The words still ring in your ears as sharply as if they had just been said.
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 the 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 than 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 Talistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov
and authority grannted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the
Dragonscale Throne.
You and your companions have been given an important task. One that will help shape not only you but the nation. The city clerk that hands you a copy of your charter also hands you a small bag with 10 gold crowns inside. The older balding gentleman behind the desk says in a monotone bored voice.
The money is to buy and supplies you may need either before or during your task. There is a delivery cart leaving from the warehouse district tomorrow at sunrise and is headed to a Trading post out on the border.
The older gentleman clears his throat and sorts a few papers then looks back up.
Do you have any questions? If not I suggest you gather your things and head on your way I have other business to attend to.
A name or address for the carter would be most helpful. And pray tell, is there one who might have counsel for us? The knight, in that awkward stage between boy and man, replies.
To his companions, Have we need of anything? If not, let us find this carter and make ready. I am eager to fulfill our charge.
Garion looks in his pack, "Maybe we could use some trail rations in case the hunting gets sparse? Besides that I have everything else I should need." Staring back over his shoulder, in the direction of his childhood home, he blinks, nods, then looks forward. "I am ready."
The old man goes through his papers.
Salereon of House Gavriil yes? Well young man his names is.....
He trails off as he starts to look through a large book.
Yes Edrich is the name I have here in my manifests. And counsel for what? If it your journey then I think you best look to the elvish fellow who is traveling with you. I'm sure he has been to the woods before. Maybe not the ones you are headed to but more woods than you.
He smiles with a light chuckle escapes through the old mans wrinkled lips.
Looking around. "Well, they gave us this money, and I've got a bit of my own still. Where can I go to buy us some trail rations, mister?" Turning to the rest of the group. "That's the only thing I can think that we need. Like I said, if there's game to find, then I'll find it. But we're going farther than I've ever gone before..."
Looking down at the 10 pieces of gold, Garion then went into his pack, counting out his money. He had been stashing some of the money he'd been making from guides and anything else he could scrounge up. He didn't really know what for, but he felt like it was a good idea. This money was everything he had left in the world, besides Séreméla, his horse. She was the first major "purchase" he had ever made with money he saved. Since then he had been saving, maybe for better gear to hunt with, maybe for a better place to live. All those ideas were behind him now, so he thought that he might share what was left of the little worldly possessions he had left with this group. They were his family now...
"I'm figuring 12 trail rations, 3 for the each of us and we can supplement it with what we can hunt and fish. I'm sure we'll come across some settlements to trade with along the way, but who knows what we'll find the farther we go. Salereon, you can go and find this Edrich, make sure he knows we're coming with. Any other thoughts?"
If it's goods you are looking for the warehouse district is as good as any to find almost anything. That tends to be where the trade caravans and out lying merchants come to sell and trade their goods. Now if you don't mind I have to finish up some paper work for the other expeditions.
The old man grabs a near by quill and dips it into the ink next to him. A look realization goes over the mans face.
Oh bugger I forgot to give you the map supplies.
The old man stands up and shuffles off into a side door of his office and comes back with a package wrapped in burlap.
Lord Noleski Surtova expects a map to be delivered once you have completed your task. Here is 10 sheets of parchment, a bottle of ink, 3 quills and a burlap sack.
He lays it the edge of his desk and goes back to his work.
Hehehe. Would have been bad if you would have forgotten that.
Johnnys thoughts were currently only of the irony of the situation he now found himself involved. His life so far had been exactly opposite of what he was now chrged to uphold. A life of a bringand twisted by fate to become a bandit hunter and monster killer. He looked at the 10 gold given him and chuckled inside at the fact he could of made it in one night on a good job. He quickly flourished his hands and the gold disappeared into his beltpouch hidden under his studded leather armor covered by wis winter cloak. The thoughts swirled in his head, that of a man caught between the rock and hard place.
