Private Tales An Excursion

[Vale]

The sun blazed in the sky with its full glory. Despite that, it still didn't feel too hot but that could change after a few hours of riding. Vale stood in a stable that was placed near one of the gates of Vel-Anir, in case there was need of a quick exit. House Luana had already sent the two Dreadlords horses to it, if Srash had one, with a stable boy to care for them. The white-haired Dreadlord had arrived earlier at the stable to relieve the stable hand that tended his own horse as he approached the creature in the stall.

Vale outstretched his hand and scratched his fingers along the horse's black coat. He murmured a few words quietly that certainly wasn't common tongue. Afterward, he switched back as he muttered, "It's good to see you again." The horse nuzzled its head into his hand and even the Dreadlord couldn't help but chuckle softly. The horses were going to be needed as the pair of Dreadlords would have to ride to a nearby village. House Luana had asked them specifically too, receiving reports that the village may have had something to do with the group that attacked the prisoner transport.

There shouldn't have been a way for them to have discovered the route the transport was going to take and that left some blaring questions that needed to be answered. Vale moved to the flank of the horse and ran his hands over the saddle, checking the straps and confirming that everything was to his liking as he waited for the other Dreadlord. Vale usually worked alone so this would be a nice change a pace for him as his compatriot was also from the same house.

 

[Srash]

Srash indeed had a horse. A brown coated rouncey in good health. Once the stable boy handed over the reins of Vale’s horse, he would move on to ensure Srash’s horse was ready for departure.

Soon after Vale had his moment with his horse, Srash arrived at the stable. He wore a typical dark-colored leather garb for Dreadlords. His staff securely sat in straps on his back. He examined Vale with his good eye.

A smile formed with Srash’s lips.

“Young with white hair?” he said almost as a question, “You must be Third Level Vale. A pleasure to finally meet.”

 

[Vale]

Vale continued to check the saddle and adjust it more to his liking when soft whispers touched his ear and let him know of the new arrival. He turned to find Dreadlord Srash walk in and answered his question, "You are correct. A pleasure as well, Srash." They were from the same house and he was a first level, making the man quite known in the house. Like the other Dreadlord, he was adorned of his typical armor of mostly leather with some plate, prioritizing mobility over protection.

The young Dreadlord extended a gloved hand for the two of them to shake but if Srash ignored it, then he would just return to his horse without a second thought about it. "I hope you're ready for a ride." He placed a foot in the stirrup before lifting himself up with his other leg sliding through the stirrup on the other side. "I assume you've heard of the caravan that was attacked. We're supposed to find out by who and there are a few villages I would like to check that are close to the area." Maybe he was being too forward with this being a first level but Vale had been part of the caravan and had quite a personal interest in this.

With a soft but solid quick kick into the flank of the horse, he trotted out of the stable and onto the street of the city as people would give a wide berth to the two out of respect for their position. "It will be a few hours. I hope you've cleared your schedule."

 

[Srash]

Srash’s gaze shifted to Vale’s outstretched hand.

“Ho?” Srash uttered, “Not one for formalities?”

In such a hierarchal system such as Vel Anir and the Dreadlords, it was common for those of high social status to act as they pleased with the lower. Yet formalities were always expected of those below until those above explicitly said so.

However, Srash gave Vale a bare handshake. He maintained his faint smile and told Vale, “When it’s just us, feel free to speak openly.”

As Vale explained the situation, Srash listened and waited for the stableboy to bring his horse over. It was only after Srash got on his horse that he gave another reply to Vale.

“I’ve heard a bit, but it seems you’re more informed of this matter,” Srash told Vale.

With a kick to his own horse, Srash rode next to Vale.

“Yes, we have time,” Srash replied to Vale, “Tell me more of the caravan attack.”

 

[Vale]

Vale had been too forward and he mentally checked himself for that as he waited for Srash to pull up beside him with his horse. When he did, the Dreadlord kicked the flanks of his horse lightly so they trotted towards the gate. It opened quite quickly and allowed the pair to easily go through and past the high walls of the city as they could see plains around them.

The Dreadlord glanced towards Srash before shrugging, "It was relatively peaceful for a while until we were being tracked all of a sudden. A few minutes after that, we were attacked by both mages and swordsmen that were highly intent on freeing our prisoner." Vale then tapped at his chest and then at one of his shoulders, "They also had the insignia of a red fist. One they displayed quite proudly I do say." There have been murmurs of rebellion but that's all it had been as far as he discovered. From his own personal investigations, there hasn't been any official evidence.

"It was coordinated and they knew what they were up against. They brought enough men that they thought could take us on. Thankfully, we had quite a few Dreadlords there." One was more than capable enough to take care of themselves and adding more then that, they had the abilities to fend off an entire battalion if they wanted. "Do you possibly know or head anything of that insignia?" Even if it was a no, it was better to ask then to leave it in the air.