The camp they make is in the little cattle town, Armentum.  The scouts and the locals join with the drovers and soldiers.. and the centaurs… and tell the tales.

The party learns of Zerova’s last “tour”.  It came through this area, which is along the border of Beligica and Gaul.  In it’s wake, bad things happened.  There was an uprising- people were ordered to gather food for the Huns, and some boldly refused.  Some even attacked the food collection places.  But the uprising was poorly timed and poorly planned.  Courage and defiance were undone by Hun ruthlessness and sheer weight.

Where the uprising had its strength, in some of the villages on the Gaul side of the border, the Huns invoked their “Peace Treaty”.  One of the more heinous paragraphs gave the Hun Emperor the right to intervene with force if insurrections threaten the peace.  He did so, with a vengeance.  The Hun troops wiped out some villages.

Only then did they press on to Belgica.  Armentum was bypassed.  It was lucky.  Many towns that were in the path of the Hun army were not so lucky.  Viroviacum… that’s where Theoderic went.. was taken by the Huns with a terrible loss of life.

Having lived under the Huns for five years Eadoin knows a thing or two of their style.  They capture, consolidate, enslave, and suck the life out of places.  But from the stories they hear it seems they are doing no such thing in Belgica.  They are simply destroying.

“Clearing their path,” Thayer says.  “Making it so there is nothing but burnt earth behind them, so they can press on ahead to the Ardennes.”

The scouts and locals tell of towering siege weapons, legions of Orcs, and hideous monsters.

Cirrus for once does not feel like music.  “What are we going into?”  she asks quietly.  "It seems amazing that these people have any hope left at all."

Eadoin settles in for the evening.  He circulates a while, sharing food and drink and tales around each fire.  It's an odd shift in life for him and one to which he's not completely settled.  He knows the patterns of the Huns well enough.  That this wasn't their normal pattern he's already surmised.

While he's concerned about what he and his can do, and the Huns, the young Centaur is far from depressed.  Here's where his goddess has led him, asked him to bring his family and folk.  He shakes his head a little, then rests a hand on Cirrus' shoulder.  "You and me, we both lived in Lutetia Parisiorum, Cirrus.  Where there's life, there's always hope.  This year, the next, and the next."

Eadoin scratches in the dirt a little with a stick, making note of where things are in relation to one another.  He's certainly no cartographer, but he understands how something representational, something symbolic can help others understand.  Here Ravinicum, Gaul, Belgica, Lutetia Parisiorum, Durocortorum, Arras, there the Meuse, the Rhein, and the faraway Nethershires.  "We're about here, I think, he says, poking at the crude map.

"The Huns've moved through open country that's friendly to them, or at least not openly hostile.  They've gone up the river valleys and through farm country with decent roads to make time."  He blows out before continuing.  "If what we're hearing here is true though, that they're stopping to make towers, that means they're trying to take cities."

He hopes his folk have some understanding of what that means, having seen Mons Trajectum.  "Cities are like forts within forts.  Rings of walls and gates make taking a whole one at a go very ahrd.  It means they slow down.  They can't safely leave one behind them without risk of being attacked from both sides.  They have two ways, to go over the top or under the walls, or else to try and starve out the people inside.  Winter's coming, though, so it's likely to be harder on the Huns than on the folks inside, at least as long as their food holds out."

With a smile that's at once impish and feral, Eadoin beams at those assembled.  "That's what we're here to do, make life hard for the Huns.  Raid their supplies and their foraging parties.  We'll slow them down to buy more time, just bog them down here on the edge of Belgica while they spend their time and strength again a city wall."

---

Sometime later, Eadoin seeks out Titus at his fire and ask him discretely of his Titus plans.  "Have you a thought for what you'll do next, sir?  I imagine the King'd likely grant you a squadron of cavalry, if you asked."  Here, the young Centaur offers to share the last of his wine, presenting it first to Titus.  Somewhere along the way, he's picked up habits that he didn't have six months ago.

"I've travelled so long with Ali'Cor and Jaquen, it's hard for me to think of not having them right nearby, but I wonder if they'll stay or rejoin the King and Aelasuria.  Jaquen is a page for Theoderic, if I remember, and could learn a lot of things with Aelasuria."

