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The Group ,walking to towards to Tizam, who is on the other side of the wagon circle starts to turn into a more horizontal line as every one falls in parallel with each other.
Gunnolf and Asur walk beside Borak while Rimas and Cillian walk beside Isa. Your Borak and Shang seem to quicken their pace to move up a bit before encountering Tizam.
As you make your way to the older guard he sees you coming and sends off one of the younger guards towards the camel drovers. He waits for you to make your way to him.
"Hurry up the lot of you! We have much to do and our master wishes us to be out of the cities shadow as soon as possible!"
The young duo speeds up but not fast enough to over take the three of you. More as a show that they are attempting to hurry.
Gunnolf and Asur
The Zorabi man turns to Gunnolf and begins to chat with. "I don't expect them to have all of us go out as a scouting party. Probably just a few of us."
Gunnolf seems to shrug him off for a moment and then looks back to his companion. "I don't care to scout. I would rather stay with the caravan as a rear guard."
Asur looks at him and then to the caravan. "Well I guess so but I would rather not spend the day dodging camel and horse sh*t all day. Maybe we walk along side as the flank?"
Gunnolf shrugs him off again and doesn't seem to care as to the location as long as he is with the caravan.
Cillian
Hearing the conversations Cillian looks to Isa. "If this Tizam decides to let a scouting party go out can we go with you and your friends. We are both good trackers and Rimas knows this land.
' Rimas nods, the raven-haired Zadjite woman has a sensual beauty about her and she doesn't seem afraid to show it off. Her armor and attire are revealing and it highlights her curves and beauty.
Cillian turns to her and she smiles and then looks to Borak and Shang. Talking to Isa she says quickly but quietly. "Both of them are impressive with their weapons. It was no easy feat defeating that group of murderers last night. I was sure that man laid a blade into him deeply but he doesn't even seem to be affected by it."
Isa shyly looks at the two foreign warriors she finds walking with her. Unsure what to do, she starts to babble about the weather, their upcoming trip and the great elephant, which she acts as she has never seen before.
When Cillian speaks to Isa she smiles politely but the look of the woman reminds her too much of the temple prostitutes back home. When she mentions their wounds, Isa nervously nods and agrees.
"Yes, he is very hardy. Umm, I need to speak with my companions...alone. It will just be a moment. Sorry"
She pulls the two warriors aside and waits until they are mostly alone before speaking.
"That...woman. She has very sharp eyes and I do not trust her. Watch yourselves...she could be dangerous!"
The two other groups seem to quicken their pace allowing Isa to stop the two of you for a brief moment to speak as the other two groups pass you to look as if they are hurrying.
Going to spin a tale so we can break off to speak privately, Shang explains to the trio in a low voice. Be off to one side a bit, looking to east but say nothing...
He goes to find this... Tizam?
Greeting Captain, he says giving the man a differential title despite the size of the band.
I am Shang, I just spoke to our Caravan master. There is concern of a possible threat to the East. He advised he was fine for us to scout it out as long as we reported to you first
[dice=Bluff]1d20 + 7 *note: 19(plus any bonuses you may or may not give]
Isa speaks quickly to the group about what she thinks of Rimas. Shang passes along he is going to spin another tale to Tizam (Dinak's second).
Once the quick chat is over they move up to Tizam where the rest of the group comes to a stop.
Listening to Shang's advice he seems to look east and then back to the group and the caravan.
"We have heard that as well. We are about an hour from leaving but we send out scouts on horse to keep an eye out for bandits and raiders. Idir and Faza will be doing the scouting today so we should be fine. Go help with the loading and get ready to depart."
He points to Cillian and Rimas. "The two of you ride on the back of the last wagon. Keep your eyes out for anyone following us or moving up behind us. Call out to the next guards up the caravan and the riders."
He turns to Gunnolf and Asur. "The two of you ride on the back of that wagon." He points to the cook's wagon. "It will be the wagon in front of those two wagons. Keep an eye out to the sides of the caravan and if you see anyone trailing us or anyone coming at the caravan call it out to the front and rear. If you get any word from the rear echo it to the front." The three of you will ride the front wagon. Keep your eyes out to the sides and front and if you see anything call it out. Anything from the rear echo it to the riders."[/b]
He then looks to see if anyone has any questions...
As you say Captain... very well, he says with a bow.
