Eddard Chapter 2 (Con't)

The Caravan

 

 

We decided to follow the caravan.  We wanted to determine where the stolen goods were going, as that caravan may well contain Thoram's weapons and armour.

 

We followed it through the hills as it skirted Redhand land.  There were very careful about not entering it, and we were careful not to be seen.  As it approached Arlos land- the neighbouring barony, we decided to attempt to elicit information.  Six o us got decked out as though we were a Redhand patrol, letting the Baron's own son take the lead and approached.

 

We accused them of trespass, but they, rightfully denied it.  The caravan guard captain was most cagey and would admit nothing.  Outnumbered as we were, we didn't dare push the issue.  It would have meant our deaths.  We let the caravan continue.

 

But we resumed following.  After the caravan cleared Redhand land, we followed it onto Baron Arlos'. It entered a village and unloaded at a warehouse.  I asked Garrus to blacken his shield, fearing that Arlos might take exception to his presence, especially given what we were about. 

 

The Caravan was, for the moment, a dead end.

 

That left one unaccounted for location on the map.  We would go there next, but first we rode back to the Troll and Maiden.

 

When we arrived there, Logan spoke up," We need more missile ability.  We can't take that compound without it."

 

I agreed." How do you propose we get it?"

 

"We'll have to hire some mercenaries.  There should be some looking for work."

 

I thought that this would stretch our gold, but I wanted to take that compound."I'll check around."

 

I went to speak to Tia.  When I first caught sight of her, my heart skipped a beat. That she had become to mean that much to me in such a short time worried me some. 

 

"Tia," I said, perhaps a little too breathlessly," It's good to be back."

 

"Eddard," She said smiling when she saw me.

 

"I'm sorry we won't be staying longer, but I'm wondering if you could tell me if you know of any mercenaries that might be looking for a short term contract?"

 

She frowned. "No, I'm sorry but I'll ask the innkeeper as soon as I get a chance." 

 

The next morning we were surprised at breakfast when a rather big human came and sat with us. "I hear you're looking for some mercenaries."

 

Garrus replied,"We are.  I am Sir Garrus Redhand, my companions and I find ourselves in need of some fighters.  What weapons do you favour?"

 

"My men and I are longbowmen."

 

We hired them, despite the 35 gold pieces or a share in the treasure, whichever was greater.  Four longbowmen to add to our strength.  We left as soon as we could.

 

Two days later we sat outside an abandoned farm house, a few miles of the main road, east of the inn.

 

"This is the place, I'm sure of it," said Logan.

 

It didn't look like anything much to me.  I couldn't have been more wrong.