Ingle is surprised that no one seems to take any interest in the familiar names included in the raven's missive. "Odd," he says quietly. They are obviously too caught up in their little... debate, I suppose you could call it. Purely philosophical, though it be. The only kind of debate not worth having, if anyone were to ask me. Though I don't suppose they will. He shakes his head at that thought. The only men to ever change their beliefs after a debate like this are the weak willed. Obviously that's not a problem here...
As the conversation continues the half-elf grows more and more restless.
"As to the others, by Oleg and Svetlana's testimony, they are frequent...visitors...here, and have terrorized them several times.
"Did they say that?" Ingle wondered aloud. He looks for a moment at the defiant captive and then turns to Oleg. "Have you seen this one before, Oleg?" he asks, indicating the bound captive.
"Did they say that?" Ingle wondered aloud. He looks for a moment at the defiant captive and then turns to Oleg. "Have you seen this one before, Oleg?" he asks, indicating the bound captive.
"I was referencing the two that are wounded over there, Ingle. I do not recall if he mentioned seeing this one before. He denies ever having been here before. Regardless, the question currently lies here: do we heal the two there in order to question them? It seems moot, seeing as the location of the bandit base is relatively confirmed by the two captive's statements. If we are agreed their sentence is death, it would be merciful on our part to end their suffering now as opposed to heal them only to likely get the same story these two have given us."
I'm sure Rorgrym is going to like that statement...but it's the truth.
Kragath turns to Jonas, noting the solemn look on his face. "Ser Medvyed, it would seem that we are in agreement at least on the sentences of those two there. Unless you think they could grant us more information, I say we should end their suffering," Kragath says, gesturing to the two wounded men. "As to these two, a decision needs to be made. I have spoken my peace on what I feel their sentence should be."
"Ah, I see," Ingle says.
As the paladin returns his attention to Jonas, the alchemist listens for a moment beforerising, muttering, "I'll just go back to minding my own business, shall I?"
Wandering over to Svetlana's side he inquires quietly, "You wouldn't happen to have any brandy by chance? And a reading lamp?"
"As I told you previously, Rorgrym, we had fairly well decided that we will be open to alternatives to those who are truly repentant of their deeds. For myself," Kragath points to the young boy who is in tears, "I feel he is truly repentant. I would be willing to let him serve under Oleg and Svetlana here at the trading post for a period no less than five years, in order to earn his freedom, with an appropriate mark placed upon him to make him easily recognizable. As to the others, by Oleg and Svetlana's testimony, they are frequent...visitors...here, and have terrorized them several times. Even though the other man surrendered, he still sought to take up arms against us, and also did not show any remorse for his actions. In my opinion, he should receive the same punishment as the others."
Rorgrym is flabbergasted by Kragath's statement. "Alternatives? To the law? What validity does our charter have but by Brevan law? There are many laws with which I do not agree but we did not take this mission for our own benefit or entitlement but on behalf of the Council. You are the last person I would have suspected of entertaining such a notion. If we're just going to do whatever we wish then we should at least be honest about it and throw that charter in the fire right now. And you've ignored my question, Ser Lightbringer: are you saying that Oleg and Svetlana have no right to expect Brevish law to be carried out?."
Looks at the sniveling bandit. "Perhaps the crying whelp is remorseful. But Oleg's, as he himself has said, isn't a jail and there is no means to force any bandit, repentant or otherwise, to stay here. Or to stop one from running back and informing their entire organization about us. Are you willing to stake the success of our mission and perhaps our very lives on your belief that this person is truly repentant? Do your "alternatives" take into account the value of my life, Ser Lightbringer?"
Rorgrym looks around exasperated. "And I also see that no one has even bothered to discuss the inherent flaws in going after the other bandits."
"Nevermind then; if my comments are to be ignored, my questions unanswered, and my opinions to be held of no value then I leave you to play being at being King of Oleg's. If you ask nicely, perhaps he'll fashion a crown for you." Rorgrym will walk off and find a quiet place in the post where he can no longer hear any of the discussion going on.
