(Seven Years Ago)It’s an early morning on the Kings Road. A caravan left Fallcrest at the crack of dawn, three wagons and a couple of guards hope to make it to Winterhaven in three days. The lead wagon is closed and locked and is a special delivery for the famous smith of Winterhaven Thair Coalstriker. The wagon is driven by the Caravan Leader Jaltro and assisted by his wife Nina. The caravan is guarded by four guards the one taking the lead in the caravan is Valvur.
Luran is doing a lot of scouting in front of the caravan making sure the road is easily accessible and maybe see if there is any danger lurking nearby.
The second wagon is driven by Kaume and his gruff looking partner, Jukos. They have all sorts of merchandise that has come up the Nentir in the last month, mostly wine and food delicacies, in their wagon. This wagon is guarded by Thibaud.
The last wagon is a small one and is handled by Teos and his son Vaelre. They are transporting bolts of cloth and other raw materials that can be made in to clothing. Next to the wagon Heboric is the rear guard of the caravan.
The morning has gone by without incident when Heboric hears hooves from behind. As he looks back he sees a young man on a horse quickly approaching the caravan. The young man raises his hand in greeting and says “Morning!” when he is close enough to be heard.
When he has caught up he rides on the other side of the last wagon and winks at Heboric without anyone seeing it. “My name is Aun Kerac and I am traveling to Winterhaven, I assume you are going there as well? Would it be ok for me to join your caravan?”
Heboric nods at Aun “I am Heboric Light Touch, I will introduce you to Jaltro, our caravan master. He is in the lead, but I think we could use another guard.” With that they ride up to the front of the caravan.
Heboric whitsles loudly to make sure Luran is warned as well and the other guards quickly form up infront of the caravan.
Aun bows in the sadle. “Master Jaltro? My name is Aun Kerac, Cleric of Pelor, I am on my way to Winterhaven and it seems you are heading the same way. Could I join your caravan? I have some fighting skills if you would use them.
Jaltro nods his head in return “Well met Brother Aun, I am indeed Jaltro, Master of this caravan, this is my wife Nina and the guards over there are Thibaud, Valvur and Luran, you met Heboric already. We would be quite happy to have you join our ranks and I will give you the same as the others: 2 gold pieces per day, handed to you when we arrive safely in Winterhaven.
They make good progress on their first day and make their camp near the road. The night goes by without incident and they are on the road bright and early. When the sun is nearing the horizon at the end of the second day they are ready to set up camp and call it a day when a stranger gallops up to the caravan. “Hello there, the name is Jondar. You going to Winterhaven?” Thibaud is the closest and replies “Yes, we’re going to Winterhaven but please talk to the Caravan Master in the first wagon over there.”
“Caravan Master? I am Jondar, a farmer from around here.”
“Well met Jondar I am Jaltro and this is my wife Nina. Do you know a place to set up camp for tonight?”
“”Set up camp? There is no time for that. A messenger came earlier today and we all need to go to Winterhaven as fast as possible. There will be an important announcement by the king tomorrow morning. I am going to try and catch up with my family and wish you all the best in your travels.”
With that Jondar turns his horse and rides of.
Jaltro quickly discusses matters and it is decided that the caravan will continue through the night. Nobody really wants to be this close to a historic event and miss it. So onwards they go. As the sun is setting behind them they light torches. In the end they make good time and are close to Winterhaven when the dawn is not far away.
