Hald and John were finally packed for their journey. Bed rolls, covers, a spare change of clothes, some money, a few books and plenty of food.
“Are you sure this will last us?” John asked regarding the food.
“It will if you can pace yourself while eating it.” Hald replied.
John had been grumbling about it all since they had received the delivery. He didn’t trust this Unknown one bit.
“There is barely enough for one meal” John whined
“Then you’ll just have to do some hunting while we are out there wont you?” Hald snapped
“Oh! Hunting! I like hunting!” said John, either ignoring, or not noticing the annoyance in Hald’s voice.
“And anyway, it’s not like we are the only ones. I hired some mercenaries a few days ago from the Inn. Apparently they are tired of fighting wars for one side, and then for the other side the next day, and then not getting paid. They almost ripped my arm off at the chance for an easy task like this.”
“If it’s easy, why do we need them?” John looked puzzled.
“Well, we are at war; the bandits of late have been getting rather bold. I’d hate to make camp and then get my throat slit because they outnumbered us fifteen to one.” Hald picked up his supplies and slung them over his shoulder. “And it also gives you people to practice with if nothing happens so you don’t get too bored.” Hald smirked
“But I don’t need practice!” Wailed John
“Of course not, but they might do. You can teach them a few things. And maybe you can try and persuade them to tell you something about the tactics of the Techies.” Hald winked.
“Oh I see.” John winked back with a smile
They met up with the mercenaries outside the town gates, It seemed they were raring to go, as they were all saddled up on their horses before Hald and John even got there.
“We are ready, Sir. Just awaiting your orders.” The leader of the Mercenaries called as Hald came into view. The mercenary leader was a tall man, very thin and gaunt looking. He had a scar across his left cheek. His most distinguishable features were his goatee beard which was braided and died blue, and his numerous tattoos on his arms. When Hald had first met him, he said he gets a new tattoo for every victorious employment. Once his body was filled, he said he was going to retire. The man’s hair was dark brown and tied back into a pony tail that went down just past his shoulders, his skin pale and his eyes bright blue orbs. This marked him out as one of the forest folk. Though very few tribes were left, their ancestry was always easy to spot.
“Excellent. We shall move out immediately. Signal to your men.” Hald ordered, turning to John. “Feel free to disperse yourself and talk to people. I’d hate for you to get bored listening to mine and Garr’s talk.” Hald gestured to the mercenary leader. “We have some things to discuss regarding travel. Our original path may be blocked after a certain point, so we need to think of another way round, and I know you hate that kind of talk.”
“Ok. I shall go mingle.” John grinned as he made his horse trot off.
They reached the outskirts of the Telamek forest just before sunset, so they set up camp there for the night. As darkness began to spread its fingers across the land, tents were erected, a fire was started and game was caught. Come night fall there was a roaring blaze going and the talk was merry. Beer had been drank and songs were being sung. All but one partook in the festivity. Hald was in his tent, leafing through maps, magical and mundane, trying to find a path through the forest. To some that would be an easy choice, you don’t go through the forest, you go around. This was due to the fact that it was said that in the forest dark creatures lived. They’d stalk you through the branches, you’d never be able to see them, but they could always see you. When they finally pounced, it was said that they’d use dark magic so you didn’t die as they drank your blood and soul, and finally they would rip out your heart and eat that in front of you. It was also said they left no survivors and no one ever came out of the forest, though Hald wondered how the stories came to be if no one had ever survived meeting one to tell the tale. He compared the secret tracks of the forest folk who are said to dwell in all forests, and if called upon politely will offer their aid in exchange for a small token. Hald had several things to offer, from money, gems and gold, to more natural things like rare flowers, herbs and even a seed of a great oak tree.
