In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 125):

Saishi will go and speak with the villagers about the first two, in Sahudese of course.

Iskander speaks to the prisoners:
"You'll have a chance to say something for yourselves, Senyors. It seems some of you are recognized, and may be accused...I will try to help any found not guilty, get safe passage, and/or employment..."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 125):

A day passes while the grievances are aired. out of the 4, 2 look to have committed numerous offences. The leader, killed yesterday was the worst, two remaining are guilty of indifference at most, although one would always remove himself from the area to tend to the horses during the assaults, not even being within shouting distance.
Late that evening, a pigeon returns to the dovecote, and the elder reviews the missive.

Ales listens attentively to the missive.

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 129):

Saishi takes note. Two seem guilty, the rest, not so much. He also listens to the missive...

Chye waits, spending some time at the tavern in between.

Iskander hangs around the jail meanwhile, and is there when the missive arrives.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 132):

The "jail" is the same area used as a tavern, with, bars placed over the door and wi dows, and the men hobbled with their arms tied behind them.

The elder unfurls the scroll from the pigeon.

"Esteemed and revered Master Fa- 'that's me'- I hear of your troubles and have dispatched  Xu and Chung Wang from my household staff to join with the swordsman Tanaka Kojmaru, already by your side. I have secured also the services of a Veroingese who will act as liasion between our people abd those of the displaced lord of the region, who I have also located and am sending your way, together with his companion and former master of the guard, along with my envoys.  They are mounted on the best steeds I could obtain on short notice, if need be I can raise additional levies to send on foor. Give thanks to my valued peoples, and bid them serve under the Baronet if needed, but keep in mind that the rice needs to travel north in a weeks time. If all fails, the villagers may be relocated to my compound and escorted home by these fine soldiers of my house.
Yours in enduring trust, your humble servant Sakemoko."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Fri 20 Nov 2020.

In reply to Village elder (msg # 133):

Saishi responds in Sahudese. (Translated for better flow)

"Hmmmph. That sounds to me he is assigning these soldiers, and more to come, to us to serve the just Baronette that was displaced. Is that how you understood it, Elder?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:55, Wed 25 Nov 2020.

"Help is on the way! We must hold out, in the meanwhile. But now, some justice!"

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 135):

"Justice must be done to these dishonorable malefactors. These two, I decree that they must be executed.  They do not merit an honorable death, so Tanaka Kojimaru, your blade is spared being soiled with them. Let them be taken outside the protection of Akitsu-san, have them bound to a tree, and let the ka have at them. These other two, get them from my sight. They chose to either watch or ignore the torments of my people, and did not lift a hand to defend those they should have defended.  Translate this so that they know what judgement has befallen them."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:28, Thu 26 Nov 2020.

Iskander relays the verdict to the condemned.
"You two are to be taken outside the village, bound, and left for the strix."
He then looks at the other men, and speaks.
"You two will be released. I will hear your requests, now."

In reply to Iskander (msg # 137):

The two who are condemned cry out in anger and grief.although one has a gleam in his eyes that may be hope.

The other two seem both relieved and shocked.

Chye grimly observes the condemned men.
"Elder. Let's break their legs, before binding them. That way if they escape their bonds, they won't get out alive...."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:45, Thu 26 Nov 2020.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 139):

"Ah. Then do as you would, away from here."

"Take them!"
Chye takes charge over the condemned, and will break their limbs, once they are taken to the spot!

"Come Senyors. Let's get you out of here, quickly."
Iskander takes charge of those to be released.
"Where do you want to go?"

In reply to Iskander (msg # 142):

The two look at eachother.
"If we return to him with this news, he will have us flogged. Perhapse Sonne or St.Remy will have us, or even Northport."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:10, Fri 27 Nov 2020.

"We're heading back to Northport with the rice we collected here. If you wish, you may return with us. Know this, Senyors...Though these villagers have released you, they have made it plain that you are not welcome here. Within reason, I will aid you according to what you wish to do next."
Iskander explains to the releasees.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:04, Fri 27 Nov 2020.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 144):

The judgements seem reasonable to Saishi, so he watches events in silence until now. He speaks humbly with the elder in Sahudese.

"The suggestion of sending them as guards to Northport does make good sense, venerable elder. It removes the temptation to side once again with our enemies, while we get to watch them leave. If it pleases your wisdom, perhaps they can be charged with escorting the rice to Northport, and released from sentence there?"

In reply to Saishi Jin (msg # 145):

"That is good council. Take them far from this place as you leave."



The gruesome judgements are carried out...


The next morning, you hear horses.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Sat 28 Nov 2020.

"Ho!"

In reply to Iskander (msg # 147):

Six men on horseback arrive along witha number of men on foot, armed with bows. You recognize Monsieur Hood among them, and Xu the swordsman and Chung Wang the brute, along with two men in heavy armor wearing the green and black Chevron and spots on their surcoat and shields. Another Aralaise man is among them, and a handsome young lad on a pack horse wearing
Those colors as well.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 148):

Saishi does not know these folk, but they do not seem hostile. He watches, ready to act in case this were to change.

Chou-Zhen seeks out Ming-Sa.

"Let us spend this day building more walls.  I must leave with the wagon of rice, and the more walls we can build before then, the more protection your village will have against the Baron's men.

"If there is not another road the Baron's men might use to come here, then we can extend the layout we have, and perhaps fill in some of the gaps."