Damen rubbed the back of his neck as he considered Svetlana's suggestion. He turned away from Ulryk's work. He'd butchered his share of animals, but had never had cause to do it with a human... other than the incidental moments in battle. He found he wasn't revolted by it, but turned away all the same.
"I'm not keen to run off back to Restov either, though it has been quite a few months since I was last in anything larger than... well, this trade post. I'd be in favor of attacking the bandit camp as soon as possible, since delay there is more likely to make them alert when this lot never makes it back. From the sound of things, this Kessle is the local boss, so she's the next obvious lead to the Stag Lord. Even if we find we can't assault the camp, we can scout out the area."
I look at Mel and can't help but feel a bit sorry for her. What kind of person was she before she became a bandit I wonder? I wonder if it is worth it to try.
I look to the others. "In my line of work I could always use an assistant. I might try and "hire" this girl to be just that. I can then keep her around as a porter for the time being and her "income" for a while will be paying off her crimes. This way she can prove to me that she is capable and willing to do honest work. Should she attempt to betray me at anytime I would kill her myself."
I look to the others. "I will help you deal with this Kressle. Happs gave us a map to get us to the camp where they are hiding. For the time being I would like to keep Mel tied up here until the bandits are dealt with. I don't care about the small fries in the group. only the heads that are worth something. That's why I would like Mel to live, her services could be worth more to me than her head."
I look in the direction of the city. "I may tag along for a while too. If you guys are simply looking around I could hag with. Safety in numbers and all that. I'll help out where needed and I get to do my own exploration of these lands." I look to each of you. "What do you say? I accompany you on your adventure and I take the girl as my porter? does that work?"
[ooc]I've seen it done where players have acquired circumstantial servants who don't offer much beyond a few mundane or menial skills to the player who "has" them. It is totally up to the GM but with Leorn's low strength, he'd rather have someone indebted to him hold his things than someone else with more "freedom" do it. Again, up to you guys and the GM, it's just a thing Leorn would do."[/b]
Ulryk looked over Leorn for a moment and then back to Mel. He knew without needing to wait for the woman's words that she would in an instant agree to become this man's porter. His gut feeling also made him believe that Mel would soon try to slip into Leorn's bed and earn his favor. While he doubted she would try to slit their throats while they slept, the idea of her lingering about made him a little uneasy. He also did not feel right giving her a full pardon, especially considering he knew so little about Leorn.
"That may work for us. I have no objection to a seventh sword or bow joining us, if you can fight Leorn." Ulryk looked the man up and down. Ulryk had only just met the man and knew little about him. His current impression was that Leorn was something of an explorer-adventurer, likely with a shady past and a flexible morality. Svetlana seemed to have taken a liking to the man, but Ulryk wasn't too sure. Damen had been an easier addition for Ulryk to accept likely due to his military service and his own writ charter. "Can you fight or handle yourself?" He wasn't trying to offend the man, but he also didn't want to put him in a dangerous situation and have Leorn's death on his conscience.
"However the criminal Mel will not receive a full pardon. Her crimes must be punished. If you are willing to take her on, her future actions will be on you as well, but I will not stay quiet and allow for her criminality to avoid prosecution of law." Ulryk took a deep breath and forced himself to be hardhearted and stone faced.
"At the very least her crimes of extortion and banditry must be paid with the hand with which she stole coin, drew steel, and notched arrows."
Brigid's eyes go wide at Ulryk's pronouncement. Her hand? With a few long strides, she is back with the group.
Lowering her voice so the captives cannot hear, she leans in to speak to Ulryk. The charter reads unrepentant banditry is to be punished.
She glances over to the young woman. She tilts her head, appraising. You are right not to trust her, but taking her hand? That vould ruin her. She shakes her head. Vhat about a brand? Mark her, having been caught as a bandit. If she is ever caught in banditry again, she is unrepentant and therefore must be killed.
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At the pronouncement of the taking of her hand, Mel crumbles into a sobbing heap. Happs just shakes his head, a small grin forming on his lips.
