I woke slowly this morning. Stretched out, content. I almost didn't wish to leave bed, but that would be lazy. I was also pretty certain my family would return to the Capital today. I had to admit, I'd enjoyed waking with Mills in bed with me yesterday.
I don't think I'll tell him that, though. We won't set off for East Haven today. Plight and I will do some adventuring first and see if there are any quests that would take us out to East Haven while we're at it.
But first, I'll have breakfast with my family before they go. I grab my things and take the backway to the shower stalls, shower, dress in fresh clothes, and head for breakfast. It was a pretty simple breakfast, filled with hugs and well wishes before Dad decided it was time to go.
Mom was upset to be leaving me here, she'd rather me come home. I gave her extra hugs and told her I'd visit her when we stopped by East Haven. She told me it wasn't the same, but she'd accept it. She then petted Plight's hair and told him she expects him to look after me, me to look after him, and for us to not skip meals.
I didn't like seeing the worry in her eyes. But I was glad she treated Plight nicely. Even if she considered it bullying him.
Once they'd gone, I'd teared up a bit, myself. Plight rubbed my shoulder and told me I'll see them soon. I made sure to feed the dogs, too. They seemed to like the meat to be raw over smoked, since I had a bag of holding, I could simply continue to feed them raw foods. But I'd also need to smoke some if I'm to be traveling. Or I could just cook as I go.
With that half decided I headed for Tibin's shop. I asked him if he had pots and pans. He took it a step further and produced magic pots and pans that required no fire to cook food with. He showed me how to turn them on, and off. I selected a large pot, a small pot and one skillet.
Once my transaction was concluded Plight and I went to the Guildhall. It was bustling this morning, though I mostly ignored that. I turned in the investigate quest since we'd neglected to do so until now. Then I went to the guild board. Plight didn't have a preference towards any of the quests so I took the bandit quest and another goblin quest. I noted there was a quest for establishing a wider trade network with East Haven and one to deliver something to Archimedes in East Haven. If they were still there when we got back, I'd snatch them.
For now, we'd head North, though, I was a little nervous to. Since what'd happened only yesterday. But how often does lightning strike twice in the same spot? Well, if it's a spell, its fairly common for it to do so. Let's not think about this now.
We skirted the hill to Tilton's place. heading for the location in the North the goblins were indicated to be. It took an hour with the dogs scouting ahead for us to find them. After a brief scuffle we'd ended them and collected their weapons. There'd been 7 of them.
After a brief search around, we hadn't found anymore of them. We doubled back, skirted town, and headed South. It was really South West we'd needed to go, as it was a few hours down towards the lake from town that the bandits had become a problem. The dogs had scouted ahead and then led us to the bandit hideout.
We approached unseen to survey the hideout. It was poorly put together. Ramshackle fencing lined the sides in a circle, clearly haphazardly thrown together. There was a single tent, and mostly sleeping skins or bedrolls laying about. I counted twenty such sleeping arrangements.
The men I saw looked like children playing at being hard. They were scared, dirty, paranoid, reactive and on edge. Most of all, they looked tired.
So, we entered their camp, no weapons drawn. Which didn't deter them from drawing theirs. With a short sword to my neck, I rolled my eyes.
"Oh please. Go get your boss." I said. A few of them took off immediately towards the tent. The sword stayed at my neck, though shakily now.
"Should you accidentally nick me, don't blame me for being excessive." I said. I didn't even spare the man a glance.
"Lower your weapon, Jess." A tough looking man said as he emerged from the tent. He looked me over for a moment, amusement quickly left him. His face became unreadable and hard, "To what do we owe this... pleasure to my Lady?"
Gasps and whispers went through the nervous men. A few questioning if I am a nobility or not. "Depends. Are you in charge?" I asked.
"Aye, Lady. I am in charge." He said.
"If I ask you questions, will you tell me the truth?" I inquired.
"Probably, Lady. But first, won't you answer my question?" He asked.
I pretended to ponder the question for a moment. Putting on an act. "Certainly. You've peaked my curiosity. Ask your question." I said.
"What brings a Lady such as yourself this deeply into the woods? Especially with only a single footman." He asked.
I laughed lightly, "What more would I need, but a loyal footman? I am here to find out about your... group. A rather sad lot, aren't you?"
