Ewan clears his throat as he is asked to weigh in on the decision.
"W-well I don't k-know this L-Lady P-P-Pak-Pakkanen you are t-talking about or h-her p-possible m-mission. Th-though I w-would say w-we join th-this c-car-caravan. I'd like to s-see th-these r-ruins, it is w-why I w-wanted Al-bin to t-tell his s-story. F-for now I k-know wh-what I s-signed up for."
Ewan doesn't see the scroll being put into the hidden lockbox, he is too preoccupied with the others returning from inside.
"Personally, I have no connection to this Lady, and have no need to stick around for her benefit. However, I have an interest in continuing to travel with the majority of this group. I agree with Ewan, but if needed I can wait to see these ruins."
Was it really just a day? Perhaps she was hasty, or had other reasons. Merion files this in his mind as a data point, one way or another, about the Lady.
To Nempura and Helgar, Merion asks What shall I ask her, then?
With their companions all in line, and the job open to them according to Aina, Nempura responds to Merion, "I would just mention to her that for some of us in the group, we'd rather not be idle in occupation for some time and an opportunity has presented itself to secure some funding. Then explain how this job will take a week or so and we will return and will be in contact with her. Hoping that by that time the Lady will be able to use her contacts to find someone or something that knows a bit more about the boy and what was seen in her office."
Nempura, being a bit of a worrywart in this situation is constantly looking at the wagon train to make sure they aren't leaving yet, so she does see the leather book handed to the lead driver. She assumes it is their ledger for what must be bought and sold at each location.
Merion nods to Nempura, and steps from the group, moving to the side of Jokinen's and ensuring nobody is about. There, he whistles for the bird, which comes flying to him, and gives it a crust of bread.
He quietly says to it, Fly to my work, and tell the Lady: The group has work that will take a week. I am going with them. They will come see her when they are back. He looks around again to see if anyone is paying undue attention, then continues. Tell me what she says to that. He looks at it affectionately, then turns and rejoins the party. I have sent it. Let us see what she says. When the bird finishes pecking at the crust, it takes off and flies back into the city.
Presumably Lady Pakkanen is familiar with this means of communication and it's one of the ways I am valuable to her.
The group of you stand around as the bird flies away, up and over the walls of the city into the city.
The cards are finished being loaded and two drivers per cart begin getting situated on the front of the cards. A few other people seem to gather next to the wagons. It is hard to tell if they are guards, or people who just happen to be traveling that know it is safer to travel with a caravan than it is alone.
The bird responds as if it fully understands you and takes off with a purpose.
Nempura will make her presence known to those in the position of guards for the caravan. Informing that they may end up being hired on as potential additional guards, not subtracting from their wages; just helping out. She also will inform the merchant(s) in the caravan as to who is going to help protect them.
After brief introductions are made and information given concerning their current situation of waiting for word, she will return to the group to await the arrival of the bird. Hopefully, it bears good news and she can let Aina know as soon as possible for the preparation of their horses.
The few wagons seem to be ready to head out, and then you see Aina walk out of the main office towards the group of you. You also notice Albin climb upon the back of his horse when he sees Aina.
Approaching with a questioning look on her face; “What’s it going to be? I’ve got goods to move, and I can’t wait longer. Paying cargo takes priority. If you want the horses and wagon I can have them ready to go for payment to guard the caravan.”
Over a little bit of time you sense that your bird (what’s its name?) has determination to accomplish its mission of finding the Lady. That empathic link suddenly gives you a sense of panic and worry, that eventually settles down back into the determination.
"Well, the bird has yet to return. They are pretty fast though. It shouldn't take much longer, I'd imagine. You said the caravan is leaving within the hour? If we tarry too long, you can just send it. I'll come in and let you know the minute the bird arrives. If we're too late, we're too late." She looks toward the stables. "I just hope you'll have enough horses left to rent."
Merion, who has been leaning against the wall of Jokinen's, finds Nempura. It is taking longer than I thought for my bird to find her. If the opinion of the group is that this journey is to be taken, I have often found that asking forgiveness is better than asking permission. What are your thoughts?
"I h-have al-ready s-spoken my m-mind. I w-want to em-bark on th-this caravan."
As to emphasize his words he walks up to one of the carts and climbs aboard. Introducing himself quickly to the driver as one of the guards for the first trek.