Peregrine regarded the situation with silence, thinking furiously about how to best proceed. He glanced up however at the mention of the two wounded men however. Stepping closer to Kragath he leaned in spoke. "One of those men was identified as the second in command at the camp, he may have more information about the other camps than the men we've spoken to."
Kragath listens to Peregrine's whispered comment, and nods. "That is true, Ser Fetch. But unless we heal him now and begin questioning him in that regard, then we continue to lose time that could be spent rooting out the source of the local problem. Kragath then watches as Rorgrym storms off, and a look of frustration comes across his face.
Well, this is just pleasant. Day one is barely ending and we have already got a rebellious element within the party, and from a clergy...dwarf...at that.
Kragath bows and excuses himself from the conversation, "I shall deal with the Dwarf, Ser's. I have spoken my mind on the other prisoners, and believe we are in accord on that matter. If not, I shall return shortly." He then follows the dwarf to his location away from everything.
"Rorgrym. I'm going to handle this as delicately as I can, as I do not wish to cause you any ill will towards ourselves, nor incline anyone else in the party to bear any towards yourself. However, you may not enjoy what I have to say." Kragath moves in closely to Rorgrym, pulling the charter out as he does so. "We were all present and listened carefully to the reading of this charter before we signed it, as opposed to your cursory glance at it earlier. As such, I shall read it to you and explain how we interpret it."
Kragath unrolls the charter, glaring at the dwarf as he does so. He begins to read the charter, "'Be it so known that the bearers of this charter, lead by Jonas Medvyed and Kragath Lightbringer,' which means, Ser Dwarf, that when Jonas and myself decide a course of action, we have decided, and expect the group to act upon it. Do we appreciate the council and advice of everyone else on the charter? Of course. However, if leaders have to wait until they formulate a plan of action that pleases everyone, nothing would ever be done. As such, we expect you, as well as everyone else on the charter, will trust in our decisions that we have weighed the viewpoints and have chosen the course of action that is best for everyone."
Kragath continues, "'have been granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt, charged by the Swordlords of Restov, with authority vested within them by the office of the Dragonscale Throne,' as you say, this charter gives us the authority to enforce the laws of the Dragonscale Throne, but it does not state that we are forced to. As such, we have decided to treat the Greenbelt as the uncharted land that it is, and will strive to dole out justice in the fairest ways that we know how. So, do Oleg and Svetlana, living so close to Brevan lands, have the right to expect Brevan law enforced? Yes. However by their own statement, they are open to the idea of a merciful punishment for any who show a willingness to reconcile their crimes."
Kragath eyes Rorgrym intently as he explains that last part, then proceeds, "'Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and west and sixty miles south of Oleg’s Trading Post. The carriers of this charter should also STRIVE against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for UNREPENTANT banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope,' so while our mission here is the exploration of the Greenbelt, we are obviously charged with rooting out criminals when we encounter them. And we have, and to not attempt to bring an end to it now only weakens our ability to explore the area. If we do not end Kressel's group now, we leave Oleg's open to retribution, even if it is guarded tomorrow. We know that only seven men are coming to guard this fortification. What if she meets up with the main body and attacks here with 30? If we eliminate her threat now, we postpone any sort of retributive action, perhaps long enough for this fort to be brought to a defensible status, as well as long enough for potential reinforcements to arrive. Also, even under Brevan law, it is stated that UNREPENTANT banditry is punishable by death. I have spoken my mind as to how I feel those men deserve to be sentenced, so I will not repeat myself here."
Kragath then begins to roll up the charter, "'So witnessed on this 24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov, Dame Sarrona Lebeda of House Lebeda, etc., etc.' So, Rorgrym, what I basically mean to get across here is this: If you cannot abide by the decisions I and Ser Medvyed come to, then perhaps you should rethink your place on this charter. However, we would be honored to have your continued service in this endeavor, but if you stay with us, dissentive outbursts such as the one you just displayed will not be tolerated. Think about this, then return to us with your answer."
