Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to an area no further then thirty-six miles east and west and sixty miles south of Oleg's Trading post. The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this 24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
It's been a week since you received word that you had been chosen to be an agent of the Swordlords of Restov and sent to explore and chart the so-called "Stolen Land" - specifically the region referred to as The Greenbelt. Apart from the Charter, you received an ancient and, according to the Steward you spoke with, completely unreliable map of the Greenbelt. Your task is to update the map, accurately charting the terrain and recording any locations of interest. Additionally, you were informed that bandit activity was on the rise in the area and that you should work to eliminate their operations.
Over the past week, you have made your way to the southern edge of rural Rostland to a remote trading post called Oleg's. You will meet the rest of your group there and begin work once everyone - there are five of you total - has arrived.
Caelus takes off his gloves and consults his rite once more as he looks at the trading post. He sighs slightly at the sight of it. Certainly not what I was expecting... but it will have to do...
He walks up to the "gates" of the Outpost, adjusting his Aldori dueling sword as he does so. He rests his hand upon the hilt in a relaxed fashion before stopping himself, as its improper form to do so. He looks around waiting for anyone to approach him. He adopts a posture of uncertainty, making sure to relax those around.
Best to not scare away anyone before I meet them..
The faint sound of hooves beating upon the dirt road grows louder. Approaching from the north, a cloaked horseman trots at a modest pace towards Oleg's Trading Post. A staff rests upon his lap, and several bags ostensibly contain some gear.
The hooded rider gradually slows his andalusian's pace to a halt as he nears the front gate. The horse's dusty black shins and flaring black nostrils, taking in deep calming breaths after its long trek, provide sharp contrast to its otherwise white body.
Gently patting the tired horse's neck, he glances around at Oleg's Trading Post for several seconds, silently observing and listening. Removing his tan cloak's hood, the rider reveals himself to be half-elven, obvious from his distinguishing ears and thin goatee. Bearing a calm, warm visage, he turns his head towards the swordsman. The rider makes eye contact with the swordsman, and greets him with a slight bow.
"Hail, friend. Aldarion, at your service."
Aldarion candidly takes notice of the writ in the swordsman's hands as he speaks.
Caelus slides the writ into his belt and holds out his arm grasping the man's forearm in greeting. "Hail to you as well friend. It appears that we are going to be compatriots in this endeavor. Pray tell what horrible noble Brevoy family is using you for their puppet games?"
Caelus has been trained in tact, however he has never been very good at it.
Dumping water on the small campfire he had made for roasting his breakfast. Well it wasn't a breakfast proper, more a a mix of leftovers from his stew last night, heated up again. Curse you for not learning more practical magics Timothy... He specialized in dealing with other people and magic, not survival in the wild, something he had overlooked in his haste. Oleg's couldn't be too far. He should be able to make it by the afternoon. Packing up his campsite, leaving behind the ashes and leading his old donkey, they rejoined the road, or what was meant to be a road but was old and grown over with recent unuse. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step Bran," he said to the donkey, "Reaching Oleg's will be that first step I know it. Hopefully they have a bath there. I'm smelling pretty bad, not as bad as you though..." Bran brayed as if understanding the insult but kept plodding along like the obedient beast of burden he was. He was getting old, had served the old bard for many years.
To your right, you see a middle-aged man standing atop a low building, repairing its roof. Hearing voices, he turns and nods curtly. He then yells towards a squat wooden building. "Svetlana, the first of 'em have arrived."
Seconds later, a plain, but attractive woman emerges from the building, smiling widely. She wipes her hands on her apron as she walks towards you. "Welcome! We've been expecting you. Come in, come in! I'm Svetlana, and that's my husband Oleg up there on the roof. I've prepared a hearty stew and some warm bread - I even managed to talk Oleg into opening a bottle of wine to thank you for coming to our aid." She turns to Oleg. "Oleg! Come down and greet our guests - the roof can wait for now." Oleg grumbles something unintelligible, but climbs down the ladder and makes his way over to greet you.
He wipes the sweat from his forehead with his forearm and extends a sweaty hand in greeting. "Welcome to the Post," he says gruffly. "I thought there were more of you coming."
Svetlana gives him a stern look. "I'm sure they're on their way," she turns back to you and asks quietly, "right?"
Before Oleg notices the two, Aldarion bends to take the man's forearm in return.