"Ah, the great and valiant heroes. They do not have the stones to do what is needed. At least not when a girl is involved. I do not see any damage coming to me, as I am now a valuable commodity. You are all pathetic!"
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Areanna, unusually quiet up to this point finally speaks. Her voice is soft and quiet.
"Ummm...everyone. Perhaps I can solve some of these problems. You see, after this battle, and the last few week of travel, well I have decided that I really like to make stories rather than be in them."
She smiles in a very self-deprecating way.
"It all started out as a grand adventure, but quickly the reality of what we were doing struck me. The battle and dealing with these bandits has taken a toll on me that I would have never thought possible. I do not think I am cut out for this kind of life. I miss the theater and noble courts too much. The food and fashion. In short, I will be leaving. But perhaps in doing so I can solve some of your troubles. I can take Oleg's letter to the swordlords in Restov, as well as deliver this bandit to the proper authorities. I think I might be able to make Mel help, or perhaps Svetlana and I could arrange something for the girl, to keep her following my orders, and not Happs. In any event, I will be leaving. I am sorry."
Svetlana turns on Happs, fire blazing in her blue eyes. YOU are a valuable commodity DEAD, or alive. Pointing at Ulryk she added, and as you can see this one here would lose precious little sleep on ensuring it is the former. The priestess didn't raise her voice much, but the serious in it lacked the coy, playful tone she normally carried. The absence made her words all the more grim. Do not speak again, or our friend here, she now pointed to Leorn, will carry out the acts we considered before just for the fun of it. The last was more of an attempt to keep the man quiet. In truth Svetlana felt his fate was already decided, Mel was more interesting.
Turning back to the female bandit she stared a bit with a frown before nodding. This one seems to warrant a second chance. Her story rings true in my mind, and if Leorn here is willing to vouch for her then I say we let him. Smiling at Ulryk, she reverted to her typical charming and slightly flirtatious self. Can't we let her perhaps keep her hand for now? We can ensure that the bandit outpost know that we found their location because of her; that way she'll have no one to turn to if she were to run. And Leorn here I'm sure will take very good care of her. That's not too much to ask, is it. By the end Svetlana had poured on the charm in her attempt to mollify Ulryk into accepting what Leorn and Brigid (to an extent) were already pushing for.
Svetlana nodded sympathetically to Areanna's words. She had sensed this coming and was far from surprised, but the woman had been a good traveling companion. I am more than sympathetic about the fashion..and the courts and balls! We must get together in Restov if you stay, maybe our errands will take us back there as well. And I thank you for carrying Oleg's letter back and returning this wretch, pointing to Happs, back there as well. As I told him, remember that he is just as good dead!
Ulryk merely stared at Happs and looked at the bloodied axe head of his halberd. The wanted poster did say dead or alive. This man Happs was not only a villain, but also a fool. He might have done something about Happs, had not Brigid come to him and pulled him aside.
Straightening up, so as to not appear that much shorter than Brigid, Ulryk heard her out and then lowered his voice as well. "Mel has been unrepentant in her banditry up till her capture and even now she has made no apology to either Oleg or his wife. Nor did she show regret or remorse for the death of her parents. She may not have lit the fire, but she played a part I do not doubt." It seemed that Ulryk's chivilary was taking a backseat to his duty to the law and stern execution of sentence.
He gestured to the corpses of the bandits that had fallen in battle, severed heads and all. "Most here were not given the chance for surrender before they were punished for their crime of banditry. Taking Mel's hand is a mercy and better than she deserves." Ulryk said all this in a whisper, keeping up the confidentiality that Brigid wished, despite Happ's realizing what was being discussed. When Svetlana addressed him he let his private conversation become public. Any who wished to hear him could.
