I should have secured the horses as soon as we drove off the bandits!
With Capella madly running in the direction of her master, Rufus immediately draws his sword at the sound of continued woe. Picking up his pace, he hustles towards the screams.
Castor, leaning on a nearby try, has been listening in attentively to each and every one of Kressle's words, attempting to pick out any meaning beyond just the bare words. Was this woman truly choosing death, or was she, herself, uncertain, and merely putting forth bravado?
"C-Capella!" Castor exclaims, as the horse comes gallopping by.
By the Night Monarch's wings, what's happened to her?
"I've got to go after her!" he calls out to Korinne and Arawn, before running off, hoping to follow his horse and make sure she doesn't run into any further trouble. Though he has no hope of catching up to his panicked mount, the two can easily see that Castor runs surprisingly fast; likely a talent gained from worshipping the deity of travelers.
"It's okay, girl, shh, shh, it's safe now." Castor calls out as his mount distances him, desperately hoping to coax her into stopping.
During lunch, Xelani listens intently to what the hunters tell Alayi, preferring to not to chime in but taking mental notes of the ecosystem they describe. There's more than mere bandits inhabiting these lands, then. I hope they'll prove less hostile, though I somewhat doubt it. The Stolen Lands have always resisted being tamed by civilization, after all. Instead, she just opts to exchange some words with Svetlana, more polite chatting than anything else, before lending a hand in clearing the table and then checking on Alayi's apprentices.
Turning to Xel gives her a smile. "Who ever said that siegecrafting was not beautiful? Look at the way all the pieces are supposed to fit and work together... a work of art I would say!"
Xelani smiles back at her friend's contagious enthusiasm. "As I've told you, my mother was an elf from Kyonin. A Calistria worshiper to boot, quite different from my father in her outlook. Anyway, she had always had an eye for the finer things in life. Once I asked her if she didn't miss Kyonin, with all the marvels and splendors she was so fond of describing me - all things one would be hard-pressed to find in rural Brevoy, to say the least. She answered me that art if first and foremost an attitude, the act of putting something original and creative in everything one does. The paintings, the sculptures... as pleasing to the eye that they might be, they're just echoes of the action that crafted them, legacies through which we are made to partake of the artist's gift. My mother had that gift... and so do you, it appears. You see the beauty inherent in all things, and then you reproduce it. That's why I'm confident you'll learn all the tricks in no time."
"And you're doing a fine job with your apprentices, if I may say so myself. At first, the product of their work might leave a lot to be desired, but at least they're learning a new craft, and more importantly, a honest one - which in turn I hope it'll prevent their minds from once again lingering on dangerous thoughts."
Rufus hustles through the path and into the clearing where you had left and secured the horses. The scene Rufus walks into is closer to a charnel house than the forest you have been around for some time.
It is obvious that something came through here. All of the horses have been killed and ripped apart. Viscera is all strewn out across the path. You cannot find Happs, his body or otherwise. It is possible, you suppose, that if the horses were left in such a state and he met the same fate, his...remains would not be all that distinguishable from the horses. However, you don't see any cloth or other goods that would identify him.
The one good point, if such a thing exists, is that Rufus can see the travel packs that the horses carried inside of the viscera so you haven't lost any gear or supplies...though it may be a good idea to wash it before you use it.
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Castor is able to calm Capella quickly enough, the horse recognizing a familiar face.
A simple look over her shows that she was probably attacked. Her bridle is damaged and her saddle seems cut and damaged. She also has several large gashes and many other cuts and bruises on her flanks.
Alayi nods.
"Elven Calistrans are always a bit more akin to Sheylins in their appreciation of beauty than their human counterparts typically are. And indeed the gods are closer than many would give credit, though they focus on different ends of beauty. As for their works... well, they are just starting out. The beauty of their work is in the effort more than the end product. No one, not even most of the followers of Torag, are able to make masterpieces on their first try."
She smiles and looks at the walls. "If the wilds out here really are so... terrible... we will need to fortify this place more than it is. Getting the catapults working will be a start, but the walls and gates need to be worked on as well. Any ideas as to how to make this place more fortified?"
