Re: Scene 2 Interlude: The Gryphon's Nest again
Galendra's face goes livid
By contrast, Rorn's face shows a mix of innocent surprise and mischief; and he definitely gives Gal her space after. "Aww, and here I thought this was going to be fun," he mutters. Message received!
Rorn explains that he will be back at first light, and excuses himself. He quickly heads home, and explains the "good news" to his parents. "I'll be careful, back soon, an back with enough golds to help us build a better life!!"
****
Back early, Rorn trades some smoked venison for breakfast and listens to the group leader with a serious expression.
I am Sir Roland Halfstaff, Knight of the Household of Sir Bedivere Grayson, Baron of Tyntern, Lord of these lands, and your liege. This here is Larson from the Northlands, and Garl of the Woodland Elven people."
Having stopped listening after the second name, Rorn snaps back to when the other men are introduced. Larson and Garl, got it. "Sir," the youngster bobs politely towards the elf (no handshake though, touching elfs was bad-luck), and he later offers a hand grip to Larson when the man comes back to the common area.
"We are traveling to the Tower of Hellwinter. To find out what had become of Sir Gallaharn Kairn. He received orders from Lord Grayson to garrison the Tower alone, as had been the practice for the last several years. But there had been no news from him for more than three months."
"Yah, uh huh," Rorn nods along. Seemed important. No news for three months, wasn't that normal though. "So uhm, sir, Roland, Sir Roland .. this tower far away? Never heard of it." Hellwinter? Seriously??
"The villagers have reported unusual signs of - and in some unverified cases, actual encounters with - goblins, orcs, and other darker and fouler creatures in the nearby forests. Our secondary objective, is to find out the truth of these reports, and to destroy any such infestation of dark creatures. Render the surrounds of Gallows End safe for residents and travelers alike."
Uhm, sure. There were bad things in the woods, if you went looking. Darker and fouler than goblins and orcs? "Well, ah, sir, I have been all around this area all my life, not far far mind you, but around. Never seen nothing awful, if you catch my meaning."
Brows arching into a V, the knight looks sternly at the two young people.
...
"I expect your prompt and unquestioning obedience.
Rorn passes a quick look to Gal, then he grins at Roland. "Yup, Sir, obedience, that it was us humble folk do. I track, I hunt, can keep warm and fed, I will do my best to help on this mission ..." He trails off, waiting for the good part.
"As soldiers, you will not be paid a stipend. Instead, you shall receive an even share of whatever valuables we find in the course of our mission."
"Questions?"
"Nah, sir, that sounds just like I imagined. My ma and pa'll be so happy to hear I got a real responsible piece of business to attend to, for once."