You decide to strike out from the Westwall towards Taggart's old farm, now run by his daughter Verraine, to check in with your Captain for news of the endless war against the Vorghol overlords. It has been weeks since you left the Hunter council on your mission to seek out Dhor-Shai. Her farm is to the southeast of where you are now, across Tol Nedra. This is a journey of two weeks in the best of days, but with winter coming on fast, here in the month of The Reaping, the weather proves an impediment. The fat wet snow of a few days ago turns into real snow, which blows fitfully on the late autumn winds.
Khom-Bei spends the days on horseback in quiet contemplation, his dream of Dhor-shai still weighing heavily on him.
You've been telling tales of your adventures to pass the time as you travel the long cold miles. Thragga is still curious about your adventures in Camars, when he went off with Brion and you went on some mission for Varun. What is strange, however, is that no matter how hard you try, you have a hard time recalling Varun, exactly. His face, and his words...seem a strange blur. Like a dream you have awoken from and can barely recall. Not so with his servants, the silent little girl, nor the Vorghol around him....simply the Shadow himself.
Thragga says, "So it's true, then? He looks like a gargoyle, all scaly, with wings? I hear Vorghol get like that when they get old. And they say he's really old."
Kane says, "Strange to say I can't really say what he looked like. Perhaps he bewitched us into forgetting."
Thragga shakes his head. "I wish I could forget what Brion looked like."
Kane laughs and says, "Don't we all."
You're passing near a range of low hills, crowded with trees. As you cross the brow of a steep hill, a small walled town comes into view, some miles away. This must be Idris, which is a town of some few hundred, surmounted by a wooden palisade. A narrow four-story tower, with a peaked roof, overlooks the center of town.
Thragga holds up his last, empty belt pouch. Some apple cores tumble to the snowy ground. "We could use some provisions..." he says. "And some ale."
Kane says, "Well I guess this town is as good as any. Lets see if we can find some place to buy some food."
Idris falls in the domain called the Tarthun, a broad strip of lands in western Tol Nedra ruled by Khilur, an undead lich, one of the few non-Vorghol overlords of Tol Nedra. But Khilur's stronghold is many leagues from here, to the northeast.
Khom-Bei glances up at Kane's words, "Let's not get overconfident, Kane. These are still Vorghol lands."
Thragga's stomach rumbles.
Kane says, "I would never do that Khom-Bei, but we do need to eat do we not? Rabbits have been few and far between. Besides I don't like Thragga eyeing my poor horse like that."
Khom-Bei nods slowly, "The winter comes early and with a strength that bodes ill for us all."
The roadway leading to Idris is narrow, but well-travelled. Guards at the front gate greet you as you approach. "Good day, sirrah. Good day to get out of this chill, if you take me meaning. In town for the Rite of Ascension, then?" one calls to Kane.
Kane says, "No, actually just passing through. Is there somewhere in town we could buy provisions?"
You see garlands of the nightblooming lunarion flowers, white on white, hung in boughs over the gate and some buildings on the main street. This is a sure sign that some important rite is soon to happen here: the rite of ascension, the important ritual where a servant Reith is soon to receive the Gift of immortality from a Vorghol lord.
The guard hunches up his face. "Aye. Down the end of th'street, a tavern name of Mance's. Best black bread in these parts. Th' wine's not too bad, neither, if you don't mind water in it!" He holds out his hand with a chuckle.
Kane drops a coin into the out stretched hand and say, "My thanks."
The other guards eye Thragga, who dutifully avoid eye contact in the manner of a thrall.
Khom-Bei trots his pony past the guards, nodding to them with a slight smile.
Kane heads through the gate and towards the tavern.
The narrow dark tower overlooks the entire town; its shadow falls on you as you approach a small but homey looking structure with a sign hanging out front: MANCE'S. AN HONEST ESTABLISHMENT. FOOD, SPIRITS, LODGING. The town seems tricked up for a celebration of some kind. The people seem somewhat furtive, though. The tavern is up a short flight of steps and through a large oaken door.
