No sooner had Eadric pledged his help than Gamard had returned to his display. And also as soon, another women stepped forward, but this time to challenge the Khord's plans. Eadric watched the exchange, trying to keep up but remaining speechless.

There was truth to both sides of the argument, he was sure. Stories of unprepared adventurers often ended in disaster - except for the cases of extremely lucky or blessed individuals. In turn, the young woman was also correct in that there was no time to wait if they planned to save the child; Eadric could only imagine what she was going through, if she still lived - no, she had to, they had to try and save her. The argument was indeed troubling, and in the end it seemed the Khord 'won', but Eadric was doubtful that a potential companion storming off in anger and a child still in danger was any real 'victory'.

Besides that another thought nagged at the young farm-boy's mind. The Khord was very intent on first acquiring resources the townsfolk could 'spare', and then on receiving a reward when they returned. During his travels within Drannon he had tried to understand their culture but often got stuck contemplating the coins that marked citizenship. He had learned that those without Citizenship often could not even attempt to purchase one, the cost far higher than the income of a simple farmer or labourer. Even if these folks around them were merchants, it didn't feel right. They made enough to survive; it wasn't right to ask for more than hospitality of these people.

When the Khord had returned to his drinking and the townspeople had all but dispersed, Eadric made a simple request of the Bartender.

"If you could spare some parchment, and the means to write, I would like to send word to my father."
(provided a positive response)
Nodding in appreciation, Eadric placed his last three gold coins on the counter. "My thanks, but I have one other request. My companion needs to be with our caravan by noonday. If you could ensure he is fed and on his way in my absence, I would be most grateful; he gets a tad forgetful after indulging in fine ales."

Taking the supplies, with another thanks to the bartender, Eadric moved back to his table in the inn. He took one sheet to try explain the situation to Kal, though knowing the fool would likely be offended that he was not coming along. Then he began the much harder task of writing to his father, explaining the situation, why he was delayed again, and trying (despite the desire) not to blame Kal for his actions. His path was his to define. His mentor had said that, and Eadric intended to follow the path of a hero to the people.

After writing the letters, Eadric returned the leftover parchment and writing supplies to the bar. He then returned to his room to get some rest, certain he had not drank enough to compromise his awakening; a benefit of a life on the farm was the ability to awaken, almost instinctively, with the rising of the sun. Come morning he would give the letters to the bartender to give to Kal and begin preparations for the journey. However, rest would likely be fleeting; there was a young girl to save!

Last Night

The night in the Inn was uneventful:

Salene had a good night’s sleep knowing that the next few days would probably be spent sleeping on the hard ground. Gathering her things and storing her weapons in their easy to reach locations, she went down stairs and took up her corner table so she could see the room. The waitress came over and took her order for breakfast, which she found was on the house cause they were going after poor Tal’s daughter. When some of the others came down she followed them when they left to the stable which is just to the west of the Inn; there she found a chestnut mare waiting for her.

Liriel’s night was typical, she protected her room from intrusion and summoned her servant to deal with the mundane chores she deemed beneath her. The servant didn’t seem to mind and went about it’s assignment without complaint as usual. She slept well and was gently awakened in the morning by prodding by her ‘servant’, she found a bath prepared for her as instructed. Once she was dressed and dismissed her servant and lifted her protective spell on the room which had been undisturbed. Heading downstairs with her belongings she asked for some fruit for breakfast and was brought a bowl of fresh apples, strawberries and a couple of oranges to choose from for her repast. She was also told that she owed nothing to show their appreciation for their efforts to find the little girl. At the stable she finds the stable man and his sons readying the mounts, she finds a dapple gray mare that she is told is a gentle horse for someone of beginner talents.

Eadric sat and wrote his letters as needed, the bartender did manage to come up with some sheets of parchment and a quill and ink. The bartender also promised to tend to his friend as he requested. In the morning, he found a breakfast awaiting him downstairs, courtesy of the Inn, and at the stables he found a young Bay stallion that seemed eager to get on the road.

