Caled and Falnis ride hard through the night. Falnis leads the way through the darkness, while Caled once more relies on his horse to follow the varim. They make good time, and are soon within a few miles of the town of Lastorn. The sun has just begun to appear over the mountains to the east when Falnis' keen ears pick up the sound of trotting hooves and the grinding of wagon wheels around the embankment ahead. He cannot yet see the number of the approaching party, but he can estimate at least two dozen riders.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:01, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Falnis reigns in his steed, signalling for Caled to do the same, and glancing left and right for any spots that look like they'd offer enough cover for a knight to hide in. Judging by the dubious look he sends the fully-armored knight, he seems to feel he'd need a lot.

"What is it?" Caled murmurs as he comes to a halt, "Have we caught up with the riders?"

There are a number of trees dotted sparsely along the road, though the tilled farmland beyond offers few places to hide. There is an embankment to the left of the road upon which one might remain relatively concealed if none of the riders were to glance back after they had passed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:02, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"Yes and no," Falnis says, already dismounting and leading his horse behind the embankment. "Yes, there are riders, but they are coming towards us, and riding slowly. Either they are a different group than those we are chasing, or they have finished whatever business they left to do and see no need to return in haste. Either way, I do not fancy meeting them openly on the road. Thanian horsemen and my general wellbeing seldom seem to go hand-in-hand, in my experience. I intend to climb one of those trees for a closer look, by the way, once I have hidden my horse. If you are any good at climbing, perhaps you'd care to join me? Otherwise, I suggest you stay well out of sight until you are sure that they are either friends or foes worth fighting."

Caled frowns darkly as he considers the implications of the riders 'finishing whatever business they left to do', but obediently dismounts and follows Falnis up the embankment.

"I shall wait with the horses," he says in a tone which suggests the knight was around Erald's age the last time he climbed a tree.

Falnis sends the knight a sharp smile that suggests he has correctly interpreted that tone, before making for one of the taller trees near the edge of the road. He makes sure he picks a nice, sturdy oak with no branches on the trunk for a good twenty feet to climb up. Making himself comfortable, he peers at the road as the approaching hoof-beats grow louder.

OOC: Dalmar Argant rolled 50 using 1d20 +32. Hide.
Dalmar Argant rolled 50 using 1d20 +32. Move Silently.
Dalmar Argant rolled 33 using 1d20 +25. Spot.
Dalmar Argant rolled 28 using 1d20 +24. Listen.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:58, Wed 03 Apr 2019.

It is another minute or so before the source of the approaching hoof-beats comes into view. Falnis counts twenty-seven riders. The majority of these are dressed in a combination of leather and chainmail, and bear swords, clubs and crossbows. Five of the men are dressed heavier armor and have a bearing more akin to Thanian man-at-arms. Between them trundle four wagons. Three of these are loaded with injured men. Some have bandaged legs or heads, others lie motionless on the wagon, faces white and clammy with bloodstained bandages about them. Upon one wagon Falnis spots a group of Tyronius' men. There appear to be ten of his man-at-arms, looking muddy and grim, but otherwise unharmed. He can make out another three who rest with injuries similar to the mercenaries. He also spots Calvorn seated among them. He sits in the rear of the wagon, looking singularly unimpressed and bored, although Falnis notes his eyes moving sharply about the landscape as they trundle along, taking in their surroundings. There is no sign of Marabir, Tyronius or Aerendir amongst the prisoners.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:05, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Falnis notices the agent's gaze linger on the embankment above which Caled crouches with the horses, and the agent stiffens ever so slightly and scans the remaining surroundings more closely. He does not seem to notice Falnis.

OOC: Calvorn Areldan rolled 35 using 1d20+16. Spot.
Calvorn Areldan rolled 32 using 1d20+16. Listen.

The varim also notices one of the mercenaries at the front of the party seems to glance around with interest at the embankment, and then the trees. He nods thoughtfully to himself, before reigning in his horse to pull up next to another mercenary shortly behind him. He is too far away for Falnis to make out anything he murmurs to his companion, though from Calvorn's narrowed eyes the varim suspects the agent does.

Falnis' eyes narrow on seeing Calvorn. He seems to be mostly interested in if there are any letter-shaped bulges in the ranger's pockets.

It is difficult to see from this distance. What is all to obvious to the varim, however, is that Calvorn seems to have shifted his position slightly so that his hands are visible to anyone looking from either the embankment or the line of trees. With his fingers he is subtly communicating something that if Falnis is not mistaken is the varim sign language of his native city.

The mercenaries are planning to turn on the man-at-arms and kill us all.

OOC: Calvorn Areldan rolled 24 using 1d20+8. Sleight of Hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:23, Wed 03 Apr 2019.

A moment later, Calvorn sees movement in the oak tree a few meters ahead. Falnis stares down at him smugly.

What a delightful mess you have landed yourself in, comes the fluent reply. Are you hoping I will do something about it?

OOC: Dalmar Argant has taken 25 on Hide.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:46, Wed 03 Apr 2019.

Calvorn notes his location with a faint smile and an ever so subtle nod.

For two thousand carens I am hoping you might. I would offer half up front in keeping with the varim custom, but well, as you can see...

I can indeed see. Fortunately, I have a knight with me carrying Tyronius' personal seal, so I am sure he will be happy to stamp all IOUs once the job is done. Tell me, will the mercenaries be considerate enough to kill the men-at-arms before moving on to you and your friends, or will we need to fight them too?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:51, Wed 03 Apr 2019.

Calvorn glances grimly at the numbers of the mercenaries compared to the man-at-arms.

I suspect some will move to kill us while the others engage the man-at-arms. They have the numbers and will not want to risk us escaping in the skirmish.

