After appreciating the fallen cairn for a time you each move forward, making camp and continuing to search for things.
Devlin returns with beaver, tough but edible after Linier cooks it. In the morning you find yourselves at the edge of the chartered area and turn southward.
After a day of searching you find nothingof particular interest and make camp.
Arkady brings in a medium sized rabbit, which is shared as usual. In the morning you wonder which direction to continue.
"Dust Anton. I suppose you are right, though here, the dust is to be greenery and the fae."
Kata congratulates Devlin and Arkady on their hunting sucess, "We make good progress. There seems to be little in this area though perhaps that is to change today. We are not far from being back near Oleg's are we?"
["Let us finish exploring this last little area, then head back."
"I agree with Kheldor. I do not want to be too long away from Oleg's. The Stag Lord may try something in our absence, even with the guards there."
At Kata's comment, Anton smiles and says, "Correct, parochial of me, but I'm a city boy."
Anton returns to practical matters.
"Yes, let's explore to the nearby border and then return to the cabbage patch, get what Svetlana wants, and check up on her and hers."
"My mouth waters at the thought of what she might make with those. I hope we have an easy time of it between here and there. I'm sure we'll have battles aplenty when we turn to the south."
"Well, let us consider how best to make those battles easy, then."
"Ease is overrated, challenge is how you grow," Anton grins again, "but few want to live life that way, even the many nobles that claim to follow Gorum prove weak in the end. That's why mother is not so popular in the family."
"I never seek an easy battle but no reason to give any more advantage to the Stag Lord than he already possesses." Anton frowns, "I don't know what besides the liquor plan we can do. How many men does he have, how good are they? I feel that a rule by fear tyrant like this lord would not allow a strong rival in his ranks but that is uncertain. Any thoughts from the clever ones on the matter?"
"Kressle was a brave, quick leader -- the other two, not so much. I think we should assume that the Stag Lord has at least some others of her ilk. Fast, deadly, brave, ready to go into battle. I think we may have to take him down before the others will break, though. But I agree that we need more. Perhaps we should next swing south and see if we can find out more about his main base and how many men are there. I wish we had someone who could infiltrate it and ask questions, but I do not see how it can be done, so we will have to watch, carefully, from outside."
"Unless someone has other ideas. I... confess myself at a loss. I have not commanded in the field before, and my father usually arranged the scouts, so I do not know all the tricks of the trade."
"I think for now the best plan is to continue to search the local area. Perhaps as we do, we can learn more about the Stag Lord. Or find us other allies. I think it might be a good idea to try and form an alliance with the fae if possible. Their magicks, innate trickery and various talents and abilities could be very useful not just against the Stag Lord, but in general" The shadow mage says thoughtfully.
"Kheldor speaks wisely. Let us learn more. The key to the keep may yet lie in an area we have not yet explored. If that fails, we have the alcohol or can try finding another way in."
Arkady's ears perk up at the mention of allies. "These fey seem eager to play tricks. But will they go far enough from their nests to play tricks on the Stag Lord? Or are there others farther south? In any case, let us keep an eye out." He considers again. "I know some tales that might help in negotiations with them. But be sure to wear holly when we do. My mother always told me it was good courtesy when dealing with the Fair Folk. I could wish for more human allies, but so few live in these lands we would all have gray hairs before we found enough to train an army from."
"Allies are good but each here will have their own agenda. And often one we will not understand. The good thing is the Stag Lord does not seem the type of ... whatever he is ... to seek or tolerate allies. Prey or minions, I think all are one or the other to him. Still we shouldn't underestimate him and he has better understanding of this land than we. After Oleg's we should start looking south, carefully, see if we can learn more on our way to look at his base, even if we are not ready to charge right in."
Anton laughs, "Yes, a Chosen of Gorum does stop and think, from time to time, about how to face a great foe. Those that charge in blindly go quickly to the Eternal Battlefield, but not wisely." Anton sobers and says, "Fae can be good friends in their own way, but few are disciplined enough for war. Take great care or they can be as capricious as weather, even ones that like you. They think differently than the demi-kind."
