads his mount to the fort.
"Let's get things done, people. Bein, take care of the horses, that should help you calm your ardours.", he says with a half smile.
[b]"Teacher, when you and Jack have managed to put Vople to bed, I want you to come back to discuss our findings with the lieutenant. We'll look at a way to repair our sextant first thing tomorrow morning."[b]
[b]"Oh and Jack, you may want to take you egg with you and put it by the fire. I'll be in the Inn with the Lieutenant, if he's willing to listen to my tales. Would you care to come, Lieutenant, the beers are on me tonight."[/ooc]
Jack nods at Finnabar. "I shall do so. And maybe we can find someone here who knows something more about them. The owlbears, I mean."
Jack helps Xarafine get Volpe settled.
After getting Volpe settled into a bed with Jack's assistance, Xarafine puts her ear to his chest and listens to his heartbeat and breathing. She then places her fingers against the side of his throat, and stares intently into his eyes, looking for any symptoms related to his blood loss.
After a moment, she straightens, and begins sifting through her healing kit, looking for the herbs that will best help Volpe recover.
She selects several herbs, carefully cuts them and places them in her mortar, then grinds them with the pestle. Once satisfied that the mixture is correct, she pours it into a tavern mug, and adds hot water from the fireplace kettle.
"Drink this slowly, Master Volpe. It tastes terrible, but it will help you sleep, and help restore your blood. Once you have finished it, lie back and go to sleep."
Once she is certain Volpe is doing as instructed. She closes the shutters, nods to Jack to follow her out, then closes the door.
She returns to the courtyard, as Finnabar requested, and address Garess.
"I am ready to give my report, Lieutenant."
Volpe settles down, but doesn't give voice to anything he spoke with Jack about, Jack was an old friend and despite his trust for the group he didn't want anymore trouble on account of his past. He does as bidden by the Teacher, lacking his usually sly remarks, and settles down before long sleeping heavily from the herbs he ingested.
Bein nods to Lord Finnabar and does as ordered, wordlessly taking the draught beasts and pack animals into the stable and unloading them of their burdens. After they are settled in and eating he goes to each animal and gives them a thorough brushing down and repairs any worn or fraying parts on the saddles and saddles bags. After all the exploring they had done the repairs turn out to be extensive and such work takes time to do properly.
Once he was done with the stitch work, he moved onto sharpening and maintaining weapons and armor.
"I am sorry for being the one to bring you this news" Garess replies to Finnabar, "Your man is, of course welcome to rest until he is fully healed. I would offer the services of our medic, if the Swordlords had seen fit to supply us with such a one. In any case it seems that the Teacher is more than capable of attending to his needs. I would welcome a report Milord, but I must insist that I supply the drinks."
The Lieutenant motions you to one of the tables and calls out "Tom? Bring some wine and ale if you please boy. And quick about it mind." Moments later a young boy dressed in a clean white shirt, blue trousers and polished leather shoes comes through the door from Oleg's house carrying a tray laden with glasses and bottles of drinks. The boy places the drinks on the table and returns back inside. Kesten leans forward "My sister's boy" he says, "Sent here from the far side of the waste so I can 'make a man of him'." he chuckles slightly He's learning his way around acting as my boy for now, and getting some training in warfare and the leadership of men. But, come now, tell me of your travels."
Jack follows Xarafine out. "Rest well, friend," he says to Volpe as he leaves.
He also thanks Xarafine and adds, "I'm sorry I could not be more help."
Jack has no interest is being near the soldiers, so instead he decides to seek out Oleg and his wife and make sure they are well.
"I am sorry for being the one to bring you this news" Garess replies to Finnabar, "Your man is, of course welcome to rest until he is fully healed. I would offer the services of our medic, if the Swordlords had seen fit to supply us with such a one. In any case it seems that the Teacher is more than capable of attending to his needs. I would welcome a report Milord, but I must insist that I supply the drinks."
