Tudfwlch sincerely nods to Sion's genuine concern, "Well, squire, I am the one to put the manor's men on alert, and no one would blame you if a dragon harms the flocks or tenants of Sir Amig. If you would like, I can note your concern to Sir Amig in my correspondence that you will carry to him."
Edward gives a quick prayer to the old gods before leaving the forest, thanking them for the boar and the safety of him and his comrades. He also gives a prayer for the dragon, either wishing it a quick death or a full recovery.
~~~
Edward is in a significantly better mood that night, jesting and laughing and eating his fill. He doesn't bring up or add to the dragon story, but he backs Sion when his word is asked for. He sort of chuckles at the talk of disbelief. "Well to be fair it wasn't exactly a creature of legend, only about this big." He holds out his arms to show. "Stealthy too, blended right into the green."
We would be glad to carry your correspondence to Sir Amig. Sion says. We have a long way to go tomorrow so I am going to retire. Good Tudfwlch Thank you for your hospitality I will commend you to your master when I see him. Sion leaves the table and retires to his bed. He wakes early the next morning and prepares for the days ride.
"Indeed. Good night Tudfwlch. You are an excellent steward. Good night to you as well fellow knights-to-be." Bran grabs some scraps of the boar for Blaidd and together they make their way back to his room for the night.
Edward finishes his mouthful of dessert, then stands. "I suppose we all need our rest. Add my thanks to theirs Tudfwich, you have been much appreciated." Edward goes up to his room, spending some time looking out the window before going to sleep.
~~~
Edward wakes early, chewing on some of the leftover boar while watching the sunrise a few minutes from everybody else. Once the sun is up he returns, ready to ride.
The next day, you awake early from a habit trained by either Sir Amig or Sir Leo. With a legendary hunt and celebratory feast of the previous day, most of you are anxious to depart, even though your journey today is only a half day ride to Tilshead. After breaking your fast, you bid your farewells to Tudfwlch. He provides you a packed lunch and wishes you well. In addition, he returns the saddlebag of scrolls to Bran with instructions to deliver to Sir Amig. The weather appears very cooperative: blue skies with few white fluffy clouds.
You travel along the natural corridor between the barren hills and thick Blakemoor Wood. The hour and a half jog for Bran and ride for you has been particularly pleasant as you near the main trail between Tilshead and Devizes. As soon as you clear the Blakemoor Wood, a large smoke column originating from the West Lavington manor becomes threateningly clear.
Martin reacts first, ”See if you can help. I’ll ride to Tilshead for reinforcements!” He turns his horse toward the hills and gallops away.
Edward's brows raise in shock at the smoke, then he nods to Martin and snaps the reigns on his horse, pushing him into a gallop towards the manor.
Sion tosses Rhianwen from his left hand into the air and readies his shield and adjusts his grip on his lance before nudging Pwyll into quick canter after Edward.
Damn it Edward slow down! You can't help anyone if you fall and break your neck.
Bran tightens his grip on his lance and kicks his own mount after Edward's.
Raedwald nudges Gullfaxi to take after the others.
"God's bones! Uther's corpse is barely cold and already Britain's tearing itself apart!"
After five minutes of galloping hard toward West Lavington, you crest a rolling hill and see the furthest farm of the manor. It's a small collection of small buildings near the edge of the Blakemoor Wood. A half dozen bandits struggle with the farmers and the last of the loot near the buildings. Another half dozen bandits carry a load of plunder and are half way hustling toward the effective wall of the forest.
Edward glances between the two groups of bandits briefly. "I don't know if it's safe to split up. We should help the farmers, unless you guys think we can manage to divide and win both fights."
"We are five mounted men against a force of rabble. Sion, Edward and Martin help the farmers. Raedwald and I can stop those ones from escaping with their stolen goods." Bran motions as he spells out his plan, hoping the others would see the sense.
The approval of kings and a pretty set of armor doesn't make you a better fighter. Edward glances to escaping bandits. "Just don't get yourself killed."
Well Edward, those bandits won't kill themselves. Sion puts the spurs to Pwyll and charges towards the group of bandits fighting with the farmers.
Edward laughs. "Maybe they've just never tried, you should suggest it!" He follows after Sion.
When a creature has a full night’s rest (8 hours of sleep or more), that creature regains all its vigor points and 1 wound point. If there is a significant interruption during a rest, the creature regains neither wound points nor vigor points. If a creature undergoes complete bed rest for an entire day, it regains half its level in wound points and all its vigor points.