Kragath then turns and moves back to the group, returning the charter to it's place on his person as he does so.
I do not enjoy giving lectures such as that. Every man has the right to question leadership, but to so openly vocalize doubts in the groups leadership unchecked simply opens doors for problems later. The group needs to see that we will not tolerate such actions, without feeling oppressed.
When Kragath returns, he appears to be in discomfort from the conversation he just returned from, but is attempting to hide it. Poorly.
"I...I dunno, they didn't speak to me, just threatened me and...and did things...I don't know how to draw, I don't..." the boy whimpers to Gathien. He has curled up into a ball. Tears coat the ground underneath his face. "They told us... we didn't... we had to, they said, or they would..."
At Ingle's inquiry, both Oleg and Svetlana shake their heads. "Trut' b'told, ne'er seen th' one before. 'E's got th' right o'it, first time ah've lain eyes o'im."
"Afraid we got no brandy, dear. We ain't wont ter stayin' up this late, so ain't got no lamp fer readin'. Got a lantern if yeh need'un."
When Kragath returns, the older bandit throws a strange glance his ways... before he sets into a smirk, his eyes narrowed with... it is difficult to say.
Gathien tries to soothe the youth, Even curled up as he is, he's almost bigger than I am. What do I do?, finally deciding to pat his back gently.
He whispers to the boy, trying to keep his tone reassuring, "What did they say? We plan on dealing with them and making sure they can't follow through on the threat, but it would help if we knew what kind of hold they have over you and the others."
He trembles at your touch. His voice breaks often as he tries to speak. "They said... said we had to come here and steal, like b-bandits, and if we did they wouldn't hurt us, but they...they...they still ... Hepps, he..."
He chokes for a second, and doesn't say anything else - he merely trembles.
When Kragath returns, the older bandit throws a strange glance his ways... before he sets into a smirk, his eyes narrowed with... it is difficult to say.
Kragath looks at him with a look of frustration, "Exactly what, pray tell, reason do you have to look so smug, criminal?"
His smile doesn't wane, though you can see something in his eyes. "I see the resemblance, oh yes. Tell me, Kragath Lightbringer, did the great white wolf tell the cub how he came to live once more after he clipped the wings of the great hawk of flame?"
Carefully ruminating over a plan of action to bring some order to this mess, Peregrine had been about pull Kragath aside again when the bandit spoke his cryptic taunt. Silently cursing at the added complication, Peregrine looked at the paladin. "You would do well to ignore him."
Gathien nods, "I thought as much. We will add that to the list of their crimes -- and we will deal with them before they have a chance to hurt you.."
Gathien considers the strong reaction and adds, "or, rather, hurt you again."
He then walks back to the group and motions to the paladin.
Gathien sighs, and says even more quietly, "Personally, I believe that this is the sort of thing we are here to prevent from happening."
He then looks up to the paladin, his eyes almost pleading, despite his measured tone, "I know that I have already had my say in this. I know that the paper you carry states that the decision is not mine to make. I know all of these things, and though I may not like it, I signed that paper, and so I will accept it. But I thought you should know, before you decide for all of us."
Gathien leaps off the crate without waiting for a response...
He then makes his way over to stand near Ingle saying, "Have you a potion to cure this headache, Duckie? I could use such a thing."
"Afraid we got no brandy, dear. We ain't wont ter stayin' up this late, so ain't got no lamp fer readin'. Got a lantern if yeh need'un."
"A pity," Ingle says, berating himself for not thinking to bring any with him. "Thank you all the same, dear lady. I believe I'll just wait for these gentlemen to... well, find common ground, I suppose."
Ingle's impatience with the situation is apparent on his face, but he's determined to bare with it until they reached some sort of conclusion. As the bandit speaks out to Kragath, the alchemist's interest is piqued, however. "Ah, an interesting development," he says sidelong to Svetlana. "Who is the Great Hawk of Flame, do you suppose? A wonderfully evocative nom de plume."
