We gather all the weapons, packs, beltpouches and if any armor is mithril or adamantine, we take that.
We also check where they were hiding in the ally.
"It shall be done."
Gan will go and have a look at the alleyway where they were hiding
Kenoichi doesn't bother with the looting. He waits patiently for the others to do any searching, while watching the locals and whistling softly and out-of-tune.
He pauses his tune to ask "Think there'll be anywhere we can sell that before we head off? Just because I'm strong enough to carry it doesn't mean I want to."
Zhong had no interest in the tedious business of pillaging corpses either. He only ever was forced to do it in his life twice; once for want of a coin for barren sustenance, the other for a talisman he'd searched half of Hiroguo for. It was a self-absorbed campaign of vengeance he always felt guilty about.
"I believe I saw a couple of shops that would fit the bill a few nights ago... Could be mistaken though, I was quite buzzed."
Zhong takes his flask of what one would assume was water and washes off his blade of red steel. He only used the minimum amount of fluid necessary. To the untrained eye one would think that he just did a shoddy job at cleaning his blade, but from its' appearance it showed no sign of rusting.
An odd looking sword for an odd looking fellow.
Kojima returns quickly, accompanied by two deputies. The men seem surprised and a bit alarmed to see some of the victors looking through the dead men's possessions. The younger deputy furrows his brow and asks somewhat gruffly, "what exactly happened here?"
The older deputy, meanwhile, quietly looks the old man and each of the victorious swordsmen up and down appraisingly.
"Gentlemen, I would be happy to explain this unfortunate disturbance. After returning from running a few errands this morning, I was confronted by this man," Sung says, pointing to the portly corpse.
"He seemed to bear some kind of grudge against me for the death of his outlaw kin. I hoped to talk some sense into him, but when I noticed more of his ilk hiding in the ally, it became clear that they intended harm to me."
"In all, five assailants tried to murder me today, and if not for the aid of my companions, they would have succeeded. They initiated the confrontation, they drew first blood and they showed no regard for the law. Because two of the brigands escaped, we saw the need to collect the valuables, so that they would not be used against us later by the two who survived their sinister attack on us."
"I am more than willing to answer any questions, and will encourage my companions to do the same."
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"Oh," the younger deputy answers as his expression softens, "I guess that's a pretty good reason... usually we commandeer their possessions to pay their fines, and to bury them if their families don't come claim them..."
The older deputy nods and interjects, "We're sorry this attack took place in Saishotown, and relieved that it seems not to have troubled you too much. We can handle the mess if you'd like to return to your business."
We allow the deputies to handle this. I'm not too attached to any of that. We also give them the description of the two that ran.
Gan cleans himself off and Naiz
Gan then makes sure to give Naiz a good pat and scratch and addresses the big wolf
"Well done my friend, we acted together well. I think you deserve a good meal."
Once back at the Panda, Sung recounts the ambush with Hiro. He also gives the men a description of the two that ran away, before inquiring about what they have learned.
At dinner, Sung buys a round of drinks for the men in the street fight. Saying "Finally, a proper thank you for pulling me out of the fire this afternoon. I could not ask for a finer group of warriors by my side."
Kenoichi removes his helm at the Panda after being seated. He rests his sword against the table, being too cumbersome to sit with. He smiles gently at Sung Wo's words. "Indeed, it seems your eye for talent has improved since the days we first met, Master Wo. Still, I appreciate your remembrance of those days and willingness to call upon our old friendship to allow me to witness such a display of swordsmanship and valor."
The two watchmen dutifully gather up the corpses and their gear, pausing only to offer a quick bow as the mysterious swordsmen depart.
After completing their preparations, Sung Wo and most of his associates return to their inn and order dinner. It is unclear if it's common practice at the establishment or if someone has recognized one or more of swordsman but the meal that is laid out could easily be called a feast.
As if drawn by some mystical sixth sense, a mildly intoxicated Hiro stumbles in with Vashiro mere seconds after the food is laid out.
"Welcome, Hiro and Vashiro. It is good to see that your association with me did not lead to an altercation with those ruffians. Please come sit and eat."
Sung recounts the ambush and waits for one of the 2 men to fill him in on any info about Dyerville.
Zhong thoroughly immerses himself in the pleasantries provided. He takes for himself these trifles, becoming intoxicated for the sake of the sobering truth that the days ahead may be barren and full of risk and all the cruelties of the road.
When buzzed enough, he strikes a conversation with his contemporaries:
"Sso tell me; What's the craziest thing you've seen in the heat of battle? Once in my travels I saw an unarmed man stabbed seven times by a band of highwaymen, all at once. Their blades ran him through. Before the seven men withdrew their swords, the mann wus able to pluck out thirteen of their eyes... He then got up and tried to walk away, before I caught him and healed his wounds. I'm sure you've all seen similar feats? Tell us a tale!"
