“You worry too much Odran. It’s bad for the soul.” The Captain replied to his lieutenant with a hearty laugh that seemed to fill the tent. He was currently hunched over a small table, a map of the realms kept snug against the wood by two long hunting knives. He traced a large and calloused finger over the fine parchment to the city of Orvston. The last time he had been here was maybe twenty years ago. Back then it was still a Free City before King Jaython marched his armies in to “protect” the city from the Vorstagian Invaders. The Company makes a point to avoid any stops through any major cities, too many unpredictable scenarios as somebody like the Lieutenant might of put it. At least from the outside nothing much had changed. The city stood on an isolated island between the two sides of the large and ever unpredictable Zerrakan River. With its towering walls and ever constant patrols there was no wonder it was considered one of the true gateways into the North.
“Beside’s my friend was it not I that killed the Barbarian King Rutgurd Bearbane in single combat? Was it not me that successfully sieged Kalthos whose walls stood undamaged for a thousand years? Was it not me that has saved your hide too many times to count? We will be fine as we always are.” He explained to Odran, eyes strong and filled with a conviction that made you rightfully believe that he had full confidence in himself and more importantly the Company. And it was at this moment that the girl came back into the tent, her big eyes looking up at the pair as she slipped inside. The Captain upon seeing her moved away from his map and taking two large strides to cross the space of the tent kneeled down in front of her so that the pair were at eye level with one another.
“Ah, the job’s done lass?” He asked, the girl nodded in response almost automatically as if part of some routine. “Good! Well then I guess you earned this. Now go easy on the Quartermaster girl.” The captain reached into the coin purse that hung at his waist and produced a single gold coin from within. He passed it over to her dirt encrusted hands. The girl eyed the coin, her eyes bright and filled with a new life as she pulled it close to her chest. The Captain let out a deep laugh as he brought up one hand to her hair and ruffled it about. He stood as the girl made her way out of the tent, no doubt to go buy some sweet from the Quartermaster. Too many orphans like her stalked the North these days do to account of the war. The Company couldn’t take all of them in even if they wanted to. But for some reason the Captain had taken in that girl as his newest little protege. Maybe it was true, maybe he was going soft in his old age.
“Oh how the mighty have fallen! One of the greatest warriors in the realms, the Blood God of the Wolf himself showing compassion. What the nobles back at the courts would think of this.” A voice sounded out as the entrance to the tent was pulled back. In stepped Ms. Asteraceae, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief as she entered the room. She was dressed in standard traveling clothes, dark brown leathers and a long forest green cloak the hood currently pulled back. If it weren't for her otherwise almost unnatural beauty it would of been hard to tell her from any of the other soldiers in the Company’s encampment.
“Sorceress.”
“Captain..... Lieutenant Odran” She responded her voice cold as ice as she regarded the lieutenant dismissively. She knew well enough that the Lieutenant did not appreciate her all that much. In return Lyssa regarded him as little more than a more intrusive brute than the rest. And there was nothing that she hated more than intrusive hedge mages with the magical talent of small children. But, she didn't resort to open warfare. No that would be too easy, she would just keep on playing her little games and keep on with her passive aggressive comments. “I’m a busy woman and I wonder what this is all about. If it’s the force protecting Orvston, I’m sure a strong man of your calibre could easily crush these brutish northerners.”
