Looking at the document, Christian takes his time looking at it.
Sorry, this may take some time. I have a habit of reading contracts again and again to make sure it is accurate.
After he is satisfied that all is on the up and up, Christian signs the document. Knowing full well that he has not way of determining if this is a magical document with hidden words.
This is too good of an opportunity to pass up. Will have to deal with the fallout later if it comes to that.
In contrast to Christian, Vera gives but a quick skim of the charter before signing her name under his.
"I should procure a few minor things if we expect to be on the road for a while, and -- are you all mounted? My last horse was eaten by a tatzylworm, and trekking here by foot reminded me that the creatures have good uses."
Glancing over the document before signing his name in Skald, Brandt replies to Vera,
"Aye Lady, I am mounted, and will probably acquire another mount to serve on this expedition to not hamper either too badly. I'll likely make a few purchases before meeting Lord Christian at his camp outside the city."
He glances over the writing, then nods, "I do have a steed, no warhorse, but then I'm no warrior." If he sees nothing overtly wrong with the contract, he signs it. "I'll have to make a few purchases as well."
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Mister Pink joins in the toast as gregariously as he can manage.
"May fortune, fame and freedom forever follow us forth!"
He then spends a great of deal of time poring over the contract before signing.
Words and writing can be weapons in the hands of those who can wield them. One can never be too careful...
Lastly, Mister Pink shrugs at his companions innocently.
Perhaps a river rendezvous on our return? A river route runs to Restov.
"I bear no beast of burden. Only by board and boat have I been bred. Likely a lending by our leading liege lord and a lowly layman's lesson learned? Good seeds breed good deeds?"
"Mister Pink, please, allow me to help you purchase a mount. Riding is not my forte either to be honest but I'm sure the others can help us when we get in over our heads."
To expedite the endeavor, the Lord Mayor offers to dispatch servants to connect you with amenable shops and artisans in order to secure what you need.
However, this exposes quirks that you could exploit in the future, should you need to forge similar documents from the Swordlords or Lord Mayor.
"As I'm sure Ms. Ravenholdt and Lord D'Elagante can confirm," Sellemius explains, "it is approximately a two day's ride from Restov to the trading post in the northern Greenbelt. Assuming you make good time, you can spend the night at Fort Serenko before continuing on in the morning."
The Lord Mayor makes no mention of it, but there also appears to be a small village along the road between Restov and Fort Serenko: upon the map, it bears the tiny, scrawled name "Nivakta's Crossing."
Standing to his full height in the room, Brandt bows to the Lord Mayor, "I'll complete my purchases this afternoon, and Lord Christian, I shall take you up on the offer of a camp space this evening. "
Brandt departs, nodding in turn to each of the companions. That evening he can be found with two horses staked outside a simple tent at the edge of Lord Christian's camp. The large wolfhound again napping by the fire, lazily regarding passers-by.
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Did not see the horses coming. She knows I have never ridden horses. I must adapt and learn to win this game. New friends will help.
"I graciously accept your generous gift, good Bydar!"
It looks odd when a tengu smiles but that is clearly what Mister Pink is doing.
"Perhaps the pious priest prefers payment in pleasing poetry? I will compose a complimentary catalog of our courageous quest!"
"You're welcome, Mr. Pink," He smiles, "And poetry is a fine way to spread a little beauty in the world and thus pleasing to Shelyn's ear. I look forward to hearing your sonnets."
With the aid of the servants offered, the purchases should go very smoothly indeed.
Bydar will also find time to pray and thank his goddess for her kindness. His companions seem to be good people with worthy causes, and that is worth being thankful for.
Of course he'll meet at the appointed time and place when it is time to head out.
Lady Vera, I should have space for you to ride along with me. I will not know for certain until morning comes. We can always figure something out if it proves to be too little room.
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Standing to his full height in the room, Brandt bows to the Lord Mayor, "I'll complete my purchases this afternoon, and Lord Christian, I shall take you up on the offer of a camp space this evening. "
Brandt departs, nodding in turn to each of the companions. That evening he can be found with two horses staked outside a simple tent at the edge of Lord Christian's camp. The large wolfhound again napping by the fire, lazily regarding passers-by.
Nodding at Brand for accepting. Walking beside the Ulfen, Christian makes light conversation as they walk towards the center of his camp after having seen to him getting settled in.