"I understand that several of you wish to give this bandit Mel a second chance. I do and your compassion is commendable. It is just that I do not wish to take the risk that her second chance will be to resort back to banditry. Taking her hand will help prevent that, it is far easier to be a one handed scullery, acolyte, porter, or whatever..." Ulryk carefully decided not to include prostitute among the lines of work suspecting brigid's distaste for that type of profession. "... then it is to draw a bow or swing a sword without a swordhand. She already ruined herself with her choices." Ulryk made himself look directly at Mel as he spoke. She would hate him for the rest of her life. That much he knew.
"Informing the bandit outpost would be futile. If the bandit's escape to tell others, we will have more to worry about than her."Ulryk gestured at her with his Halberd. Leorn vouching for her didn't do much to sway Ulryk's mind, after all, who was vouching for Leorn? Yet Svetlana's charms were hard to resist, especially when coupled with Brigids already formidable insistence and no back up from any of his other companion. Once Areanna made her decision to leave known, Ulryk Lebeda caved to the pressure of the group.
"Areanna, your company and your songs will be missed dearly... but I understand and it is your decision to make. Perhaps you could take Mel and Happs both with you? The Swordlord's in Restov can decide whether Mel deserves a pardon or not and spare of the grisly business of taking more heads or hands. I know it is much to ask of you, but can you also take a letter from me back with you and the heads of these fallen bandits? If any were wanted criminals, someone in Restov will know."
He turned to the rest of his group and spoke softly. "I would feel more comfortable if Mel did not accompany us. I think we should give Areanna an additional horse, to carry her supplies and the heads upon. We can truss up Happs and Mel to make sure they don't give her much trouble. Is that acceptable?"
He is better dead. Safer. His vords condemn him. Execute him and have Areanna take back the corpse. She need not listen to his lies on the vay or take the risk he escape his bonds.
Brigid shakes her head vehemently. No. Vord vill get out about our charter. They vill be more likely to surrender if ve do not take retribution. How bitterly vould you fight if you knew your enemies vould take your hand if you fell? Her eyes flash intensely, letting Ulryk know what her answer would be.
Brigid then studies the map that Happs drew, and begins working on a plan. Ve should leave at first light, if not sooner. There is plenty of day left. Six bandits, six of us, if Leorn joins us. Ve can vear their cloaks, ride their horses, and perhaps sentries vill let us past. Kent, can your magic make more than rude sounds? Can you mock his voice? she asks, gesturing to the bandit leader.
I consider what the others are saying. "I wouldn't call it mercy as much as pity. I like the idea of branding her. It's traumatic enough to remember and if she breaks oath then the next time we encounter her she's as good as dead then. I'd prefer she not lose a hand if she is to be a porter. I don't mind her losing a hand if she is going else where. The idea is that I am one person she wronged and if I am taking her as an indentured servant then I want her relatively healthy."
I look at the party in regards to my skills. "I am an accomplished and intelligent. I am primarily good for skills and support. I am good with my whip and can trip or disarm foes in a cleaving motion. It is the best I can offer. I am not very strong, and I tend to collect a lot of things in my travels. That is why I could use a porter. Unless one of you wants to carry my stuff."
"Brigid has the right of it as to the hand... better to give them both a clean death and let that be the end of it. Of course - it will make others far less willing to surrender when word gets out, but we don't have the resources to take prisoners in the wilds either. Will we haul every prisoner here for transport to a city? And anyway, we could fill every dungeon in Restov before we even began to come to terms with the brigandage in this area, I imagine."
He shook his head. "I'll abide by whatever the group decides, but as far as I'm concerned they deserve no quarter. The penalty for banditry is death. We mete it out and burn the bodies, and that'll be the end of it. No having to keep watch over an untrustworthy servant-woman, no having to be mindful of them rallying their allies for an attack on the trade post. They'd have done the same to us. Or worse," he added with a glance at the women.
When Areanna declared she would leave, he nodded at Ulryk's words. "You'll be missed, Areanna. I don't blame you for it, either. This is not to everyone's liking."