He didn't give me his name. Perhaps a jest will lighten the mood.
"It seems they thought it wise to include a master gardener amidst the agents' ranks."
The rider waits a very short moment for his pun to take hold, perhaps causing the man to wonder what noble imbecile thought it wise to send a mere gardener to tame the Stolen Lands. Tame the crops, perhaps, but bandits and other dangers?
His facial expression cracks into a smile too quickly, however, giving it away too soon.
I really shouldn't jest. I only make myself laugh more often than not, she used to tell me.
"In fact the worst the nobility can be accused of in my case is to ensure that you do not die from some wild disease, nor lose your way. Easy enough to do, by the reputation of this old map of theirs."
Aldarion produces the map he was given, from his cloak's inner pouch.
Caelus laughs heartily, "One must not discount the Noble Gardener, for in the wilderness, he is king! I am Caelus Vraie of House Vraie. I am here under the strings of the Surtova's, not quite sure how I feel about that just yet."
Wonder how long I will need to keep up this act... I dislike playing the lordling. I long for practice... He places his hand upon his hilt in longing before retracting his hand once again.
At the approach of Svetlana, Caelus takes his hand and gentle kisses the top of her hand. "My lady..." He grasps the forearm of Oleg, "Master Oleg, I am Caelus Vraie of House Vraie, both myself and the esteemed Master Gardener are here to explore." He hands Oleg his writ of exploration.
Caelus thinks for a moment "As for others, I am not sure myself. I guess we will need to wait and see!"
The half-elf appears pleased that his joke had an apparently positive effect.
After Oleg and Svetlana greet the two newcomers to their post, Aldarion bows slightly to them in return greeting.
"Well met. Aldarion, at your service."
"You are a most gracious host, thank you." He smiles contentedly as Svetlana mentions her offer of a meal and wine. But inwardly, he wonders I do hope it is not beef stew... a vegetable stew would be a most welcome change of pace, however.
To Svetlana's quiet query about the others coming, he reassuringly nods in response, with modest optimism.
"I am sure they will arrive, in good time," he quietly replies.
Candidly eying the horse stable to his left as he enters the post, he halts and dismounts, revealing his saddle to be a thick, colorful blanket.
Tuneless whistling precedes the walker coming into view. He appears a simple wanderer wearing a dusty poncho and swatting at roadside weeds with a branch-cum-walking stick. Though the sheaf of arrows and the well used bow may hint he is something more.
As he grows closer you see he is taller than he first appeared and bright dark eyes glint as he pushes back his hood and surveys the post.
Hello the trading post! He calls as he casts aside his loyal stick and settles his small pack on his shoulders.
He admires the catapults on the sturdy walls as he walks through the gate.
Caelus spots the new arrival with suspicion before glossing it over with his usual mask of aloof noble-hood. "Hello from the trading post! Come, lets dine on sup, these lovely people have prepared for us some stew and wine! I am Caelus of House Vraie, and this is our Noble Gardener, Aldarion!" He indicates the half elf before heading in for supper.
Timothy hears the call and looks over his shoulder to see a woman wielding a spear rushing at him. Bandits already! He stepped backwards and behind the donkey. He didn't have but 20 silver coins on him, perhaps she wouldn't hurt him if he gave them up. As she slowed down and then stopped not far from him she didn't seem to be threatening him. Of course I'm no bloody bandit, I'm not the one chasing people with spears...
"I, uh... he is confused when she asks about journeying together, this was no bandit. Then she finally puts the spear away and he relaxes. "Good day to you Maja. You had me worried there. I thought you were the bandits I'm supposed to rid these parts off. He gave a slight chuckle. "Almost no one travels these roads so I imagine you possess a charter similar to mine." He hopes his assumption correct, either way he tried to sound important and on a mission. "Oleg's is where others shall meet me and I would be glad for some company on the road. Bran isn't the most talkative of travelling companions unfortunately. I gather you to be a far more intelligent woman however." He smiled at the compliment and gestured towards the direction of Oleg's to indicate they be on their way. "Oh yes, I am Timothy, I should be a noble but they call me a bastard. Well I call them the bastards and am out here to make my own name mean something. Someday I will be a noble of the lands claimed out here. Churin will be the name all will look to. Haha, you think me arrogant perhaps. It is true I suppose. We all have our faults." He didn't seem repentant at all of the way he spoke, but gave the appearance of being humble so she would not form a bad impression of him. "Tell me of your reasons for being out here in this wild, untamed and dangerous land." he said with large hand gestures to the surrounding trees.
