Elenora straightens a little at the mention of sorcery with a delighted smile on her cheeks. While the introduction is a minor thing along the long waves, she'd still done it, which might get a minor thing tossed back at her from a powerful magic type some day.
It's good to know people and all.
Other than that she's happy to be forgotten in the artistic interest... well as long as that offer of applying herself and such was not forgotten.
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Christian looks at the two newcomers.
These two seem capable.
If you both are free this evening, I would like you to meet at the tavern for dinner. On us of course. I will have Sapphira meet you there. She will ask you some questions and I would ask that you answer truthfully.
Maybe they are ready for this
Just so you fully understand the nature of what you are getting involved with...we are not a bunch of little nobles sitting around a banquet table eating and drinking our nights away. We are out on the road often. We meet with our allies and fight to stabilize the region. If you have a problem with Kobolds, Dragons, Iruxi, fighting, getting your hands dirty or war...this region may not be for you. We have made friends with our neighbors the Kobold Tribe known as the Silver Fangs. We just returned from making good relations with the Iruxi tribe to the southwest of us. Going to be sending some supplies to them here soon. We are on the brink of all-out war with Taldor. Not to mention the day-to-day activity of the region or the chaotic nature that is the stolen lands. This is what you will be signing up for. Understand?
S$&!, I forgot the Dragons.
Oh and one more thing...I like dragons. They actually are nicer than you would imagine.
Elenora bobs a nod at this revelation after that revelation. Then at the end, raises her hand "Sir, if you don't mind, I have two questions. First, What's a Iruxi? And second, A War With Taldor?" her tone goes from curios to incredulous "Why? is the question." she doesn't seem to be backing down, just wanting more information.
If Cenna is daunted by any of the realities or potential threats, it doesn't show. Her only comment is a question, "What time?"
Brandt laughs, the large Ulfen man smiling at the two newcomers. You'd know them as Lizardpeople. We ventured south to meet them, met a woods witch on the way. Arriving at their tribe we rescued a lost boy whom they were holding, and discovered that their 'great spirit' was actually a Will-o-the-Wisp who'd been manipulating their chieftain. So we slew the thing, freeing their tribe from its domination. He took a long pull from a horn of what smelled like mead before continuing.
Taldor? They have eyes upon expansion, and their new Emperor? King? he looks at the others for the proper title of Taldor's new ruler, Has designs on grabbing as much land as he can. He's beat the drums of war into Galt, and has been sponsoring spies and agents in the River Kingdoms to upset the order of things and prepare the way for an incursion. Okay that last bit is conjecture, but we have a pretty good idea its true, and some facts to back it up. Which you'll meet later... he drains the horn with the last of that.
Fenrir, bored with listening to his human, crosses to Elenora, sniffing at the pile of papers she had laid out on the desk. Finding nothing of interest to eat, the large wolfhound curls up at her feet.
"Oh you are a luscious pile of scrumptious" Elenora looses all her attempts at primness and buries herself into the wolfdog. Though there is a touch of worry as she does so that she might get eaten, but it is so worth it.
"War, lizardmen, dragons, and kobolds. All accepted, lords." she really does need a job, so all that is left is to wait for the answer to Cenna's question.
If all goes well with your meeting...tomorrow morning. We could have supplies and back to the Iruxi.
Bydar smiles as Fenrir wins over another heart. He nods to the ladies as they both show no fear in accepting an offer of danger and possible doom, for a good cause mind you.
"Very good to meet you both indeed then. We're going to do a lot of good together, I think."
Lira, Nanya, and Granny Thimbles spearhead a collection of donations from citizens of Charis to put together an "offering of friendship" for the iruxi tribe to the south. Convincing frontier folk to just give anything to beings they would otherwise call "monsters" is a rather hard sell, but these women do their best to appeal to their kin and neighbors.
Meanwhile, Syretia throws herself into the work of organizing and stocking the nascent academy down in the old labyrinth beneath the town. Similarly, Orlog finds himself suddenly heaped with responsibilities. He spends more and more time around the forge-shrine, acting as a community leader for the dwarves who have immigrated to Charis.
Cavan the carpenter approaches you, his healed face clearly reading with mild concern and confusion about whatever matter he has brought the ruling council.