He gives his brother a grimace as he turns towards to supplies to be loaded.
'Load the wagon?' Seeing Shang's grimace, Børak spits, "Load the wagons?" He motions the general direction of the slave wagons. "That's slaves work!" Glaring at Tazim. "I was hired to guard. If you want your Zorabi dogs doing slave work that's fine, but not I. Where do you want me to guard before the wagons leave?"
Isa looks worried as Borak talks back to Tazim. She is also slightly surprised to hear him refer to the slaves in such a casual way. She holds her breath and waits to see what happens while looking over at Shang to see his response.
Tizam
He turns to the Hillman and smiles. It is not a condescending smile but a firm, sincere smile. "As a Zorabi dog I realize we all have our duties. Even a guard dog sometimes has to heard the sheep. You are a part of this caravan and the sooner we get on that road." He points to the road moving southward and then looks back at Borak and the rest of the group. "The sooner you can fill your hands with gold. There is not much to do but we need to get it done so we can spend as much time today on the road. So again I need all of you to help and get the remaining wagons packed and secured. If you wish to sit on your ass and wait for everyone else to pack feel free to do so. But you are being paid for a service and the faster we get from here to there the faster you get paid." He smiles again in what appears a jester of good faith. He then picks up four water skins and ties them to the supply wagon and checks to makes sure they are secure for travel. He then moves to a basket and picks it up...it is full of figs and hands it up to old cook who takes it and puts it in the wagon.
Børak is as consistent as the seasons, Shang thinks with a degree of self satisfaction in his prediction. I will not undermine him, in fact it's important that I don't... besides it may lead them to underestimate me at the same time... , he thinks.
Shang gives Isa a brief grin and a wink as he moves to the Hillman's side, communicating his support without words, while craning his head to look up at Børak, then nod.
With any luck they'll misread this... they'll see me as the weak one. That means if they want to try treachery, they may make the mistake of thinking my loyalty is conditional.
Rimas
He looks at Tizam and then to Borak and Shang as he moves up and then back over to Dinak. "Might save a day which means we get back to Dipur faster." He then seems to give Cillian a shrug and turns and begins to help tie and load the other supply wagon. Cillian follows suit but looks back at the Hillman and to Isa and smiles. She then begins helping as well.
Isa looks at her friends and moves forward to help Cillian. She nods to both Shang and Borak as she does, showing that she neither agrees nor disagrees with their stance in helping pack. She knows how fragile a man's ego can get... (lol)
She pulls the two warriors aside and waits until they are mostly alone before speaking.
"That...woman. She has very sharp eyes and I do not trust her. Watch yourselves...she could be dangerous!"
Walking slower with Isa, Børak grunts, "I've noticed she has been watching us, I had hoped it was because she was attracted to me, but obviously she is with Rimas. Stay close to her see what she is after. My concern is she may be trying to determine if either of us has any sort of 'power.." He nods towards the others, "We best catch up with them. We don't want them to get suspicious. I will find a way to speak with Shang."
'Good Shang and I may have a chance to talk afterall.' Crossing his arms, Børak nods to Shang. Shrugging as Dinak shares his insight he answers loud enough for Tizam to hear. "It might. But it will not matter if those guarding have their backs turned and their arms full when the attack comes." He pauses, watching Rimas, keeping in mind what Isa had shared; wondering what the young Zadjite women may be up to.
As the others walk away and start lifting bundles, Børak's eyes follow the two Black Wolves. He speaks softly to Shang, frustrated that the only language they share is Khazistani. "Something is afoot with the two Black wolves. The boy, Faza? He recognized them. The Tharagian desires to stay with the caravan, even though they will be leaving us in Arenjun." Rubbing his chin. "There is a Tharagian girl in the slave wagon. I wonder if it has something to do with her."
Shaking his head slightly. "It's a bad omen warriors doing the work of slaves. I like not these Zorabi dogs arrogance and I find much in common with the Tharagian. We have taken Hadramas' money but we must decide if we will protect him from his own guards." He gestures slightly towards Gunnar and Asur. "I will go near them, perchance help them with their load." As he walks towards the two black wolves, he turns, looking past Shang toward the city. "But we should stay vigilant. My father would not be afraid to take a caravan like this. Right outside it's own city where everyone thinks they are safe." He then turns and continues towards Gunnar and Asur.
She pulls the two warriors aside and waits until they are mostly alone before speaking.
