| Speaker |
Action |
| Bjarni: |
Well, this is where we part company.
I’ve little use for cities and they for me. And there’s nought to be gained by
the Balmyri knowing I’m about. Not that
we’ve really crossed paths before but they care not for the followers of Kolat and it
might cost some if they know I’m with you. I do have a
favor to ask. I’ve left my departure a
bit later than I hoped so I plan to move north through the spirit realm. My duties call me there anyway so I may as well
save some travel time. It would be good if
you could watch over my departure. Sometimes
passer-bys come close and that can be quite dangerous for both me and them so could you
watch and make sure that none interfere. Finally,
it’s always good if someone cleans up after me so that no accidents happen.
|
| Per |
Looks at Skerri. With your permission, Captain, I know a
reasonably well protected place nearby that will allow Bjarni to enter the spirit realm
unmolested. I'll watch over his departure, with Snorri's assistance, and cover Bjarni's
tracks while the remainder of you locate Korol the Tight in town. |
| Cedric |
Cedric, brightens at this suggestion. Sounds good to
me.
He swings himself up on his horse and begins to ride away. |
| Skerri |
Frowns briefly as she watches Cedric ride away. Curses
willful males under her breath. Shakes her head and says. Sounds good to me
but Cat Boy will stay as well. The rest of us will find this Korol. Once
you're finished here the three of you should come into town and meet us at The Grumpy
Dwarf. It's the only decent inn in this stinking place and is run by one of my
cousins, many times removed. Keeps your eyes open and keep safe. Let's go.
Gestures in Cedric's direction with her head, waves at the rest of the party and
turns her horse towards town to catch up to Cedric. |
| Per |
Looks at Bjarni and his fellow hunters, shrugs and mutters
quietly You'd think they've never been to a city before...
He turns his horse toward a larger, tree-covered hill in the distance and gives it
a little kick. |
| Bjarni |
Bjarni shrugs back and says (as he scratches his armpit) Great
dirty stinking places ...
Anyway its good of you to offer to help. Though the hill I have in mind is a bit that
way. I say that one as there happens to be a dolmen there that marks a weak spot into the
spirit realm. |
| Snorri |
Turns to Bjarni We'll keep watch from horseback
outside the woods.
Looks at Ulf and Erik (his good friends and followers)
Last chance to enjoy the plains before going in to the city!
The three race off to keep watch by practicing the important skills of horse tag
and retrieve the arrow around the base of the hill. |
| Narrator |
It takes about an hour for Bjarni and
company to make their way over to the hill that Bjarni had indicated, and then to crash
their way their way through the scrub that crowns it to find a tiny clearing centered by
an ancient standing stone. Only the closest inspection reveals any signs that the stone
was once worked by the hand of man. Per and Cat-boy (as Snorri and his henchman race
around in the distance, whooping and hollering while 'keeping watch') watch Bjarni spend
about an hour making mystic marks upon the ground at which point the winds starts picking
up, rising quickly to strong blasts which cause the dust to rise. Bjarni frowns and seems
to stare about him finally focusing in on a spot near Per. A brief smile flickers over
Bjarni's face, as he makes a gesture and calls out with some strange noises, at which the
winds die down to the occasional puff.
A few moments later, Bjarni stops his work. He pauses, looks to the north and whistles
to the sky. An instant later a far-off speck plunges in his direction and soon a giant
Vrok lands next to Bjarni and then jumps to his shoulder. Bjarni then close the circle
which surrounds him with a final rune and there is a sudden flux in the air. Bjarni calls
out, 'Fare well. May the Great Storm smile on your efforts and always blow at your
shoulder.'
Bjarni then starts chanting in a soft hissing voice. With each passing second his
voice appears to gets both louder and more distant. Even his unique aroma appears to fade
away. A shimmer like haze from heat or the dust from a passing gust of wind passes over
Bjarni and he begins to fade from sight. Behind him, no matter from what direction looked
from, a swirling mass appears, playfully tugging at Bjarni, spinning his hair into (even
greater) disarray. Fading, fading until, when almost gone, he pauses, stares, looks back
and his voice ever so faintly, from ever so far can be heard to say 'A bear comes.'
And then with a sudden clap of thunder and a blast of wind he's gone.
As the two erase the few runes that survive the falling gusts, they are left to
consider Bjarni's departing remark, and, having done that, the woodsmen look to each other
and with a shrug head off down the hill.