"The craziest thing by far, let me think.....I once saw a man whipped in public for a crime he didnt commit. In fact, it was one of his greatest antagonists that was guilty. The man could have ended the pain and humiliation with a word at any time, yet he allowed it." Sung says, losing himself in thought.
"I asked him days later why he had done that for a man who considered him his enemy, and he replied 'Because I understand the truth about justice'."
The old man seems lost in his own story, but snaps out of it and continues "But I suppose thats not battle, not against flesh and blood anyway...."
Kojima listens attentively to Sung Wo's story and then does something none of his new companions has seen him do... he chuckles.
"The Heroes of three throwing themselves at the Dragon, we were all possessed, we attacked like madmen and slowly but surely we overcome the beast. Each man that fell was another dagger to our hearts until finally the last gave his life to give me the opportunity to finish off the beast. "
Tears have formed in Gans eyes and Naiz places his head in Gans lap.
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"Two forces met at the Bridge of Won Ho. They clashed at the very center of the bridge, man after man seeing defeat and falling miles to their deaths below. Day and night, they battled, the tide of war washing over the bridge in measurable gains and losses as each side pressed to overtake the bridge and reach the hated enemy's encampment on the other side. Finally, on the third day, the commander of the Northern forces pushed his way to the front of the battle, encouraging his men to rally behind him." Kenoichi drinks from his tea cup.
"The Northern forces, behind their commander, pushed all the way to the Southern edge of the bridge, within arm's reach of the bridge's moorings. The Southern Commander, still drunk from the night before's revels, hearing of the near breach, rode to the bridge as fast as his horse would carry him, and slurred out commands to his men. The Northern Commander, seeing the state of his foe, declared that there would be no honor in defeating such a man, and slashed away the moorings, severing the bridge and plunging his own men to death on the rocks below."
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"Dyerville?" Hiro manages to mumble while still stuffing his face with meat and bread after Sung Wo asks him about the village. "Ah yes, Dyerville..." Finally remembering the initial reason for his being drunk at the bar all day.
"Well... (Bite)... there's not much to say really (munch). Most of the people here don't know too much about life outside. I can tell you this though... its apparently surrounded by wasteland, so getting there will probably be troublesome (Gulp, Bite). And there's at least half a chance that we'll find some enormous melons while we're there (Hiro smirks). Oh and one last thing... (Hiro looks toward Gan and Naiz). I have it on the highest authority that, in Dyerville, man and animal can finally choose to confine themselves within the bonds of holy matrimony... if you're into that sort of thing... marriage... Hiro rolls his eyes and continues eating.
Zhong is entertained by the quaint pissing contest he invoked. His favorite tale was by far the story with the stoic general on the bridge, as observable by his almost child-like facial responses.
This however was quickly overshadowed by Hiro-Tawa's report. As he hears of the barren nature of the journey ahead he internally groans but keeps a professional look about him while gripping his alcohol just a little tighter.
This professionalism evaporates as he hears Hiro-Tawa mention the culture of beastiality. A sickening grin breaks Zhong's face in half.
"WHAT!? You canNOT be serious!"
Though the night has shown that the golden boy can handle himself, it becomes apparent that the booze has begun to saturate his angelic blood.
Zhong giggles to himself sporadically, glancing at the wolfsman, scrutinizing over his reaction.
This was a great night.
Gan looks at Hiro and raises and eyebrow, he then hands Naiz a chunk of meat and he wolfs that down
"Master Wo I have observed that certain members of the group, think that their cleverness can get past the calm and peace that true wisdom brings."
Gan continues eating and even imbibes some alcoholic drink letting himself relax in the warmth it brings
"A foe may use a clever tongue to find weakness, but amongst friends and companions, I would say it indicates envy. Truly, Naiz is a loyal companion." Sung says with a bit of a grin at Hiro.
"Or perhaps he is sore about his dry blade, when the rest of you found honorable glory today." the old man says, pretending poorly to be musing to himself.
The painted waitress' expressionless face almost cracks as her eyes momentarily widen at the number of plates which have already been emptied and the subject matter of the swordsmen's conversation. She quickly steels herself, however, and clears a number of plates with a silent bow.
She returns a moment later with more rice and a platter of pork and noodles, and a large jug of warmed sake.
Vashiro raises an eyebrow at Sung Wo's jest. "Honorable glory? As I understand you bested a lot of drunken brigands, nothing more. Though it is curious that they came seeking you, Master Wo. Is there anything else we should be aware of from your past? Perhaps another vengeful kinsman seeking retribution for your mechinations? After all, we needn't have our journey delayed further."
