RedTonic
First Post
Well, since last time, Agniprava's player and I have received our masters degrees and two other players are applying to grad school. We've all had number of family events during my two month update break, leading to a month without any play. Now that I'm catching up with our campaign logs, I have set myself up a nice buffer for updates... Without further ado, the first live session.
Absent this session: Agniprava.
A crisp morning awaited the Order patrol’s departure. The scent of winter had not yet fully left the air, and, as the patrol assembled, the sun had not yet fully broken over the horizon. Mikealus gave Khongordsol’s nose a soft pet as they trotted up to the four men waiting outside the Sungate with horses and mules. The mare had awoken early, and Mikealus earlier still, but they were at last prepared. Mikealus recognized Houshang al’Pacem on sight, as well as his four fellow subordinates. Al’Pacem was a distant cousin, and usually very busy. The young paladin raised a hand in greeting as he fell in step with his cousin. “Houshang-ji. A good morning to you.”
The captain nodded to Mikealus. “Welcome, Hel-Halmar. We depart once the others arrive—ah, here come two now.” He pointed to himself for the benefit of the newcomers. “I am Captain al’Pacem. These are Mikealus Hel-Halmar,” he pointed, “Khader,” a very dark-skinned human man, “Ravi,” a stout man with a short beard, “and Borche.” The last was a half-orc man. They each greeted the newcomers.
Belsea kept to one side; Sage, her pony, was prepared to leave. The ranger made note of faces, and where they came and went.
Cael led his own mule up to the gate, still travel weary. His stay at the cell was pleasant, but short-lived. He had caught only a few hours of sleep during the night. He yawned to shake the sleep from his eyes. "Greetings, friends," Cael says with a bow, "I am Cael Akbar at your service."
Mikealus nodded, taking his place with the others as he trotted his horse back into the others' formation. He too greeted the other travelers - as did Khongordsol , whickering softly, keeping one eye on the quiet girl off to the side.
"We are glad to have another of the gods' servants," the captain replied diplomatically. "We await one more---then we are off. You are the tracker, correct?" The last was addressed to Belsea.
Belsea nodded to each man, and bowed to the contingent. She nodded once more to the captain, "Yes. Belsea's my name." The half-elven woman was the only female in the group; a slight, small form in contrast to these men, bundled in hides and armor.
After a short time, a wiry fellow emerged from the gate, clad in the simplest of homespun. He looked up at the mounted Mikealus, then to the rest, and made a short bow. "I am Agniprava, come from the temple. I hope to be of assistance." He joined the other men on foot.
Mikealus gave another nod to the holy man. It seemed only right, considering that the believer's eyes had picked him out in particular.
Captain al'Pacem scratched his stubbled chin. "We depart--on foot for now." The road east was still obscured by fog; few of even the earliest risers in town had begun work, and so the road through was dark.
Mikealus slid off his steed and took her reins softly in hand. Not the sun-dappled charge towards the horizon of his dreams, but at least they were on their way!
"A fine plan, best to get underway before the sun reaches its peak," Cael said as he encouraged his mule to join in with the rest of the formation. Al’Pacem simply nodded his agreement; he seemed relaxed and secure, leading his enormous warhorse jingling faintly with heavy barding.
Shrugging, Belsea led her pony into the group’s wake. She was far more accustomed to being on her feet than mounted.
Mikealus glanced over his shoulder--he already knows Khader, Ravi, and Borche well enough, from the practice field and the mess hall. He gave the band a welcoming nod and smile, ever the young heartbreaker of Hel-Halmar.
As the party begins to move out, Cael turns to Captain al'Pacem. "Sir, a moment of your time. I was only given the briefest of introductions to your party, which said you may require some aid. What sort of trip is this going to be? We seem too well equipped for a mere scouting party and have little goods to speak of for trade."
"I'm afraid I have very little trading skill," al'Pacem replied. "We go to patrol the eastern region, a tenday out and back--we'll pass several settlements on the way. Our primary goal is to ensure that the king's law is kept on this highway, but our secondary goal is training--these are greenhorns." He chuckled to himself. "At any rate... Bandits tend to emerge with the turn of spring--I expect we will have some engagements. Better one healer's hand than six bearing you off."