At the base of the hill they find only Bjarni's horse, while off in the distance,
racing towards Smithstone, Snorri and his two henchman seemed to have acquired a couple of
remounts from somewhere. |
| Per |
How I do love the rapier wit of horsemen. Per
whistles loudly. A moment later an alynx breaks from the tree line, approaches and stops
beside him.
Take Bjarni's mount, Cat-Boy, and head to the meeting place if you wish. Ost has had
a pretty hard day's run already, so I'll walk back with him. Besides, Smithstone isn't the
most welcoming place to an alynx.
Per scratches behind Ost's ears.
Your company is certainly welcome if you wish to come with us. |
| Cat-Boy |
I prefer walking and you're not the only one with Alynx
friends you know. Two large Alynx come out of the bushes to join him.
Let's start walking then. |
Narrator
|
Having reached Smithstone and on the way to
the Grumpy Dwarf . . . |
| Cat-boy |
Excuse me miss, do you know the way to The Grumpy Dwarf?
Cat boy and the comely young thing chat for a few moments then Cat-boy turns away with
a satisfied smile. |
| Per |
That’s the third wench you’ve asked in the last
thousand paces and they all gave you the same answer. I find it hard to believe you're
that forgetful. |
| Cat-boy |
Well it pays to be careful, Cat-boy grins, Besides,
now they all know where I am staying. |
| Per |
Laughs At least leave sometime to sleep. |
| Cat-boy |
Say, what’s happening over there? Before Per
can grab his arm, Cat-boy ducks away towards the corner of the square where a large crowd
has gathered. A large, unkempt looking man is standing on a stump and shouting something
while waving a book and an axe. |
| Per |
Sighs I hope this one is trainable.
Per mounts the horse and moves toward the crowd until he can hear the speaker
clearly. |
| Speaker |
. . . the parable of the weed in the garden. If you pluck
that which lies easy to hand it will regrow from the root. If you dig the root but
don’t get every piece of the top, new weeds will sprout from the scattered bits. Per,
from his mount, can now make out more of the man over the heads of the crowd. He is a
large, rough looking sort in sweat-stained black leather armor with long greasy ringlets
in his black hair and an unkempt beard. He has handed his book to someone beside him in
order to gesture to the crowd.
So it is with Chaos – what is not destroyed regrows and a permanent solution is
not achieved.
But Chaos can be beaten, completely, – in our lifetimes.
- The speaker pauses for applause and receives a round of polite applause. Not a single
jeer escapes the crowd!
|
| Per |
Applauds politely and scans the crowd for any sign of
Cat-boy. Not seeing his comrade, he moves closer to the speaker as the crowd disperses. Hail
friend, he says to the speaker, I am moved by your words. May I have the honour
of knowing such a fine orator as yourself? |
| Speaker |
Scans the swiftly (very swiftly) departing crowd. One
lousy recruit. Must have been fifty people here and only one of them with any sense.
He turns back to Per
Gather around lads, we got a new recruit to induct. What’s your name lad and
what god did you used to follow? |
| Per |
Per remains mounted and quickly scans for the rest of the
speaker's band. A group of scruffy black-clad men stands all around the edge of the crowd,
apparently taking ‘donations’. A few, younger looking types stand close at hand. Per
returns his eyes to the speaker.
I am Per and I still follow the Hunter. I
approached because I have only just arrived in town and missed the first part of your
speech. I only wished to know all of your message, but it appears my approach has been
mis-interpreted. My apologies for the confusion; I mean no disrespect.
Per looks at the speaker's band again, seeking the best escape route. He notices that
Cat-boy, in avoiding the donation squad, has come up beside him. A quick bolt might, or
might not get him through the closing ring, but he would have to leave the unmounted
Cat-boy behind. |
Speaker
|
Eh? New in town? Well, let me give you the gist. Chaos has been a plague on our land,
since the Dawn. Killed our kin, destroyed our crops, burned our buildings, burdened us
with disease, madness, and unspeakable atrocities.
So it would be a good thing, if we could eliminate Chaos – right.
|
Per
|
Unh, sure but . . .
|
Speaker
|
Right, I know what you are thinking – we’ve been battling Chaos for hundreds of
years – many times we beat it but it always comes back. So your thinking what’s
going to be different this time?
|
Per
|
Well . . .
|
Speaker
|
That’s the beauty of this plan.
The speaker leans towards Per, speaking urgently and intensely. His eyes seem to glow
with an inner light.
I’ve searched the histories and in all that time no people has ever stood up as
a nation and said – here Chaos will end. Oh sure there was that Arkat &
Gabji thing but that was just one aspect of the Chaos manifestation.