"That...woman. She has very sharp eyes and I do not trust her. Watch yourselves...she could be dangerous!"
Walking slower with Isa, Børak grunts, "I've noticed she has been watching us, I had hoped it was because she was attracted to me, but obviously she is with Rimas. Stay close to her see what she is after. My concern is she may be trying to determine if either of us has any sort of 'power.." He nods towards the others, "We best catch up with them. We don't want them to get suspicious. I will find a way to speak with Shang."
'Good Shang and I may have a chance to talk afterall.' Crossing his arms, Børak nods to Shang. Shrugging as Dinak shares his insight he answers loud enough for Tizam to hear. "It might. But it will not matter if those guarding have their backs turned and their arms full when the attack comes." He pauses, watching Rimas, keeping in mind what Isa had shared; wondering what the young Zadjite women may be up to.
As the others walk away and start lifting bundles, Børak's eyes follow the two Black Wolves. He speaks softly to Shang, frustrated that the only language they share is Khazistani. "Something is afoot with the two Black wolves. The boy, Faza? He recognized them. The Tharagian desires to stay with the caravan, even though they will be leaving us in Arenjun." Rubbing his chin. "There is a Tharagian girl in the slave wagon....
Borak glances back to Cillian and sees her eye him. It is a look of a women hungry for a man. She is not hiding this and she is clearly attracted to you.
The women turns and walk away after he eyes look into yours and then seem to inspect you from top to bottom.
Gunnolf and Asur seem to just be waiting for the entire group to respond to Tizam's comments. When Rimas and then Cillian move off they seem to reconsider their initial action of holding.
Gunnolf and Asur
Gunnolf seems to shrug as Rimas and then Cillian move off to finish loading the nearby supply wagon. He turns to walk towards the slave wagons to help and Asur nudges him and looks to one of the merchant wagons and the two seem to walk in that direction. Gunnolf and Asur drop their gear in a pile and then seem to check the wagon's ropes ensuring they are tied off. It appears they are just making themselves look busy.
'Good Shang and I may have a chance to talk afterall.' Crossing his arms, Børak nods to Shang. Shrugging as Dinak shares his insight he answers loud enough for Tizam to hear. "It might. But it will not matter if those guarding have their backs turned and their arms full when the attack comes." He pauses, watching Rimas, keeping in mind what Isa had shared; wondering what the young Zadjite women may be up to.While Børak manages the situation in front of them, Shang swings his attention to the Elephant and their employer on it, looking to anticipate more long term threats... or at least divine how Børaks display of independence is perceived by this leader of the caravan.
As the others walk away and start lifting bundles, Børak's eyes follow the two Black Wolves. He speaks softly to Shang, frustrated that the only language they share is Khazistani. "Something is afoot with the two Black wolves. The boy, Faza? He recognized them. The Tharagian desires to stay with the caravan, even though they will be leaving us in Arenjun." Rubbing his chin. "There is a Tharagian girl in the slave wagon....
I need to work on my studies with you both... one day I will get the hang of your language... it would be nice to have a way to talk and not be understood, seemingly catching Børaks thoughts. I'll redouble my efforts to more than just swear words and curses.
You think the boy has a sister or lover in that wagon? It would make sense... the question is, how does this affect us? What is our play here Brother? Watch and wait? Or put our thumb on the scales of fate? What does Our Lady think?, he says looking towards Isa before looking back to the man on the elephant.
After some time the caravan seems to be ready to begin moving. Dinak rides around the caravan several times checking wagons, inspecting horses, and camels. It seems all of Dinak's men are now on horses as well and the caravans are starting to be moved into a line. The dozen or so camels and a small flock of sheep are being moved to the rear.
You notice that all the drivers and drovers are Adartani...These lighter-skinned, tall, lithe men, and boys in some cases, are the descendants of less wealthy and less fortunate Susrahnites who remained in Adartu (Dipur)following its surrender to the Khazistani Horde. Most of them are looked down on as mongrels by both the Susrahnites and the Khazistani. The rest of the caravan crew appear to be Zorabi guards under Dinak. Then the remainder are the slave women (kept close watch on), the four slave men, and the two older slaves that act as cooks and servents to Hamadras.
Aaden seems to one of the older guards...he keeps near the slave wagon and seems to be in charge of their security. He is a hard man from what you can see. Unforgiving but he seems to be very loyal to Dinak from his interactions. He also might be related to him.
