Fair enough. We probably do want to do that (since we're getting the 'simple version' of 100 silver and 7 Orthstirr this year it's affordable if not sustainable), though at those prices likely not every year.
We actually need that information pretty urgently. Like, what's our actual timetable here? If we get the evidence, can we present it this Winter, if not would Steinarr accept doing it literally the first turn of next Summer? What's our actual timetable?
[X] Keep watching as they actually meet with the bandits. If the bandits kill them, that's fine, if they kill the bandits that's also fine. If they act all friendly or discuss business, that too is fine as it gives more evidence of Horra consorting with bandits.
0~0~0
The cart rumbles to a halt as Horra's men fan out around it. Across from them lays a young, clean-faced man with a mouthful of sharp, pointed teeth. He's sprawled out over the gnarled roots of an ancient tree, his atgeir propped up against the trunk.
The man who could only be Jordan Sharkmouth turns blue eyes on the approaching men. Though relaxed he may look, those sea-like eyes of his reveal the truth of the burning rage inside.
Wolfwind — whose name you learned was 'Harald' — steps forward with the point of his naked sword driven into the dirt before him. "Lars Forkbranch is dead, his body wasn't recovered."
Wolfwind's words are cold and blunt, but they lack the bite of true malice. Sharkmouth's lips curl back to reveal rows upon rows of triangular, razor sharp teeth.
"I know." His growling voice betrays his youth, but the power in his limbs is undeniable as his fingers cleave through solid, ancient oak as if it wasn't there. The threat is implicit, there's no need for words to be exchanged between men such as these.
The tension that springs up in the air is thick and cloying. It's almost dense enough to be physically felt.
"You've a right to be angry, but these men have nothing to do with your cousin's demise." Harald tries to cut the tension to tatters, but Jordan's having none of that.
"Oh, I know that," Sharkmouth says as liquid darkness floods his eyes and his atgeir leaps to his hand — already singing songs of imminent violence, "but Jawbone doesn't."
There's a tiny, infinitesimal shift of Harald's stance that tells you all you need to know about him. The way his hand falls on his sword's pommel, it's the same way that Steinarr holds Crowfeeder. There is not a doubt in your mind that Harald Wolfwind is an extremely dangerous man, so dangerous that you'll have to adjust your ranking of the warriors in the valley.
"If a fight is really what you want," Harald's voice resembles that of a wolf warning a whelp, "then let you and I settle it away from the cargo."
Jordan either didn't catch what you did as he leaps up from the root-bed, or he's fool enough to think he can win anyways. "I'll take you up on that offer, old man. If you're so eager to enter an early retirement, then lead the way!"
Harald turns a wolf-eyed gaze on the rest of the men gathered there, the order to watch the cargo clear as his vision lingers on the cloaked and twitching man. A shudder of revulsion threatens to creep up his spine but he quickly moves on before it breaks free.
He turns on the heel, grabs his sword, and marches off with a swaggering Sharkmouth in his wake.
Which leaves you with an opportunity.
Follow the two men and get an understanding of their strength?
Or get a look at what's inside the cart?
[ ] Follow the men
[ ] Look inside the cart (+Suspicion)
I mean, Suspicion is always bad, it's just sometimes worth it. Personally, I think the cargo might be worth it if the other option weren't also super valuable, but the two both seem equally good to me here.
I'm not heartbroken by any means if the cart wins, I just think the other option is a little better.
