"My name is Vanya, of the Tribe of the Narrow River," he says. "I was escorting a small caravan bearing supplies to the place where the free tribes were mustering to do battle with Zhan-Ukhel. We were ambushed by bandits, but these were no common rabble—they bore the trappings of the Tribe of the Black Wolf." He gestures to the bandits. "They shot my mount from under me, and I was knocked unconscious in the fall. When I came to, I was slung across the back of one of their horses. Eventually they reached the edge of the steppe and led me into the forest on foot."
He glances away, before looking back to you, a glum expression on his face. "I don't know what they have planned for me—or for you—but I suspect we'll find out soon."
You introduce yourself and tell him that you are from the Tribe of the Red Bear, and that your two tribes have long been allies.
"The Tribe of the Red Bear!" he exclaims. "I am glad to see a friend—if I may call you that, of course. I have never been to your tribe's lands, but I have met some of your people in the past. Good people they were, too. You look able enough to handle a sword, though, Basileios. I would have thought you'd ride to battle against the Black Wolves today…."
Before you can answer, he raises his hand briefly, apologetically. "I am sorry, I should not presume," he says. "I'm sure you, like me, have your reasons for being in this forest." He laughs briefly and shakes his head. "And look where those reasons have gotten us, eh?"
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