Brand Oluffson, I think we are going to do great things together. You play Kubb? I could use some...well any help. I seem to lose my salt every time I play. Maybe a game by firelight tonight.The camp is large yet well defended. At the moment it appears that several tents have been taken down along with several more in the process. Many wagons are being loaded with supplies and equipment. At the center of the encampment is a large tent with much noise coming from within. Inside is warm and there is much activity. Drinking and singing are abundant through out the tent.
We have both sweet and dry meads, Ales aplenty. I think we have some of Omah's fruit Braggot around here somewhere. I recommend the Vargdrinka. Liam has been brewing that stuff for years. The only thing he tells me about it is that it is a gruit ale made with juniper and bog myrtle. One would think after all these years I would be granted a recipe from him. I blame Krey for that. He has been making Blood for decades and he has never given anyone that recipe.
He motions around to the gathered men and women.
This is Argent Dracos...My family.
First light is still some time away as Christian stirs slightly to the summons. A new recruit was knocking on the out side of his tent, It was plain as day that this person was nervous. This was one of the many men and women that joined up with his unit to help with the current task.
Sir... um...th...there are some missing soldiers. Sir. Two last night and four more this morning.
Christian thinks the worse for a moment. He had seen almost all of the new recruits just yesterday and he knew that the veterans would not flee. So who was missing? He gets dressed again in the same clothing he had on the night before.
Looking at the young recruit...
with me...
Christian starts to walk towards the A-Frame tents. The camp was being dismantled and was almost complete. The common fire pit was still giving off some heat and smoke from last nights farewell gathering. The tents with their black and red striped canvas, were packed up and all the equipment was being stowed away. The banner of a Silver Dragon with a tower shield clenched in it's claws was just now being lowered from the pole. The words written in Draconic, Draco Invictus would no longer fly in this area...at least for now.
who is it we are missing?
The new recruit looked a bit confused at first but replied quickly.
um Tarrach, Ulfgar, Telgarr, Karhue, Eldr and Tola...
Christian stops as he hears the names...
are you sure of the names?
the young man nods that he is certain.
Christian turns around in a circle looking at those around him.
Isvar, Channon, Tyerst...Leyomi..you are with me and bring a wah-wagon. We might be needing it.
This early in the morning would prove to be difficult to get into the city. After explaining that they were looking for some missing soldiers, the guards let them in. Christian hears the words that he knew would come after his departure.
Typical mercs...I guess our coin was not good enough for them.
Christian lets the common view of mercenaries run off of him like water on a duck. Once the gates had closed the young recruit asked the question he knew was coming.
Sir. why did you not stand...
Christian's voice was soft but commanding none the less. It held a sense of learning that was meant to teach the young recruit some life lesson.
What people assume of you is of no importance...what people actually see of you is... Never worry about what people think they know about you. Strive to show them what you value by your actions. Undersand...?
They soon made there way back into town and within a short amount of time they came to a small house that was in disrepair. Sitting or rather slumped on the porch were the missing soldiers. Passed out and still holding drinking horns. Several empty wine skins were scattered around the ground. Christian looked around at the men and women of his unit.
Omah!...I know you are awake...what did you do to them this time. Did you feed them your Vargdrinka again.
As his words rang out, the soldiers started to stir and wake up. Grumbling about what time it was and for someone to put out the camp fire.
A little tiny woman, bent with age came out from her home cackling with glee. She appears to have seen more winters than half the group combined.
They always think they can out drink experience. Hehe. No I did not give them Vargdrinka. Fruit Braggot was their choice...
Christian smile knowingly...
Fruit Braggot!..damn it...Omah you are evil. Beautiful yes but oh so evil. What did they do to be honored with such a gift.
The old woman laughed a bit more as the men and women tried to stand up.
They fixed my roof and rehung the door so that it sits proper...so no more wind and rain will ail my old bones. It was a brew well worth the time and energy and always worth drinking it with good company. I thank you to not be so hard on them...young one.
Seeing the hung over soldiers get into the Wah Wagon was chore unto itself. They were destroyed and would be useless for the first half of the day. The Wah Wagon earned it's name by making sure to hit every hole along the road. The soldiers that got taken home would be crying by the time the got to their tents. Hence the name Wah Wagon.