At Gathien's request the half-elf shakes his head. "Sadly, no. If I had the proper ingredients I could work something up, but..." He falls silent for a moment. "You talked to the boy? I'll stand behind the paladin, or Jonas... But if they hang that lad, I'll..." He fell silent again, half watching the exchange between Kragath and the ruffian, half somewhere else.
His smile doesn't wane, though you can see something in his eyes. "I see the resemblance, oh yes. Tell me, Kragath Lightbringer, did the great white wolf tell the cub how he came to live once more after he clipped the wings of the great hawk of flame?"
Kragath looks at the thug, mildly confused, then asks as much as demands, "Explain yourself, bandit. What do you mean by that? Speak!"
Gathien nods as Ingle trails off... If they mean to hang the boy, they'll have to go through me to do it.
"That beget your attention quickly enough. So he didn't tell you. It isn't a question. "Might be I should, might be I shouldn't. Why should I speak to the fool of a man who brands, who judges when he knows nothing? You are much like your father, Kragath Lightbringer. Might be you won't tread his path, if you have half a mind to listen."
"Listen you will. Yes, I will confess to certain crimes. The crime of stealing bread so I could feed my little brother. The crime of snatching a purse of links every now and then for the comfort of a bed for a night, while grey ships scoured the waters to hunt us down, lead by the great white wolf."
"Yet you presume to judge. Judge based on my being here. Yes, if tonight had gone by without incident, might be you could find me guilty for being a low-born bandit, a thief. Yet, might be it is luck that brought you here. Or fate. As it was, nothing was stolen, no-one was raped, no-one was murdered."
"But why, yes? Why join bandits? It has been thirteen years with the great wolf at our heels, the grey ships closing in - and I have long since resolved to live. We were caught by marauders - this sorry lot," he nudges at the leader and the other bandit, "And all that could be done to live then was to throw ourselves on our knees and plead to be spared. And so it came to be. At a price. We were to join them, or die."
"When we came to the camp, our...loyalty were to be tested twice. That's when Kressle gave the order and Hepps... made a man my little brother. 'One word', she said, 'and his throat will be opened. Don't look away.'"
"Couple of days later, they sent us with Hepps to fetch the goods, and if we returned without complaint, might be we were allowed to join them. And now we're here, tied up, about to be branded and judged, by men who know nothing."
The man grows quiet, and the smile on his lips is perpetual - though weaker...
You're unsure what symbol would represent a great hawk of flame, but you do recognise the Grey Ship of House Surtova; and the Great White Wolf used to be a moniker of Krovax Lightbringer - supposedly before he took on the name of Lightbringer.
Kragath tries to follow the man's story, and the reference continually makes to his father. "If I understand you correctly, you say that my father, who you reference as a 'great wolf' hunted you and your family for some reason. If this is the case, then it seems to me that you have had a long history of being on the wrong side of the law."
Kragath turns slightly away from the bandit, deep in thought. Father never mentioned ever having been called "The Great White Wolf" before. Could this man just be making up a clever story to attempt to gain sympathy from me in hopes of a merciful sentence? Is the crying boy his younger brother he spoke of?
Kragath turns and walks over to Jonas, still thinking as he speaks, "I think this man knows something of a larger plot than what this Hepps was involved in. We need to question him further, wouldn't you agree?"
"Like father, like son. I will enjoy watching you disgrace the Master of the First Vault, like your father did. You speak so proudly of right and wrong - yet you know nothing." The man shrugs, yet his expression hasn't changed.
Kragath stops suddenly, his posture tense. He turns, rage filling the gaze that falls directly on the bandit. Without moving his gaze, he says, "Release this man, and give him his weapon. I will not stand here and let a common criminal insult the honor of me, my father, and my service to Abadar."
Kragath then steadily draws his sword and shield, then moves to give the man room to stand.
