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Caravan leader, you say? I have just the man for the job! Spent many a year ferrying goods through the River Kingdoms along the Sellen River. But a feud with the cult of Gyronna convinced him that trading his barge for a set of wagons and moving his business further south would be beneficial to his health and his prospects for reaching old age.
"Well fought, all of you. You all have the right stuff for the task, that's for sure. Now, quickly, before they wake up - hack a hole in the bottom of the barge. It should sink them slowly enough for the survivors to come too and get close to shore, but leave the stranded out here. By the time they get back to Xer, we will be long gone."
Kale stands and shouts back in a defiant tone "Sail on by and leave us to our business, priest! Your masked god holds no power here. These waters are the domain of Hanspur, and I'll not risk his wrath by letting any of you set foot on my boat."
"Besmara's salty snatch! Stow those poles and get to your posts. They may rule their stinking city, but out here on the water, I live by the River Freedoms. They can talk all they like, but they ain't getting on my boat. Prepare to repel boarders if need be." Kale curses and turns the rudder towards the incomming boat so the Tatzlwyrm won't present it's broad side.
"We are almost set to sail, and I paid off the necessary people here on the docks, so I don't expect any trouble. You never know, though, so stay sharp. I don't intend to pay any more than I already have. Once we reach open river, we still have to get past their faith barges. Bah! Little more than common pirates, is what they are, and getting bolder every day." Kale says, as he counts off the items stored in the cargo deck.
Captain Kale issues a few more orders to the dock workers, then turns to survey the group. "You stand with the rest, missy. On my boat, you won't be treated any better or worse, just 'cause you happen to be packing a pair of teats. As long as you pull your weight and keep my cargo safe, I couldn't care less what's between yer legs." Kale says in response to Genevieva's playful jest. "All right, listen up, the lot of ya. You are all here because the masked priest and their lackeys took it upon themselves to lock up my security crew. Seems they've taken a special interest in making sure the boats that leave here are in no condition to refuse their requests of "tithes", should they come upon one of their thrice-damned "faith barges". I have no intention of dithering around here long enough for them to send another gang of goons to "bless" my cargo before departure, so we'll be leaving within the hour. I need strong bodies to keep my boat, my crew and my cargo safe, and it would seem like you are all I have to choose from. Right then. I offer three square meals a day, a place for your bedroll in the cargo hold and payment of fifty gold pieces per head upon our safe arrival to Tymon. Them's the terms, and they ain't like to change, so if you're in, then grab your gear and jump on board. If not..." He spits on the dock planks, as if daring anyone to argue. He scans the group, taking count of them. "Hmm...four of you. I'd like one or two more, but I'll make do with whomever is on board once the last crate is in place."
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