Falnis drops lightly out of the tree, and stealthily pads his way over to Calvorn.

Well, we will have to discourage them from doing anything rash like that, won't we? What is your situation like for weapons and restraints? Falnis asks, appropriating a spare quiver of crossbow bolts from the backpack of an unfortunate man-at-arms on the way past.

OOC: Dalmar Argant rolled 33 using 1d20+16.  Sight of Hand.

Calvorn doesn't need to answer Falnis' question. In the dim morning light the varim can easily see that Tyronius' men have had all their weapons and shields taken from them, though they still wear their armour. Most of these weapons appear to have been piled in the rearmost wagon, beside several of the wounded mercenaries. The hands of each man have been bound thoroughly, though their feet remain unbound.

Whether due to the dim light or some varim magic or simply Falnis' superb skill, none of the riders appear to notice Falnis as he darts through their midst. When one of the horses gives a slight whinny it's rider quickly quiets it down as the men continue to make their way down the muddy road.

OOC: Caladormists rolled 8 using 1d20+4. Spot.

From this distance Falnis has no difficulty in overhearing the mercenary captain conversing in a low tone with another of his men.

"Soon as we attack Valdarn's men, kill the prisoners," he says, "No survivors, got it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:08, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

The man nods grimly as he turns his mount to canter gently down the procession.

Falnis draws a longknife and cuts Calvorn's restraints.

Do try not to look too obviously free. If you managed to hide a hunting knife or two in your boots, perhaps you could work on freeing your men? I don't trust Thanian soldiers not to panic at the sight of me if they catch me doing it.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Wed 03 Apr 2019.

One step ahead of you. Calvorn signs as he slips the dagger out of his sleeve. However, whether due to the cold morning or his stiff limbs or simple bad luck, the dagger slips past his open hand to clatter with a thud on the wagon floor.

The ranger gives a curse as the mercenary riding beside them does the same.

OOC: Calvorn Areldan rolled 16 using 1d20+8. Sleight of Hand.
Caladormists rolled 22 using 1d20+4. Spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:11, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"He's free!" the man cries to his companions.

The mercenary captain, once more up at the front of the procession, growls a curse.

"Get 'em lads!" he shouts, swinging out his blade to slash savagely at the surprised Valdan.


OOC: Dalmar Argant rolled 23 using 1d20+11. Initiative.
Valdan Felrand rolled 21 using 1d20+1. Initiative.
Dared Galdon rolled 19 using 1d20. Initiative.
Calvorn Areldan rolled 12 using 1d20+7. Initiative.
Caled Aravor rolled 11 using 1d20+1. Initiative.
Thanian Man-At-Arms rolled 10 using 1d20. Initiative.
Caln Deran rolled 8 using 1d20. Initiative.
Caladormists rolled 4 using 1d20. Initiative.
Caladormist Man-At-Arms rolled 2 using 1d20. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:43, Wed 03 Apr 2019.

Valdan may be surprised, but he is by no means stupefied. With a curse of his own he swings his sword out, narrowly avoiding the mercenary's blade as he brings up his own to slash the man across the arm.

"What is the meaning of this?" he snarls indignantly.

OOC: Valdan Felrand dealt 6 points of wound damage to Dared Galdon.
Dared Galdon dealt 13 points of vitality damage to Valdan Felrand.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:12, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Falnis sends the ranger a thoroughly unimpressed look, before twisting about in a fluid motion and tossing six of the stolen crossbow bolts at six different thugs, who collapse to the ground in unison. While the less sharp-sighted of Valdan's men may be wondering what's happening here, all the majority of mercenaries see or hear are six thuds and six fallen companions with Valdan's men-at-arms' crossbow bolts in them.

OOC: Hide Checks for six attacks: 19, 32, 29, 15, 31, 32.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:13, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Calvorn takes pains to avoid meeting Falnis' gaze as he begins cutting free the other men-at-arms about him, keeping an eye out for any mercenaries who might not be distracted by the sortie about them.

Caled is as confused as anyone about what is going on down below, but it is clear that the hiding part of the plan is over, so he rises from where he is crouched in the grass, his crossbow trained on one of the mercenaries nearest to the prisoner wagon. The man gives a cry a moment later as the knight's bolt strikes him in the neck and he falls from his mount into the mud.

OOC: Caled Aravor dealt 13 points of wound damage to Caladormist.

The first of Tyronius' men to be freed by Calvorn wastes no time in leaping from the wagon to snatch up a fallen crossbow from one of Falnis' slain mercenaries. He fires point blank into a mercenary in the process of raising his blade to hack him down. The man gives a garbled gasp as it crashes into his stomach. His blade slips from his grasp as his mount gallops off in a frenzy, the man's limp form bouncing twice then crashing sideways onto the muddy road.

OOC: Thanian Man-At-Arms dealt 18 points of wound damage to Caladormist.

The remaining mercenaries fly into chaos. Several of them fire crossbow bolts at Valdan's men, who they assume have anticipated their betrayal. One man-at-arms raises his shield hastily in confusion, while another has only his armour to thank as two bolts glance of his breastplate and another jams into his pauldron. Another four of the mercenaries charge forward to engage the remaining pair of man-at-arms, each two to one. The first one has barely time to draw his blade as he is slashed across the leg and then neck, crashing from his horse. The second swiftly draws his blade, blocking the blows from the mercenaries. Another mercenary gallops to charge down Tyronius' escaped man-at-arms before he can reload, but the man quickly ducks the blow as he scurries forward to snatch up a fallen blade. The final two mercenaries direct their mounts up the embankment to where Calad is hastily running for his horse, his sword drawn. The knight turns to duck one of their blades and parry the other, staggering backward but maintaining his footing as they begin to circle him.