Jonas shrugs slightly, but grabs the man's sword. He cuts his bonds with his own sword and puts the blade on the ground before him. You have been challenged. Consider this a trial by blade. You win and you will go free with your brother. You lose and your life is forfeit.
Gathien says, disgustedly, "Insults offered are not a capital crime, else the Alchemist and I would both be dead several days ago. Pitting a half-starved and scared man against one who has trained his entire life is not a trial -- it is an execution, even if it is dressed up to appear fair."
He then turns and walks away, heading back to the boy who suddenly seems better company.
The man for the first time looks visibly surprised... and then he smirks even wider when he his handed his blade. He swings his blade once, and twice, as he enters a recognisable stance, his eyes fixated on Kragath's sword. "Heh. Then by my honour..." he says, though it seems he is hesitating to say something. He continues shortly, "It is decreed by gods and men alike!"
"Raise your blade, Kragath Lightbringer!" he bellows with an authority that wasn't there before. He gestures with his hand, a taunt. "Strike me, as your honour demands!"
Kragath Initiative:
??? Initiative:
Kragath bellows out, "Have at thee villain!"
Abadar, guide my blade to strike down this villain!
As you strike, his eyes wake up and his smirk vanishes - he blocks your strike only barely as he retaliates - he only manages to hit your shield.
Kragath wheels around, his blade singing through the air right for the bandits neck.
His eyes gleam and he does a backwards sway, the blade less than an inch away from his face. Despite the fear in his face, his focus is very noticeable. As he retaliates, he again hits your shield.
Bringing his blade back, Kragath thrusts his shield upward, following through with his sword in a thrust for the mans chest.
The man sidesteps as he glides his blade against yours; in a flash of steel, the blade flies from your grasp. It clatters against the ground fifteen feet away. Startled, you just barely block the forceful blow that he so delivers, as he pushes you back. Fury is in his eyes.
Kragath moves back, shield raised, then continues to move towards his sword.
He rushes after Kragath, delivering another fierce blow - as Kragath retrieves his weapon, the man knocks it out of his hands once more. It lands next to Ingle, clattering against the cold ground.
Kragath raises his shield and tries to push the man back.
Rorgrym paid little attention to Kragath's lecture. After Kragath left, Rorgrym went to write a letter and was surprised to see a duel about to begin between an obvioulsy furious Kragath and a bandit that seemed to know him. Assuming that Kragath would easily dispatch the bandit, Rorgrym went into the Oleg's house to write his letter. Can Rorgrym tell from the house how the flow of battle is going?
As Kragath attempts to push him away, he pushes back with one hand. He makes a motion to strike from below, but as Kragath prepares to defend, he delivers an upwards strike, slashing him across the face.
Ingle let's out a long sigh as the night turns to violence once again. "Barbaric," he says, mostly to himself.
As the bandit handily disarms Kragath, his look of long-suffering turns to one of concern. The ruffian has talent. Unexpected talent at that. The second time the paladin is disarmed, Ingle's look turns to alarm. The sword slides next to him, and, truth be told, his first impulse was to kick the damned thing away from him.
Gathering his senses he reaches for the weapon, even as Kragath takes a slash to the face. "Paladin!" he shouts, prepared to pass the blade back.
Kragath raises his shield and again falls back, grasping his sword once again.
As Kragath steps back to grasp his blade, the man has a frightening gleam in his eye as he rushes forward; swinging his blade with unexpected force. As Kragath raises his blade to protect, the man pushes the blade away with the palm of his hand - blood trickles, but it does the trick. With excessive force, the man smashes the flat of his blade into Kragath's head, the paladin sways... and collapses.
Non-lethal attack:
Non-lethal damage:
Jona goes to blok Ingle from interfering, but finds it unnecessary. He nods to the man as he walks to stand next to Kragath's prone form. Per the terms of the duel, you and your brother are free to go. I hope you will not go back to the bandits, but we will not impede you. These others are sentenced to death by hanging for the crime of banditry. Their body's will be left upon the rope as a warning to others. Jonas nods once more to the man and says, You are more than you appear to be, can I ask your name stranger?
