An Audience With The King RPG

[The Barrow-Wight]

* * * * * Rhûn * * * * *

Kasteni coughed and spoke quietly to Lovek. “Do not address me as Great Captain. His lordship Mislavini is the only one worthy of that title. You may call me Advisor, as is my proper title. Someone of your experience should set an example for your younger colleagues.”

He turned to the other two and said, “I see you have chosen appropriate mounts for our journey. Such strong beasts will be needed on the long road ahead of his.”

Grabbing the reins of his chariot he shouted, “Let us ride!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The representatives of Ozren rode at a moderate pace through the great west gates of Ozvalda. Kasteni led them, followed closely by his three chosen warriors. Around and slightly behind them, the 11 uniformed members of Mislavini’s Guards held a loose formation that would allow them to surge forward and protect the Advisor at the first sign of danger. Crowds of merchants and visitors seeking entrance into the city gawked at the site of the group, but all of them moved quickly aside to allow the Advisor to pass unhindered.

The group soon passed the throng and rode along the highway that ran westward from the city. On either side for as far as they eye could see were small farms surrounded by fields, mostly empty now that the harvest had passed. Most farmers were in the city filling Mislavini’s silos and selling what little was left for their personal gain. Occasionally the riders would pass a lone oxen-drawn cart that made its slow way toward Ozvalda.

After several miles the road left the great plain that surrounded Ozren’s capital city and climbed slowly into bare, rolling hills. Here there were fewer residences, but now and then they would see a shepherd's hut on some far hilltop. Flocks of sheep grazed contentedly in the distance and birds wheeled silently far above them in the afternoon sun. The land was very quiet.

Kasteni broke the silence, “As you know, the hills here are mostly unoccupied. Most of the larger cities of Ozren are to the north, east, and south of Ozvalda, and we will not find a decent-sized settlement for at least a week. But there are beasts here, and no man or group of men is safe in the open after dark. That is why the hostels have been built along the west highway. They serve as shelter for travelers, protection from the dark things that come out after sunset.”

He looked up frowning at the sun, now far past its noon apex and heading toward the horizon.

“Kiseljak is still many miles before us. Let us increase our pace.

[ September 29, 2002: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]

[ September 29, 2002: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]