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Message: <blockquote data-quote="monboesen" data-source="post: 942732" data-attributes="member: 4647">As the patrol rode up upon them Jonas cursed the knight inwardly. He had flat out refused to seek cover in the bushes by the road when they heard the horses. Not that it would have done them much good anyway, with all that glinting metal he was as inconspicuous as a veiled seltouk in Woodsown.“Let me do the talking “ the last thing he wanted now was the knight explaining exactly what they were doing here.The soldiers slowed to a canter as they drew closer. Hands hovering to close to weapons for comfort.“Good day and well met. What a joy to see the lords own when you need them” Jonas greeted them.“State your names and your business in these lands”“I am Jonas a merchant hailing from Abbesborough and this is my guard Gabriel. I have been robbed and we are following the robbers to get my goods and wagon back. It must be Birans blessing that I have met you. Surely lord Bookley wants to see these bandits punished for their deed.”“A merchant you say. Lets see your papers then.”Jonas reached inside his coat and held out the toll paper. “I’ve paid good money at the border. And gladly knowing that the lord insures safe travel for all payers” Off course he had done no such thing. Old Clem was handy with pen and paper and his services were available for a mere fraction of lord Bookleys toll. Jonas regarded toll and taxes as plain robbery and hand paid neither for several years.The soldier inspected the papers though Jonas found it unlikely that the sweaty man could read.“They seem to be in order. You and your guard look like men not afraid of a good fight. I have an offer for you. The bandits you mentioned are going to get a lesson soon and lord Bookly could use a few more men to teach them.”The five soldiers spread out and surrounded the two men.“I’m sure you would both like to enter the lords service and fight in his name to do vengeance”“A very tempting offer. Unfortunately I will have to decline. I’m a peaceful man with no stomach for violence” Jonas belittled his words by placing hand on the heavy mace hanging from his belt and moving to stand back to back with Gabriel. The knight smiled agreeably at the soldiers and seemed completely relaxed.The soldier in charge looked uncertain at the two large and well armed men.“Very well. But I will not tolerate your presence here. You will leave by the north road”Jonas and Gabriel eyed each other. It would make their plan more difficult but so would a fight with the soldiers. They turned and walked down the road.******The village consisted of 12 small thatched houses and a newly built palisade of pointed timber. Inside close to 200 men lived. Manolis looked around. Most of the were just farmers or craftsmen, poorly equipped, but with high spirits. Among them were small groups of more hardened men with real armor, weapons looking worn with use. One such knot of men had stayed close watching them ever since they gained entry.He had not yet seen the leader Javid who according to the men had confiscated the best house for himself and rarely left it. They had been told that he would see them later and that they would have to swear fealty to him. Ran had protested a bit, mostly to avoid suspicion, and then given in.The stolen wagons had been left close to Javids house. Most of the goods were gone, likely spread out among the robbers.Cheering and clapping filled the air. Turning his head Manolis saw a man coming round the house. He stopped frequently to exchange a few words or shake hands with a man but his general direction was the fire that Ran and he shared with the mercenaries. As he closed they could see that he wore well maid clothes fitting for a noble and was graced with a handsome and manly face and build. Soon he stood in front of them greeting and shaking hands. His voice was a rich baritone, smooth and  sure.“So you are the latest recruits for my army. A warrior deadly I’m sure and beautiful too.” Javid bowed elegantly and kissed her hand. For some reason Ran seemed to have trouble breathing.“And a priest. You are most certainly welcome. The men are sadly lacking spiritual guidance”He shook Manolis hand vigorously. “As a formality you have to swear fealty to me before you can enter my service. It’s nothing really. All the men here have done so.”As he leaned forward Ran suppressed a gagging sound.“These men are simple” he whispered. “They need ceremony and ritual to gain purpose and surety. Worldly people like you understand this I’m sure. Just repeat after me.”Javid straightened and spoke loudly.“I do solemnly swear to follow and obey. To never let harm see you or betray you in word or action. I will keep my oath until Torymus judges my soul”As Manolis repeated the words he could feel compulsion trying to sink roots into his mind. With an effort he fought it off. Formality indeed. That was one powerful glamour. He looked worriedly at Ran trying to discern if the spell had taken hold of her. She was pale and sweaty but her eyes were sharp without the dulled appearance that so often followed charms and compulsions.With his business done Javid took off with an artful goodbye. As he disappeared in the men around them Ran took several deep breaths and steadied herself. The stench around the sorcerer was almost unbearable. She had near vomited and then he had tried to enspell her. She had been tempted to strike him down immediately but caution had stayed her hand. The men would have torn her apart. She would have to bide her time.******Gabriel sweated in his armor. The run in with the soldiers had forced them to a long trek through the woods. But at least they had reached the hill west of village in time. Hopefully Ran and Colill had less problems with their part of the plan if so he should be able to see the signal from here soon after the sun had set. It riled him a bit this sneaking around and possibly doing murder in the night. But it was not his decision. The command had been to protect Ran at all costs, and as long as he did not have to break his wovs he would do so.He suspected the hairy merchant had no such compunctions about hiding and murdering in the night though he was likely here simply out of greed. He wanted his goods back and if he could revenge himself on the robbers he would do so. From their vantage point he could see over the crude wooden wall protecting the village. The number of men inside surprised and worried him. It was one thing to fight a few robbers of questionable loyalty. But down there was a small army. If anything went wrong it would be hell to get out of there.Later in the dark he could see the many cooking fires blazing and the later yet dying down. He was beginning to feel anxious, what was Ran and Colill doing. He had expected to see the signal by now. Beside him Jonas equally worried though for different reasons shifted uneasily.Then as if by magic lights appeared on the rim of hill on the opposite side of the village. Lots of lights.</blockquote>

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