Almaric’s Tale - The Road Back
As he ties one last strap and adjusts a final buckle, Almaric turns to his captive. “Come on Seb, let’s get out of here - you first.”
Seb drops his head and moves off ahead, past the tethered Osgar who flicks his ears at the bandit’s whispered 'Nice ‘orsey.’ Almaric takes the reins and leads his mount along behind the thief.
Walking along the paths that lead back to the main road, Almaric mulls over what Seb has told him, all the while watching the bushes and listening for possible signs of trouble. The thought of taking down a mad wizard and rescuing a damsel in distress is the reason he travels the roads. He resolves to at least investigate the possibilities when he is uninjured and well equipped.
The trip is uneventful and they eventually reach the main road unmolested. Almaric asks Seb, “Which way are you going to go?”
The man looks momentarily confused. “Ain’t I goin’ wherever you want me ta go?”
Almaric shakes his head. “No Seb, the deal was you tell me what I needed to know and behave yourself until I say otherwise. Now I’m saying otherwise. You’re on your own now, it’s up to you to decide your fate from here onwards. If what you’ve told me is true, then I suspect these parts will not be good for you. You might want to move on and start fresh some place else.”
Seb looks at Almaric and then looks all around him for signs that things might not be as they seem. Under the young warriors calm gaze he seems to come to a decision. “Awright. Reckon you 'ave the right of it mister. I always wanted to see a city so’s I reckon I’m for Dolmvay.” He nods back along the road that brought Almaric to this area in the first place. He turns and is about to head off when Almaric calls his name and the man stops dead in his tracks, his exposed back to the warrior and heart suddenly hammering in his chest. This is it, this is how he’s going to finally die…
But there is no sudden blade thrust through his back, instead he hears a noise behind him and then Almaric is by his side. “This should help you get started.”
Looking down at what Almaric has in his hands, Seb sees some trail rations and his eyes almost leave his head when he sees the handful of gold coins. He looks at Almaric’s face, confusion warring with greed, fear and hope for who gets top billing. Almaric presses the items into Seb’s hands and turns back towards Osgar. With an easy action, he quickly mounts the horse and turns away to head in the opposite direction along the road towards the Travelling Man when Seb finally finds his voice. “'Ere mister. What’s yer name?”
Glancing over his shoulder, Almaric replies, “My name’s Almaric. Stay out of trouble Seb. A man only has so much good fortune.” And with a flick of the reins, trots off along the road leaving a stunned ex-bandit in his wake.
[/OOC: Cross off the rations and the gold. Almaric is injured, he is down to 6 of his 9 HP. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]