"You are right about that Anton. Best to use them in an initial distraction that appeals to their love of play than to count on them for the more disciplined actions of battle."
"Perhaps we could use them as scouts. Persuade them to tell us what the Stag Lord's fort contains. The little dragon can fly over the walls easily enough."
"I'm sure they can do that as well, though what we think is important and what they do may have some differences."
"Of course, but any information is better than none."
Finding abundant food in the last part of the northern forests and needing no rations, you begin to head on your way to Oleg's, travelling for two days and finding no food as you do so. You arrive late in the second night, finding the Levetons, Johd and the Red Hawks leadership to be in the central court around a fire arguing.
"We can't take the risk that they'll come with more troops right now." Kesten Garress claims, his tone angry.
"I'll not leave my land. I dealt with them before and that was without any man at my back. I will keep this bastard out of my home." Oleg is just as angry and his meaty fists are clenched.
"Oleg, there are too many of them." Katarina says, her face worried.
Upon returning, wary and tired, plus some what hungry, Kheldor is a bit surprised to hear an argument in the courtyard. What sounds like some sort of attack shakes him fully awake and alert "What's this now? Are you expecting an assault of some kind Oleg?" The shadow mage asks intently.
"Troops? They? Is someone other than the Stag Lord presenting a threat? Or has he finally got his minions organized somewhat?"
Arkady was not expecting this. He looks from face to face. "Kesten. Katarina. What do we know about this foe? What are the numbers, and how sure are they? Oleg, I am with you in defense of this place, as long as it can be defended. Who is it who threatens you?"
He tells Linier to join the watch Kesten Garess no doubt has set up, as long as he is here, and Devlin to do likewise. Especially at dawn and dusk, the critical hours for an attack.
Anton looks grim as he hears the argument take place. He ponderously dismounts as the others speak. Striding up to Kesten Garress, he asks, "Aye, what is this dire threat that over-match your fine men? I sure we can be of assistance in removing it."
Anton looks about. What is the mood of the Kesten, guards and Oleg's' guests? Has something physically changed about the fort?
Perception
Sense Motive
The people distract Anton from his survey as their feelings become as clear as crystal to him.
"I'll tell you what happened." Oleg states, his rage still up. "You missed it by less'n an hour. A messenger, from that pissant The Stag Lad." He says now pointing his angry finger at Kesten Garress, "And this pissant coward," Kesten colors red at this affront, "wants me to turn tail and flee to Brevoy to hide with the Swordlords. Well I ain't doin' it." He turns around, obviously considering that final, and disappears into the main building regardless of any protest.
Johd steps forward, his face sad. "They've been arguing since the messenger left." The middle-aged priest confides in Arkady. "Difference in opinions get real heated when a man's livelihood is at stake."
"Well the man is an idiot. The Stag Lord claimed to have 40 men he could call. I could hold them off but we don't have food supplies forever, and Brevoy won't sent another platoon, it'd just weaken the border." Kesten throws up his hands angrily at Oleg's disappeared back. "The lummox won't even consider a tactical retreat."
"I swear if you insult my brother-in-law again...." Katarina begins, her eyes flaring with a brilliant veridian energy as she makes a defensive gesture.
The situation seems to be a powder keg. Everyone's feelings are on high alert. Corporal Ageray and the other Red Hawks have their hands on their weapons since Katarina began to threaten their commander. It seems like the situation could turn ugly quickly.
"Well, we're here now so no need to go pullin swords on each other nor does Oleg need to abandon his livelyhood. This outpost will not fall! How long do we have and are you sure an actual assault is coming? I'm sure between all of us we can devise a strategy that can win us the day!" The young man is more enthusiastic about saving Oleg's than you ever seen him before.
"How long do we have supplies for?" Arkady asks. "Feeding 40 men at once in the field is no small thing, even if he can call in so many at once, which I take leave to doubt. Meanwhile, let us consider this calmly. Differences among friends serve but to strengthen foes. Whatever we may choose to do, scattering before a mere threat will surely give the Stag Lord a victory he might otherwise have lost."