Timothy was quite talkative for most of the way to Oleg's. It made the journey seem shorter. They would be there in no time.
Aldarion, smiling slightly at Caelus's introduction, turns to greet the new arrival in turn with a slight bow. "Greetings, friend. At your service."
Giving the newcomer a chance to introduce himself in turn, Aldarion then asks Oleg and Svetlana, "With your permission, I will settle in my horse. In return, I have beans, nuts, ...some tobacco, a pound of garlic... whatever you think is fair."
To all, "I shall join you shortly for the meal." Looking at Svetlana, "Smells delightful."
Aldarion turns toward the stables. He begins to walk the tired horse, then suddenly stops several feet away. He kinks his head to one side, subtly moving his head and ears as if straining to hear something faint or distant. Turning back around to face Svetlana, he smiles knowingly, answering her question again but with more certainty.
"It appears we need not wait much longer for their arrival."
His eyes shift to Caelus, to the catapult admirer, and then through the front gate, looking expectantly into the distance from whence they came.
He then adds, "Assuming, of course, the two I hear approaching are here for our common purpose, and not something else..."
Svetlana smiles widely and greets Nicos warmly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming!" Oleg nods in his direction, but says nothing.
At Aldarion's question, Oleg nods towards the barn. "We charge 5 sil..." he starts to say, before being interrupted by Svetlana.
"We NORMALLY charge for the stables, but since you have been sent here to aid us, we would be honored to stable your horse for the evening, free of charge," she says. "As well, we'd like to extend accommodations to you all free of charge for the night. Consider it a small token of our appreciation for your help."
At that moment, Maja and Timothy walked through the front gates of the Post. "The final two!" Svetlana exclaims. "Welcome to Oleg's Trading Post. I'm Svetlana and that brooding silent one over there is my husband, Oleg." She turns to face her husband - wrapping her arms around his neck before giving him a tight hug. "They've come. They've really come. And just in time...Gods be praised."
Oleg awkwardly pats her on the back and avoids looking at any of you. "Yes...yes...of course they have," he mumbles.
When Svetlana turns back to you, she is wiping tears from her eyes. "Please, come inside - let's eat!" She says as she turns towards the small house.
Inside, you're lead to the dining room where there is a simple table with chairs pulled around it. It's a tight squeeze to fit you all, but you manage. Svetlana brings a pot and sets it on the table, immediately followed by a basket of steaming hot bread. "We've got some beef and radish stew here - it's my mother's recipe and it's delicious. Eat - and then we can discuss the business at hand, yes?" Svetlana says.
In the court-yard: "Thank you, thank you both. Please call me Caelius."
to Svetlana, before eating: Caelius bows deeply. "Thank you fair Svetlana but I fear your hospitality may be misplaced. It is true we were sent to your trading post by lord Sutrova but we have heard no word of trouble." Here Caelius removes the charter and map from his belt. "We were sent to explore the Greenbelt." He pauses.
"I however pledge to aid you in any way I can. What kind of trouble are you having?"
Caelus helps both Maja and Svetlana to their sits before he sits down himself. He takes some of the stew and bread and begins to eat. "Business? Are we talking about the exploration?"
Aldarion humbly accepts Svetlana's offer of free room and stabling for the night, "You are most gracious. Thank you."
After Svetlana's greeting of the last two travelers to enter through the gate, Aldarion bows to each in greeting, "Aldarion, at your service."
His eyebrows crease in thoughtful concern at Svetlana's tears and her mention of us having arrived "just in time." In time for what, I wonder?
After settling in his horse in the stable, Aldarion makes sure it's only himself and the horses in the stable. Satisfied, he ensures his horse has ample water by producing some magically from the ether. He wants to be modest about his abilities, not put on a magic show. He also rinses his hands off before making his way over to the house.
Aldarion takes his seat at the dining table. Beef... ah well, such is the way of things. How to put this delicately...
When offered stew, Aldarion apologetically informs Svetlana, "I would love to. But, forgive me, it is part of my tradition to abstain from consuming animal flesh." He takes a piece of bread with a smile however, "Please, do not feel bad. I can eat bread, and indeed it is a treat for me." ...considering I have subsisted on berries alone for the past several days. He also graciously accepts wine when it is served.