Something on Per’s face must have suggested a small amount of skepticism for
the speaker redoubles his effort.
Ah lad – just imagine it – the entire Heortland gathered in their thousands and
tens of thousands, strengthened by their prayers to Urox sweeping through the lands
smiting Chaos – not just back, but destroyed – every root, leaf, twig, knurl and
gorp of the Chaos tree.
|
Per
|
For Per the light goes on – followers of Urox,
berserkers of the bull, dressed in black. The crowd trapped in a ring of berserkers,
afraid to leave, afraid to jeer. Passersby, stumbling in to see what was happening only to
find themselves caught in the same net. All making their escape, for a price, once the
speech was done. Per looked around – the crowd was gone. Just him, Cat-boy and
fifteen of his best Urox buddies.
Thanks for . . .
|
Speaker
|
But it isn’t just numbers – though that is necessary. Knowledge lad.
|
Per
|
Knowledge . . .
|
Speaker
|
Knowledge, that’s what makes it work.
The speaker grabs his book.
The complete compendium of chaos – well mostly complete, we still have some
cataloging to do – but the accumulated wisdom of the ages on all things Chaos –
and more importantly how to destroy it. How to seek out its subtle offshoots so that
nothing escapes the sweep.
Chaos can be beaten – with the strength of Urox and the wisdom of Lhankor Mhy!
|
Per
|
Yep – the beard. This raving lunatic prayed to both Urox
and Lhankor Mhy. Briefly, Per pondered whether the madness came before or after trying to
resolve such an unlikely combination of guiding gods.
Lhankor . . .
|
Speaker
|
Now is the time! Dragon pass – closed for centuries is now open to us. I have been
there my friend, I have seen the great chaos nest. The source of all chaos is open to us.
The tools to beat it are in our hands.
He shakes his axe and book.
Are you with us?
|
| Cat-boy |
Cat-boy gives the gentlemen some copper from his purse. Good
luck in your endeavors.
Per, we have a meeting to go to that should not be missed.
Whispers {My mommy is calling and I don't want to be around these nuts.} |
| Per |
Turns to Cat-Boy Yes, you're right.
Looks back towards the Speaker.
I'm sorry I cannot assist you, but thank you for your time, friend. I wish you
success in your mission.
Retrieves some copper from his purse and gives it to one of the gentlemen standing next
to his horse and begins slowly making his way through the ring of Uroxi followers. After
clearing the ring, Per looks back at the speaker.
I'm sorry, friend, I missed your name. |
Speaker
|
The man grits his teeth, then visibly relaxes. Teach,
my friends call me Teach. Come back after your meeting – I’ll tell you more.
Teach turns away to his men. |
Uroxi
|
One of the scruffier men addresses Teach. Want us to
round up another crowd for you General? |
Teach
|
In a minute. First I need a drink.
|
| Narrator |
Per and Cat-boy arrive at The Grumpy Dwarf
dusty, thirsty and less than pleased. Snorri and Erik and Ulf can be seem chortling
away at one table as they toss back some beer, while at an adjacent table are Skerri and
Cedric, talking to the bar owner (who in addition to be a cousin many times removed of
Skerri's turns out to be an old friend of Cedric). Ingard Ingardson (the inn
keeper) is a dour looking man, short and stumpy. Still his voice is large and clear and
the whole inn can hear him when he speaks (usually to complain). |
| Per |
After entering the room, Per heads straight for the bar.
After a brief discussion, the barman disappears into the back and returns with a plate of
raw meat and a bowl. A few more words are exchanged between the two and Per leaves the
room. Per returns a few minutes later. He heads for the bar and exchanges the empty
vessels for a tankard of ale. After taking a long pull, he heads to Skerri's table and
sits down.
Everything is cleaned up, Captain. |
| Narrator |
A barmaid enters the room carrying a tray
with three small bowls on it. A very familiar, semi-sweet smell fills the room which
causes heads to turn as she makes her way to Snorri's table. |
| Barmaid |
Places a bowl each in front of Snorri, Erik and Ulf. Baby's
broth, complements of that gentleman.
