|
"I am sorry to hear about what happened to your guards and I hope I am not being to forward, but I was wondering what happened to their equipment. You see, if there were some bows and crossbows among their equipment, we might be able to use them to better protect and escort you and your caravan."
The Thousandheads Trading Coster caravan, I thought I heard that name somewhere, but I just can't put my finger on it from where. Aldras ponders when he hears Delora mention that name.
"Any reason why you need to reach Daggermark before them? ... My apologies, I hadn't properly introduced myself. The name's Aldras Vayne."
Ulan nodded, pleased with the arrangement. Working as an escort made sense and he like the idea of helping out, especially if it led to some beneficial trade arrangements at the end. Still, caravans weren't known for their speed.
"So err... What can you tell us about them marauders? Were they humans, or orcs?"
I was wondering the same thing Aldras."
Drelsh stares the man down for a moment as the others all try to politely ask what goods they are escorting. Then he puts a swift end to it. "So, we'll go out right now to see what it is we are guarding and then we'll leave first thing tomorrow." His voice doesn't suggest any leeway given on actually seeing what is in their caravan.
"My good man, everything is secured under tarps and wrappings to protect them from the elements! There is no way for you to inspect the goods! Plus it is getting dark out now, and we must be well rested before we head out tomorrow. As to slowing you down, As long as the roads are not mucky or blocked, and we push it a little, we can make Daggermark in three days. But not if you go mucking about in my wagons and I have to spend half a day repacking everything." Meldar is starting to sound a bit hysterical - he obviously needs you to escort him on the roads but is trying to politely tell you it is just not a good idea to go sorting through his carefully packed and wrapped trade items.
Once he stops to take a breath, his daughter adds, "Look, gentlemen, we were planning on paying you for your escort services. 30 gold pieces each to get us there safely. Come, why do you not trust us?"
Drelsh folds his arms stubbornly. "If you prefer us to see it in the morning it doesn't make a difference to me, but either we see what you're hauling or you can make the trek yourself. And I don't trust you becomes I'm a grumpy old fart who's too stubborn to care what you think of me. I was just going to throw back the tarp and take a quick glance but now I'm thinking we should go through everything. Don't worry, we'll help you repack."
Breggel moves beside Drelsh and whispers,
"Do you think this is wise? This is not our town and we have no real authority over this merchant. We either travel with him or not, trust him or not, but he owes us nothing."
That said the dwarf goes to stand by his brother.
|
|
Drelsh really isn't subtle about anything is he, could've maybe gotten us some extra gear if he hadn't been so rash about his decisions ...
"I think y'all got out of bed with the wrong foot or something. Seeing as we're not going anywhere this evening, why don't we get the full story and if you're still not satisfied with that Drelsh, then you can still rummage through this men's belongings if you still think it necessary and he'll allow it." Aldras states clearly to Drelsh, in the meanwhile trying to diffuse the situation a bit.
He then turns to Meldar and Delora, "My apologies, my squadcommander and mates are a bit troubled by some news we picked up on the road and we wish to get back to Daggermark to report it.
So if you would be so kind to tell your story from the start to where we are here now, it might be really helpful to the situation."
Drelsh works his sore tooth around. Lad's got a silver tongue. Sometimes I forget working in the militia is different from the army. He still doesn't apologize, just holds his tongue and waits to see their reaction.
Ulan grumbles under his breath. His healthy caution had just turned into deep suspicion.
Meldar eyes Drelsh suspiciously, saying "Then I think we are done here. I refuse to kowtow to jack-booted thugs who think they can order law-abiding citizens around like vassals. We will just have to hire some more reputable guards for our trip. Good night." He stands and the rest of his party follows suit, leaving you alone at the table.
Delora looks stunned at this unexpected turn of events, but she follows her father with only a glance back at Bryn and Aldras before heading up the stairs.
|
|
I'm really not sure what to think about the situation. Meldar seemed to just want to get to Daggermark and beyond and I can understand that he didn't want his goods to be inspected by some militiamen. Oh well, could've used the money.
Clearly confused about the whole situation, Aldras steps away from the group and goes over to Dauravyn, the innkeeper. "Well that deal went sour fast ... Say do you know anything about the Thousandheads Trading Coster caravan? Seem to be some form of competition to Meldar from what I gathered."