He frowned. "Why you?" He insisted. "A pampered, spoilt noble brat, whose barely any different from us. I seen you with them lot. No one can forget a face like yours."
"And yet, I seem to be having trouble placing you." I said.
"Ha. Course not. You lot never look at the help aside from the ones you fuck." He sneered.
"True enough. Nobility are that way." I shrugged. "And you are?"
"Emel, Lady, and your name?" He growled.
"Saria Cross. So, no. Not a lady, but yes, I did serve as a well groomed pet for a time. However, I am currently an adventurer, which brings us back to the point of my visit here. Why are you and yours attacking merchants?" I said. Getting straight to the point.
"None of your business." He replied. Taking a step forward.
"This can go a few ways. Shall I inform you of your options?" I asked.
"Go for it." He said. He was roughly as tall as uncle, had some muscle to him, but aside from muscle, I could see signs that he was as poor off as his men.
"One, you all attack us and we slaughter you. Two we arrest you all and take you to the capital. Three, you cooperate with us, are truthful, you repent, and we help you out. Four you become useful in a plan to piss off the nobility with them having no way to punish. Five, you return to your homes peacefully with your ill gotten gains and nothing more occurs." I list the options.
"We've no homes to return to!" One of the younger men shouted, suddenly. "People came and stole away lots of our families!"
"So, you resorted to crime?" I frowned, noting the boy.
"We was trying to get information at first. We wasn't tryna hurt no one." Another said.
"Silence." Emel shouts. "Some of my men came from a village a few days West of here. Some shit went down and families were slaughtered. Or stolen."
"Pin in that, what of the others of your men?" I asked, eyes like ice.
"A few of my men aren't from this continent and escaped some folk going by the Bloody Hawke." Emel sighed heavily. "They be the ones causing problems. Look. The first couple of 'attacks' on merchants was us trying to get information and help. You come out of the woods filthy like this and people tend to make assumptions. They jumped the guns and attacked first. We retaliated. They fled. It wasn't even our intention. And it hasn't even happened more than three times."
"You lie." I accused. It was a taunt, I didn't actually think he was lying.
"If only," He sighed again, stepping back sitting heavily on a stump.
"You've seen me with the nobility at the gatherings, yes? What was your position and why aren't you manning it?" I asked.
"Aye, I saw you when you were small. Prancing about with ribbons and lace in expensive dresses that could easily feed fifty families. I was dutifully a guard for the Elmires. Along with my brother. One of those Denoir bastards forced themselves on our sister. My brother tried to protect her and stop it. He was sentenced to death. And I was booted out." Emel said. The pain and exhaustion in his face was no lie.
"What happened to her?" I asked.
"I don't know." He said, shaking his head. "My brother told me this before they executed him."
"What was her name?" I asked.
"Ainslee." He said.
That sounded like... "Ailee Pieron?" I asked.
His head snapped up to me, and he approached me quickly, grasping my arms. "Pieron? Ailee Pieron, you say?"
"Easy there, and let her go." Plight warned.
"A brunette, small chest, large bottom, and brown eyes with flecks of green. About five-six in height." I describe a woman who had once been sold to the brothel to Emel, as he lets me go.
"Ainslee... That sounds like Ainslee. Ailee was her nickname." Emel said. "Does she live."
"She lives. And decently well." I replied.
A spark lit in this man's eyes. A light of hope. "Where is she?" He demanded.
I looked him over. "More importantly, she told me her family was dead."
"I live." He said. "I've lived."
Feeling no need to pry, "You've told me the truth? I can make a truth potion right now." I said.
"I'd take it. I swear, I have told you the truth. Only, we did mean to start robbing the merchants after the first misunderstanding. And a lot of these folk are victims of the Bloody Hawkes." He said.
"I have no desire to punish people who are half starved." I admitted. "Call me soft, but if you all think you can whip up into a fighting force, I'll hire you."
The men here looked baffled. "Hire us? But-but we're criminals." One said.
"I don't care. Arguably, I am also a criminal. Just a couple of days ago I sliced someone's tongue out of their mouth and fed it to his friend." I said with a nonchalant shrug. "I happen to be in need of people."
"A plan to piss off nobles, eh?" Emel asked.
"Indeed. The Denoirs, in fact. By misappropriating Denoir land in a manner old fat bastard Denoir can't collect taxes by." I smirk.