"I take it you're referring to those tales those hunters were recounting? Indeed, they unsettled me too. My guess is the further south one ventures, the more savage the wilderness gets. Here on the Greenbelt's northern edge though, so close to Brevoy's border, things should theoretically be... safer."
"As safe as a bandit-plagued no-man's land can get, anyhow" she adds almost as an afterthought.
She pauses to give a quick glance at the trading post's fortifications before resuming her answer. "That doesn't mean defenses can be neglected - quite the opposite, in fact. Whoever built this structure did a fine work in making it sturdy and durable; the fact that to this day it still stands strong is a testament to that. Now, it's mostly a matter of helping the Levetons fix it - perhaps putting some reinforcing beam here and there where the walls look more brittle. Mind you, this is just an educated guess; I'm a fish out of water as far as engineering is concerned".
She frowns for a moment. "For the time being, though, it's not an organized siege force I'm most afraid of. That would be giving both the kobolds and the bandits too much credit. I'm actually more concerned about smaller raids, attempting to climb up the palisades while shielded by darkness and surprise. Against that, the best defenses are vigilance and bows wielded by men with a sure aim. Truth be told, the arrival of Ser Garess has been a blessing in that regard. I wouldn't have felt as confident leaving the Levetons by themselves otherwise."
Invoking Desna's celestial benevolence, Castor tends to his mount's wounds.
"There, there. All better," He murmurs soothingly.
Leading Capella back by the bridle, Castor returns to Arawn and Korinne.
"I fear to think of what might have spooked her so. I hope Sir Rufus is okay out there..."
She frowns for a moment. "For the time being, though, it's not an organized siege force I'm most afraid of. That would be giving both the kobolds and the bandits too much credit. I'm actually more concerned about smaller raids, attempting to climb up the palisades while shielded by darkness and surprise. Against that, the best defenses are vigilance and bows wielded by men with a sure aim. Truth be told, the arrival of Ser Garess has been a blessing in that regard. I wouldn't have felt as confident leaving the Levetons by themselves otherwise."
Alayi nods and frowns in thought, turning to Rob. "Are there ways to make the walls less scalable?"
Determining there is nothing he can presently do, Rufus examines the site for spoor of what caused the devastation.
"Wait, wait. I understand that you're in a hurry to help, and I am too, but if there's something out there that might prove dangerous and attack horses, then the last thing we want to do is split up again. Help me hitch Capella to the wagon, and let's all go back and make sure Rufus is fine." Castor suggests, judging best not to split the party further.
It takes a minute or so to hitch Capella to the wagon but you are off toward where the horses were hitched.
It takes about 15 minutes to get back to the horses.
Rufus can currently be found looking over the site.
Rufus' eyes water a bit from the smell of the dead horses but he's able to look around the area. It's apparent that something attacked the horses. More than likely it was an animal of some kind, the damage is too "messy" for a blade. In addition, it does appear that something was eating the viscera but you're not sure what.
You do see some foot prints, they appear humanoid but not entirely human. You also see some animal prints. All of them are probably from the same kind of animal though you cannot tell exactly if it was just one animal or multiple. You cannot properly identify either of the prints. The strange thing is that foot prints seem to come from the woods from the south, but there are no exiting prints. It just seems like they disappear.
Finally, you do not see anything else in the area. Nothing seems to be hiding, though you do take note that as you entered into the area, there were barely any animal noises.
"You've woodscraft," Rufus calls out to Castor as the others aproach, "what made these?" He points to the clearest of the tracks he has been able to find.
As the carnage comes into view, Castor gives a horrified gasp, unable to restrain his reaction. "B-by the stars... Those poor horses! What happened here?"
Steeling his nerves as best as he can, Castor investigates the tracks, attempting to discern their originator.
The shock, however, has thrown his thoughts in disarray, and he isn't able to come up with much.
"I... don't think I've ever seen such a thing."
"I see no certain indication either that he was responsible for this, or that he survived."
"If you do not feel...
hardened enough to examine more closely for spoor, I recommend we make our way back to the Leveton's" Rufus adds, nodding in appreciation at Castor's success in calming, healing & harnessing Capella to the wagon. Sheathing his sword, he pulls his bow from the wagon & nocks an arrow, attention once more focused upon possible external threats.