"One thing that I am a little confused about. How did all his guards get killed by marauders and yet he arrived here unharmed, with his goods intact,and his daughter un-ravished?" Bryn says thoughtfully. Don't worry Aldras I doubt the militia commander would have approved of us taking pay from anther when we are supposed to be on militia time.
After sitting in thought for a few moments Bryn stands up "Well if the good merchant won't give permission to inspect his goods, we can always take a look while he is asleep." Bryn borrows a lantern from the innkeeper and goes outside to take a look at Meldar's wagons.
Breggel shakes his head and turns to his brother.
"Mark my words, this will not end well. Come, lets to bed before all the hells break loose!"
Drelsh watches them go, his suspicions only rising. When Bryn mentions going out to check Drelsh puts a hand on his shoulder, giving a slight nod and whispering in his ear. "I'll watch the stairs. Make it quick."
Mike quite with rage for the longest time about the group handling this merchants business but finally come around after the harsh treatment from him and the realizations that just surfaced about him. "Bryn leave the lantern. I have a little trick that is easier to handle and conceal. Plus you might want my eyes out there in the dim light." He says catching Bryn as he heads out the door.
Bryn & Mike - you find exactly what Meldar said was in the wagons - tradegoods, foodstuffs, metal ores, linens and fleece, that kind of stuff...
"Hey - what are you doing in there!?!" 4 guardsmen from town interrupt Bryn and Mike while they are rooting through the wagons out in the open lot. They look from your faces to the wagons with gear strewn about. "You're with that group what rode into town earlier. Why are you out here looking through the merchant's stuff?"
We are being suspicious militia men and making sure this merchant is really transporting what he says he is. Bryn answers the town guardsmen honestly. Would you let someone you don't know bring a load of goods into your town without making sure it is what he says it is? Since you all are here can you tell us anything about the merchants arrival at the Way Inn?
to convince them He means no harm
to gather information
Drelsh walks out at a quick limp, standing in front of his men. "The merchant's who own this wagon gave us reason to believe they were smuggling something illegal. Since they made clear their intentions to bring said wagon into our jurisdiction I thought it prudent to have the wagon searched. You'll find nothing stolen or broken amongst their goods, and luckily our suspicions were not confirmed so we shall bother these merchants no longer."
Well I guess this is what I get. Mike thinks to himself as the situation gets worse and worse. Looking around he doesn't see a way he can slink away and no sense in adding to the argument they are already losing. Mike sits tight waiting for an opportunity of some kind to present itself.
Agreeing with his brother and with no orders from Drelsh, Ulan is resting elsewhere.
The guards look at each other for a moment, then the squad leader says, "Look, if you had a question, you should have come to us - not come sneaking out here like bandits! You have no right to go digging through an honest merchant's caravan here in The Way Inn. I'm going to cut you a break tonight...but you should seriously consider just turning in for the night and make your way back to Daggermark in the morning. Square?" They watch to make sure you put the carts back the way you found them and then walk you to the inn before continuing on their rounds.
Mike gets inside with the rest of the group still completely silent from the ordeal they just went through. "Sorry Drelsh, Bryn." Is all he utters before going to his room. All he could think about the whole nighte was leaving the province of Daggermark.
Drelsh nods. "We appreciate the understanding."
~~~~~
"You don't apologize for anything. That was on my orders and I'll take the responsibility for it. You only did as I commanded."
|
|
Figured there was nothing wrong with that merchant. I sure hope they'll arrive safely at Daggermark. Aldras thinks after getting the info from the innkeeper. He then goes to his room, wondering what the morning will bring.
He will try to get up early to see if everyone's mood might have changed with a good night's rest.
Well that could have gone better. Bryn says to Drelsh when they are back in the Inn. I don't know why but Meldar's story does ring true to me. Maybe the orc sighting has got me nervous. Good night Doc.
Bryn goes to bed but lays awake for awhile thinking about everything that has happened the last few days.
Breggel & Ulan catch up with Meldar in the morning to discuss possible trading terms. He is a trader, after all, and doesn't miss a potential business opportunity. Breggel finds that Meldar is the business brains, but Delora manages the finances. They agree to meet again in Daggermark to iron out the details, but they reach an agreement over a handshake to establish a trade deal whereby Meldar will bring raw materials in, and Breggel supplies finished products out. Meldar will sell these goods on consignment and keep a portion of the money. After deducting the cost of the raw materials (unless you pay for the ores up front) the remaining profits will be given to you when he returns.