The man glances at Kragath's unconscious body as he sheathes his blade. He gives a curt nod at Jonas's words, and his posture changes. He holds the scabbard with his left hand. "As dictated, Ser Medvyed." He smirks, though not with as much contempt as before; the duel with Kragath seems to have meant more than what it was. "As for my name... Asharien, is what you can call me."
"I could have ended his life with that blow. I did not. I spared his. Tell him that. Tell his father too. Tell him Asharien spared his son in honourable combat."
He walks over to the side of the house where his brother was, and returns softly after with the lad, who is no longer crying. His face is red and puffy. Oleg and Svetlana look at the two of them coldly, and at the two unconscious bandits. "Shame," Svetlana says quietly. "We coulda used th' extra 'ands. At least some o'em will 'ang. Some o'em will suffer."
The man glances at the couple, and at the five adventurers. "Tell me, how were you going to judge my little brother, had I lost?"
Jonas glances at his brother for a moment. He would have received five years of labor and then be freed. A mark would have been necessary. I would have preferred a tattoo, but I don't know if that would be possible here. In any case, this couple are still looking for a laborer, although I don't know what kind of pay they can afford right now. I will pass your message to Kragath, Asharien. Jonas looks at the remaining bandits. Will you go back to their camp, or do you have other plans?
Ingle moves to kneel next to the fallen paladin, checking the man's pulse. He lives, he thought, relieved.
"Priest," he shouted toward Oleg's house. "I believe we could use your assistance."
Turning to the rest of his companions, he reassures, "Steady heart-beat. He'll live, I guess."
Peregrine frowned as the situation turned to a duel, and more again as Kragath crumpled to the ground. This was not what how things should have gone. The man Peregrine had hoped that might bargain with was now walking out the door a free man, leaving them with naught but people they had no choice but execute. At least Kragath wasn't dead. Peregrine sighed with resignation. "I told him not to listen."
"Well Asharien, you have freed yourself through a clever tongue and the strength of your own arm. You are more interesting than I have given you credit for. Perhaps we shall meet again sometime, I am always curious as to what waves might trouble the grey ships so. Should you ever wish to indulge and enlighten me, I do not imagine I will be hard to find. Simply look for Peregrine Fetch. But, before you leave, know that we intend put this Kressle to the sword, if you know anything to make that happen more readily, this is your chance for a little vengeance for you and your brother."
"Heh. Why would I return to the savages who violated my little brother? No, I have a different destination. Might be I'll see you again, might be I won't." He turns to Fetch, still smiling.
"Fetch, you say? Yes... interesting, a good word to describe much. Perhaps we will meet again..." He seems hesitant to speak all that is on his mind. "As for Kressle, I'm afraid I know little. The bandits know their land well. Were I to wager a guess, I would say you have two or three days to catch her unawares. No longer."
"Now, we will take our leave." And with that, the man and his brother leaves.
Svetlana yawns and rubs her forehead quietly. Oleg glances at you all. "Well, tha' took longer than ah though it would. Might be best ter get th' lad t'a bed," he gestures to the house. "Ah reckon, yeh 'elped us out. We's got stock, furs an' safety. If need be, ah offer yeh a place ter rest whenever needs be."
"And food," Svetlana nods. "We's grateful fer yehr 'elp, truly, an' ah'd be 'appy ter fix food for yeh, breakfast, dinner, supper."
At the sound of Ingle's shout, Gathien snaps his head up, surprised. Well, apparently I was wrong about that... if Ingle's calling for the cleric, then I imagine Kragath isn't dead...
Gathien peeks around the corner to confirm his suspicions, and then speaks to the boy, "Looks like your big brother has earned your freedom. Come with me. He unbinds the lad and leads him back to the commotion.
Gathien says to the elder brother, "As promised. I am pleasantly surprised by the outcome -- especially that you both still draw breath."