"Oh? How?" Emel asked.
I took out the pots and started taking out bear meat, chopping it and adding it to the pots. I whistled for the dogs and asked them to find some root vegetables. They obeyed, as I'd repeated it in their minds. I added herbs and water to the pots.
"My friend and I cleared out a goblin den and I am turning it into a town. To that end, I am having houses built inside. It will be governed by myself, in no mans land, which means for the next two or more years the nobility and the crown will not be able to collect taxes from it. This will give people a chance to build themselves up. Can you all read and write?" I explain.
A few could. "No matter. If you choose to become my citizens and protect my town, I will have you taught and trained. Emel can be a start for a teacher. I'd imagine, you'd like to see this sister of yours, Ailee?"
"Absolutely." Emel nodded. His stomache growled as the cooking food started to produce a tantalizing scent.
The dogs started returning with wild vegetables I'd requested. I cleaned then chopped them up and added them to the stews. "I can have her come live in my town and teach people to read. She does so quite well."
"I'll join you." He said. " I'll serve you my whole life, Lady."
"I'm not a noble, Emel," I said.
"You will be my Lady till I die." He vowed.
His people seemed hesitant. "For those who came from another land, I'll try and look into sending you home. I can't promise you anything, unfortunately. Who can tell me about this... Bloody Hawke?" I said. "We've some time before lunch is ready.
With that, they began telling me about what they knew. Which wasn't much. They had red bird symbols on their shirts. They pillaged and destroyed a couple of small villages, taking people at random. The rest they'd slaughtered.
I looked at Plight as I served these people bear stew. I then Mind Linked to him.
*We'll be looking into this, won't we? I've never heard of them.*
**
With this decisiom made, everyone served, and the dogs fed, I announced, "As adventurers, we will be investigating into the matter of this 'Bloody Hawke'. If possible, We will avenge your dead and try to find your stolen, even if you don't join us in my town."
That seemed to push them past their hang ups. They began to agree to join Emel in my service, one by one. Just like that we gained twenty-one men. Just this wouldn't be enough.
"Very well. I accept you all. If you turn out to have no hand at combat or defense, then you will be taught a trade skill. I will soon be seeking teachers. For now, I want you all to focus on getting healthy." I said.
Once everyone had ate, we got everyone to load up their things and I lead them to the cave, govomg the town a wide berth as to not bring attention to my movements. It was around five when we'd arrived at the cave. Once there, I wrote a letter to Ailee, or rather, Ainslee Pieron informing her that her brother Emel was alive, well and wishing to see her. I also asked that she find a way to Dueling Rivers so I can bring her to meet with him, if she'd like. I included that I would like to hire her as a reading teacher, if possible. I allowed Emel to read the letter, he added in his own writing, 'PS Hundreds of lightning bugs for love and comfort.' and we signed our names and I sent it to her via transfer scroll.
I went on to explain to the dwarven workers that these folk would be moving in, then I thanked them for their wonderfully quick work that they'd made a rapid progress on. At this rate, I should speak to Elder Alberich before leaving for East Haven.
As it turned out, one of the people from off continent actually knows how to repair books, with a particular set of tools. I told him if I acquired those tools and sent them to him, he can manage the study in the back. He'd declined that being his main job, saying he like to restore books as a hobby. Including that he preferred more physical jobs. I told him to train his body under Emel, for now. His name is June.
With that done, I left the men enough bear meat for their dinner, and told them they can fish the stream and use the fireplace outside the cave. I recommended staying near the cave, however. And I took the proof of having handled the bandits from Emel, promising to return in the morning with supplies, if I couldn't make it tonight. I also said I would work on a budget for paying them, once we had citizens. But, I'd included that if they proved to be cruel or truly criminals that I'd punish them. I wouldn't be tolerant towards such things. Especially since cripples and orphans were going to be our initial citizens. That earned me some questions, and I explained the purpose for the town. Which only seemed to make me more of a hero in their eyes, oddly enough.
With it now being about six o'clock we set off for town, intending to speak with Dulcan about the two quests we'd handled today. All the while the dogs flitting around us, playing. Plight was glad we didnt end up needing to fight and or kill those men. I agreed with him. It was much more convenient to hire them. Plight had began teasing me, asking if he should call me his lady as well. I most certainly declined such folly.
