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[Lazybones]

Chapter 3


“My name is K’rol Vhael. Some of you may know me by reputation. Most of what is said about me is exaggeration or outright fabrication. I cannot fly; I do not customarily decapitate giants before breakfast, and I have never eaten a subordinate, no matter what his offense. However, this much is truth: when I state something, you can expect that it is so.”

“I have been summoned by your Lord Warden to deal with the raiders who have been conducting slaving operations in your Nentir Vale. This we will do. I have been assigned the command of this operation. As such, you will refer to me either as ‘Commander Vhael,’ or more simply, ‘sir’.”

“This is my second, Graladiran Thunderhammer. He is a wizard, and when I am not present, he speaks with my voice. You will follow his commands, and mine, without question or dissent. If you cannot follow this stricture, then it is best to speak now, because I will not tolerate challenges to my authority once the operation has begun. A man who cannot follow orders in combat is a threat to his companions and to the mission, and will be treated as such.”

“Very well then. You have been briefed on this assignment, and issued weapons, equipment, and supplies that will support the operation. We will be conducting activities in regions that are mountainous or otherwise hazardous to horses, so we will not be mounted. From what I am told, the distances are not very great in any case. Soldier Allon, you will be in charge of the pack mules; Soldier Ladren, you will be his second.”

“These gentlemen beside me are halflings from the western part of the Vale, near Winterford. They have first-hand knowledge of the slavers and their operations, and will be accompanying us. As civilians, they are not directly subject to the chain of command, but as a part of this operation, they will be expected to follow directions and contribute to the activities of the group.”

“Soldier Gezzelhaupt, I am told that you have something of a gift for foraging. Very well, you shall be our quartermaster. Soldier Tomon will be your second, and will also be responsible for upkeep of the party’s weapons. A quantity of tools, oils, whetstones, spare bowstrings, and other necessities are included in our supplies. In addition to the material carried on the mules, each of you will carry a small pack of essentials, in case something should happen to the animals.”

“Soldier El’il, you are in charge of scouting; your elvish eyes will be of particular use to us in ferreting out any ambushes. While much of the Nentir is quiet, you should learn now that I make no assumptions about ‘friendly’ or ‘hostile’ territory; all will be considered the latter once we leave the walls of this city.”

“Corporal Chaffin will be responsible for supervising you in your various assigned tasks. He will provide you with our marching order and the watch schedule. He will report to Lieutenant Zelos, who will report to me.”

”This operation will function based on the principle of the chain of command, with which I know that you are familiar. However, given the nature of this expedition and its small size, you may also expect direct orders from me, or from Mage Thunderhammer. I expect to be kept informed of any matters that relate to the operational effectiveness of this expedition, whether they are related to its personnel or its equipment. Any of you may request an interview with me at any time, subject to the immediate requirements of actions in the field.”

“By the time we encounter the enemy, I expect that we will have a better understanding of each other. You have all heard enough of our foe to know that they are not common bandits; these raiders are organized, well-equipped, and dangerous. Do not underestimate them. Remember that discipline, mutual reliance, and dedication to the task are all fundamental foundations of success in martial endeavors of any sort, regardless of their scope or scale.”

“Are there any questions? Very well then. We depart at the next bell, in approximately fifteen minutes. Dismissed.”