She points at Per. |
| Per |
Looks at the three men. Act like a child, eat like a
child. |
| Cedric |
Cedric assesses probable lines of fire and quietly places
himself outside the splash zone. He arms himself with a stool and fireplace poker and
awaits developments. If anyone glances his way he appears to be very comfortable with his
chosen weapons. |
| Skerri |
Stands up and says I don't know what all this is all
about children but I don't appreciate boys causing problems when adults are trying to get
things accomplished! If you need your mommies to fix things for you I've got news
for you. You're plum out of luck cause mommy's not here and all that I care is that
you're screwing around with my mission. If this requires fists to fix take it
outside, otherwise shut up, sit down and make nice!
Sits down and glares at the hunters daring them to start something. Looks at
Cedric and says
Planning on starting a fire with that stuff? Sit down. [with
supreme scorn] Men. |
| Per |
Flashes a barely suppressed grin at Cedric, stands, and looks
at Skerri. Yes, Captain.
Walking a path directly away from the two tables, he heads towards the bar. |
| Skerri |
Cursing under her breath. Oh there's going to be some
spankings coming up real soon.
Glares at Cedric forestalling his wise crack. |
| Ingard |
flails arms about dramatically ... Where is that
useless lad? I sent him off to fetch Korol hours ago. Ah, but here he is now. |
| Narrator |
A richly dressed man enters the inn. As you
gaze upon him, you know that this is a person you can trust. A barmaid approaches him and
he hands her his heavily embroidered cloak with a flourish, and then walks gracefully
across the room to where the party sits. |
| Korol |
In a clear melodious voice. Ah Ingard, good to see you
and these must be my Urlanging friends that your boy told me of. Splendid lad that. Sent
him off with a couple of coppers as a reward for his prompt services.
Bows suavely.
Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Korol Borngoldson, representative of the Balmyri
Ring in Smithstone on a cattle-buying mission. And I understand that you require some
service from me? |
| Ingard |
emits an explosive snort at this last remark by Korol and
then stomps off to serve some other customers |
| Cedric |
Cedric rises and bows back at Ingard. Hail Korol,
I’m Cedric of the Amber clan. This is Skerri, chief of clan Amber and our small
retinue.
Pray, have a seat and a drink of Ingard’s good brew.
Cedric pulls out a seat.
Let us discuss, but rather than your services, let us instead talk of how we can be
of service to you. |
| Skerri |
Skerri waits until Cedric sits down again then viciously
kicks him in the shin under the table. Urlanging no longer friend Korol, now we are
of the Amber clan. Good Cedric here of course means that my husband, Blunt
Ash-bjorn, is Chief of the Amber Clan. I am acting as his representative in this
mission. It would of course be our great pleasure to help you while you are helping
us. Cedric and you can discuss the details once he stops wincing. |
| Cedric |
[Ouch] - ah, sorry, seemed to have banged my leg on the
table. Cedric waits for Korol to have the next word. |
| Korol |
Politely ignorant of other by-plays proceeds to gracefully
state: Quite quite. Life's a balance where one gives and one receives and yet
an equilibrium is kept. And most certainly you have my apologies for the earlier
faux pau regarding your clan name. When I was contacted earlier by Chief Skorri it was in
the Urlanging name that my assistance was begged.
As I understand it, and correct me if I'm wrong, you wish my assistance and guidance in
reaching the Balmyri lands and then negotiating passage rights for your Amber Clan. If
this is correct, then I will of course be more than willing to assist you. You are yours
are welcome to travel with me and my men.
As for what you can do for me, well I can't think of anything right at this moment ...
but wait, their is one small trifle that you could assist me with. Some
acquaintances of mine are concerned about my safety while traveling north and would be
glad to hear that you are accompanying me. Perhaps you could reassure them on this matter?
If this is a convenient time, then perhaps we could go now and we can discuss any other
matters as we walk. |
| Narrator |
This strikes everyone as being a very
reasonable request. Korol is such a likeable chap it's easy to understand why so many
people would be concerned about his well being. In a moment, you are prepared
and, with Korol in the lead, leave the inn and head off into the streets of Smithstone.
After a brisk walk, you reach the northern part of town and are introduced to Korol's
friends who, by some coincidence, all seem to be cattle merchants. All seem to be
quite happy to hear that you'll be traveling with Korol, are interested in your plans and
wish you luck in the north.
Korol also takes the time to show you where his men are camped. He appears to have half
a dozen or so fyrd-men watching over a fairly enormous herd of cattle. Or more
specifically the fyrd-men are watching over a handful of thralls who are watching over the
cattle, though the fyrd-men do lend an occasional curse or kick to help things along.