Once we reached town, we came across an odd sight. A gorgeous elven lady with long blonde hair that was streaked with green was talking with the guards. They weren't letting her in, and it was greatly frustrating her.
After watching a moment, Plight had called her over, introduced us and, much to my shock, she says she's Alexander's daughter, Sienna, though she's never met him. My Mom's teacher was Alexander the bard. She insisted she needed to see Tilton. Now that I think about it, she does look a fair bit how Mom said he did. My Deerling Plight vouched for her, so I took her by the arm and took her into town. she hugged Plight very suddenly, much to my amusement, and he felt very uncomfy with this.
Another affectionate person. She was kind of like a puppy. Happy and cheerful mostly, but when disappointed, she drooped, then perked right back up. She amused me.
Once we'd taken her to Tilton's house we knocked and he let us in, she turns out to be a fey Celadrin. Her mom is an Archfey, she'd said. Tilton's chat with her seemed to drag, but after that she returned to town with us. We then went to see Dulcan. We got the two papers signed. It was to late to do the shopping now, so I went to see Mills instead. Plight, sensibly, decided to take Sienna to the Inn with the dogs. Who like Sienna well enough. I gave him a package of meat, both for him and the dogs.
Animals, people say, are excellent judges of peoples characters. I don't know how true that is, but I was glad they were at ease. Especially when they were so helpful and smart. After my adventuring is over, they deserved all the treats every day.
Mills was just finishing closing up the stall for the night when I'd approached.
He'd looked up and noticed me, grinned broadly and said "Welcome to my stall. Is there anything I can get you tonight?"
"Yes. Your time." I told him. "And affection."
"Now, both of those are precious commodities. But, I'll give you a discount." He said, "One kiss."
Amused, I circled his stall and wrapped my arms around him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. An easy feat since he is only two inches taller than me.
He chuckled and said "How has your day gone?"
"Eventful. Culled some more goblins, enslaved some bandits with my charm. How was yours?" I asked.
"I got an odd request in today. It was for troll hides." He said.
"Troll hides? I think trolls mind the West coast according to the book 'Just South of Wolven Falls and All'." I comment.
"Yes, that is a known troll area. I don't know if I'll take the request or not." He said.
"What's the time allotment if you do?" I ask.
"The time allotment would be two weeks, I believe it was." Mills said.
"That seems vaguely unreasonable, depending on how far West you'd need to go. More reasonable if you know exactly where to go." I say.
"I have seen the trolls before, so I'd be able to get there in probably about four days." He said.
"I'm probably going to be gone for six or so days starting tomorrow." I tell him.
"Oh? Where are you headed?" Mills asked.
"East Haven. Though, I may put it off till noon." I said. "There had been quests from Tibin to expand trade routes between here and there. I don't know that they are still on the board, but I intend to go either way."
"Well, maybe I will take that request then, if you're not going to be in town, then why not?" Mills said.
"I'm a terrible reason to decide to do anything." I inform him. "I'm flighty."
"Better flighty than rotten," He said and gave me a kiss.
I kissed him back, feeling content. "Did you ever come into contact with a woman named Ailee or Ainslee Pieron? I've come into contact with her brother, Emel."
"No, I haven't heard of her." He said.
"Good. She won't know you, then. Emel knew me from when I was attending gatherings." I said. "He's vowed to serve me his whole life."
"Awful forward of him." He said.
"Is it? I was there to either kill them all or take them to justice. I think he got off easy for banditry." I replied.
"Ah. So he's one of those bandits you've enslaved with your charm." He stated.
"Mhm. Thanks to Quinlan I have gained a useful tool. I shant thank him." I said.
He gave a very slight bow and said, "I am glad my family could be of service."
I shrugged and nuzzled his shoulder. "What do you wish to do?"
"Have you been to the cave? Have they made progress?" Mills asked.
"I have, yes. They have some houses up already." I told him.
"Dwarves truly are the best builders around, especially when it comes to underground." He said.
"I only hire the best." I nodded, " A habit I learned from my Dad. They made ornate features to the houses, too."
"I would certainly like to go and see what they have done. Especially if they are putting ornate features on them already." He said.
"A fine idea." I replied. "I would like to see Kaz and Tibin first, then."
"It has been quite a while since I have been able to stop in by the bakery." Mills commented as we started that way.
