Lone Wolf I: Shadows on the Dorn

[Eternalknight]

Hearing those words, Silver Wind glares at the insolent woman who would dare to ask a price of the King of Sommerlund. Catching her gaze, his eyes seem to say watch yourself.

 

[Relenoir]

Struggling a bit to keep her eyes from the courtiers - Ah, such easy marks! - Jesabela bows with a flourish before King Ulnar. "Your Majesty, I was told that you wish to hire me? My wits are at your service ... for a price." The last words are accompanied by a mischievous smile.

Hm, well she's certainly a bold one! Moon's Brand thinks to herself. DEFINITELY a foreigner. With a glance at the red-haired woman that conveys disapproval at her choice of words, she takes half a step forward and bows low. "Beloved King, we are both honored and flattered to have been summoned to your court to assist in whatever matters you wish, and will loyally carry out your requests in the same manner that our Order has for generations." She then steps back into the lineup, holding herself at attention, and sharing in the same excited feelings that Silver Wind is experiencing. Finally, a real mission!

 

[Andrew D. Gable]

"Beloved King, we are both honored and flattered to have been summoned to your court to assist in whatever matters you wish, and will loyally carry out your requests in the same manner that our Order has for generations."

"May you conduct this service in a manner befitting of your worthy predecessors in the Order," King Ulnar says, inclining his head slightly.

A thin smile passes over him as Jesabela speaks. "Yes, as I said in my summons, I am full aware of your past history and doubtless your... predilections. Rest assured, you shall be rewarded should I find the service satisfactory.

"Perhaps I should now explain exactly what this service is. 'Tis a simple matter. A caravan is leaving this city this afternoon, bound for Ragadorn. The cargo on that caravan, or one item thereof, is vitally important to this nation and surrounding nations - including Durenor and," he looks at Jesabela, "Cloeasia. In Ragadorn, you will find an inn called the Blue Pike. At this inn is a man named Davias. Deliver this piece of cargo to Davias. I cannot stress enough, under no circumstances give it to anyone except Davias. He will give you any further instructions."

King Ulnar sits back on the throne to take any questions the five may have.

 

[Paido]

"Fair enough, your Majesty," Jesabela says. "May we inquire as to the nature of that piece of cargo? And how exactly can we recognize that man, Davias, and especially, make certain he is who he claims to be?"

After a moment of thought, she continues. "Are there any enemies we should be especially wary of? Vassagonian assassins, for example, would warrant completely different methods of guarding that cargo than simple bandits. Know thy enemy and all that. ... Oh, and of course: Are there any common guards escorting that caravan?"

 

[Krug]

"Sounds simple enough," says Hoagar. He wonders what the item might be, and why the King doesn't ask his most trusted militia to do it for him.

 

[Eternalknight]

"Sounds simple enough," says Hoagar. He wonders what the item might be, and why the King doesn't ask his most trusted militia to do it for him.

Silver Wind is thinking the same thing, but doesn't really care; after all, he trusts his King.

 

[Relenoir]

Silver Wind is thinking the same thing, but doesn't really care; after all, he trusts his King.

Moon's Brand is honored at the request, and sees the King's underlying wisdom in the decision for what it is. Obviously, the shining militia would draw far too much attention, and this needs to be kept well-protected but low profile at the same time. Of course, by sending Silver Wind, Dark Hawk, and myself, he IS sending some of his most trusted militia, with a much more diverse set of skills that can help us to blend in, she thinks to herself. Furthermore, Hoagar the dwarf and Jesabela the mercenary are bound to be here due to their own unique sets of skills, and will help us to blend in as a mismatched group instead of a caravan of Sommlending guarding a coach.
"As the lady said, it would be good to know who might be wanton to take the cargo from us, beyond the typical bandits and ruffians one might expect to run afoul of in the Wildlands," she says. "And besides the common guards, if any, who else will be accompanying us?"

 

[adgramaine]

Having stood silently through the gathering thus far, Dark Hawk passes a glare of the rest of the assembled crew he is to travel with, and no effort was made to hide his opinions. It is obvious that he does not agree with the way they are presenting themselves. He glances sidelong to his compainions, as if he says we shall discuss this later, and returns his full attention to the throne. He then proceeds to, again, stand in silence....

At the audiences conclusion, Dark Hawk bows deeply, straightens himself and awaits his fellow warrior-monks in the hall outside His Majesty's Audience Chamber....

 

[Andrew D. Gable]

"May we inquire as to the nature of that piece of cargo?

"A scroll, nothing more."

And how exactly can we recognize that man, Davias, and especially, make certain he is who he claims to be?"

Ulnar smiles a wry smile. "Not a Helghast, you mean? When you meet him, ask how the weather in Lof is. Davias will answer that it is cold, but warmer in Ragadorn."

"Are there any enemies we should be especially wary of? Vassagonian assassins, for example, would warrant completely different methods of guarding that cargo than simple bandits. Know thy enemy and all that. ... Oh, and of course: Are there any common guards escorting that caravan?"

"None, except for of course Wildlands bandits. There will be three normal guards accompanying as well. They shall join you shortly."

 

[Paido]

After hearing the king's answers, Jesabela bows again. "Thank you, your majesty. Travelling provisions and, to be on the safe side, a map will be supplied by your quartermaster, I take it?"

Then she steps back and waits to hear what questions her future "crew mates" might yet want to ask.