Mikeal casually turned his eyes back towards the road ahead, cheeks coloring a bit. He gave a conspiratorial glance to Ravi. Greenhorns. Bah! The slightly older warrior rolled his eyes. Mikealus knew that Ravi had waited a long time to do more than guard duty. Unlike many of the other members of the order, Ravi had no holy calling, but was nonetheless devout.
Belsea remained quiet and content. If she survived and did well, she'd get paid.
"Belsea is our guide east. I hope the lot of you will take the time to learn something of woodcraft from her. She is well-recommended, and her skills are the type you need if you plan on not starving to death in the wild." Al'Pacem knew well that the promise of a full stomach motivated boys and men more than wisdom ever did.
Mikealus nodded attentively. Though how willing the woman would be to teach remained to be seen.
Eh? She hadn't remembered agreeing to teaching, but that wasn't so bad. If they didn't listen, that was their problem.
Khader moseyed over to Cael's side. "Haven't seen you at the temple," he remarked. He was stocky and muscular and bore a hammer and a buckler.
"True enough, my friend. I have not been around for too long and spent many a month traveling with a companion. We take refuge at the Temple once and again, but never tarry long. This has been my longest stay, and I am anxious to stretch my legs once more," he replied to Khader. "It was recommended to me by Father Eltier to lend your party any assistance I can muster."
"You serve one of the Wanderers," Khader replied, as though it explained everything. The Wanderers was an epithet that covered, true enough, Cael's patron along with other powers, greater and lesser.
Cael gave a nod in assent, "You are correct. Nor I am ashamed of it. I find guidance under Zauriel to be... enlightening."
Khader nodded. "There is only shame where there is wrongdoing." He didn't seem the slightest put off by Cael's pronouncement. Meanwhile, Borche had fallen back, along with his huge black gelding. The half-orc was not the tallest man in the group, but still had a huge presence. Where Khader was mild, Borche was laconic.
A hand after the group had passed the outskirts of the city and at last the sun had risen and burned away the lingering fog. Two of the group had murmured quick prayers at full dawn, showing their patron to be the Veiled Glory, Israfil, also known as Rasphodel. Al'Pacem's breastplate showed the device of the Hand of Glory, Mikaayil, but Khader and Ravi wore no obvious symbols. They were all stout, sturdy men, well-armed, bow-legged, and more comfortable on horseback than afoot.
Cael turned to Khader. "How long before we arrive at the first settlement? Will we be reaching it before dayfall?"
"Ah, we should pass through at about noon. We won't linger, though. I intend to set camp before dusk--it's best to make good time today, while the road is paved."
"Restful Stream isn't exactly the Capital, friend cleric. We've got a few days under the stars as it is. Nothing wrong with getting used to it early, right?" Mikealus offers, optimistically.
Cael laughed, "Oh no, I have spent many nights beneath the stars. I was merely curious and it seems like such a long walk to make in silence."
"We've got quite a ways to get to know each other," al'Pacem said agreeably. "Some of these aren't the most talkative men."
Khader interjected. "I'm plenty talkable." Ravi simply laughed, raucous like a crow. The ascetic, Agniprava, had moved up and kept up a friendly patter of conversation with al'Pacem. Belsea didn't understand the need to fill all time with noise and merely kept her peace.
Mikealus slows down his pace to fall into step with the man. "So let us break the silence. I will make up for my bashful brothers. Where do you hail from, under the stars?"
"Myself? I grew up in a small trading town, or rather on the outskirts. My father was a woodcutter, you see, so we stayed near the wilderness. I have not been back for a year or so, but receive word from them here and again," Cael said wistfully, "And you? how did you find yourself in such company?"
Mikealus was, luckily, practiced in playing himself down. Introducing himself to dozens of other initiates has at least given him a modicum of technique. "My family owns some land nearby. I'm the youngest son... and I've answered the call." He considers - he finally has something to add to that epitaph - "This is my first assignment."
"I see. This is my first time operating without the guidance of my mentor, so it shall be a new beginning for the both of us," Cael said with a smile, "And what of you, Belsea? Where do you hail from?"
"The woods." Belsea stated, and shrugged. "I've no family to speak of." Borche glanced at the half-elf but said nothing. Mikealus had a feeling that he'd heard something about the quiet paladin once. Something along the lines that Borche had had a run-in with the law when he first arrived in Ceteran, and had been given over to the custody of the Order around that time... At a very young age. Mikealus couldn't remember ever hearing anything about Borche's family.