"This sounds like a wise course of action. With these bandits dealt with, and these two as our charges, there's no real reason for us to linger around or seek to explore further before regrouping. It is a shame that the bodies have been so..." Castor appears uncomfortable with the words he finds himself using. "... spread apart, let us say. I would have slept easier knowing these beasts of travel laid to peaceful rest."
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At Olegtude:
Rob replies, "I'm no engineer, miss. I guess you could throw a moat around the place...if you had time. Also, I've heard of some people lathering palisades with lard or oils but seems dangerous to me. A small tender could set the whole wall on fire if you use the wrong stuff..."
Alayi listens to Rob and nods. Oils might not work, soaps might though...
"Well Rob, we certainly have the time. And the man power. We just need the wood logs to convert to spikes and tools for digging the trench to put them in. Engineer or not, I could use your assitance in making the plans for it."
She smiles, then adds as an after thought.
"Oil probably would not be best for the walls... but it might work in the moat if we think something is about to attack. What do you think?"
Rob shrugs a bit and says, "Yeah...that would probably work better. Don't think there is quite a supply of something like that around here, not that I have heard of anyway. May be able to get some supplies from Restov though..."
Castor opens one of the pouches on Capella's saddlebags, and produces a handful of oat grains, which he scatters about.
"That these horses may find bright pastures in the lands beyond." He softly prays. Solemnly placing one hand on his Holy Symbol.
"Let us get moving."
"In time," Castor reflects aloud, thinking back to the grisly sight, "Nature will reclaim this carnage and it will fuel new blooms. In the end, that is the law of the wilds. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust."
As she observes Alayi's analytical mind kicking into gear, Xelani knows her work there is done.
"Digging a moat, you say? That would surely give your apprentices something to keep themselves busy when we're out exploring the wilderness."
And a tired prisoner is more likely to fall asleep than to plot his escape.
"Not to mention I can think of no more fitting poetic justice than having our hosts' one-time tormentors now help ensuring this fort's very safety. If you think it might speed up things, I'd be more than willing to lend a hand. Erastil teaches than no errand is too humble when it benefits the whole community. Also, handling a shovel is probably the zenith of my usefulness in the present circumstances" she adds in a subdued tone, as if muttering to herself.
Rufus does not comment on Castor's words, though both his expression and posture present a demeanor of cautious, attentive, tension.
"She was a gift from a merchant I met during my travels. I helped their caravan fend off a group of bandits, and, once we had reached their hometown, he all but forced me to accept her," Castor explains, his thankfulness quite transparent.
Rufus snorts quietly at Korinne's mention of Rumboozle, but otherwise refrains from commenting as his companions distract themselves from the current unpleasantness with reminiscences. Keeping pace with the wagon, he remains vigilant.
Time passes at Oleg's Trading post. The reformation squad continues to work well through the afternoon. The hunters eventually leave, having sold their wears and told their tales. After the sale, Oleg is mostly doing minor repairs to the various buildings in the post while Svetlana sees to the organization of the recently acquired items.
Late in the afternoon, almost at night, Xelani and Alay (at some point when they are discussing various things), are approached by Rob, who seems to be in a hurry. "Kesten wants you at the gates...seems there is some people approaching, they seem armed and armored..."
Moving to the gatehouse, you are just barely able to make out the group, but it appears your wayward companions are back! You can make out Castor on Capella, Rufus, Arawn and Korinne. However, they return with only one horse(Capella) who appears to be attached to some sort of Wagon.
**********************************************************************
As the group approaches within site of Oleg's, Castor is able to make out a new figure on the top of palisade's gatehouse. He looks armored and you're betting armed. However, your alarm is short lived as you see the familiar face of Xelani and Alayi on next to the man.
Seeing their companions returning, Alayi turns to Kesten and Rob and smiles.
"Open the gates please, gentlemen... those are our four brave companions, returning from dealing with the forces of banditry outside the walls." ... I wonder where Happs is... and, for that matter, the other four horses... still, no sense in bringing that up in front of Kesten...
