The barkeep smiles a gap toothed smile before adding "Aye, we've beds and room and a stable all... anythin ye'd want of a tavern bar the wenches." which draws a snort from the sole drinker. The barkeep balls up a rag and pitches it at the sleeping boy in the corner "Bodie, got some horses to see to - get to it ye slack bugger." The youngling wakes with a start, nodding through bleary eyes and moving out to assist with the horses and carriage.
The barkeep draws a mug of warm lager from a keg on a stand behind the bar and lays it before him. "We've probably got some tucker left over from the day iffin you're hungry as well?"
To Shorga's intimation of history the barkeep chuckles "Not as isolated as you think - we get some traffic on the trade roads and the odd local." pointed look at the rouch looking gent who is his only other customer. "And nay man, she's as rundown as she looks... but no mind the beds are only lumpy on one side"
I make my way into the tavern, being extremely careful not to step on cracks on the floor, and if I do I stop and count to 9 silently before continuing to sit at the bar next to Shorga. Once seated I smile at the barkeep and state, "I too will take a drink, we have had a tiring trip getting here so far. Do you know of any bounty for wolves attacking travelers on the road?"
Kalum sees the bleary eyed kid with the rag coming towards him out of the shops, and concludes the kid has been sent to see to the horses
"Hey - what's your name? I'm Kalum!" says Kalum in as friendly a voice as he can muster.
Responding to the barkeep, "We cshertainly weren't exshpecting a tavern here, but this is our firsht run through theshe partsh. I will take a bowl of whatever you got back there, ash long ash it'sh warm."
As Icarus makes his odd approach and pulls up next to him at the bar and asks his question Shorga mentally applauds the man's memory, the wolves a far from his mind now that food and drink were before him. "Alsho, shomeone who knowsh how to skin a wolf and treat it'sh hide?"
As the others arrive and (presumably) takes up their own glasses, Shorga holds up his glass, "Gentleman, to the end of the road." the cavalier offers up in a small toast.
As Otis climbs down and enters the tavern, he feels a slight tremor in his limbs due to the long and shaky drive.
"Aye, I'd have a cider or what have you. Just not too strong please - I've gotta wake up with a cool head tomorrow."
After Otis gets his drink, he enjoys the refreshment while keeping an eye on the locals.
"I'll have food and a drink as well. How far are we from Droskar's Crag?"
The sleepy looking youngster waves with a bored expression on his face "I'm Bodie, pleased tae meetcha... I'll take care of your horses if you like, or you can lend a hand. Sooner we finish the sooner I can get back to bed."
______________________
Calling out to the back kitchen "Madge, get the stew warmed up" the barkeep moves to fill glasses with the poison of choice. To Otis he proffers cider with a slight warning "She's got a kick to 'er, but what good scrumpy doesn't right?"
To Icarus he shakes his head "Not that I know of my man, we generally don't get too much trouble with 'em... though I've had a few riders say theres a pack on the loose."
He shakes his head at Shorga's hopeful query for a butcher "Room and board is the limit of my abilities I'm afraid"
The barkeep scratches his head before replying to Kiren "Not that far, you're maybe a good half day or so if you're by carriage... roads can get a bit dicey that way though so best keep your eyes open."
A few minutes later a comely woman limps from the back room with a large pot of hearty smelling stew and a half-dozen wooden bowls and spoons. She unceremoniously thumps it down on the bar and ladles out portions to whoever is interested. It is a ugly looking pasty concoction laced with many vegetables and a small amount of beef, but it smells and tastes well enough for peasant food.
"A half daysh ride? Perhapsh we should have presshed on." The cavalier says introspectively as the stew is placed before him. Turning to the others after people have had a moment to drink and/or eat, "Sho I've been wondering if there'sh anything about our fight with the wolvesh that bearsh dishcusshion? I'm thinking moshtly of myshelf, and poshitioning Ursha too far away from Bootsh and Thunder. We could have made it a running battle in the carriage, or put shome kind of barrier between the draw horshes and the wolvesh. Anyone have any shuggestionsh or ideash?" The half-orc takes a long pull of his drink, placing it down on the table deliberately on the counter. He waves a finger for the barkeep to bring him one more as he waits for the others to respond.
"If we're getting chased, I can throw bombs at the pursuers, but with something that fast I don't think we could outrun them for long. If it comes to a fight again I will try to defend the horses better. I can put up a pretty good fight in my ...enhanced state"
"Cheers Bodie. Help me get this done while they're still settling down inside and I'll buy you a drink to help you sleep. Proper done though. These horses." Kalum pats Thunder "Have done a fantastic job today."