"Fascinating, and you make your living as a guide? Would it be a stretch to say you are well versed in these parts?" Cael asked politely.
"It is one of the ways. I am most familiar with the woods about Ceteran, but I have passed through others."
Mikealus buried the urge to drag his comrade into the conversation. He obviously wouldn't appreciate it, and there were few ways easier to lose friends than to betray them in front of strangers. Instead... "How far have you traveled? Have you ever reached the sea?"
Belsea shook her head, "No, I've never had a reason to do so."
"Now, forgive my ignorance but, do you live in Ceteran or elsewhere? And how does one contact you when your services are needed?" Cael continued.
After a while, the farmland began to be spotted with farmers working the fields. Women were casting rice in the fields, laid out like a patchwork over the long stretch of flat land this side of the mountains.
Finally, she responded, "...they leave a message at one of the shops I go to for supplies..." Belsea regarded Cael carefully. Could they leave no silence untouched? Was it time to grill the only woman in the party? Would they be trying to set her up with brothers, cousins, or gods forbid, one of themselves?
Mikealus had seen that expression before, he thought. Rorge had earned it, in his cups, when he'd 'complimented' a barmaid who didn't appreciate it at all. He decided to leave Cael to his siege, then, and instead busied himself with drawing his waterskin from a saddlebag for a pull, and picking up his pace to return to his brother-initates collective side.
The group passed a few huts. Off in the distance, they could see orchards and woods, dotted with pale buds not yet opened. They passed an intersecting dirt road that, Belsea knew, would take them to the local liege's keep. The rich smell of mud from the rice paddies overwhelmed all other scents. Belsea looked to the captain but said nothing. He'd made his goal clear, and it hadn't included visiting dignitaries.
Cael was silent for a while, enjoying the company of the other patrol members, no matter how stoic. Having people to talk to was a nice change. Red Brother hardly spoke to him and when he did it was typically things related to his Order.
Mikealus smirked. At least they aren't escorting minstrels. They'd be listening to love songs all day. And then his half-orc companion would have to beat the man to death with his own lute… Eventually, the hamlet Mikealus had named before came into view. It wasn't much more than a handful of huts and simple houses centered around a meeting hall. Nonetheless, it was neatly kept. A trough and rail were just beyond, in a small clearing. There was also a well. Mikealus gripped his steed's reins the slightest bit tighter. He always wanted to ride through towns. The stares of people made him feel self-conscious, and walking instead of riding just made it worse, somehow.
"Let's water the horses... From here, we'll ride for a time. Take a moment to eat." The captain led his mount to the trough and let it drink, then separated from the others to go to the hall. Borche followed suit, but after tying off his horse to the rail, walked a distance away to pray briefly.
"I take it this is Restful Stream? It seems quaint." Cael said with a smile as he watched the townspeople go about their morning work. "Shall we find an area to break fast, my friends?" The others broke into their kits, picking out flat, wide bars of trail ration to eat.
Ravi snickered. "Beat ya to it," he said through a mouthful of pemmican.
Belsea led Sage to the trough, and went to fetch some water for herself.
A silent spring in Mik's step was his only exultation. Bless his cousin's intuition. He tied Kohl to the post, and pet her for a moment, keeping an eye until Borche was done. While he did not have devotions of his own, he rather liked to at least respect the silences his companions' kept. A half-prayer was better than none, and all the gods had their merits, until one spoke to his heart directly.
Several minutes later, al'Pacem returned, and Borche finished his noon devotions. "Let's wrap up lunch and get back on the road, then." He gestured to Belsea and moved to his warhorse. Belsea nodded, and swiftly finished the last bit of her food as she went to where the captain waited. Mikealus mounted, and carefully devoured his own meal.
Cael finished his rations and untied his mule as the rest of the group packed up. As he rejoined the other, he approached al'Pacem. "Is everything in order here?" he asked as he tugged on the mule’s reins.
"There are rumors about wild animals going amok. Wolves or boars, maybe." He methodically stripped down a ration bar of his own. "Some highwaymen, of course. But aggressive beasts are more cause for concern. There's been very little of that trouble here, but in the west, they have had a great deal of difficulty with the foaming sickness. I'm sure you've heard."