After over a day of walking, maintaining a state of constant vigilance, Rufus eyes are worn and hollow. "Hold these two," he growls, pulling Kressle & the other bandit's bound forms from the wagon's bed, "we can decide what is to be done with them later. I haven't slept in over a day & neither have any of the rest of us."
With that, he shoulders his way past the gate & strides for whatever corner of the Trading Post he slept in before, looming menacingly over the present occupants if necessary to encourage their hasty departure.
Once the gate opens, Xelani rushes down the palisade to greet the others. "So my prayers have been granted after all. I see you return victorious, and more importantly, safe and sound" she says smiling warmly.
"As you can see, we've been having a bunch of guests lately. Allow me to introduce Ser Garess, though he prefers simply going by Kesten. He's leading that detachment of men-at-arms Oleg initially mistook us for; they indeed arrived yesterday evening, a mere half a day after your departure. And this is Rob, one of his men. He's helping Alayi repair the catapults."
After waiting while the necessary introductions are made, she presses on. "But I'm sure your day has been far more eventful than ours. If, unlike Rufus, you think your forces can sustain you at least a little bit longer, dinner is about to be served any minute now. Go ahead, while Alayi and I find a suitable accommodation for our new guests there. I'm sure Oleg will want to hear everything about your deeds - just wait for us to return before coming to the juicy parts" she winks.
Before they enter the main building, though, she gently grabs Castor by the arm and whispers "Je vois Happs est plus avec vous - et la plupart des chevaux aussi. Est-ce que ... est-ce qu'il essaie de vous trahir?"
************************************************************************
Once everyone's off either to sleep or dinner, Xelani asks Alayi for some help with carrying the prisoners, making sure they have no chance to interact with their former companions if not for them to see that their leader is, in fact, effectively subdued.
"I take it you're the famous Kressle. Looks like your marauding days are, for good or for bad, over, huh?" Xelani says to the woman, pointing at her stump. "No, don't bother answering. We might have time to talk tomorrow. For now, I just want to re-unite with my friends and listen to their recollection of today's events."
Turning her heels on the captured bandits, Xelani heads for dinner. On her way out, she politely asks Rob to keep an eye on them until her return. "With so many people of... let's say disreputable reputation around, it might be wise to set up a watch for the night. I'll take the first shift - I'm quite positive my comrades are too exhausted to be saddled with such a burden right now."
Polite greetings and explanations aside, Castor is mostly throughout the evening, and retires to bed early. "I'll be up in the early morning to take up watch." He says, shortly, before heading to sleep.
Some priest of travels I make. Happs risked his life to make penance today, and we left him out in the wild to die. Those poor horses, to... Am I truly fit for this task?
No. It is too late to turn back now. I'll just have to do better, to be better. With Desna as my light and the Monarch as my guide, I will do better.
The night passes without much incident. Watches are set up by Kesten to keep a look out for the new prisoners.
Breakfast is served by Svetlana and as you are all eating, Oleg says, "So, what of the bandits? I saw that...women Kressel is here and without a hand no less. Got what she deserved and she deserves even more. Do we have to worry about them coming back?"
Alayi nods to Korinne as she speaks.
"Well, it seems my work on defenses here is not entirely a bad idea then. We are working on the catapults, but likely will need parts from Brevoy to really get them all operational. I intend to place an order for those parts... as well as tools to dig a moat around this place. And enough oil that we can force any that would attempt to siege this place to have to go around it or burn, though I welcome other ideas to make our new post a bit more defendable."
She pauses, then asks softly, "What of Happs and the other horses? And what do we intend to do with our new guests? I have been having the four you left working on the catapults in teams of two, but I don't think that Kressle will be suited to the work in her current... state." Here Alayi covers up one of her hands with her sleeve and waves it around before poping it out again to indicate what state she is refering to.
"It is a cruel twist of fate, and, being that I was asked to guide this group through the wilderness, I feel most at fault." Castor begins to explain, when Alayi inquires.
"To approach the bandit camp more quietly, we left Happs and the horses behind. I believe we ensured he would not steal the horses and leave us there, but through which methods, I do not truly recall. While we were clashing with Kressle and her followers, some manner of wild beast must have attacked them. We didn't find the man's body, but going by the state of the horses' remains, I fear it would be safe to assume he is no longer amongst us."