Roger spent the night in the ‘comfort’ of the hay pile in the stable; the stable man thought it strange for him to await there but he figured he just wanted to be ready to head out with the other strangers in the morning. He was awakened before dawn with the stable man and his sons were preparing the mounts, brushing them down and saddling and harnessing them starting 2 hours before dawn. The stable man pointed out a Brown stallion that would be his if he liked. He found plenty of time to go to the Inn where he found the place already buzzing with other members of the party finishing up their breakfasts and heading out towards the stables. Anything they had that he wanted for breakfast was his at no charge it seemed as the Inn keepers way of appreciation for going in search of the missing girl. When he was done he found the others ready and saddling up to head east; he joined them as they rode slowly through the town.

Gamard‘s night was spent in reflection, preparation and prayer.; he had a good feeling when he awoke early and he knew that Inko-mengu looked favorably upon his chosen path this day. He felt the light infuse his body and felt his powers restored to use in his deity’s service. He received no direction, which he usually attributed to the thought that he was proceeding the a proper direction. Arriving downstairs he was brought his bowl of fruit, apples, strawberries and oranges, along with some fresh orange juice. He was told he didn’t owe anything as he was going after Tal’s little girl. When he asked of the supplies, he was told that they were being delivered to the stable by those that were donating them.

Arriving at the stables he finds others there getting their gear together and storing it on the mounts; the supplies consist of food, water, grain for their mounts, torches, rope, and bedrolls behind each saddle. They seem to have enough supplies to last them for a couple weeks. The stable man brings out a black stallion with a black saddle and harness that is to be his mount.

When Gamard asks about Adriana’s, one of the stable boys gave him a strange look and then told him it was the small building behind the Inn towards the graveyard. He pointed and it from the stable and then went back to prepping the mounts for the party (It is marked with an Aon the town map above).

He found Adriana’s to a small building that looked more like a house than anything; it had no sign out front but all around the building grew strange plants, herbs in pots hung from the walls outside all along the front facing the road. The front door was unlocked; entering he found the inside was a packed as could be and barely allowed him to move around. Every available space was filled with plants and things growing all around the room.

“May I help you young man?” an old voice said and he saw a small woman peering at him from behind a large potted plant. She came around the plant and eyed him with a strange little grin on her lips. Her age seemed indeterminate, she appeared to be human but her eyes had an almond shape that mostly was found only on Sils yet her ears did not have a trace of being anything but human shaped.

After his introducing and request for healing herbs and bandages, she smiled again and turned from him and walked over to a counter and began setting out bandages and herbs and even a couple of bottle with a little blue liquid.

“These should do you son.” she said, her voice sounded younger than her age appeared.

When he asked after the Rokash her eyebrow lifted, “Ah… you must be one of the strangers who are going after Tal’s little girl. You are brave, yet foolish.” She had set out enough bandages, herbs for poultices, and the small bottles, which he recognized as healing potions, numbered four bottles.

Assuming he questions her about what she means regarding the foolishness, she grins again and sits herself behind her counter and slides the offered coins back towards him.

“Foolish because you rush out into search of something and you know nothing of what you seek.” she said with a shake of her head, “I am afraid nothing I can give you will aid you in your endeavours; some of you may survive the quest and you may rescue the girl but you will set into motion a chain of events which will only cause more pain and suffering to many more people.”

“I suggest you forget this foolishness,” she said leaning forward and looking him closely in the eyes before rising and turning away from him, “but I know you will not. Good day sir and good luck!” She said before disappearing through a curtain made of some kind of hemp that separated the front of this shop from the rear. (She wont stop or answer any further questions for him)

As Gamard leaves and gets back on his horse he sees the others riding through the town headed towards the eastern road where they were told that Tal’s wagon was left on the road after his mounts ran off; this is the best place to start

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After about an hour riding down the road they came upon an abandoned wagon sitting on the road which must be the one belonging to Tal; they only found one minor problem, they were not alone. As they rode up they saw about six shabbily dressed men pouring over the wagon and dumping the contents on the ground around it. These men noticed the horses approaching and they separated with two of them on the wagon and the other four spread out around the wagon. The men seemed armed with short swords and daggers, with one of them in the back holding a short bow. They did not draw their weapons but anyone could see these men were anxious and ready just in case.