Idir, the guard that stopped and question you the previous night, seems to stir clear of Hamadras. He seems to be very perceptive himself and is also loyal to Dinak. He could also be related as well.
Tizem, Dinak's second, seems to be a natural leader himself and the Zorabi men seem to follow him easily. He also appear to be relatd to Dinak from what you can tell.
'How will it effect us?' Giving his friend a cold stare, Børak responds softly. "I've not spoken to Isa about it yet. As for our plans? I have no idea, I've a mind to speak with the 'Black Wolves' and learn what I can without committing myself to anything."
Intent on doing what he told Tizam he would do, Børak gestures towards the perimeter."I'm going to check the perimeter, see if we had any visitors last night." Moving back up the road, almost to the gates of Dipur, he turns west and circles the camp behind the rocks on the west and south side. Keeping about a hundred yard past where the torches were looking for any signs of tracks or prints leading to or away from the camp. As he rounded counter clockwise to the east he pauses. 'My father would have scouted from the east; clearer visibility and further from any light from the setting sun.' He slows down, spending as much time searching the eastern approach as he had the west and south. As he approached the city he stops and looks at the walls for a moment, 'It's possible someone could raid from the city and ride away, but not as likely, And they could see everything from the city walls so no tracks to find.'
Turning his back on the city he reverses his search starting with the eastern approach, moving closer to the camp; again looking for any sign of someone watching the camp. as he's closer to the camp, he takes the time to observe the camp as well, looking at the wagons and the animals. When he reached the rock formation on the south, he then inspects the outside base of the rocks looking for any signs nearer to the rock formations. Once satisfied that he had checked the perimeter, he circles back into the camp, nodding to the two wolves, and giving Rimas a quick smile.
Walking quickly through the camp as everyone begins to load, he moves to the front wagon with Shang and Isa. Nodding to the driver, he smiles to his friends, "It looks like we're ready to go."
Borak's inspection of the area leads to no signs of anyone really watching the caravan. There also no tracks to indicate spies or watchers from afar from what you can tell at this point. You notice all of Dinak's guards are now horsed and appear to be taking their positions along the caravan as it assembles.
The wagons are aligned in this manner. Hamadras's elephant is moved to the lead position. The women's slave wagon, the men's slave wagon, the cook's wagon, the two merchant goods wagons, and the two supply wagons. Which you found out have water, feed, and baskets of fresh food for the trip plus wine. Most of the goods are spices, ivory, exotic woods, fine wool rugs, and fine sandals. The camels and sheep seem to be taking the rear with the sheep at the end. The camels appear to be carrying goods but probably half of what they could.
Dinak seems to be taking the lead by the elepant with Tizam riding up and down the caravan. The other five are space out with Aaden and one of the young guards riding next to the slave wagons. Idir and another young guard picking up the rear guard. It looks like two of the young guards are starting to ride out ahead and leaving the caravan now to take a scouting position in front of the caravan.
Shang ran a keen eye over the interactions of the caravans men and their interactions with their leaders.
Interesting... I have an idea how things will play out if things are chaotic enough to be tossed on the whim of the dice of fate
Shang follows Børak at around 10 feet distance and to his left, bow in hand but no arrow on the string. He trusted Børaks idea to talk with these Black Wolves. He too was interested in looking for tracks near the rock formations... if there were any fresh ones it would be telling.
On the conclusion of the patrol he speaks quietly to the Hillman.
These Adartani, they interest me... I could speak with them as you speak with the mercenaries. One thing is certain, Dinak seems to have made this a family enterprise. Aaden, Idir, and Tizam seem to share a blood bond .
While working with Cillian, she asks the woman about herself and tries to get information about any of the others in the caravan.
"Not too many women would sign on to such a caravan. What brings you here Cillian? What about your friends? Do you know any of the others here?"
Cillian
She finishes tying off a spare wheel for one of the wagons and checking the harness on a horse. More to look busy than anything else.
"No. Rimas and I were low on coin and this job came up from a contact Rimas had. Some stableman...not sure he really knew him."
She looks back to the rest of the caravan..."I know no others in this group. Rimas doesn't either."
Dinak
The Zorabi man rides up on his horse and then wheels around the entire caravan. He stops right by the wagon the three of you are on.