"See, here is one who would have proudly rode with the North towards gravity's embrace." Kenoichi smiles towards Vashiro. "Yet, he rides with a Southerner" he glances briefly at Hiro " and seeks to change the very poles."
Hiro looks almost nauseated after Kenoichi speaks as the wine seems to be getting the best of him by now.
Yes...yes... I can almost see it now. All those young men...the looks of "honor" and "glory" on their faces as they plummet toward their early end... or maybe on their families' faces the day of their funeral...all because of one man's hubris.
"That's why I follow one man's orders and his name is Hiro."hiccup
"I believe the only one inibriated durring the attack was young master Hiro. As to the actual danger of the ambush, I would direct you to consult the pool of my blood still in the road, where I would be also if it were not for these fine men. As for past, we all have them, and if my years have given me more, I will bear that. I cannot promise that evil men I have had a hand in thwarting will not try to extinguish me. But I can tell you that I will never stop in my efforts to deny the wicked satisfaction."
Kenoichi smiles. "North, South. It matters not to me. I am the bridge, Sung Wo the ravine. All who would cross him must pass me."
"Ehhh... Today's happenings were as the business of gnats. Doess it all really matter when the gods could swat us car-relessly into the sun?"
Through the booze, the philosophic minister betrays his true faces' doubts.
The food and drink continue to flow throughout the swordsmen's last night in Saishotown. Rising before the sun the following morning proves more difficult than expected for most... well, for all but Hiro who knew all too well how hard it would be. As the weary men gather their belongings and prepare for an arduous trek across the wastelands, Sung Wo is outside overseeing the packing of the wagon and the preparing of the horses. When the innkeeper approaches him with a ledger he is fairly surprised by just how great a tally they had amassed in food and drink, but he dutifully settles the bill.
By the time the sun has broken the horizon all seven men are gathered in the street and more-or-less ready to depart...
Gan will ride Naiz, he will attempt to keep at least a 20 metre distance between himself and the horses
"Woo! hoo!" As Naiz lopes of down the road
Sung will take a spot in the wagon. Staying on the back of a beast is a young mans game.
Kenoichi will ride a horse, if it will bear him. Although he's used to marching days on end, he has no wish to slow the party.
The first day of travel passes fairly uneventfully. The temperature climbs steadily all day to an uncomfortable heat in the late afternoon, and as the swordsmen settle into camp in the evening the air remains warmer than would be ideal.
Gan rides ahead riding Naiz but he is also observing
"i suggest we allow the spell casters to have the first or last watches to allow for uninterrupted sleep, I will defer to Master Wos needs though."
Sung is weary from the days traval and more drink than he is used to the night before. He is more than happy to take sleep first.
"I'll gladly guard the dusk. Anyone want to keep me company? I've some pipe to spare..."
"I will take the midnight ride. I'm used to a sleepy kind of wariness." Kenoichi says.
After the first day's ride, Vashiro sees about setting a solid camp for the company to take rest. Building a fire, he sets back, drawing a small knife and whittling a piece of wood. "I will take the late watch, during the witching hours - past the moon, well before the sun." He also makes sure his horse is relaxed and recovering well from the day's ride.
Hiro sits the first watch and gladly shares Zhong's pipe with him. Gan, Kenoichi, and Vashiro sit their watches alone before Kojima and Sung Wo take the final watch together. Aside from the oppressive warmth and a few animals noises in the distance the night passes uneventfully.
Over dinner and while sitting around the fire, Gan will tell of what he has observed
"The 'road' we follow is so under-used that it is slowing growing harder to discern and may well completely disappear long before we reach our destination and the heat seems to be settling in and will likely get worse before it gets better."
Zhong drinks deeply of the steaming tea before responding.
"Well, the fates will string us along as they shall, to whatever desire they fancy that day... I wouldn't take much worry, however. If they do, we can always vex them back..."
As Zhong says the word 'vex', you hear the jingle of a small ceremonial bell, probably concealed inside his robes somewhere.
He makes no mention of the trails he's blazed in the past, being raised in the mountains and traveling hither and thither his whole life. He wasn't worried.
During his shift, Kenoichi works on maintaining his sword and armor while watching for trouble. It is a routine he'd had for many years. On the subject of weather and sparseness of resources, he prepares to help with the necessary preparations in the morning.
The temperature is already uncomfortable as the party sets out once again in the morning. The journey goes fairly smoothly throughout the early hours but by midday the sweltering heat begins taking its toll...
As the day heats up, Sung uses create water to cool himself while they traval.
Gan will take off his armour