He pokes briefly at the edge of the fire, momentarily spellbound by the little fiery motes that rise into the air.  He gaze still into the dancing flames, he continues easily, "If you'd rather stay with my folk and me, you'd be welcome.  There are...things, I guess I'd have to say.  Your counsel would be very welcome, Titus, and your guidance.  Ummm...I guess the short of it is that where I'm at with my folk is a weird one for me, prolly for them, too.  I'm not real old yet and there's lots I need to learn, lots of mistakes I'll make before I've got this figured out.  Really, though, I'd need to be free to make 'em."

He winds up before the words get away from him again as they often seem to.  "Well, anyway, you'd be welcome, sir, but I'd need your counsel and guidance more than your person as a leader.  What you do for Gian and some for Katrelle would be welcome, but...I don't know how to say."  He pauses but a moment.  "Where they learn to be something else, I am a chief and I don't really know how to be."

OOC: Ketrelle is no longer with us as we left her with Aldregg to help him and keep out of the way of the Huns.

Titus is relieved to hear that they are not far from Theodoric's army and the news, while not good, is certainly not as bad as it could be. At least this is what he keeps telling himself. He spends his time when not helping organize the caravan speaking to whomever he can in the town attempting to get a clearer idea of what the situation is in Ganda and in the Shires. When Eadoin comes to him he is sitting with Bardas having sent Minnie, escorted by Gian, to 'do the magic she does' and learn what more she may.

Felix is at his feet and when he spies the Centaur he jumps up with a friendly bark, his tail wagging, but remains dutifully before Titus, "Well met, Eadoin, please join us!"

When asked about his plans he listens carefully to the young Chieftain's thoughts and concerns, sharing his own wine and enjoying that which is offered in return. When he finally responds he leans forward with a bit of a smile, "Your thoughts and questions do you credit, Eadoin.

"What are my 'plans'? Well, I have to tell you in all honesty and with some embarrassment, that I am uncertain. Once I have had the opportunity to speak to Theodoric I shall inform him of my desire to leave Burgundy's service and enter into his... Or at least aid him. Of course, as I say this I am still officially in Burgundy's service and have yet to hear anything from my Senator or cousin Vocaphil about the reports I have sent them or my responsibilities to my House. I envy you the clarity of your position, my friend.

"For that matter, I feel the same envy regarding Ali'Cor and Jaquen. I think you are correct that their skills are ill suited for the work you and yours shall be doing. Theodoric has few resources and when I use that word I mean you and them and myself -- I mean skilled people to fight this war and organize his still new kingdom. It seems to me that we must all apply ourselves in those areas that the King needs us and not be distracted beyond those duties until such time as He may give us the freedom to investigate new ones. The challenge of youth, as I think you are now experiencing, is that when young one has far less liberty to do what one wishes to do despite it being too early to know what one might actually wish be doing, let alone know what one is good at.

"So, the short of it is that I shall make clear to Theodoric that I am willing to leave Burgundy's service and take whatever role he may have for me. If that is leading a squadron, so be it. If is something less exciting, but no less important such as helping to manage logistical or Trade matters then that is what I shall do.

Now, that said... I am always, <bold>always</b>, here for you should you need counsel regardless of the position I hold. We are friends and companions and I would offer what I may to you whenever I may and would be rather offended if you thought otherwise!

"If Theodoric does not have need of my services and I am free to choose my next role, then I would be glad to join you. Were I to do so I understand that given the nature of things I would not be of your tribe until having proved myself worthy in the eyes of your people. Were I to be with you I would happily stand as your adviser and not expect to take the place of one of your captains."

He leans back and takes a sip from his cup and the wry smile returns, "In the meanwhile, my friend, I understand your concern about not knowing how to be a Chieftain. That you have this concern, however, indicates that you are already a better Chieftain than many who have held such positions their entire lives. One learns best by doing and one may only learn from what one has done if one is willing to see and pay attention to the effects of his actions."

Titus's face becomes a bit more serious, <red>"For example, how would you say that your contact with the Gaul warriors earlier today?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:57, Sat 07 July 2012.

Eadoin isn't surprised when Titus smoothly puts words into his mouth.  Such is the way of adults.  The young Centaur smiles slightly, eyes laughing.  Perhaps it's why Titus makes his living as a merchant trader and a diplomat.  He doesn't contradict his counterpart, nor interject at this point.  He does, however, nod encouragement to see how much Titus might be willing to share of his thoughts.



