In good spirit, Kevros places the flower slightly in his ear making sure not to hurt his ear and loads the crossbow with a fresh magazine, then racks a bolt. After the flower starts to irritate him a little, he places the flower in between his ear like a drafter places his\her pencil when taking a break from drafting or to look over his design.
Tristan will cautiously approach the bushes.
Tristan, you are pretty sure that the little ones scamper away into the foliage not wanting to be seen.
Oh well maybe we will meet some other time. Let us be off than. Tristan finishes packing up and sets out.
At this point, it seems there is nothing else any of you want to do, thus moving you along.
You set up camp and dig in. With Kevros and Sala's watchful eyes one of the bandits merely gets out of his bindings before being shoved back down and tied up again. Nothing else happens through the night.
In the morning, the group packs up...
Four more hours of travel... You rest for 2 hours or so
Another four hours of travel... rest for 4 hours to allow the bandits to recover, unless you want to push them, then just 2 hours rest...
Another hour of travel, then Oleg's is in sight.
During the last stretch toward home Quince pulls up near the others on the wagon hoping S'ala and Tristan can here as well. "We have a lot of prisoners. Assuming all of them are 'repentant' ummm . . . what do we do with them all. Do we run a prison colony now?"
In Transit
When Kevros and Sala return the fleeing bandit back to his bonds, Kevros states, "Next time any of you run, we will be forced to pass the Swordlord's justice upon the runner. From here on out, if any of you shall run, you will be affirming your unwillingness to repent from banditry and therefore forfeit your life. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR GENTLEMAN?! In addition, since you have so much energy to make a dash and you are all a team, we are going to force march to drain some of that pent up energy and there is no "I" in team. And if you want to be mad, be mad at yourselves and at the run"
Last Stretch
Quince, I agree with the last statement that was made regarding not making Oleg's fortress into a prisoner colony. I do not think we currently have the personnel nor resources to do so. I believe we just need to document all of them, release the more senior prisoners, keep the new ones, and warn them all of Swordlord's justice if they return to banditry or cause us harm in any way."
Quince nods, "Fair enough."
"It seems most of these "bandits" were pressed into service, many against their will or judgement. Is it possible to "parole" them into our service instead? Do we need farmers or shepherds or builders or even men at arms? Could we release the prisoners provided they put a meaningful skill to our use? Give them a few acres of land and let them improve it. They should also be required to serve in the militia if we ever need one. This may allow us to civilize and pacify the large area without use of soldiers who may never come. If the prisoners fail to be gainfully employed, or return to violence, we can always let the sword of judgement fall on them."
S'ala's eyes look hopeful that the others will agree to his rehabilitation and settlement plan.
"This one will stay at Oleg's and help begin the process if the Wise Wardens agree with his plan."
Quince nods, "Noble thought genrous plan, it requires a delicate balance, for it might beg different lables if we are betrayed."
Kevros nods his head as well, "I would love to implement your idea as well S'ala but we do not have the man power to repel a mole and his minions. In addition, how can we determine who truly has good intentions and ones that do not?"
"This one will attempt to judge the prisoners character and interaction. Again, those that remain productive and well-behaved will be rewarded, those that do not, face justice and retribution for their past crimes as well as any future ones."
S'ala looks at the rest, Angeus, Tristan, Siph for their opinions of his plan.
"It is written: 'When faced with few alternatives, even bad choices are better than inaction.'. This One's plan may not be foolproof, but what is? If an error in judgement is made, then it is no different than releasing the whole group, as you have stated is your intention."
A large man, one that might be a giant, is covered in robes and his head is covered in darkness under the robes, he shambles slowly towards your group. He does not come from Oleg's, he seems to come from the forest. He raises his hand and arm, a sign of attention and hailing.
Tristan will hail and greet the man from a bit of distance.
You there, you seek our attention? Are you in need or is there somthing wrong?
He continues to walk slowly towards you, he sas, No, there is nothing wrong, though a need could be met. I am a travelor of many lands and yet I am still drawn back home, I have a small residence. If you let me travel on that cart for a bit and we will see if I can help you."
@ the Group.
Seems the stranger is in need of a lift. Any objections?
Angeus leans over in her saddle and looks the man over.
Perception
Sense Motive
Quince smiles and hails the man.
"Greetings, We have not much further to go. I am, Quince Medvyed, of the Greenwatch Wardens. Who might you be friend?"
S'ala also looks the giant-man over trying to gauge from his manner and body language if there is something to fear here.
Provided his intuition doesn't ttigger and alarm, S'ala believes in the sanctity of assisting fellow travelers.
"You may ride, my friend, but tell us your story to shorten our road as we head for yon keep."
Since many people have already hailed the guest, Kevros keeps quiet and watches the man approach the caravan.
Although Kevros does not have a gut feeling of anything being out of place, he nods at the man as he approaches the cart and continues to keep a watchful eye on the stranger. One thing this new land has taught Kevros, "Is to trust no one until they earn his trust."