Coming back to camp just as light starts to color the skies pink, Christian moves to his tent. He send a few men over to help Brandt with his personal items when the tall Ulfen is ready.
Within a few moments the young lord exits his tent. He has washed up with rose water and well groomed. His clothing looks pressed and clean. His boots are well worn with travel and his black pants match the black shirt. On the tips of the collar are embroidered silver dragon heads. Seen underneath this shirt is a mesh of very fine silvery chain links. A exquisite leather belt has several tokens hanging from it. He brings forth several crates, bundles and personal items from within the tent. Loading up a wagon with a horse just now being hoked up. Bags of feed can be seen in the back along with a wide arrange of supplies. Along the side of the seat of the wagon is a long pole weapon of oriental design. The blade and handle are worn from use. Charred burn marks can be seen along the weapon.
When the rest of the group shows up and are ready to leave, Christian dorns his black and silver traveling coat. On top of this and across his back is a sword of about 4 feet of blade. Hanging off of the hilt is a dark buckler.
Good morning to everyone. I hope that all was enjoyable for your last night here. As you can see my camp is...well not much anymore. If all goes well and it should, they will be on our doorsteps in no time at all. For now Argent Dracos has it's own mission to finish first.
Rising in the morning to meet Lord Christian's invitation to review the mercenaries Brandt wanders through his morning, gazing in confusion when the retainers come to pack his tent onto Frostmane, shaking his head from the mead and conversation last eve:
Aye Lord Christian, Kubb is well-known to me, been playing since I was a lad with me father and his kin... Remember, this isn't always about eliminating the man, but seeing his measure under pressure; its how we Ulfen teat each other's strategy without shedding blood. M'Lord, its about strategy of how you eliminate the opponent's men, leave one up for your partner to kill and then take the king for the win. Its not about you being the hero, but setting up your partner to be the victor...
Accompanying Lord Christian around the mercenary encampment he offers a hand up to many of the drink-felled soldiers, a hearty slap upon the shoulder to others, and an encouraging embrace to those felled by himself and Lord Christian last night in the kubb matches
Brandt saddles his mount, while tending to the loading of the other one. A finely-linked shirt of rings showing beneath his jerkin, a loaded quiver upon his back, and using a single-bladed Ulfen axe to direct those who wish to load his belonging on Frostmane.
Shaking his head once mounted, "Mornin, We're for a long haul should I see it right, tomorrow in the Fort is the last guarantee I see for a good night's sleep for any of us. This town on route may be able to provide us information about what they are about?
Orlog is the last one to sign the charter. He doesn't really read it all, after all, other people did it before him and didn't object to anything. Once done, he starts looking for a mount that would suit him. He then wanders the city, looking for supplies to start setting up a forge in the future colony. Can't seem to find what I might need. I should of thought of getting that before leaving home. Oh well, I will have to figure something up for later. Later that day, he heads to the camp that Lord Christian mentioned. "Got room for one more?" He asks the young Lord even though he already knew then answer.
The next morning, he gets ready to head out there once again. He rides up next to Brand. "A good fire, a good drink, and good company is all that is needed for a good night's sleep."
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As Vera, Brandt, and Christian can all attest, boars are a common sight in the Stolen Lands and the more untamed reaches of Rostland. However, it is far more popular to hunt them than to train them. They are prized, albeit dangerous, prey for both rugged hunters and sporting nobles.
Nevertheless, Lord D'Elagante is able to direct Orlog to a ranch just outside the city that specializes in raising and training more uncommon mounts, draft beasts, and other animals.
As fortune would have it, they have a broad-flanked boar that they've been training as an experiment in how feasible it would be to raise such animals for the dwarves of Brunderton. However, they've been focusing on breaking the beast for labor rather than war, so it may be unreliable in combat.
"Owing to how difficult it's been to train the ornery brute," the ranch master explains, "Not to mention the injuries to my boys and other animals - and the fact that it ate a peacock we were breeding for Lady Gospar - I can't sell it for any less than 300 gold crowns."
Appearing at Lord Christian's camp that evening, Vera accepts a mug of the recommended Vargdrinka. "Tasty indeed -- we'll have to offer Liam a commission as baronial brewer," Vera winks. "Does he use pitched yeast, or wild ferment? I think he'd find the local strains quite interesting to work with."