Alayi's normally bronze skin pales a bit at Castor's revelation. "Definately want to see to reinforcing the walls then... a group of hunters said there were trolls, orcs, kobolds, something called 'mites', and of course bandits south of here... now we can add beasts to that list. And I am sure that is just the tip of the spear aimed at our throats."
Alayi shakes her head, black hair simmering as it flows.
"I suppose if it was easy then it would have already been done though."
Xelani listens intently to Korinne and Castor's recounting of yesterday's events, smiling as she hears the tales of her companion's bravery; only the story of Happs' messy end manages to bring a veneer of sadness clouding her expression.
"Brutal. So... brutal. Whatever their crimes – and in mister Bydon's case I'm sure they were plenty – no-one deserves such a gruesome death, depriving him even of the very possibility of a burial. We can take solace in knowing it's no-one's fault. You course of action was sound, and the outcome unforeseeable. Let's not linger on that. Still, it pains me to know someone met such an end helping us – however insincere that help might have been".
Alayi's normally bronze skin pales a bit at Castor's revelation. "Definitely want to see to reinforcing the walls then... a group of hunters said there were trolls, orcs, kobolds, something called 'mites', and of course bandits south of here... now we can add beasts to that list. And I am sure that is just the tip of the spear aimed at our throats."
Seeing the discomfort in Alayi's expression, Xelani tries her best not to let the group's morale flounder. "The situation is surely bleak, though perhaps not as much as it might seem. As formidable as those creature are, they've always been either too feral or too disorganized to be able to mount an aggression against a fortified position so close to Brevoy's border. The only exception to that rule have traditionally been the bandits, though if their leadership is as tenuous as Korinne said, our actions might have truly put their activities in the Northern Greenbelt in a state of serious disarray – at least for the time being. I say it's time we start reversing that spear. Our mandate is to scour and map these lands, and now that we've given our hosts some breathing room by neutralizing their most immediate threat we can finally put that plan into motion. See the truth behind those stories, and act accordingly."
"I'm not saying that fortifying this post is an effort that can be neglected, or even slowed down" she hastens to add. "On the contrary, making sure he doesn't overextend before ensuring his positions are safe is the mark of the wise general. Which I think indirectly brings us back to Alayi's previous question: what shall we do with the prisoners you brought back? If we plan on digging a moat (something which I heartily endorse now that the ground should begin to thaw), two extra hands might always be useful. But what about their boss, this Kressle? Alayi's right, her crimes are grievous and her utility... limited"
Oleg and Kesten listen to Korinne's tale closely though they do not ask any questions.
As discussion continues through the group, Oleg seems a little uncomfortable, undoubtedly the same discussion they had about the first "batch" of Bandits weighing on him. "I let you folk keep those other men in my home well enough and I will admit that they have proven useful. However, I...I cannot abide to let this women," he gestures in the direction of where Kressel is being held. "stay in my home. Those other men may not have been as directly responsible for this, but she threatened my wife, myself, and our livelihood in person." His anger flares as he speaks but he seems to calm himself. "I guess I won't demand her head on a pike like I did when we caught the others but I want her gone from this place as soon as possible."
Kesten takes in Oleg's thoughts and says, "I can offer a man to see her off to Restov and we have horses enough that we could hitch one to this wagon you brought and cart her and any other bandits you want seen off to Restov. However, I would be worried sending a single man to watch after her and the rest..."
At this Arawn speaks up, "While I know I may not fit the "guardsmen" profile all that well, I can offer my services to see Kressel and any others to Restov." Turning to the group, he says, "I know we all may have gotten off on the wrong foot but I hope that this can serve as a sort of olive branch to the group. I will help deal with these criminals while the rest of you can continue our duty. We can meet up at a later time after I've dealt with these people."
Even upon waking, Rufus is obviously still brooding over the events of the previous days. As the others offer their thoughts, he remains silent, merely nodding in acknowledgment & sometimes agreement. When Oleg makes his feelings regarding Kressle known, Rufus seems about to respond, only to be preempted by Arawn's offer.
"Pray tell, how have these fellows been doing in our absence?" Castor asks, referring to the bandits in general?