The Lieutenant motions you to one of the tables and calls out "Tom? Bring some wine and ale if you please boy. And quick about it mind." Moments later a young boy dressed in a clean white shirt, blue trousers and polished leather shoes comes through the door from Oleg's house carrying a tray laden with glasses and bottles of drinks. The boy places the drinks on the table and returns back inside. Kesten leans forward "My sister's boy" he says, "Sent here from the far side of the waste so I can 'make a man of him'." he chuckles slightly He's learning his way around acting as my boy for now, and getting some training in warfare and the leadership of men. But, come now, tell me of your travels."
"Thanks Lieutenant, it's good to be properly sitting at a table. I've already started writing my report and I will finish it tonight, but for the main part we've seen lots of weird creatures and discovered flying humanoids."
Finnabar starts to detail the different encounters with the Kalds, the dead hunter, the owlbear, the spider and the Pterans, leaving aside the moon radishes patch, their two fae guides and the fact that the spider was the "god" of the Pterans. He also relates their encounter with Bokkor and the fact that the bandits' leader is called "the Stag" and that their main camp is by a lake to the east.
The Lieutenant listens intently as you detail your explorations through the stolen lands. Occasionally he interupts to seek clarification on some minor detail or to wave for Tom to bring more beer. When you come to explain that the sextant was broken he sighs,.. "Well these damned things can be hard to fix, that's for sure. - I have a man who might be able to do something about it - might take a couple of days though."
The Lieutenant listens intently as you detail your explorations through the stolen lands. Occasionally he interupts to seek clarification on some minor detail or to wave for Tom to bring more beer. When you come to explain that the sextant was broken he sighs,.. "Well these damned things can be hard to fix, that's for sure. - I have a man who might be able to do something about it - might take a couple of days though."
"That's what I was fearing, but we'll have to do without for a few days. I'll have to speak to my men about that, but I think we'll stick to the plains until we have it back."
After some time, Finnabar will take his leave and go and find Bein by the horses if he's still there.
"Well, sir knight, have you got your head back on your shoulders?"
Bein was finishing a stitch on a saddle and testing the strength and bindings on the belts and buckle when Finnabar entered. He rose and gave Lord Finnabar a respectful bow before answering. "Yes Lord d'Orlovsky, I still don't agree with this but I am bound just as everyone else is. I will however, treat the Eagle Guard commander with the respect he deserves in the future so long as he does the same. I am bound by honor not to make that mistake again." He sits backs down and continues his stitch work, his weapons and armor sit organized against the stable wall. "Is there anything else you need me to do sir?"
Bein was finishing a stitch on a saddle and testing the strength and bindings on the belts and buckle when Finnabar entered. He rose and gave Lord Finnabar a respectful bow before answering. "Yes Lord d'Orlovsky, I still don't agree with this but I am bound just as everyone else is. I will however, treat the Eagle Guard commander with the respect he deserves in the future so long as he does the same. I am bound by honor not to make that mistake again." He sits backs down and continues his stitch work, his weapons and armor sit organized against the stable wall. "Is there anything else you need me to do sir?"
"I really understand your concerns and your issues with the situation, Bein, but whatever he's done or not, he has to face the justice of men. And with the letter I've written, my familly will shield him from any injustice that could arise from the other party manipulation of the system. And from his reaction, he is ready to face his juges. He will need that to grow and go on with his life. So do him a favor, and help him do that, will you?"
Finnabar awkwardly pats Bein's shoulder. "When you're done here, come and see the others. It's late and I wish to discuss our program for the next days together."
Seeing that Finnabar is handing the report with Lieutenant Garess, Xarafine walks the area of what is now known as Southhold Fort. She is impressed with the amount of work the garrison has done in such as short time, but it brings a point of concernt to her mind. What of Master Oleg and Mistress Lana? How have all these sudden changes affected them? She stops the first soldier she sees.
"Your pardon, armsman. Where are Master Oleg and Mistress Lana? I wish to speak with them."