Eadoin shrugs, in the manner of the young.  "The goal was met, that they not attack the caravan, but I think other things might have been possible."

Titus looks at Eadoin for a moment without speaking as if expecting to hear more. When the Centaur does not continue he leans forward, "Indeed? What 'other' things? I hope you will not be offended when I tell you that I find your words rather confusing.

"Did they seem interested in attacking the caravan in the first place? If not, then your interaction with them would have been irrelevant, would it not have? You have not claimed credit for the Gauls having not attacked; however, you did have an interaction and you seem to be telling me that it was not successful.

"What were the possibilities unobtained?"

"Fernand and his men are cowed by the Huns.  Their ruler, Theoderic's brother, I guess, likely signed the treaty that said they'd take no action against the Huns.  Since, some of the Huns stolen loot caravans have been attacked.  They're looking for 'bandits' and on their way to guard another caravan of loot and slaves for the Huns.  Fernand suggested that he and his men feared for their families because of the Huns' reprisals against villages where people dared to do anything about them."  Eadoin pauses momentarily, scratching at the dark fuzz which has been invading his chin and cheeks the last couple of months.  "I have no way to tell if his story is true or not, but they carried arms and armor which made them look Gallic; there is likely at least a grain of truth to it."

"It seemed very much as if their intent was to attack, as they'd come looking for those who'd been giving the Huns trouble, which we'd have very well done, if the Huns had enough misfortune as for us to find them first.  As we've seen not a single Hun caravan, though, despite looking far and wide for them, I have doubts.  Either they're the very men who're raiding the Huns or the bandits have been remarkably successful."

Eadoin looks very levelly at Titus, mismatched eyes shining with something, perhaps a mix of frustration, passion, and the impatience of youth.  "It is very hard for me to hear men speak of doing evil for the sake of fear.  It...offends those whom I serve."  Again, the young Centaur pauses.  "If I speak of a failure, it's because I'd hoped to turn them from their path, to get them to harry the Huns instead of aid them or to join m'lord Theoderic where their strength could be added to that of others."

"It only occurred to me after that there may be other reasons why they acted the way they did.  They could be working for the Huns themselves, or perhaps have someone amongst them to remind them their families as held hostage against the likelihood of their fighting back.  I don't know, really."  Quietly, Eadoin adds, "Words don't come to me plain, Titus.  They never have.  Persuading people do do something other than what they already intend to isn't my art.  I've got good intuition, but I don't know much.  For whatever reason, I've got duty, though.  I just worry about whether I can do what's asked of me, since I have to make it up as I go along."

Titus listens intently and responds, "So, Fernand was seeking to protect the Hun caravans that have been attacked by our allies, because his King swore a treaty with the Emperor that pledged to do so. All of this, we might guess is a result of attacks on those caravans led by our friends and allies. The Emperor has attacked his King's villages as reprisals to force companies like Fernand to be sent out and protect such caravans.

"This is where things get sticky, my friend, for do you do not see that what you call evil Fernand would call good? What his people call brigandage you call liberating? His people have already felt the Emperor's wrath for actions they had no part of... His King's innocent villages have been attacked and innocent villagers killed, have they not?

"Our challenge is huge, Eadoin, and when I say this I am not only referring to things on the battlefield. We must convince men like Fernand and his King to cancel their oaths. They swore those, because they sought to protect their realms against what they perceived as overwhelming power.

In other words, we must convince them that the Emperor may be defeated. We know there have been several small victories. As word of Zerova's defeat spreads this will be an important sign and have already heard rumors that Theodoric's forces have won small battles. Eventually, with care and persistence the Emperor's invincibility will begin to be questioned.

"I think you are wrong to chastise yourself, because you can not easily change a man's mind with words. Few can do such and most of them need magic or great power -- take the Emperor for example. They also need the right arguments for the person they are speaking with. As far as I can see the best way to influence men like Fernand is to leave him questioning his decisions and those his King has made. Show him that our actions are taken with due consideration and that while we are committed to them the reasons that have inspired them are valid.