Thragga shifts his cloak to cover the axe he has sheathed between his shoulder blades.
Khom-Bei says, "Kane, we should get out of this town as quickly as we can. If there is a noble in town, there are sure to be guards and trouble looking for a place to happen."
The sound of laughter emerges from within Mance's, through the oiled-parchment windows.
Kane climbs off his horse and ties it outside then he looks to companions and says, "Yes let's do this quickly". He then heads up the stairs.
Khom-Bei touches a finger to his pony's forehead, "Stay here", and then follows Kane up the stairs. Thragga is right behind them.
Within, the taproom is smoky and dark, with the smells of cookfires and bubbly ale. More laughter emerges from within. The noise is coming from the corner, where three stout, darkly-bearded Vulkah in hoods are laughing. Across the table from them, a burly farmer is ruefully massaging his shoulder and counting out a pile of silver serpents to the Vulkah. "Ten, eleven..." The Vulkah are rubbing their hands and laughing some more.
Kane looks their way briefly then heads straight to the bar to find the innkeeper.
The tavernkeeper bustles up to you, a tall fat balding man with one eye missing. "Good day, sirs, good day! Will you be needing lodging? I'm afraid my upstairs rooms are full, but there's some rooms out back...and of course, your greenskin won't mind sleepin' with the pigs..."
The room is mostly full of farmers, locals, and some travellers like yourselves.
Kane says, "No thank you we will not need lodging. We have just stopped to resupply."
Another burly farmer sits down opposite the Vulkah. He drains his leather tankard and wipes his lips, then sets his elbow on the table before the Vulkah, fist held out in challenge. In his other hand, he lays down a pile of silver serpents.
Kane gives the innkeeper a list of the things they wish to buy.
The tavernmaster looks quizzical. "You're sure, sir? The Reeve's warned us, those bandits in the woods nearby make travel most dangerous to the unwary. Besides, with his rite coming up, and Lady Naylah about to grant him the Gift, you're sure to miss quite a celebration!"
Khom-Bei approaches Kane in a subservient manner, "Master, the horses need food and water. With your leave, we should go take care of them."
Kane waves his hand at him and says,"Begone then."
"One---twooooo---go!" The farmer and the Vulkah go at their arm-wrestle. The farmer puts up quite a fight, for a moment. Then...thud! The Vulkah wins again. One of his compatriots sweeps the serpents into a pouch with ease and a chuckle.
Thragga is watching the competition with fascination.
Khom-Bei gives Thragga a gentle nudge toward the door and heads down the stairs. "Come outside, Thragga."
Kane says, "Actually, we are on important business and will not have time for the festivities. Can you fill the list?"
The tavernkeeper continues, "I'm Mance, by the by, sir. I've only just put some soup on, if you'd care for some to warm your bones." He seems very friendly and solicitious.
Thragga turns to Khom-Bei. "Are you kidding? That's easy money!" He points to the Vulkah table.
Kane says, "Perhaps and a cup of your ale while I wait for my supplies."
Khom-Bei stares directly into Thragga's eyes and speaks very slowly, "Come....outside....Thragga."
Kane turns and says, "What's all the fuss? Outside, the both of you and see to those horses."
Thragga raises a brow. "You think I can't take those little twerps? Look at 'em! That's fat, not muscle."
Khom-Bei takes Thragga's elbow and steers him toward the door, speaking softly into his ear, "And when I get done with you, you'll be able to take all three of them at once."
Kane turns back to the innkeeper, "How long to fill that list? I have good silver mind you."
One of the Vulkah snorts. "Hey, who want make little money? Zagam here, he's tired. Come, come, how much you got to bet?" He looks towards Thragga and Khom-Bei as they head towards the door, then turns to Kane. "How bout you, big drink of water?"
Mance winks and hurries off to fill Kane's list: dried sausages, cold meats, black bread, a small cask of ale.
Kane says, "No today Vulkah, stick to your farmers."
At the mention of silver, the Vulkah grins, white teeth in black beard. "Serpents? Put them down! Zagam bet you double or nothing! Come on, you think you strong?"