“Hold there!” one of the men on the wagon said holding up his hand towards the group, “we found this first so this here is ours.”

(You are not in combat rounds, not yet anyway, the choice is up to your actions of course!)

Thought I would add this map so you have an vision of the setting.

Legend
_________________

Scale: 1 sq = 5ft

G= Gamard
R= Roger
E= Eadric
L+ Liriel
S= Salene

B= Bandits
B(A)= Bandit Archer
L= Bandit Leader (One who spoke)

_________________

Ok, perhaps now you have enough info to post; but if you have questions let me know. You have the weekend to post, I probably wont update till Early Next week.

(Edited error in pic)

The party rode on in relative silence. The Khord that had talked with such bravado while nursing his tankard was now riding passively. The mage that had challenged him held her tongue. The air was filled with distrust. There was nothing that these had in common, they weren’t even from Drannon, why would the care, why hadn’t the towns people come out to protect a countryman. The idealistic young man felt he was understanding more why he had been sent. Could he use this group to help his mission?

After about an hour they approached the wagon Tal had left. There were several men rummaging through it. The men saw them and one called out, “Hold there! We found this first so this here is ours.”

Straightening in his saddle Roger placed a cold stare on the man, placing as much authority as he could in his voice he addressed the scavengers. “You may have found it, but it was never lost. This is sole possessions of a man who’s daughter was stolen by the Rokash. We have come looking for clues to aid us in our hunt for the girl. I would hope that the men of Drannon would remember their honor and not steal from the unfortunate.” Placing his hand on his sword he continued, “ In the name of the Emperor stand aside and let look for clues.”

Silence. Silence and scenery. That was all that was shared by the group that now sought the trail of the Rokash, and the scenery that had mystified Eadric on his journey here did nothing to comfort him from the silent tensions that existed between his travelling companions. It was an odd feeling, the silent discomfort he felt, and it mixed the nagging thought that they should be planning some sort of action. But Eadric didn't know what to prepare for, and didn't want to bring it up at risk of causing an arument between the Khord and the young woman that had spoken her mind.

After about an hour they approached a wagon, presumably the one Tal had left behind in search of his daughter. There were several men rummaging through it, though from a quick look it seemed Tal's horses were gone. The men saw the approaching group and one called out, “Hold there! We found this first so this here is ours.” They all seemed to grip weapons nervously.

Before Eadric even had time to think the man who rode beside him spoke up. “You may have found it, but it was never lost. This is sole possessions of a man who’s daughter was stolen by the Rokash. We have come looking for clues to aid us in our hunt for the girl. I would hope that the men of Drannon would remember their honor and not steal from the unfortunate.” Placing his hand on his sword he continued, “ In the name of the Emperor stand aside and let look for clues.”

No hesitation, just a cold determination to keep going. His companion certainly seemed to keep his cool. Gripping his spear tight, a thought occured to Eadric as he listened to the exchannge. Were these indeed men of Drannon? He tried to recall what little the merchants had explained of citizenship and its associated rights, all based upon possession of a coin. He tried to focus upon the appearence of the men and spot the item.

Eadric's conscience played a horrible dance in his head, he found the actions of these men shameful and wanted to do something about it, but at the same time there was a innocent girl lost to some beast. Unfortunately time was not something they could afford.