"Of course, whether or not 'reason' is really the best tool for this work is a question we could drink much wine over, but I suppose the point that I am trying to make to you is that when you are in a situation like the one you were in earlier you ought not seek to convince them of the wrongness of their position, but the rightness of your own. Unless they take actions or say things that indicate that they are liars and manipulators there is no reason to assume otherwise."

Titus leans back with a sigh, "All of this is difficult and I think that you did just fine today. My only caveat is that we must be careful not to make enemies out of those that might be our friends one day. All of this is works better some days than others and, honestly, I think it is something that may only be learned through practice... It is also not such an arcane knowledge that one may not learn it by making it up as one goes along. One simply has to have the fortitude to confront such challenges and the capacity to learn from them."

He raises his glass with a grin, "And if I have met anyone with that capacity it is you, Chief Eadoin!"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:04, Mon 11 Feb 2013.

The differences between Human and Centaur society are evident, in a way, as the Centaurs take in this rather mundane little village.

”These people have many cattle!” Thayer reports, sounding genuinely impressed.  “So many, they must be wealthy.  They would never have to hunt, and there would be plenty of milk and cattle hide for everyone!  No wonder the Huns wish to conquer this land.  The riches here!”

* * * * * *

Cirrus looks at the discussion Eadoin and Titus are having.  She’s a distance away, but she seems to follow it for a few moments anyway, and then decides, it’s not for her.  She takes a little time to look over Armentum.

The village is a few dozen homes, mostly wood and sod.  Stone not very available here and tends to be conserved for the more important structures.  There are cattle barns, and a butcher, and a tannery, but no real shops.  People go elsewhere to buy things, and it’s fairly convenient for them to do so, traveling in little boats up and down the Lys river.  She asks about the temples, wondering if there might be a temple of Epona for Eadoin here.  After all, there are cattle and horses, and if there are horses, would there not be a temple of Epona?

. But she is disappointed.  The temples nearby are in Viroviacum—where Theoderic has already gone.  And they are devoted to Juno, Mercury, and Pluto.  And there is a small shrine to Iris.  Cirrus has never heard of Iris and gets an explanation from a villager.  Iris is a very minor goddess, a herald of Juno.  Also, the goddess of rainbows.  Her signature flowers, Irises of course, are planted in fields near her shrine, and some are always in bloom, because of the magic of the place.

She reports back to Jaquen and Ali’cor, telling them of these things, and mentioning that she might want to see the shrine with its forever-blooming flowers.

And then, she finds a place to settle in for the night.  It’s a cold one, as it is late November.

Though he's not the sharpest chisel in the toolbox, Eadoin gets that Titus is essentially saying that "evil" is subjective, that its definition depends on a person's point of view relative to actions and circumstances.  Though he's a deeply faithful lad, the young Centaur really doesn't have the breadth of religious training to explain that some things are Evil-with-a-capital-E, like how water is wet.  For some, like Rita, it's a tangible and measureable presence that can be warded against.  Perhaps, from that perspective, Titus and Eadoin will be ever miles apart on the topic.

Quietly, Eadoin nods, then says, "I know that people will see things as good or as bad, all in how it affects them.  Sometimes, it's not evil because of how one sees it, but because it just is.  A demon can't be good, can't do things out of concern for the well-being of others.  Rita can explain it better'n I can, but they're made up of all the bad intent and fear that people have about things.  They're all those bad feelings turned into something with will.  No good can come from helping them, even if it seems like it'll buy some time."

Here, the druid sighs out.  "Whatever decision Fernand makes, people are going to suffer.  Right now, he's chosen to have someone else suffer so he and his men and their families won't have to.  I...don't see how to turn them from that, Titus.  I don't see how to give them back their pride and honor when they've given it away from despair of what could happen."

He sips his wine slowly.  Despite his relatively large size, his folk are not known for their polite behavior under its influence.  Bacchus' gift affects them heavily; Eadoin takes his watered.  "For now, sir, I think I can but plant seeds of hope.  Maybe some of them may take root and flower.

---

In light of Thayer's surprise at the relative abundance of cattle and other livestock here, Eadoin continues planting his seeds.  "They have much of this one thing, yes.  Maybe they've a lack of something else they'd trade for?"

---

Eadoin finds a place to bed down for the night.  Though it's not dry, he's thankful it's less wet.  Still, this is low country so "less wet" is relative.  He does take the time to visit such shrines as are available, though, offering his respects.

