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You accept Ameiko's invitation to dine with her and as the servers set plates at your table loaded with fried vegetables mixed with thinly sliced pork, the scent of peanuts, soybean and sesame assault the center of your faces. The entire mixture rests upon a bed of cilantro rice still crackling from the heat of the shallow metal bowls it was prepared in. Mugs of ale and carafes of wine are placed on the table along with bowls of soup. The aromatic broth of the soup is accompanied by a combination of clams, salmon, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes. The servers slice lemons at the table and skewer them, draining the juice into the already overflowing bowls of delight. Compared to the dried meat and hard tack your daily rations have provided you, this meal presents you with a feeling of majesty.
"Please, don't hesitate, dig in; everything is best while it's hot." As you begin to devour the finest food you have ever tasted, Ameiko begins
"I'm glad to have met your friends Aiko. They seem like a very brave and resourceful group. In addition, they show restraint and concern when needed. I need a group of such individuals to help me with what I am planning. I want to travel to Brinewall and see about the castle mentioned in my grandfather's letter. I know very little about my family's history and nothing about any enemies from a long forgotten past. However, I don't want to ignore Adrian's concern - just the opposite. I want you all to accompany me while traveling to Brinewall. It is a long journey that may carry many dangers. I have seen what happens to those who are not prepared and have no intention of being unprepared for this journey. With your help, along with some other dear friends, I am confident that we can arrive safely and if any threats exist, we can defeat them together. As incentive for your services, I offer the contents of the chest you discovered as compensation for your trouble. In addition, a room and meals here at the Rusty Dragon for your time in Sandpoint. If you require anything else, please don't hesitate to ask."
Ameiko pauses to consume some of her dinner and asks "It will take about 3 to 4 days to prepare for the long journey. I give you that time to consider my offer. In the meantime, feel free to relax and enjoy the Rusty Dragon and whatever else Sandpoint can provide."
Caine views the wondrous feast laid before them at the Rusty Dragon. The Magus smiles politely before digging in!
Cilantro rice ! Clams! Salmon!
The young student listens intently to Ameiko's proposal.
I only need write my Thesis. Getting out for a spell (haha) seems likely to be beneficial. I am in!
"This is all very exciting," says Aiko. "I will, of course, go wherever you go! Just say the word and I'll pack my things. Um, though we should get the wakizashi fixed, first."
"So... who's in? This sounds dangerous but interesting!"
The incentive itself was slightly enticing (the food was either). Yet the letter itself still bothered him immensely. In the end, he hand his arms crossed as he considered what to say... then sighed deeply as he adjusted his seat.
"At least everyone here isn't bothered by the danger of what's likely to come," he began.
"I've thought about the pros and cons here... and as much of a bad idea this feels like, it's clear that keeping this from your father didn't work out for anyone in the end. It seems like that's at least one thing you two had in common. And if you don't take up the challenge, one of your next of kin might and there's no guarantee that person will be as kind and as good at the samisen as you," he joked.
"But in any case, you'll need all the help you can get to get there. I'm in."
"Wonderful! That's really wonderful.
Miriam!" Ameiko says with a forceful voice. When the server quickly returns to the table, the owner of the tavern asks politely "Would you let Stan know that we need 4 single bed rooms for my friends here? Thank you Miriam."
"Let's all meet here for breakfast tomorrow morning - say around 7? We have a lot to do and I want to get started early."
Caine eats with a joyous enthusiasm only granted by youth! The Magus discuss the pending adventure with the others in the group.
Isn't this exciting! I wonder if I have anything in my books at home about Brinewall? I will need to go look; besides Grandma Koya would be pissed if I left without telling her.
Ameiko's ears perk up at the sound of Koya's name. "You know Koya? When was the last time you spoke with her? I was hoping to talk with her before we leave. Would you go and ask her to meet us here at the Rusty Dragon?"
Mouth filled with food, the youth grins.
Absolutely! I will right now!
He grabs his plate, running from the Inn!
Caine runs all the way back to his Family's home. He rushes into the front door (as per usual) to immediately hear his Grandmother's voice coming from the kitchen.
Caine is that you? Take your shoes off and git in 'ere and 'elp me!
The youth does as he is told before finding Koya elbows deep in overflowing yeast!
Caine does what any teen-ager would do in this situation; he busts out laughing (because he does not have a I-phone to send pics to Snapchat!).
Good news, Grandma! Ameiko invited us to dinner!
"She did? I wonder what she wants. Let me finish putting these cookies in the oven. Grab some wood and stoke the fire, then we can go see Ameiko. We can have cookies for dessert."
"Hello Koya, how are you this fine evening?"
"I'm doing quite well, thank you for asking. Have you met my grandson Caine?"