Liriel wasn’t the first to enter the stables. A fact that surprised her considering the earliness of the hour. A young man slept in the hay. Well slept until Liriel disturbed him with her entrance. She recognized him as one of the patrons from the tavern the night before. Though considering the night be fore’s events it was only logical that the entire group would be made up of patrons of the tavern. Liriel couldn’t recall however when this particular man had announced his entry. Might have been after I stormed off, or he could have simply chosen to be in the right place at the ‘agreed upon’ time. Or he could have quietly told the would-be leader of our group.
“Good morning” Liriel greeted the stranger. She didn’t listen for a reply but instead turned her attention to the horses. At about this time the stable master and another boy came in and began setting the horses up. “Do you have one that is easy to ride?” Liriel asked the stable master, “I usually walk and don’t have much experience with horses.” It was a half truth, if one considered the majority of the time one spent in motion a horse simply wasn’t practical for most travels, say for example going from one’s room to the market. No reason to announce I’m a mage until absolutely necessary considering the way the townsfolk feel about this mission.
“Cer’inly.” The stable master drawled. He led Liriel to a mare that’s back was about chest high on her. It’s coloring a dapple grey. “This un ‘ere is Flower” The horse softly head butted Liriel in greeting and as if it smelled something. Liriel remembering the forgotten apple core in her hand fed it to Flower.

“Well hello Flower.” Liriel said petting the horse. “I’m Liriel. I hope we both make it through this journey.” As the other adventurers came to choose a horse and prepare to get this group underway Liriel greeted each one with a good morning, including the dour Khord.

“Before we go I think we should set up a riding pattern in case of ambush, by brigands or something else.” Liriel said as they mounted up. “And we should at least tell each other our names it’ll make communication easier. I am Liriel.” She bit her tongue to keep from finishing that introduction with the now customary ‘master mage.’

(OOC Assuming we give the names we’ve chosen)

It was decided that as the guide and tracker Roger would take point and that Eadric would ride second, Liriel and the young Half-Sil would ride almost parallel and Gamard would take up rear guard.

“We should possible discuss strategy on the way.” Liriel prompted “of course nothing can be set in stone until we know more of the situation.”

Despite her almost optimistic words there was no discussion along the ride. Perhaps we are still waking up. Liriel thought as they rode, though noting her own lack of desire to speak. Or perhaps this is simply a somber group making a somber ride.
The sunrise was even subdued with violets and storm clouds. It’s amazing how the weather seems to change either in mockery or agreement with one’s mood, it’s never simply sunny on a day like today but is either too sunny or exactly like today stormy. Liriel mused in mild amusement. An amusement that was sucked out of her as easily as it had come. The energy in the air is more of a group going to their doom than one planning on being victorious. And why shouldn’t it be? They were chasing a creature that they weren’t sure of its abilities with a group that they weren’t sure of their own abilities. With the exception of Gamard none of this group seemed well seasoned, and Liriel suspected that Gamard wasn’t as seasoned as he pretended to be either. However there wasn’t anyone else. The life of a young girl may hang in the balance and even if it was too late to save this child future lives certainly hung on the success or failure of these adventurers. Thus was the heaviness of Liriel’s thoughts.

“Hold There!” A man armed with a shortsword said holding up his hand to forestall the party. “We found this first so this here is ours”

Liriel looked at the raggedy wagon. No doubt it belonged to the man who has sent us on this quest. There wasn’t much to the wagon, it obviously belonged to a single farmer, and so it’s total value couldn’t have been more than 10 gold. But it was likely all the farmer had to make a living, and even 10 gold was enough for several months for a farmer. Still we may not have time for a fight with every delay the beast makes more progress towards its goals and we make less towards ours.
“You may have found it, but it was never lost. This is sole possessions of a man who’s daughter was stolen by the Rokash.” The tracker min the front was naturally the first to enter negotiations with the brigands. Liriel was more than willing to let him parlay, even if it ended in a result she wasn‘t sure was necessary “We have come looking for clues to aid us in our hunt for the girl. I would hope that the men of Drannon would remember their honor and not steal from the unfortunate.” Placing his hand on his sword he continued, “ In the name of the Emperor stand aside and let look for clues.”

Liriel considered pointing out that a fight would only cause possible injury and use up valuable time, but reconsidered. Considering the proximity of the brigands and the possibility of a fight anyways it would only work against the party to look divided now, and thereby would only encourage the brigands. So she remained silent and prepared for a possible fight by calling to mind a spell to protect her as if she were wearing armor. But it is so much more comfortable than actual armor

Salene slept oddly well, she figure it was because of her pre-bed wanderings. When morning came and the reality of the task washed over her however she fell into a silence and barely acknowledged her newfound companions, keeping her hood pulled tightly up.