Bein nods respectfully to Finnbar before he speaks. "The boon you have lent Volpe is more then most men could hope for and for that you have my eternal respect. All Men should aspire to be like you Lordship, I know your families aid will help Volpe get through this trying time and possible return him to us..." Bein paused for a moment before adding sheepishly. "Volpe pretty much said the same thing to me and I understand that he must tread his path alone. I just don't appreciate such terrible tidings after such a harrowing time in the wood, it was like returning home only to be ambushed by an ally. Unexpected with terrible timing and taste, which I responded rather poorly I admit, Lord Finnabar. Please forgive me, I have just a couple more items to tidy up, please rest yourself along with the others and I will be there momentarily."
Once Lord Finnbar had gone Bein organized the parties saddlebags and made sure they were in a dry spot off the floor in case it rained. After everything was settled he strapped on his longsword and picked up his buckler as he strode to the dining area to meet up with the others.
Jack follows Xarafine out. "Rest well, friend," he says to Volpe as he leaves.
He also thanks Xarafine and adds, "I'm sorry I could not be more help."
Jack has no interest is being near the soldiers, so instead he decides to seek out Oleg and his wife and make sure they are well.
Seeing that Finnabar is handing the report with Lieutenant Garess, Xarafine walks the area of what is now known as Southhold Fort. She is impressed with the amount of work the garrison has done in such as short time, but it brings a point of concernt to her mind. What of Master Oleg and Mistress Lana? How have all these sudden changes affected them? She stops the first soldier she sees.
"Your pardon, armsman. Where are Master Oleg and Mistress Lana? I wish to speak with them."
"They've gone to bed milady." The guardsman responds, "Since we've been here they've gotten in the habit of turning in a little earlier than they used to. We get 'em up if travellers or traders come this late - but that don't happen often. The Lieutenant said to leave 'em be tonight though. They'll be up early in the morning if yer wanting ta speak with 'em though."
Xarafine's Itinerary:
1.) Check on Oleg and Lana, and make certain they are doing well. Address any problems they might be having.
2.) Make herself available to anyone in need of spiritual advice or guidance. Perform necessary rituals and services for the Nine.
3.) Practice her martial drill every morning.
4.) Check on the status of the sextant repair, and the acquisition of any equipment needed.
5.) Bid farewell to Volpe when it is time for him to leave.
Bein's Itinerary
1. Maintain the parties gear in preparation for exploring the plains.
2. Perform Weapon drills and set up temporary log to use as a target outside the Southern fort, so that he can practice fighting from horse back or on foot.
3. We didn't find much for trade, but we do have the , the Jack found (which I forgot to add >.<;) The and the extra . We also have a considerable amount of gold on hand which we can split among ourselves or use to by wands and such if available. Do we need to roll appraisal checks again to see what they are worth?
4. Perform a daily patrol, fully armored, with a 1 to 2 mile sweep around the fort. Bein keeps the fort in view at all times in case something happens.
5. Bein works with the draught beasts each day after his patrols, taking each of them out and walking them outside the fort and making sure they stay fit. (It would take me 3 weeks to get them fit for combat riding and until I get Expert Trainer at 4th level I won't be able to make it any faster. Since we are only spending a couple days here at the fort i'm not going to even attempt to start because it will get interrupted and be useless.)
6. In his spare time he work on becoming more in tune with the guards, he doubts that after he drew on their commander that any will warm up to him. But that doesn't mean he can't spar or having a working relationship with some. He isn't cold or disrespectful to Captain Kesten either.
7. He bids a quiet farewell to volpe when it is time and looks forward to his hasty return!
Concerning the equipment, I would keep the bow and lance as the first one is indeed magical and they are very few of them around here. The bow may be used by Jack in a few levels so that's a keep.
In the mean time, we can indeed get estimates for the rod and the daggers.
I would prefer if on the second day, we go and explore hex 16 so as not to loose too much time.
In the mean time, Finnabar will have a look at the fort repairs (one of its domains of expertise), and spend time with the lieutenant and his men to get a feel from them in case they need help dealing with the bandits or other issues.