"Are the scouts out?"
A moment later you hear several of his Zorabi guards echo the call and Tizam comes riding up.
Tizam: "They are out! They left moments ago."
Dinak: "Good. Keep in contact with them."
Tizam: "Aye."
Dinak turns his horse easily with his knees and he stands up on his Zorabi riding saddle looking to the rear of the caravan.
Dinak:
He turns to Tizam. "I am moving to the front keep an eye on the rest of the caravan."
Tizam nods and moves out to the rear of the caravan.
The caravan starts to move...at first see sawing as it finds its pace. This takes nearly an hour as the wagons find a pace that matches the camels and the sheep.
The sun is three or so hours from noonday. The caravan pulls away from Dipur in a slowly rolling procession while two guards on horseback stay out about a mile ahead of the wagons to scout for the group. At times they wait for the caravan to catchup report quickly and then ride off to stay out ahead. It's a well-protected operation. The men on horse seem very alert to riders, strangers and anyone travelling the route. At times they pass by caravans, merchants, small groups on foot, and lone carts with one person going the towards Dipur. No one takes this for granted, however, as raiders have been known to strike even larger convoys given the right circumstances. The group makes good time for the first few hours on the road just outside of Dipur. Before long though, the road is a set of ruts, full of bumps, soft spots, and rough areas slowing your progress.
You have been travelling for nearly six hours now. The caravan has now follow into a normal routine for the day. Tizam rides up on occasion and reminds the three of you as he does all of the guards on the wagon to keep their eyes out. None of you see anything to note or call out.
The man seems to settle his horse in by your wagon. He has just spoken to the scouts not ten minutes ago and then did a full circle of the caravan.
Shang rode with the wagon with a degree of satisfaction, bow resting across his knees. It was not unusual for these horn and sinew bows to be strung for long periods, leaving the Taikangian without worry in regards to needing to relax the limbs... besides stringing these horse bows was difficult.
He gave Tizam a nod of acknowledgement, head swiveling to continually watch over the route.
Our Captain seems interested in us. That seems natural but I will need to see if this is more than curiosity about untested guards or if he is the controlling type. I will test him..., he thought.
He turned to the Adartani driver and decided to practice his Susrahni.
How often have you made this particular trip friend?, he asked, eyes turned to the east, looking through heat wave swirled terrain.
As Børak moves towards the first wagon he looks with interest at the slave girls. Assuming his observations will be taken as lasciviousness he focuses on the tall, athletic Tharagian 'So what is her relationship to the Black wolf' turning his gaze towards the Zamarian girl who cried out to Isa. 'and why did this one cry out and why at Isa.'
As he climbs aboard the wagon he nods to their Adartani driver, then observes how the caravan aligns it's wagons and guards. 'So Hanadras is in the front on his elephant, I wonder how the beast will react when it is wounded.' He looks back to one side seeing the Zorabi named Aaden, and to the side he is seated on, recognizing the lad from the night before, he gives a nod. Then standing on the seat, he looks carefully where each of the Zorabi, the Black Wolves and the young couple are placed. As Dinak cries "Move out!" the wagon jerks and Børak drops ungracefully to the seat keeping his eyes peeled on the horizon to his side the wagon.
As the morning progresses, Børak tries to stretch his legs, moaning; "Blasted wagon, riding a horse would even be less uncomfortable." Finally shaking his head, he announces, "I need to stretch my legs." Grabbing his axe in hand, he swings out the wagon on his side dropping to the ground. Bending over he stretches feeling his back creak and pop, smiling to himself. Resting his mothers axe on his shoulder he jogs to catch up with the young rider on his side of the wagon. Keeping pace with the Zorabi's horse, slightly ahead and inside of the beast, just far enough away the mount can't bite him, but close enough to speak with the young guard, he asks. "so how long have you worked for Hadramas?"
Spending the day moving between the wagon seat and the ground, Børak stays near the wagon on his designated side, keeping an eye on the horizon whether talking with the young Zorabi or his friends. Having just taken his seat in the wagon when Tizam settles in near them, He looks over toward the second in command and asks; "The two mercenaries, Gunnar and Asur, they said they are from the Black Wolf Company. I have not heard of it, do you know anything of it?" After asking his question, his eyes return to the horizon.
