The sun was rising over the Swadian plains. It was a mild morning, the grass was wet with dew and some peasants were on their way to the city to sell their produce. They nodded at Hitesh as he rode by. He had heard about nobles looking for mercenaries and allies somewhere on the border between Swadia and the Rhodoks. He was eager to join up with one of them but this time he’d judge his commander more carefully. He didn’t want one who’d drag his sorry hide into battle with no chance of winning. It’s better to flee than to fight in vain.

When he arrived at the meeting there were a couple dozen tents surrounded by wooden palisades. To the south were the Rhodokian mountains and to the north were the Swadian plains. Guards were standing at the entrance. “Halt! Declare your business.” They stopped Hitesh when he approached them. “[color=aba000]I am just a wanderer looking for work.[/color]” Hitesh replied. The guards stepped aside and signaled for him to enter. Now to find and sign up with one of the nobles...