A little while later Kalum walks in
"So, Shorga! How doe it look. Is there food? I'm starving. And I promised I'd buy Bodie a drink."
In response Shorga lifts his bowl and mug in a satisfied manner, and points to a chair nearby. Once Kalum gets settled and has taken a drink and gotten a bite, "Sheemsh nicshe enough accomodationsh for the shteeds, correct?" After allowing a response, "We were jusht shpeaking of how todaysh fight could have gone better, sharting with a better defenshe of the horshes on my part. Alsho, the merits and potential problemsh of a running battle. Do not think me a coward, but I would worry about Ursha and I becoming shurrounded, shtopped, and thush eashy pickingsh - in a running battle. Today I washnt worried because you were all sho closhe, and effective in your ranged attacksh."
Bodie assists Kalum with getting the horses unhitched and into a good rub down. He raises an eyebrow at the matted blood on Thunder's chest, but thinks it better not to mention it. As he's seeing to feed and rubbing them down he waves Kalum off to join the others.
"Yes, I feel that for what occurred we reacted the best way that we possibly could. I can fight just as effectively in melee as I can ranged I just felt that I would have a better command of the battle field from up high. Normally a running battle would have been preferable, but with our tackle in the condition it is and the speed of the wolves that attacked I feel that what we did was best."
I say in response to Shorga's questions.
Shorga nods his head, before tossing back his second drink, "I felt the shame, jusht wanted to enshure we're all in agreement. I'll shleep better knowing I've got fellowsh like you at my back." Shorga says a little openly, the drinks must be getting to him. Perhaps realizing this he scrapes his bowl clean, and stands, inclining his head to each of the group in turn. He even raises his empty glass towards the stables, but in doing so, see's that it's empty, and frowns slightly at the glass, annoyed that it could be so inconsiderate as to be completely devoid of liquid. Sighing he places the glass deliberately on the counter and heads towards the sleeping area.
"Wow. That was my first fight where something was actually trying to kill me. I didn't really think about tactics - I prayed for help then just shot them until the horse went down!"
"I thought you guys were great - especially you Shorga, charging into the wolves like that."
Kalum thinks
"We did well though, right? I thought about calling on The Key to heal us all, but that would have just kept the wolves up too. If we were further away I could have done it easier."
"And I need to get faster at reloading - or get an easier to reload crossbow!"
"Otis must've done a good job to keep the horses from bolting. That could have really hurt us."
The barkeep shows you to your relatively spartan rooms when you are ready, though they have a comfortable enough bed. Pre-dawn brings the wafting scent of fried bacon through the air to rouse you from slumber. Moving down to the common room, you find Madge setting a small buffet near the bar with the aromatic bacon, bread, cheese and a carafe of kahve. As you come she mentions "Bodie's out front readying yer horses... figure youre the sort to be away quickly" with a smile.
"Kahve! You are a wonder, mistress Madge!"
Kalum sits down and starts inhaling food and Kahve as if he thought it was about to be snatched from his mouth.
Kiren congratulates the others on their fighting and gives Shorga a hearty slap on the back.
The next day Kiren wakes early to brew up some goodies. Seeing the breakfast prepared and the horses ready, he is impressed and thanks the innkeeper and the cook. To his friends: "I'm going to keep a log of our travels. It might be useful to have notes on where the good inns are. By the way, tonight's on me." He pays the bill and a couple of extra silvers.
As Shorga heads to his room, the slap on the back puts the half-orc slightly off balance, but he recovers well. Over his shoulder he responds to Kalum, "Nexsht time we'll shee if we can get them to run away. That'sh the real trick.." he trails off as he continues determinedly on his way.
Eating ravenously and asking for watered wine only, the half-orc is ready to head out in short order. Thank you for your roof and fare, with luck we shall shee you again." he says to the staff, and ruffles Bodie's hair. Offering the boy a grateful 2cp for caring for their animals so well. He greets Ursa as enthusiastically as she greets him, giving her a long scratching behind the ears and double checking her tack before vaulting into the saddle. Taking a huge breath of new morning air, "Come friendsh, the road awaitsh" and turns Ursa back towards the highway.
After the food and drink I fall asleep quickly, spartan room or no. Waking the next morning I devour breakfast quite hardily making small talk all the while and then propose that we move out quickly to finish our task, riding as long as we can today in hopes of finishing sooner.