Now that the man is closer he appears to be covered in robes, or one robe with many folds. Nothing of much value though the bulkiness of his attire does not allow you to see the state of his body. He stands at roughly 8 feet tall and does not have any weapons out or at least visible. He has a backpack of sorts, though it seems to be small for him, it hangs on his belt on his right side. His face is still in shadows from his hood.
"Greetings, I am Bearik, a known landowner in past years." He smiles as he greets you offering his hand to each of those who ride before getting to the wagon and jumping up a bit to sit on the back of the wagon. He will either face forward and project his voice to Sala, face Sala, or face any riders who are behind or soon to become behind the wagon.
S'ala is riding in the buckboard of the wagon. He listens to the wanderer's tale with interest, he notices the man's arcane marks but does not make a big deal of them in any way.
"This one too is a wanderer of the wide world. You are welcome with us so long as you are a friend of peace and a follower of the righteous. We are on a mission to pacify these lands and would hear of your experience here since we are all relative newcomers."
Hello Bearik. I am Tristan. Please have a seat. It is for people such as you. The ones that make these lands their homes. That is why we are trying to make things safe. To help those like you.
Angeus looks the tall stranger over, noting the strange markings on his skin. Not knowing much about that sort of thing she listens to her instincts and nods a welcome.
"Peace is welcome but many individuals and races make it so hard to keep I know of many fey who are chaotic in nature in this area, there are kobolds, lizard folk, and other swamp dwellers that would rather fight than keep peace. I went into those swamps after a kobold force raided my residence, with the help of my friends we were able to retrieve those that were kidnapped, and severing the head of the snake off." Bearik says and then starts speaking of other adventures he has had...
Soon enough you see Olegs in the distance.
Kevros divides his attention between Bearik and the surroundings looking for trouble from either or both. He does not speak to Bearik at this time and decides to listen like Angeus mainly because he does not know what to make of the very tall stranger.
You can see that many improvements have happened. There is pennants flying from the two corners of the towers you can see. Also two pennants flanking the gate. There are armored individuals on the parapets as well.
Tristan would be still riding ahead afte the meeting so no interaction sorry.
Kevros looks at the improvements made and checks out the pennants to see who they belong to.
On the Road, before the Keep
Not knowing the man sitting at the cart's edge, Kevros studies Bearik trying to discern him since his gut will not tell him much other than not to yet trust too many people in Greenwatch.
Being curious, cautious, and protective, Kevros begins a conversation with the man, Well met Bearik, my name is Kevros and I apologize for my less than warm and friendly demeanor. The Greenwatch has taught me to be cautious until I can discern who we or I am dealing with." Kevros pauses to scan the area before returning to him ... "How did you get so large for being human? Are you under some sort of enchantment, or just from a line of tall humans, or do you descend from giants? In addition, what are the strange symbols for? Lastly, how committed are those swamp dwellers ending our cohabitation of the Greenwatch? Is there any peace, alliance, or treaty in their motives?"
Quince winces at Kevros' military tact but with the questions asked is unsure what to say.
Not noticing Quince, Kevros continues, "In addition, being a known land owner of the region, how committed are you to bringing peace to the area?"
Bearik laughs at your questions, a jovial but deep laugh, then answers "No I am not a 'human', .... yes there are many enchantments on me including those runes, the swamp dwellers would prefer to eat you, though the lizardfolk would most likely be willing to work with you compared to the rest. They are mostly simple tribes that could be shown the better path, one path or another." With that being said he grins a very knowing grin. He takes a more welcoming posture of sitting back and stretching, and continues, "Then again that was a while back, many things could have changed."
He chuckles looking at Quince, "It is alright Quince he is a military man, and that is good for the settlement of the Stolen Lands. Some would say I have been committed in the past and I am committed depending on those that I serve and those who serve me." He looks around, sizing each of you up for a few seconds each, he seems to have come to a conclusion. "Yup, you all could work, though no priests, be that for weal or woe." Once again he grins waiting for the questions to come...
Kevros eyes lit up when Bearik stated there may be some way to ally with the lizardmen and then looks towards the towers, "I see the Brevoy reinforcements from Restov have finally arrived." As they make their approach, "So Mr Bearik, are you a priest?"
Angeus draws on her horses' reins to bring her alongside the cart in which Bearik sits.
"And just whom do you serve?" she asks, looking the marked man dead in the eyes.
Quince looks to the situation, "My tutor was a cleric he taught me well enough. My parents elected to mot send me to cloister or foster elsewhere. I serve Erastil as best I can most clergy I have met of my own faith put more stock in action and character than position within a higherarchy." He pauses a moment. "You seem to welcome questions what are your people called.
"Just Bearik, and you could call me a holy man." He smiles and shruggs his shoulders replying to Kevros.