At last he turned to appraise Leorn. "As for you..." He shrugged. "There is a certain fondness for whips here, apparently. But as far as I can tell we'll need an extra hand in our explorations." A subtle grin passed over his features, but was gone a moment later. "Perhaps something... ah... probationary, as we attack the bandit camp to let us all get a sense of each other."
Having stated her opinion, Svetlana now seemed more interested in hearing out the others, almost forgetting Happs and Mel were there in the meantime. Well, it seems that no one minds our new friend Leorn joining us, with a wink at Damen adding, at least on a probationary status. But as to the fate of the two prisoners, and what to do about the bandit camp we remain split.
As for Happs, it seems that the opinion is against a much longer life. His actions condemn him and no one seems compelled to bring him back alive. So, it seems that issue is decided, yes? The priestess waves a hand in the air and then nods to Ulryk, the presumed executioner. Now, with Mel it gets a bit more complicated. The majority here seem to support not maiming her or killing her. But enough also don't seem comfortable bringing her along as a porter or simply letting her go free to find a productive life. So, let's say we send her back with Areanna, all tied up in a nice little bow, to Restov where the authorities there can decide her fate. Would seem to meet most of our standards, yes?
"agreed"
Ulryk gave a thankful nod to Damen who finally spoke up in defense of the laws of the land and the necessary severity when dealing with banditry. From everything that Leorn said, Ulryk had grown slightly uncomfortable. It seemed that the explorer cared nothing for Mel, for he was just as willing to let her be crippled if she were not his porter, he just didn't want a maimed slave. Ulryk knew a little of Chelaxian's and understood that slavery, distasteful as it was in Brevoy and the Riverlands, was common place in that Southern Empire.
"I am agreed on this plan, Lady Orlovsky. Let us clean up here and then we will strike at the bandits at first light, should we be able to find them. You said the you have a crude map? Maybe Oleg can decifer it and give us accurate direction or approximation of where the camp is. He knows these lands better than us."
If the reward poster made no mention of prefering Happs alive to dead, (and the party all agreed) Ulryk would move over to the bound man, drag him to a block of wood and force his head down. If Happs lifted his head afterwards, it would matter little - just a slower, more painful and messier death for the murderer and arsonist.
"By rights given to us by charter of the Aldori Swordlords of Restov and our own burgeoning authority over these lands, we of the company of Ulryk Lebeda, Svetlana Orlovsky, Kent Unsaid, Damen Medvyed, Brigid of Vhitehelm, and Areanna Delante... along side the oversight of the family of Oleg and Svetlana Leveton, as well as Leorn VonKahn... You are sentenced on this day the 24th of Pharast, 4707 A.R. to death for the crimes of extortion, murder, arson, and banditry. I, Ulryk Lebeda of the line of Alric Lebeda, will execute your sentence.If you favor a god, pray to them now and may they forgive you where the law will not."
Ulryk would grant the man a few minutes if he generally began to utter a prayer, but if he began to blasphemy, utter curses, or call out to a demon-god, his Halberd's axe would come down quickly.
I show signs of great distaste. "Pity, I have seen laws condemn many good men in Cheliax. I thought things would be different out here in the wilds but it seems there is no escape. Everywhere you go someone is going to try and force their rules on someone else."
I take a deep breath. "Quit playing judge, jury, and executioner and get it over with already." I don't stick around for the execution and simply make my way to the bandit's horses and recover my gear.
Anyone taking a good look at me can see I am clearly upset by the whole scenario.
I look carefully at the girl. What are the odds off her trying to escape on route or coming back here?
Svetlana nodded grimly as Ulryk ended Happs life. You demand vengeance, my Lady, and vengeance you have had. With a quick, quiet prayer, the priestess then straightened and looked at Mel. I would hope that is all you need to see to know that any hint of a problem out of you while heading back to Restov will see you meet with the very same end, yes? Svetlana was grateful for Areanna'a aid and wanted her to have as little grief as possible. The woman would already be rattled taking back a corpse and several heads. She didn't need an unruly captive to go with it.