At the welcome from Svetlana, Timothy smiles, bows slightly, bending more at the neck than the waist. He is happy to be one of the last to arrive, the less times he had to repeat his name in introductions the better. "Greetings good Lord and Lady and new friends. Timothy's the name. If you're having trouble with bandits then that's just what I've been sent here to put a stop to. But perhaps I could get a bath first? The road is quite dirty and tiring, I need to make myself presentable."
After being led into the dining room he finds a seat and takes a good helping of stew. Dipping a piece of bread into the stew he exclaims, "You speak true, this is quite delightful."
At the refusal of the soup, Svetlana smiles and says, "I'll have to make note of that. The stew can be just as delicious without the beef."
At the mention of not specifically being sent to take care of the bandits, Svetlana's mouth hangs open as she looks between the guests and Oleg. "What...what do you mean...?"
Oleg slams his mug down on the table. "There was no mention - nothing - of helping us here at the Post? Gods damn it all!" He throws his hands in the air and stands from the table. He runs his fingers through his hair in obvious frustration.
"You don't know about our bandit problem? That they have been robbing us for three months now? Taking all of our goods and threatening our lives?" Svetlana asks, her voice shaking slightly. "Please, please, you must help us. They come back tomorrow. Please, help!"
Oleg puts his hand on her shoulder to comfort her.
Holding his hand up in a calming gesture, Aldarion explains.
"Please, please, there is no need to fret. Maja is correct, we were indeed charged by the Swordlords to, and I quote, 'strive against banditry,' and not merely explore. We... simply were not informed that the bandit problem has reached this far north."
He pauses a moment, then, "I intend to uphold this charge. I will help you, Oleg and Svetlana."
Caelus just remains sitting, not objecting or comforting anyone. He continues to eat his supper before standing and looking out the windows. "If they come back tomorrow then we have work to do and plans to make, I propose that we set an ambush!"
Timothy listens and nods when the others promise help, but can't help but speak up after Caelus' suggestion. "Easy man. Let's not be so hasty to violence. It may need that we must fight, but first I would like to talk to these men. Perhap they will realise their game is up and give up rather than die."
Caelus tries not to laugh at the man, talking would never get you anywhere, but he was above chastising someone's beliefs. "Fair enough good sir, you talk to them. And I will stand behind them in case anything goes wrong and violence is needed."
Caelus walks a few paces before continuing, "However I must point out that we are representatives of Brevoy, and the laws of Brevoy are quite clear what is to be done with thieves. If we capture them alive, we will need lots of rope."
"Thank you. Thank you!" Svetlana says, clearly overcome with joy to have guests as willing to lend a hand as you are. Even Oleg manages a smile - but only for the briefest moment.
"An ambush could work, yes," Oleg says. "I don't know if they're keen to listen, though, Thomas. When they first came three months ago, demanding we pay their 'tax,' there were a dozen of them. The second time they came, there were only seven. Last time, there were only five. They seem to think they've cowed us into obedience, so perhaps on tomorrow's visit, there will be even fewer."
"Also, the first time, there was an awful, horrible woman with them," Svetlana adds. "She did a majority of talking and the way she smiled when she spoke of what fate would await me if we didn’t comply was terrifying. She also seemed to be somewhat intelligent, whereas her second-in-command - some man - seemed to be quite crude and foolish."
"The damned woman quite nearly lopped off my right hand with one of her hatchets," Oleg continues. "Instead, she just took Svetlana’s wedding ring right off her hand and tossed it to one of her men as payment for 'not shortening my reach.' I hate that b%+*$. But she hasn't come back since that first visit, sending that man in her stead."
Caelus pats Oleg on the shoulder, "I can not speak for my compatriots, but I will make sure the bandits will dangle by their necks from the walls of this outpost! And will make it my goal to retrieve the ring you have lost!"
Aldarion takes in the plans proposed by Caelus and Timothy, and the information on the bandit leadership from Oleg and Svetlana.
"Caelus is right, the penalty for banditry is execution. Diplomacy is worth a try nonetheless, Timothy."
He pauses to take a sip of wine and hear more from Caelus, then continues.
"From the wording of our charges, I believe we could legally take them alive as prisoners, then return them into Brevian custody to be judged and executed lawfully there. I would prefer this course of action. But I fear we lack the numbers to achieve the capture of so many, nor do we appear to have the facilities to hold prisoners."