The fyrd-men look a scruffy lot and the thralls even scruffier, and you wonder how so
few men could plan to move so many cattle. Fortunately, you'll be around to lend a hand to
help your good friend Korol. |
| Korol |
And this is where we'll meet when you are ready to leave. My work in Smithstone is
largely done. Do you know when you'll be ready to leave?
|
| Cedric |
I believe we will be ready to leave in three or four
days. Let me just say again, what a fine herd of cattle you have assembled
here. It will be a real pleasure to assist you in taking them to their destination. We are
so glad we came at this time. It would be a real disappointment to Clan Balmyr if some of
these fine animals had strayed on the route. I trust that you would be so gracious as to
mention that to the rest of the Balmyri clan ring on our arrival at your tula?
Is there any other small thing we could assist with before we leave?
|
| Korol |
But of course and don't think you won't find us
appreciative. Chief Harvar is renowned for his generosity. Indeed, there are songs
sung of it. As for any other assistance, just having you here is more than
enough. Just as soon as you're ready we'll depart.
With your assistance and my guidance I'm sure we'll have a safe trip back to the
marvelous tula of the Balmyr. |
| Skerri |
As the wise man said, "We are all farmers with other
skills", we'd be happy to help drive your cattle. Looks dubiously at a
cow and wonders which end the hay goes in.
Until we're ready to leave we will be at the Grumpy Dwarf. Shall we return to
our libations gentlemen?
Turns to leave expecting the boys to follow. Waits until they're alone
again.
Is it just me or is that Korol a little too affable and likeable? I think
he's got some sort of charm or spell on him to make everyone like him. Maybe that's
why he doesn't need any real guards, he's just planning on charming his way out of
trouble. |
| Cedric |
I think you are right. Best we not negotiate anything
until Ice-eyes gets here. I bet the sword of truth will cut through that nonsense. And I
think he really needs our help. The charm won't keep the cows from wandering off.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure that I have any ability to keep cows from wandering off. |
| Per |
I find it hard to believe that an experienced trader like
Korol would bring so few men to drive such a large herd. It just doesn't make sense. |
| Skerri |
I think we need to find out as much as we can about this
Korol. Let's split up and do some asking around. He can't honestly expect this
few warriors to guard a snack of this size from some hungry uz. [Cat Boy growls at
the mention of uz.]
I wish I knew how many fyrd Orlev was bringing. With him we only have three
warriors.
Looks around and continues quickly as if she hadn't stopped.
Plus of course our extremely useful hunter and alynx scouts. That makes, uhm
let's see carry the three, add two, uhm, three warriors and three hunters and three alynx
and two followers, that's ten? |
| Cedric |
Sighing Eleven. |
| Skerri |
Right, eleven. Anyway let's scatter and do some
serious asking around. Let's all meet for dinner at the Dwarf at sunset. |
| Cat Boy |
Smirks I'm certain the young pretties of this town know
more than they're letting on. I'll interrogate a few and find out what we need to
know. Don't wait up for me.
Saunters off. |
| Skerri |
Sighs Fine, let's make it breakfast tomorrow at first
light the n. I've got some business of my own to take care of.
Gallops off. |
| Per |
I must feed Ost and a run couple of errands, but I'll try
to find out what I can from the fyrd-men. See you tomorrow. Turns and walks
towards the Inn. |
| Narrator |
The next morning you gather at first light
(with the exception of Cat-boy who arrives late and looking very tired but with an
annoyingly satisfied look to him). Information is exchanged and from your various
sources you are able to confirm that
- Korol arrived in Smithstone several weeks ago
- bought as much cattle as his limited cash and his credit would allow
- is regarded as either a particularly slippery fellow and very sharp trader or as a
really nice guy
- bought more cattle on credit once it was known that he was contacted by Skorri
- his fyrd-men have not visited the Uleria (Goddess of Love/Passion) houses this trip
which is unusual considering their previous devout behavior
- the fyrd-men have not left the camp at all as far as you can tell
- the Balmyri had been here several times the previous year buying as much cattle as their
cash and credit would allow, a marked increase from the years before that
|
| Per |
The Balmyri have acquired quite a herd. You'd think they
were trying to buy the Pharaoh's army! |
| Skerri |
They might be buying someone off but they live too far
north to be worried about the Pharaoh. I like not this talk of men who refuse to act
like men. What's wrong with them? And why are the Balmyri buying so many
cattle? The question is, should we beard friend Korol on these facts or just play
along while keeping our wits sharp. I think I would like someone to see if he can
make friends with these Balmyri fyrd-men. Maybe bring them some drink to loosen
their lips. Any volunteers? |
| Cedric |
Way ahead of you there boss. I got something in mind. Cedric
saunters off. |
| Skerri |
Wait Cedric, before you leave. I also do not like
overmuch the fact that the Balmyri keep thralls. All people should be free to follow
the gods as they choose, well the proper gods of course, so I think we should try and find
out the condition of these poor wretches as well. Perhaps there is something that we
can do about their condition. |
Cedric
|
I’ll do my best Skerri. But we can’t afford to offend these guys.