As for his goddess, Eadoin carries a well-tended shrine in his heart and a little votive everywhere he goes.  If a temple is needed, any stable will do.  Apples and fresh roses are tough this time of year, so the White Mare will have to settle for Her likeness and name whittled into a main post of the building where She can keep watch over her beloved horses and those who tend them.

Ali'Cor is up early in the crisp morning doing his exercises and playing with the cold water of the nearby creek.  He makes it back and munches on a bit of trail berries and nuts collected along the way.  As soon as Cirrus and Jaquen are awake he settles in to talk with them both.

"I am also interested to see this shrine to Isis.  Do you think we could get there and meet up with everyone else later?  I mean the traveling with the group is nice but they seem to just wander and talk... a lot."

“We can ride quickly,” Cirrus says to Eadoin.  “It’s not that far out of the way, and they say that the troops have already been past there, so it’s safe.”

Cirrus has learned that forgiveness is easier to come by than permission.  The worst they would say if going on ahead to the shrine of Iris would be “don’t do things like that!”  But if she asks, they might say no… except for Eadoin.  He’d understand.

With a shy smile Cirrus ropes Eadoin into her conspiracy, finding a moment and telling him, very quietly, that she and Ali’cor want to do this.

”I know it’s not your goddess,” she says, “but it would be alright if you came too.”

* * * * * * * *

It is morning, and the group packs up for one last leg of the journey.  With contact already made with Theoderic’s troops, it promises to be an easy trip.  The army has gone to Viroviacum, ten miles down the Lys River.  It’s a much more significant town than the little cattle station of Armentum, and it is defensible, being a small, dense town shielded by water on all sides, so Thrymold judges it would make a good “resupply point”.

Given time and reasonable safety, Eadoin will visit the shrines.  Rather gently, Eadoin points out he's faithful to the gods as a whole and they're each due their respect.  Epona's just chief amongst his familial gods.  Eventually, he gives up trying to get others to see him as something other than Epona's.  He knows in his heart that he's faithful, speaks to them all and quite often.  Sometimes, they talk back to him, but he knows Epona is always nearby.

In the morning, Eadoin's openly frustrated with the speed of the caravan, eager to be ahead.  What's an hour away at a brisk trot for him or one of his folk is a long day of travel for a wagon, the miles creeping by in a manner akin to the growing of grass.  He ranges a bit, out with the scouts or chatting with Theoderic's troops.

Titus agrees with Thyrmold's analysis of Viroviacum. He endeavors to help him keep the caravan moving, but he is not quite as impatient as the younger members of the party as the supplies that they bear are of vital importance and his focus is getting them delivered. Loaded carts only move so quickly...

The visit to The Shrine of Iris would actually be the next day, as the rest of the group moves towards Viroviacum.
It’s on the other side of the Lys river, but it’s not one of those huge, uncrossable rivers.  Eadoin and the others could make it back if there was trouble.  So as the main group heads towards the town, Eadoin, Cirrus, Ali’cor (and Jaquen if available) make a detour.
None of them are highly knowledgeable about Iris, the goddess of Rainbows, who is a very minor deity.  From what they’ve gathered, she is the herald and messenger for Juno, the Queen of Heaven.  At least, that’s how it is for the Romans.  The Elves, who call upon the very different Celtic pantheon for their patrons, don’t really see how Heaven needs a queen.  Heaven should be a place free from authorities and hierarchies and commands.

Between Armentum and the shrine, there are a few small hamlets on either side of the river.  Most are intact.  Some look like they have sustained some damage.  Some houses look ruined, and recently.  At one location, they see villagers doing some repairs.

That there is something special about the shrine of Iris is evident.  It is November, and yet, there is a field of blooming flowers around the shrine, which is a small octagonal structure of white stone with iridescent flecks.

But when they get there, they see that it is empty.  Abandoned.  Something happened here, quite recently, because there are the remains of something large and dead and serpentine.

A few of the nearby villagers look upon this place as “their” shrine, and apparently have their curiosity raised by this group of strangers visiting.  Someone is walking out from the nearest village, crossing a field.  It looks like a woman of “mature” age.