He takes another sip of wine, then continues.
"I suggest that we spare one's life at least, however. Keep them alive as our prisoner for the purpose of information. Preferably, their leader, who might be better informed. When tasked with my charge, I was informed that there are rumors that the bandits in the Greenbelt have organized under the banner of a warlord who calls himself the Stag Lord. We might do well to gather information from those who steal from this post about this bandit league, as they may be connected to this 'Stag Lord'... assuming the rumors are true."
Timothy looked around the room, trying to study all those present in the most casual way possible. Oleg and his wife would have to stay inside while they dealt with bandits. Likely Caelus was right and justice must be done here and now. So be it. "Set your ambush however you wish," he said looking at Caelus, "I could either disguise myself as master Oleg and lure them in, or remain myself and demand their surrender. I prefer that option. I want to question one of them, one of the weaker ones, for information. Attack their leader first."
And we shall leave a notice to all who pass here, it could let others know that there are new lords in the greenbelt.
Aldarion nods in agreement with Maja when she suggests the couple be prepared to leave.
After Timothy speaks, Aldarion's eyes light up. He then makes a rather peculiar suggestion.
"Might you have a shovel to spare, Oleg? And perhaps some burlap and spare rope?"
A half smile crooks his face now.
"While there remains some daylight left, perhaps it would be a good time to do a little gardening. Give a big... 'welcome'... to our guests tomorrow..."
"And where would we go? Oleg asks? "I won't take my wife from the safety of the post into the wilds. No, we'll stay here, but out of sight." Even Svetlana seems to agree with this plan. In response to Aldarion's question, he says, "I'm sure we do - what do you have in mind?"
Caelus places his chin in his hands, thinking for a moment "Disguising yourself as Oleg? That's deceitful! I love it! Master Oleg, would you be so kind to point our where the bandits usually ride in from and where they stop to "rob" from you? That's where we are going to stage our ambush."
Aldarion responds to Oleg, "With some bushes and vines placed about the open yard... or anywhere the bandits might stand..." He pauses a moment, then continues, "In line with our ambush, there's a little old trick I learned, some time ago. I'd be able to trap the bandits. Ensnared, they would be held down, and easier to manage. With my..." he looks at Caelus a moment, "'noble' skills, some burlap and rope, I could wrap them nicely, make them appear to be for sale, alleviating any potential suspicion. Or maybe they might think you've redecorated."
I didn't notice a well, yet. But they have fresh water...
He continues, "I did not notice much verdancy on the way down. Perhaps you know of a nearby location, a small lake or other fertile spot, where there might be some vegetation to work with?"
"They ride in from the south," Oleg says. "Last month they walked through our gates as if they owned the place, made their way to the pen in our yard and started loading their horses with our goods."
Caelus nods, "Then the pen is our ambush point. Do we have anyone with alchemist fires and is handy with a bow..." Before people raise their eyebrows at the bow slung across his back "Better then me that is..."
Timothy thinks over the plan so far and is debating with himself whether it be better to remain as himself or not. The bandits would be easier to draw into the trap if he appeared as Oleg, but it appealed to his ego to appear as himself when he defeated them. It seemed the half-elf had certain ways with foliage, hopefully the new additions didn't cause the bandits suspicion. "Master Oleg would you be against loaning me a change of your common day clothes tomorrow? And perhaps I might spend a little time with you tonight trying to mimic your voice in the best way possible. I know that is a little strange but the less suspicious I make them tomorrow, the better chance we have to take them with no injury of our own."
Timothy nods, the old bard had taught Timothy a little of the gods and he recognized the hunter. Though he recalled from the road something Maja had said about not fitting in with the rest of her faith. He hadn't pushed the issue for information but perhaps this now was a little insight into the same issue. "I think it's best for everyone to remain hidden inside," he looks at Caelus, "with your bow up on the walls you could easily hide behind a catapult."
Aldarion chimes in again.
"I would advise against the use of fire within the trade post's walls. There is much to lose," gesturing around to indicate the trading post and its largely-wooden construction, "should something catch fire other than bandits."
Scratching his thin goatee in calm contemplation, he continues.