OOC: Caladormists dealt 32 points of vitality damage to Caladormist Man-At-Arms.
Caladormist dealt 9 points of vitality damage to Caladormist Man-At-Arms.
Caladormists dealt 14 points of wound damage to Caladormist Man-At-Arms.
Caladormist dealt 6 points of vitality damage to Caled Aravor.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:14, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

The pair of Valdan's men targeted by the crossbowmen hastily charge their attackers, who are already tossing aside their weapons to draw their swords. Each slashes one of their attackers, the first a shallow gash on the arm, the second a deep gash across the side, but neither man falls from their saddle. The remaining man-at-arms who is now being swarmed by four of the mercenaries slashes wildly at one of the attackers, gashing his arm and drawing a stream of curses, but little more.

OOC: Caladormist Man-At-Arms dealt 9 points of wound damage to Caladormist.
Caladormist Man-At-Arms dealt 5 points of wound damage to Caladormist.
Caladormist Man-At-Arms dealt 3 points of wound damage to Caladormist.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:14, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Valdan's unfortunate warrior beset by four of Galnor's thugs guesses he has his fellow men at arms to thank as all of them collapse a moment later each with a crossbow bolt in them.

OOC: Hide Checks: 19, 28, 25, 32.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:16, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

The pair of captains, meanwhile, continue their duel. Dared attempts a wild slash at Valdan, but before he can bring his blade around, Valdan lunges forward to impale him through the chest. The mercenary captain gives a grunt of pain and dismay as he drops his blade and slips lifelessly from his mount. He turns in time to see the four mercenaries collapsing in unison from Falnis' bolts, and narrows his eyes as he glances first up into the trees, then along the ridge of the embankment.

OOC: Valdan dealt 16 points of wound damage to Dared Galdon.
OOC: Valdan Felrand rolled 21 using 1d20+4. Spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:16, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Calvorn frees another of the knights, before passing the man his hunting knife and leaping off the wagon to scoop up another of the discarded crossbows.

Caled waits until the first of his attackers moves in to attack him once more. The man raises his blade, but before he can swing Caled slashes him across the side and he falls from his saddle to land heavily in the grass. He does not rise. Caled swiftly turns to face the remaining mercenary.

OOC: Caled Aravor dealt 12 points of wound damage to Caladormist.

The man of Tyronius' who is off the wagon slashes at his attacker, but this mercenary is quick enough to dodge aside as he passes.

The fortunate mercenary also manages to dodge the form of Caln Deran, who, having been freed and his gag removed, wastes no time in leaping off the wagon in an attempt to pull the man from his horse. The guard captain gives a curse as he lands facedown in a puddle of mud, splashing about as he attempts to pull himself up and rub the mud from his eyes.

The remaining mercenaries seem to be doing a bit of quick arithmetic. Their number swiftly reduced from two dozen to eight, their captain dead and Tyronius' men rapidly arming themselves seems to be all it takes for them to decide this battle is not worth continuing, and, leaving their injured companions to their fate, they begin to gallop through the trees and across the farmland beyond. The man who is attacking Caled glances back to see his companions departing, and gives a curse before directing his own horse away from the knight and the battle.

The injured mercenaries who had until this point been sitting as surreptitiously as possible in their wagon seem to decide that this is not the ideal situation to be in, and begin to attempt to pull themselves up and stagger down onto the road, some looking for weapons, others hobbling after the horsemen.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:42, Thu 04 Apr 2019.

Those in the second wagon are the most unfortunate, as the battle seems to have been too much for the horse pulling the cart, and with a whinny it attempts to bolt. It crashes into the wagon before it, containing Tyronius' men, and with a crunch its wheel breaks off, sending the injured mercenaries and men-at-arms inside spilling onto the road. The horse pulling the wagon with Tyronius' men then decides to bolt as well, almost overturning the wagon as it turns, and throwing several of his men-at-arms into the mud, hands still bound. The remaining men swiftly attempt to leap out before the wagon can gather too much speed down the road.

The mercenaries in retreat, Valdan's men seem to feel that Tyronius' men, along with Calvorn, pose the greatest threat. They charge toward the man-at-arms of Tyronius' who has armed himself and Calvorn. The man-at-arms is able to skillfully avoid the strokes of his attackers, albeit narrowly. The man attacking Calvorn has the unpleasant experience of the agent giving his swordhand a smack with the butt of his crossbow as he passes, and curses as the blade slips from his hand and into the mud with a splash.

OOC: Caladormist Man-At-Arms dealt 12 points of vitality damage to Thanian Man-At-Arms.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:19, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

I thought rangers were supposed to be good with animals, Falnis signs snidely to Calvorn as the chaos unfolds. Is there anything you have contributed to this battle, beyond hiring me?

He seems to feel as he steps forward to jam two longknives into the back of one of the men-at-arms attacking Tyronius' soldier, that disarming one man doesn't count. The man-at-arms doesn't look like he's getting up any time soon.

OOC: Dalmar dealt 228 damage to man-at-arms.
Hide 18, 20, 21, 17, 26.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Thu 04 Apr 2019.

"I'm not that sort of ranger," Calvorn shoots back dryly, feeling the situation well enough in hand to warrant speech once more, "And are you suggesting hiring you was not the most useful contribution to this battle?"

"It's over," he calls in a louder voice to Valdan, "Tell your men to stand down."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:46, Thu 04 Apr 2019.

Falnis, ever susceptible to flattery, smirks at the complement, though he frowns at Calvorn's next words.

Why are we not just killing them? he signs, nevertheless reluctantly not running the second man-at-arms through.