Shang rode with the wagon with a degree of satisfaction, bow resting across his knees. It was not unusual for these horn and sinew bows to be strung for long periods, leaving the Taikangian without worry in regards to needing to relax the limbs... besides stringing these horse bows was difficult.
He gave Tizam a nod of acknowledgement, head swiveling to continually watch over the route.
Our Captain seems interested in us. That seems natural but I will need to see if this is more than curiosity about untested guards or if he is the controlling type. I will test him..., he thought.
He turned to the Adartani driver and decided to practice his Susrahni.
How often have you made this particular trip friend?, he asked, eyes turned to the east, looking through heat wave swirled terrain.
The Adartani driver, a middle-aged man, looks to the back of the wagon and realizes Shang is addressing him. "First time...was hired as a driver some days ago. But I have done this route a few times with different merchants. This one pays good coin and my family needs the money."
Tizam doesn't seem interested in your conversation. He looks to Borak and then to Isa and then to Shang as the driver responds.
He seems on edge as he scans the other side of the caravan and then ahead.
As Børak moves towards the first wagon he looks with interest at the slave girls. Assuming his observations will be taken as lasciviousness he focuses on the tall, athletic Tharagian 'So what is her relationship to the Black wolf' turning his gaze towards the Zamarian girl who cried out to Isa. 'and why did this one cry out and why at Isa.'
As he climbs aboard the wagon he nods to their Adartani driver, then observes how the caravan aligns it's wagons and guards. 'So Hanadras is in the front on his elephant, I wonder how the beast will react when it is wounded.' He looks back to one side seeing the Zorabi named Aaden, and to the side he is seated on, recognizing the lad from the night before, he gives a nod. Then standing on the seat, he looks carefully where each of the Zorabi, the Black Wolves and the young couple are placed. As Dinak cries "Move out!" the wagon jerks and Børak drops ungracefully to the seat keeping his eyes peeled on the horizon to his side the wagon.
As the morning progresses, Børak tries to stretch his legs, moaning; "Blasted wagon, riding a horse would even be less uncomfortable." Finally shaking his head, he announces, "I need to stretch my legs." Grabbing his axe in hand, he swings out the wagon on his side dropping to the ground. Bending over he stretches feeling his back creak and pop, smiling to himself. Resting his mothers axe on his shoulder he jogs to catch up with the young rider on his side of the wagon. Keeping pace with the Zorabi's horse, slightly ahead and inside of the beast, just far enough away the mount can't bite him, but close enough to speak with the young guard, he asks. "so how long have you worked for Hadramas?"
Spending the...
<<Two Young Zorabi Guards - Faza/Zema (advanced scout - 1 mile out)>>
Hamadras's Elephant (driver - Sushranite man who appears to be well-armed and has light armor)
<<<Dinak - riding by the Elephant>>>
<<Tizam is riding up and down the caravan and meeting the advanced scout .>>
Slave men's wagon - Borak/Isa/Shang on back
Slave women's wagon
<Aaden and young Zorabi Guard (Almar)>
Cook's Wagon - Gunnolf and Asur on back.
<Young Zorabi Guard - Uzir) - riding between cook and two merchant wagons.>
Last Supply Wagon - Cillian and Rimas on back.
<Idir and young Zorabi guard as Rear Horse Guard (Cadi).>
All the Adartani drivers are middle-aged to younger men. They seem to carry curved daggers and slings. Six in total.
The camels seem to have one older Adartani drover and three younger drovers. All have a staves, a curved dagger, and a sling.
The sheep have two drovers with staves, curved dagger, and sling.
The Tharagian Girl could be Gunnolf's younger sister. She has the same hair, eyes, and nose. She is very beautiful as well.
You have no idea about the other girl. But she is beautiful as well.
The road is dusty as you walk by the wagons. The caravan is not making a fast pace so the walking is easy. The Zorabi on horse don't seem to look your way all that often as their focus is on the perimeters.
As Borak askes his question Tizam pulls the horse up by him but not to close. "I know nothing of the Black Wolf Company. Dinak hired them so he might know of it and that is why he hired them. Experienced warriors are hard to come by. Experienced warriors you can trust...even harder in these lands."
Grabbing his axe in hand, he swings out the wagon on his side dropping to the ground. Bending over he stretches feeling his back creak and pop, smiling to himself. Resting his mothers axe on his shoulder he jogs to catch up with the young rider on his side of the wagon. Keeping pace with the Zorabi's horse, slightly ahead and inside of the beast, just far enough away the mount can't bite him, but close enough to speak with the young guard, he asks. "so how long have you worked for Hadramas?"