"Why yes I have. We met while I was taking Ameiko out to a cave. She didn't mention that much about it, but I did overhear something about a skeleton and a chest that was discovered. Did your grandson tell you about the rats they encountered? According to Ameiko, he and his group are quite the heroes. First saving the town from the goblin menace and then keeping Ameiko safe. You should be proud of Caine, he is a force to be reckoned with."
Koya face lights up at Sandru's words. You can see the pride she has in Caine. "Are you going to see Ameiko or just having dinner?"
"Both actually, although it is a rare occurrence when I visit the Rusty Dragon and don't eat a meal there."
Sandru lets out a roar of laughter and tips his hat towards the tavern. "After you Koya, Caine."
Adrian's head turned to see the new guests arrive at the scene. "Oh Miss Koya. Are you coming with us too?" he asked.
Caine shakes Sandru's hand in greeting. The youth seems to stand a bit straighter at the mention of their heroics.
Well, I am researching for my Thesis; so these adventures are most helpful!
"Coming with you? Where are you going? Perhaps we should let Ameiko tell us why we are here."
"Hello Koya, Sandru, please have a seat and drink some wine. I will explain what I have in mind. I plan to travel to Brinewall to seek out some answers to questions that have arrived with the recent discovery of an old family message, thanks to the efforts of the heroes that stopped the goblin raids."
Ameiko shows the message to Koya and Sandru and pours a couple glasses of wine for them as they read.
"The heroes have agreed to join me on the journey and I am hoping that I can convince some of my dearest friends to join us. What say you Koya, Sandru? Will you consider my request? Don't answer now, take the night to think about it. You may stay here at the Rusty Dragon while you think about what I have asked."
"This food is fantastic! <nom nom> I hope it's this good in Brinewall! Remind me to tell Father Zantus we are going before we leave!"
"We can use as much help as we can on this."
"I appreciate the offer to spend the night, but I prefer to sleep in my own bed. Caine and I will return in the morning. Besides, I have cookies in the oven that I don't want to burn."
Koya says her goodbyes and motions to Caine to return with her.
"Farewell Koya, see you in the morning." He continues to sip the wine Ameiko offered. "I, on the other hand, am glad to partake of a room for the evening. The beds here are much better than anything I am used to. Good night everyone."
Caine regretfully stands and says good night to all. He does indeed take a plate piled high home too.
Aiko helps to serve the meal as Ameiko broaches the idea of an expedition to Brinewall.
"There's still a lot to plan, of course," she says as she finishes bringing dishes out from the kitchen. "A trip of that distance needs lots of supplies. And Ameiko has so many business interests here in town, those need to be handed off to someone else to manage."
"At least money isn't much of a problem." He gestures towards the trunk full of money before turning towards Sandru.
"You have more experience than any of us on long distanced travel. Can you help us estimate what we'll need to get there?"
He then turned towards Ameiko. "If you need any help in preparing your tavern for your absence, we're here for you."
"The glassworks factory is running without much input from me. I found someone to manage the place for me a couple years ago. Between my maid Bethana, my cook Javier and Miriam, they practically run the place already. I will check in with Mayor Deverin before we go. She will be glad to ensure my interests are taken care of."
"I have traveled as far north as Riddleport and as far east as Korvosa. Brinewall is further north than I have traveled, but the distance is not the only obstacle. The farther north we travel, the more wild the terrain becomes. The roads become less prevalent, narrow and poorly maintained. At some point, they are little more than tracks for the caravan wheels.
This journey will require a great deal of supplies and also presents dangers associated with a less civilized area. The larger the caravan, the safer it becomes; however, it will also cost more.
My current caravan has three wagons, 1 covered, 1 for supply and a cross between the two. When we run with a fortune teller, she rides in that wagon.
We can get additional wagons for the caravan, but I think we should discuss this with Ameiko in the morning."
Sandru tips his hat to Adrian and heads up the stairs to his room.
Excitedly walking and chewing at the same time (he is a Magus), Caine follows his Grandmother back home.
Are you really going to go on this expedition? This is exciting! I wonder if we will meet anyone famous! Just think of the lost history of that place! I could find an ancient lost magical artifact! My Thesis would really kick ass!
"Looks like we can discuss the rest of the journey tomorrow then." He stood back up and gave everyone a wave.
"Have a good night." And with that he head over to his quarters for a good night sleep.
On the trip back to her home with Caine, Koya responds to his question "Well, ever since mom died, I've had this inkling to spread my wings and see other lands. You know I've been in Varisia almost my entire life and if I am ever going to see the rest of the world I need to start now. Not gettin' any younger - eh Caine?
When old Niska was around, I felt like I had to stay close to Sandpoint, in case she needed me. But now, there's no reason for me to stay. You're planning on goin' on this trip with Ameiko, right Caine? Who's gonna look after ya if not me?"