Valdan glances at the carnage which has unfolded within the past few minutes with understandable dismay. By this time Tyronius' men have for the most part armed themselves, and Caled has swung onto his horse and is in hot pursuit of the out of control wagon containing the remaining men. The remaining pair of his men-at-arms glance at him, trying not to look to hopeful that he will acquiesce to Calvorn's demand. His injured men from the wagon either lie in the mud, or else stand weakly with their appropriated blades raised in desperation.

"Give me your word my men will not be harmed," he says resignedly.

Calvorn smoothly signs back.

We need information. We still do not know the extent of this plot and how Galnor managed to acquire an army of well trained men so swiftly.

To Valdan he smiles grimly.

"A bold demand for someone in your position. I will make no such promise. What I can promise is that you and your men will all die if you do not stand down immediately."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Valdan does not seem to doubt the sincerity of this promise. He makes a distasteful expression. At that moment one of the mud covered crossbows being held by one of Tyronius men suddenly releases its bolt with a hiss, missing one of the remaining men at arms by a couple of inches. The man gives a yelp and flinches to the side. This seems to be the final straw for the captain, who quickly tosses down his blade.

"Very well," he says resentfully, "Stand down!"

Indeed. Falnis signs, wiping his blades off on one of the dead body's cloaks and sheathing them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:22, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"Wise," Calvorn commends the captain as the remaining men-at-arms throw down their weapons.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:18, Thu 04 Apr 2019.

Caled appears to have caught up with the wagon, and, reaching out a hand, takes hold of the panicked horses bridle, murmuring gently to it as he beings it to a canter, then a trot, and finally a halt. The remaining couple of men inside clamber out, leaving only a pair of injured men lying inside. Caled cuts the bonds of the uninjured men, before turning the wagon about and trotting it back to where the others are gathered.

OOC: Caled Aravor rolled 25 using 1d20+10. Handle Animal.

"Now," says Calvorn as Valdan dismounts and two of Tyronius' men move forward to bind his arms behind his back, "Why don't you start by telling me who you work for and who is backing Galnor?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:24, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Valdan sends him a resentful glare and does not respond.

"A powerful lord is involved I presume?" Calvorn says after a moment, "Answer honestly, give me a name, and you have my word your men will not be harmed."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"I am no informer." Valdan retorts proudly.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Falnis looks like he's debating if now is the right moment to get Caled to stamp the IOU payment papers or not.

"We shall see," Calvorn says irritably after a moment. He rubs his beard thoughtfully, before turning to the nearest of Tyronius' men.

"Get the injured into the wagon, along with the prisoners."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"Where are we headed?" asks Caln, who has wiped the worst of the mud off his face and is glancing reprovingly at the nearest of Valdan's men, "Lastorn has shown where it's loyalties lie, and Calarn is clearly under the control of these bandits as well."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"Where is Prince Tyronius?" Caled interrupts as he arrives with the wagon, dismounting.

"Exactly, Caled," Falnis says approvingly, stepping out of the shadows at his elbow. "By the way, stamp this, would you?" he adds, tossing Caled a sheet of slender parchment that may or may not have been freshly drafted using blood from one of Galnor's deceased men as ink, which promises the holder of it two thousand carens from the Thanian treasury, for 'services rendered to the crown'.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:30, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"On his way up to Calarn," Calvorn informs Caled grimly, "Along with Marabir and Aerendir. And there is no need for that," he adds sharply to Falnis.

He snatches the slip of parchment from Caled's grasp, and instead reaches into his boot which did not contain his hunting knife. After a moment he withdraws a small pouch, withdrawing a diamond and two amethysts. He does not seem to feel these are quite enough, as he tips a further two amethysts into his palm. An expert of gemstone appraisal would consider the final amethyst unnecessary, each amethyst being worth around one-hundred carens, and the diamond being worth close to one-thousand eight-hundred. Calvorn does not seem to one such expert, as he gives a satisfied nod before passing them across to Falnis.

"That should be sufficient."

OOC: Calvorn Areldan rolled 13 using 1d20+7. Appraise.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:57, Thu 04 Apr 2019.

Falnis appears mildly peeved to have missed his chance to get a forge-able copy of Tyronius' official seal on something. He accepts the gemstones however, though to anyone with a sound judge of character, it is immediately clear when Calvorn passes the stones across that Falnis is no expert either at gemstone appraisal, but also that he does not wish to admit this to Calvorn, who he assumes is. He accepts the jewels with the nod of someone who has correctly and professionally judged their value and is satisfied with it.

"I assume that means that my letters and my poisons are also travelling to Calarn? Or are you still carrying any, Calvorn?"

OOC: Dalmar Argant rolled 7 using 1d20+3. Appraise.
Dalmar Argant rolled 27 using 1d20+21. Bluff.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:32, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Calvorn may suspect that Falnis might have no clue as to the value of the gemstones, but he cannot be entirely sure.

"Do I look like I'm carrying around a sackful of varim poisons?" he replies with evasive irritability, before turning to Caln, "As for where 'we' are going, you will be accompanying Caled and the rest of the men and prisoners to the Vordren Estate. It is the safest place to hold out until we can send for reinforcements and learn just what kind of threat these rebels pose. I shall be riding north, accompanied by Falnis in order to intercept and rescue the princes."

OOC: Calvorn Areldan rolled 27 using 1d20+12. Sense Motive.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:33, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"I shall be accompanying you," Caled informs the agent firmly, "I will not run and hide while His Highness' life is in danger."

He receives a few grim 'Here, here's from the prince's men standing behind him.

Calvorn rolls his eyes.

