Deserters spore

The party rejoins each other as another night is spent on board of Sodagar's ship. The quarters were finished the first night they spent here and have been constantly upgraded throughout the second day. The rooms are luxurious beyond belief with way too many tapestries and cloth adjourning the normally bare rooms.

When the dawn of the third day came, the party immediately prepared for departure. For a small period of time, it was discussed if Sodagar couldn't take them with him toward the Silver merchant trading company. Unfortunately Sodagar had to go back to Crewent as an important meeting was to be held. Having prepared everything they need, the party travels toward the silver merchant trading company, more specifically the capital Enver. Another harbor city where the river called "Tears Of Silver" courses through. A significant trading post in the continent of Asarius. So much so that the trading company is one of the most essential countries on the continent. Even thought their landmass is nearly nonexistent compared to their neighbors. The city of Enver was even named that because other countries could only look with envy toward the city. The city itself is filled with mercenaries and other localized militia protecting it from any foreign invaders. This mostly has to do with the fact that if another political power would hold the city they could cripple the economy of many other nations. Causing the populace to starve and death to rise. With this in mind numerous attempts to capture the city have been made. However, doing so would often times result in other political powers assembling their armies to stop the invader and in turning many mercenaries into enemies. With undoubtably some walking within your own realm prepared to kill for what they call a "free city."

Some of the most famous mercenary corpses find their leadership in this city:

"The Sons Of Silver","Beggar's Coin pouch" and "The rich fucking sea whores" are all rather well known for various reasons. They are inevitably also funded by the trading company. The city constantly trying to maximize its profits whilst also holding enough military strength.

The party after their departure now stands before the border, mercenaries on guard duty are keeping an eye on the main road. Five mercenaries on horseback come closer and encircle the carriage as one gets off his horse and walks toward the front of the carriage. Hellas, Sol, Tika and Cristal for a change sit in the front and on the roof of the carriage. Gunnir kept up night duties in Barydon and deserved some rest.

"Oi, What do we have here?" The mercenary that walks toward the front asks, his hand ready to pull out his curved blade at any second. The mercenary's armor is an interesting case. It's almost entirely iron a close match for the knights but not completely as some places as the knee caps and other joints focused places seemed to use different material.

"Passing through to Laiqe. Eagle adventuring guild." Hellas replies shortly trying to keep this check up short. The mercenary gives a nod to his companions as two others come off horseback and open both doors of the carriage at the same time, both weapons drawn. Inside they see an old man and another very large men.

One of them after looking a few seconds just nods toward their leader whilst another continues to stare toward the large man who's sleeping with his helmet on.

"Aye! Everything alright?" The leader asks wondering why it might take so long.

"Gunnir?" The other mercenary asks toward the figure as he tries to wake him up.

"Wh- What's going on?" The still groggy Gunnir asks as he takes off his helmet, his neck hurting.

"Gunnir! It's been a while!" The mercenary at the door yells excited as he leans in for a handshake.

"Lhedo, what are you doing here?"

"Oh you know wherever the pay takes me. I'm getting paid here now."

"You changed companies?"

"Well, most of the lads have. Things... changed."

"What do you mean?"

"Perhaps now is not the best time." The acquaintance of Gunnir says as he turns back toward his boss.

"Boss!! I can vouch for them, can we tell em?" He yells toward his leader, having already sheathed his weapon. The boss moves closer to the party.

"Are you planning to stop in Enver?"

"Indeed." Cristal replies as the voice of the group.

"Listen, it would be best for you all to carry on to Norka. Especially if you're protecting someone."

"Why? What's going on?"

The leader of the mercenaries sighs deeply. The situation that's going on having taken a deep toll on his rest.

"I have order to keep quiet, but I will tell you. Keep quiet about this." The leader of this small group of mercenaries says as he almost sits next to the party.

"The rebellion in Ararazi has caused deserters to make their way in our lands. That wasn't a problem, they were easily dealt with. Until one of the most important figures of the Silstani family was murdered. The brother of the leader, Silstine. A tragedy but still it can happen. However, a week later another influential merchant was murdered. One of the kids of the Antarion family. Investigation discovered that this was not a coincidence but the same murderer. This time he left a note stating that he will continue to kill unless the Silver merchant trading company would disband all trade with the Ararazi royal family and would support the rebellion's cause instead."

"When was this?"

"It all started about 3 weeks ago and the murderer has not yet been caught."

"What was the reaction?"

"The merchants panicked and now all large to medium-sized merchant corpses are forced to guard the city leaving only the smaller companies such as us to guard the borders. Even worse deserters have begun to unite and have already crossed the border."

"I understand the struggle of the situation, but why would this dissuade us from going to Enver? We're not targets?"

"The situation is tense and outsiders are easily suspected at the moment. Interrogations can vary from asking some questions to days of torture if they believe you're holding back information."

"And during this 3 weeks no progress has been made?"

"There has been, The leader of The Silver Sons has placed all known mercantile families that are pro rebellion under house arrest. Whilst Beggar's Coin Pouch has once discovered the murderer during an attempt and managed to wound him and protect the victim. However, his escape has caused even more frustration."

"Thank you for sharing this with us."

"Thank me via either getting out of here or keeping calm." The leader responds not in need of a thank you as the small mercenary squad all climb on the back of their horses.

"Gunnir! if you do pass by in Enver! Find me in "The Pleasant Copper Piece!" The acquaintance of Gunnir yells out as the mercenary squad rides away, continuing to patrol the road.