He nods as the brother states their intention, and says, "Two or three days, thank you. And from what you say we should be able to reach the camp in one."
Gathien waves as the brothers leave, and turns to Oleg, "Thank you kindly for your offer. I imagine we'll take you up on it and give Ser Lightbringer time to heal and head out in the morning. This is probably wiser than heading out immediately would have been anyway -- I imagine our foes know the woods better than we do, a disadvantage in the dark."
Jonas lays the remaining thieves across their mounts and gathers two lengths of rope. He turns solemnly to those who remain outside, I will do this in a tree nearby if any wish to witness it. He leads the horses out of the fort and matches his actions to his earlier words.
"I imagine we'll take you up on it and give Ser Lightbringer time to heal and head out in the morning. This is probably wiser than heading out immediately would have been anyway -- I imagine our foes know the woods better than we do, a disadvantage in the dark."
"Hear hear," Ingle says, standing up and brushing his hands as if they had somehow gotten dusty. He watches the brothers leave with an odd feeling of relief. A most unusual man, he.
"I will do this in a tree nearby if any wish to witness it."
Ingle shakes his head. "I believe I'll attempt to get our mighty crusader here into his bed. I have some skill at healing, and can tend to him if no one else wishes to volunteer." Here he casts a hopeful look about. Sighing, he continues, "If someone would be kind enough to lend a hand... Or I could attempt to drag him up the steps..." Stooping to get a grip on the paladin's shoulders, he waits a moment to see if anyone will come to his aid.
I will do this in a tree nearby if any wish to witness it.
Gathien says grimly, "I have a responsibility to bear witness, even if I would prefer not to.", and follows Jonas.
"'Ere, dear, ah'll give yeh a 'and." Svetlana kneels next to Kragath, nodding at Ingle; together, the two of them manage to carry the unconscious man over to the house that is to be your lodge. As the door opens, heavy air is cast out into the night.
"Ah know o'a great oak that works. Ah'll get th' ladder." Oleg sounds suddenly morose as he returns shortly with a great ladder, which he carries with ease. He guides Jonas and Gathien to the tree he mentioned; as the execution is carried out, the night grows quiet...
When Rorgrym comes out of the house at the same time Ingle calls for him and he is speechless at the sight of Kragath on the gound; his face turns white at the sight. "No...no...no, no, no ,no" Rorgrym's thoughts wander into meaningless ness.
Rushing over, face regains it's color when he sees that Kragath is not dead. Idiot dwarf! You should never have walked by the duel, you should not even allowed it to take place!"
Hearing the end of the conversation with the bandit and watching him walk off, Rorgrym turns to the rest of the group.
Are we truly committed to immediately tracking down this camp then? If that is the will of the group then so be but I am against it. Even if we manage to achieve complete surprise, which is by no means certain, do we really think we're capable of taking on possibly fifteen or more bandits plus this Kressle woman? This seems a very rash course of action to me.
The sight of the hanging bandits lurk in the corner of your eyes as you march back to Oleg's. With only four beds, Svetlana offers the empty storage pen for roof and shelter. She has already found some fresh hay, which she has spread on the floor for makeshift beds. As you decide on who sleeps where, Oleg and Svetlana make their way to their own bed, as the night, at long last, runs it course...
When you first wake up, it is to the smell of food. The weather is mild, the sun barely gleaming through the thick sea of clouds. Svetlana is carrying out of platters of food: warm bread, fried bacon, fried eggs, boiled eggs, fresh water. She is all smiles as you come into view, gesturing for you to settle down by the tables.
"Mornin' t'yeh. Reckon yeh migh' 'ave slept a littl' longer than yeh're wont ter do, but after last night, ah dun' think anyone's ter blame yeh. Eat up!"
Oleg is up by the front gate, rubbing the stubble of his chin while surveying the horison; his back is turned, so his expression is a mystery. It is clear that he is watching the result of last night's hanging...