| Saturday 12th August
It might be August but there's already a hint of Autumn chill in the air. It's been quite grey and a rainy this week, but even when the sun comes out ye can feel it.
I went to the Rose last night for a drink with some of the lads. Shelly, Ulran, Talon, Gorn and Kai were there, though Kai looked tired and left without saying anything. He seems very withdrawn since his mountain ordeal. Perhaps he is just exhausted from his training, or perhaps he is depressed. He seems to have trouble relating to the others in the army; even me. I think he lives in terror of the day I will ask him to father a child (as if I would put aside my duties to bear children!) He fears intimacy, and clings to his virginity like a preacher's daughter, though he must be nearly thirty by now.
Anyway, I wanted to speak to Talon so I took him outside the Rose. Once we'd done and he turned to go back in, a bloodstained man staggered over and fell at my feet. I was about to try and help him when another man popped up behind me with a warfork. Then another appeared.
"String her up," one of them said.
I wasn't sure whether they intended to hang me or tie me, but I wasn't about to find out. Fortunately, Talon returned, bringing the others with him. No doubt he'd known they were there all along. He's a bit spooky like that.
Of course, they legged it before we could stop them, so we returned to Strongholt for quick meeting in my quarters.
Talon reckoned they might have heard what we were talking about, which wasn't good. I wasn't sure whether they were common brigands or hirelings. I didn't recognise them, at any rate. Wanting to be on the safe side, I sent Ulran, Shelly and Cecil out to patrol, and Talon to shadow them.
I only stepped out of my front door for a moment when one of the brigands appeared again. It seemed he'd been hiding in my flower bed because he had leaves stuck to him. I'd have laughed but he had a warfork to the bank of my neck, which is never a good position to be in. I knew it wouldn't go through my gorget, and told him so, but then his friend appeared and told me he'd stab my eyes out, so I thought it best to comply at this point. A blind commander would be of little use to anyone.
They ordered me to go east, so I moved, albeit slowly, knowing the others were patrolling.
One of them told me not to try anything. They wouldn't hurt me, apparently. They just wanted a "chat." I know as well as anyone what a "chat" entails, so I was quite relieved to see Ulran's patrol come into view.
The one who seemed to be in charge made some excuse about wanting jobs as scouts, and just demonstrating their talents. A likely story!
"Can' wuh jus' clobbur thum here 'un now?" Cecil asked, which is probably the most sensible thing he's said all week.
I asked the brigands (although actually, I now doubt they were brigands - more like hired hands) who they were working for and the leader said if he told us they'd have no chance of escape.
I told the lads to take them to the Interview Suite but the three tried to run off. Ulran brought down one but the other two fled. By the time we'd returned to where the injured one had fallen, he'd crawled off.
We'll have to keep our eyes out in case they return. I'm not sure I fancy an audience with whoever they're working for.
I suspect it might be Jhelom, after our encounter the other night. No doubt they fancy some revenge.
Ah well, it's to be expected, I suppose. In these lands, war isn't just fought on the battle field. |