Me escape might be worse than me fate in Port Ice. I twas thinkin it be me salvation but it mightn be meanin me death. Nows me life be resting on me blades and Garrens friends
Johnny has heard or briefly met the two others with Garren but to call hem friends was not something he could do. Garion he knew as a guide and ranger that had helped some of his fellow street rats learn to survive outside the slums of Port Ice. He appreciated him for that but Salereon was a straight laced lawful fellow who would not take kindly to Johnnys former profession so that made Johnny warry of him.
Johnny walk up to Garion
Me's got bread cheese and dried food rations. plenty to be holdin me over till wes get there. But if'n you be needin to get somes me's can be goin wit ya. Da others from Port Ice you help'n out was nice of ya. Not too many be helpn the street rats so hust wanna tell ya that.
Me needs to be talkin to Garren when's we can be alone.
Johnny nods at him and waits for the ordeal to be over getting ready.
Garion had heard a lot about Johnny, and wasn't quite sure how to take his comment. Before he responded to it, he looked over at Garren. "I'm going to go ahead and say that you are the one who should be taking this map making equipment, being the scholar of the group!" He smiled at his friend, the cleric, mostly because he didn't want the responsibility of making that map. "Johnny and me are going to head into the warehouse district, pick up a few supplies. We'll meet you back here later."
When they were on their way Garion responded to what Johnny said. "Well, I did what I could. Garren's always been good to me and the other orphans, so it was good to help him on his mission." Garion paused for a second, not sure if he should say what he was thinking, but then again this is going to be a long trip. "Why didn't you ever come down? I mean, Garren always mentioned you, he really seemed to like your company. And the stuff you dealt with in Port Ice? I'm surprised you didn't take the first opportunity to get the hell out of there! I'm an orphan as well, but I didn't have to deal with what you did, so I guess I don't really know what it's all like. But if it's as bad as I hear it is, I don't know why anyone would want to stay there if they didn't have to. But, I guess you're here now, so that counts for something.". Garion realized he had been talking without even giving Johnny a chance to speak. He also realized for the first time this street kid made him a little uncomfortable, but that was something he would have to get over. He decided to stop talking for a minute to let him get a word in.
Johnny smiled deeply at the Half-Elf as he talked
He be talkin fast
Unsure of what Garren had told Garion about him, Johnny stayed away from what he did in Port Ice and why he was here now but he felt comfortable around this ranger. Maybe it was because he was an orphan, maybe it was because he helped some of the other kids, or maybe it was because he didn't seem to be the type to judge; he did not know the answer but he liked feeling this way.
Well didn't ever think leavin was for me. Mostly spent me time helpin the other kids get a meal or somethin. But guess enough was finally enough and me thinkin it be time to get out meself.
Laughing outload and deeply Johnny turned to Garion once again
Sure as heck fire never thought me be huntin down bandits and monsters. Life be funny sometimes don't it?
Johnny continued to walk down the street next to Garion with a slight spring in his step.
Yeah me bein da law. If dat ain't a kick in the...
A little surprised at how comfortable Johnny seemed to be talking to him, Garion let his guard down a little bit as well.
Laughing a bit to himself, he looked back over at Johnny,"Yeah, it is pretty funny! I never really thought beyond Silverhall, more or less Brevoy. Sure, I did guides outside of the area, but we always came back. And that's how I've always imagined it, I'd always come back."
Looking down, kicking the dirt in front of him as they walked, he mused "Good or bad, I wonder if we'll ever come back? I mean, if we're successful in whatever it is we're supposed to do, what will that look like? I don't want to think about what not being successful would look like."
Looking a little more serious but still with a smile
Da way me be thinkin is we's only get to handle what's we can. things we gots no control over ain't no reason to worries bout dem. Live in da now and let morrow be what comes. But dats what me be thinkin.
The seriousness washes away as Johnny watches a pretty lady walk by going the other way. Still staring at her Johnny elbows Garion
Maybes we needs to be enjoying today tonight before we's be goin.