Belsea nodded. She'd rather take a highwayman than a razor back.
"I am unsure of this ailment. Is it common in these parts?" Cael asked with a bit of consternation. He was no fan of wild animals, especially those with a penchant for attacking humans.
Particularly any one maddened by that disease. "I shall keep an eye out for any signs of large animal life." Privately, she was pleased the captain was so mindful of more than the humanoid threats.
“No, it's not usual here. You can ask Belsea about it--but you know when an animal has it. You can tell." Al'Pacem swung onto horseback. "Let's ride out." He waved to Agniprava, who by prearrangement rode a lazy mule with a simple saddle.
Belsea reclaimed Sage, and found her place within the line. Cael carefully mounted his mule and fell in. Khon picked up her hooves, picking up on her rider's relief. It was good to be in the saddle again. The remainder of the day's journey was uneventful. The paved road ended several hours out from the hamlet, leaving them all on a wide dirt road. It was still muddy from earlier rains. Fieldhands waved to the party as they passed. Briefly, a pack of excited dogs chased after the mules, until Agniprava's irritated mount nearly brained one with a kick.
The shadows were beginning to stretch long from the few trees along the road when at last the captain called a halt. Ravi groaned with relief to be off horseback, and waddled around a while to return feeling to his tender places. The captain led his horse away from the road several paces to a small stand of trees. The ground here was raised and had been cleared; it was grassy and only a little damp. Just beyond the hillock was a clean steam. Cael stretched as he dismounted. He had not ridden for a month or so and felt it as much as Ravi did. Belsea slide off Sage, and went to assist in setting up camp. Mikealus playfully ribbed Ravi a bit and took a brief circle around the perimeter to make sure none of the ravenous wild bearwolfboarbats Cael had been going on about were waiting in the wings.
"We camp here. Borche and Ravi, find some fallen wood for a fire. Khader, Agniprava, Mikealus, set tents, if you would."
Belsea walked the perimeter of the small clearing, looking for signs of any unusual activity. In the nearby stream, she found a nest—five eggs—which she left, intending to pick them up in the morning. Mikealus paced around with Cael for a minute, but neither noticed anything remarkable. There seemed to be some rabbits in the stand of trees, but they wanted nothing to do with the men and bolted as soon as they were seen. Mikealus shrugged at Cael. "At least the rabbits aren't trying to kill you Cael." ...and went to set up tents. Belsea, however, noticed some hoofprints by the riverside. She deduced that they belonged to water buffalo. They probably came to water here on occasion. The prints were a little old, but that side of the bank was well-worn.
The two sent out on wood duty brought back a small pile of damp, fallen wood. Borche set about lighting tinder and carefully constructing a fire, nursing a tiny flame while the others busied themselves. The captain watered the mounts and took care to tie them off loosely to the trees so they would be comfortable, and not trample the grass into muck for the next traveler.
Mikealus was surprised to find that the unworldly monk was capable enough with his hands to sling together a very nice tent. He certainly learned quick, though his pockets were empty even of dust. "Indeed. Just like that. Thank you for the assistance." The monk worked easily under Mikealus's eye, and soon there were three tents set up, to house 3 per.
The captain glanced at Belsea and raised an eyebrow.
"Waterbuffalo come here from time to time." Not surprising with the layout of the immediate area.
"Good to know. Shame we have no time to hunt."
"How will shifts be handled?" she asked.
“Ah.” He cleared his throat, and spoke the following loudly enough for the others to hear. "We'll pull lots. Cael can take choice of the midnight slot, since his prayers are then. As there are nine of us, we'll rotate four each evening, one person at a time, for two hands. Last watch can rouse any late sleepers."
Mikealus and the captain lucked out on the draw. Meanwhile, Khader took first watch, followed by Belsea, Cael, and after some quibbling with Borche, Ravi rounded the watch out with the last spot. Dusk had come at last. A light fog fell as the sun set, and grew heavier as twilight deepened. The chill in the air made a campfire an old friend, but supper did a good deal to ward the nip away from the patrol’s bones.
Cael had found a small piece of birch and began to idly carve away at it with one of his tools. Mikealus sat by the fire honing his new blade. He makes a note to spar with Khader tomorrow. As the sun sank, the eerie, distant howl of wolves causes a natural hush in the camp's nighttime activity. The captain took Belsea and Mikealus aside to discuss their route quickly while the others readied for sleep.
