PM to join Safety Comes at a Price (Vanator)

[Mongoose]

Timestamp: Spring 43, 513 AV Mongoose was tiring of the constant view of grass, upon grass, with even more grass. She sat in the passenger seat of the cart, now the only guard left on this journey. It had been several days since they'd been attacked by these flying rat creatures. They'd swarmed her Eypharian companion, and they only managed to get away because they were too busy eating him. According to her merchant driver, they were only a day or two away from the city of Riverfall. "It's quite surprising that we haven't met any of the horse lords yet. Usually they are quite prompt at collecting their tithes. Maybe we'll get lucky and make it through free of charge." Mongoose grimaced, "Luck's not exactly been our friend, I'm just waiting for this all to be over." She sat their with her slingshot and bag of bullets, ready and waiting for anything to show itself. She was becoming an impatient bag of nerves these last few days. She wasn't made for the wilds, she preferred the dangerous cities full of backstabbers and cutthroats. "Have you ever considered buying really cheap goods as a decoy for these horselords? Give them the cheap goods as a tithe, while keeping your quality materials hidden. It would probably save you money in the long run." "Interesting idea little Pycon, I'll have to try that on my next go about. I've never heard of anyone even attempting that. You should become a more permanent member of my trade, we might do well together." "Traveling isn't really my thing, but thanks for the offer. I'd much rather pick a city and stay there for a good long while." "Well if you're like that, I'd imagine a woman of your interests would like Kenash, it's just up the road. Your talents could be of good use there. Who knows, we might meet again one day." Mongoose kept that in mind, as she continued to scan their immediate surroundings for any sign of danger.

[Vanator]

The trip was a short one, only a night or so in the grasslands. The Denusks had crossed the Bluevein on the ferry outside of Riverfall and continued south. They stayed close to the Kabrin Road, mostly for Vanator's peace of mind, his daughter's safety more dear than a true foray into the Sea of Grass. The evening had been uneventful but productive, the Drykas spending the time with Cadra helping her learn to ride, searching for specific herbs and foodstuffs and spending time with his kelvic daughter.

They had opted to pack light, a second horse brought for the gear, though it did have a yvas for Cadra to ride if she chose, but that day the young kelvic curled up in a back slung across Van's chest. Her feline head watched the landscape pass, her paws lazily stretched over the bag's opening. The trip had been tiresome, and she found much more comfort riding with her father than sitting in a yvas for the trip home.

Van had estimated that they would reach Riverfall and home early the next day. The two weary Denusks rode in quiet for a long while, reveling in the peaceful sounds of the plains songbirds, only rarely interrupted by a distant roar or screech of something more menacing. They traveled roughly parallel to the road, off some way to the left. Vanator's serenity was interrupted by a faint sound of wagon wheels. It did not sound like a caravan, suggesting perhaps more of a small group or singular vehicle.

Looking down at the long-haired cat, Van smiled. "Strangers on the road, and not many, lets have a look." With a squeeze of his knee and a heel to the Strider's barrel, Van guided Sirocco towards the road. The wagon was moving slow, by the sound of it, and no haste was required to intercept it. Soon, the Drykas spotted the cart, a merchant's certainly, for it was loaded with various wares. The tradesman himself drove the wagon, an Eypharian, but the object by the Eyktolian's side was hard to define, small and moving but nothing humanoid about it.

Curiosity now drove Vanator to ride ahead and crest the small mound of the road before the traveler. Where were his escorts, guards? Even fellow merchants? The Drykas scowled, going it alone was not wise for outsiders, even when sticking to the road.
"This one is either a fool or a survivor." Van muttered to Cadra, who now craned her neck to see the approaching cart.

[Mongoose]

Mongoose heard the sound of hooves before she saw the two horses coming toward them. She could tell by the confidence in which the man road, not looking over his shoulder or worried, that he must be a Drykas. Well at least it wasn't a raiding party. She wondered why one man would have two horses with him, perhaps his companion had gotten eaten by something, just like the other guard in their expedition. Eyktol was full of death, but mostly from sun and dehydration. Cyphrus on the other hand seemed full of things trying to eat you. She stood up in her seat, acting under the assumption that she'd been spotted. "No lies, a death might gain us a little bit of leverage should he wish to collect tithe. Be truthful, and firm, if what you told me is correct, subterfuge falls on deaf ears with these people." She kept her eyes on the man, while her tail began gathering her weapons nearby, ensuring that they were all within range should she need to resort to them. She loaded a bullet into her slingshot, but kept it slack, prepared but not threatening. "Greet him, be friendly." "Why hello there horse lord! I haven't strayed from the megalith highway have I? It's so easy to get turned around out here!" Mongoose was watching everything carefully. She watched the man's hands, to see if he would reach for a weapon, watched his eyes to see if he gave away the positions of any compatriots. She could see he was strong, likely a more capable warrior than she. If asked for it, Tithe would have to be paid, no way around it. But that wasn't Mongoose's concern. She just needed to ensure her merchant reached Riverfall safety, no matter what. She had no desire to kill this man, for it netted her no extra coin, but she would try if he made a move.