Mike is also up early, looking for a deal on a bow. The Way Inn does have a bowyer/fletcher, with an assortment of bows and arrows. Crossbows are reserved for the militia.
Grinning at the proposed deal, Breggel invites the merchant and his daughter to break-fast with them.
"I am sorry about the misunderstanding yesterday. Not too sure what our leader wanted to get at, but let me assure you he meant no disrespect. An old military man, he is suspicious of everything and everyone. We did hear a report about a troop of orcs in the area. That might have put him on the defensive."
|
|
Up early as well, Aldras notices that the dwarf brothers seem to be talking with Meldar about some sort of trade deal.
Not wanting to butt in and thusly having nothing better to do Aldras will play a bit on his lute after he had a light breakfast.
He'll be passing the time doing that until Drelsh gives out the orders to get going.
When Bryn gets up the next morning he makes sure the horses are ready to leave then waits for Drelsh to give the order to march.
Drelsh walks outside and to his pleasure the horses are already prepared to march. "Good man Bryn. Let's get moving."
Mike heads down the stairs for his 4th day of his 3 day commitment to Daggermark. Needless to say it isn't helping his mood after the embarrassment of last night. Finding it his fault getting caught up in the emotion of the moment and not acting as a spotter like he does for his step dad in the woods.
Feeling he still has time he dress's in his heavy winter clothing again and braves the cold hopping to find something to raise his spirits in the town he is in. He stops by the horses to drop off his armor and spear and see's Bryn tending the beasts. "Hey Brin." Mike says approaching the man. It would seem that he isn't as affected from last night as I am. Mike thinks to himself. "If you see Drelsh let him know i'm going on a walk to clear my head. I should be back before its time to saddle up."
After rising with the sun and a quick breakfast, Ulan joins Breggel during the business discussion.
He remains silent for the most part, Ulan long ago recognizing Breggel as the 'face' of the business, but nods to his older brother at necessary moments.
"Aye. The deal looks fine. My brother is right about the old doctor. He's a sharp one, but his people skills are lacking at times."
When they get the chance, Ulan speaks to Breggel in private .
"If these folks are our new business associates then maybe we should offer to escort them back to Daggermark, provided they're willing to forget that mess last night. I see no real reason not to trust them, and, in any case, we need to look after our future investments. Of course, Drelsh is in charge. He might disapprove."
Breggel nods in agreement with his brother.
"Well we can approach the doctor and see what he thinks. I cannot read that human very well, but he seems very angry at..well...everything. Seems a shame not to work with this merchant to make sure his shipment makes it to our forge!"
He smiles and moves off to find the doctor and propose the ideal of mending fences and working with the merchant.
"Safety in numbers and all that. You cannot still believe he has some sinister motive, do you? And maybe while we are travelling you will get a chance to check out his wagon."
"I have seen his innocence with my own eyes and harbor no ill will towards the man, although I do think him a fool for being so secretive of his goods. If he is willing I would apologize for my suspicions and be willing to travel with him."
Lambert, who had pointedly avoided getting involved with the conversation and 'investigation' of the night prior, had departed for bed almost immediately after they had begun their discussion. That made him up early in response. With Bryn tending to the horses, Lambert offers assistance, though as always he keeps silent.
Meldar and his daughter have light horses to ride, but Ian, Finn and Dooley walk with the oxen hauling the wagons. Even though Meldar accepted Drelsh's apologies, there remains a tension in the air as you set off from The Way Inn. Delora tells you they were able to recover a short bow and two short swords from their guards and the bandits, but the rest of the weapons were either lost or worthless. She offers them to your group if you think they would be useful.
The morning passes quietly, and you pass through Bowshot about midday. By pushing past Bowshot and maintaining a good pace, the caravan reaches the same campsite you stopped at on the way down. The handlers and Delora set up their camp - their actions have an easy, practiced feel about it, and soon the animals are tended, a fire is started, and a stewpot is hung with some smoked venison and vegetables warming up for dinner. Your party is invited to share in the meal.
Bryn will accept one of the short swords for the trip back to Daggermark so he will have some weapon in addition to the short spear the militia issued even though he doesn't know how to use it.
He converses both Delora and Meldar during the days ride. With Meldar he asks about the weather there was a market for ceramics or earthenware goods in the other towns he has visited. He tries to get Delora to tell him more of the story of their journey, where they come from, where they are ultimately going, and how they got to the Way Inn after their brush with the bandits.