The Caravan [1st Leg]

[Game Master]

Briggs turned to his fellow freinds in the Wagons front seat. "Ahh, well...you see I was told..."

Briggs was saved at that very moment when the Lead wagon came to a halt, holding up the whole train. Shouts and commands were heard from the front.

"Well Stone, you better go see whats going on. Your the only magic user after all. They may need you. I'll take your seat while your gone." Briggs blurted while grinning widely. "Top side Sully! Look sharp. We may have trouble up ahead."

[homeskillet]

Stone gets down. He quickly rushes to the front. His leg was still sore, but it was easily ignored. When Stone got to the front he looked around," What is the danger?"

[Game Master]

One of the cavalrymen was on foot holding the reins of his mount. "Look fer yer sel'. We cot uhp ter da' scout an' he were stannin nixt ter thim thurr uhrks ahl tied up like."

(roll % for southern language to translate)

Bending his mind around what the soldier had just said he decided that it was better to look for himself even if he had understood the fellow correctly.

Up ahead, just around a bend in the road was Mason talking to the Caravan Captain. Next to them off to the east side of the road were 3 orcs tied up tight to a tree trunk. Some sort of parchment with wording on it was stuck to one of the orcs chests. Mason saw his good friend and waved him over.

[homeskillet]

Looking over the Cavalryman very confused, Stone walks over to Mason to see what was going on," what is this?" Stone asks as soon as he arrives.

[Game Master]

"According to the letter and other evidence it looks like someone has gone and caught some of Fire Brands bandit companions." Mason said while pointing to the orcs with his chin.

The Captain just shook his head. "Fools could have turned them in for a small reward instead of trussin them up like that." he commented. "Well they're our problem now. We'll turn them over at Fort Alandia where they can be properly tried and sold into slavery or executed depending on their crimes."

[homeskillet]

" how far away to Alanda?" Stone inquired.

[Game Master]

"Well it's about 80 miles from Garrotten and we've come...about twenty or so." Mason guessed.

"We have the wagons moving at about fifteen miles per hour so I'd rekon another four hours at present pace." the Captain added. "However if we tie these blokes by the wrists to a wagon we'll be forced to slow down to walking speed."

[homeskillet]

" Very good," Stone answers," They should not escape?"

[Game Master]

"Escape? No we'll tie 'em up good. Hmmm. I'm a pretty fair commander. Tell you what. If your willing to carry one of these brigands on your wagon with you so we don't have to slow down I'll make sure you get the reward for that orc. Deal? Let the other mercs know as well in case they want to get in on it. Otherwise I'll let my soldiers take them. Your call." The Captain stood patiantly for a response.

[homeskillet]

Stone ponders this suggestion. He catches Mason's approving smile and comes to a conclusion," Yes, we will take one," Stone accepts," do you want me to explain this to the other mercenaries or is that something a wise commander would do in person." Stone smiles.

[Game Master]

"I find that most mercs respond better to other mercs then true soldiers. Many mercenaries became soldiers fore hire so as not to deal with taking orders all the time. If your uncomfortable with the task I can handle it."

[homeskillet]

Stone grabs the binding of the captured orcs and pulls." I can do it," Stone answered. Stone walks over to cart 3, with the orcs in tow and addresses the huge, burly, ebony skinned fellow," Hey! There is extra reward for guarding an orc for delivery at Fort Alanda. You just need to keep watch upon him in your cart, while we travel and if this works our trip won't be slowed and we earn any reward offered. Would you like one?" Stone smiles. Then realizing his honor bows," I am Stone." He stands straight and looks the large man in the eyes," Earthmaster of Garrotten."

[Game Master]

The man looks upon Stone with eyes as dark as his skin. His voice is deep and booming . "I have heard of you. You saved a child. I am Par-Nax the stoic. Put the orc in the wagon if you will. Shyar will make sure he doesn't cause mischief. Won't you Shyar?"

the diminutive little gnome female in the wagon bed laughs. Her tiny voice sounds like little bells chiming. "Nay if the beast tries anything I'll skewer him. Pleased to meet you Stone, Earthmaster of Garrotten."

[homeskillet]

" Pleased to meet you too Shyar, Par-Nax," Stone looked toward the elf and nodded," Hello friend." Stone took one of the orcs and separating him from his brothers hoisted him in the wagon bed with Shyar looking upon him. Something tells Stone that this orc will be in big trouble if he tries anything. Stone bows again," nice talking with you, but I must hurry so we don't wait too long." Stone starts making his way toward Cart 6.

[Game Master]

Aiko observes the members of cart six. The teamster at the reins is a young man maybe still in his teens. The soldier next to him is grizzled and old and appears to pay more attention to the surrounding country side then Aiko. The tattooed dwarf is standing on the highest crate in the wagon bed watching the EarthMaster with orcs in tow.

"Whats going on up there? Was there a fight? What are you doing with those orcs?" The youth was wide eyed in wonder and obviously starving for conversation. Neither of his companions looked like they enjoyed small talk as both of the veterans glanced at the driver in annoyance.