Once that is done, Arkady returns to considering the situation. "We have a wall, and catapults, and a clear field of fire. With this wet spring, the wood is soaked so we need not fear being burnt out. I doubt they will assault us straightaway. So, how much food can we get within the walls, and how soon need we fear the enemy's arrival? Can we ambush them on the way, or strike their camp by night? I do not believe he has so many men as he claims; there are too few out here for so many to prey upon."
"I too believe that forty is too many for him to support, and in any case he has lost a dozen in a fortnight to us. If he attacks soon we can hold, if not we can scout nearby for his scouts and take them out. If he has no scouts here then he is nought but bluffing. With the might of Gorum backing you a great victory is in the offing little of value comes to those not bold. Caution is warranted but this is a time to seize the glory!" Anton does what he can to rally the troops.
Diplomacy Trying to rally.
Make or lose the rally, Anton takes to his party.
"We either hold here or strike at the false lord at his best and most alert. But I will stand with you here or there as need be." Anton is grim but determined.
The men stand taller at Anton's words and the soldier's hands leave their blades. "I see only one solution." Kesten claims, his hands up in annoyance. "The Stag Lord claimed he would give two weeks for the people who have killed his men to be given up. He wants bandit-killers? Let's give him bandit-killers." The man's smile gets distinctly frosty. "Two weeks, you and me, we head to find this Stag Lord and kill him. Remove the head of the snake before he can gather his full force and his men will fall to infighting and treachery."
"That could be damn near suicide." Katarina says, her annoyance at the brash Sergeant obvious. "He said he has forty men. What's five against forty?" The pretty witch stamps her foot. "Oleg is right, you're just a puffed up noble out here to assuage his own guilt with getting thrown out of the court." She turns and heads out the gates to the fort, her goat making a 'so there' gesture and then turning to follow.
"I'm with you Sergeant." Corporal Alea says deferently, her hand still on her blade. "I'm a fair fighter, though not much of a sneak."
"No Corporal. You'll be here. I'll not take the unit. I need people to watch these people. Oleg and I may not see eye to eye, but I'll not let him get killed over that." Kesten's tone brooks no argument as he watches the witch and the goat go. "That is possibly the most infuriating woman I have ever met."
Anton is pleased that the followers of Gorum display their courage when motivated. To Garress, "I'd be honored if you would join us for an attack, let break for a meal and to wind down from our journey and prepare our report. Brother Johd I'm sure Sir Arkady is bursting to till you of our trip. I hate to impose Svetlana, but could you prepare a quick meal for us, we have the radishes you wanted."
At the meal at which he expects Sergeant Garress, Brother Johd and the others to attend he will continue without Marcus, who, I guess takes his leave with some excuse or other. Anton says, "We need to scout the fort he has and see if he is boasting or really has such forces. Also we need a plan to get that liquor to him without suspicion. I think of some subterfuge in that we allow its capture but we need to work on details. Any thoughts?"
We will write a report for the Swordlords on what has been discovered so far, if Silas is about I'll try to have him make a map from our discriptions.
"Well it is certainly worth seeing if our fae friends can fly over the fort. If we make it a game to them to see how many different people they can spot and recount to us, we might get a good report. The liquor is trickier. Could we disguise some of our group as merchants and allow them to seize the cargo?"
Arkady moves after Katrina, catching her near the door. In a low voice he says "Are you going to abandon your sister, then? Even if he has 40 men, the Stag Lord will take time to gather them all. A swift strike could interrupt his gathering... and it seems to me that you might be able to play a vital role in this. Will you at least listen to our plans, and give us your wisdom in this matter? I can guarantee you that Kesten will not be in charge."
Whether or not that works, at dinner Arkady gives a full report of the Temple of the Elk to Jhod, and asks if the priest might be willing to accompany them to strike against the Stag Lord -- perhaps staying back out of combat and casting spells beforehand, or healing the injured if they have to retreat. "After all, the Stag Lord will likely try and seize this ancient place for himself if he ever hears about it, and with the guardian bear dead, what will stand in his way? Or the local inhabitants -- should they not be defended against such foes as this?" Even if you cannot travel so far, are there other ways you might aid such a worthy goal?