“Flattery ain’t gonna work with me Sorceress. No offense, but I prefer my female companions to not be able to drop a fireball on my head. Just wait a moment for the others to get here and all will be explained in time.” Lyssa shrugged but respectfully moved to one side of the tent examining her hands as she waited. And as each of the respective members began to filter in she regarded them remembering names. First there was Kuro, a man of few words he remained her of many of the Vorstagian generals that she had the “pleasure” of talking to. But he was skilled in battle or at least that was what the others soldiers whispered about him. He was interesting, strong willed not that useful as a pawn or a puppet. Too independent. He needed to be watched. After that came the boy known as Connor Vaelis. Now he was an interesting one, strong magical potential in him she could practically taste in the air, but he seemed to lake reservation in things. He could be useful.... if only tampered a bit. Next came Colette. Another magic user, She could sense the characteristic Elven pride in her buried beneath her quiet exterior like a small fire waiting to be let loose. Another one that could have her uses, though considering her disdain for humans.... not likely. After that came Gideon, the monster hunter. A curious case indeed, there was a darkness surrounding him. Something unseen by the natural eye but if poked at through a magical gaze it was large and foreboding seemingly threatening to swallow the man whole. Though besides that he seemed to be a good soldier to keep around. Maybe another with some uses, it was all too easy to exploit such darkness. After that came Triala, another elf, a pyromancer at that. Her and Gideon were actually surprisingly similar to one another. She too possessed a darkness something that hung over her but as Gideon seemed to be at war with it, Triala accepted it used it fuel her proverbial fire if you may. Another interesting case. Next came Kaerun, yet another elf. Though he was more interesting at least to Lyssa then the two others. He was old, old even for an elf reaching an age of maturity where most of their kind would retreat to their small communities to guide and lead. Yet here he was with the Company. He was an enigma, a puzzle, an oddity. And finally came Thdris, the dwarf. Gruff and confident in herself, a woman after Lyssa’s own heart. Though admittedly she had little real experience with dwarves, as the upper classes in the Empire rarely talked to such creatures expect to have armor or weapons made. It was then with everyone assembled in the small tent, so close that shoulders were brushing against one another that the captain spoke.
“You are probably wonder why all of you are here. Well it’s simple we have a job to do.” The Captain explained as he brought a hand down to the map pointing it at the little circle that marked Orvston. “As you all know we are on a mission to go investigate the strange happenings in the far north. Far flung from our normal duties but I always wanted to play Inquisitor. Only problem is we ain’t going north any farther unless we cross the Zerrakan. Normally we would just cross it at one of the low points but with winter upon us the river has begun to run too rapid even for the most adventurous individuals to cross and I’m not about loose my man to a dammed river. So here we are outside of the lovely gateway to the North itself. Problem is we can’t just march the entire company up to the front gates and politely ask for passage through the city, promising not to burn the place down if we do. The guards aren't that stupid especially with the war going on. So we need to secure passage through the city. Preferably without having to lay siege to it. Something a smaller party will be able to do without much issue. Which is why you are all here.” The Captain explained looking at each and every member in the tent as he let them process his words before continuing.
“Now some of you may be asking why I picked the group I did. As well you aren’t the most traditional bunch of soldiers here, or the best well anything really. You are oddities and strangers even among our little family here. Well consider this a trial run if you may. For you see the one thing that will end a man before he even marches his army off to war is predictability. If he see’s where you coming from and can predict your next move easily, your dead before you can even wage a war. But if you use some “unorthodox” methods well things become much more interesting, That’s you folks, a little bundle of unpredictably. And now I’m going to see if you can actually work like a team.” The Captain spoke having full confidence in his rather odd explanation but sometimes it was best not to argue with the man’s thinking. No matter how odd it was sometimes, he got results.
“I can’t lead you all personally of course. I got to make sure the rabble here stays in line. So that’s why Lieutenant Odran going with you all, to serve as my replacement.” He explained nodding towards Odran before he gestured towards Lyssa with a thumb. “Oh and she’s going with you all as well. As the Imperial watchdog, I figured she would like a chance to watch how we work and get results. So you all better be on your best behavior. No matter what you think of our Vorstagian friends.” The Captain explained watching as their faces, eyes lit with confusion.
“So any questions before you all set out? Or are you all just gonna stare at me like a doe that just came out of it’s mother's womb.... No? Good then because you don’t get paid to ask questions and talkback you get paid to do your bloody job. Dismissed.” And with that everyone except the Captain began to filter out of the tent. Lyssa being among the last of the group to move leave. She examined the rest of the group as they all stood about muttering among themselves as they took in the current state of affairs.
“Well I know you mercenary types are slow and all. Getting hit in the head enough times will do that to you. But shouldn't be heading out? Time's awasting after all. And the sooner we get the northern barbarians to open the gates for us. The sooner we all get the pleasure of not having to deal with one another again.”
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