"As far as Kressle goes, I will gladly defer to Oleg. She is in no state to work off any kind of debt to society here, and I believe her presence might embolden some of these men who might, otherwise, find redemption in their work. Much as I would enjoying seeing her given the same chance, she has not shown any will to give peace a chance, so to speak. In these circumstances, I believe it is best that we let Restov deal with her case."
"As for the other bandits, I believe I know what should become of their case: I propose that we offer them a chance to help us build these lands into a prosperous place. Let them be our first laborers, and earn their redemption. Should they work with us, they will surely find a new direction, one away from the life of crime." Castor suggests, after some reflection.
"Does this seem appropriate to each of you?"
"It does."
Alayi thinks a moment before responding.
"The four that have been here have a long ways to go before they will become productive members of society. Their quality of work is objectively poor so far, but then they have just started learning how to do something productive. I would not have them sent to Restov. I think that with time they have the potential to make a positive, productive mark on our endevours here. By the time they are finished they will have more than made up for the troubles they brought upon Oleg and Svetlana by ensuring that their post is ready to repel any other would be 'collectors'. If you think the fifth one you brought with you is willing to work if given a similar chance I would not turn him to the noose prematurely."
Alayi's face becomes harder. "The ringleader, Kressle, is not in much of a state to be of use here, even if she was ... 'welcome' might be too strong a word, so instead I will use 'tolerable' by our gracious hosts. Still, I see no need to send her all the way to the courts in Brevoy to face the noose when we have rope enough here. Here crimes were committed here, against these fine folks, not back in Restov. If Kesten will oblige us as a representative of the law from Brevoy, my vote would be to execute her by hanging here and then send her head back to Restov as proof of her death."
Alayi looks to the others to see if this is an acceptable solution to the Kressle problem.
Korinne's ending quip brings the shadow of a smirk to Rufus' lips as he replies. "But who wouldn't want a moat around their home? They're so fashionable these days..."
Turning now to Oleg, Rufus expression once more loses all levity, assuming the gravitas appropriate to their host's concerns. "Master Leveton, you have sheltered us without fail & without complaint. It was never my intent in bringing Kressle back here to place a burden, either emotional or fiscal, upon your household. It was simply my desire to allow you & your wife the chance to see some manner of justice brought to the primary agent of your recent woes."
"That said, understand that if you cannot find it within your hearts to offer shelter to her, she will almost certainly die." Spreading his arms to indicate both the Trading Post & the immediate surroundings, he continues. "Kressle is a woman of the River Kingdoms & freedom is held paramount here, sometimes only the freedom to choose how & where you die. If she goes in chains to Restov, they will almost certainly hang her as a bandit, to show their citizens & the merchants who trade there that such acts are not tolerated & even the...
'Stolen' Lands are not too far for Brevic Justice."
Sighing, he continues. "I allowed my temper to get the better of me before, though a desire not to simply leave her corpse to be consumed by the beasts of the Narlmarches also played it's part." Looking from face to face among those present, he explains, "for my part, I would offer her a choice, if she still would choose a certain death over an uncertain judgment, I'd give her her ax & a shield, I will face her again. Let her die fighting, know that our priest," nodding to Castor, "will say the words over her & she can pass to whatever her reward might be."
Alayi lets out a little laugh.
"I appreciate the notion of 'trial by combat' ... very appropriate in some cases. However, two things you might not have considered and may want to before you give her such a challenge."
Alayi ticks them off with her fingers as she speaks them.
"First, she has little use of one of her hands. Even if she straps the shield to that arm, it will not be as efficient a usage of the implement as if she was fully 'armed', so to speak. The fight would not be fully fair, and trials by combat should be as fair as possible. Hence the reason disabled or non combat trained persons are allowed to choose willing seconds to represent them. Second, while I am relatively cetain you would win such a contest of strength, the question must be asked: what would we do with her if she did happen to win that fight? By rights she should be allowed then to go free... but would we really want that to happen?"
Alayi shrugs. "I am not saying this is a bad plan, I am merely asking if you have thought of those factors... and if so, what your reasoning is on them. I am still in favor of just executing her cleanly here... would you be opposed to such a course Sir Rufus?"