Surveying the camp, she notes, "You have an impressive cohort -- from where have you collected the Dracos?"
In the morning, she will look up from her meditation as Christian and Brand leave camp, and again with a smile as they return with the groaning soldiers, rising only at Orlog's inquiries about a mount to accompany him to the mentioned ranch. "The beast looks well-fed, at least," she offers to the dwarf, somewhat skeptically. "Can't say I'm impressed at the idea of paying both for its 'training', and also for the damage its ill-training has caused, though. Will it only eat peacock, or does it take other feed as well?" she asks the ranch-master.
Orlog chuckles at Vera's question as he looks at the boar then back at the ranch master. "Three hundred? By Torag's beard, I'm not buying a boar made of gold here. Just a simple thing that will carry me from here to there." He pauses for a second looking again at the animal. "Look, I have one fifty on me now. I think it is more than enough for the beast. Besides, did you ever get any offer on the thing before now? You don't want to get stuck with it now, not after all the problems it caused to you. And because I'm a good sport, I'll get a saddle with the bit and bridle from you at thirty five gold. What do you say?"
When Bydar visits the camp, horses and gear purchased, he finds things lively as heck and tries to hide some surprise, "A riding boar? For 300? There are trained warhorses that go for less..." He nods at Orlog's points, "Also this is your first, an experiment. It's in your interest to see how the experiment fares. If Orlog tells other dwarves of the beast's utility, it will increase demand. And, I don't see anyone else cornering on the market on riding boars too soon"
"Fine!" the ranch master groans, briefly tossing up his hands. "You can have it - 185 for the beast and tack. It's been starting to eye the parrots in the aviary, anyhow, and I must be rid of it before it breaks off the door and leaves me with nothing but feathers."
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Mister Pink arrives at the scene last and appears to be as ragged as he looked yesterday but nonetheless prepared for travel. It is unclear where he spent the night but likely somewhere filthy. However, he is now accompanied by a black raven comfortably perched upon his bamboo hat and presumably pecking at insects.
"Ah! All are arrived already and what a beautifully brutish boar bought by our bearded bandmate!"
He points over to a horse next to Bydar.
"Has this horse been held here for me? Can I call them Mr. Brown?"
"Ah, great! We have ourselves a deal. You will not regret this. Next time I'm in need of animals, you will be the first one I will come too." With a mount better suited for him, Orlog joins the group and signal that he is ready to go. Out into the wild once again. Seems like we will have better support and resources this time. He rides up to the young Lord. "By your command Lord Christian"
Assuming that IS the right horse, "You have an eye for colors, Mister Pink and I dont' see why not."
When Orlog is victorious, Bydar nods happy to have helped. He also notices the 'by your command lord Christian'. Interesting. The man is indeed a leader by effort and it seems nature. When a man declares himself a leader, he can be delusional or arrogant, when those around him insist he is, then he is whether he wants to be or no, at least quite often.
Christian, Kubb is well-known to me, been playing since I was a lad with me father and his kin... Remember, this isn't always about eliminating the man, but seeing his measure under pressure; its how we Ulfen teat each other's strategy without shedding blood. M'Lord, its about strategy of how you eliminate the opponent's men, leave one up for your partner to kill and then take the king for the win. Its not about you being the hero, but setting up your partner to be the victor...
That is what Liam keeps telling me but for some reason I can never best that man at Kubb.
Got room for one more?
Of course, Come join us in the common tent. I will get someone to get you set up for the night.
Lady Vera, I am glad that you could join us...this last night before our glorious future begins.
Tasty indeed -- we'll have to offer Liam a commission as baronial brewer," Vera winks. "Does he use pitched yeast, or wild ferment? I think he'd find the local strains quite interesting to work with.
That is a secret you will have to get out of him. I have only been able to get him to tell me that it has water in it.
You have an impressive cohort
Christian chuckles slightly at the comment.
Thank you kindly...we are one great big family...dysfunctional yes but family none the less.from where have you collected the Dracos?
He has a genuine smile on his face as he looks around that room.
Well that in of itself is a long story. Suffice it to say, I met most of these great men and women in a bar. Some are from other mercenary groups that folded or did not take care of their people. A few were just looking for a second chance at life. Everyone of them has a tale that they wish to tell one day. I just want to give them a stage worthy of the telling.Christian watches as Orlog barters with the ranch master.