* * * * *

On the other side of the river, Titus, Thrymold, and company see much the same thing.
They see the faces of villagers- their lives have been upended, they have no way of knowing what the future holds.  They look adrift.

Minnie wonders if they should say anything to them.  On the one hand, might some supportive words help?  But on the other, would the promises be empty ones.

”It should be enough,” Bardas says, that they know we are here to drive the Huns out.”

Listening to Minnie and Bardas, Titus rubs  his chin, "If nothing else, we might offer them food or other supplies that they may need. Doing so would not need to diminish too greatly that which we bring to the army. It might also make future trips through the region easier on Thymold's people if the locals think of them as allies rather than intruders.

"Also, as you suggest doing this will assist Theodoric's efforts by showing that there is another way to be than the savagery and cruelty of the Huns. Thymold would you like to join us in approaching the villagers?"

Eadoin, Ali'cor, Jaquen and Cirrus examine the scene at the Shrine of Iris.

It's clear a battle was fought here.. .or perhaps two.  A large creature was slain.  But they are in the dark, until a woman from the village reaches them and explains.

She relates how the little shine was seized by the Huns, who left a guardian here as a trap.  But the guardian was slain by Rita, Riordeg, Vagrenk, Swift, and Alara, who traveled on to Viroviacum.

And that's when they realize.. it's not just Theoderic and themselves headed that way!  The whole gang seems to be on their way.

The group returns across the river, and relays their findings.

Eadoin's happy to see Iris' shrine and the gardens around, even damaged as they are.  The young Centaur chats with whomever he meets along the way, offering words of encouragement here or there.  He's not sure how Romanized these folk might be.  He's found the further north he goes, the less the common folk hold to the Roman pantheon.  Still, any goddess who continues to offer hope to her faithful through flowers which bloom in the autumn is due respectful prayer.  He offers his own in glad thanks.

He's courteous with the woman who comes to greet Cirrus and her little rebel band, listening to her recount the events, then offering his own in return.  In spite of all that's befallen them, these, at least, have enough reserves of hope to rebuild.  Perhaps not all hope was lost in this land, as he'd expected after the encounter with Fernand and his men.  He shares such food as he has, which is little enough.  Still, he can always get more, even if it isn't the most appetizing fare.

Eadoin shares what he can, of friendly troops gathering, Humans, Dwarves, Elves, his own folk, even the Fair Folk if Princess Nia had gotten her way.  He has only his own little token of Epona, having had little opportunity to put Salen's gift to the use he had before.  He unties votive from the strap of his satchel.  It's grown worn in the months since he card it, the unpainted wood burnished from the rub of his fingers as he held it in times of prayer or for reassurance.  He offers it to the woman who's come to greet them.  Almost at once he sets about cutting another from some random bit of wood taken from a stableyard, whistling a happy tune of praise as he does.

---

Back across the river, Eadoin shares what he knows amongst his own folk and with those of the caravan.  Despite the difficulty of the circumstances, the druid's in high spirits.  Here's hope where one has no expectation of finding it and here's its boon companion faith.  He mentions what the woman had told them of the shrine and the defiled guardian the Huns'd left behind.  "Rita, Vagrenk, Riordeg, Alara, and somebody named 'Swift' beat it, though.  I think they went on to Viroviacum from here."

Minnie the Weremink mulls over speaking with the local people.

“We could do more to assure them, and keep up their spirits, and maybe build some support.  We certainly have the right skills,” she says.  “Maybe more so than anyone else Theoderic has with his army.  I don’t think he selected warriors on the basis of diplomatic ability. “

“Probably not,” Bardas says, “but he has certainly selected a lot of  them.  Look ahead, we can see them already.”

“It should be something real,” Minnie continues, musing on the creation of a Public Affairs Office.  “King Theoderic should allocate resources.  Tell us what we can provide to the people here.  It would be better to make only promises we can keep. ”

In the distance, they can see Viroviacum. The skyline of the village is dominated by a large grassy ridge on the west side, and beyond it, a watch tower, and the roofs of three temples, the low and somber Temple of Pluto on the left, the small and spirited Temple of Mercury just to the left of the watch tower, and the blue shingled roof of the Temple of Juno to the right.

Around the perimeter of the town are the camps of soldiers.  Many of them.  There are hundreds of horses, tents, and armed men.