"Y-you com-coming or wh-what? "
Aina listens to the four of your talking, and the differences in what is being said. She gets the sense that there are a few task at hand with the group of you and speaks up; “If this bird of yours,” she says with questioning look; “Is able to make its way and somehow communicate what it needs to, it really shouldn’t be a problem for it to return. That is, unless it makes its way across an ally cat.” she give a joking smile to Merion.
“How about I go and get your 5 horses and cart ready. You can load up and see if your bird is back yet.” unless you ask anything of her, she makes her way towards the stable and begins shouting order for her stable hands to get horses prepared for the journey.
Albin rides up from atop his horse; “I don’t mean to step in where I am not needed. But I have known some adventurers I have traveled with to have similar animal companions. A few had magical means for their companion to locate them if they were to become disconnected. Do you have a bond like that with your beautiful looking Thrush?”
You get the feeling of excitement, and returning sensation. The joy it feels being back beside its friend, and master.
"That sounds great, thanks," she answers Aina after hearing her companions and keeps an eye to the horizon for the bird.
"Well, let's see what happens here. I suppose we can help them get ready to go."
Nempura wants her horse to get used to it before riding it. In the presence of the stablemaster, she probably can get a better-behaved horse. She also will make sure the pack animals have the proper gear for hauling sacks of goods if needed, as well as feed.
Once everything is supervised, she hopes the bird has returned by then before the final stages of them getting ready are complete.
To Albin, He's named Robin. It's a bit of a joke.
As he feels the connection strengthen, Merion looks up to the sky although he knows the bird could be anywhere within a mile. He adds to the group, He's coming back, though I think he's too excited to return for me to tell the result.
He looks around to see the horses, trying to figure out which ones would be easiest to ride, but deciding to let the others pick first. Some of them look like they'd have opinions one way or another, and I bet Arren would compete with me for the tamest...let her have that one.
Helgar happily joined the group as they made ready to move out. It had felt like a false start, but they were moving. And as far as the dwarf was concerned, so long as they were putting one foot in front of the other, then all would be well.
"Glad that ye know how to drive this." Helgar said, sitting next to Ivar. "A useful skill. I'll watch and learn, if ye don't mind."
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After a short while, you see Merion’s Thrush, Robin, return and perch upon his shoulder. Softly singing in his ear before fluttering off.
In the song of its voice, Robin returns with the Lady’s reply. “A week will be good. I should know more of the child and possibly of the locations in Nempura’s visions. I found nothing about the ephod. Urge them to use it in their journeys to discover what it purpose is. Stay vigilant.”
One of Aina’s stable men leads out two horses that are pulling a small, covered wagon. Seems to be enough for a few passengers and their belongings.
Following behind him are a few more hands leading out horses that are equipped with bit & bridle, harness, riding saddle, and a saddlebag.
Aina comes out to the group following the horses. “These horses are older, but they listen well and don’t spook as easily. I figured they would be the best for you group. It looks like the lot of you might not have the most experience riding.” Pointing to the bird fluttering around Merion; “I take it your messenger has returned? If so, we need to head out. Is there anything you need of me?”
Ewan looks inquisitively at one of the riding horses, a chestnut mare with white socks, figuring how he might actually saddle up properly. He comes close to the horse and pats it tenderly across its mane and whispers.
"You are a beautiful creature. I haven't ridden a horse yet. So... Be patient with me alright?"
Ewan tries to hop onto the noble animal after a tentative one-two he boosts himself and tries to swing his left leg across the saddle.
Surprisingly, even to himself, Ewan manages to land almost perfectly in the saddle, causing little to no discomfort to the horse beneath him.
Wow, would you look at that. Even made it on my first try. He smiles merely to himself as he looks left and right of him.
"Th-thank you v-very m-much Aina. I th-think th-this w-will w-work out q-qui-quite w-well. Does she h-have a name?"
"Why would a horse need a name?" Heglar asked, with genuine curiosity. "Can they understand names?"
Merion nods in response to Ivar's question. She says a week is well. You-we are clear to go.
He looks over the horses, watching Ewan's mounting and, when it's his turn, attempting to replicate it.
Reaching the saddle in one piece, he can't help but laughing. Like a lord's view. I can understand the appeal, compared to trudging through the muck of the city.
Nempura nods to Aina and at Merion's go-ahead, she gives the final approval.
"We will agree to the three-day journey to Dulwich, after which, your uncle will have to take over as will need to accomplish our personal mission and return here within the week. Agreed?"
If so, she will mount up on the horse she readied and will settle into the saddle. Her bow will be ready for use at a moment's notice while the horse naturally will follow the caravan without much need for pulling it and steering it along the way.