"This plan" Katarina states forcefully, her green eyes flashing and her fair skin flushed, "Is going to get good people killed. The best option is to leave. And if Oleg is too damned stubborn to see that I'll take my sister with me and we'll leave him to try to hold this place alone." The witches red curls flipped over her shoulder as she stepped away.
"I'm so glad you got them, though I wish the good news could have come at a better time." Svetlana's joy is subdued as she takes the sack. "I'll get the money for these myself, now's not a good time to ask Oleg, and I'll make the stew for you tonight, maybe it will make things a little easier to mend bridges." The blonde looks to where her sister disappeared outside and her husband inside.
Johd seems overjoyed. "The temple awakened after the bear died?"The priest's sunny smile is a welcome sight after the day's events. "That's amazing to hear. Of course I will help in this assault you have planned. I'm not a fighter now. No I'm far too old to be that... but I'll help in whatever way I can. Just keep me away from the blades please. I'll let you younger folks stand in front of the swordsmen." Johd is in high spirits and happy trails and seems happy to try and help in whatever way he can.
Marcus expresses a desire to stay with the Fort, wishing to help the soldiers to keep it defended and hopefully operational again. At dinner Oleg, Katarina and Kesten stare daggers at each other, trading barbs as they eat the delicious stew.
"I don't think any sort of actual assault against the Stag Lord right now is a good idea. I think we need some sort of recon mission first. Though personally, I would prefer we fortified this fort here and attempt to beat them back instead."
"Scouting is dangerous," Arkady says firmly. "If we go, we must be prepared to fight and strike quickly, even if we do not seek blows. If the Stag Lord is not bluffing, we will have only a short time before he has gathered all his followers. Let us ride on the morrow, and see what may be seen."
Arkady will bring Devlin and Linier along, if mostly to guardthecwmp, but extra eyes are useful, and they may have heard something of the land between.
Kheldor shakes his head at Arkady's words "So you just plan to the home of the Stag Lord and attack him inside his base, where he's best able to defend himself, knowing absolutely nothing about the lay of the land, how many soldiers he has with him, without knowing anything at all." He lets that sink in for a moment "Yea, that's suicide. I have somebody I love waiting for me, and I will not just throw my life away for the nobles."
Anton adds, "Exactly! While I would wish for a little more preparation time, the so-called Stag Lord has forced our hand here. Kesten is unwilling to concede the initiative to his enemy and he may well be right in that. If this bandit king is bluffing, then scouting may reveal it and other weaknesses, if not, attacking at once is the best option. But this scout must be done with the cold certain knowledge that it could become a final, deadly, battle between us and the bandits; even if we do not wish it so. Again we do what we can, our group, for its numbers, is very good, but numbers will be our downfall. Boldness is often the best tactic then, it may confuse his leadership, or preempt it and the numbers will do no good." Anton waves about. "This is the essence of battle in the waiting, will you let doubt weaken you or strengthen your resolve? And if you desire to be clever, devise a plan to get that drunkard this liquor."
"Suicide is not necessary, if in seeking him we find his numbers too great then we return and convince Oleg to leave and try to recruit more forces. But I suspect he has only dangerous numbers of troops, not overwhelming. But what Sir Arkady and I said is also true, we may be forced, in scouting, to a battle dire, are you ready to take that risk even in scouting? Do not think it safe. In war there is no safe. And this is WAR!"
"Bold words from the one who only lives for battle. You wake each day, just to fight. You sleep and dream of war and nothing more. You love nothing and nobody other than destroying your enemy. If you were the Stag Lord, would you not have eyes watching this fort? This is one of the only, if not THE only permanent target. Especially if you plan to assault it, you post a scout to inform you of everything that goes on here. So ride out and be seen. Have your attack reported back to the enemy, so he has plenty of time to plan how best to kill you, possibly even before you reach his base. Or maybe your right, and he's bluffing, and cowering inside. I'm not willing to throw my life away on a maybe."