After finishing your morning repast, you come outside to find Bodie finishing up on hitching Thunder and Boots to the carriage. Your horses appear much refreshed for the attention and rest, and you are ready to be underway once more quickly.
Profession (Drive):
The last section of the journey is relatively smooth, though the road deteriorates as the ground gets a little more hilly and the trees start to press in. As you draw in close to Droskar's Crag, you see a bullock train head West with a series of carts complete with rough hewn wood. The driver gives you a companionable wave and you manage to get some shouted directions that will lead you on to the Naran Logging Camp proper.
There is a low wall of sharpened wooden stakes broken only by a large open area with well worn cartwheel ruts leading in and out. Behind the entrance sits a number of ramshackle wooden buildings seemingly laid out at random - but there are some signs of industry as a steam plume from one tavern implies a whisky still and there is the cold ring of a blacksmith's hammer being driven repeatedly into an anvil. A check on the package shows that it is still cool to the touch, though it does seem to be a tad warmer than when you left Almas.
A few guards with ill-kempt uniforms man the gate and longspears are leveled in your direction as you near as they call "Hoi there, state your business."
The next day Kiren wakes early to brew up some goodies. Seeing the breakfast prepared and the horses ready, he is impressed and thanks the innkeeper and the cook. To his friends: "I'm going to keep a log of our travels. It might be useful to have notes on where the good inns are. By the way, tonight's on me." He pays the bill and a couple of extra silvers.
Kalum had planned to give Brodie a shiny silver piece, but after seeing the casual way Kiren handles money he quietly adds an extra silver.
Don't want to look like the poor cousin...
"A log is a great idea Kiren - a chronicle of our journey! But how about you track what we spend on expenses as well, so everyone can get paid back? I can put some money into a float, if you want."
A few guards with ill-kempt uniforms man the gate and longspears are leveled in your direction as you near as they call "Hoi there, state your business."
Figuring he looked the least intimidating, and was up the front, Kalum pipes out
"Hello the Gate! Just delivering a package. Looking for..." he racks his memory "...Lieutenant Naran. He here?"
The guard snorts with derision as he replies "Oh aye, the Lieutenant's here." putting his spear at a more neutral disposition "Come in and park yer carriage, you'll find Naran back at the smithy... ye can't miss 'im" and moving aside to let you into the compound.
"Doesn't seem to like the man much" I say from the back after we pass.
"A log is a great idea Kiren - a chronicle of our journey! But how about you track what we spend on expenses as well, so everyone can get paid back? I can put some money into a float, if you want."
"Good idea. Maybe we can pick up a log at the logging camp!" Kiren smiles at his own joke.
Shorga chuckles as he follows the others, hearing their antics. He ties Ursa nearby to the carriage and heads to the back of the smithy, calling out, "Lieutenant Naran, are you here shir?"
Kalum hops off the wagon and walks over towards the door. When he gets there he casually leans against it.
As you move within the encampment and near the smithy you hear an effeminate voice upon the breeze... seemingly discussing the aesthetics of silver or gold filigree. The smithy is open backed and the anvil and forge are in the open air. A swarthy man is stripped to the waist bar a heavy leather apron and is presently working on a shining vambrace that looks to be the second in a pair... the first of which is being worn by the other man present.
Having to squint your eyes slightly to get over the reflected sparkles that come from the man's armor that is polished to a mirror sheen you get a glimpse of a blond haired man standing six feet tall and with golden tresses that come down to his shoulders. The armor is extensively engraved and inlaid with tracing of precious metals, and a delicate bone handled rapier sits on his waist... but it's clear that the bent of the armor tends more to the decorative than functional and would likely crumple under even a glancing hammer blow.
The man turns at your approach and beams out a smile from under a handsome face. Replying to Shorga he speaks in a lilting and high pitched voice "Yes, I am he... to whom do I have the pleasure?"
Feeling relieved at having found the man Shorga surprised at the man's voice, but only for a moment, and indicating himself he starts to introduce the group, pointing to each of them as he states their names. "Shir, I am Shorga Brull, thish ish Kalum, Kiren, Otish and Icarush. We have traveled several daysh to get here, and have shomething for you."
He then stands at attention as he waits for the package to be presented, his eyes fixed on a point over the Lieutenants head..
"Ah...." escapes me before I stop my recognition at the reason for the guards distaste.
Kiren gives a polite bow. "Special delivery for you sir. The note says 500 gold, payable on delivery."