"My lords and ladies," he begins. "I seek your insight on how to handle a...well, it seems that an anonymous donor has made an...unusual contribution for our supply deliveries to the kobolds and lizardfolk."
He leads you to where an entire recently slain cow has been deposited near the mill.
"None of our people report having lost any animals from their herds," Cavan explains, "so I'm not sure where it came from. This this note was left with the carcass, not that I've found anyone who can read it."
Cenna can't help but ask the carpenter about the note. "May I?" With only a trace of a smile, she recites, "A gift for the charming, handsome lord of Charis."
She follows with a cursory examination of the body. "It seems, my lord, that you have an admirer with impressive teeth and a skilled, predatory nature." She hands Christian his 'love letter'.
Elonora looks at the deceased bovine without any obvious distress. "Aw, seems like you got an admirer, me lord." she peeks at the letter "What language is it in?"
”Draconic… not your typical romance language.”
Bydar was sure to thank folks who were willing to give such different neighbors help, just as help had been given to them once. He throws his own authority behind the efforts of Lira, Nanya, and Granny Thimbles if they wish, but is glad they're taking lead.
He respects Brightshield's and Syretia's priorities and indeed, is happy to see the dwarves bring yet more skilled Craftsmen into the area. What they end up contributing should be beautiful.
Syretia and the academy are also subject to visits out of friendliness, though he's happy to give his two copper if she wants opinions.
...........
Then, his good friend Cavan comes in and ...delivers the news of a dead cow.
"Oh my," Bydar says, his expression one of amused suspicion.
”Draconic… not your typical romance language.”
"Not typical, no, but then, still eloquent."
Cenna nods, considering the matter seriously. "I agree. I wouldn't mind a love letter in Draconic, or even Thassilonian."
"Sylvan for me" Elenora sighs.
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See... I told you dragons are nice.
Christian says with a bright smile.
Now I am just wondering which dragon sent it.
See to it that this gift is used to feed all that need it. All of this gift should be used. I want no waste. Anything that is not used to feed the people can be used to help crops of used as bait for fishing. All of it is to be used.
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Cenna grins. "Unless your admirer is a giant kobold."
Never underestimate the power of a kobold.
He says with a smile that says he is both joking and very serious.
Christian watches as the carcass is being taken away and then he stands up.
One moment please. I am curious.
He walks over to the cow and starts to look at its hind quarters.
There are not many cows in the wilds around here as most belong to farmers. If none of our farmers have a missing cow...then who does. It could very well be a wild cow...but maybe this belongs to the Taldorian forces. One that was brought along to provide for the army. There would be a brand of sorts somewhere.
Does anyone know of magic that can help us determine where this cow died?
Cavan summons a cadre of local hunters, but they begin squabbling about whether to haul the cow off elsewhere or to simply butcher it where it lies.
The carpenter just shakes his head watching the bickering, but he then turns his attention back to Lord Christian.
"Shame. I had heard from Mr. Pink that there was a princess hiding somewhere in town. She might've made a promising partner for your lordship. That's how nobles sort out alliances and such, right? Anyhow, if this is from one of those dragons, probably not wise to spurn her."
Cavan gives an involuntary shiver. Even if he was not present for the destruction of Nivakta's Crossing, he saw the aftermath as you helped the people displaced by the tarnished dragon's rampage.
There is many rumors going about and we do not need to add to the mill. Perhaps we should stick to facts.
Christian smiles at Cavan with humor and understanding. He does not judge him or Mr. Pink.
Hell hath no fury like a women scorned. Unless it is a dragon. Well or worse it is a female dragon.
Christian again smiles and acts as if it is no big deal.
"Why would a princess by hiding?" Elenora perked up as her mind wandered and wondered "If we found her, we could find out. Help her even?" in truth her mind is fixed more on finding and returning her for a reward. The kingdom's coffers could always use the help. But she is still feeling out the lords about their leaning toward... practicality.
Bydar says "Let's just say Politics has come to our fair city and we've been forced to lean into it. " He wonders if introductions should be made
The sorceress smirks at the notion of a hidden princess in town. "You certainly have some interesting problems. If I'm a princess, break it to me gently."
He seems to take Cenna's request seriously, for a minute, "There ARE tests... involving peas and matresses, sycophantic magic mirrors knowing who to praise, and rows of swooning knights and princely types in said lady's wake as evidence." And now he smiles a bit .