"That's not all true about me, but true enough that I take no offense. But battle comes to all sometime or another. The charter made clear, if implicitly, that bandits were a threat here, removing them would not be easy or it would long been done." Anton thinks on Kheldor's words. "You do not wish to die for a noble's command. Neither does Kesten, note that in his professional opinion this post cannot be held against the threatened forces. He wished to leave. Oleg refused, would you compel him against his will? Kesten then decided as the responsible commander that the best option was to attack before the forces could be gathered. Is there risk? Yes. But staying or attacking looks equally risky to Kesten, Sir Arkady and myself, not as nobles, but as warriors. We think the bold option best but I will not compel you, you can stay, and defend here, at no less risk than attacking."
Anton waves to the outside of the fort. As for scouts he may well have them, can you with your shadow powers, when night falls, remove them in stealth? That would aid all, staying or going." Anton shakes his head. "Stay or go, I do not care. Leaving for Restov is the safest option, go with Katrina if safety is what you want. Here or there both is risky. And as said before, scouting is as hazardous as preparing for an assault. Those scouts that may be there will not go blind if we go scouting or to attack, the results are the same. I have no more to say, do as you think best for yourself."
"There is risk either way. If we go, we may leave the trading post exposed and expose ourselves on the road. If we stay, we may not be able to hold the fort. I agree with those that want to scout. Once we know more, we can decide whether to pull back to the trading post, try to lure the Stag Lord from his fort or attempt a more direct assault."
Arkady stares at Kheldor. "Are you deliberately mis-hearing my words? I did not say we must fight, only that we must be prepared to. Scout, yes, but no scout wears a flag saying 'Do not hit me' if the enemy discovers him." With an effort, he pulls himself together and continues. "There may be a bandit scout in the area, but I suspect Oleg and Kesten would already have had some warning if one was close enough to see travellers riding in and out the gate. Still, you raise a good point. Perhaps if we departed before dawn, and rode east a little along the road before heading south, so any if any spy saw us he might think we were fleeing?"
He looks around at the others. "Marcus seems to have some skill in stealth. Perhaps he could try and track down any spies or scouts hiding near the fort? Blinding the enemy would help us immensely." He looks at Kheldor again. "I do not go because I desire to throw my life away; I go because sometimes one must do a dangerous thing, because the alternative is more dangerous. To wait and let the Stag Lord muster such a host as he claims, without scouting to see what we may, is unwise."
Marcus grins his enigmatic little smile, pushes his dish away and stands. "I believe that to be my cue. I'll head out and see if I can rustle up a scout. If not, I'll try to make sure your departure in the morning goes unnoticed." The rogue gives a saucy little salute and heads out the door.
"I still don't like this plan." Katarina says petulantly.
"'Tis good no one asked you then." Oleg snaps back, his anger quite stirred by the redhead's sharp tongue.
"I've had the men outriding." Kesten says, his voice raised over the argument. "A scout or spy would have to be practically a damn shadow to keep out of some of their sights." The men not currently outriding or on the walls grumble agreement. "I can say fair certain we're not being watched." The man seems distant for a moment, as if recalling some similar situation. "I'll ride with you in morning, at first light." Kesten leaves with a sweep of his embroidered cloak, likely to get some much-needed rest.
"I'm afraid I'll have to take my leave as well. I will pray to Erastil for guidance in this matter, and an old man's bones don't sit well in long rides." Johd, seeming entirely oblivious to the arguing around him, rises smiling and leaves toward the bunkhouse.
Arkady investigates the defenses before going to bed. How is the food supply? (Talk to Svetlana). Did the dwarf engineer finish repairing some of the catapults? Has brush near the wall been removed so enemies can't sneak up under cover? Is there a decent supply of arrows and catapult ammo? Et cetera.