*****
Absent this session: Agniprava.
A crisp morning awaited the Order patrol’s departure. The scent of winter had not yet fully left the air, and, as the patrol assembled, the sun had not yet fully broken over the horizon. Mikealus gave Khongordsol’s nose a soft pet as they trotted up to the four men waiting outside the Sungate with horses and mules. The mare had awoken early, and Mikealus earlier still, but they were at last prepared. Mikealus recognized Houshang al’Pacem on sight, as well as his four fellow subordinates. Al’Pacem was a distant cousin, and usually very busy. The young paladin raised a hand in greeting as he fell in step with his cousin. “Houshang-ji. A good morning to you.”
The captain nodded to Mikealus. “Welcome, Hel-Halmar. We depart once the others arrive—ah, here come two now.” He pointed to himself for the benefit of the newcomers. “I am Captain al’Pacem. These are Mikealus Hel-Halmar,” he pointed, “Khader,” a very dark-skinned human man, “Ravi,” a stout man with a short beard, “and Borche.” The last was a half-orc man. They each greeted the newcomers.
Belsea kept to one side; Sage, her pony, was prepared to leave. The ranger made note of faces, and where they came and went.
Cael led his own mule up to the gate, still travel weary. His stay at the cell was pleasant, but short-lived. He had caught only a few hours of sleep during the night. He yawned to shake the sleep from his eyes. "Greetings, friends," Cael says with a bow, "I am Cael Akbar at your service."
Mikealus nodded, taking his place with the others as he trotted his horse back into the others' formation. He too greeted the other travelers - as did Khongordsol , whickering softly, keeping one eye on the quiet girl off to the side.
"We are glad to have another of the gods' servants," the captain replied diplomatically. "We await one more---then we are off. You are the tracker, correct?" The last was addressed to Belsea.
Belsea nodded to each man, and bowed to the contingent. She nodded once more to the captain, "Yes. Belsea's my name." The half-elven woman was the only female in the group; a slight, small form in contrast to these men, bundled in hides and armor.
After a short time, a wiry fellow emerged from the gate, clad in the simplest of homespun. He looked up at the mounted Mikealus, then to the rest, and made a short bow. "I am Agniprava, come from the temple. I hope to be of assistance." He joined the other men on foot.
Mikealus gave another nod to the holy man. It seemed only right, considering that the believer's eyes had picked him out in particular.
Captain al'Pacem scratched his stubbled chin. "We depart--on foot for now." The road east was still obscured by fog; few of even the earliest risers in town had begun work, and so the road through was dark.
Mikealus slid off his steed and took her reins softly in hand. Not the sun-dappled charge towards the horizon of his dreams, but at least they were on their way!
"A fine plan, best to get underway before the sun reaches its peak," Cael said as he encouraged his mule to join in with the rest of the formation. Al’Pacem simply nodded his agreement; he seemed relaxed and secure, leading his enormous warhorse jingling faintly with heavy barding.
Shrugging, Belsea led her pony into the group’s wake. She was far more accustomed to being on her feet than mounted.
Mikealus glanced over his shoulder--he already knows Khader, Ravi, and Borche well enough, from the practice field and the mess hall. He gave the band a welcoming nod and smile, ever the young heartbreaker of Hel-Halmar.
As the party begins to move out, Cael turns to Captain al'Pacem. "Sir, a moment of your time. I was only given the briefest of introductions to your party, which said you may require some aid. What sort of trip is this going to be? We seem too well equipped for a mere scouting party and have little goods to speak of for trade."
"I'm afraid I have very little trading skill," al'Pacem replied. "We go to patrol the eastern region, a tenday out and back--we'll pass several settlements on the way. Our primary goal is to ensure that the king's law is kept on this highway, but our secondary goal is training--these are greenhorns." He chuckled to himself. "At any rate... Bandits tend to emerge with the turn of spring--I expect we will have some engagements. Better one healer's hand than six bearing you off."
Mikeal casually turned his eyes back towards the road ahead, cheeks coloring a bit. He gave a conspiratorial glance to Ravi. Greenhorns. Bah! The slightly older warrior rolled his eyes. Mikealus knew that Ravi had waited a long time to do more than guard duty. Unlike many of the other members of the order, Ravi had no holy calling, but was nonetheless devout.
