S1- After the Scoundrel

[Brother Amsel Ur (Bill), his bodyguard Ferris D’Gerum (Ray), guide/physician Hawkin Godling (Julian)]

Spring of the year 720 in Thardic Republic, in the capital city- Coranan: They sat outside the chamber till the acolyte called them in, “High Priest Jorom Borskin will see you now.” The elder/balding Borskin sat in his green vestments (Spring colors) behind a stack of books as he absentmindedly twirled his ear hairs. “Good of you to come brother Amsel. I hope you’ve had time to meet Ferris and Hawkin. There is an item of church concern I’d like the three-of-you to look into. A scoundrel by the name of (Magdar Uthur) broke into the chapel and made off with gold and the begging bowl of Saint Roget. Not sure why the bowl since it only has sentimental value -nothing of real wealth nor magical properties. From what we’ve heard, he crossed the border into Rethem to the village of Rouhardy. Maybe he has family there. Anyway, we need you to retrieve the bowl.” Ferris added, “And of Magdar? Should he be brought to justice?” Did the others see Jorom’s fingers rubbing his chin slip to his throat?

Borskin pulled out a map, “If you follow the river northwest, it’s a 2-day journey through Geshtei and Themeson. Just beyond that is the village of Rouhardy. That particular area (known as the Gerdel Hundred) has been the center of a power struggle over the last decade. Themeson, the feudal center of the area, was held by Tharda until it was seized 12 years ago by the Red Shadows of Herpa (an Agrikan Fighting Order). Six years ago, a new fighting Order called the Cohorts of Gashang, took Themeson from the Red Shadows when they seceded from the original order. The Cohorts do not pass on any taxes to the king in Shostim, but instead seem to consider returning the fief back to Tharda. Considering its political turmoil, perhaps it best if you have a cover-story. I could provide a wagon and 2 horses to pull it.”

Morning: Ferris wiped his brow as he muscled the supplies onto the wagon. When complete, he made a final check of his armor and weapons stowed in the false bottom, “The high priest said the serf in the area have been disarmed but you never know what troubles we may encounter.” Hawkin carefully placed the medical supplies before covering them with a tarp and strapping everything down. “We’re bringing medicine to the destitute. We shouldn’t have to explain more about our mission.” Amsel tucked his cross inside his cloak, “I hear the lower class Rethemi still recognize the Peoni order and might be accepting but I shouldn’t take chances with the ruling class who turn down their noses at us.”

Not even 2 hours into the days’ ride and Amsel was already regretting riding a wagon as he winced at his sore bottom. Hawkin chided, “You could walk.” Ferris sneered, “Hold your tongue, else you have me as guard walking with him. Give up your padded seat.” At least there were moments of breaks and respite from the rutted road. And joy when they crested the rise and beheld Geshtei (the capital of the providence) before them. Ferris observed, “Well positioned castle atop the hill provides a strategic overlook of the rich agri lands. We should seek an inn for rest but temper our conversations.” At the sight of Amsel’s Peoni vestments, the trio was treated well with stew, hard biscuits, and ale.

Morning: Sleep was a fleeting idea as sores and bedbugs kept Amsel awake. Ferris slept like a babe… and snored like a moose. They followed the road paralleling the river, onward to Fobin. Hawkin scratched his chin, “It’s hard to say where Tharda ends and Rethem begins since the borders are so fluid. Keep a lookout for trouble.” 

As if a soothsayer or premonition on his part: they rounded a bend and came upon a large tree from which 3 gibbets swayed. Stench hinted at the dead within. Ravens plucking gore confirmed such. A crude sign warned “Thievery”. Ferris concluded, “I think we are in Rethem now.” Hawkin agreed, “Yes, the Cohorts of Gashang take law and order seriously! The religious climate of the land is dominated by the strict doctrine of the Order of the Eight Demons who recruit aggressively and indiscriminately, to include the worst sorts from both the Thardic legions and Rethemi chivalry. Their reputation for violence and brutality is considered excessive even for Agrikans.” Amsel glanced down from the gibbets and raised his hand to his forehead as if saying prayers, but really ready to stifle any gag or hurl. He hid his cross.

A mile short of Themeson, they noticed a group of people beside the road ahead. Their thoughts of weary travelers was dashed when the men rose, shifted their armor, raised weapons, and approached. Ferris clutched the reins tightly, ready to whip the horses if needed. Hawkin recognized the signa on their shields, “Cohorts. Take care, their motto is ‘purge the unclean’. Let me do the talking.” The leader eyed the trio suspiciously, “What brings you on the road?” [Influence] Hawkin’s response of Tharda aid to the needy only added to the distrust as men surrounded the wagon ready to check its load. [critical success] Amsel spoke up, “We bring medical supplies to aid the unclean north of Themeson. Pray tell YOU have not touched such poor souls and thus infected yourselves.” The Cohort men backed up as if a plague upon the supplies. Their leader motioned them onward, “Let them pass. They are not the rabble-rousers or saboteurs we search for. On your way!”

Themeson: Empty fields preceding the city spoke volumes of misery within the realm. Hawkin sadly told its current status, “The peasants, craftsmen, and others are caught within the conflict that brews between the rival Agrikan orders of the Red Shadows of Herpa and the Cohorts of Gashang. The conflicts of the past 12 years have reduced the population considerably. The agrarian economy is barely sufficient for the region; many folk go hungry. The region is short on labor, and some fields lie fallow for lack of peasants to work them; demand for slaves is high. Those who cannot pay the abusive fines and taxes have no choice but to cover their debts by selling themselves or their families into servitude.”