Adding a horse to the mix only exasperated measures for the half-sil. She found the size of the creature to be intimidating at very best and only after having an intense private conversation with the man who had supplied them did she trust the beast enough to climb astride it. She had been told to trust the horse. She sighed and just hoped these mares were far from their cycles and would not come in during their journey. She had seen a man be thrown from a stallion chasing a mare in cycle once.

By the time they came upon the bandits she was concentrating so hard on staying on the beast she hardly cared that there were other individuals let alone what they happened to be doing. She glanced at the others in the group, more than happy to follow their lead on this. She had no issue with these men taking what they needed, or wanted for that matter. They weren't here to stop and solve every problem along the way. They were on this road to try to save a life, and possibly those of future victims. However, she would not cower away if the others decided that they must fight.

((OOC: I'm terribly sorry that this post is so very lame. I just wasn't feeling the flow for this and Salene's not really big on horses or bandits.))

"I suggest you forget this foolishness," she said leaning forward and looking him closely in the eyes before rising and turning away from him, "but I know you will not. Good day sir and good luck!"
The old woman's ominous warning rang in Gamard's ears as he secured the bandages and herbs for poultices inside his back pack. He chose to carry the 4 healing potions bottles in his belt pouch, just in case they were needed during a lull in battle ... or in the midst of one.

As he rode with his companions, choosing to take up the rear of the adventurous caravan, the Cleric of Inko-mengu pondered the ominous words of the old woman; while riding in silence, studying his 4 companions

"Foolish because you rush out into search of something and you know nothing of what you seek." she said with a shake of her head, "I am afraid nothing I can give you will aid you in your endeavours; some of you may survive the quest and you may rescue the girl but you will set into motion a chain of events which will only cause more pain and suffering to many more people."
Gamard the Grim had a much grimmer countenance as he thought upon these words ... their meaning ... and whether or not his destiny was now entwined with the 4 riding before him ... beyond the task of rescuing Tara ... plus any other captives ... held in the clutches of the dark unknown.

So he continually pondered the words of the old woman, while observing his companions as they rode ever onward towards the unknown.

Roger seemed to be riding in the lead with a sense of purpose ... far beyond the mere task at hand of finding an abducted little girl. Gamard had settled the issue in his heart within 10 minutes of riding east ... that he could count on this human to have his back at a moments notice ... so he would have his!

Eadric rode slightly behind Roger, taking in the surrounding countryside, as if he were an awe-filled tourist. He seemed to be a bit apprehensive, which Gamard dismissed as merely being a youth, headed towards his first unknown battle.

Of course, the Khord had done little to set the young man at ease, choosing to observe how the young human would respond in a conflict. His apprehensiveness would serve him well ... keeping his senses on edge ... ready to react with the stout heart of a warrior ... or so Gamard thought.

He was sure that Roger would be able to take the young human under his wing, inspiring Eadric to follow his lead. Eadric had the air of gallantry about him ... in spite of his youth and inexperience.

Liriel and Salene rode almost side by side along the trail, but neither spoke to the other. It was a contrast of personalities. Liriel seemed to be a human woman who walked to the beat of a different drummer. She had an air about her ... not just because she spoke her mind and had stormed off on her own last night ... but there was a strangeness ... a power about her ... that Gamard noted she would be able to hold her own against any unexpected danger!

Salene, however, was a different story altogether ... and Gamard knew that of the 4 companions ... this Half Sil would bear some watching ... and protecting ... if necessary.

But the further they rode ... Gamard became more comfortable in his observations of the young woman ... that beneath the surface of a young lady seemingly unaccustomed to riding forth on an unknown adventure ... that she would prove to be capable of holding her own in the face of danger.

However, the Khord had made his decision within 30 minutes of the ride ... that of the 4 companions ... he would be sure to come to the aid of this young woman in a matter of moments!