Indeed. I will meet you at the inn once things are arranged. Salereon heads off to find the carter.
[ooc]I messaged him hopefully he gets in soon.[ooc]
It takes about 45 minutes on horse back to get to the warehouse district. The place is bustleing with people of all different types and shapes.
Where do you being your search?
Garion looked away for a second. Girls had never quite been his thing. He had a few girlfriends over the years, but nothing serious. The woods were his mistress. It wasn't like he was completely ignorant, however. Growing up in the orphanage had provided him plenty of stories from the older boys and their conquests around town. Still, he didn't want to look like he didn't know what was going on, so he played along.
"Aye, she was a beaut now, wasn't she? We'd better keep our eyes on the prize, however, and go get these supplies. Maybe once we get into the 'belt I can find you a nice Kobold girl. I hear you boys in Port Ice like it rough!" Nudging Johnny back, he feels good about the camaraderie developing between them. From what he knew about Johnny there are a lot of ways this could have gone wrong.
Starting to look around the town, he was a bit puzzled on where they were actually headed. "Huh... You have any idea where we're going? I've not spent much time in Restov."
The first person he comes across he shoots his biggest smile at, saying, "Excuse me, but could you point us in the direction of the nearest shop where I can buy some traveling supplies?"
Johnny laughs hard and loud at the Kobold comment.
It not be we’s like it rough just that them girls in Port Ice be rough… especially if’n you be gettin ‘em rialled up
Johnny catches his breath with a tear in the corner of his eye caused by the laughter.
Me thinks ya be right. Keep the kiel straight for now or we be getting barred up. Nope never be gettin out of Port Ice ‘fore now
Johnny’s eyes dart around almost unconciously at the people walking around seeing every coin purse not hidden or tied tightly.
De be easy prey here but ‘ats not bein me no more… ohh but if’n it were
yes we’s be needin to get ‘em supplies
Johnny continues on with Garrion as he stops to get directions.
Salereon begins by approaching the first likely-looking fellow who seems native to the district. Greetings goodman, I am Salereon of House Gavriil. Could you direct me to the carter Edrich? He continues this approach until he finds Edrich, keeping his ear out for interesting rumors in the process.
Garren has been lost in his own thoughts. He nodded to the gentleman at the desk and accepts the cartography supplies with a thank you.
With a bow of the head, Garren nods to Edrich. Sir, I thank you for taking on this task. Guiding us down the path to the Belt.
He looks at his companions and smiles, Gentlemen, there are no others I would rather make this trip with. I've faith in each of you. So I ask, are you ready for this?
Oh, Garren will hold off on the "I have faith in you" bit until everyone's together.
Looking at Garren with a blank stare Johnny responds
Yes ready to be gettin on.
Johnny moves over to Garren and speaks with a light tremor in his voice
Garren mind if'n me be talkin to yas more privately.
Johnny will move to a postion where the conversation will not easily be overheard.
uhhh when you was sayin you be goin on a mission me be thinkin it be a more priestly one. Not expecting it be to find bandits and monsters. The monsters I got no problems wit' but me bein some type of lawman don't be seeming right. makes me feel kinda unsettled. Me thinkin a fella like me gots no right tellin anyone else they ain't doin right. Don't gets me wrong me's do what needin be done but.... do you understand?
Johnny will stand there with a look of concern.
Johnny, a fellow like you has more right than most to tell someone he's strayed from the path. You'll know the way back better than most.
Garren reaches into his pack and pulls out a small gleaming object.Take this. I've told you in the past that you need to find your north again. You need to realign your compass. The small object is a compass. If opened, Johnny can see that it's broken and doesn't point North. Neither it, nor you, are beyond... repair. You are a good man, Johnny. If you can't serve the law, serve the people. Do what is right for them.
Ah yes lord Salereon, Edrich is down at Thomas's Goods.