Grabbing his axe in hand, he swings out the wagon on his side dropping to the ground. Bending over he stretches feeling his back creak and pop, smiling to himself. Resting his mothers axe on his shoulder he jogs to catch up with the young rider on his side of the wagon. Keeping pace with the Zorabi's horse, slightly ahead and inside of the beast, just far enough away the mount can't bite him, but close enough to speak with the young guard, he asks. "so how long have you worked for Hadramas?"
Grabbing his axe in hand, he swings out the wagon on his side dropping to the ground. Bending over he stretches feeling his back creak and pop, smiling to himself. Resting his mothers axe on his shoulder he jogs to catch up with the young rider on his side of the wagon. Keeping pace with the Zorabi's horse, slightly ahead and inside of the beast, just far enough away the mount can't bite him, but close enough to speak with the young guard, he asks. "so how long have you worked for Hadramas?"
Grabbing his axe in hand, he swings out the wagon on his side dropping to the ground. Bending over he stretches feeling his back creak and pop, smiling to himself. Resting his mothers axe on his shoulder he jogs to catch up with the young rider on his side of the wagon. Keeping pace with the Zorabi's horse, slightly ahead and inside of the beast, just far enough away the mount can't bite him, but close enough to speak with the young guard, he asks. "so how long have you worked for Hadramas?"
The young Zorabi called Almar looks down at Borak. Borak can tell the young man is proud but there is a cold nature in the young man's words. "I don't work for Hadramas. I am here as I am of the same tribe as Dinak. Our bond is of blood not coin." He seems to say the last as if it makes the hired help less in station. At that, he spurs his horse forward to end the conversation with you. He rides up to the women's slave wagon and looks inside. "Quiet...keep your mouths closed or the lash will find your backs when we stop tonight."
'Tribe? What is the Khazrajite saying, "Me against my brother; My brother and I against the tribe; and the tribe against the world? I wonder if Dinak is as loyal to him as he is to Tizam.' Smiling to himself, as the young rider moves forward threatening the women. ;Lash their backs? Wouldn't that hurt the value?' Deciding not to waste his time on the young guard, Børak moves closer to the wagon, making sure to stay away from the rear of the guards horse. He slowly walks beside the wagon, towards the front; listening to any conversation the slave girls may be having.
"A Pity." Nodding noncommittally Børak watches Tizam, "Yes, Experience means you need men who have been in battle, men who are killers'." He smiles a wolfish smile, "Seems that makes them naturally hard to trust." Think of the youth on the horse, he adds "What is it the Khazrajite saying, "Me against my brother; My brother and I against the tribe; and the tribe against the world"?" He catches breif glimpses of the second in command as he watches the horizon, hoping the man would give him a little to judge him and his troops by.
Seeing Almar threaten the women in the wagon, Isa bristles with anger. A bumping on her leg makes her look down to see Tefnut.
It is not your problem...do not draw attention to yourself or we may have a bigger problem!
She shakes her head slightly as if trying to throw off her familiar's words, but she can do nothing but agree and continues walking with Cillian.
Shang flicks a hand signal they've occasionally used to Isa...
[dice=perception]1d20+8
You do hear several girls talking....but some of it is in languages you are not learned in. Their talk is in whispers but you manage to hear two fragments.
One girl speaks to another by the near windows: <Khazistanis - foreign dialect> "We need to be brave...do what they say and our time will come."
Another and softer voice...<Khazistanis - sounds Taikangian."I am scared. I don't know if I can do this."
The rest is too muted and they seem to become silent as you walk by.
"A Pity." Nodding noncommittally Børak watches Tizam, "Yes, Experience means you need men who have been in battle, men who are killers'." He smiles a wolfish smile, "Seems that makes them naturally hard to trust." Think of the youth on the horse, he adds "What is it the Khazrajite saying, "Me against my brother; My brother and I against the tribe; and the tribe against the world"?" He catches breif glimpses of the second in command as he watches the horizon, hoping the man would give him a little to judge him and his troops by.