So onward they rode ... in silence ... as Gamard turned his attention to studying the terrain about them ... while silently praying to Inko-mengu ... as to what the words of the old woman held in store ... not only for his destiny … but for the lives of his new companions as well.

Gamard and his black stallion mount, named Shadow, had bonded easily enough; each trusting the other as they rode ever onward to the east.

The black saddle was comfortable enough, even with the supplies of food, water, grain for their mounts, torches, rope and bedrolls safely secured behind each saddle.

Long ago, Gamard had adapted to the habit of riding while wearing his back pack, a custom that many Knights of Holy Anger were wont to do when riding off on a quest to confront dark dangers.

He was ready for any conflict. His pack secure upon his back; chain draped over the front of his saddle, helping to cradle his club, while gripping his quarterstaff in his left hand and holding the reins in his right hand.

His sling was easily accessible at the front of his belt pouch, as were the bullets that were strategically placed inside his pouch, ready at a moments notice!

Gamard had been alert enough to observe the wagon from afar, along with the tell tale signs of figures darting about with purpose.

He quietly urged Shadow to draw nearer to Salene, as the Knight of Holy Anger slowly withdrew his sling, along with 3 bullets, in case there be unexpected trouble up ahead.

The men seemed armed with short swords and daggers, with one of them in the back holding a short bow. They did not draw their weapons but anyone could see these men were anxious and ready just in case.

"Hold there!" one of the men on the wagon said holding up his hand towards the group, "we found this first so this here is ours."
Straightening in his saddle Roger placed a cold stare on the man, placing as much authority as he could in his voice he addressed the scavengers. "You may have found it, but it was never lost. This is sole possessions of a man who’s daughter was stolen by the Rokash. We have come looking for clues to aid us in our hunt for the girl. I would hope that the men of Drannon would remember their honor and not steal from the unfortunate." Placing his hand on his sword he continued, " In the name of the Emperor stand aside and let look for clues."
Gamard was content to let the drama play out, keeping a steady eye on the man with the bow, while Roger attempted a bit of diplomacy to diffuse the situation.

This would be a good opportunity to see how his comrades would react, but the Khord was not just sitting idly in his saddle.

Tucking his quarterstaff under his left arm in a casual manner, the Khord slowly loaded his sling with one of the bullets, holding the other two in his left hand, then leaned a bit forward in his saddle, as he slowly placed his right hand to the rear of his saddle.

He made it look as casual as possible, as if he were leaning forward in a non-threatening manner, to see how things would play out between the two parties; while he readied his sling to cast the first bullet at the bowman, should things go sour quickly!

"Hold there!" one of the men on the wagon said holding up his hand towards the group, "we found this first so this here is ours."

Straightening in his saddle Roger placed a cold stare on the man; placing as much authority as he could in his voice he addressed the scavengers. "You may have found it, but it was never lost. This is sole possessions of a man whose daughter was stolen by the Rokash. We have come looking for clues to aid us in our hunt for the girl. I would hope that the men of Drannon would remember their honor and not steal from the unfortunate." Placing his hand on his sword he continued, "In the name of the Emperor stand aside and let look for clues."
The leader of the group chuckled and shook his head, "We are not men of Drannon. We also have no way of knowing what you say is true. You could be people who just want to take what we have found. Now this wagon has no owner present, and is not on anyone lands but a public road therefore rights of salvage give us the right to claim these items."

He started to continue but the other guy on the wagon interrupted him, "I say we kill these and take their horses," the guy said reaching towards his weapon but he never pulled it. The leader turned suddenly and back handed the speaker and he tumbled backwards and off of the wagon to land hard upon the ground.

The leader turned back to the group and smiled apologetically, "As I was saying, unless you can prove you are the owner then this stuff is up for grabs. We were here first."

He glanced around to where his man was getting to his feet, rubbing his jaw but keeping his mouth shut. The leader looked back at the group.