Belsea remained quiet and content. If she survived and did well, she'd get paid.
"Belsea is our guide east. I hope the lot of you will take the time to learn something of woodcraft from her. She is well-recommended, and her skills are the type you need if you plan on not starving to death in the wild." Al'Pacem knew well that the promise of a full stomach motivated boys and men more than wisdom ever did.
Mikealus nodded attentively. Though how willing the woman would be to teach remained to be seen.
Eh? She hadn't remembered agreeing to teaching, but that wasn't so bad. If they didn't listen, that was their problem.
Khader moseyed over to Cael's side. "Haven't seen you at the temple," he remarked. He was stocky and muscular and bore a hammer and a buckler.
"True enough, my friend. I have not been around for too long and spent many a month traveling with a companion. We take refuge at the Temple once and again, but never tarry long. This has been my longest stay, and I am anxious to stretch my legs once more," he replied to Khader. "It was recommended to me by Father Eltier to lend your party any assistance I can muster."
"You serve one of the Wanderers," Khader replied, as though it explained everything. The Wanderers was an epithet that covered, true enough, Cael's patron along with other powers, greater and lesser.
Cael gave a nod in assent, "You are correct. Nor I am ashamed of it. I find guidance under Zauriel to be... enlightening."
Khader nodded. "There is only shame where there is wrongdoing." He didn't seem the slightest put off by Cael's pronouncement. Meanwhile, Borche had fallen back, along with his huge black gelding. The half-orc was not the tallest man in the group, but still had a huge presence. Where Khader was mild, Borche was laconic.
A hand after the group had passed the outskirts of the city and at last the sun had risen and burned away the lingering fog. Two of the group had murmured quick prayers at full dawn, showing their patron to be the Veiled Glory, Israfil, also known as Rasphodel. Al'Pacem's breastplate showed the device of the Hand of Glory, Mikaayil, but Khader and Ravi wore no obvious symbols. They were all stout, sturdy men, well-armed, bow-legged, and more comfortable on horseback than afoot.
Cael turned to Khader. "How long before we arrive at the first settlement? Will we be reaching it before dayfall?"
"Ah, we should pass through at about noon. We won't linger, though. I intend to set camp before dusk--it's best to make good time today, while the road is paved."
"Restful Stream isn't exactly the Capital, friend cleric. We've got a few days under the stars as it is. Nothing wrong with getting used to it early, right?" Mikealus offers, optimistically.
Cael laughed, "Oh no, I have spent many nights beneath the stars. I was merely curious and it seems like such a long walk to make in silence."
"We've got quite a ways to get to know each other," al'Pacem said agreeably. "Some of these aren't the most talkative men."
Khader interjected. "I'm plenty talkable." Ravi simply laughed, raucous like a crow. The ascetic, Agniprava, had moved up and kept up a friendly patter of conversation with al'Pacem. Belsea didn't understand the need to fill all time with noise and merely kept her peace.
Mikealus slows down his pace to fall into step with the man. "So let us break the silence. I will make up for my bashful brothers. Where do you hail from, under the stars?"
"Myself? I grew up in a small trading town, or rather on the outskirts. My father was a woodcutter, you see, so we stayed near the wilderness. I have not been back for a year or so, but receive word from them here and again," Cael said wistfully, "And you? how did you find yourself in such company?"
Mikealus was, luckily, practiced in playing himself down. Introducing himself to dozens of other initiates has at least given him a modicum of technique. "My family owns some land nearby. I'm the youngest son... and I've answered the call." He considers - he finally has something to add to that epitaph - "This is my first assignment."
"I see. This is my first time operating without the guidance of my mentor, so it shall be a new beginning for the both of us," Cael said with a smile, "And what of you, Belsea? Where do you hail from?"
"The woods." Belsea stated, and shrugged. "I've no family to speak of." Borche glanced at the half-elf but said nothing. Mikealus had a feeling that he'd heard something about the quiet paladin once. Something along the lines that Borche had had a run-in with the law when he first arrived in Ceteran, and had been given over to the custody of the Order around that time... At a very young age. Mikealus couldn't remember ever hearing anything about Borche's family.