"I have to be a lady to be a princess? That ends my chances, right there."
"But you could be a princess and not even knows it." Elenora joins in "Tales a plenty about one of the yet to be crowned one left in a gutter or such to be raised among us lesser folk. For hiding or worse. Then POOF it be discovered and all is golden."
The dead cow gifted to Lord Christian is a water-loving variety called a Touvette Longhorn that is a popular specimen of livestock in the River Kingdoms - as opposed to the stocky, shaggy-coated Rostlandic variety that is commonly raised in Brevoy, and which many of your settlers have brought with them.
Owing to the countless farmsteads, ranches, villages, and even fiefdoms that have risen and fallen in the River Kingdoms, many of the Touvette Longhorns have fled into the wilds and thrived, so wild herds are not a strange sight in the lands bordering Charis to the west and south. The dragon who is apparently seeking to court Lord Christian likely caught the animal from such wild herds.
I personally have never been this close to one. I think this is a Touvette Longhorn. They prefer watery areas and that brings up even more questions. The Dragons we know are far to the East and Northern areas. These cows are found in the opposite direction. Our Dragon friends are traveling far for a simple cow, or we have an unknown dragon taking an interest in our affairs.
As the cow is being taken away, a bell starts to toll, ringing loud and with authority. The sound penetrates all over the small town. Guards rush into the small room that was being used as a meeting hall for the council.
An Armed force approaches the city your majesty. Several score in strength. They have support units as well. This may be an advance scouting unit for the Taldorian forces. We secured the gates and raised the alarm.
Christian does not move as he listens to the report.
Our last report shows them several weeks away. Even Pythareus is not that stupid to send his forces that far in advance of support. Either our report is wrong...or...
He starts to move for the door.
Let us see what fate has in store for us.
Christian practically runs out of the building. The city is in chaos, with people running about scared as to what is going on outside their walls.
Christian runs to the gates and looks out past to the distant force. He turns to the others with a huge smile on his face. He rests a hand on Brand's shoulder.
You wanted defenses for the city...I give you Argent Dracos.
He looks to the guards.
Open the gates and pass the word that the forces outside are friends.
Christian walks out the gates.
A large force stands down the road. A mix of soldiers with some on horse and some on foot. Behind them are wagons and unarmed civilians. Children and dogs running around them. In the lead is a woman sitting on a horse. Her green eyes can be seen from a distance as they are bright and piercing. Her dark straight hair cascades down her back. She wears no armor but still has a demeanor of power about her.
Flanking her on either side is a halfling riding a lion. The one on her left is female wearing armor with a tabard. Across the front of the tabard is a red rose growing out of what appears to be ground or street.
The male halfling that is on her right also wears armor, but his tabard has a longsword surrounded by a burst of light. Behind them are archers, ground troops and assortment of other troops too numerous to determine at this distance.
At seeing Christian appear through the gates, the women raised her hand and behind her several standards rise in the air. All of them depicting a silver dragon with a tower shield clenched in its claws. There is a phrase on the shield written in Draconic: Draco Invictus
Christian smiles and says as he points to the standards.
The Dragon Unconquered.
The group starts to move forward and towards the open gates. The woman looks over at a large man who stands extremely tall for a human.
Big G, give us a song please.
Giovanni stands taller than anyone else in the group, his voice is deep with a strong and thick accent, but his song warms the hearts and souls of those gathered.
Drink, for the wind blows cold and
Drink for The Wolf runs free.
Drink to the ships with sails like wings and
Drink to the storm-tossed seas.
Drink to the lasting nights
and those who warm our beds.
Drink to the mead that warms our hearts
and the cold that clears our head.
Drink to the Allfather's Eye
for Gorum's sons are we.
Drink to the World-Tree where he hung
and the Runes of Mystery.
Drink to the truth of steel
and blood that falls like rain.
Drink to Elysium's golden walls
and to our kinsmen, slain.
Drink to the Glory-field
where a man embraces death, and
thank the gods that we live at all
with our joyous dying breath!
Drink for the wind blows cold and
Drink for the Wolf runs free
Drink to the ships with the sails like wings
for Gorum's sons are we!
Draco Invictus Brandt salutes the soldiers, picking out faces from the last time he met this band of Christian's mercenaries.
