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Brandon and his company approached another bandit camp, hidden within the snowy grasp of the northern wilderness. The air chilled the bones as they attacked, their weapons cutting through the air with ease. The clash of bronze echoed through the day, and as the camp fell silent, the defeated bandits lay strewn across the snow-covered ground.
The campfires, once ablaze with ill intentions, now flickered with the aftermath of battle. Edric approached Brandon with a furrowed brow. "That was another similar camp, Brandon," he remarked. "Someone is organizing these guys."
Brandon's gaze hardened. "After people's food again. Someone is gathering a lot for themselves."
Jon wrapped his arm around Edric's shoulder. "Someone a hungry boy."
"Thank you, Jon. Very helpful." Edric said.
Brandon shook his head. "We need to deal with these bandits so that we can address the bigger problem of The Others. HEY HALVAR, get over here!"
"What's up, Brandon?" Halvar asked.
"I need to see if you can track down the leader of these bandits or at least figure out where they are all coming from," Brandon requested.
"Well, we know they are more towards the southeast since they haven't touched Winterhaven and the other villages. The further east we go the more of them there seems to be and in larger numbers. They are also taking a lot of food, so they have to transport that somewhere. I think our best bet is the river opposite White Knife. If I were them, that's where I would be set up — easy access to a river, can transport using boats, easy access to other villages, and so free pickings."
"I trust you, Halvar. Lead the way."
With the spoils taken from the defeated bandits, Brandon and his company made their way back to the village. A triumphant cheer greeted them as the villagers received the recovered goods with gratitude. Whilst trading the acquired supplies, Brandon solidified the alliance with the village as he continued to expand his growing connection with villages.
Embarking on their journey eastward, the party traversed vast snow plains, each step leaving an imprint on the pristine canvas of the northern wilderness. As they approached the river, the terrain transitioned into the familiar hills of sheepshead hills. Halvar, utilizing his Golden Eagle, scouted ahead, soaring through the air to survey the land. The river, winding its way through the increasingly rugged landscape, guided their path.
Drawing nearer, the rocky terrain became more pronounced, the hills steeper, and the river more tumultuous. Halvar's keen eyes, aided by the vantage point of his eagle companion, identified vantage points and hiding spots in the rocky landscape.
Reaching a particularly rocky hill with the river cutting through it, the party paused to assess the surroundings. The rocks rose steeply, creating a natural fortress, Halvar noted, "There are plenty of easy places to hide around here."
The journey continued, the party moving through the challenging rocky terrain alongside the winding river as it led them deeper and deeper into the hills.
As the party moved cautiously through the rocky terrain, Halvar abruptly raised his hand, signalling everyone to stop. His eyes quickly roll, as his eagle eyes sharpen and focused, scanning the landscape ahead. In the distance, a rugged group marched through the hills, laden with bags and goods.
"Stay low and quiet," Halvar said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We've got company."
Using his keen eyes and the vantage point of his Golden Eagle, Halvar followed the mysterious figures. They moved with a lumbering purpose, traversing the rocky terrain careful of the snow. As they continued, the party silently trailed behind, shadowing their every move.
Not far up the river, the trail led to an alcove up a hill, concealed amidst the rocky landscape. Halvar's sharp gaze spotted the entrance, seemingly the only point of access, partially leading into the hillside. The alcove provided a natural cave, sheltered from prying eyes.
As they observed from a distance, the bandits' camp came into view. Positioned to overlook the river, it offered easy access for their boats drawn up onto the riverbank. The alcove's steep inclines created a defensible position, and from afar the company could discern the presence of a few patrolling bandits, vigilant and watchful.
Halvar, a frown creasing his brow. "We've found their camp. It's up ahead in that alcove," he whispered. "But there's only one way in, and they seem to have control of river access. They are also on patrol and on the lookout."
The party, huddled together to strategize their approach. As the party observed the bandits' camp from their concealed vantage point, a sudden commotion stirred within the alcove. The air buzzed with muted voices, as bandits hurried in and out of the camp. A large group of bandits emerged from within, their arms laden with numerous bags and sacks even some chests.
Upon closer inspection, it became evident that some of the bandits were more heavily armed and adorned in better-quality leather armour. The glint of actual forged swords and the polished finish of their equipment was a telling sign.
The bandits moved quickly and organised as they loaded up their boats and gave orders to the bandits still left in the camp. With a synchronized effort, the boats pushed away from the riverbank, navigating the icy currents as they ferried the mysterious cargo up the river disappearing into the far distance.
Jon, with a gleam of excitement in his eyes, leaned toward Brandon. "This is the perfect moment to strike, Bran. The bulk of them are out, and we could even set an ambush for when they return. Catch them off guard?"
Edric grinned. "Wow, using your brain Jon. Incredible."
Jon shot Edric a playful glare, "I know right, very rare." Robbing Edric of his fun before turning back to Branon, awaiting his response.
Brandon, surveying the camp to ensure the other bandits were still across the river, considered Jon's suggestion. "It's risky, but it might work."
With only one way into the camp, they move quickly, trying not to wake the camp early as they move. The bandits on watch were quickly taken care of by the company archers before they bravely charged into the camp. Inside they discovered a motley group of rugged bandits armed with crude, makeshift weapons—farm tools repurposed for battle. The party moved swiftly, their honed skills dispatching the bandits with ease. Yet, the ease of their victory left an unsettling taste in the air, and Brandon couldn't shake a growing concern.
As the bandits fell to the snowy ground, the party began to explore the camp. Their eyes widened as they realized the meager state of the place—barely enough resources to sustain the bandits, let alone pose a threat to the villages. The difference in the two groups left a lot of questions.
While examining the surroundings, Jon's voice cut through the air. "Hey, Brandon, Halvar, come check this out."
Approaching Jon's call, they found him holding an odd piece of leather, its texture and pattern unfamiliar. Halvar, intrigued, examined it closely, confessing, "I've never seen anything like this before."
Their curiosity was abruptly shattered as Lyanna's disgusted shout echoed through the camp. Rushing over, they found a gruesome scene—an unfortunate man flayed, his skin peeled off with cruel precision. As their gaze dropped to the odd leather in their hands, realization struck like a bitter blow—they were holding human skin.
In horror, Jon dropped the evidence to the ground. Not even The Others would flay a man, an act of inflicting pain amidst the kill.
"Of course, it was me who happened to pick up the fucking human skin. Fuck me." Jon says echoing similar through in the group, happy that they had not found that human skin.