The priestess then walked over to Ulryk but eyed Leorn off to the side. You did what you thought was right here, but it does none of us any good to have division in our numbers. What about extending an olive branch to the man? Not an apology, but a sign that you do want to work well together with a traveling companion. He said he wanted Mel to carry items for him, and admitted a lack of physical strength as a reason. That takes courage for a man to admit such. Perhaps you could offer to let him store a few things in your cart? That way it shows we understand his needs and want to make him comfortable. Not too much to ask, is it? Svetlana's tone made it clear that she had no intention of instilling guilt in the warrior, but was concerned about harmony in the group.
Right after speaking to Ulryk, the priestess approached Leorn. The man was upset, and that seemed a poor way to begin traveling together. That wasn't easy for me to see. Even as my goddess stands for vengeance, the results can be...difficult. I see this whole event did not go as you would have wished. In truth some did not go as I would prefer either. But I hope you don't reconsider your offer to travel with us. You seemed convinced this area would have artifacts you seek. Besides, she adds with a flirtatious glance and mischievous grin, I would miss your company. You would still travel with me, yes?
I take a breath. I wipe my eyes as though I was drying them. "I'm sorry. I have an unpleasant relationship with executioners as well as law enforcers." I wipe my face on my sleeve and turn to Svetlana. "Thanks for your company and words. It's no cure but it helps."
I should my backpack and latch my whip to my belt. "I'll stay with you guys for a time and explore with you. After all, for one thing, I owe you guys my life." I give here a charming smile. "And I have to keep you company."
Damen nearly snapped at Leorn over his discomfort with the handling of the bandits, but Svetlana's intercession, although not directed at him, convinced him to keep his peace. Still, the man sounded not unlike a bandit himself. Damen's jaw clenched, and he had to will himself to relax. Forcing rules indeed, he thought. As though people have no right to live free of fear.
As Svetlana approached Leorn, he spoke to Ulryk in quiet tones. "You did right, Ulryk. No less than the situation demanded. Let us pile the bodies and finish with them so we can focus on the demands of tomorrow."
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"Well that's an end to some nasty business!", Oleg states with little emotion. He hands a shovel to Ulryk and takes one up himself.
"Lets get this mess cleaned up before the missus gets out here. She is in back making up some food for your company."
Oleg grabs the leg on one side of the bandit corpse, waiting for Ulryk to do the same, then drags the headless body to join the others outside and behind the trading post.
Brigid assists in the grisly but necessary work of disposing of the bodies. When she and Ulryk are around the outside of the trading post, she pauses, and looks like she is about to say something.
She thinks a moment, and searches the sky before looking him levelly. Laws can be good things. Ve vill need them to do our job here. But vhen the law has no room for compassion or mercy... then law is no longer good.
Having said her peace, she nods at him with a look that she holds no grudge or ill will over their difference of opinion.
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Oleg nods in agreement with Brigid's assessment.
"One of the reasons me and Lana moved out here to the edge of civilization was to get away from the bean counters and people who twisted the right of things to make it there own. Like the lady said, law can be good, but you need to make sure the people enforcing them are not blind to the effects of them laws."
Oleg steps back from the freshly turned graves, takes off his hat and wipes his brow.
"Do you think Lady Svetlana would say a few words over these folk? They may have been bandits, and I am glad they are gone, but I bear their spirits no malice."
"well our next step is to find the bandits camp, best hurry right after we burry the bodies"
In order to hurry the process along I pick up a shovel. If I hit any rocks I'll acid splash them.
Leorn’s words stung Ulryk, but he made no outward recognition of it. They stung not so much because he agreed with the man, but because after offering up sentence and executing the bandit known as Happs, he found a sick sort of excitement surge through him. A creeping and insidious pleasure derived from the control he had over the criminals fate. Looking at his bloody Halberd blade, he soon suppressed the feeling and replaced it with revulsion. You’re better than this Ulryk. he reminded himself even as Svetlana approached and offered words. She didn’t speak of the execution, though Ulryk was sure from the glint in her eyes that she would not have minded swinging the axe herself – though she would have done it in the name of vengeance, whereas he did it in the name of law and what he hoped was justice.
