Their supplies restocked, their wounds dressed, their stomachs and canteens full, the soldiers assume their stations in the caravan. There are two wagons, each drawn by a team of two horses. You notice that both wagons are covered with a tarpaulin of oiled canvas to protect and obscure their respective cargoes, and then each of you is assigned a position to guard.
"Onward!" The captain barks. "Move out!"
And you do.
13 comments:
Varel picks a few berries along the way and sticks them in her pocket. She smiles warmly, and intermittently skips as she marches in position. "These will come in handy later, and they're delicious." she explains.
Wolfie follows closely behind her. He appears bored with the pace of their march, and frequently runs ahead of the group or runs off altogether... only to return inexplicably hours later.
Salbadore takes the opportunity to offer an edited-for-dignity version of his recent misfortunes to Stephane. Their conversation degenerates into saddened, hushed tones.
Orthos cause a dove to magically appear on his shoulder, then sends it off. Otherwise he spends his time attempting to make small talk with those nearby, without leaving his post.
Laurie strides along, talking to herself and strumming on her lute as she walks. She seems to be composing a song or some such.
After marching in silence for a while, Markus starts talking to no one in particular. "Oy, ye' mates mi' no' a 'eara me uncle, that. 'E got sick an' 'adda go ta th' physician. Th' physician all Well, I got two thinga bad news. Me uncle all Go 'ead. Th' physician: Well, firs', yeh got Brainrot. Me uncle all well an' sad, he choke upa bit, then 'e say Wot th' secun? An' th' physician say: And yeh' got th' Black Lung."
Markus looks down, then turns back up.
"An' so me uncle say: Roit, could be worse. Could be Brainrot."
He then smiles and looks around.
Orthos chuckles and grins at Markus. "Have any more?"
As the sun nears setting on the first day of travel, the soldiers enlist your help in making camp while Flavius and Constatine converse at a distance. When they return, the Captain addresses the group:
“Hear now. The skies are clear, but that could change at any time. And there are other hazards to consider besides, so we must remain alert for any signs of danger.”
“For those who are new to military service, allow me to explain how this works. We will assume watches in shifts of approximately two hours. First watch begins at moonrise and expires at midmoon. Second watch extends from midmoon to highmoon. Third watch is from highmoon to midmoon. Fourth watch is from midmoon to lowmoon. At lowmoon, we rise and break camp. Then we eat, make any necessary preparations for the day, and resume our journey as the eastern sky pales.”
“Each watch will be staffed by four, two to a wagon. Newcomers will help guard the supply wagon, whereas my men will guard the wagon carrying the prisoner. Are we clear?”
“Hardwick and Jurgens will take first watch, as will Dogberry and Markus. Second watch will consist of Mason and Walker, assisted by Flavius and the Lady Bard. Gunnar and Anders will take third watch along with Herr Cane and Master Gnome. Bauer and myself will assume the fourth watch, with the assistance of Miss Varel and the young wizard Orthos.”
“Any questions?”
"Oh no mister, I like keeping watch."
Laurie looks to the Captain. "I would prefer first watch, if possible."
"Your preference has been noted," the Captain says. "However, you will remain on the second watch."
"No question here! I understand the watch order human taskmaster."
Nibben pulls out a notebook and begins to jot down some notes and drawings furiously.
[Anyone wishing to take actions other than keeping watch as ordered is invited to email or IM me with details. Thanks!]
"Right then! I must get my sleep while I can."
Salbadore turns in, clutching his Kreisbuch and the blue box.
Post a Comment