"Well I serve those that would serve me, in the past it has been warriors, peasants, farmers, rangers, woodsmen, and even a few druids, mostly of the common races, I don't care much for Fey, they are so fickle and gay." he says matter of factly, not appreciating the look from Angeus.
"Yes questions are welcome and answers are given freely, but be wary of the questions you ask for you may not want the answers, Quince. Erastil is a good teacher though can be harsh at times. Sadly my people have passed from this world, I am but one of the few left, I will not speak the name of my race for saying it would bring a curse down upon you that decimated my race." Bearik says with much mischief on his face, though his features show sorrow and a bit of deflated look once done.
Sense motive
Angeus listens to Bearik's answer, frowns, then shrugs and allows the horse to canter through the gate into the courtyard.
Now into what was Oleg's Outpost. There are about a half dozen armored individuals, the prisoners are working on the fort making it more sturdy. The corral is finished. There are a few more bodies working the fields. It is all sorts of busy considering what it was like a day or two ago.
Saren is watching many of the prisoners work, greatsword still out. Alkron is doing the same but from a comfy looking chair. The great lizard mount is nowhere to be seen.
"Greetings, I am Kesten Garess, Captain of the guards from Restov. You must be the group with one of the charters. Oleg is never ever happy but he did smile as Svetlana spoke of you. Could I get you to say your names, so that I may put names to faces."
"Mr Bearik, is that what you meant by "you all could work" and "Well I serve those that would serve me?" Besides an obvious tough and very tall outer shell, what can you offer us if we decide you can be trusted? As for the Fey, it is true that they are illusive but their psychological warfare could be a benefit to us if they decide to ally with us or at least work with us against the bandits?"
Not detecting any of Bearik's motives, Kevros nods to the Captain, smiles at his remarks regarding Oleg and Svetlana, and replies to him, "I am Warden Kevros Droverson, former Brevoy military and this is Bearik whom we met on the road. We are the Wardens of the Greenbelt and I will let every warden introduce themselves to you."
Quince nods, "I am Quince Medvyed good to see you here."
S'ala who has been listening to all the questions with interest watches Bearik closely.
"If you are a holy man, what faith do you follow?"
"No just Bearik, if anything it would be my first name. It is simpler that way." Bearik eyes Kevros, trying to understand Kevros' thinking, then after a minute or so he responds with, "Not so sure about your logic Kevros, if you would choose to serve me, I will do my best to serve and accommodate you. The fey always have their own plans, only using you to their fancy or towards those plans, if you choose to deal with them have at it, but understand I care not to have interactions with them."
In response to Sala's question, Bearik tries to explain, "My faith is in men, though it is a very ancient faith. One of mortals and their direct connection with their gods, even walking with their god or gods at times. No true name would be tied to it nor of any of the standard gods you would know of, it is truly a personal connection between your god and you. If you would be interested I could tell you more about it, any or all of you are welcome to come and hear about this connection and faith."
Kesten greets and extends his hand to shake with Kevros, "Good to meet you Kevros, would I be so bold to ask if you are the leader of your wardens? Or just the forward military man?"
Keston then greets and attempts to share handshakes with Quince. "Greetings Quince Medvyed, are you planning on having family business grow in the area?"
Angeus raises a hand at Keston's greeting "I'm Angeus, nice to see you're here. It'll be nice knowing that Oleg and Svetlana have someone else here while were off in the wilds."
With another glance at Bearik, Angeus dismounts, ties off her horse and walks into the inn to greet Oleg and Svetlana.
Tristan raises his hand to greet Keston while riding in.
Hello Keston, I am Tristan. I joined the group after the came out here with their charter. I trust you are the reenforcments they spoke of. It seems you have done much in the few days we have been gone. Thank you. Now pardon me as both me and my horse could use some water.
Quince smiles, "Duty and my pledge tie me to the security of these lands. Lasting security will involve open, and safe livlihood for those in the belt. Opportunity for business will come. We have prisoners here and more to arrive."
Kevros shakes his head to Kesten, "No Captain, we operate differently than that of Brevoy or the rest of Galorion. With a few exceptions, all those voted in and given the title of Warden, are equal part leaders. The exception is that this outpost belongs to Oleg and Svetlana, and they are included in our decision making. They are our host and we treat them as such. You will notice that maybe I bark orders more than the others because that is my nature and old habits die hard, but any of the Wardens can vote for a different course of action. However, all of us are tired and in different stages of healing. Can we please put everything away and clean up? Then we can discuss our standard operating procedure and your mandate over dinner or perhaps a more formal setting that you are accustom to? In addition, would you be so kind to have your men secure the prisoners in the storage shed or holding facility if we have one now? They are not to be harmed in anyway and if your men have any questions, please have them consult us? Remember, the Wardens are acting directly under the Swordlords of Restov and you know what happens when their mandates are not followed. Thank you for your service!"