Ulryk was silent himself for a moment. The stink of the corpse before him shielding Ulryk from the usual sway of Svetlana’s charms and persuasions. Yet he agreed with what she said in regards to Leorn and the need to extend an olive branch. He glanced over to where the explorer was retrieving his belongings. “Yes. Yes. I will try to smooth things over later. Perhaps at whatever meal Oleg’s wife Svetlana serves us. He can of course stow some belongings within my cart. Ragnaris won’t mind a few extra bags.” Ulryk said simply, then let the Priestess go to have words with the new comer.
“Thank you Damen. I did what I believe was necessary. Nothing more.” He did not choose to speak further of it, still somewhat ashamed of the adrenalin that coursed through him. Looking at Damen he thought the other man might understand, especially given the fire with which he fought during combat, but decided not to broach the subject at this time.
Taking up the offered shovel, he assists Oleg, Damen, and Brigid with disposing of the headless corpses. It was unpleasant work, but Ulryk was glad to be doing it. It helped to put the executions in perspective for him and remind him once more of the lives he and his companions ended, both inside and outside of combat. Ulryk was even surprised when Kent took up a shovel and used his magic to assist.
On hearing the sincere words from Brigid and Oleg Ulryk could only nod. He was not sure how much compassion a law should hold. He’d always been taught that laws were to be impartial, so to be above the whims and fallacies of man, but understood what they were trying to get at. Exceptions had to be made, mercy needed to be meted out when the situation demanded, and just men need to make the laws and be watchdogs against corruption. “I agree with you both. The closer law and justice are to one another, the better civilization does. I have no fondness of bean counters or the unnecessary regulations of an entrenched bureaucracy, but those we dealt with today were bandits, murderers and thieves. Let’s not forget that these were likely the same ones who murdered Oleg’s messengers on the road. For the future of this land, we needed to deal with them firmly and establish precedent.” Ulryk frowned and nodded his head once more. He was sweating in his armor as he finished with the digging and placing the last body in the mass grave. He was uncomfortable and dirty. He wanted a drink. Something strong.
“Oleg, you are welcome to ask the Lady Orlovsky, but I recall her saying that her Goddess of the savored sting was not concerned with the there-after and those souls which journey to the boneyard, save those she would later collect. I can say a few words to Pharisma and Abadar to judge them fairly, though if Kent were inclined I am sure he would do a better job than I.” He left it unsaid that he believed Kent would not be so inclined. The wizard seemed little interested in death or ceremony rites that were not of a scholarly nature. But rather than speak for Kent, he turned his head to the Wizard and let him answer himself.
Having spoken to Ulyrk and Leorn, Svetlana left the others to the task of burying the bodies and instead headed inside to check on Lana. The woman had been holed up inside and had not seen much of the carnage, but wanted to make sure she was coping with the events. All seems well out there now. The fighting was tough, but brief. We have handled the messy business of the captives as well. I think you and Oleg will be safer for it all; and more fully safe still after we handle the remainder of the bandits tomorrow. I hope you are not too traumatized by the events. We only want to make the area what you've always hoped for. The priestess stays with Lana as long as necessary to ensure she seems settled.
Afterward, Svetlana returned to her room to change and neaten up before joing the rest for a hearty meal. Subtly, she watched the reactions of the others, keeping an eye out for any signs for a body struggling with the aftermath of the battle. Assuming she sees none she contents herself with small talk and light comradery for the rest of evening before retiring for the night.
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Lana is happy that all is over now, but still seems a bit sad. When asked by Svetlana she confides, "During their search for treasure, one of the bandits took my wedding band. Oleg was outraged and almost got his hand cut off when he protested. I guess I just was hoping that it would have turned up. Silly, I know, but it was from Oleg and reminds me of what he was like before all this happened."
