(015) Near Saxxon's Gatehouse

[waysoftheearth]

coffee wrote:
"I'll accompany whoever wants to do the talking," Dieter says.

[waysoftheearth]

verhaden wrote:
Mads the Fair

"Let's go, then." Mads says grimly. "We're giving Ulric and company enough time to get themselves into position--that's it." He lowers his weapon and begins to march steadily with Dieter, eyes scanning the brigands for signs of subterfuge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R2Atsh6hHAwww.youtube.com/watch?v=7R2Atsh6hHA

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Mads and Dieter trudge grimly toward the foe, keenly aware as they approach the middle ground that they have passed well within bow shot...

Thankfully the line of brigands hold their fire as, approaching from across the wind swept gully, come two equally dangerous looking Men to the parley.

One is the burly giant who bellowed out the call to parley -- equal to Dieter in size and strength, he wear long blonde plaits and a full beard, and a long coat of grimy steel rings. His great, knotted arms are bare, gnarled tree trunks blackened by the sweat of long toil. A thick girdle spans his waist and supports a pair of notched hand axes in addition to the grisly looking morning star which he casually bears. His yellow glare is fire-bright -- a livid wolf whose seething anger is barely held in check.

Accompanying him, a half pace in front, is a limber looking fighter with scruffy dark hair and a neat looking stubble over his fair countenance. He strides gracefully, completely at ease with the coarse mass of his studded leather carapace, and the slender sword and dagger that remain sheathed, but ever ready, upon his weapon belt. His jaw is firm and high, his eyes copper and hawkish, flicking over the surrounds without thought at each step. Smooth and as alert as any pit viper...

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
As Dieter, Mads and their two proponents come within a dozen paces of one another the viper puts out a hand to stay the wild dog.

"Salutations, Men of Ket," he says steadily, speaking with the smooth inflection of an educated Man, while his eyes flick -- devouring details as if they were white rabbits to be plucked from a field by a raptor.

"I am called Sigmund," he states, "and this here is Wulfrick,".

Wulfrick gives a surly grunt, but the gaunt snarl never leaves his face as he glowers balefully at Dieter, apparently held in check only by Sigmund's outstretched hand.

"We seek an accounting over five Men slain, and goods robbed," says Sigmund, deadpan.

"Mah brother among 'em," spits Wulfrick, with venom enough to wither a field of corn.

"We have their worth at 1,000 shillings," says Sigmund dryly, "How do you propose to balance this debit?"

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
In the Adjacent Gully

Meanwhile, Gustave, Andaros and Ulric (in that order) have scuttled along to somewhere beyond the noon-camp by now, having covered perhaps two thirds the full length of the defile. Wibert is lagging some way behind...

Ahead, they spy a Man positioned upon the leading ridge of the gully, with an arrow notched upon his bowstring...

(1d6)

...from this distance (20 yards) he appears to be pre-occupied with whatever is taking place in the next valley...

[waysoftheearth]

tonneau wrote:
Gustave glances over his companions to see if anyone has a handy missile weapon. If so, he beckons them to use it to good effect with rapid gestures of his nimble hands (accompanied by a good helping of deft eyebrow raising). If not, he similarly communicates the need for an imminent charge, and dashes forward to boot the feral pirate from the crest.

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
...At the Gatehouse

Nidhogg is slightly concerned when two other Men, surly looking brigands of Saxxon's ilk if he is not mistaken, saunter into the mess hall. But Copernicus scarcely raises an eyebrow at them, so Nidhogg figures the old fellow must have the wood on them both.

Copernicus chuckles, "An old fellow such as myself is well advised to have some protection handy," he explains when he notices Nidhogg's wariness.

"But nice as this little chat has been," he tells the Dwarf regretfully, "My conscience tells me that trouble may be afoot. You should take yourself below with Kirby here, and find yourselves a nice spot in which to stay out of harm's way,"

Kirby, one of the two Men, gives Nidhogg a dubious shrug toward the kitchen, then says, "Come on, I'll show ye the quarters below..." while Copernicus and the other fellow stride off in the opposite direction...

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:

Gustave glances over his companions to see if anyone has a handy missile weapon. If so, he beckons them to use it to good effect with rapid gestures of his nimble hands (accompanied by a good helping of deft eyebrow raising). If not, he similarly communicates the need for an imminent charge, and dashes forward to boot the feral pirate from the crest.

Gustave and Andaros both have daggers at their belts. Andaros and Ulric are also equipped with slings. Wibert, unfortnately, is too far behind to be of use...

[waysoftheearth]

verhaden wrote:
Mads the Fair

"I am called Hans. This," he says waving his arm towards Dieter, "is Bjrn."

Turning to Sigmund, Mads proffers coolly, with the air of one who has bargained lives many times before "600 shillings and the return of the Ogre's captive, Pelenwin, to do with what you will."

Mads glances Wulfrick momentarily and continues "I sorely doubt your friend here would accept blood money and walk away peacefully. What assurances do we have that once this balance is repaid, you won't..." eyes flicking up towards the archers, "collect interest?"

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:

Mads the Fair

"Let's go, then." Mads says grimly. "We're giving Ulric and company enough time to get themselves into position--that's it." He lowers his weapon and begins to march steadily with Dieter, eyes scanning the brigands for signs of subterfuge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R2Atsh6hHAwww.youtube.com/watch?v=7R2Atsh6hHA

"Everybody, keep an eye on where that one who is retreating goes." Olaf says, "There might be another bunch of those brigands trying to flank *us*, just as we are trying to flank them."