The two men babble on, "Well, they have the two main doors covered, waiting for you. If you try to just break in..."
"Does this tunnel you were talking about lead right into the main chamber?" . "If that is the one you'll surprise them. We only use the front part of it for food and stuff like that. They won't be expecting you to come that way, I swear."
"Will you let us go, please? I just want to get out of here, I don't want to die!" One of them wails. Skilt looks unmoved.
Then we surprise them, men. He said. And you two. He unsheathes his blade. Start running. Now. He said. Just because you gave me what I asked for, doesn't mean we're even. If I ever find out that you're walking anything other than the sraight-and-narrow, well.... You better pray that I don't.
Norio puts on his extra layer and pulls the fabrics close to his body.
Come on. We've got a long, cold road to go.
The two men depart but Skilt curses, "You are soft, Tian. After what they did to us, to the town, to me. You want to let them go?" But the one eyed man doesn't disobey.
Instead they all descend into the dark, freezing tunnel. The floors and walls are rough and gritty, and the air cold enough that Skilt's frequent spits are rock solid by the time thy reach the floor. The tunnel is dark and soont heya re standing in icy pitch black darkness.
"You have a way to get light? We might get lost or trip if we don't." One of the Tian's says, teeth chattering slighty
There is enough death in the world without us slitting the throats of the unnarmed and the defeated. Norio said.
He turned to the Tian who asked.
We can always repeat the process in which we got these fine coats.
Skilt's face is dimly lit, and he spits, the salvia frozen before it hits the ground. "Another ambush? Our last guys said the rest are holed up ahead, pissing themselves that we are coming. They won't be wandering the corridor."
We could probably venture forth with one hand on one of the cavern walls. Norio suggested. I'll even take point. If I trip. Tread carefully. He turned to Skilt. Unless you've got any other suggestions?
No one objects so they carefully walk down the now pitch-black passageway, hand on the wall. It is icy cold, and soon Norio's hand burns in pain, and he stops a few times to rub life back into it. He hears Skilt mutter about Blind mice a few times, but that is all.
Once the floor opens into a chasm. Luckily Norio is quick enough when his foot hits empty air to jump back. Carefully, they skirt the obstacle and start climbing up. Then, Norio seems a faint glimmer of light ahead.
They had made it!
Carefully moving forward he sees boxes, crates, and barrel stored here, just like his prisoners said. The light grows stronger until he can just peek into the room. As he expect it has half a dozen man, watching the doors, and all the female prisoners, now unbound, but huddled together in a corner.
The men and women both looks cared, in different ways. No one is looking at the tunnel Norio and his allies are in.
Norio takes a quick peek out to see exactly what was going on behind the scenes.
But then promptly gets the chance that he might be missing something.
You see anything? Norio whispered back at the group. Hear anything?
No one says anything except Skilt who says, "Odds are even. But we should have surprise. Got any tricks up your sleeve?" The old Ulfen ranger looks even more cragged and worn in the dim light filtering through the tunnel.
I could do that thing where I make a grand boast, then they may or may not quake in their boots, but it will sure sound good when the bards sing about it. Norio said. Other than that... He stretches out his map, trying to find where he was standing, hoping to find something else, or somewhere else, to put to his advantage. I'll figure it out.
The rooms is large and round, made of ice. The ceiling is high, well over 30 feet tall. There are two large doors, and the men face these, expecting Norio and crew to come bursting in at any minute. Most of them have backs to the tunnel, or at least not directly facing it.
Norio gestures to his men to move forward with him, putting his hand on his blade and trying to move in closer, slowly.
Norio quietly sneaks up the tunnel around the barrels and crates. Besides him Skilt walks, equally silent. At Norio's nod they burst into the room, Norio at the head of the attack.
Resistance is brief and futile. Hit from behind, outnumbered and with a shouting Norio leading the charge, they wilt. Skilt kills out with a sword blow and the rest surrender, throwing down a motley collection of blades and bows. They look cold, tired and hungry.
"Please don't kill us!" One of them begs.
