[center][color=crimson][h1]T H E  C R I M S O N  C O M P A N Y[/h1][/color][/center] 
[center][img]http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/assets/199229/Halfling_Camp.jpg[/img][/center]
[center][img]https://googledrive.com/host/0ByCDZX18AmmONzZWYW96RjlQZUE/fancy-horz_zps742090b3.png[/img][/center]
[color=silver]
	"I don't like it," Ser William said, tugging his more-grey-than-brown beard. "You can bet that this Lord Ashewoode will only join the battle at the most advantageous time. He'll graciously let us take all the casualties and finish the Duke off when he's weakened."
	Ser Gavin voiced his agreement. "He must think we're fools. Though I don't doubt that the Captain could maneuver him into engaging first." He paused, considering. "And the lands could be quite a boon to our reputation and prestige."
	Ser Haljon shook his head. "Ye can't pay men wit land, friend. An' aye doubt we got tha' funds ta do onything wit tha' land onyway." He grumbled, his voice reminiscent of distant thunder.
	"The Duke promised future employment, did he not? His lands are known to be among the richest in Borea." Ser Alexios said. "The Duke would be a vital connection, which could open many doors."
	"Do we want to stay in Borea? Lots of opportunities elsewhere - like the old Atlantean empire. Bunch of squabbling city states now." Ser Catherine observed. 
	"Don't think tha' Atlanteans 'ave seen bows like me boys use a'fore." John Redford said, Richard Smith grinning predatorily. "Up ta tha' cap'n though, ain't it?" John said, scratching his head.
	All eyes turned to Lord Damion then, and he responded with one of his infamous small, knowing smiles. He rose from the table, and gestured at Ser Gavin and Ser William. "I have the same sentiments on Lord Ashewoode, and I have no doubt we could force his hand to engage first." He then gestured to Ser Haljon and Ser Alexios. "True, a steady income is always important, especially for such business as ours." He paused. "But..."
	A few of the Knights rolled their eyes. They were all used to Lord Damion's theatrics by now. He always had to be the smartest man in the room, and he always let everyone know it. "Jus' git on wit'it!" Ser Haljon called out.
	Lord Damion cracked another smile. "We could choose option three. Become a new party in the conflict."
	They gaped at him, so he continued. "We take Lord Ashewoode's contract, have an easy season of raiding, and force the Duke to take to the field. We maneuver so Lord Ashewoode engages first, then finish off the pair of them when they're weak. Meanwhile, we'd have split our forces and have captured both their castles, as their garrisons would be nearly empty." He spread his arms grandly. "Thus becoming the largest, most famous company in Borea and beyond."
	"So, what do you think?" He needn't have asked - there were grins all around. His men loved him, and would follow him anywhere. Lord Damion laughed merrily. "Let's get to it, then!"
[/color]