|
| Skerri |
Grimaces and rubs her hands together as though to clean them. Fine
but I will not stand idly by and watch them be mistreated before my very eyes. While
we are around these will be very well treated thralls. This I swear. I need
several drinks.
She turns her horse and walks it back into town. |
| Narrator (Oliver) |
The following day Skerri is sitting at a
table in The Grumpy Dwarf with a man no one in the party recognizes. She's talking
in a whisper to him and nursing a beer. The man is handsome and rakish looking.
The sound of smashing earthenware is heard and suddenly a commotion occurs across
the common room and everyone (being Orlanthi) turns to look. |
| Stranger |
A large florid man elaborately dressed in what is clearly a
Hendrikiland style rises to his feet and raises his fist. His expensive looking
boots are clearly soaked through with ale. He speaks in a western accent. Stupid
girl, you've ruined my best boots. I thought that by bringing along my own servant I
would avoid the clumsy cows these Orlanthi calve.
He pulls his fist back to strike the girl and a slender man, much plainer dressed,
beside him grabs his arm and interjects hastily. |
| Second Stranger |
Sir Withal, I beg you reconsider your actions, these
Orlanthi can be rather touchy about these sorts of things. |
| Sir Withal |
Pushes the slender man roughly away from him. None of
these sheep would dare raise their hand against me when I am merely chastising a servant.
He raises his fist to strike again obviously intending to bring it down like a
hammer on an anvil. His fist descends and suddenly Skerri Brightspear is there from
across the room. Although she is much smaller than Sir Withal her body glows from
emulating Vinga's feats and she deflects the blow. She pulls her hand back and once
again emulating Vinga, delivers a smashing blow to Sir Withal's nose rocking him back and
causing his nose to deliver a torrent of blood. |
| Skerri |
Laughing mockingly. Sheep huh? Perhaps if you
had experience of sheep other than as bed partners you might know more about them. I
suggest that you remove those big feet of yours from your mouth and use them to leave
RIGHT NOW! BEFORE I GET REALLY ANGRY! |
| Sir Withal |
Rises unsteadily to his feet and makes a move towards his
belt knife. You bitch, you've broken my nose, I'll kill you for that.
Shakes his head. |
| Second Stranger |
Grabs Sir Withal's arm. Sir. |
| Sir Withal |
Spins around and threatens second man with his fist as he has
not yet drawn his knife. What!
Looks around and notices that every hand in the place seems to be filled with a
knife or club. Ingard Ingardson has pulled a crossbow from somewhere. He moves
his hand away from his knife and an extremely unpleasant smile comes over his face.
Oh so that's how it is is it? Fine, the useless bitch is yours. I have
business elsewhere that is too important to waste time on cunts like you or I would carve
you up like the heifer you are. One of these days though I won't be so busy and we
will meet again though.
He turns on his heel and leaves to much jeering from the crowd. The unnamed
second stranger runs off after him. |
| Skerri |
Moves towards the girl and speaks soothingly. Don't
worry he won't hurt you again. I promise it. What's your name dear? |
| Arene Ranasdaughter |
Arene Ranasdaughter. What am I supposed to do now? |
| Skerri |
Oh, we'll think of something. |
| Rakish Stranger |
Skerri dear, you certainly have a way with men,
especially powerful men. Sir Withal is a man of some consequence
in the south and is presently in Smithstone acting on behalf of the interests of the
Pharaoh. He is a man to leave no slight, real or imagined, unavenged. Best watch your back
since that is his preferred target. |
| Skerri |
Shrugs. Fine, I'll add him to the list. |
| Narrator |
Orlev Ice-eyes arrives in Smithstone three
days after the rest of you. With him are six men of the fyrd, a large well built and
heavily laden wagon pulled by two oxen and three fine bulls. The fyrd-men are
showing off the fine red cloaks that Blunt gifted them. Orlev pulls the party aside. |
| Orlev |
I bring word from Skorri and Blunt. The Pharaoh's forces
are ready to leave Karse. Estak the Humaktsworn expects them to march north up the
Mazeel and gather men from their allies or subdue those who choose not to bow. They will
likely proceed slowly but the will most certainly arrive in Smithstone before the end of
Fire Season. I agree with this assessment. Blunt has taken these words to
heart and plans to have the clan on the move in a week (mid-way through Sea Season).