Skilt mutters, 'We can't take them all prisoner. There aren't enough of us."
Int he corner the women huddle silently, gagged and bound.
Free them first. Norio said. I was not the one wronged, here. They were. I want to hear their piece He said.
He shook his head. Disposal of the defeated would be so much easier in my homeland. They wouldn't have lowered themselves to begging for their lives so dishonorably.
Quickly they free the captured women, some of whom are in tears of joy and fear. Most are too emotional to talk but one, a small slight women of Ulfen birth is in control enough.
She walks right over tot he captured men and spits on them. "Put their heads on spears and be done with it." Her voice is a hard growl.
Norio set his jaw, pulling out his katana and looking to the men. The voices have it. He said. Or are you perhaps, willing to bargain? Certainly you have something worth your pitiful lives.
The man look at each other worriedly. 'Um, what are you looking for? Like, you want us to be your slaves or something?"
I don't believe in slavery. It's dishonorable. You should either die in battle or live to fight another day. Norio said. I believe in value. Information. Treasure. Anything you can tell me. Anything that can be given to the people you terrorized in recompense. If not, I believe they will be satisfied with your lives.
'uh, treasure? We don't have nay of that." the cold, dirty bandit says. "The boss took it all, we swear! We don't know where. We only signed up for a bit of fun!"
One adds, 'He said it was going to a good cause someplace,t hat's it!"
'A good cause..." Skilt goes over tot he men,s word in hand. "Shall we end this?" he looks up to Norio and grabs one man by his greasy hair. The man starts to cry, tears welling up.
Norio takes his new knife from his belt and kneels to the crying man, holding it to his face, then makes a quick series of cuts. The Tian symbol for Criminal. He turns to his fellow Tians. Repeat on the rest. He said, his voice almost a growl. He turned to the bandit. Then, louder, said, If we so much as see you again, the penalty is death. He growled. You have starting today to get your filthy arses as far away from these people as possible, and if I hear any of you aren't anything other than straight and narrow, I'll hunt you down and gut you myself.
The bandits nod and scurry off, scarred and marked. Norio ntoes a few wetted themselves in fear.
Skilt grumbles, 'You are soft, Tian. They will be trouble. They will be cold, alone and scarred on the road. What else can they do but thieve?"
Now they're marked. Norio said. We can spread that mark to the nearby holds. They can deal with them however they see fit. Norio picks the cash from the ground and pockets it. Let's be rid of this place. He said. I need a long rest, and more mead than I've ever seen in my life.
The trek back is a long and dry one. With no ale or wine (or mead) around, more he and Skilt get in fouler and fouler moods. Herding the woman across the barren landscape doesn't add to the fun. Luckily there was plenty of food and tents to take from the bandit headquarters. So finally they arrive, to a hero's welcome at Turvik.
The merchant who sent Norio gives the samurai a sack filled to the brim with gold coins (1000 of them!) and a promise for future favors. The town celebrates for a week and Norio become the local talk of the town. The Tian's hail his name and Norio is a hero for a month.
Then, just as things are dying down, two letters arrive.
One is on rough, cheap paper carried by a tired looking errand rider. He is wearing all black, and armed with bow and sword. The letter is from a Freyr Darkwine, Castellan of Trollheim.
The other arrives in the dead of night, appearing on Norio's floor as if by magic. The paper is thick and rich, almost creamy. It is sealed with an elaborate wax seal that bears the sign of Sveinn Blood-Eagle himself, King of the Linnorm Lands.
Norio enjoys his new renown, something he believed well-deserved.
Norio sits himself down at the nearest pub, flaggon of mead by his side, and reads through both the letters under candlelight.
Norio goes downstairs of the small tavern he is staying at and gets comfortable. The quiet murmur of voices surround him. It is spring now, and the quick season was flitting by. The days, getting longer, encouraged more activity from the townsfolk. Norio heard more talk of farming, trapping and building then he had for months. The Linnorm lands were waking up.
Norio opens the letter from the King first. It is written in afine blue ink by a professional's hand, obviously not Sveinn himself. This is usual Linnorm custom....