"We'll run them down like dogs! No offense to Blaidd. On your mark, Bran."
"Hyia!" Bran cries, kicking Llewlan into motion and whistling for Bran to follow. He holds his lance ready to charge down the fleeing bandits before they escape into the forest.
The sound of the horses galloping disrupts the bandits. The group in the fields starts to run. The group with the farmers pushes them down and starts to follow their gang. The farmers crawl toward their cottage in panic.
<< | | | >>
Initiative group 1 : Edward
Initiative group 2 : Bandits 10-12
Initiative group 3 : Bran, Blaidd, Raedwald & Sion
Initiative group 4 : Bandits 1-9
Edward moves his horse forward at a sprint to close the distance.
Some of the bandits hustle toward the safety of their forest. They each carry a load of supplies plundered from inside the house, including a light wooden shield, club, and bow.
They are running! Sion calls as he spurs Pwyll to intercept them.
"C'mon boy! Lets kill some bandits!" Bran cries to Blaidd, spurring his horse forward towards the fleeing scumbags.
Raedwald spurs Gullfaxi after the pair.
"Save a few for me!" he shouts.
Edward moves his horse forward at a sprint to close the distance.
Some of the bandits hustle toward the safety of their forest. They each carry a load of supplies plundered from inside the house, including a light wooden shield, club, and bow.
"They are running!" Sion calls as he spurs Pwyll to intercept them.
"C'mon boy! Lets kill some bandits!" Bran cries to Blaidd, spurring his horse forward towards the fleeing scumbags.
Raedwald spurs Gullfaxi after the pair. "Save a few for me!" he shouts.
The rest of bandits run for the Blakemoor weighed down by their plunder.
<< | | | >>
Initiative group 1 : Edward
Initiative group 2 : Bandits 10-12
Initiative group 3 : Bran, Blaidd, Raedwald & Sion
Initiative group 4 : Bandits 1-9
Edward hisses under his breath, chasing after the bandits. "Sion, go round and cut them off!"
One of the bandits near the barn yells, "We can take this one!." Two of them drop their plunder and draw their clubs and shield attempting a mini wall. A third drops his plunder and draws his bow. He nocks an arrow and shoots at Edward, which catches his shield square.
Bran and Blaidd continue to move forward hoping to cut off the bandit's escape. It's looking like they might get away though.
Sion lowers his lance and charges the Bandits that have turned to fight Edward.
Raedwald continues riding after Bran and Blaidd. He begins muttering under his breath.
"Good GOD don't let them get away!"
Edward grins as the arrow catches in his shield. "Brigand and coward, have you no shame?" He says with a laugh. He stabs forward at once of the men blocking him.
Edward hisses under his breath, chasing after the bandits. "Sion, go round and cut them off!"
One of the bandits near the barn yells, "We can take this one!." Two of them drop their plunder and draw their clubs and shield attempting a mini wall. A third drops his plunder and draws his bow. He nocks an arrow and shoots at Edward, which catches his shield square.
Bran and Blaidd continue to move forward hoping to cut off the bandit's escape. It's looking like they might get away though.
Sion lowers his lance and charges the Bandits that have turned to fight Edward. The lance pierces his shoulder severely wounding the bandit.
Raedwald continues riding after Bran and Blaidd. He begins muttering under his breath. "Good GOD don't let them get away!"
The bandits near the forest continue to run with their heavy loads of plunder. Three more near the barn drop their plunder, pull out their bows and send a volley into Edward.
<< | | | >>
Edward grins as the arrow catches in his shield. "Brigand and coward, have you no shame?" He says with a laugh. He stabs forward at once of the men blocking him.
The wounded bandit with the shield and club sneers, steps up, and strikes at Edward.
The wounded bandit turns and flees. The bandit with the bow shoots at Sion.
Initiative group 1 : Edward
Initiative group 2 : Bandits 10-12
Initiative group 3 : Bran, Blaidd, Raedwald & Sion
Initiative group 4 : Bandits 1-9
Sion crowds in on the bandits. He causes Pwyll to rear and kick with his forehooves.
Surrender Blackguards!! He calls to the Bandits. Surrender now and no one has to die!
Bran charges one bandit with his lance, while Blaidd charges the lead bandit, snarling and barking madly. Bran's lance is well aimed, and slides right through the bandit wounding him severely. Blaidd manages to grab the calf of the other fleeing bandit and bites down savagely, shaking his head back and forth.
__________________________
Hit