"Fascinating, and you make your living as a guide? Would it be a stretch to say you are well versed in these parts?" Cael asked politely.
"It is one of the ways. I am most familiar with the woods about Ceteran, but I have passed through others."
Mikealus buried the urge to drag his comrade into the conversation. He obviously wouldn't appreciate it, and there were few ways easier to lose friends than to betray them in front of strangers. Instead... "How far have you traveled? Have you ever reached the sea?"
Belsea shook her head, "No, I've never had a reason to do so."
"Now, forgive my ignorance but, do you live in Ceteran or elsewhere? And how does one contact you when your services are needed?" Cael continued.
After a while, the farmland began to be spotted with farmers working the fields. Women were casting rice in the fields, laid out like a patchwork over the long stretch of flat land this side of the mountains.
Finally, she responded, "...they leave a message at one of the shops I go to for supplies..." Belsea regarded Cael carefully. Could they leave no silence untouched? Was it time to grill the only woman in the party? Would they be trying to set her up with brothers, cousins, or gods forbid, one of themselves?
Mikealus had seen that expression before, he thought. Rorge had earned it, in his cups, when he'd 'complimented' a barmaid who didn't appreciate it at all. He decided to leave Cael to his siege, then, and instead busied himself with drawing his waterskin from a saddlebag for a pull, and picking up his pace to return to his brother-initates collective side.
The group passed a few huts. Off in the distance, they could see orchards and woods, dotted with pale buds not yet opened. They passed an intersecting dirt road that, Belsea knew, would take them to the local liege's keep. The rich smell of mud from the rice paddies overwhelmed all other scents. Belsea looked to the captain but said nothing. He'd made his goal clear, and it hadn't included visiting dignitaries.
Cael was silent for a while, enjoying the company of the other patrol members, no matter how stoic. Having people to talk to was a nice change. Red Brother hardly spoke to him and when he did it was typically things related to his Order.
Mikealus smirked. At least they aren't escorting minstrels. They'd be listening to love songs all day. And then his half-orc companion would have to beat the man to death with his own lute… Eventually, the hamlet Mikealus had named before came into view. It wasn't much more than a handful of huts and simple houses centered around a meeting hall. Nonetheless, it was neatly kept. A trough and rail were just beyond, in a small clearing. There was also a well. Mikealus gripped his steed's reins the slightest bit tighter. He always wanted to ride through towns. The stares of people made him feel self-conscious, and walking instead of riding just made it worse, somehow.
"Let's water the horses... From here, we'll ride for a time. Take a moment to eat." The captain led his mount to the trough and let it drink, then separated from the others to go to the hall. Borche followed suit, but after tying off his horse to the rail, walked a distance away to pray briefly.
"I take it this is Restful Stream? It seems quaint." Cael said with a smile as he watched the townspeople go about their morning work. "Shall we find an area to break fast, my friends?" The others broke into their kits, picking out flat, wide bars of trail ration to eat.
Ravi snickered. "Beat ya to it," he said through a mouthful of pemmican.
Belsea led Sage to the trough, and went to fetch some water for herself.
A silent spring in Mik's step was his only exultation. Bless his cousin's intuition. He tied Kohl to the post, and pet her for a moment, keeping an eye until Borche was done. While he did not have devotions of his own, he rather liked to at least respect the silences his companions' kept. A half-prayer was better than none, and all the gods had their merits, until one spoke to his heart directly.
Several minutes later, al'Pacem returned, and Borche finished his noon devotions. "Let's wrap up lunch and get back on the road, then." He gestured to Belsea and moved to his warhorse. Belsea nodded, and swiftly finished the last bit of her food as she went to where the captain waited. Mikealus mounted, and carefully devoured his own meal.
Cael finished his rations and untied his mule as the rest of the group packed up. As he rejoined the other, he approached al'Pacem. "Is everything in order here?" he asked as he tugged on the mule’s reins.
"There are rumors about wild animals going amok. Wolves or boars, maybe." He methodically stripped down a ration bar of his own. "Some highwaymen, of course. But aggressive beasts are more cause for concern. There's been very little of that trouble here, but in the west, they have had a great deal of difficulty with the foaming sickness. I'm sure you've heard."
Belsea nodded. She'd rather take a highwayman than a razor back.