He expects to be traveling at roughly half our speed but warns you not to tarry overlong
anywhere because should the Pharaoh choose, he could move all the way to the source of the
Mazeel and his army will move quicker that a clan on the march. |
| Skerri |
Then it behooves us to make some haste and get passage
permission for the clan. Let us get our gear ready. Orlev, we have found
out the following about these Balmyri (tells him everything they've learned so far).
I trust them not at all. I suggest we be pleasant and helpful and nothing more to
these Balmyri, stick to ourselves mostly and keep our own counsel. |
| Cedric |
I’ve a little information you don’t have Skerri.
The fyrdmen of Korol say they are buying the cows to feed some group they call the
Torkani. It does not appear to be a voluntary or profitable arrangement for the Balmyri. I
haven’t any details yet, but I may as we travel. Also in a previous trip the
Balmyri lost the entire herd to Horse-Spawn raiders. Their tactics were to simply drive
off the escort, then lead the herd away. |
Skerri
|
Hmm, interesting. I don't believe I've ever heard
of these Horse-Spawn. Who are they? And where do these Torkani live? Are
we likely to meet them as well? And the question still remains, if this herd is so
important to the Balmyri why aren't they guarding it better? Orlev, I will suggest to
Korol that you be in charge of defense as you are the most experienced war leader
here. In matters of war Orlev is in charge otherwise the rest of you still follow my
lead. Is that clear? |
| Orlev |
As you command. Shall you inform Korol of this or
shall I? |
| Skerri |
I'll tell him. I'll talk to him tonight and
everyone should make their leave takings and be ready to leave at first light.
Don't keep me waiting. Glares at Cat Boy. |
| Cedric |
Orlev, I have some suggestions on tactics that the Balymri might not like but would
optimize our advantages.
First, we have next to no chance to avoid notice – that herd of cows kicks up a dust
signature that tells anyone within a half-days march where we are.
|
| Skerri |
Interrupting. What dust? It's spring. |
| Cedric |
Cedric shrugs. I'm no herder but the fyrdmen tell me
that even in spring a large herd of cows on the move is easy to detect. Perhaps it’s
a combination of dust, noise, and trampled earth and dung piles in our wake. And of course
the muddier it is the slower we move so less dust does not actually make us a harder
target to find.
As for who the Horse-spawn are, the fyrdmen describe them as being a lot like
Snorri - mounted raiders and archers. Not much good afoot, but then they usually don't
fight afoot. They follow some outlander religion - not Orlanth and his kin. |
| Skerri |
They fight on horseback? Cowards. |
| Cedric |
In any case in a ranged duel, the Horse-spawn have a tremendous advantage over us
in terms of fire-power. And their mobility means that they decide whether the duel is at
range or melee. In other words during their raid, they will stand off and shoot us up.
But if we simply fall back at their attack and leave them the herd (but not the gift
wagon) then the conditions reverse. They are slowed by their hard-gained loot and we can
track them. And, we have enough missile expertise that we can deal with any rear-guard
party that doesn’t.
The lands of the Horse-spawn are across the river and it is very hazardous for
them to remain on this side – too many enemies. They will head at once to the nearest
ford. If we hit them with the river at their back and burdened by the herd we can bring
them to melee – with time to have invoked all our god’s favours while they have
been too busy herding to pray. And with the wind feather, we can raise the winds to
deprive their arrows of aim without impairing our own swords.
|
| Skerri |
Orlev is the expert on tactics but that all sound good to
me. Our prime responsibility is towards the gift wagon and the bulls. We must
protect them from all sorts of raiders, whether these Horse-spawn, bandits or
trolls. All the warriors and at least half of the scouts should stay with the wagon
and the bulls at all times. I think that I shall purchase some additional javelins
before we leave Smithstone, I suspect these Horse-spawn might be surprised by some
of Vinga's feats.
If Orlev doesn't have any objections or alterations to Cedric's plan I think we should
all get ready, get a good night's sleep
Looks at Cat Boy
and meet back here in the morning. Agreed? |
| Per |
Begging your pardon Captain, but the scouts should not
remain with the wagon. A warband on the march kicks up a lot of dust so, if the
Horse-spawn see scouts between them and the dust cloud, we might just fool them into
leaving us alone. The more scouts we can deploy around us, the better the camouflage and
the early warning. looks around at the rest of the group.