I thank you kindly for your generosity. Your willingness to barter honestly is very pleasing. I will not forget such manners. It is refreshing to say the least. There will come a time when we will be in need of your services again. I have had my eyes on some well trained Percherons that will take to barding. They are amazing and intelligent creatures. I hope to sit down with you in the future about such an investment...Good day to you Sir.
Mornin, We're for a long haul should I see it right, tomorrow in the Fort is the last guarantee I see for a good night's sleep for any of us. This town on route may be able to provide us information about what they are about?
Good morning to you as well. This a good way to start a new journey. We shall see about the fort when we get there. Not much but an abandon fort the last time I was there. We should defiantly be able to get information at Oleg's though.
A good fire, a good drink, and good company is all that is needed for a good night's sleep."
I agree.
By your command Lord Christian
Christian does not look out of place or put off by the comment as if he is used to having the burden of command on his shoulders. He smiles and nods at Orlog with respect.
I thank you very much Master BrightShield for the vote of confidence. I truly do. While I am used to being in command...we as a whole have not determined who will be in charge. It would be poor manners, pompous and very disrespectful to you and the others...for me to assume such a position. I do think that at some time in the future we will need to discuss the matter. It is an honor to have your vote of confidence in my abilities master BrightShied.
Vera finishes packing her things and loading her mount, carrying on a murmured conversation with the bird on her shoulder as she does and chuckling at the bird's chirped responses. The bird seems to be getting agitated, as if it's being mocked, hopping from one foot to the other until Vera throws up her hands and exclaims, "Have it your way, I'll let it rest!" but continues to giggle to herself.
Riding up to the others with a sparkle in her eye, she shrugs, "I suppose we're ready - shall we set off and see how far we get in bucking the trend of failed settlement? ...good to see you this morning, Bydar, Mr. Pink, I trust your nights were pleasant -- and who is your glossy companion, Pink?"
For travel, she has her long hair tied back and tucked under a wide-brimmed hat. Under her cloak, she wears a distinctly out of place formal gown, faded teal silk and visibly threadbare, patched, and tattered at the edges, in contrast to the rest of kit, which appears well taken care of.
Riding up to the others with a sparkle in her eye, she shrugs, "I suppose we're ready - shall we set off and see how far we get in bucking the trend of failed settlement? ...good to see you this morning, Bydar, Mr. Pink, I trust your nights were pleasant -- and who is your glossy companion, Pink?"
"Well enough, thank you, Vera, I hope you slept well also? I look forward to seeing some of the natural wonder you so enthusiastically describe."
Orlog's new boar frequently tosses its broad head from side to side, tugging upon its leather leash. On rare occasions, it digs its hooves into the ground, but ultimately it provides little more than a nuisance than a genuine delay.
The first landmark on your journey is Nivakta's Crossing, which is only a four hour's ride from the Argent Dracos' encampment, according to the provided maps. Beyond that, another five to six hours brings you to the next waypoint, Fort Serenko.
Knowledge geography:
Brandt considers the name of the town for a moment, but seeing a hawk in flight over the party is distracted by its soaring flight...
Do any of you ever consider what it would be like to soar through the clouds like that? Brandt trails off as if trying to remember what he was going to say before.
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Riding up to the others with a sparkle in her eye, she shrugs, "I suppose we're ready - shall we set off and see how far we get in bucking the trend of failed settlement? ...good to see you this morning, Bydar, Mr. Pink, I trust your nights were pleasant -- and who is your glossy companion, Pink?"
"Greetings & good morning, vivacious Vera. Your fondness of feathered friends is favorable. You may meet the marvelous Mister Black. He has been befriended by me since before Brevoy and beyond."
The raven squawks a reply in a strange language.
Mister Pink awkwardly gets on his new mount. It is clear that he has never ridden a horse before but manages to succeed.
Vera nods cheerfully at the raven, "good morning, mister black! Indeed, Sava here has been with me for the better part of my life, and has taught me that feathered folk may make fine companions, with qualities overflowing their physical size."
The South Rostland Road travels westward, hugging the gentle bends of the Shrike River. Soon enough, the wooden palisade that surrounds Nivakta’s Crossing comes into view.