The man initially smiles at Shorga's words, before Kiren's take an edge off of his geniality. Taking the package with one dainty hand he speaks with a clipped tone "Payment will be given if the goods are still in serviceable condition." waving you away dismissively "You may await my sending wherever you please" before he walks carefully off through the camp towards one of the smaller buildings.
The blacksmith watches him go until he's out of earshot before spitting on the ground and muttering "Bloody self-centered ass" before he sets down his work and shucks off the apron. Wiping grimy hands on leggings before he extends an appendage for a handshake "I'm Gan... don't mind 'is lordship he's harmless enough. C'mon inside while ye wait, I've got some whisky needs drinkin" before moving away with a slight limp to lead you within the blacksmithy.
Frowning slightly at the Lieutenant's back, Shorga gives a minute shrug, and once the man is far out of earshot, "Shorta diminishesh the journey shomewhat, having that man dishmissh ush like that."
He shakes the proffered hand firmly, "We're more than happy to help good-smith Gan, and thank you." and follows the man into the hot confines of the smithy. On the way, "Quite the craftsmanship on thoshe vambracshesh, I'm no shmith, but you shure sheem to do good work."
Kalum walks close to Kiren and speaks quietly
"Hey Kiren, do you think anyone would mind if I sort've... y'know... found out what we'd been carrying?"
The lieutenant grabs the package before Kiren has a chance to react, but Kiren decides not to make an issue of it. To Kalum he says, "Go for it." and follows the smith inside.
Kalum quietly and unobtrusively starts casually walking through the camp, following the lieutentant.
Kalum finds following in the lieutenant's wake quite easy and escapes notice. The man makes directly for a house and moves within.
The others are led inside the smithy to a spot where a heavy rough hewn wooden table sits with a number of chairs around it. Gan brings out a bottle of moonshine and shotglasses - obliging any who are interested in hard liquor. He replies to Shorga with a snort "Oh aye, the bits of steel are well pretty... won't do him much good in battle, but he's not so concerned about that now. Anyways, you been at this courier job long?"
Kalum leans against the door, and starts calling upon the gifts of Yog-Sothoth
All space is one with Yog Sothoth. He is the Door. He is all doors. There is no door. There is no space. Show me yourself, Gate and Key.
Shorga chuckles ruefully and shakes his head, "Only for ash long ash it took ush to get here, we are all trying out a new venture I shuppose you could shay. The Lieutenant doeshn't sheem well liked around here, ish there a shtory there?" He takes the shot of moonshine gratefully, licking his lips involuntarily as he hold the glass near his face and waits for Gans response.
After a few seconds the man then holds up a succulent looking sirloin steak - well marbled and perhaps an inch and a half thick. Nodding appreciatively he places the steak back within the package and moves through the building to the next room... where you think you can spy the outline of some cooking equipment.
The smith downs a double and reloads for a second helping "Heh, well heres to hoping it leads you on to what your after. Word is Naran got himself tangled up in some heavy goings on back at Almas... threats of duels and feuds and a woman involved. His father saw darkness coming and foisted him off as far as he could get him until it all blew over."
"So we're stuck with the priss up here. He ain't all that bad, just a foul temper and move involved with his own looks than with what needs be doin."
Kalum gasps in disbelief
I had heard people like that existed... but I always thought it was just an urban legend!
Worried that his gasp might have given him away, he starts back to the Smithy.
Shorga tosses the shot back, grimacing slightly as the drink burns his throat and when warms his belly. He turns the shot glass upside down and slides it towards Gan, "That best be all for me, thank you. We still have a trip back." At Gan's last words he turns to peer at him, "Are you shaying the Lieutenant ish shirking shome reshponshibility?"
As Kalum returns Shorga smiles at the small man, "Shee anything intereshting?"
Kiren is looking around with curiosity at the forge and the various items that the smith has made, waiting to see what Kalum has learned.
Otis politely refuses the liquor, using his driving position as an excuse.
"This would be our first mission, to be frank. And it wasn't exactly a walk in the park - got our horses nearly eaten by some nasty wolves. One of them was so big we decided to bring its body with us to back up our bragging. Care to have a look?"
Kalum returns Shorga's smile and reaches for a drink, then whispers
"I'll tell you later." while glancing meaningfully at the smith.
I wander around looking at the half finished and finished goods in the smiths shop, stopping to pay particular attention to anything that is shiny. "Hum, yes this new job is rather fun, rushing across the countryside at break neck speed. Hopefully we don't get too many more jobs with time constraints such as this I do rather enjoy taking more time when I travel and taking proper rests. But it is what it is eh? perhaps we should see if anyone here has some proper tack and such for our carriage?"