"You have no skill in hiding, and Veldorn's men will slit the throats of the princes the moment you come charging into view."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:33, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"They wouldn't dare," Caled replies flatly if not confidently.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Calvorn raises his eyebrows, but does not feel the need to engage with this remark.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Falnis frowns.

"So you do not, in fact have my belongings with you?" he presses, attempting to return the conversation to more important matters.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:37, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"I do not," Calvorn replies longsufferingly, "If you want your possessions you will have to assist me in rescuing their highnesses."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:38, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"Galnor promised he wouldn't kill Their Highnesses unless they themselves made an attempt to escape," puts in one of Tyronius' men unhelpfully, keen to return to the argument.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:39, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Calvorn raises an eyebrow at the man.

"And you still trust his word, hmm?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

The man doesn't seem to have an answer for this and frowns grimly.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:41, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Calvorn gives a triumphant nod.

"If you truly value the lives of Marabir and Tyronius," he addresses the rest of Tyronius' men, "You will follow my instructions and leave the rescuing to me. The most helpful thing you can do is get the injured to safety and question the prisoners. I will send word once we have the princes, and there will be ample opportunity after that for battle and glory."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Several of Tyronius' men nod reasonably at Calvorn's words, however Caled seems unconvinced.

"You are not in charge of these men, Calvorn," he replies evenly, "And you have already shown how effectively you are able to protect His Highness from these rebels. It would make more sense for you to escort the injured back, and leave the rescuing of His Highness to me and my men."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Falnis arches an amused eyebrow.

"Are you suggesting you would call yourself effective, Caled?"

Caled shoots Falnis a dirty look, while an appreciative smile plays at the corner of Calvorn's mouth.

"And I assume you and your knights are competent trackers?" he says dryly.

Caled shrugs.

"My men are fast riders. We shall simply ride back up this road and cut them off before they reach Calarn."

Calvorn shakes his head.

"You there," he addresses one of the more seasoned looking men-at-arms whose name he has clearly not bothered to learn, "You will escort these prisoners and wounded back to the Vordren Estate at once."

"Araldan," Caled emphasises the man's name, without taking his even gaze off Calvorn, "Leave four of the men to escort Calvorn and the wagons back to the estate. The most able bodied men ride with me."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Sun 07 Apr 2019.

"And people wonder why the Carendils never get anything done?" mutters Valdan to the man-at-arms beside him.

Calvorn scowls as Tyronius' men set about Caled's orders, ignoring his own. However after a moment he shrugs.

"Very well," he says with indifference, "I shall escort the wounded and prisoners back with four of your men on the condition that Falnis stays with me."

Falnis looks like he is deriving more enjoyment than he should from all this.

Despite their adventures so far, Caled clearly does not seem to feel Falnis is an invaluable resource, as he shrugs and nods.

"Fine. He goes with you. We shall meet you at the Vordren Estate after we have rescued Their Highnesses."

"Just as long as when you do, you tell Tyronius that I kept my end of the deal and deserve my possessions back. I will want your word on that if we are parting ways on your orders-- assuming all of that unpleasantness will still be necessary once you've rescued him. I know he does not trust varim, but even the most prejudiced Thanian must surely admit now that I am not the most likely reason why a human in these parts was murdered and left in a ditch. In truth, given all I have seen these past two days, my only wonder is that His Highness only found one such body on his journey."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:28, Sun 07 Apr 2019.

Caled seems to feel this is a reasonable comment, as he gives Falnis a curt nod.

"You have fulfilled your end of the arrangement you made with His Highness, and I shall see to it that is informed of such. You have my word."

"Wonderful. I knew there was a reason I liked you," Falnis smiles approvingly. "My letters, Calvorn?" he stretches out a hand for them. "And the duplicates of them that I am sure you are also carrying as well."

"Your agreement is with Prince Tyronius, not myself," the agent replies briskly, "I am sure he will see to it that your possessions are returned once you report back to him."

With his hands he subtly signs to Falnis.

We will not be riding to the Vordren Estate. As soon as we pass the road leading to Calarn we shall ride after the princes and catch them up before Caled and his men get themselves and the princes killed. Tyronius will, after all, have difficulty keeping his word if he is dead.

"That is an interesting interpretation of, 'I will make no promises of what Calvorn will or will not do,'" Falnis observes, with a credible imitation of the royal Thanian accent. "Come now, stop being obstinate. I will let you keep your duplicates, but I want the originals back. We both know it was only ever His Highness stopping you from complying with the terms of the Concordat in the first place."

Falnis, also capable of carrying on two conversations at once, replies:

I'm aware. I am counting on you knowing a shortcut or two through the forests or farmland that may save some time. I do not know what your riding skills are like, but if they all ride like our good friend Caled, I will not be able to catch up. My horse was bred for speed, not endurance, and he has had neither food nor a proper rest these past twenty hours.

OOC: Dalmar Argant rolled 31 using 1d20+16.  Slight of Hand (To conceal reply from the knights).
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Mon 08 Apr 2019.

Calvorn sighs, reaching into his tunic and withdrawing a handful of letters.

"Prince Tyronius has the rest," he says unhelpfully as he passes them over. Falnis notes that these are all originals. He sees no signs of where any duplicates may be hidden, if indeed they exist. He continues to sign as the men about them prepare the injured and prisoners.

Caled will be taking the long way to Calarn anyway. The northern road is faster and we will be able to follow Galnor's tracks that way, so as to make sure he doesn't veer off to another direction.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Falnis makes a point of checking them anyway, before sketching an elegant gesture with one hand. A moment later, his eyes glow an electric blue, and a globe of flame appears in one palm. Falnis proceeds to burn the letters, before closing his hand to dismiss the flames.

That sounds doable.