Nodding in approval, Brandt smiles, Well, that should slow down anyone who thinks Charis is ripe for the plucking. Just need some walls, and towers to hold back the rampaging hordes. he smiles at the others.
Christian smiles at Brand as the woman joins the group.
Jasrella is sore from the long ride into the small town. She had been working hard to gather all the members and resources she could. A new home was a blessing but also a problem. Being in one location no matter how well it is defended has never sat well with her. She was always on the move but having a home to call your own did bring a smile to her face.
When she heard rumors of those damn elves running away from the Taldorian forces, she was concerned. Tir Thalor was known to be fast and elusive but when cornered they are a force to be reckoned with. If they were fleeing that was not good.
What the hell did they get themselves into.
She knew that some of her men were hired to escort clients out of Galt before the Taldorian army reached Isarn.
She was able to meet up with small group just as the Taldorian army was spotted crossing the river south of the capital.
Just east of the city, she ran into Granarinth Alandore. He and his mercenary unit were desperate to get out of Galt. They were cut off from the Galtgate and were being chased by the Taldor calvary. When they group divulged that reason for their concern, Jasrella immediately went into boss mode. She broke camp and made a for a forced march north. The diplomates of Kyonin were fleeing Galt when a Taldorian foreword unit found them. She was able to get everyone out of there to safety with a few well-placed spells from afar. Nothing that would deter them but just enough to give them pause and allow the fleeing elves to get away.
The groups parted ways when the crossed out of Galt and into the River Kingdoms. She was tired and anxious to be "home".
Now seeing that this man that she had almost killed some years ago had come into a kingdom of his own was a unique opportunity for them.
She rode her horse up to the assemble group and dismounted.
I do not know what to call you...Your Majesty or Lord or my liege. I guess I will just get right into my report. It is good to see you again.
She smiles and gives him a great big hug.
It has been a long time gathering the flock, but we are all accounted for and then some. When you have time, I have a TOE for you. We have acquired some extra resources along the way. Since we were pulling up our tents I order the harvest of all food supplies. We picked up seed from all over the area on our way in. We may not have much now but come next planting season our people will have a nice crop growing to support us and then some. We have no injuries nor any grumblings. Everyone is excited and looking forward to putting their best to the new land. Charis sounds to be a promising endeavor. We have some new families and some new ones to be born. The Ingdottir twins are pregnant. A guess is a mere week if not a few days apart. Walgrim will be a first-time father soon. We found an old abandon Galtan tower on our way here complete with rotting defenses. The siege weapons are destroyed but Garrick was dead set on recovering them. He says they are of Taldorian make and he wants to use them as a template to build his own.
She looks over her shoulder as the unit passes by and into the city.
Oh and Oma is going to kill you. She has several meads in the works right now that she thinks will go bad due to all this traveling. She was not happy but them again she is always b*++~ing about something, and I would not have her any other way.
She looks passed him to the others.
Christian returns the hug with warmth and strength. He listens as she gives her report and then proceeds to introduce her to everyone that she has met before and those that she has not met yet.
Speaking of Garrick, I would like for you and him to talk with Brand about defenses. He has brought up some concerns that need to be addressed.
He turns to Brand.
Garrick is our engineer, and he will be happy to talk with you all day about siege engines, walls, moats and towers. Just tell him what you want, and he will start to plan things out.
His attention returns to Jasrella.
We will soon be heading for the Iruxi village...
He notices her eyebrow raise and raises a hand to stop her.
...with supplies. I hope we have a new ally.
"Ironically, this may be the safest posting for mercenaries in the region," your warden, Kesten Garess scoffs. The moody man puts a bit of distaste on the word "mercenaries."
"At least for now, anyway. Letters from what members of my family that will still have anything to do with me have mentioned that tensions are especially high between the Issians and the Rostlanders up in Brevoy. The noble houses and merchant costers are buying up every mercenary contract in the nation - and any company that won't take sides or swear loyalty has been run out of Brevoy, violently in some cases."
Christian looks to Jasrella with concern.
Have you heard of this?
The XO nods as a way of confirmation.
I had wanted to discuss this with you at a later time but now is good as any. Tis true.
Christian sighs as he ponders the room.
...Fracti Sagitta...
He turns his head just as Jasrella's eyebrow raises in shock.