"Now, as to looking for some girl," he said and shrugged, "we didnft see anyone here but Tokar over there," he nodded with his head towards the bowman, "saw some strange tracks headed North. You are welcome to follow them, but if you continue your einsistencef over this wagon and it's belongings then wec have a problem."

As he finished his men, as if on cue, drew their swords and the bowman whipped out an arrow and notched it but did not draw or aim. None of them moved but they stood armed and ready for a battle.

"So," the leader asked, "what do you say? The choice is yours; no one need die here today. Not over these meager belongings."

(Great Posts everyone. Great reading! I will try to keep my updates on Wednesdays from now on; give you all the entire weekend to post. If you have questions about anything, you know what to do.)

Roger had not intended to be at the forefront of this group for other than scouting the trail. But fate has a strange way of moving you where you need to be. He had hoped these men would be honorable, but they were just thugs.

"We are not men of Drannon. We also have no way of knowing what you say is true. You could be people who just want to take what we have found. Now this wagon has no owner present, and is not on anyone lands but a public road therefore rights of salvage give us the right to claim these items."
Roger was ready to reply when out of the minions piped up.

"I say we kill these and take their horses." The leader turned suddenly and back handed the speaker and he tumbled backwards and off of the wagon to land hard upon the ground.
"As I was saying, unless you can prove you are the owner then this stuff is up for grabs. We were here first."
Roger held his tongue, this hadn’t played out yet.

"Now, as to looking for some girl, we didn’t see anyone here but Tokar over there saw some strange tracks headed North. You are welcome to follow them, but if you continue your insistence over this wagon and it's belongings then we have a problem." As if on cue, drew their swords and the bowman whipped out an arrow and notched it but did not draw or aim. None of them moved but they stood armed and ready for a battle.

"So," the leader asked, "what do you say? The choice is yours; no one need die here today. Not over these meager belongings."
The tracker fingered his ring of the "New Realm".

“You are right, they are meager belongs, but they are the life treasures of a shattered man. “ Nudging his horse a couples of steps forward Roger leaned toward the gang leader. “Perhaps I can make this a better deal for you?”

“ If you will deliver this wagon to the man called Tal in Vala’Lia, I will give you each four gold now.... and five more when we return."

"The catch is you will give me your weapons. And as for you”, he looked the leader in the eye “your visitors citizen coin too."

"The gold will be more than enough to buy new weapons and with your coin I’ll be able to find you to pay you the balance.”

“So now the choice is yours!”

“You are right, they are meager belongs, but they are the life treasures of a shattered man. “ Nudging his horse a couples of steps forward Roger leaned toward the gang leader. “Perhaps I can make this a better deal for you?”

“ If you will deliver this wagon to the man called Tal in Vala’Lia, I will give you each four gold now.... and five more when we return."

"The catch is you will give me your weapons. And as for you”, he looked the leader in the eye “your visitors citizen coin too."

"The gold will be more than enough to buy new weapons and with your coin I’ll be able to find you to pay you the balance.”

“So now the choice is yours!”
The leader chuckled and raised his right hand and made an off-handed pointing gesture towards the group, the archer drew his bow back to his cheek and aimed down towards the group. Liriel could feel the arrow and the eyes of the man behind the bow aimed directly at her heart.

“I am done talking,” the leader said, “if you say anything else other than taking your leave or make any move other than turning your mounts North, my men will attack and the first target will be the lovely woman in the robes.”

“I’m sorry,” he said looking directly at Liriel before looking back to Roger.

"The final choice is now yours."

(OOC: If you make any other move than he stated, consider yourselves in Combat rounds. State your intended actions. For the record, I handle combat like this: Actions are stated, Initiative is rolled and then the actions played out in that order which I will post in my next update. Be as specific as you wish in your combat posts, make sure to are clear in your intended actions and realize you may not be the first to act in any given round. If you have questions, post them in the Q&A thread. )

“I am done talking, if you say anything else other than taking your leave or make any move other than turning your mounts North, my men will attack and the first target will be the lovely woman in the robes. I’m sorry, the final choice is now yours."
Roger listened to man that now showed he had no honor. He would attack a seeming unprotected woman to bully and get his way. Roger had offered him a fair, equitable and “Honorable” solution, but the brigand was just too set in his dishonest ways......