"Well, I suppose if we are going to be escorting the wounded and prisoners, I had best see that the latter are properly secured. I would so hate it if they did to us what we did to them just before," Falnis says aloud once he is done burning the letters. Approaching the prisoners, he proceeds to check their restraints and tighten them, clearly feeling the Thanians have done a less than perfect job with this.

OOC: Dalmar has cast 'Flames'. (MP2.)
Dalmar Argant rolled 24 using 1d20+20.  Use Rope Check (To Tie Up Prisoners).
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Mon 08 Apr 2019.

Only Calvorn seems unperturbed by Falnis' spell. The rest of the men about him stare with either suspicion, awe or fear as the letters are engulfed before him.

"Have you quite finished your magic show?" he asks dryly as the flames disappear, making no offer to assist Falnis in securing the prisoners.

Valdan's poor men eye Falnis fearfully as he approaches, looking as if they half expect to burst into flames any moment.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:49, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"You really should consider looking for a replacement Court Battle-mage if Thanians these days are this awed by the magical equivalent of lighting a candle," Falnis says, taking in these unsubtle reactions. "Not that I imagine many mages would be jumping to apply, given what Thane did to its last one."

OOC: Dalmar Argant rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Knowledge (Thane).
Dalmar Argant rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sense Motive.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:12, Tue 09 Apr 2019.

Caled sends him a look which makes it clear he feels the 'last one' got exactly what he deserved, and serves as a good warning to any would-be replacements. The last of the wounded and prisoners being loaded, he turns his horse, and, accompanied by six of his men (and Caln Deran, who clearly has no intention of being left behind), gallops off in the direction of Calvar.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:02, Sat 13 Apr 2019.

The four remaining man-at-arms, accompanied by Calvorn and Falnis, trot their horses at a gentler pace back in the direction of Lastorn, the prisoner wagons trundling along beside them.

Calvorn trots his mount along in silence for a quarter of an hour or so, long after Caled has disappeared out of sight and earshot. It is as they turn the final bend to see Lastorn come into view, a couple of miles down the winding road ahead of them, that he seems satisfied, turning to the man-at-arms leading the party.

"Take these injured back to the Vordren Estate. Falnis and I will scout to the north to make sure no more of Galnor's men are on their way down from Calarn."

OOC: Calvorn Areldan rolled 9 using 1d20+5. Bluff.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:51, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

The grim man-at-arms may not possess Aglorn Vard's skills of discernment, but even he is not fooled by Calvorn's story.

"Caled instructed us all to return to the Vordren Estate," he says sternly.

OOC: Thanian Man-At-Arms rolled 13 using 1d20. Sense Motive.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:02, Tue 09 Apr 2019.

Calvorn scowls at him, before shrugging.

"Well, I do not answer to Caled," he says briskly as he begins to canter off ahead of the procession, abandoning his pretence, "Good luck stopping me."

"Vard's standards have fallen low indeed if your skills at diplomacy and deception are those of his average graduate," Falnis observes, turning his own horse to follow Calvorn. "I'm beginning to feel as if I may be overqualified for my job, if you represent the average agent I am up against... or would be were I do do anything illegal in Northern Thane, which of course I would never dream of doing with the Concordat in place."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:28, Tue 09 Apr 2019.

"Calvorn!" the man-at-arms calls angrily after the pair, unwilling to abandon the prisoners and injured to chase after them, "Calvorn! You will return at once!"

Calvorn shows no sign of hearing either Falnis or the man-at-arms, remaining obstinately silent as he accelerates his horse to a gallop.

"You will give the poor man a stroke if you are not careful," Falnis says, with an amused look back at the man-at-arms' furious face.

He does not slow his horse either.

The man-at-arms half raises a hand as he starts after the pair, then halts, watching the pair as they gallop off down the road. At length he lets the hand fall resignedly to his side.

"Typical," he mutters darkly.

Calvorn makes no effort to converse with Falnis as the gallop along the road. He does not slow his horse until they reach the road which leads north from Lastorn to Calarn. He reigns the mount to a trot as he peers down at the tracks along the path. With a satisfied nod he sets off at a canter down the road. By this time the sun has risen completely over the foothills to the east to shine down brightly on what most would consider a brilliant morning. Birds chirp in the trees about the road as the pair make their way along. They meet no one as they ride along the road, and within an hour they have reached the Senth Forest.

OOC: Calvorn Areldan rolled 36 using 1d20+18. Survival.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:10, Tue 09 Apr 2019.

"They appear to have made good time, despite the wagon," Calvorn remarks as he glances grimly down at the track, "I do not envy Prince Marabir his journey."

Falnis pulls his hood up to shield his face a bit more comfortably.

"You don't? I find I envy him more with each passing hour. Would that we could all dream in a wagon while being fussed over by devoted attendants instead of staying up for two days straight. You never did mention, by the way, and delicacy forbade me to ask: How did our 'finest swordsman in Thane' land himself in that wagon so conviniently?"

OOC: Falnis is dazzled. (-1 Spot, search, attack).
This message was last edited by the player at 17:06, Sat 11 Jan 2020.

Calvorn does not seem inclined to divulge the specifics of Marabir's capture, and proceeds to canter off into the forest. The forest about them seems almost unaware of the grim happenings to which it has been privy this morning. The sun shines brightly through the leaves overhead, casting a hazy green-gold light across the path. Birds continue to chirp cheerfully and bees buzz lazily about clumps of wild daisies as the pair pass. (Though they are occasionally fried by Falnis' flames when they buzz too close to the sleep-deprived varim).

It is not until just before midday, shortly after the last of the forest trees have given way to lush, rolling farmlands behind which the shadow of Calarn looms in the distance that Calvorn calls a halt once more.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:55, Sun 12 Jan 2020.