Ferris pointed out, “Perhaps it best if we avoid the city.” Amsel had hope for the city when he recognized the classic structure of a temple to Peoni. Hawkin dashed his hopes, “Look closely and you’ll see it desecrated and turned into a temple to Morgath (an evil order).” Amsel quickly suggested finding shelter on a farm outside the city.

As dusk neared north of Themeson, they came upon a farm as a likely rest stop. Hawkin did the talking to the suspicious farmers. Coughing from inside alerted the physician to likely need, "I am a doctor. Perhaps I could help your ailing daughter." With Amsel bedside for prayers, Hawkin confirmed pneumonia and treated with herbs and tonics. 

Grateful their daughter treated, the parents offered supper and the barn. Dinner conversation included news of Rouhardy just down the road, "The cohorts even took our farming tools as threat of weapons. The villages were hoping to build a mill, but the prospective miller refused to come for fear of the ruling order. This man you seek; you should ask Reeve (mayor) Toban-of-Kurl. He and his yeomen (Derrand-of-Luln and Arion-of-Stans) know the comings and goings of the area. But be warned they report to the cohorts." 

Ferris pressed for more information. After a long pause, the farmer spoke of rumors, "Months ago men began camping nearby. Their ranks of rabble-rousers swelling as they discuss means to bring the land back under the republic. Just rumors. We don't know anyone by name." 

Morning/onward to Rouhardy: Goodbyes with offer to stop in again, the trio was back on the road. They soon came upon the small village of Rouhardy: scattered houses either side of the road with fields unplowed and empty. Hawkin approached a man stepping from his house with suspicion. "I am from Ithico in Rethem. We are doing good works throughout the area. Perhaps you are in need... free of charge." Soon the physician was tending to the wife, pregnant with their first child. 

Soon another sickly neighbor appeared, accepting help. "You should check in on the widow across the bridge. She lost her husband in a gladiator match. Seems he spoke up and offended the lord. I heard he faced off against an owlbear. At least her son remains." 

They found the son feeding chickens. Amsel offered condolences and prayers while silently calling forth a miracle (spell- Connection). It was easy to see the young man visibly upset. Amsel read his mind and soul and could see him consumed with hatred to the point of action. Maybe he was a member of the rumored camp, or at least leaning that way as a soon to be rabble-rouser himself. Any further contact stopped when his mother stepped forth, "Leave the boy alone so he can get back to work. Where were your prayers 5 years ago for my husband?! Take your beads and shove them up yer arse." 

More coughing from another house drew Hawkin forth. He found an ailing 60yo. Ferris noted the stagnant water behind the house, "Breeding grounds for mosquitoes. That can't be healthy. Someone should deepen the bank to return the river flow." As more and more people stepped out to scowl at the new visitors, Ferris suggested, "We should meet with the Reeve to state our business, before we anger him or his people."

Again, Hawkin was their spokesperson as they met with Reeve Toban. He did not know the name (Magdar Uthur), "Few if any travelers pass through and none stop. There was a group passed through about a week ago [about the time of the church theft]." Hawkin mentioned their road encounter with the cohorts on the lookout for troublemakers. The Reeve was quick to report, "Nothing of that sort here." He was a lousy liar. They could tell he was downplaying news to not draw unwanted attention that might put his people in danger. He changed topics to the lack of a mill, "Widow Theorena was to marry a miller but the man backed out despite her beauty. Perhaps she's willing to put you up in exchange for work around her farm." 

As they continued up the road to the widow's farm, they mused about the scoundrel they chased, "Maybe he stole it to fund the rabble-rousers. Or took the bowl as spiritual support since they were once part of Tharda and thus maybe Peoni worshipers." 

They came upon her 11yo boy chasing a dog. He now interested in Ferris, "Are you a soldier? I want to be one when I get older." Theorena came to investigate the conversation. She soon agreed to house them for work as she explained how her husband was killed 2 years ago by a runaway horse. She also explained her recent effort to wed a miller, "Chased off by the troubles that afflict our lands. These cohorts are more like thugs!" 

As for the scoundrel, "I remember his description within a group that passed through here a week ago. Rabble-rousers? Perhaps he's a sympathizer to their cause. Fields not plowed, animals not tended, others willing to enter servitude to pay their debts. If not outright thrown into slavery. I applaud any efforts to rid us of this foul rule." 

A knock at the door drew Theorena outside for a heated chat with the Reeve. They overheard his parting words before he stormed off, "This will not end well." Reluctantly she explained, "He reports to the cohort rulers in Themeson. The less he knows, the less he has to lie to protect our village." 

The trio was beginning to realize the begging-bowl wasn't that important. As it was still early morning, they excused themselves to go find the camp. They left the wagon outside her barn, "We will return to help around your farm." 

Packed for a possible 2-day round trip, they set off on foot. It was near dusk when they came upon a pond bordered by a glade and fed by a 14-foot waterfall. Ferris recognized it as a perfect place for a lookout up top even though they saw none. 

Fortunately he found man-made foot holes near available vines to aid climbing. Ferris and Hawkin were first up, using rope to aid the weakling, Amsel. Once up, they found arrows stuck in the ground, left by someone at the lookout. Crude buildings ahead confirmed this the rumored camp. No movement cautioned Ferris to be on guard. They tensed for an encounter, "We come in peace." 

TO BE CONTINUED: https://wjrmythras.blogspot.com/2024/03/s2-well-thats-cant-be-good.html