The young porter points to a building further down the road
He is preparing for his regular journey down towards the Greenbelt. He is a tall Elven fellow very nice but short in words. Probably inside talking business with Thomas, Mi Lord.
The young porter boy bows as is expected and head off with his goods to another cart.
Salereon hands the young man a copper bit, My thanks. and heads towards the building.
Once inside, assuming he finds the man described, Carter Edrich? Salereon of House Gavriil, recently chartered to explore and tame the Greenbelt. It was thought we might travel together. What time do you depart tomorrow?
Looking around Johnny decides to be out of charecter for by yelling
we's be lookin to buy rations and horse feed who be wilkin to sell
Johnny gibes Garion a smile
we gots be gettin done wit dis
"Yeah, I want to get back as well. Let's stop at the first place and be done with this. I'm sure we'll be able to get stuff on the way." Garion stops the next person he sees. "Excuse me, where can I buy horse feed and trail rations?"
The elf looks up his hard features show many years of hard work.
Aye that I am. I am headed to Oleg's Trading post actually the southernmost post before you get into the Belt proper. I am leaving at sunrise tomorrow if you want to follow me that is fine. If you are looking for a ride I will need a bit of coin for that.
Edrich turns around to the dwarf behind the counter and nods.
Thank you Thomas I should be back in about eleven or twelve days.
The old dwarf nods back.
Yes Edrich like clock work. a hearty bellowing laugh escapes him And you young Lord Salereon was it? Is there anything I may be able to help you with?
______________________________________________________________________
After the loud entrance into the market place a Varasian man pulling a cart comes up to you. His robes dirty from long roads traveled his mustache and beard graying and many teeth messing.
Yes my friends, a heavy Varasian accent in his voice, I have anything your heart could desire here on my cart.
He begins pulling bolts of fine cloth, arrows with exotic tips and fletching, even a few small animals in cages.
So boy what of this would you like to buy? The fine Osirion silk? One of the creatures from the Far East? Hmmm boy?
He says all of this while pressing in closer and closer to you.
"Dammit Johnny, ya had to go and be loud! Sir, I don't think you've got what we're looking for..."
Seeing the gentleman push in close Johnny has an idea of what may be transpiring.
me’s don’t thinks ya need to be gettin all snuggly. Me be happy to help you out in any way me be able. If’n ya’s needin a lil extra me’s can help.
Very well, we will meet shortly before dawn.[b]
To the dwarf, [b]Not at this time. I am sufficiently supplied.
The old man pulls back to his cart.
Fine, Fine my wares must be too fine for you. It is understandable.
He grabs his cart and starts pushing it away bells and chimes ringing as it heads on down the street.
A small stand with a tall burly man with a large bushy mustache selling what looks to be adventuring gear. You see lots of children around it some in aww of the grappling hooks and rope, other eyeing up the bed rolls and tents. The man seems to be working some twine into little lassos and handing them out to the kids.
Here you go little squirt go wrangle a dragon or a giant. He says while handing one of the little lassos away.
As the man in the cart starts to walk away Johnny speaks out to him
Hey dere me thinks yous need a lil help
At that Johnny throws the man a silver.
As Johnny and Garion walk to the stall he smiles as the man gives the children little trinkets.
Dat be nice of yas wit de lil kids. we's be needin rations and feed fur our horses. What cans ya do fer us?
Looking on at the man handing out toys to children, Garion knew that this is a man he'd like to do business with. Yelling out to the children, he handed out a few coppers to anyone of them begging, "Good luck on your adventures! Leave a few dragons for the rest of us!" Turning in to the shop keep, Garion nods to him, "As a man who's childhood was spent in an orphanage I thank you for what you do for those children. Most shops don't take kindly to children hanging around. It's like my friend said, some trail rations for days lite on game and some feed for the horses would be great."
I will be at the Southern gate then. See you at sunrise.