As they reach the bottom of the stairs, Khom-bei places his hands on Thragga's shoulders, "May you be filled with the strength of the bull."
Kane says, "I don't need to prove my strength, friend. Like I said stick to your farmers."
Thragga is irritated with Khom-Bei on the front steps. "Come on, I could take all three of those little bastards...oh, very well."
The Vulkah make flapping gestures with their arms and exchange a private joke in Vulkon.
Khom-Bei slaps Thragga on the shoulder with a smile, "Now, let's go up there and earn a few coins."
Thragga cracks his knuckles and re-enters, shouldering Kane to one side.
Khom-Bei bows slightly before Kane, "Master, if we have your leave, the thrall would like to amuse you with a test of strength."
Thragga sits down at the table, arm held out, staring Zagam in his face. He sets his pouch on the table. "Serpents are for sissies. Dragons." There are fifty Ress dragons in his pouch.
Zagam, the wrestler, and his cohorts rub their hands. Gold is like the scent of a woman to a Vulkah. "You on!"
Kane looks over at the two dissappovingly but says nothing.
Zagam's cohorts hurry to equal Thragga's bet. A shiny pile of 100 dragons now sits on the table.
Slam! Zagam's hand slams into the table under Thragga's. The Vulkah look amazed. Thragga smirks.
Zagam flexes his wrist, spits in his hand, and holds it out to Thragga again. Thragga narrows his eyes. "Double or nothing!" Zagam shouts. The Urag takes it and the two square off again.
Quietly, Mance sets a bag of fresh black bread on the table before Kane as he watches. "I wish I could fill your list, sirrah, but the supply train...well, I am sure you heard of the raiders. Sausages from Northspike were due here...but unfortunately, the caravan was waylaid. Will mutton do instead?
This time,the two struggle a long moment, and Zagam bests Thragga, but only barely. The contest is close and takes all of the Vulkah's might. His friends cheer. This is the first real competition they've had since they came to Idris.
Zagam says, "Two out three, greenie." Thragga nods.
Khom-Bei steps forward and drops a pouch of gold on the table, "Just to make it interesting."
Kane says, "The mutton will have to do and the ale please."
Mance nods and hurries into his supply room again.
The two square off again. "One--two---" The wrestle is on.
This time, the two opponents strain and struggle.
Zagam slams Thragga's fist into the rude table, looking shocked that he was able to do it. His friends hop up and down, cheering and celebrating and counting their winnings. Thragga pushes away from the table in disgust without looking at Khom-Bei.
Zagam grins. "Come on, we buy you drinks! Mance these boys, they drink on us!" He points. "This is Zand, and Zamab." The other two stop capering to bow, and then go back to their joyous laughter. Zagam claps Thragga on his arm. "You plenty strong, greenie!"
Kane looks at the two and says, "Fools, it will be a long time until I allow you to keep money again."
Thragga scowls, silently, but accepts the free drinks that the Vulkah buy.
Khom-Bei quietly slips out of the inn and down the stairs to tend to the horses.
"What you do in town, hm?" Zagam asks.
Kane says, "We are just here to resupply then we are moving on."
Zagam says, "We look for work. Swords for sale." He makes chopping gestures. "How you say...sell-swords. Mercen...mercen..."
Khom-Bei takes a stiff brush from his pack and begins to give Kane's horse a rubdown, talking softly to the animal as he goes.
Zand says, "Mergenaries?"
Zamab volunteers, "Mergentories!"
Kane says, "Well, there is plenty of work for that throughout Tol Nedra."
Finishing the rubdown, Khom-bei gives both animals a small portion of feed to keep them occupied while he examines their shoes and legs.
A tall man in a slouch hat, with half a dozen others, is moving towards Mance's. He's walking purposefully, with a stride that says authority, and he and his group move up the steps into the tavern, past Khom-Bei outside.