Dear Norio Sugita. I have heard you have done my realm a great service is removing the pestilence of bandits near the city of Turvik. It has come to my attention t at you handled the affair with skill and grace becoming of a warrior, even though you are not born of our land. I desire the services of such a discreet and skilled individual. Please come to Karlsgrad as soon as this letter reaches you, I have a task that needs doing. Come in secret. In the city ask for a man named Eurbeal. He is your contact. May your travel me safe and warm."
The second letter was much shorter, written is a rough, uneducated hand.
Dear Samurai. The kingdom is in need of such men as yourself. The Blackravens battle the tide of winter, and the winds grow stronger. Employment can be found for one such as you at Blackraven Hall.
Norio pockets the letters, and decides to pursue the one from the king. He heads to the barracks in search of some old acquaintances and directions to Karlsgrad.
He finds the barracks easily enough, being one of the larger buildings in town. Outside, on the terraced porch, he finds Skilt sitting, squinting at the sun. Eyeing Norio he says, 'What is the news? You look like a man with a purpose again."
Firstly, because it gives me the chance to be discreet and skilled. Secondly... A hunch :)
No better purpose out there than draining your taverns of mead. Norio said, pulling out the letter to show it to Skilt. But this one comes pretty close. What do you think? He asked. I could use some directions, if you've got them.
The one-eyed man looks at the royal envelope. "I don't care much for kings, but Sveinn is a strong one, at least. He keeps out most of the trouble-makers and puts down the beasts. I hear he is honest enough as well. Are you going?"
I just might. Norio said. Long way out? He asked. And what do you think he'd want with a man like me?
He scratched at his stubble, then laughed. Anything good, and I might end up outranking you.
Skilt laughs, "I hear the court always has a need for jesters. I think you'd do very well, if you applied yourself, Tian." The one-eyed man shakes his head. 'Rank? What do you think this is, the Taldane Empire? This is the land of the Linnorm Kings, no rank here. Just power and the skill to seize it."
He looks south, "Things are more complicated on the south road. Be careful if you go. Folks are keen on stabbing in the back there."
We could become a comedy duo. Norio said. We can call you blinky.
Norio grinned. In Minkai, most everyone has a rank. He said. Well then, you can watch as I accrue more and more power, slay a linnorm, and hang it's head in my hall as a Jarl. He said. I might even consider hiring you away from here.
Well, then, I'll see you again, provided we survive the time between then and now. He nodded, walking away, heading south.
Before he could fully step outside, Norio got the creeping suspicion that his ass was about to get handed to him that he was going to need aid in the coming trip.
Say, Skilt-San. He said. You wouldn't happen to have a hand or two you can lend me? For a friend?
The battered old ranger stands up and spits into the muddy ground. "A friend? Is that what we are now?" He glares south with his one good eye, "What makes you think I don't have friends and family here?"
I'm flattered you care so much as to think I need your help. Norio said with a smile. I'm also amused by the fact that you'd think I'd think you Could attract yourself a family. He continued. I'm only asking for a spare guard or two. Someone I can trust. If not, I can go find myself a caravan to mooch off of.
Skilt grins, "I do have some free time. Might be amusing to watch you get eaten by a linnorm. Sign me up." Then he spits onto the ground, adding, "Do you want a third man, then? Are you planning on being a hero on the trip or not?"
Just remember, I need not outrun the Linnorm. Just the man without his depth perception. Norio stated. Aye, but it be a lot easier to be the hero when you've got a band of merry men behind you. Anyone you can recommend?
Skilt, his one good eye bright, looks south. He looks troubled, and not just the usual grouchiness he uses as a shield against a hard and uncaring world. For the first time Norio wonders what crime the man did to get assigned here, to the utterly last outpost of the Linnorm power.
"Something is wrong in the world. I'm not sure, but I can feel it. I have lived in these lands for many years. We walk into a dangerous storm." With that uncharacteristic seriousness gone the Ulfen warrior shrugs, "I might have just the person you need."