She sighs, but then steadies and gets back to work. The prepared food is brought outside to be cooked over an outdoor oven. Soon the aroma of grilled deer meat and boiled greens removes the smells of death and blood. By the time the grave diggers return, Lana has the tables set and a large wash basin set out for all to 'clean-up'.
After dinner, Oleg and Lana excuse themselves and retire to the main house, leaving the group at the table with a large pitcher of ale and a wildberry pie.
"alright"
I go over the graves and say with great formality and ceremony
"Yrel telat wozl anel telat Sazpel yrelz rajel wucel yu a pelyyeln qhavel, poy I tuopy iy. I filr yrels yrel pelly cuf yray yrelz anel telat act cuy uon qnuphels acz sunel."
The dead guys are dead Maybe they have gone to a better place, but I doubt it. I wish them the best now that they are dead and not our problem any more.
I take a deep breath and head over to look over the fort. I look to Oleg, "Nice fort you got her. Do you mind if I stay here for the night? I don't have much to offer but some coin. I plan to join these fellows for a time. Just to see where it will take me."
Provided Oleg sets me up with a room or at least points out a spot I can camp I make for it and attempt to clean up. I don't assist with burying the dead and am a bit put off by the half-@$$ ceremony that follows. Regardless I keep my peace for the time being.
If allowed I join the others for dinner, again offering to pay since I played no part in the bandit's defeat. I eat quietly for a while before asking. "So, where are you all headed after you deal with the bandits?"
After the task of disposing of the bodies, Brigid eats the subsequent meal in silence. If no one else explains, she passes a copy of the charter to Leorn for him to read.
Once the meal is finished, Brigid sets up some straw practice targets and begins sending arrow after arrow into them. She has no problem if anyone else wishes to take a turn.
Before the meal Ulryk strips out of his armor and uses the bunk house to change his clothes. At one point he asks for Kent's magical assistence in cleaning his belongings and person. Once completed he joins the others for the meal, bringing with his a gallon worth of ale which he shares out with everyone.
At first he is silent and rather glum during the meal, but the alcohol and food seem to help improve his meal.
Pouring a mug for Leorn, he said simply. "I have a cart and mule. You are welcome to one of the bandits horses and if need be you can stow excess supplies in my cart.
Later in the meal after he was on at least his third mug of ale, Ulryk heard Leorn's question and answered with a chuckle. Out into the wilds, to explore and map the unchartered lands beyond this tradepost."
He then looked to their host. Rubbing at his beard in thought. He had not himself had a good look at the charcoal map, but had no clue if Oleg had seen it. "Oleg, can you take a look at the map that was drawn? It looked like there were two rivers joining there. Do you know of any rivers near here that could indicate the spot of their camp?" Ulryk still did not trust anything that Happs had provided entirely.
I help Ulryk out cleaning.
"Well even if the map is rotten we can still back track their trail"
Svetlana arose in the morning and engaged in an hour of prayer to Calistria. Such was rejuvenating, but a bit more difficult on this day. Even indoors, she missed the instant comfort of the magic that prevented the cold from touching her. Casting that spell was the first act she engaged in afterward. She then dressed in her high boots and leathers, but could thankfully leave off much else. She enjoyed showing some skin. Allowing herself to become lost in thought as she prepared her belongings for the trip to the bandit encampment, her mind drifted to the events of the upcoming day. The idea of taking the fight to these foes brought out a bit of a thrill in the woman, living life to the fullest, each day!, but this morning was one of those where she found herself missing the luxuries of noble life. Oh, why did Areanna have to mention such things! Fine cloths especially seemed to create an aching, and the priestess reminded herself to ask Lana (a woman would be more sympathetic, she thought) to see if ordering such things would be possibility without the bandit threat around.