If the Stag Lord does assault the place, is there a reasonable chance it could hold out until we got back? I know Kesten's professional opinion, but Arkady learned from his father to always check for himself when there was time. That way, you know how much weight to put on the judgement of particular people when there isn't time to check.
Only defeating the Stag Lord will end this conflict. Morning cannot come soon enough. "Good night everyone. I'm going to enjoy a night in a bed instead of the hard ground I'll see you all before first light."
Anton says peacefully, "The circumstances are bad, no plan will be completely satisfying. We still do what we can and leave the rest to the gods." Anton says good night to Kata and any others retiring for the night.
He follows Sir Arkady. "Sir Arkady, a word. I do not wish my enthusiasm for bold action to lead to disaster, so I'd like to know your ideas of how to proceed tomorrow. Do we go as straight as we can for The stag Lord's hold or do we wander a bit for exploring some more areas for some advantage that may be had? Or do we go looking for small parties of bandits or mercenaries that may be heading to join that misbegotten cur's banner? All are viable options but they lead to one decision, to attack if our strength seems enough or flee if we are obviously over-matched. I'm willing to "Run away and live to fight another day' if that is the wise course. My god requires bravery not a rash charge to a pointless death. How do you wish to approach this? I talk to you not because the others aren't involved but Kata will support you for family and Kheldor will oppose, well, just to oppose, I think. If we can present a workable plan, hopefully all will come together."
Arkady turns to face Anton in the darkness outside, lit only by the faint glow of firelight coming through the door. He beckons the other farther out into the darkness until they are near the stable, with a slight whinnying of horses. When he speaks, it is slowly and thoughtfully, obviously puzzling out the issues.
"If we can find and ambush small parties of bandits, of course we should do so. But I do not think it very likely. We have already killed a dozen or so in the north, and I cannot imagine he has so many more than that up here. There is little traffic on the road, and few dwellers. If he has strength at all, he must be summoning them from farther south or deep in the Greenwood. We are unlikely to run across such as those travelling south. If we knew of any river fords, we might lay ambushes there -- but that is a waiting game, and time is against us."
He smiles at Anton's suggestion of 'live to fight another day.' "Again, you confuse me with Iomedae's glory-hounds. We cannot protect this place, and the other dwellers here, if we die in foolish charges. If we are outmatched or outnumbered, of course we retreat. We will need keen eyes out for danger, though, and with Marcus staying here to root out local infiltrators we have fewer good scouts. Devlin is a good hunter, but not of men. Linier has keen eyes, but little stealth. Kata or Kheldor might do something at need with their magic, but they cannot use it all day long. Riding south is dangerous -- but staying here is more dangerous, which Kheldor does not see."
"Kheldor... I do not understand the man. I thought I was plain enough, but he seems deliberately to have mis-read me. Some men make trouble for the sheer joy of it. I hope he is not one. I agree that a unified plan would be best."
He moves back into the common room, pulling out the maps the company has made so far. "If we have heard right, this fort lies roughly to the south of us, but we do not know where. Let us move a little west and ride down the edges of the forest, scouting as we go. We may catch tracks of messengers moving into the forest, or bandits coming out, and then we can follow their trail. Then we turn east toward the fort; we might catch someone crossing the river. That path will not delay us enough to matter, and perhaps we can reach the fort before the Stag Lord's reinforcements arrive. If they exist at all; I still doubt that."
Arkady thinks about supplies for a bit, then adds, "We must take extra horses if any can be found, so we can outride bandits without remounts. You... if we are forced to retreat, you might have to abandon your armor if we are to make speed. I doubt you much care for that idea, but I see no alternative save finding a truly enormous horse, and again we have no time."
He draws a deep breath, looking Anton full in the face. "I confess I am not sure how to handle the fort. Much will depend on what we find and how strong it is. I could likely plan a formal attack, but we have not the force for that. Unless you have ideas, we must hope either that we can approach and retreat undiscovered, or that one of the others has a good plan to get us in the door. We had thought of using that fine wine, suitably drugged, as a gift for the Stag Lord, but how to present it to him? Particularly if any of his men know who we are. We slew the ones we encountered, but gossip will spread, and more folks than one at Oleg's know who we are. Your thoughts? Perhaps we might ask Kata and Kheldor to plan the entry to the fort? By ceding them that, we get their agreement for the route south and the need to strike swiftly if we can."
