For two weeks, Reen traversed the desolate roads and uneven trails that crisscrossed the kingdom. With a keen sense of caution, he assumed the guise of a merchant on the move, fully aware that drawing unwanted attention could hinder his quest. His trusty mare carried saddlebags brimming with an assortment of healing herbs and basic remedies, cleverly disguising his true intentions as a seeker of information.
Arriving at every village and town, Reen immersed himself in the local atmosphere, keeping his ears open for any whispers or rumors that could potentially unravel the mysteries surrounding recent occurrences within the realm.
Many of the people in the area only spoke about the various hardships they were facing. They talked about the devastating wheat blight that occurred during the harvest season, which resulted in half of the peasant population suffering from starvation. Additionally, Lord Vulmar took advantage of the situation by imposing high charges for the use of lumber to repair his manor, claiming it was damaged during a severe storm.
This added financial burden further exacerbated the already dire conditions for the commoners, who were struggling to make ends meet due to soaring prices. Interestingly, very few individuals actually questioned Lord Vulmar's claims or took notice of the fact that despite these seemingly constant misfortunes plaguing those beneath him, his own estates continued to flourish and grow increasingly opulent.
On a chilly evening, Reen found himself seeking shelter in a small, humble cottage. With a warm welcome, a farmer and his family graciously invited him in and offered him a seat at their modest dining table. As they gathered around, the aroma of a simple yet nourishing stew filled the room, indicating the scarcity of resources in their humble abode.
As they shared their meal, the farmer's face transformed into a mask of frustration and anger. He began to vent his frustrations, his words punctuated with bitterness, as he recounted the tale of Vulmar, a powerful figure in the village. Under some questionable pretext, Vulmar had taken control of the precious village woodlot, the primary source of firewood for the community.
The consequences of this appropriation were dire, the farmer explained. With limited access to firewood, many of the villagers – including the farmer's family – would struggle to keep their homes warm during the harsh winter months. The scarcity would force them to choose between freezing temperatures inside their cottages or resorting to drastic and potentially dangerous measures to stay warm.
This heartbreaking situation left the farmer and others in the village feeling helpless and betrayed. They had relied on the woodlot to sustain their livelihoods and protect their loved ones, but now faced an uncertain future as their homes and the well-being of their families hung in the balance.
Reen listened intently, his heart heavy with sympathy for the farmer and his community. The weight of their plight resonated deeply within him, igniting a fire within his soul to seek justice and find a solution that would alleviate the suffering of those affected by Vulmar's actions.
"We all know the real storm was in his coffers, not barns," the man spat. "He grows fat off our suffering as his kind always have. Mark my words, one day the people will rise and have their say!"
Reen couldn't shake off the weight of his words, which lingered in his mind like ashes on a breeze. The revelation left him questioning the true depths of Vulmar's insatiable thirst for power and his oppressive nature. The doubts swirled within him, intensified by a growing suspicion about his involvement in the betrayals that had plagued Reen's keep. Every piece of evidence, every interaction with Vulmar, and every whispered rumor now took on a new significance, pushing Reen deeper into the maze of uncertainty and distrust.
The questions echoed relentlessly: Was Vulmar capable of such treachery? Was he manipulating events behind the scenes, pulling the strings like a malevolent puppeteer? With each passing moment, Reen's desire to uncover the truth burned brighter, fueling a determination to unearth the ultimate role Vulmar played in the web of deception that threatened to consume his world.
That night, Reen's fitful rest was plagued by yet another haunting nightmare. Once again, he found himself trapped in the ominous halls of the burning castle, surrounded by flames and the chilling laughter of unseen figures.
Reen woke up suddenly, drenched in sweat, and his heart was pounding against his chest. The dream that had shocked him awake had left him deeply unsettled; its vivid and lifelike quality felt eerily prophetic. As sunlight streamed through his window, a newfound determination replaced the lingering fear and confusion.