"I feel this is as good a time to mention as any that Caled and myself may have murdered half a dozen or so of Galnor's men here not twenty four hours ago, and antagonised a tavern of what it would be generous to term as mercenaries," Falnis remarks, eyes following the wagon tracks towards the town.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:53, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

This does not appear to surprise Calvorn, who merely nods thoughtfully as they continue to canter down the road through the fields.

"No sign of the wagon even halting. Galnor must have ridden hard all the way to Calarn. He is rightfully scared of Carendil retribution."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:54, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Falnis gives a noncommittal 'hmm'.

"Would one be too optimistic if one assumed a responsible Vard agent like yourself had a plan?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:36, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

“The plan,” says Calvorn grimly, “Is to scout out the town. If we locate the parts of the wall which are least guarded we should be able to-”

He breaks off, reining in his mount as he gestures to a rocky outcrop above the road a mile or so ahead, upon which they are able to make out a figure crouched low.

“It seems the road is being watched.”

OOC: Calvorn Areldon rolled 27 using 1d20+15. Spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:32, Sun 12 Jan 2020.

"You would seem to be right," Falnis agrees, also reigning in his steed next to Calvorn. "And if we can see him, I wager that he can also see us."

Falnis rests a hand on his Thanian light crossbow, and eyes the croucher to see if they are friend or foe.

OOC: Dalmar Argant rolled 39 using 1d20+25.  Spot check.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Sun 12 Jan 2020.

Falnis' elven eyes are keener than Calvorn's, and as the crouching figure turns his head slightly, the varim is able to make out the familiar features of Larend. The knight's attention appears to be on the town ahead, and as such he does not appear to have noticed the pair of riders at present.

OOC: Larend Talrun rolled 16 using 1d20+1. Spot.

"It's Caled's friend," Falnis observes aloud, audibly relaxing and taking his hand off his crossbow. "Now that would have been irony, if we had shot him. I take it back-- assuredly if that is Larend we have not been spotted."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:38, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Fortunately for Falnis, Larend's hearing is no better than his eyesight, and he continues to peer down at the town of Calarn, oblivious to the unflattering criticism of his skills of observation.

Calvorn seems to share Falnis' assessment, as he makes to effort to rebuke or reprove the varim.

"Caled's men, eh? Well, I suppose we had best make contact with them and find out what we can about the predicament of Their Highnesses."

He dismounts as he speaks, tethering it behind a nearby tree before beginning to pick his way up the slope toward Larend.

OOC: Calvorn Areldan rolled 33 using 1d20+17. Hide.
Calvorn Areldan rolled 21 using 1d20+17. Move Silently.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:36, Mon 13 Jan 2020.

Falnis follows suit, albeit significantly more silently.

The ranger still moves silently enough to avoid being detected by Larend, who does not so much as glance around as the pair climb the rocky slope. Upon reaching the knight's position, the newcomers are able to make out four horses tethered in a small hollow below, well concealed by a bunch of thick, leafy bushes about it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:01, Sun 05 Mar 2023.

Satisfied that the coast is clear, Calvorn steps out from behind a boulder near to Larend's position.

"Larend," he says in a low voice, "Have you seen Prince Marabir or Prince Tyronius?"

The startled Larend swings around in a flash, snatching up his blade from the rocks beside him to raise it threateningly. He relaxed with a sigh of relief upon recognising Calvorn. He sheepishly lowers the blade a moment later.

"Calvorn," he says in bewilderment, wincing as he attempts to push himself up using his bandaged arm, "How did you get here?"

"I rode," replies Calvorn dryly, glancing at the knight's shoulder, "What happened to you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:04, Mon 13 Jan 2020.

"Caled and I had a run in with a couple of mercenaries," he says grimly, "They were well trained. I doubt either of us would have made it out at all if not for that varim friend of Lady Veldorn's. Though don't tell Caled I said that."

Falnis shifts smugly in the shadows, clearly enjoying the praise.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:38, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"Good for him," Calvorn says dismissively, purposefully avoiding glancing at the shadows behind him, "Now, have you or have you not seen Their Highnesses pass this way?"

"Right, Their Highnesses," says Larend nodding, "They passed by not half an hour ago. Prince Tyronius and what I took to be Prince Marabir in a wagon. Lord Aerendir was certainly crouched beside someone. I couldn't make out the features of their captors, however there were a lot of them. Around fifty I would guess. I fear it will take a miracle to rescue them."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:35, Mon 06 Mar 2023.

"Indeed," Calvorn replies dismissively, "Has Caled returned yet?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:57, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Larend shakes his head.

"He has not. I have not seen him since he departed with Lady Veldorn's friend yesterday evening. We found a hollow yonder, as per his instructions, and have been doing our best to remain hidden. We have seen several parties dispatched from the town, no doubt searching for the boy and Lady Veldorn, but have thus far managed to avoid being spotted."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:01, Sun 05 Mar 2023.

"A miracle in itself," Calvorn mutters.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:35, Mon 06 Mar 2023.

Larend doesn't seem to hear the ranger, and gives a bracing smile.

"I will take you to the Lady," he suggests, gesturing to the leafy hollow below them, "They were discussing how they might attempt a rescue of Their Highnesses, and will certainly be glad of your skills and knowledge."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:59, Sun 05 Mar 2023.

Apparently deciding he has been ignored long enough, Falnis steps out of the shadows beside Calvorn.

"I assume that if it is skills and knowledge that you are after, that a 'varim friend' such as myself is also more than welcome to join you?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:01, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Larend gives another start.