Aina walks up to the large draft horses; “These two work horses are Agnus and Bruce.” brushing their noses. Pointing to the one Ewan is on; “This is Coco,” pointing in order to the ones Arren, Merion, and Nempura are handling; “They are Sissy, Wildfire, and Whiskey. Don’t mind the names, they have calmed down in their age. But the fire still churns and they can still flat out run if needed… just hold on tight.”
Walking over to the wagon; “Everything with the wagon should be good to go. My guys go over them each day before we send them out. I did not send any feed for the horses, they just ate and as long as everything goes as planned you should be there before nightfall.” pointing to the lead wagon driver; “Hank has all the documents and permits for the goods we are transferring, along with the coin for the taxes we will incur as we travel. That includes the taxes and stabling cost for my horses you are riding. Beyond that, you’re going to have to cover yourselves.”
With a waive to Hank from Aina, Hank lets out a high pitched whistle between his fingers and urges his wagon to move forward, and the two follow behind him.
As those wagons begin moving, travelers who are walking start to take their position besides the wagons. Two more horses ride alongside the wagons. One man, one woman. Both equipped with a sword at their hip and a strung bow across their lap. Each of them are wearing a flexible but protective set of Studded Leather Armor.
Albin brings his horse up to the group; “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll ride beside my new friend Findal and his driver.” pointing off to the last wagon before heading off next to them.
The caravan is heading off down the South Road from Languard to Wellswood for its first stop. It is roughly 9, 10 in the morning and should make it to Wellswood just at the tail end of dinner time, 6pm.
"Ahh...much better than walking, eh Whiskey?" she thinks and looks down at her horse as she rides onward. To Ivar, she nods.
"I will probably be moving forward and backward along the flanks of the caravan as we go, just to make sure that nothing is askew. I do want to keep my eyes on Hank's wagon mostly due to him having the most gold and being the largest target for thievery."
As Albin brings up his horse near to them she listens and shrugs, "Sure Albin, do as you please. You are a passenger on the road to retirement. Do as you like!"
There is a happy smile on her face as if she is celebrating for the man. In a way, she feels bad for him. If truthful, and not a villain, he deserves to truly relax on the way down. He's lived a life as an adventurer and is now giving it all up. She can't imagine how bored he will become.
On the road, Nempura will sing some beautiful songs in draconic along the way. If the gnome or anyone else in hearing her wishes a song, she will entertain them with observant eyes on the caravan and will sing numerous songs to each of them along the way. At some point, Nempura will speak some with Albin's friend and listens to some of their style of conversation. Then she will move upward to Hank to speak some with him and see if he has some interesting stories to share. Then she will slow and let the caravan pass her by, letting the horse eat some wild grasses for a bit before repeating the process toward the front.
As they break for lunch or dinner, she will pull out some bread. After toasting it on the makeshift fire, she will spread some honey, peanut butter, and nuts over it. Nempura then will also make herself some tea. If they don't stop, however, she will just munch on a brick of wandermeal throughout the day. Her eyes do not leave the guardianship of her duty for even a moment, not even when singing.
Merion rides along, concentrating on finding his seat in the saddle and looking at the countryside. Robin flies above, moving from tree to tree and keeping an eye out for anything that Merion would find untoward or unusual. He watches the others to see how well they ride relative to what he thought, but is quiet for the most part. Something is odd about this, but I don't think we've reached the strange part yet.
The driver sets a slow pace while still within the Languard limits beyond its gates and walls. But once the buildings become spaced out and the country opens up, Hank quickens the pace. It isn’t a blazing pace for the horses, or for those walking to keep up. But, you sure are happy you are on a horse or riding the wagon.
It is a nice day. There is a cool breeze off the bay coming in from the west that brings with it the familiar smells of the sea. Thankfully the tide isn’t low to have trapped fish causing them to die and rot.
After a few hours or riding you notice the straight road ahead of you begins to bend to the right.
Just as you pass the final hills that dot the valley of the mountains, you notice within a thicket that there appears to be a wagon hidden within its overgrowth.
As time passes, those walking or riding besides Nempura seem to be in a better mood than those who aren’t near her. Something about a song while traveling seems to make the miles and hours go by quicker. Those traveling ask Nempura is she a performer, where has she performed, has she ever performed for the king. Most of these people are commoners that are awestruck with her talents.
Most of the conversations had are simple conversations about life, families, and reasons for traveling. The group of you chime in, but learn only basic information about their lives and living.