The village sits upon the northern bank of the river, with an old rope bridge crossing its span. You ride alongside fields where farmers sink their plows into the newly thawed soil. Meanwhile, the lowing sounds of animals waft from rickety pens as they pine for the first grasses of spring. The human faces that greet you as you pass are stern and humorless, pausing to watch you with suspicion as your steeds trot forth. The steeple of a large, gray shrine looms above the other wooden, single story buildings that loosely surround the village square.
Brandt surveys the town from horseback, guiding Skinfaxi toward the shrine to see it from the outside. If no one else stops in the town he will wait on the other side without comment.
Bydar beams at the sites before him, finding beauty in the pastoral and the wild alike. The people's grim faces surprise him, and he does ask one local "Grim news? Sir?"
The people's grim faces surprise him, and he does ask one local "Grim news? Sir?"
"Certainly never any good news when soldiers go marching along the road," he sneers before wiping the sweat from his brow with his forearm. He curtly turns and continues marching towards the river, carrying his rolled up fishing net.
The people's grim faces surprise him, and he does ask one local "Grim news? Sir?""Certainly never any good news when soldiers go marching along the road," he sneers before wiping the sweat from his brow with his forearm. He curtly turns and continues marching towards the river, carrying his rolled up fishing net.
Tilting his head as the fisherman speaks, Brandt cocks an eye back toward his companions, i see we are well-received in these parts, should we try to temper the locals with kindness, or set off directly?, Brandt finishes with a shrug, clearly not knowing what to make of this situation with the locals.
Orlog looks around after hearing the man's words. "Soldiers? Where?" He then pauses for a second, then turn back to the fisherman. "Oh, you mean us. Well, we are not soldiers. We are settlers. We are on our way to make the greenbelt safer for everyone. You might want to come and visit once we are settled!" With that, Orlog urge his mount forward again, looking toward reaching their destination.
"I believe Good Orlog has handled it best, Brandt, for now. The truth, and a well wish."
He waves to the crowd, "Shelyn grace you with a lovely day. Sorry if we disturbed."
And then starts to follow his compatriots. "is that how they see us then." A shake of his head, "I hope with time we can earn their trust."
Christian is cordial and polite to the locals as they ride along, occasionally offering to help with some of the manual labor. When the farmer talks of soldiers, he nods and keeps his voice in a respectful tone.
I understand good sir and we apologize for disturbing you. We will keep you no longer from your work...Good day to you and good luck with the fishing.
He continues to ride for a short bit until they are well out of hearing. Without turning.
I am beginning to feel the locals are the ones suffering from all this reclaiming of lands and such. For now I think we should not pester them. Our sight is troublesome to them...no sense in agitating them even more.
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Mister Pink remains quiet and keeps to himself mostly during the journey. It is also clear that he is accustomed to a less than cordial attitude by anyone he meets and acts as non-aggressively as possible toward the grim commoners.
Mister Black often flies off ahead before circling back to the group. Sometimes for hours at a time. When he returns he shares whispers with his master in their strange bird language.
Perhaps a conspiracy? Perhaps loyalties to traitors? Trust must be earned. Unwelcome newcomers in an unwelcome land. For now, we watch and listen. We will see.
As the angry angler turns away, Vera laughs lightly and comments to another villager, "Aye, and usually the worst news of all is for those soldiers, considering how few of them you ever see come marching back! Wish us better luck? She offers a gold coin to the nearest villager, adding, "I don't imagine Kerrel is in town right now - the trapper? Next time she comes in, ask her to look for Miss Ravenholdt on the north shore of the Tuskwater, I expect to have work for her."
"An old acquaintance, we cross paths in the forest every year or so," she explains to Orlog as they continue down the road. "Someone I expect can carry good words of our work back to the village. Doesn't hurt to be building bridges even before we've built a road."
The familiar sight of Vera seems to put the angler slightly more at ease, but he still hastens on his way towards the river.
Nevertheless, the party does not tarry long in Nivakta's Crossing and continues on its own way. The open road westward remains devoid of other travelers, and Mister Black reports back nothing more than the occasional elk stopping by the river for a drink.
The day winds down, the sky grows red, and soon enough the walls of Fort Serenko appear silhouetted against the sinking sun. As you approach, you notice something unexpected. Although the fort is supposed to be abandoned, a thin curl of smoke still rises lazily into the sky from the yard within the fort.