Mance is just setting Kane's cask of ale on the table when the man enters. Mance bows slightly to the man, who doffs his hat. "Reeve Morgon!" Mance says. "This is a surprise! Will you have a drink, sir?"
Kane observes the arrival of the new comer then proceeds to gather up his supplies. To the innkeeper he says "How much do I owe you?"
The Reeve, the town's chief law enforcer, is a tall, handsome Reith of middle years. His deputies stand alongside. "No, Mance, here on business." He raises his voice to the room at large. "I'm looking for men for a job of work. Men who can handle themselves in a fight. Anyone like that here?" He eyes the Vulkah, and some of the other travellers, and then Kane and Thragga.
Mance is silent, watching the Reeve. He doesn't answer Kane.
Kane places a few silvers on the bar, enough to cover the supplies and then some.
"On the orders of Lady Naylah, we're going to hunt down the raiders who have been keeping food out of the mouths of our children," Morgon says. "There's fifty dragons in it for you." He looks towards Kane, who seems to be making a great show of leaving as he is addressing the room. "Fifty dragons doesn't mean much to you, stranger?"
The Vulkah nod. "We do it!" they volunteer. "Come on, how about you, greenie?" they ask Thragga.
Kane turns to the man gives a slight bow and says, "Fifty dragons is a great sum and I wish I could oblige you sir, but I have pressing business elsewhere. These Vulkah here were just saying they were looking for work of just this kind."
There's a young deputy outside, who sidles up to Khom-Bei as he works the horses. "Fine animals. Want to put them to work?"
Khom-Bei bows hurriedly to the man, "Not my animals, belong to my Master." He puts the feedbags and brush back in his pack, noting that Kane's horse will need new shoes in a month or so.
The deputy asks Khom-Bei, "So he'd let us borrow them a while? We'd pay for them..."
Khom-Bei bows again, "Can't say, have to ask him. Very busy, important business elsewhere."
Morgon asks, "A few hours work, you could be a little richer, friend. You look like you could handle yourself....done some soldiering, by the looks of you."
Mance says, "The raiders have put quite a crimp in my wares, Reeve, I was just telling this man here. I'd help you, but of course this crick in my spine...well, you know..."
Thragga looks to Kane. "We could use the money...er...master." he says, with a rueful look at the money that Zagam is gloating over.
Kane says, "Aye that much is apparent. However I am on important business."
Morgon asks, "What business?" His deputies edge closer, townsmen and the sons of farmers, made a little suspicious by all the hurry. For all they know, Kane is one of the raiders.
Kane, not wanting to upset the local law gives in and says, "I can give you a few hours though but no more. Will that satisfy you sir?"
"The Lady herself'd be grateful," says a deputy, with a nod towards the tower, visible through the slit in the oiled-parchment window.
Khom-Bei bounds up the stairs like a good servant and trots up to Kane, "Master, the horses are ready to ride. Should I load the supplies?"
Morgon holds out his hand. "Name's Morgon, I'm the Reeve of Idris. And you're...?"
Kane again bows and says, "I and my servants are at the Lady's disposal then."
Morgon nods. "I would have hated to have to order you..." his men exchange a chuckle at that. Morgon is the one due to Ascend.
Kane, used to being in this situation, uses an old stand by name he has used many times. He holds out his hand and says, "Tom Downs sir, if it please you."
"And us!" the Vulkah join in. "We keel whatever you want!" A few other peasants and farmers also volunteer for the posse.
Morgon says, "We leave at sundown. Meet us at the village gate. Drink up, it's bound t'be cold this night!"
Khom-Bei picks up several bundles of provisions and carries them down the stairs.
The lawmen nod to Mance and make their way outside, then head up the street towards the tower gates.
Thragga thinks. "Fifty dragons will win me back the money Khom-Bei lost for me."
Khom-Bei finishes packing the provisions onto the horses, "Now all we have to do is manage to slip away in the dark."
Kane makes his way out of the inn and to the horses. He replies to Khom-Bei, "If possible, otherwise well have to go along for the ride. My guess is if these outlaws are any good we will not see hide of hair of them..."