As they approach the house, Koya sniffs the air "Smells like the cookies are done, let's get in quick and get 'em out of the oven before they burn."
I believe a long holiday is the correct choice! Let's pack!
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The night passes quietly, you enjoy the comfort of the soft beds and the protection from any annoying bugs that made life difficult in the swamp. In the morning you meet at one of the tables and are served a morning meal of scrambled eggs mixed with onions, tomatoes, peppers and chunks of chicken. Mugs of steaming coffee are served along side carafes of various and exotic juices. Fresh bread and butter are brought out with plates of various cheeses, some sliced and others in chunks.
As you consume the delicious meal, Ameiko joins you at your table.
"Good morning everyone, I trust you all slept well?"
She sits down next to Aiko and begins to pour herself a mug of hot coffee.
"Ready for a long trip Aiko? I haven't been this excited in quite a while."
Sandru comes down the stairs as you are busy consuming your morning meal and a deep breath from his nostrils indicates the smell of the food you are eating has caught his attention.
"Ah, I just love the smell of fresh coffee in the morning." He moves to sit at the table next to yours as your table is full. He motions over for a server who brings a mug of the steaming brew and points to the plates before you. "I'll have whatever they are enjoying, thank you."
He turns to Ameiko and adds "So Ameiko, have you thought about how you want to outfit the caravan? I think my 3 wagon setup may need to be improved on." He begins to drink his coffee when a server brings bread, butter and cheese to his table. "We can discuss the details after breakfast."
"Never better." Though the yawn that came afterwards betrayed his lie. "Okay, so I spent some more time thinking about the trip last night than I should have. This... it's still a lot to take in."
"So excited...can't wait!" <nom nom nom>
"I think Brinewall may well be further than we've ever traveled. I must admit that while I'm nervous, I'm also excited," says Aiko.
She leans forward on the table and says, "Of course Sandru's been all over Varisia. I bet he has some stories about what we might find on the roads."
"What we find at the castle, though... that's a different story."
Ameiko finishes her breakfast and as she stands up she looks over at Sandru "You've had enough food for this morning friend, we need to discuss our plans to upgrade the caravan for our trip to Brinewall."
Sandru stuffs the last of his eggs into his mouth and after a few quick chews he replies after he swallows "Fine, fine, let me finish my coffee." He drains the contents of his mug and adds "Ok, done. Let's discuss them here - when we have everyone together. What did you have in mind for upgrades? I don't think you can swing an armored wagon, so we can either add supply wagons and/or horses to get us there faster. We could add traps for our campsites or enhance a carriage or two by reinforcing the wheels and axels. The traps will help avoid being surprised while sleeping, the enhancements will help avoid stopping for repairs; which should get us to Brinewall faster."
"I don't mind taking our time in getting there as long as we can get there safely," Adrian suggests. "Having traps are a good idea. How often can we expect to be ambushed?"
Caine finishes packing. He then goes to the kitchen to make some sandwiches.
Sandru and Ameiko move to another table to discuss the details of the outfitting of the caravan. After a few minutes of animated discussion you overhear
"So, then we will start with the three wagons you currently have, but we will enhance the undercarriage of each one so that we can handle the rough terrain that we will encounter going north. We agree that I will provide 1500 gold for the three wagons to upgrade the undercarriages.
Next, we need food stores and repair materials. I want to outfit as much food as we can fit allowing for two stops for repairs. What does that come to?"
Sandru does some quick calculations (you overhear his whispering some numbers) and replies "The caravan will consume 4 provisions per day and each food store unit has 10 provisions. The three wagons can hold 18 units combined. With 3 used for the undercarriage enhancements and 2 for repairs, that leaves 13 units available. Unless we run into trouble, we should get about 40 miles per day and arrive in Brinewall in about 13 days. Six food stores should be enough to get us there."
"Three plus two plus six is eleven units leaving us seven available in case we need to carry something unexpected. Fifty gold for the repair materials and thirty for the food stores comes to a total of 1580 gold. I can cover that, what do you need to outfit the caravan like that?"
"As much as I'd like to do the work here in Sandpoint, I don't trust Bilivar to make the enhancements. I am going to take the wagons down to Magnimar for proper outfitting. I can make a quick run down there and return ready to go. I should be back in 3 days."
"Ok, that will be great. It will give me time to find Shalelu. We will need to go to the manor so I can pay for the outfitting."
To the rest of the group she adds "I need to take care of getting the caravan ready, I'll be back at lunch to discuss our next steps. Take the morning to do whatever you wish."
With that Sandru and Ameiko prepare to leave the Rusty Dragon.
Once the two left, Adrian waved them off... only to turn around in shock. "She's bringing in Shalelu too? The Sandpoint Goblin Slayer? As if we needed another sign that this is serious."