JohnnyWeird

Storm King's Thunder

As Xolkin's men open the gates, Marcon exits with the others and sets up the table and chairs. The gate slams shut, and the young Tumari warrior smirks.

"'No courage like a Northman's behind a wall.' Olgalla had the right of it."

Storm King's Thunder

Marcon nods to the Captain's dismissal.

"Anchor, give me a hand with this table? We'll also need some chairs."

Storm King's Thunder

Briefly overwhelmed by the praise, Marcon recovers himself.

"Marcon Astoro, Captain. The negotiations Anchor suggests are the best first step, with plans should things go away. "The greatest victories are won with an undrawn sword," as the Swordsage points out."

Condfident that a military man will recognize the wisdom of "The Battle Mind", the young Tumari moves to grab some chairs.

Storm King's Thunder

Taking a swig if water to wash down breakfast, Marcon responds candidly.

"Rotenvahn's "Tactical Meditations" advises against this kind of fight entirely. You possess more area than you can control and face an unknown but likely superior number of foes who can attack from any direction.

"With respect to Mistress Darkhope's plan, we penetrated the keep's defenses with almost no difficulty, and the orcish boldness will only hasten their entry."

At the lady's insinuations about his companions, the young warrior snorts.

"Mistress Darkhope, these gentlemen and I are already engaged in a quest to liberate those captured in the previous raid. They would no more betray you than they would stop to pick daisies. We intend to leave Nightstone as soon as convenient, and advise that you and Captain Alessander do the same. The orcs will likely allow safe passage in exchange for their pick of The town's plunder."

Storm King's Thunder

"Without bread, peasants, soon or late / Will lose taste for their potentate."

The words of Geres Graythrone are delivered wryly by the young Tumari warrior as he fishes some rations from his pack.

" I'm less concerned about breakfast, Captain, than I am about this orcish incursion you mentioned. How do you like your chances against them?"

Storm King's Thunder

"The nobility of Orcs is clear," Treganne wrote, "in light of the savagery of Men."

Thinking of the seizure of Nightstone not twelve hours ago, Marcon chuckles as he girls himself in armor and equips himself. As before, he has his shield and sword, but will begin with the longbow ready.

Storm King's Thunder

Bowing formally to Mistress Darkhope and nodding respectfully to Captain Alessander, Marcon follows his comrades into the inn. As Thorgen of Thay maintains, there is safety in numbers.

Storm King's Thunder

"None whatsoever. Please allow me a moment."

Marcon sets down his rucksack and rummages in it briefly. He pulls out a package, sealed and untampered.

"Mistress Darkhope, I was entrusted with this from Tenfinger Tomyris of Innarlith. Like the Herald in "Seven Letters", I present it to you with her compliments."

Storm King's Thunder

Marcon quirks an eyebrow, but understanding finally dawns.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Captain Alessander. We are just arrived in Nightstone ourselves to find that giants have abducted the populace and goblins cavort amidst the ruins. We go to rescue nany survivors, who I am sure will be grateful for your repairing and rebuilding."

The Tumari fighter slings his shield over his back, feeling satisfied in the explanation these men have offered.

"As to your Gella Darkhope, should we find her alive, we will return her here for your attentions. But, as Tiven Tivenson might point out, we cannot find someone whose appearance is unknown to us. Can you describe her?"

Storm King's Thunder

"Swagger is the finest armor," Marcon quotes Caspian The Duelist softly before making his approach, his sword sheathed but visible and his shield still strapped on. As he approaches, his smile is wide and his voice booming and friendly.

"Well met, friends! How are we this evening?"