As Ivar calls out to two of the guards they fall back on either side of the wagon. They introduce themselves as Thomas and Matthew. They are in their early to mid-twenties. They don’t appear to look as young as they are. As most of you would know, being a guard, let alone a traveling merchant guard, ages you quickly. Matthew speaks up; “News came down that there’d be more to the escort. Bit of a relief if you ask me. Jokinens lost two caravans in the last six months. Caravans… not wagons.”
Thomas from the other side speaks up; “Oh, don’t let him spook ya. Only one was taken by orcs, the other was just bandits.” Kind of thinking to himself; “Guess they were both lost in the end. But hey, at least bandits don’t eat their captives. Always keep a dagger nearby, I’ll never find myself alive in the orc’s cookpot.” The matter of facts and grimness of his statement would catch Ivar and Helgar off guard, along with anyone else that is within earshot.
“How’d you earn that beauty mark?” Matthew says pointing to Ivar’s scar across his face.
As the ride creeps towards and past noon, Hank does not stop to eat.
It is strange to Nempura when she smells the sea. The decrepit smell of soot, stain and other nastiness not worth mentioning often takes place of the beautiful smell that meets her nose now.
With others asking for her songs, she chuckles afterward and answers to the various people who asked:
"I do perform, as often as possible. When not adventuring or doing hazardous jobs, it is a nice way to get some decent coin doing what I love."
"Catebas, Greenbriar. Some places down the coast you might not have heard of. In Languard, a few taverns, most notably the Orc's Head."
"Not for the king, no, but some of his nobles in their homes, sure."
Ingrid listened along to the conversation, quietly taking it in. It was good to get away from the water, even if the conversations could not completely avoid the talk of the ocean. Still, it was good to know that the man was experienced enough that should such horror happen again, he would be trusted to hold the line.
Arren smiles as they travel down the road, enjoying the feel of good company and the sun on her face.
Ewan enjoys the talking with the different people comprising this caravan, riding more to the front to talk with the encompanying guards Thomas and Mattie and find out how a life on the road is different from a life at sea.
As the group passes the final hill of the valley, Ewan halts for a moment and looks off to the side. That almost seems like one of those wagons we're travelling with. Could this have been abandoned?
"H-hey! Th-there's an ab-aban-abandoned wagon in that th-thicket over th-there. M-maybe worth a l-look?"
"Sure," she answers Ewan. "Just be careful, it may be a trap."
Merion hears Ewan's cry and whistles for Robin, who flies to him. Let me see what a little bird may tell us, before we rush in. Robin flutters to a branch of the thicket, and looks about for something that may interest the humans, or a small forest creature for that matter.
Mattie’s eyes widened; “Viking? Aina hired a viking? I’ve heard of your kind before; you raid and pillage towns leaving death and destruction in your wake. What separates you from bandits?”
Thomas cough laughs; “You did just hear his story right? He took an axe to the head and is still alive.” shaking his head he gives his horse a little squeeze with his legs to move it forward.
Mattie watches Thomas as he rides off. Looking at Ivar, her eyes go from his eyes to the scar than back. Suddenly Ewan calls out; H-hey! Th-there's an ab-aban-abandoned wagon in that th-thicket over th-there. M-maybe worth a l-look? Mattie smiles back to Ivar as he hops down to investigate.
You approach the thicket that the covered wagon is within. You can see weeds growing thick under the wagon and vines creeping in and out of the spokes of the wheels and starting to go up the sides. The fabric of the covering is torn through as a tree is growing out of the wagon.
"They are also renowned as bodyguards, especially for the rich lookin' to make a scene." Helgar interjected. "Watch him, aye. But judge him on what actions he takes. At the very least, he has been upfront and honest with us. If he sought to kill us all in our sleep and steal our boots, then he would not have shared his life story with us." She finished, not bothering to look at any of the arguing humans. Instead she kept her eyes on the horses. Out of everyone there, she found them to be the least trustworthy.
Merion dismounts as the group has stopped. Stretching his legs (long in the saddle for one unused to it), he waits for Robin to return, moving close enough that he can see the bird and note any threats to it. He has drawn and loaded his hand crossbow in case there are any, and so will approach within 60 feet of the thicket (close enough to move and shoot if needed).
Should Robin give the all clear, and anyone else approach closer, he will accompany them (asking Robin to return to him) and look to see any signs that will tell when it was abandoned, or of more recent presence.