Edrich give the dwarf a formal farewell and headed out into the busy streets.
_____________________________________________________________________
The man looks to Johnny Thank you young man. and he disappears in the hustle and bustle.
The man behind the stall says Ah yes I try to keep the little ones entertained. And we have rations that will outlast any march for 5 silver and I can do a 10 pound sack of feed for 10 copper pieces.
"Alright, I'll take 12 days worth of rations and 40 pounds of feed. Anything else you can think of Johnny?"
Is it safe to assume you would prefer a room at an Inn as opposed to the starry sky? Garren asks Salereon with a smile. It may be your last chance for quite a while.
Johnny smiles as the supplies are ordered and than he speaks quietly to the keep.
like what you doin fer da kids so here take dis ta give some more stuff.
At that Johnny will give the gentleman two gold coins in a very quiet manner.
So backs to da Inn?
Looking at Garion
"Back to the inn. Let's see if Garren and Salereon have been successful in finding this guy. I'm kind of itching to get going, it's going to be hard to sleep tonight!"
One last bed would not be unwelcome, for myself or Aithon. It will be some time before he has a stable again, though there appears to be a outpost that should serve well as a base camp.
Hard to be sleepin me’s not thinkin it’ll be for me. Few good drinks an’ maybe somes friendly company and me be sleepin like a babe.
Johnny smiles and as he does there is a genuiness about him that is quite comforting. You know where he stands and what he stands for and about. There is pure honesty in this thief that you can trust.
Garion's elf ears perk up at the mention of a drink. "A drink, eh? Well, then we should be on our way to the inn with haste. Maybe we can even get Salereon and Garren to loosen up a bit. A tavern would be good for all of us before we head out."
"Salereon, Garren! I hope you found this guy you were looking for. If not, don't worry, you've got the best guide in Brevoy on your side!" And with that Garion strikes his most noble of poses with a mockingly serious face. "But enough worry about work today, lets go to the tavern to drink and sing the night away, because who knows if they have any good ale in the stolen lands!"
Garren laughs at Garion's antics. We don't need the best guide in Brevoy, we need the best guide in the Stolen Lands. How do you rate down there, eh?
He claps Saleron on the shoulder, Let gets ourselves some drinks then.
The horses are stabled and will be well fed for their journey south tomorrow. The splended Aithon next to the rather worn looking Goat.
Johnny has a smile from ear to ear
Drink den an' mes buyin da first set... wit in reason now
"Hm... well, I'm about to become the best guide in the Stolen Lands, they just haven't had the pleasure of meeting me! And I'll take you up on that offer, Johnny, with a second round on me." With that he led Séreméla into the stables, brushing her for a few seconds and whispered in her ear.
"Selkänojat, sillä huomenna aloitamme uuden seikkailun."
Johnny follows with his horse into the stables. He has noticed that the others had names for their horses but when he bought his horse he didn't even think to ask. To him a horse is a horse. Than it hit him he would name his horse Horse. he chuckled a bit at the thought if it.
Indeed Garren.
The bar is filled with common folk and maybe a few poor merchants. The atmosphere is smokey and filled with music and banter. A middle ages women goes between tables getting drinks and taking food. And an older man stands behind the counter talking to people and tapping a keg when it goes dry.
Johnny walks in and is pleased to.see normal people enjoying themselves.
My dear.lady if'n ya be so kind ta get ales for mes and me pals me think ya be the best.
Salereon just orders a few regular beers for his friends, and one maybe friend, and retires to the table for a quiet drink.
Oh young man you must be from up north with an accent like that. I would be so kind to get them for you. You even bringing one of House Gavriil!
She says in a flustered tone. She is obviously not used to members of the Noble households coming to her inn.
For you fine gentleman your food and drink is on the house.
She hurries off to the bar and grabs four large tankards and sets them at a nearby empty table. Pulling a seat open and beckoning to Salereon.
My lord please be seated