[dice=perception]1d20+8
[dice=sense motive]1d20+1
The man on horse seems to turn east and then west scanning the horizon as he listens to Borak. He then turns back to the Hill Man and seems to study the man for moment. As he studies the horizon Borak sees scars, old ones on the mans forearms and hands. The many cuts of numerous fights the knick of many blades from the ringing of blades. As Borak studies the man he speaks up. "Those are wise words to live by. It is true...to trust a man who has fought and killed is no easy thing. Men you are blood to are easy to be loyal to...it is no easy thing to be loyal to coin when your own blood is falling to the ground. AND it is a fool that trusts a man that fights for only coin..." He nudges his horse with his heels and turns back to Borak. "Keep a sharp eye out. I need to meet with our scouts they should be at the next rise." He urges the horse to speed up and moves ahead quickly.
The man is clearly a veteran warrior who has seen many fights. His eyes show a man that doesn't trust easily. He also seems to be a skilled scout himself.
Shang flicks a hand signal they've occasionally used to Isa...
** spoiler omitted **
Botted - Ra-Isa-Maat
She doesn't seem to catch what Shang was passing along...but she clearly turns her head away and keeps walking.
It is hot but not terribly humid. There is a very light breeze from the south and it comes and goes as you move up and down the hills and through the small scrub trees.
The road is easy for the first few hours but then as the road turns into a rutted trail that moves up and down the hills it slows the caravan down a lot. After nearly nine hours of travel, Dinak rides out ahead to meet the scouts and Tizam. The caravan seems to continue to travel and the distance continues to close towards them. The two scouts ride off to the south west but Dinak stands up and waves his hand down to the caravan and Tizam seems turns his horse and rides down the hill. As he meets front of the caravan he calls out and you hear... "We are stopping at the next bend there is a copse of trees and a small spring. We will make camp there for the night. Let the rest of the caravan know!"
Behind you the veteran Zorabi horse guard Aaden calls out and echos Tizam's words.
He gives the three of you a stern look for not echoing the call quickly.
The words are echoed down the caravan to the end. After nearly thirty minutes the caravan makes its way around the last been. A copse of hundred or so trees stand before a small hill and to the northeast is a small stream that runs the soft dirt and rocks are steep on both sides for most of it except for two turns that seem to pool the water up. The stream is about sixty or so yards from the trees and the small hill. The rutted road runs off to the north and the south... This seems to be the place for the first night on the caravan route to Arenjun.
'Easy to be loyal to blood, maybe it depends on who your blood is.' Listening as the second in command continues. Børak ponders 'Some sell their sword for gold, some for honor, some for reputation, some because they love violence and some because it's all they know.' Grunting noncommittedly at Tizam's observations. Børak keeps his eyes on the horizon. When Tizam tells them to keep a sharp eye and begins to ride away, the northerner answers; drawing from a military memory that isn't his. "yes, lieutenant."
As the trip continues, Børak settles in near his friends for a moment, He leans near to Isa whispering loud enough for her and Shang to hear. "There is something afoot, the slave girls speak of being ready but some are afraid.' He continues to whisper as he looks back to the horizon. "I think we should speak to the Captain Dinak, What say you? Should we warn him or try and find out the Black Wolves plans first then decide which side we fall on?" turning back to his friend quickly. "Either way I will ask Dinak what he knows of the 'Black Wolf Company.'"
When Børak hears the call to stop, he stands in the wagon seat, turning to face the rear, cupping his mouth just as the old man Aaden calls out. When the old man smirks glaring at him, Børak spits and turns sitting down in his seat. grumbling under his breath. "These Zarabi are arrogant dogs."
As they come to the copse of trees, Børak drops down from the wagon, moving forward to where Dinak is riding beside the elephant. Calling out to the Captain, "Dinak, a moment. What can you tell me of the Black Wolf company? Do they operate near here or had you heard of them from stories?"
The wagons and camels make their way into the clearing. Dinak and Tizam move the caravan so that the wagons form a circle. The drovers start to move the camels and sheep into a section between the cook's wagon and the merchant wagons.
As the wagon, you are riding, comes to a halt. Borak jumps off and walks to towards the elephant. The driver is untying an elaborate step ladder. As he does Dinak turns his horse and sees Borak approach. The large Hill Man asks his question and Dinak looks about and back to him.
"The Black Wolves...you mean the one that the other two are from? The Tharag and the Zorabi? He looks at you oddly for a moment. Takes a breath under to himself. If I understand they fought for minor lords in Lamu...to the north."