Too bad we have no followers of the Thunderbolt with us. Rain on the trail would do
much to mask our movements. |
| Skerri |
There's no hiding a noisy, stinking bunch of cattle dust,
cloud or no. It's unlikely that anyone will mistake us for anything but what we are,
unless they think we're a really lucky cattle raiding party. But that won't stop
any large group from attacking us. And if these Horse-spawn are such hot riders then
we probably don't want the scouts out too far though, better if they keep relatively
close. |
| Cedric |
Another reason we don't want the scouts too far away is
that most of them, excepting myself, are good shots. If these Horse-Spawn won't stand up
and fight like men, we'll need to be able to shoot back. |
| Skerri |
Since when are you riding with the scouts Cedric?
We only have 16 fighters all together counting the scouts and those numbers don't make me
feel much safer. There are only three of us weaponsthanes, Cedric, Orlev and myself,
seven fyrd, and four scouts, plus the three alynx who are at a terrible disadvantage
against mounted foes. Plus Korol's lot who don't exactly inspire much
confidence. Better probably that we limit the number of outriders and stick to our
wain. Frankly I don't care if Korol loses all his herd as long as we keep in their
good books. Not that we'll be in their good books should they lose it. Damn
this whole business. We'll try and protect it BUT our first responsibility is
towards our clan. I have a bad feeling about this whole herd guarding business and
I'm regretting ever saying that we'd help move it. This is looking more and more
like a no one wins situation. |
| Per |
looks at Cedric. With due respect Cedric,
turns to Skerri and Orlev.
Captain, we will lose an archery contest with the Horse-spawn whether the scouts
are at hand or not; they can put more arrows on us than we on them. If we do engage the
Grazers, then it is better that the fight be away from the column. The scouts can blind
the Grazer's sentries and harass their movements, but the area we need to cover is large
and for that we need all of the scouts.
pauses for a moment.
I have said my piece. Until tomorrow,
looks at Skerri
Captain,
looks to Orlev
Lieutenant.
turns and heads for the Inn muttering Fight like men under his breath. |
| Orlev |
The horse-spawn have every advantage in fighting that
Cedric mentioned but we have the river. Cedric's plan for dealing with them is a sound
one, and has been applied with such good effect in the past that the Horse-spawn seldom
raid in force on this side of the Mazeel. The Lonisi and the Brown Boars are quite
experienced in dealing with the horse-spawn and keep a close watch over the fords.
In addition, the river is quite high at this time of year making it almost impossible to
cross. The only Horse-spawn we are likely to see in the clan lands are scouts, who would
be keeping an eye on the road for opportunities. No, the true danger is not
here but once we leave the Brown Boar lands and before we arrive at the Balmyr Tula.
There, the land is open and there is no river to hide behind or clan to protect the road.
On one side you have the horse spawn and on the others the trolls.
What we must do now, is to keep the Horse-spawn from learning that this herd is
'available'. We need to keep any horse-spawn spies well away from the herd and
road. Our scouts must range as far from the herd as possible, while still
maintaining an effective perimeter, and have them make sure that no Horse-spawn
raider band scout learn of its existence. I would like to do the same on other approaches
as the horse-spawn are not the only threat but we have not the strength to do so.
I might add that the road is well back from the river for that reason as
well. No need to let prying eyes see what moves on the road. Well, that and
the fact that the Storm Season floods wash out all the lands near the river itself.
The scouts will continue to out-ride in the empty lands to try and keep the herd
from being spotted. The best we can hope for is to keep any from learning of us and then
we can try and make the dash from the Brown Boar lands to the Balmyri lands. If we are
spotted, we will have to revert to the plan Cedric suggested. Allow the herd to be
captured and then counter-raid.
So, as of the morrow, Per, Snorri will range between the herd and the river and
look for sign of Horse-spawn. Should you see any, track it down and make sure that
no tales make it back across the river.
Until then we best make what preparations we can. I shall remain out here this
night and try and gauge the worth of the men we will be traveling with. Shall we
meet here at first light then as Skerri has requested? |
| Narrator |
The party indicates their agreement to return at first
light and then head off to finish whatever business they might have to do in
Smithstone. It will be a long time before they see such a city again. |
Scene 1 End of Scene 2 Scene 3 Scene 4 Scene 5 |
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