In the morning tensions seem to have died down a bit, though Katarina still seems bitter. The men and woman going on the trip get themselves ready on their horses and ride from the fort, though to where?
"I agree time works for our enemies." Anton shakes his head, "No one who knew you would ever mistake you for a gloryhound, but knightly men are trained to boldly attack, to not tire the horses if for no other reason. I just wanted to be sure that you knew I was not encouraging unreasonable risks."
"We must work as one, if we are outnumbered by 2, 3, 4 ,5 or even greater odds, that is the only way we can prevail." Anton frowns at Arkady's talk of the 'fine wine'. "Sir Arkady, it appears now you misunderstood me. I thought I made it clear that poisoning the liquor we acquired was clever but unacceptable. Not all poisons are lethal. We heard from his men that the Stag Lord will drink any booze that comes to him to excess. I do not object providing that liquor and if he chooses, knowingly, to harm himself, that's on him. But no drugs or poison, that I cannot countenance." Continuing Anton says, "Perhaps we can buy a mule and put it on it. If we find a group, near the fort, flee from them and abandon the mule and booze or something."
"As regards to abandoning my armor, it would largely be pointless and insulting to Our Lord in Iron. Remember, my armor weighs about two stone, I weigh over 15. Unless I abandon my behind and belly and much else, I cannot lose enough to matter. If overtaken, I will fight and if need be, hold them for your escape. Do not feel bad if I must be left behind. I do not doubt your courage and steadfastness, but you have your divine charge to protect the innocent of this land. My charge is to fight, and honor my god. Honor yours if it comes to that and live to rally more to your cause." Anton is firm.
"Drugged, not poisoned," Arkady says. "Perhaps Katarina could supply something non-poisonous but disabling? But perhaps all of it at once will make him drink himself unconscious. I do like the mule idea, though. Let us put gear on it, seeming rich, so if we must abandon it they will be more likely to take it as a prize."
Arkady nods soberly at Anton's firmness, and clasps him on the shoulder. "If it comes to that, I will honor your sacrifice, and write your family of your valor. But let us hope and work so it does not."
"As for our route, perhaps not quite in a straight line. The dog returns to his vomit -- and perhaps the bandit to his lair. Let us check again the site of Kressle's camp, in case more are gathered there, then ride south along the edge of the forest hoping to cut some bandit's trail, and then, if I remember correctly, eastwards toward the Stag Lord's lair. We may perhaps come on him with more surprise that way than if we ride straight towards him."
Kata sighs, "So many strange notions of honor. Drugged so we can slay him in his stupor instead of dead before we arrive. What is important is that we purge the land of his influence. But no matter. I'm not going to argue and I suspect the man and many of his followers will drink heavily given the opportunity. If we meet some of his men along the way, it should not be difficult for me to charm them and they will take the liquor willingly. If we do not find any, other options may need to be considered..."
Anton is about to explode when Kata arrives. Controlling his temper, Anton says, "Exactly my point Kata, Sir Arkady you do not seem to get what I'm saying! Drug him, poison him, it's the same to me. You deprive him of the choice to join battle to live or die. If he drinks knowingly to stupor that's his problem. If by deceit you disable him, that breaks my duties beyond any retrieval. Do not deprive, even the most wicked, his chance to die gloriously in battle, by underhanded means. I have no objection to removing his demented lordship but it must be by means not offensive to the Dire Lord of Battle." Anton seems to be fuming.
With a dark attitude Anton thinks, Sir Arkady means well but too often uses his head to hold his helmet.
At Kata's mention of charms, Anton frowns even more then shrugs. "If the charm is used merely to bring unadulterated liquor to the unwise, I have no objection. Minor minions will have little part to play unless their numbers be great. And I don't think so many could be fed in the wilderness, unless all were hunters or trappers."