Brandt draws rein upon his horse, looking to the others, ”I thought this fort was abandoned?” Peering keenly between the others, ”We are still within the boundaries of Restov, it should be well. If we have concerns i can likely get closer and see what there is to see. ”
Brandt gestures and begins to dismount, grabbing his warhammer from its saddle loop and settling it upon his belt. He draws his shifting cloak around his shoulders, becoming less distinct and making the eye slip away from him.
It was cleared just about a week ago but then again there is no owner, so anyone will take shelter in it if they choose to.
Christian looks around the area and then at the fort off in the distance. His vision looks on at the sinking sun and then at the gathered group.
Time is not on our side. We should move closer but on foot. If I may suggest an idea? We have some help that we could use to see what is inside the fort before we enter. That just may gave us an advantage. It could be a harmless traveler or it may be more orcs deciding to take advantage of a strategic position. We might be able to get that information from Mr. Black and Sava. If they were willing to scout out the fort from a...birds eye view?
Bydar has looked thoughtful since the encounter with the folks, but smiled as Vera set them at ease.
Yes, much to think about.
At the sight of the fort and the discussion it brings up, Bydar says "I agree on foot, some of us, myself included, are not skilled enough at riding should battle break out to be horseback. Mmm... if it is a traveler , after we've spied on the poor fellow or lady, we really should go in with an offer of sharing food. Our earlier encounter has certainly proven that even if we win the land, winning the peoples hearts will be a struggle as well."
Sava fluffs up his feathers as Vera puts the question to him, then chirps a response
"He pretends to be surly, but he's really quite a helpful soul," Vera notes to Christian. "Mister Pink, Sava wondered whether Mister Black might accompany him?"
"What is our legal standing relative to this stronghold?" she muses. "If it is part of Brevoy, rather than our charter, are we in good stead to remove any inappropriate occupants? Or would that constitute a hostile action by an outside party? Perhaps reading the charter would have been the wiser course of action - ah, well."
Brandt pauses for a moment to consider Vera’s musings and shrugs, Maybe it is just some travelers who won’t mind sharing a campsite for the evening? We should be cautious certainly just in case they aren’t. Brandt strings his massive longbow in one smooth motion, adjusts his warhammer, and motions for Fenrir to follow once the birds report back.
As you wait for the birds to scout the fort, you consult the copy of the charter bequeathed to you. You collective knowledge of this matter, elucidated during your meeting with the Lord Mayor, leads you to conclude that although this fort lies within Brevic territory, as allies of the nation, you are authorized to "strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior" in the border territory between Brevoy and the region entrusted to you.
"Rooting out evil his the duty of everyone good person that has the power to do so." Orlog climb down from his boar and lead the animal to a tree where he can tie it up. "I say we investigate. If whoever is there don't pose any threat, then we share the night with them, if not, then we explain to them that they aren't welcome here."
"Honesty seems a good policy," He agrees with his fellow priest. "Besides, whoever is there may know something about threats that lay furhter within the lands that we had not heard before."
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Mister Pink nods his approval to both Lord Christian and Vera at their suggestion to allow the birds to scout ahead and investigate. In the meantime, he peruses the legality of their jurisdiction granted by the charter.
"Legally, we may lecture leverage upon any lowly and unlawful interlopers liberally as licensed lordly liaisons in these lands."
Upon Mr. Black's return, Mr. Pink will inform the group of his findings.
"Silent soaring shadows saw only a single salient squatter. Whether ferrying food to friend or foe remains unforeseen."
Makes no difference which. We have yet to reach our destination.
Mr. Pink defers to his companions' judgement on how to approach the situation. After several minutes of going in circles, he manages to dismount and tie off Mr. Brown to a tree just outside of possible goring distance from the boar.
"Silent soaring shadows saw only a single salient squatter. Whether ferrying food to friend or foe remains unforeseen."
umm...what?
Christian looks on blankly as Mister Pink makes his report. He looks off towards the fort for a short time. He returns his attention back to the group.
Keeping his voice calm and respectful.
[B]I have a few questions that I would like you to ask your friends about.
He pauses for a few seconds before continuing with his questions.
[B]How much food was this...salient squatter...carring? Where was he or she taking the food? Were there any horses or wagons near by? Was this figure armed?