"You are here!" he says somewhat unnecessarily, then, after a moment, "Caled is not with you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:01, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"With your skills of observation I'm amazed you never became an agent," Calvorn says dryly.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:02, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"Good Sir Caled charged off heroically some hours ago to rescue Their Highnesses without the help of this varim friend, whose aid he felt it was not worth paying for. I imagine, since there are only two possible routes they could have taken, that he will eventually manage to catch up with us," Falnis says, with an air that suggests he thinks Caled will manage to do this later rather than sooner.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:38, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

"Quite so," agrees Calvorn idly, having already begun to make his way down the steep embankment into the hollow.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:02, Sun 05 Mar 2023.

A large boulder juts out beneath the foliage, and beneath this natural shelter that Lyria sits with Erald beside her. Ralen stands not far off, pacing restlessly. Lyria glances up as Calvorn and Falnis approach, as does Ralen who halts in his pacing.

"Falnis!" smiles Lyria as her gaze passes from Calvorn to the varim, "Thank Camendur you're back!"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:03, Mon 06 Mar 2023.

Falnis, who may or may not enjoy the attention of a human female rather less when Marabir is not around to be annoyed by it, nevertheless sends Lyria and her brother what looks to be a genuine smile.

"In the flesh, Lady Veldorn," Falnis agrees, with a flourishing bow.

"Yes, yes," Calvorn waves a dismissive hand, "We'll have plenty of time to thank Camendur in due course, but for now I believe we have a rescue to plan."

"Not to mention terms of payment."

Calvorn sighs resignedly.

"Of course. How could we possibly forget that?"

"One does feel for your budget, Calvorn, but alas, experience has shown that everyone is so much more agreeable to sorting out these pesky details before the job is done rather than after. Shall we agree on standard mercenary rates, or would you be wanting to purchase additional services, such as my insight into helping you with your planning for that rescue?"

Calvorn frowns, but he can't disagree with Falnis' logic, so at length he shrugs.

"Standard mercenaries do not plan?" he argues.

Falnis smiles, tilting his head slightly to one side.

"Calvorn, Calvorn. Do you mean you will be wanting my insight into your rescue plans, but you are hoping enough goodness exists in my heart that I will not be charging you for it? I suppose," Falnis' gaze strays to Lyria, "if the Royal budget is stretched-- though why it should be with Thanian tax rates these days is something of a mystery-- I could muster up enough goodness in me to offer you a 50% discount, since this is a noble cause. 3,000 now, 3,000 when the job is done."

Calvorn has the distinct impression that Falnis has discerned Calvorn is not the one who usually handles negotiations with hiring mercenaries, and he is being blatantly fleeced.

Calvorn may not be regarded as an authority on mercenary rates, but even he can see that this is a bad deal.

"I'll make you a deal," he says evenly, "These rescues seem to be adding up, and yes, the Royal budget is stretched. I will offer you 4,000 carens in return for your services for the next two days. I can offer you whatever is left in here up front," he upends his gemstone pouch to drop an emerald and two amethysts into Falnis' hand. "Let's call it 1,000 carens worth. And the rest will have to be a debenture. Deal?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:58, Mon 06 Mar 2023.

Falnis does his best to look disappointed instead of smug that he is getting twice the going rate for mercenaries (albeit not half more up front.)

"I think I can probably make that work, Calvorn," he smiles. "I assume you have no objections to writing out an IOU, in the event-- may Larethna prevent it from occurring-- that you yourself don't survive the rescue? I doubt either of Their Highnesses is likely to take my word for it that they owe me 3,000 carens without that to prove it."
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:57, Mon 06 Mar 2023.

"Well, you'll have a good incentive to make sure I stay alive then, won't you?" Calvorn replies unhelpfully, turning to Larend and Lyria and the others.

"I appreciate your desire to help, all of you," he says not bothering to sound sincere, "However rescuing the princes will require stealth and silence and no matter our numbers we won't succeed in overcoming the town by force. Falnis and I will handle the matter. All of you just wait here and try not to get yourselves spotted."

His tone suggests that this last bit might be asking a bit much.

Falnis looks mildly disappointed to be denied his IUO, but not surprised.

Look on the bright side, Calvorn, he signs. This is an inter-human conflict. I'm sure the men trying to spot them will be just as bad at doing that as they will be at hiding.

Calvorn seems to see the logic of this and gives a subtle nod of acknowledgement.

"We will need to wait for the cover of nightfall," he says out loud, "Sunset won't be more than a few hours and we will have a much better chance of slipping in undetected."

"Not to mention sneaking out with Their Highnesses after," Falnis agrees, in the tone of one who thinks this is much more to the point. "One assumes you are all plentifully supplied with blankets and/or cloaks, by the way, and intend to use those to keep yourselves warm while you hide; nobody here plans to light fires for that purpose?"

"We have cloaks," Larend assures the varim, as Vandal, who has just appeared from the far side of the hollow, glances sheepishly down at the pile of firewood he is carrying before surreptitiously placing the pile behind the trunk of a nearby oak tree.

"Wonderful," Falnis says dryly. "Well, in the spirit of leaving in two hours, now that has been sorted, Calvorn, I will be getting some rest," Falnis says, vaulting up to the branches of one of the oak trees and rapidly disappearing into the darkness of the interlocking branches. "Scream if you need me, yes? Otherwise, call me when you are ready to leave."

Calvorn watches Falnis disappear into the branches above, before glancing at the still visible firewood protruding from behind the trunk of the oak, then finally at Lyria's brother who stares back at him glumly. The ranger shakes his head as he slumps himself against the trunk of Falnis' tree and closes his eyes.

"I really don't get paid enough for this."

OOC: End of Chapter VI...