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From the time Roger was eleven he had learned what honor was and what honor could cost. Others had thought he was selected to attend the Royal Guards training because he was the illegitimate grandson of one of the court nobles. It was a way for the grandfather to manage the dishonor of his daughter having a child out of wedlock. Perhaps the boy might at least die in combat.

One morning during the training he was ushered into one of the Royal chambers, there he met a young man, it was the Emperor. Rogerius watched him in silence for what seemed hours. Then standing,drawing himself to full stature he walk over to the boy. “Do you know who I am boy?” he asked in stern but gentle tone.

“Yes ‘, answered the boy, “You are my Emperor.”

The man stood in silence for moment, his face gentled and he said, ”No, I’m your father.”

The boy was stunned, he was the Emperors son? Why did he have to grow up alone, he and his mother, away from family? It wasn’t right, it wasn’t fair, as he open his mouth to speak the Emperor lower his eyes and said, ”I’m sorry you have had to live in the shadow on shame. It is the way things are, but you deserve to know who you are. I will not set out a public announcement of you, but I will not deny you. There is honor still in this family and I want you to understand that. I can never offer you the throne, but you can earn a place in the realm through your acts. Will you help me unit this land back into one nation?” The Emperor extends his hand offering a signet ring. “This is the symbol of the New Realm, if you accept it; it will be your link to the family and to those that are dedicated to uniting Drannon. “

The boy knew it was not the normal act of a royal to do as this man did. There was honor in this man.......

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Roger paused a moment to let the bandit swell in over confidence. Then screaming a blood curdling battle cry to distract the archer, he spurred his horse charging the men to the left of wagon. He attempted to trample the men in his way. He drew his sword as he bared down on the archer. He would dispatch him and then attend to the honor less leader.

Roger paused a moment to let the bandit swell in over confidence. Then screaming a blood curdling battle cry to distract the archer, he spurred his horse charging the men to the left of wagon. He attempted to trample the men in his way. He drew his sword as he bared down on the archer. He would dispatch him and then attend to the honor less leader.
Gamard had gauged the temperament of Roger well, during his assessment of the human ranger, while riding behind his comrades and observing each of them earlier that morning.

The Khord had quickly decided that he would have the ranger's back, so without a further thought, he sprang into action with his sling and a prayer on his lips.

Gamard realized that Roger was intent upon disarming the archer with his sword, possibly blocking the cleric's aim, so he chose instead to let the bullet fly against the leader of the looters!

The Knight of Holy Anger instinctively knew that by eliminating the leader, the other looters might lose their nerve and abandon the wagon, fleeing for their lives!

This had happened many times in the past, although on occasion such an action did not work as expected, but it was worth the gamble this morning!

As the bullet flew towards its intended target, Gamard loaded the expended sling with his second bullet, then let it fly towards the nearest standing threat; then he loaded the sling a third time and repeated the process ... if necessary!

Eadric had held his tongue during the exchange, not wanting to mess up Rodger's negotiation. However the young lad was not sure if it was the fact that the men had directly threatened them with violence twice, or Rodger's terms that had truely sealed the outcome.

Certainly the shifty nature of these travellers, who inserted some unlawful 'Right of Salvage' spoke volumes of their ill-intentions. However, Rodger's demand of the man's citizenship coin, with, considering their quest, no guareentee of return had been highly unreasonable, based on what the merchants had told Eadric; if these men resorted to looting wagons for wealth, the odds of them parting with such a vauable item, if they had one, was highly unlikely. Such an item was likely worth more than the cart and its contents. It was no wonder that the leader refused, but to directly threaten Liriel, who had not spoken a word, was inexcusable.

Despite Eadric's insight into how quickly their diplomacy was dissolving, nothing could have prepared him for Rodger's sudden scream and charge. Near dumbstruck with awe Eadric tried to manuever himself between Liriel and the potentially oncoming arrow, gripping his spear tight.