"Speaking of hiding in a catapult tower, perhaps another one of us should position themselves at one of them to close and bar the gate shut after the scoundrels enter? I don't think we should chance the escape of even one on horseback. For they will undoubtedly bring news of us to their companions, and return in greater numbers. I would rather bring the fight to them, in the wilderness, with our gracious hosts safe from harm."
After a brief pause, he continues.
"Maybe someone here who is particularly athletic and sneaky," observing everyone around the table, "they might lie in hiding at one of the catapult towers, concealed from view behind a wall. Once the bandits focus on 'Oleg,'" looking at Timothy, "the gate-shutter can toss a rope down the front of the wall, climb down, then close and bar the gates from outside."
Caelus thinks on the plan for a moment, "Seal them in? Aldarion, I think you have a keen head on those shoulder. But who should perform it? I'm not exactly very sneaky. I may also have to decline attacking them from range. I may carry a bow, but it is meerly for hunting. I am considerably more effective with my sword"
Oleg agrees to loan Timothy a set of clothing and spend some time with him this evening. "He doesn't speak much," Svetlana says, smiling. "So it shouldn't be too hard to pick up his mannerisms."
At the mention of barring the gates, Oleg says, "It will take more than one of you to close the gates. And if you want to do it quickly, you'll need three. Two to close the gates and one to bar them. We could leave one of the gates closed tomorrow, but that might raise suspicion as we never close them up. I don't know if they know that, though."
Timothy smiles back at the words of Svetlana about her husband. Clothes and a voice were taken care of, his disguising magic would take care of his look.
He nodded at Aldarion's objection to fire. It would not do to burn down that that they were trying so hard to defend. "Hmm. Perhaps while you enchant your plants," he says looking at Aldarion, "everyone else should hide behind the gates. Closing one side is an excellent idea and will aid my ruse. If they see me closing it and think Oleg is showing some defiance, they likely will come after me." Timothy smiles broadly and snaps his hands together in a vise-like grasp while saying, "Right. Into. My. Trap." Surely he meant to say "our trap" but just got caught up in the moment.
Caelus nods, "Then the pen is our ambush point. Do we have anyone with alchemist fires and is handy with a bow..." Before people raise their eyebrows at the bow slung across his back "Better then me that is..."
"I doubt I am better than you, but I can manage a bow."[b] Caelius nods to his bow resting near the door.
[b]"I second the idea of closing one of the doors we need to limit their ability to move." Caelius thinks for a moment. "We also have your donkey Timothy. With a bit of rope the beast could pull the one open door closed before I bar it. That done I am fast enough on my feet to keep clear and lend an arrow if things go wrong."
The noble gardener humbly nods to Caelus's compliment. He then smiles, "I'm afraid I've not had much opportunity for archery, as I don't need to hunt for my sustenance. That said, I have a few darts I could toss."
He also nods in agreement with Timothy. "A wise plan, Timothy. This will excite them, no doubt. Cause them to rush in, become careless, and miss the clues to... our trap."
A slight smile creeps onto Aldarion's face at the word "our." Then after Caelius speaks, Aldarion makes a suggestion.
"The donkey would do well. With your permission Timothy, I could take on this task myself. The creature and I should hide east of the guest house, out of sight, the donkey kept quiet. We will need a fair length of rope."
"Yes yes, isn't that what I said?" Timothy hand-waves the correction away.
"That beasts name is Bran. He may be of use, be careful though he is quite old and stubborn. Hopefully he will respond to you." Timothy does not mind Bran being used as long as he is far from danger. But then a thought that had been forming in Timothy's mind comes forward. "Hopefully we won't have to fight at all. I have a special surprise prepared for our bandit friends to knock them out cold." He grins, not bothering to explain what this surprise might be. Even in the face of danger Timothy is excited to defeat these bandits and show them the power that is house Churin! It beats wandering around in the wild hands down.
The gardener appears innocent at Timothy's defense, chuckling inwardly. Ah, young people! After the young noble-to-be speaks of old Bran and his enigmatic surprise, Aldarion raises an eyebrow.
A special surprise, eh? Interesting...
He speaks once more while stroking his chin.
"On second thought... perhaps we should leave old Bran be. Where would we tie the rope to the front gate where the bandits will not see it? Perhaps someone else should join Caelius behind the door instead?"
Caelus nods to the plans, "Excellent plans all around, I think it also best that I stay out of the way incase the little surprise that our "Oleg" over there goes awry. I'm thinking I could secret myself away in the stables and wait for a signal"