"I am unsure of this ailment. Is it common in these parts?" Cael asked with a bit of consternation. He was no fan of wild animals, especially those with a penchant for attacking humans.
Particularly any one maddened by that disease. "I shall keep an eye out for any signs of large animal life." Privately, she was pleased the captain was so mindful of more than the humanoid threats.
“No, it's not usual here. You can ask Belsea about it--but you know when an animal has it. You can tell." Al'Pacem swung onto horseback. "Let's ride out." He waved to Agniprava, who by prearrangement rode a lazy mule with a simple saddle.
Belsea reclaimed Sage, and found her place within the line. Cael carefully mounted his mule and fell in. Khon picked up her hooves, picking up on her rider's relief. It was good to be in the saddle again. The remainder of the day's journey was uneventful. The paved road ended several hours out from the hamlet, leaving them all on a wide dirt road. It was still muddy from earlier rains. Fieldhands waved to the party as they passed. Briefly, a pack of excited dogs chased after the mules, until Agniprava's irritated mount nearly brained one with a kick.
The shadows were beginning to stretch long from the few trees along the road when at last the captain called a halt. Ravi groaned with relief to be off horseback, and waddled around a while to return feeling to his tender places. The captain led his horse away from the road several paces to a small stand of trees. The ground here was raised and had been cleared; it was grassy and only a little damp. Just beyond the hillock was a clean steam. Cael stretched as he dismounted. He had not ridden for a month or so and felt it as much as Ravi did. Belsea slide off Sage, and went to assist in setting up camp. Mikealus playfully ribbed Ravi a bit and took a brief circle around the perimeter to make sure none of the ravenous wild bearwolfboarbats Cael had been going on about were waiting in the wings.
"We camp here. Borche and Ravi, find some fallen wood for a fire. Khader, Agniprava, Mikealus, set tents, if you would."
Belsea walked the perimeter of the small clearing, looking for signs of any unusual activity. In the nearby stream, she found a nest—five eggs—which she left, intending to pick them up in the morning. Mikealus paced around with Cael for a minute, but neither noticed anything remarkable. There seemed to be some rabbits in the stand of trees, but they wanted nothing to do with the men and bolted as soon as they were seen. Mikealus shrugged at Cael. "At least the rabbits aren't trying to kill you Cael." ...and went to set up tents. Belsea, however, noticed some hoofprints by the riverside. She deduced that they belonged to water buffalo. They probably came to water here on occasion. The prints were a little old, but that side of the bank was well-worn.
The two sent out on wood duty brought back a small pile of damp, fallen wood. Borche set about lighting tinder and carefully constructing a fire, nursing a tiny flame while the others busied themselves. The captain watered the mounts and took care to tie them off loosely to the trees so they would be comfortable, and not trample the grass into muck for the next traveler.
Mikealus was surprised to find that the unworldly monk was capable enough with his hands to sling together a very nice tent. He certainly learned quick, though his pockets were empty even of dust. "Indeed. Just like that. Thank you for the assistance." The monk worked easily under Mikealus's eye, and soon there were three tents set up, to house 3 per.
The captain glanced at Belsea and raised an eyebrow.
"Waterbuffalo come here from time to time." Not surprising with the layout of the immediate area.
"Good to know. Shame we have no time to hunt."
"How will shifts be handled?" she asked.
“Ah.” He cleared his throat, and spoke the following loudly enough for the others to hear. "We'll pull lots. Cael can take choice of the midnight slot, since his prayers are then. As there are nine of us, we'll rotate four each evening, one person at a time, for two hands. Last watch can rouse any late sleepers."
Mikealus and the captain lucked out on the draw. Meanwhile, Khader took first watch, followed by Belsea, Cael, and after some quibbling with Borche, Ravi rounded the watch out with the last spot. Dusk had come at last. A light fog fell as the sun set, and grew heavier as twilight deepened. The chill in the air made a campfire an old friend, but supper did a good deal to ward the nip away from the patrol’s bones.
Cael had found a small piece of birch and began to idly carve away at it with one of his tools. Mikealus sat by the fire honing his new blade. He makes a note to spar with Khader tomorrow. As the sun sank, the eerie, distant howl of wolves causes a natural hush in the camp's nighttime activity. The captain took Belsea and Mikealus aside to discuss their route quickly while the others readied for sleep.