Her response is quick and set.
Are you certain, no one has called on that in a very long time. I doubt many will honor that tradition.
Christian nods his head in understanding.
Possible but if war breaks out between those two...we need all the forces we can get to quell it quickly. If Issia comes out on top, I can guarantee that the Surtovas will broker a deal with Taldor. That will place us squarely between to unfriendly forces. If Rostland prevails...they are in no position to send aid to us when we needed. So therefore, are only option is...
Jasrella says the words before he can.
...Fracti Sagitta...
Christian nods...
Send the word to all...
It all happened in a rush...
Bydar observed the soldiers of Argent Dracos. He was no warrior, but no noble son was a complete stranger to military power.
He admires the music and notes some locals sing along. And he greets Jasrella politely and warmly.
Bydar guided his flock during the confusion, and coordinated with the clergy of other faith
"Ironically, this may be the safest posting for mercenaries in the region," your warden, Kesten Garess scoffs. The moody man puts a bit of distaste on the word "mercenaries."
"At least for now, anyway. Letters from what members of my family that will still have anything to do with me have mentioned that tensions are especially high between the Issians and the Rostlanders up in Brevoy. The noble houses and merchant costers are buying up every mercenary contract in the nation - and any company that won't take sides or swear loyalty has been run out of Brevoy, violently in some cases."
"That, sadly, does not surprise me. I hope my family and their subjects survive this well, but I've extended invitations to Lebeda relations before this so they know if all goes badly I can help them set up here."
M'Lord Kesten, based on what you know, who would prevail between the two if war were to erupt to the north? Brandt inquires.
I'm certainly no engineer, but I know a town without a wall is easier to raid than a town with a wall. And a town with a wall and towers is harder to raid than a town with just a wall. I'll happily accept whatever Garrick comes up with, but we need to not make ourselves such an easy target.... he replies to Christian.
Most accountants would see such a large force entering their kingdom and want to throw their books into the fire and stamp around with the petulance of a child muttering things like 'Drain on our resources!'
But not Elenora, she sees them and wonders immediately how to drain Their resources. Until battle comes along, mercenaries will be board as a sailor on leave, without distractions that be costing coin.
"A new tavern maybe, even if it is four poles with a roof." she'd also suggest a brothel or three but she didn't really know her employers well enough for that suggestion, so... "A dance hall, for entertainment?"
Brandt thinks a minute on Elenora's suggestion. Right now, we control the tavern so everyone coming in for a drink is under our eyes. And Sapphira's got more than a couple eyes out there maybe he alone chuckles at his attempt at a joke, but continues, It couldn't hurt to try opening or encouraging another sort of establishment to keep the troops occupied during their time.
M'Lord Kesten, based on what you know, who would prevail between the two if war were to erupt to the north? Brandt inquires.
"As things stand presently?" Captain Garess says, buying himself time to mentally calculate the situation. "I think there might not be much of a nation left for the victor to claim, but Issia would probably come out on top again. They've had time to consolidate their power, and the Rostlandic houses still bicker and scheme against each other.
"Of course, everything could be quite easily upended by outside intervention."
Outside intervention...
Christian glances at Jasrella just as she was looking back at him with a visage of understanding.
He lets out a sigh so loud that it draws in the attention of most everyone around him.
I will show you were to make camp; I want it secured and set before night fall. We will have a feast this evening in honor of your arrival. I want it in an orderly fashion as this location will eventually be a military academy. So, keep that in mind as you set camp.
He stands there for a moment as he contemplates his next move.
We pull in what mercenaries we can. Offer refuge for all your families. Come tomorrow morning we will figure out a way to get supplies to the Iruxi. I am thinking of dispatching guards and Dracos to escort a ship over to their encampment on the island. Very well may be faster than traveling over land. We of course will have to see about a vessel that we can use for such a trip. If we even have one here that is available. One way or another we need to get supplies to them. We also need to warn the silver fang tribe of the Taldorain army. Their home is located in an abandon Taldor mine. Who knows what will happen, but I want them warned at least.
He addresses the group as a whole.
We need details on the political climate in all of Brevoy. Who is leaning which way and who are the movers and shakers behind the scenes. The sooner we know what is going on the better. I have an idea of how to solve it, but it involves way too much guess work on Brevoy politics. We need answers and fast.
