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Mercenary Journal - June 24

 

The day after the death of the High Sheriff dawns and the morning sun's rays fall upon Chyrefal. As news of the 'accident' spreads the people remember and for a time their troubles are left behind. But only for a short time, for the rumors also tell of darker things.

 

Inside the keep, Orlock has taken command of the Castle after the untimely death of the High Sherriff. He summons Rohn after breakfast, and their discussion is not a calm one. Rohn takes most of Orlock's tirade in silence, barely voicing his protests when Orlock deems Master Sergeant Johan's service inadequate and dismisses him from the ranks of Rohn’s Guardsmen. The matter is not helped any when Orlock encounters the ‘unofficial guards’ at the door to Rohn's quarters, Netava and Sallador Sarn. Johan leaves the room to go pack and is soon followed out by Orlock, and Johan stops to confront Orlock in an isolated corridor to talk. Mandor, appearing to admire the wall tapestries nearby, overhears the conversation and learns of Johan's dismissal.

 

Later that morning, a half-dozen mercenaries from another Mercenary company arrive in town, drawn by rumors of conflict and booty. They are ‘The Black Company’ and a young (and newly promoted) Captain named Hannon leads them. After surveying the situation they begin letting the word go out that they are recruiting men. This comes to the attention of Nymus, who frequents the same tavern as the mercenaries are using for their base of operations. Nymus and Hannon have a long talk and a road for mutually beneficial negotiations is paved.

 

Nymus also meets with a Lieutenant of the ‘Nadali Tigers’, a mercenary unit well known for it’s hunting skills. Their Lieutenant brings an offer of information to Captain Rohn in exchange for 100 gold coins. Upon hearing of this Rohn and Andram meet with the Lieutenant and reject the offer. The Company neither has the necessary funds to spend in this matter, nor would they pay so much even if they did. The Tigers' messenger goes away empty-handed.

 

Hannon is active in the meantime. He has sent some of his men around town, scouting the town. Others look for potential recruits. Hannon sends one of his most trusted men, Mathis, to get the feel of the town. He is a scout with a talent for people, always a willing smile and a few coins for good information. Hannon only has a few loyal men with him now, but others await his call to rejoin the company. He posts bills around the town announcing, “We are the noble body of the Black Company… We offer freedom, honor and wealth … On the morrow seek the Black Captain”. Some men come forward and are interviewed but most are turned away. But one fully enrobed figure approaches and identifies himself to Hannon as a member of the ‘Stalkers’. He is offered double-pay and a bonus for bringing others with him. This man exits counting his money in his mind, but does not notice the figure watching him.

 

Back at the castle the men are idle, and when their hands are idle their tongues wag tirelessly. Some of the men have begun grumbling about the break with the Corsairs and the situation in general. There is even a rumor going around that the men will be given muster pay and released from service. As Rohn met with the Nadali Tigers' messenger, Mandor spotted Nymus entering the same tavern. Mandor also saw other mercenaries around the tavern, who then spoke with the Nadali Tigers Lieutenant.

 

Upon his return to the keep, Nymus is summoned to a private meeting with Mandor, where he is questioned about the rumors that have been circulating and about why he was in town. Nymus reveals that he has spoken with Hannon and some of the men in Mandor's unit may leave the “Sons of the Stalkers“ to join the Black Company. Having heard all he needs to hear Mandor asks Nymus to pour a drink. He does and turns back to see a loaded crossbow in Mandor's hands pointing at his heart. Before another word is said the crossbow bolt slams into Nymus' chest. Carluin bursts in hearing the noise, in time to see Mandor crouched over Nymus. Mandor looks up at Carluin and says, "He attacked me", then calmly slits Nymus' throat. Carluin takes in the entire scene, without a word. After the body is disposed of, Mandor assembles his squad and informs them of Nymus' treachery and punishment, informing the men in no uncertain terms that sedition within the ranks will not be tolerated. Some of the men suspect what happened to Nymus but none are willing to leave when offered.

 

Rohn is informed of a problem by his scouts. 3 of his mercenaries from the ‘rookie’ squad tried to make a break. One was killed and another wounded and captured, while 1 escaped. Rohn believes they were trying to join their rivals, the ‘Black Company’. He needs to settle this.

 

Later Captain Rohn summons Hannon to the keep. Hannon and his men ride up outside and announce their arrival at the castle gate. Tension mounts as Hannon calls for Rohn to meet him outside face-to-face to talk. Rohn asks him inside to speak in private, assuring his safety. Inside negotiations start with Rohn demanding the removal of Hannon’s recruiting notices and to cease any attempts to recruit men from the Stalkers' ranks. Hannon agrees to this and the two captains speak of possible cooperation between their respective groups. Hannon has knowledge of a strongbox containing Mercenary pay that has fallen into the wrong hands, and plans to liberate it. He attempts to work out a deal with Rohn. The Black Company has the plan and the Stalkers have the men. Rohn says he will consider this.

 

Hannon also has a far more ambitious plan. He weaves a complex tale of ransoming Rohn to the Corsairs and his father the Duke, while duping them both and making off with all the ransoms and splitting them. Rohn doesn’t like the sound of this ‘get rich quick’ scheme and grows even more wary of Hannon. And he was very wary to start with.

 

Hannon leaves the castle believing this meeting was for naught, because Rohn is too cautious to gamble for the big stakes. It is dark as they ride back to town, and suddenly arrows are in the air. It appears to be an ambush, and Hannon spurs his men to flee the ambush. Upon returning to town they see that no one is seriously hurt. Hannon announces they will be leaving, knowing there is nothing for them here. Netava sneaks back into the castle after his un-successful, impromptu ambush. If his Captain could not see “that 1 arrow could settle all problems”, he had to try himself.

 

Rohn comes to believe he cannot keep his men if they wish to leave, so calls for Company Muster. With the entire company assembled he reminds them of the discipline and loyalty to the company, and offers to muster-out any who wish to leave. Most are veterans here since the beginning, and they all stay. But 1 squad, the ’Rookie’ squad was assembled just for this raid. All 7 men remaining take the muster and leave. Their sergeant Belu stays behind after the others leave to speak with Rohn. He had tried to warn Rohn of his men’s discontent before, and then the 3 made their break. He blames Rohn because if only he had made this offer a little earlier, a man’s life would have been saved. These men search out the Black Company and join on the spot, a bitter taste in their mouths.

 

Down in the town the next day, rioting has started as black sails are seen in the distance. The Corsairs are coming! Orlock leads what is left of the castle garrison to try to restore order, but they are overwhelmed by the mobs. In the ensuing chaos the garrison is only saved by intervention of the Stalkers. But the strain has finally gotten the better of Orlock. He is found raving and brandishing his sword at anyone nearby, friend of foe. He collapses and is brought back to the keep for recuperation. And the Black Company waves goodbye, with the Corsair ships in site, wishing the Stalkers their just due.