People were debating if they should just cut the ropes on the barge and let it drift downstream or burn it. As per usually they were missing the big picture. We’re a day away from where the fort is being built – which is surely being supplied by barge, we just leave it moored here and have some of those bargemen come down and pick it up. All you have to do is deal with the horrible bug monsters and then presto, free barge. Some folk were pretty disappointed that they didn’t get to set it ablaze. In their defense it would have been cool.
We pushed hard and were able to make it to the military/construction camp around sunset. The scouts that had gone ahead must have informed their commander what was going on because I was taken to see her immediately. I’ve known a few warrior women in my day, they tend to be blocky masculine types – not that some of them aren’t pretty in their own way, but typically the type of woman who straps on a swordbelt isn’t going have a traditional feminine look. The ranking officer wasn’t like that at all. She didn’t look much like a solider at all, more like a schoolmarm. Maybe it’s just my own prejudices but often times when I see a woman in uniform they look like a mummer in costume to me.
Her men clearly respected her, which meant she was no one to be trifled with. A civilian woman has to work twice as hard for half as much deference – in the army is had to be ten times as bad. Despite her appearance I have to assume this woman is capable of some pretty shocking violence. She had the broad outlines but we talked well into the early morning as I filled her in on all (well most) of the details about Królewna & Bonifacja and their various treasons and other high crimes. Not to mention the ludicrous scheme we uncovered yesterday.
“So Captain, the question is, how far are you willing to take this? Królewna & Bonifacja is one of the biggest mercantile operations in the kingdom, they have more money than the Gods and they’re not going to go down easy. At least half the nobles in the county owe them more favors than they can ever repay. And they clearly have no qualms about fighting dirty. You’d be putting your career on the line, not to mention your life. So what will you have?”
“My first priority is building this fort.”
“But surely . . .”
“Please don’t interrupt me. My first priority is finishing this fort, but these allegations are very serious and you seem to have a preponderance of evidence. As you say the implications will be far-reaching and this issue will take some time to resolve. I need to consult with my senior staff, but I’m leaning towards the idea of leaving this project under the command of my XO and escorting you personally to Malgareth.”
“Now that sounds like a plan.”
“This is quite a mess you’re embroiled me in, I can’t help but wish I hadn’t met you.”
“I won’t take that personally. Most of my problems started when I met me as well.”
____________________________________________________________
Funds: 39,858 gold
XP: 83,628
Inventory: Ring of Many Garments, Bag of Tricks (tan), Cap of Disguise, Secure Pocket, Resplendent Diplomat’s Palette, Secure Paypack, Skeleton Key, Brooch of Shielding, Pouch of Magic Stones, Masterful Grey Gloves, Black Marketers’ Bag, Biting Bracelet (Endless Ammunition), Boots of Escape, Bracers of the Glib Entertainer, Ring of Animal Friendship, +2 Commanding Light Crossbow, Headband of Alluring Charisma +2, Handy Haversack, Animal Totem Tattoo (Lion)
Signet ring, noble’s outfit, candlerod (9), masterwork dagger, succubi carving, Domiel family ring, walking stick, masterwork playing cards, spinel and peridot holy symbol of Kralten, antitoxin (9), smelling salts (3), sunrods (3), thieves’ tools, tindertwigs (6), various and sundry inebriants and intoxicants
Silver ring, gold bracelet, gold and pearl pendant, gold ring, platinum necklace (2), mithril hair clasps (3)
Revenge List: Duke Eaglevane, Piltis Swine, Rince
Electrum, watchman Gridley, White-Muzzle the worg, Percy Ringle
the butler , Alice Kinsey , “Patch”, Heroes of the Lost Sword, Claire
Conrad, Erist priest of Strider, Riselda owner of the Sage Mirror,
Eedraxis, Skin-Taker tribe,
Kartak, Królewna & Bonifacja Trading Company, Hurmont Family, Androni
Titus, Greasy dreadlocks woman, Lodestone Security, Kellgale Nickoslander,
Beltian Kruin the Splithog Pauper, The King of Spiders, Auraluna Domiel, mother
Hurk, Mazzmus Parmalee, Helgan
van Tankerstrum, Lightdancer, Bonder Greysmith, Pegwhistle Proudfoot, Lumbfoot
Sheepskin
The Errant Endeavors of Ela the Expert 