Chronicles of Valr Militades

          The journey was long but finally my travels were reaching there end.  Within the day I would reach the frontier fort where my brother was last seen.  Upon my travels I had met a young barbarian named Bjorn.  His dress and bearing were that of a classical barbarian, sandals, loincloth and a belligerent swagger that promised mayhem to any that touched off his temper.  Yet under it all was a will of steel focused on a single purpose: to find his sister.  Who was taken from their village by the “Ash people”.  My own sad tale a fresh wound on my heart, I decided to remain vague on my reasons for traveling abroad.  Bjorn already had enough grief for one soul without adding mine.

            As the sun reached it zenith, off in the distance Fort Gekada was visible thru the heat shimmering.  We went thru the normal protocols for gaining entry into the fort, Learning the fort commander was named Velanus.  Upon the gates opening we were greeted by a sight beyond belief. In the middle of all the daily routine of a frontier fort sat the largest woman I had ever seen. She was easily a full span taller than I and by her appearance and garb I figured her as hailing from the southern kingdoms. After a pause that bordered on gawking I shook myself and proceeded on with my task. Locating the captain heading our way, I dismounted, hung my lance to my saddle and went to meet him.

           After brief introductions and inquiries we learned that the people at the knew nothing of Bjorn’s sister, but that my brother had left with a patrol across the river several days before and was long overdue. As we were talking a small youth edged quietly over to our group. Looking at him closely I had the feeling that he was very far from home indeed. From behind I also heard a nervous commotion, upon glancing back I noticed the large dark skinned woman coming our way. The captain noticed this as well and made the comment that so far no one had been able to talk to her. Remembering all the language courses from the war college I decided to try and speak with her. At first I thought I had failed but slowly she extended her hand and said, “Nande”. At this I smiled and introduced myself.

           What a strange gathering we must have been. A small quick moving youth, a large loincloth clad barbarian, a giantish leather clad island woman and an armored noble. From out of the gathering crowd emerged yet another oddity. She was a slight thing, barely over average height. Her fiery red hair formed a halo about her. But oddest of all was her garb. She was clad in leather armor with a shield on her back, a warsword at her hip and a bow in her hand. Again not wanting to appear rude I focused my attention back on the group around me. As the woman came abreast of our group the captain made her known to us. Her name was Quillia and she was one of the red cloaked free company mercenaries and though a woman she had proven her blade in defense of several raids upon the fort.

              After the captain had filled us in on the local situation, by mutual consent we decide that it would be best if we all stayed together. After brief conversations with everyone I soon realized that several members of our party had no common language to communicate with. Luckily I would be able to translate for everyone.

              With everything settled the party broke up so everyone could gather equipment and supplies. I headed for the stables, upon my arrival I spoke with the stable master to insure that Traejor and what gear I would leave behind would be looked after. With that done I left in search of a meal and a place to rest.

              After morning devotionals to Mitra, I donned my armor and gear and joined my new companions. We used three canoes to cross the river. I and Bjorn in one, Quillia and Sly in another and because of her size, Nande rode alone. Also in each canoe were two oarsmen. Upon arriving at the far side of the Thunder River we looked around to get our bearings and to the north a strange object immediately attracted everyone’s attention. Once we reached it we discovered it to be the naked body of a man floating in the river, held in place by a jam of logs and debris. One of the oarsmen recognized the body as one of my brother’s party. Upon further examination we also found the body was unmarked by any wound. Leaving the body to the men of the fort we decided to head upriver since that was the direction the body probably came from.

              After an hour or more following the river Bjorn and Nande notice that a group of barefoot human tracks are leading in the same direction. After several hours of the track fading in and out they vanish completely shortly before noon. Convinced that they probably continue northward we agree to push on.

              As noon arrived we found ourselves some few miles south of the stream that was our objective. Sly states that he is hungry and wants to fish. Everyone takes this as a cue to eat as well, digging into the rations we had all packed while we watched Sly scamper from slick boulder to slick boulder in a vain attempt to skewer a fish with his short sword.

              After finishing my meal I scanned our immediate surroundings. As I reached a point to our north I cried out in alarm as the bushes violently began to move. Alerted by my outcry the party leapt into action. Due to all the noise in the area one of our party, Nande, was caught off guard as the creature approached. As the closest of us to the creature, Bjorn fired his bow but the shot was fouled by the dense brush. Making sure my shield was firmly strapped to my back, I drew my broadsword and charged the creature. Quillia also notched her bow and let fly a shot but was fouled as well. Racing forward Sly disappeared into the foliage ahead only to reappear as fast screaming, “alligator” at the top of his lungs. At this I shouted his warning to our party as the monstrosity made itself visible. The animal was over 25ft. in length and could bite a man in half with one snap of its jaws. As soon as the creature emerged Bjorn once again let fly with his bow yet to our dismay the arrow bounced off the alligators thickly armored hide. At this point I finally reach the alligator and deliver a two handed blow but the blow misses due to the creatures fast movements. Sensing the danger Nande slowly strides forward toward the conflict as Quillia yet again unleashes another bow shot. The shot once again disappears into the nearby brush. Sly getting his bearings and drawing his short sword cautiously approaches the creature from the rear. As I barely dodge a snapping lunge from the gator, Bjorn charges forward and delivers a massive blow that is befouled in the entangling branches. Caught off balance by the alligators lunge my own blow is wildly off mark as well. Nande steadily approaches the battle as Quillia abandons her shooting and draws her warsword to enter the fray.

                Leaping onto the alligator, Sly strikes wildly but misses. Enraged by the attacks the alligator lashes out at its closest attacker, seizing Bjorn by the leg in its crushing jaws and dragging him to the ground. Summoning all his barbarian strength Bjorn is able to free his injured leg and in turn pin the alligator with his own body. Unable to get a clean strike my blow harmlessly is deflected off the creature. Patiently waiting for her opening Nande savagely springs forward with her warspear piercing the creatures side. Quillia circles around to the far side as Sly once again attempts to strike the alligator but his blow in unable to penetrate.

                 Sensing its peril the gator tries to free itself of Bjorn’s fierce hold but is unsuccessful. In return Bjorn frees one hand to savagely rake the gators eyes. With a fervent prayer to Mitra to strengthen my arm and guide my blade I drive my sword tip downward into the alligators head pinning it to the ground. With a convulsive shudder the alligator dies.