He leaves Norio alone for awhile, near the barracks. A number of the soldiers walk past, eyeing him. Norio was still a hero, respected and also feared. Who knows what a crazy foreigner with a big sword might do?
Soon though Skilt returns, coming from the nicer districts of Turvik (not that the garrison town has that many houses). The person that walks by his side is a study in contrast.
Skilt, is as evil-looking and rough as ever, skin wrinkled and weathered from years of harsh winters. Wide shoulders, beat up face, flat nose. He is wearing the thick leathers and furs of the Ulfen warrior, traditional and very warm. His walk is as graceful as a mammoth.
Next to him walks a trim and elegant figure. It takes a moment for Norio to place the race but the pale blue skin, thin figure and graceful step leaves no doubt. It is a samsaran. He seems even more outlandish then Norio here in the muddy courtyard of the Turvik barracks.
The newcomer is dressed in the finest clothes, perfectly tailor to his frame. They look expensive, well-kept and very warm.
The pair come up to Norio and SKilt says, his voice the usual Ulfen growl, 'This here is Thukten. He has agreed to come with us."
The samsaran bows elegantly, and Norio can tell it is a well-practiced and trained gesture. It is not a Tian bow however, and Norio guesses it must be what passes for such things in southern Avistan.
"Pleased to meet you, Norio of the Long Blade." he says, his voice pitch perfect, with years of schooling behind it.
Looking around, Norio began to wonder why he hasn't been spending more time here than that shabby ol' tavern. The answer was obvious, though. He'd soon be bankrupt here with the rate in which he drinks back there.
Norio bows as well. And pleased to meet you, Thukten-San. He said, reaching out his hand. I haven't seen your kind since I've left my homeland. He said, smiling.
He looked to Skilt. [b]How'd you two know each other?[/ooc]
The samsaran lifts one pale eyebrow. "You have met others of my race? We are not common in any land, as far as I remember."
Thukten pauses and adds, "Master Skilt was unclear on details, exactly. What am I signing up for, precisely? And why do you need a healer to aid you?"
No, not common at all. Norio said. My family knows a great deal of people back home. I was a mere lad, not strong enough to properly weild a sword last I remember seeing your kind.
A healer? Norio hummed. Well I would suppose it is due to me being easily wounded.
Skilt actually laughs then, "I do seem to recall you having a glass jaw, Tian."
Thuketen studies Norio intently for a few moment, the blue eyes nearly glowing. "I agree. I will come with you. Master Skilt said we are headed south. Do we delay for anything? I have all my equipment with me as long as you don't hurt yourself too badly." A wry turn to his lips eases the joke.
It's not a glass jaw. Norio said. My good looks are just so damn magnetic that it attracts swords and arrows, as well as all of this country's women.
Norio smiles. I'm all packed up. Let's get this show on the road.
The three of them make quite a trio. There is Norio, the lean and Tian samurai, with his long blade and constant half-grin. Skilt, the grizzled and battered looking Ulfen warrior, missing one ye. Finally the elegant samsaran Thuketen, perfectly dressed with a walk that speaks of years of court training.
Still, they seem good travelling companions, and make good time heading down the road to Karlsgrad. It is wide and well-traveled here, being the last step of the Path of Aganhei. It is an empty desolate land and the only villages are here to service the road and travelers. They share the road with multiple caravans, headed both north and south. A few times they camp overnight with these large collections of wagons, swapping tales and news.
The news is dark. The weather has been strange lately. Not just cold, which any Ulfen is used to, but strange breaks in the weather. One day it'll be a normal spring day,t he next everything will freeze solid. In other areas, clouds of ice have blocked the sun for weeks on end. Other rumors of strange and foul beasts aboard have created unease all throughout the Linnorm Kingdoms.
Norio finally sees this himself after a week of southward travel. They come to a small village (with the usual wall and palisade) on the edge of the road. Unlike every other occasion, no one rushes out to meet them (or tries to sell them food and other goods).
Instead the village gates hangs open and a solemn bell tolls from somewhere inside.
Skilt frowns, "Something is wrong." he says unnecessarily.