steveflam wrote:THE AULD OAK
ERIN HUNTER says,
''We should take all but a few men of what we have available here, now, and immediately go to Elf Hill. The small reserve can remain here as backup, and to direct other militia toward Elf Hill as needed. But I'm all for a quick shift of force to the Hill. And if we have any magicians, priests, experts of other sorts--we'd better bring those to the fore."
Satisfied, Domenica replies. "Very well then. I Leave it to you to decide who stays as I do not know these citizens. I shall wait by the door with GIMP and Rolf. Will you be joining us?"
ERIN says,
"Yes, I'll lead the militia. The Sheriff is out gathering more men. He will be in charge of the reserve when he gets back. Until then--"
She turns and calls to the bar.
"Brennan, ho! You're an acting sarjent now. Pick ten of the militia to remain with you."
Brennan, the ruddy-faced innkeeper, wastes no time in calling out a group as a reserve. It's nearly all boys and old men.
Erin then turns to the larger gathering. "Alright, men, fall in behind your chosen leaders and all come with me. We're marching only a short way. To Elf Hill.'"
Some of the men make signs against evil, clutch amulets, or whisper prayers.
Other remain silent as they gather into lines.
Erin says, "I know the spooky reputation of that place. And it may live up to it this evening. But I also know the good reputation of Elevesnemiere men and trust you'll live up to that, whatever betide. Let's get moving. Leaders report to me out front in five minutes."
Without further ado, the young lady strides out of the Auld Oak Common room , toward the yard out front where horses are picketed.
The militia begin hurried preparation for a march. As everyone expected orders fairly soon, this takes less time than it would; have taken otherwise. Men snatch up their knapsacks, buckle on swords or heft other weapons, and move towards the front door.
Late arrivals and the freelancers ( a rag tag bunch of hunters, tinkers, armed vagrants and the like) gather around Rennault and his companions. (A small group has already gathered around Rennault Ghonallison.)
Others look to Roald, Cormac, and Foerde for direction.
Someone calls out ''Hey, Foerde is back! And his friend, the Northman hunter!"