Without a shadow of doubt, he knew what he had to do – embark on a perilous journey to Vulmar's domain, unwaveringly pursuing any shred of evidence that could expose the man's heinous actions.
As Reen embarked on his journey, he found himself in for a prolonged and grueling experience. Every step he took tested his determination, but instead of dampening his spirits, it only served to fortify his beliefs. With each league that he traversed, Reen's convictions grew stronger and more resolute.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Vulmar's opulent and extravagant estates came into sight. The sight of such grandiosity, even from afar, was both exasperating and vexing to Reen. It served as a stark reminder of the excesses and frivolities that the privileged few indulged in, while the commoners struggled to make ends meet.
Recognizing the need for caution, Reen chose to set up camp beyond the boundaries of Vulmar's estates. He's were aware that any sign of his presence might alert the lord's vigilant guards and potentially hinder their plans. With a mix of prudence and anticipation, Reen resolved to delay face-to-face confrontation for now, biding his time to ensure a more strategic approach.
As the sun began to set and turn the sky into a canvas of twilight hues, Reen found himself near Vulmar's hall, where the sounds of boisterous revelry echoed through the air. The uproarious laughter and joyful chatter filling the night indicated that yet another extravagant banquet was taking place within those opulent walls, where the wealthy indulged while the less fortunate struggled to make ends meet.
This stark contrast fueled Reen's resentment, as he laid there, seething with a burning desire for justice. His mind was consumed by thoughts of infiltrating the hall, seeking a way to expose the extravagant excesses that seemed to mock the plight of the commoners.
As he lay in the shadows, his anger-driven determination was interrupted by an abrupt rustling sound. With his instincts on high alert, Reen swiftly reacted, instinctively reaching for the dagger secured at his belt, ready to defend himself against any potential threat that dared to approach him.
His muscles tensed, prepared for an imminent attack that seemed bound to follow the mysterious noise. However, to his surprise, the threat he had anticipated never materialized. The darkness remained undisturbed, leaving Reen to confront the ambiguity of the strange rustling that had disrupted his vengeful thoughts.
Instead a grizzled woodcutter emerged from the brush, hands raised in a gesture of peace. "Meaning you no harm, friend," the man rumbled in a warm baritone. "Name's Adrian. Saw your fire and thought to offer company, if it please you."
Despite his rough manners and weathered appearance, Adrian proved to be an unexpectedly delightful companion for Reen. As they shared a simple yet satisfying supper, Reen discovered that Adrian's occupation involved illicitly hunting game in the expansive Vulmar woods, in addition to his role as a mercenary, thereby exhibiting a complete disregard for the laws imposed by the nobility.
It became evident that Adrian derived great pleasure from incessantly taunting and irritating the lord with his behavior, unveiling a mischievous and rebellious nature.
Over time, Adrian began regaling Reen with tales of Vulmar's misdeeds, many of which matched rumors Reen collected. Not only that, but Adrian claimed he knew secret routes into the manor few could find, should Reen wish to "borrow a look at the lordling's records".
Reen's fascination with the mercenary extended well beyond his role as an informant, thanks to a number of impressive characteristics. Among these was Adrian's unyielding defiance of Vulmar's authority, which immediately seized Reen's attention. This streak of rebellion revealed a bold and self-reliant nature, indicating that Adrian possessed the potential to become a valuable ally in his mission.
Moreover, Adrian's natural charm stood out as he effortlessly displayed it even when interacting with a stranger in the darkness. His ability to effortlessly connect with others exemplified his charismatic nature, which Reen believed would be extremely valuable in their upcoming undertakings. Recognizing these remarkable qualities, Reen ultimately agreed to Adrian's offer, hoping that his astuteness and distinct personality would significantly contribute to the success of their mission.
And so his intrigue began under a waning moon, Reen following the mercenary into the shadowy forests surrounding Vulmar's domain, searching for any sign the lord's ambitions went beyond mere oppression into darker designs none could foresee.