The Centaurs are impressed.  They’ve never seen anything like this.  “Now this is something,” one of the Centaurs tells Eadoin.  “Most of this war, so far, has been moving from place to place, and wondering and waiting, and then moving again.”

Eadoin thinks the King could do with a few spies of his own, something more than warriors and understanding about what's going on inside the Hunnish cities, but also people behind in the areas the Huns think are settled, causing trouble.  The young Centaur is not insensitive to the plight of others, though.  Fighting near them means trouble for those who can't defend themselves, since the Huns aren't overly picky about who they attack in reprisal.  He doesn't know much about a Public Affairs office, so he keeps his opinions on the matter to himself.

On seeing the town and the number of troops surrounding it...hundreds, to the Huns' thousands, Eadoin is at once dismayed and heartened.  So many in one place, but a drop against what the Huns could bring to bear.  Fortunately, from the tracks they've left behind, the bulk of the Hun army is slow heavy infantry.  Sure, they'd have Worgs, but not enough, he hopes.

When one of his own folk seems surprised enough to mention expectations, Eadoin replies easily, "That's what it is, I think, most of the time.  Moving, waiting, moving again.  It's...something we do well that's key to how we can help.  We're faster than the Huns and stronger, but they're many times our number.  We can't meet them in an open field and fight fair.  There's just too many of them."  He can't help but notice many of his folk seem eager for the fray.  In the last few weeks, he's come to understand that they're not a group that will ever rightly be ruled, but one that must be led.  The young Centaur gives a sardonic snort of laughter, then turns to go find Gellas.

Titus listened to the conversation between Bardas and Minnie and glancing at Thyrmold he finally speaks, "At this point we may only provide from the resources we have currently and those are under Thyrmold's control. This means that not only do we have a very limited supply of things to offer, but that he may not give up too much of anything, because it all belongs to the Army, which is in action and likely to need whatever it can get.

"Therefore, offer nothing that Thyrmold will not permit taken from the caravan and offer no more than he is willing to give up. Asking what the people need will go far, even if we may not yet deliver it... And on that note, we  must be careful not to make any promises about delivery either!"

As Eadoin sets out in search of Gellas, several of the other Centaurs join him.

"Look," says one rather excitedly.  "Have you noticed the Humans with their horses?  Many of them have bows, and they look like they are set to move long distances.  Did you teach them this?  It is our way of doing things.  Working with them will be easy."

"But I am worried," another Centaur, Pherare, says.  "How will they take to us?  As subordinates, to be ordered around, and sent always into the worst of it?  What do you plan to tell them, Eadoin?"

* * * * * *

Minnie and Bardas, meanwhile, make a trip to Thrymold to talk about requisitioning supplies for a "hearts and minds" campaign.

But the caravan driver is reluctant to part with things.  Especially, now that they are arriving at the rendezvous point.  He punts, telling them he doesn't want to be the one to decide what can be spared and what can't be- he was told to deliver things to Gellas and Theoderic and that is exactly what he must do.

When he hears Thyrmold's response to their query Titus nods, "This is understandable. So, when meeting with the people we make no offers, but inquire as to what might be needed. I suspect that the most important message for them is that they have a King whom is actually attempting to protect them. That he has representatives speaking to them is an important first step and I expect that they will appreciate it. In the meanwhile, knowing if there are things these people need means that on future journeys Thyrmold may include those things."

Whether he's blessed or cursed by it, Eadoin knows himself recognizable.  He's just glad he doesn't have to explain himself everywhere he goes amongst the men of Theoderic's army.  Perhaps, even now, as one of the youngest of his folk present.  He chats amiably with those he passes, sharing a story and perhaps something hot to drink.

The young Centaur nods easily in response.  "My family has lived amongst them since Caesar came to Gaul.  They're Franks, horsemen from the east.  Some say there're grasslands to the east of the great forests, that they go on to the east forever to wherever the sun rises.  Maybe they learned there."

To Pherare, Eadoin shakes his head.  "Many are coming besides us.  Each must do a part, but we'll not waste our lives.  We'll see what needs to be said when the time comes."

OOC: Am I reading the other threads correctly in that we should plan to move over to the various Viroviacum threads?

Yes you are.  I should have sent a message here.  Sorry.