Bordell's Tales, Chapter 1 : Two faces.

[Jdvn1]

Xavier smiles, "Hm, strong words from a small child. Crian will stop the attacks, but he must act through men. In this way, Crian will protect you. I hope that I will be able to show you this is true." He finishes with the horses and goes in to meet Stone.

 

[Velmont]

You enter the Inn. You see your companions sitting at a table in a corner far from the fire. It's looks like it was the only empty table. You also notice that many people was looking suspiciously at your companion, and you feel there gaze on you now. You join the group and you sit down. A moment later, the innkeeper come and give you dried meat, not really fresh bread and water. "It's all that I have left." He says, handing you your plate. Stone hands him some silver piece, obviously too much for what you have been given. You starts to eat, and it seems none is interested to start a conversation.

 

[Jdvn1]

At the innkeeper's comment, Xavier thanks the innkeeper for the meal. After the innkeeper walks away, Xavier says quickly and quietly, "This town needs protection." He eats his meal quickly.

 

[Velmont]

OOC: Sorry, I had some shows lately, took almost all my time.

"I agree, but there is nothing we will be able to do against their will." replies Leopold, almost whispering. "They aren't trusting strangers. They must know about the villages. The help must come from someone they will trust. It must come from Theor, not the outside."

 

[Jdvn1]

Xavier finishes his meal, wanting to hurry so that they can have a discussion in private.

 

[Velmont]

You finish your meal without much more discussion. You leave the common room early, both as you feel the unwelcome atmosphere and the fact that Stone want to leave early tomorrow. You have two rooms, and naturally, you are match with your knight. After you are in the room, Leopol asks you "You wanted to add something?"

 

[Jdvn1]

"I assume we know no one here, so we cannot gain the trust of these people in order to help them. This town has not been attacked, though. How do we know it will not be attacked soon? How can we leave a defenseless city in these times? They do not even believe in Crian's strength."

 

[Velmont]

"No, they don't. Theodorian generally don't believe in Crian. They are more fervant believer in Sorpingal, and see Crian as one of his follower. They aren't that wrong. During his life, Crian was a follower of justice. But where Sorpingal is firm and strict, Crian know when to cross the line to defend the life of the one he protect. Sorpingal's ideal is justice, Crian's is life.

We cannot know if this town will be attacked. Tell me, Xavier. How would you defend this town? What should we do against an enemy we don't know anything about? And what about the village a few kilometers from here?"

 

[Jdvn1]

"I would try to convince the town guard to train all able-bodied men. Men who are trained moderately well have faith in themselves, and fight better in turn. If the men are trained, one of two things will happen. Either the barbarians will suffer worse casualties than usual, making the job easier for the next town, or the barbarians will retreat, not having expected any resistance. If the spirit of the men stays intact, it is of the benefit to all."

He moves to get ready for bed, "But we are travellers here, and are likely unable to convince anyone to do anything. It is a shame."

 

[Velmont]

"Do you really think it is Barbarian who have made what we have seen? Barbarian are raiding to survive. They know where there profit is. When you raid a village, you want to take food and items to survive. You don't take more than your need. That way, the village will survive, and you'll be able to raid it again next year. You'll be able to do this year after year. If you take all, you'll have nothing next year.

We must protect them, but not against barbarian, at least it isn't a priority for now. Training will take time, and could solve some problem, but not the one which is before us, we could do more to convince Theodor V. Sadly, saving everyone is impossible, but you must think large. You have the vuillage under your eyes, but don't blind yourself, you must see the forest behind the tree.

Now, we must ride to the capital. It is a three days ride, but we could certainly reach it in two days if we force a bit our horses."