Sandru looks shocked as well at Sir Alric's reaction to his little joke. "I'm sorry, I was just trying to lighten the mood. Of course, I know you'd never do such a thing."
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"Welcone. What can I do for you, Miss Ceara?" Before she can answer, though, there is a commotion outside, from one of the nearby caravans. A young woman, accompanied by a half-elven male dressed as a university guard, is in a loud argument with the leader of second the caravan to your left. The leader appears to be highly insulted by whatever she has said, but after a few moments he allows the two to examine his wagons, loudly proclaiming his innocence to all the gods. From the pair's actions after the search, he does seem to be innocent, of whatever they were accusing him of, at least. The pair moves on to the next caravan, seemingly intent on searching all of them. "Now, what is THAT all about?" wonders Sandru.
"I think that moving on is the most practical solution. Once we get to Galduria, we can check to see if there are any further reports of this bandit." Sandru pauses, thinking. "We should still be on our guard. I'll have a few of the extra drivers ride guard, and we'll double up on watch at night. We're about two and a half days out from Galduria, so that shouldn't put too much of a strain on us."
"The reports vary. At least 20, based on multiple attacks. They're also taking prisoners, so it may be a slaver group playing off the name."
Sandru reviews your purchases and hires when he returns, then speaks to all of you privately before you leave. "I'm a little suspicious of these two, but I'd rather have them where we can keep an eye on them. Better the threat we know, as the saying goes. Also, while in Magnimar, I learned that there's been reports of raids by a legendary bandit, one Ranulfr the White, returned after years...or someone using his name. We'll need to keep an eye out on the road."
"Hm. It might be better if I went. You go ahead and order the covered wagon and get things set up. Either of my partners will be happy to help you, as would Ameiko or even Koya. In fact, you might just get better service dropping her name, rather than mine. I'll head down to Magnimar, and be back in three days. After that we'll go over all the supplies and trade goods, and we should be able to set out within a week, total. Is that satisfactory for everyone?" He looks around at the rest of the group still here. "Does anyone else have any ideas or suggestions?"
Sandru nods. "Certainly. In fact, if you wish, I'll come too."
Sandru thinks deeply. "Best...hmm. I do have to admit a preference for Varisians." Here he smiles, sheepishly. "Still, I don't think we need to be too complex. After all, while we will do some trading on this trip, it's more of a support crew for an expedition, rather than a pure trade caravan. We're headed to Brinewall to find out what happened to Ameiko's grandfather and to see if we can locate this 'warding box'. I'd recommend single adults, those used to dangerous travels and not afraid of possible hauntings. Not to say we couldn't bring a family, just that we probably shouldn't." He thinks more. "As for wagons? If all you want are more covered wagons, the wainwright here is very good, and may even have some in stock. Anything else, we should probably get from Magnimar, though that would add about three days to our preparations, one there, one to purchase, then one to return. Personally, I think I'd recommend one more covered wagon and, given that we'll be off the usual paths on the final leg, a chuck wagon to simplify food preparation." He laughs. "Besides, while Ameiko's -supposedly- a great cook, I'm not sure she can do it without the proper tools." There's a snort from Ameiko's direction and a mug mysteriously bonks him on the head.
"I haven't met them much myself. All are new in town. Hm. Fibek seems to be...more used to be in charge. I suspect he's some type of elven nobility, but he does seem more willing to listen than some -even human- nobility I've met. Vak, Ikshvaku Charayana, is from a Vudrani trading clan based in Magnimar. I've dealt with them before and they're decent folks. Irori followers and friends of Niska and Koya. As for the boy, Braydon...though I guess he's not a boy, really...he's also an Irori follower. I'm not sure why his mentor left him here, though he did speak with Sheriff Hemlock and Shalelu first. Ask them. If there's an issue with him, I'd like to know before we leave. Still, Koya and Ameiko seem to like him."
Sandru smiles ruefully. "I, too, apologize. I do appreciate your efforts, I prefer a well planned trip as well. Let's go over your plans, and I'll let you know if I see any issues, though...aside from those two, I don't see any other immediate issues."
Sandru looks at Fibek's lists, rather upset. "I -appreciate- that you're only trying to help. BUT...I am the Caravan Master and Ameiko my employer. Do not hire anyone without our consent. You don't know anything about the local citizens and...these two, for instance..." he points at two names. "They work for my br...for the local cr...they're Sczarni. Criminals, insults to all good Varisians. Even though their focus is on less violent crimes: robbery, pickpocketing, and confidence schemes, they generally target only non-Varisians. All that does is contributing to the stereotype of Varisians as untrustworthy thieves. I will NOT hire known Sczarni. Period."
Sandru listens to your plans, then comments "I think it might be best to try to limit the number of non-combatants involved. Most of us can do multiple things for the caravan; I for example can drive, trade, and do repairs. Koya will obviously provide the necessary fortunetelling we'll need along the way, but she can also heal, cast spells when needed, and even take a turn at guard. Ameiko's not only a great cook as well as an entertainer both for us and for crowds when we stop, but can also provide fortune-telling, guard duty, spellcasting, and trading. Shalelu, while less flexible, can serve as a guard and scout for us. Bevelek and Vankor currently are best utilized as drivers, but are learning to trade as well. And if we're adding wagons we'll need drivers for them as well. What do you folks bring to the table?"
Sandru nods. "That's still the best route, either way. As for supplies verses trade goods? Hm. A little of both, perhaps. We can trade on the way, as I'd like to have supplies for at least another two weeks to a month once we reach Brinewall. We've no idea how long we'll be there, after all, and I'd prefer to be prepared." He looks over at Koya and Fibek. "And if either of you can cast any food creating spells, they would prove useful as well."
"Well, then, that settles it."says Sandru. "My partners and I can provide two wagons; a sturdy covered wagon and a supply wagon, but we'll need more. Five is the smallest number that should travel together for safety reasons." Koya speaks up "I can use Mother's old Fortuneteller's wagon. She kept it in very good condition. Said it was a Varisian's duty to do so. So that's three. I guess the rest depend on what we'll be doing on our way there."
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