After brushing her long, lush blonde hair and engaging in other assorted grooming, Svetlana headed downstairs for breakfast. Not the kind to ever eat much, and not especially picky about food (something her parents often found odd in a noble), the priestess seemed more interested in friendly small talk with her companions and host. She took a moment to address Lana again in particular. It is possible the bandits have not yet disposed of your wedding band. If we find it we'll return it to you. I know we all want to see your post here thrive, and if we finish off this local bandit threat I'm confident this will happen. I know such things are not the typical fair for locations such as yours, but if there is any chance that you might be able to obtain some finer clothing items I would be eternally grateful. Something a little less....practical. Something, you know, the boys will appreciate. The last was said with a knowing smile and a giggle. You will help me, yes?
As Areanna packed her belongings and headed out to Restov, Svetlana gave her a big hug and wished her well. Their time together was short but she had appreciated the woman. The priestess looked over the packing, especially to ensure that Mel was well-bundled. She even reminded the bandit to behave well...or else. With a final wave as the bard headed down the road, Svetlana then gathered with her remaining companions. We should head out ourselves, yes? Let us gather our horses and necessary belongings and set out!
I clean myself up (and others if they want). Then I go to sleep. During the night I have a flash of inspiration and I wake up and scribe two new spells into my spell book.
Endure element: I have figured out how to reverse engineer the workings of Calistria.
I also see how by modifying the spell a bit I can make a ward against evil (protection from evil).
I also see how to my spells can be further compressed to they take up less memory leaving me room to memorize one more spell.
I prepare the horses. Well it's time to get best make an early start.
I gratefully eat the portage (some kind of wine based porridge?). Then wash the dishes with a snap of my fingers. I may not have been able to help much in cooking, but I am a great cleaner.
I say to Lana. "have you every considered taking up magic I could teach you the basics and even a minor amount of magic can make most housework trivially easy leaving more time for other things"
think to myself "otherwise wizards would never have enough time to properly learn magic"
Brigid is up early, and ready to go at first light.
She eats quickly and has Zelter saddled for the trip. All last evening, she had seemed impatient. Now that the time to travel to battle is at hand, she is alert and intense, though she doesn't appear nervous. She claims one of the ratty cloaks of the fallen brigands, and wraps it around her and pulls the hood over her head to cover her brilliant red hair, which would be a giveaway from a great distance.
She rides ahead a bit, sitting straight-backed in the saddle, and looks back, waiting for the rest of the party to join her. Haps' bow sits across her lap, and the zweihänder lashed to the side of her steed. Her time in the saddle from Nivakta's Crossing to Oleg's have served her well, and she's clearly picked up a level of comfort guiding her chestnut steed.
Also I tell Olags to tell any wizards he might happen to see (I know not likely). That I would be interested in doing some spell trades with them. I give him a list of the spells I am currently interested in.
" mount, Obscuring Mists, Unseen Servant, Silent Image"
And I also give him a list of the spells I know in case any wizard with any of those spells shows interest. Then I tell him the exactly what sort of inks are needed to scribe spell and tell him that if he gets them in stock I will be buying them sooner or later.
At dinner I merely go over the charter, And I nod. "Sure." That is about all I say for dinner and I merely listen quietly and eat.
The next day I do my best to freshen up and zap myself with a prestidigitation for the finishing touch. I gather my things and join the others. "I'm ready for the party. When are we leaving?"
"we're of to find the bandit camp"
Damen spent the remainder of the day quietly, taking the time to clean himself and his gear by hand rather than availing himself of Kent's magic. It seemed fitting somehow, having been responsible for deaths. Not penance, exactly... more a chance to reflect, to not get complacent in killing. Even if the one killed was a bandit.
Properly clean, he joined the others for an evening meal, then spent some time with Brigid in shooting at the makeshift dummies. He slept well, and rose early.
Areanna departed with her morbid cargo, and after seeing her off Damen gathered his gear and said goodbyes to Oleg and 'Lana as well. While the party would no doubt return to Oleg's again - it was the last bastion of civilization in the region, as far as he could tell - attacking a bandit camp was inherently risky.
He glanced at Kent before they left, and with a grin said "Your words over the bandits last night revealed the soul of a poet, Kent. If I fall today, perhaps you should do the honors over me as well."