"Dad questioned me bout you after the kids were asleep." I told him.
"Hopefully all good things." Mills replied.
"Dad said he'd hoped I'd find someome to protect me, rather than someone I would choose to protect. I am not sure he realizes that's the way they taught me to be. We protect our own." I say.
"It also sounds like I may need to prove myself in some way." Mills said.
I shrugged. "You could be as strong as Uncle and I'd still aim to protect you, so long as I like you."
"Well, I would certainly hope you do." He said.
"I've only planned to adventure for the year." I told him, as we entered Kaz's bakery together.
"Only a year, eh?" Mills asked. "A year isn't an awful long time to do everything an adventurer typically does."
"Well, Dad had other plans for me, I disobeyed and ran away from home to be an adventurer." I told him. The first time I'd directly admitted to it.
"What sort of plans did your father have for you?" He asked. Kaz was looking at us, and I smiled brightly at him.
"My Dad intended for me to take part in his business dealings, on the trade routes, learning. Probably eventually having me take over a branch. I suppose I've changed his plans now, though." I answered.
"Or atleast delayed them" He replied. "A man like James doesn't seem easily dissuaded from his goals."
"Yes, but he won't force me. If I choose to mind the town or something else, that'll be that." I tell him. "Hi, Kaz. How are you?"
"Oh, thank god, I thought I was a ghost. I'm fine, it seems you two are quite fine as well." Kaz said.
"We're well." I grinned. "My Dad didn't feed him to my Uncle."
"Well that certainly does sound like a good thing." Kaz said.
"Would you consider accepting contracts, Kaz?" I asked.
"In what way?" He replied.
"Starting tomorrow, I would like twenty-one loaves of bread daily, for the next week. After which, I suspect the number shall be increasing." I told him. "I'll be sending a man named June to make the pick up at a time set by you. The number may increase now if it makes it easier on you."
"I may have to hire an assistant for all that." He said, surprised.
"I'm forming a town nearby, I'm mearly working on getting people there now. I imagine your brother is already burdened by my actions, too." I smiled. "I'm willing to pay more for the honor of having the very best baker feed my people."
He gave a hearty laugh, and said "Well, letxs hear the payment then."
Bout that time, the door opened an a muscular half orc woman walked in, carrying a bear on her shoulders. I smiled pleasantly at her, hesitating for a moment. She glanced down at us and said, "Hello, customers."
I thought, she's taller than Uncle. Good he's gone now. "Hello, Ma'am" I replied.
She smiled at me, patted my shoulder, she then walked up to the counter. Kaz jumped up on the counter, as he did so, she flung the bear carcass around and behind him and scooped him into a hug. "Welcome home, Dear." He said.
She set him down, then turned and leaned against the counter. He hopped off the counter and said, "Dear, this young lady has just set up a contract with us."
"Yes, we were about to discuss the price. As I understand it based on your general pricing of goods, I'd be costing you two gold pieces a day. So, I'd like to set the price at four gold pieces a day, for now. When it increases, we can alter the price then, how does that sound?" I smiled at him.
He laughed heartily once more, and said, "Aye. that sounds more than fair. Maybe it's time I get little Thomas some actual training in baking. Gods knows he eats me out of house and home with these cookies anyway."
"Speaking of, I'd truly like to purchase what you have left available today, too." I laughed lightly. "If Thomas doesn't work out, perhaps I can end up sending you someone useful, if you'd like and I find such a gem."
"Oh, I'm sure Thomas will put every fiber of his being into making these," He waved his hand at his goods. He had around twenty loaves available, along with some Elven Pillows, and cookies.
I tilted my head and said, "Kaz, do you mind if I pay you upfront for your goods? I can't guarantee I'll be here consistently."
"No, I've no problems with such a thing. How far in advance did you want to pay?" Kaz said.
"Thirty days at current price set." I said firmly.
"Easily done." Kaz agreed.
I produced one hundred twenty gold pieces and placed it on the counter. I then took out my writing things and drew up a concise contract stating what we'd gone over, adding nothing to it and signing, allowing for Kaz to then sign. After that, I added three more gold for the remainder of his stock. He wrapped up my purchase, told me a time to send June, I placed the goods within the bag of holding, and Mills and I bid the couple a good night, before leaving.