"Dance IS a form of art." He admits at the idea.
And at Christian's talk of need for political knowledge, well, he definitely needs to contact family.
"We must be careful about taking on too many dependents," Warden Garess warns.
"Our nation is still young and finding its footing. We don't have the food or other resources to shelter every tribe or group of refugees that come our way. And with Taldor's conquest of Galt, the threat they pose to the River Kingdoms, and the increasing tension in Brevoy, we may soon see many more people fleeing towards Charis.
"It may be wise to turn away any other groups we find on our proverbial doorstep in the coming weeks."
He nods approvingly to Lord Garess.
I agree...
He pauses for a moment.
To a degree. I am not wanting to turn away those in need. It may put a strain on our supplies, but we cannot just ignore those in need of aid. Hope guides them here and we shall be that hope for them.
and again he pauses.
However. We need to watch who we let in. This will be a time to send spies into our city.
Bydar, please make arrangements for those of all faiths to produce scrolls and such for the city. I am thinking that if we start now, we can squirrel away enough emergency supplies to help us during hard times. talk with Jasrella and she will explain our tactics for defense against a siege.
He turns to the group again
have Master Bokken begin preparing potions that will fill our stocks. Healing potions and anything else that will help the chirurgens.
Jasrella, have our quartermaster reach out to his contacts outside our normal area of control. I think it is best to have our hunters start to scavenge for food from the local area. Stuff we can store for great lengths of time. Have the faithful of old dead eye start hunting and making daily offerings to him.
Anyone have any ideas on what we can do and what we can do to prevent war from breaking out.
Cenna considers for a moment, "Is there a thieves' guild in town? If so, it might be worth the time to speak with them about their 'patriotic duty' to look out for spies and report them to us."
The treasurer frowns quite a lot at the prospect of hordes of refuges coming into the city, each potential hungry mouth ticking down her nice rows of numbers she has been working on making the color green (she brought colored inks with her).
"Maybe we could charge a toll for those coming into the city, tailored of course to the degree of finery and station, and waived if it is obvious the poor dears be having nothing." she figured this suggestion is a long shot, but her numbers demand some attempt.
Cenna considers for a moment, "Is there a thieves' guild in town? If so, it might be worth the time to speak with them about their 'patriotic duty' to look out for spies and report them to us."
"That is already covered by the...hooded woman and the bird man running the inn," Warden Garess says, his tone making it clear that he remains perpetually wary of the pair who serve as enforcer and spymaster for the ruling council.
"I look the other way on some of their business affairs, and they keep any truly heinous criminals from putting down roots in our town. I also don't ask questions about what happens to those scum that they ferret out."
Brandt listens deeply and considers what's offered by everyone, Reasons to me, should we expect more people fleeing strife, we should look to make accommodations for people who can contribute, look at what we've gained by being open-minded? We need coin, anywhere nearby we can plunder for wealth? he laughs, but only for a moment, I suppose that would be frowned upon. I do feel that so many mysteries are tugging at strings, from the children with my father, to the Taldans, to Lord Christian's mysterious admirer. Then we think of what happened in the past - strange fey creatures, cults, and even the mystery of the catacombs that lie below. Say nothing of the machinations of men we deal with in Brevoy and slavers potentially using the outskirts to traffic innocents.
He ponders Elenora's idea, We have picked up valuable allies from incoming groups, what if those of means have to agree to service - not quite fealty, but something akin to serving as a shieldman in time of conflict or offering their skills to the populace as able?
And finally he rebuts the Warden, While you may disagree with their methods - you must admit they have been invaluable in ferreting out infiltrators and gathering rumor to warn us of impending trouble. And the more quietly problems are dealt with, the more it makes the everyday folk feel safer rather than the hangman's noose being full every other tenday. he smiles at the last, I've hunted more than my share of bandits and delivered them to the hangman, sometimes 'tis better they disappear entirely before we get to that stage so the folk don't think there are bandits, thieves, murderers, and worse behind every tent and shrub.
"Bydar, please make arrangements for those of all faiths to produce scrolls and such for the city. I am thinking that if we start now, we can squirrel away enough emergency supplies to help us during hard times. talk with Jasrella and she will explain our tactics for defense against a siege"
"It looks promising indeed."