AA3 9 -Request II (Patreon)

Verdan received a missive from Commander Silver later in the day, explaining that there had been a second meeting with the Kranjir.

The Kranjir had stated that the weapons were to be used in defence of their home following a surge in monster attacks. 

The impression that Verdan had gotten from Barb was that the clans relied on a few elite warriors. If that were the case, Verdan could imagine how a surge of monsters would cause issues.

Verdan was reluctant to part with enchanted weapons, but now that he was focusing on the matter, he wasn’t so sure. Not wanting to spread them around made sense, but they had a limited lifespan without him there to recharge them, so the threat was minimal.

Logically, it made more sense to allow the sale and make allies of the Kranjir Clan, but Verdan wanted at least a face-to-face meeting. 

Sending a message back to Silver, Verdan went to find Barb. It was time to meet this Keeper.

-**-

The Kranjir caravan was much quieter by the time Verdan and Barb arrived. The sun was going in, and a few dark clouds were on the horizon, so there was a lot less foot traffic through the city as well.

The Kranjir dominated their section of the square, having set up a camp that incorporated their wagons to give a more impressive shelter than Verdan had expected.

If Verdan had to guess, he’d put the total number of people in the caravan to around a hundred, which included a good number of guards to keep everything safe.

Several of those guards were stationed around the exterior of the camp that had been put together, with the closest moving to intercept them as they approached.

Barb called out something in Kranj to the approaching guard that turned into a short conversation, which ended in the two of them waiting where they were while the guard left.

“He’s going to speak with the Keeper,” Barb explained as the guard walked away.

Verdan nodded slightly and turned his focus to the caravan as a whole while he waited. There was little metal on display that Verdan could see. The main material used was a dark-coloured wood of some kind.

Several of the nearby wagons had intricate carvings along the side, which caught Verdan’s eye. The design of the patterns seemed somewhat similar in style to that of the scars the Kranjir all bore. Perhaps denoting allegiance or where they were from?

The guard’s return interrupted Verdan’s musing, and the two of them were swiftly escorted into the camp.

“The Keeper waits inside,” the guard said with a thick burr in his accent, gesturing for them to head inside a large canvas tent that had been assembled against the side of a wagon.

Thanking the guard, Verdan pulled aside the tent entrance and stepped through, a shield spell on his lips, just in case.

Thankfully, the interior was a cross between an office and a meeting space, with a small set of steps leading into the wagon at the far end.

A long table sat in the middle of the area, with two dark-haired Kranjir standing on the far side.

The first was a middle-aged man with a robust build, a short grey beard, blue eyes and the most elaborate scarring that Verdan had seen so far.

The second man was younger but held a strong family resemblance to the first man. Despite the age difference, he had almost as many ritual scars on him as the first, though of a different design.

“I am Keeper Macstan of Clan Thrain,” the older man said, holding a hand out in greeting as Verdan stepped inside. “Be welcome as our guest for this discussion.”

“Thank you. I hope we can come to an agreement of some sort,” Verdan said as he walked over to clasp the Keeper’s hand.

“An open mind is all we ask,” the Keeper said, gesturing to the younger man to his side as he continued. “This is Ciaran Macstan, Chosen of Clan Thrain and my son. He will be providing what direct information we can give.”

“A pleasure to meet you both. I am Verdan Blacke. Please, call me Verdan.”

“In that case, please call me Sebastian,” the Keeper said before waving to a chair at the table. “Please, be seated. We will break bread before continuing. Barb of Clan Baorlin, you may stay or leave at your choice.”

“I will stay, Keeper,” Barb said respectfully, taking a seat next to Verdan as the four of them sat down.

The entrance opened a moment later as food and drink were brought in and set between them.

Sebastian poured out what looked like four small glasses of strong amber alcohol, passing them out evenly before raising his glass. “To the continued survival of our peoples.”

Barb and Ciaran echoed the words, so Verdan followed suit, knocking back the drink as he did and wincing at the burn in his throat.

“We should press to business, Keeper,” Ciaran said, giving his father a pointed look as they all put their glasses down.

“Aye, we should,” Sebastian said in a tired voice, pushing his glass to one side as he focused on Verdan. “Commander Silver implied that the final decision on any sale is yours. Have you made that decision?”

“Not yet,” Verdan said, setting his own glass aside as he considered his response. “Commander Silver has given me only some basic details. What exactly are you looking for?”

“We had two requests,” Sebastian said after a short pause. “The first was for enchanted arrows, and the second was for enchanted blades and armour. As I understand it, though, there is little armour available?”

“We have focused mainly on weaponry, yes,” Verdan nodded. “What has been made has been designed for humans fighting monsters, so without a full suit of armour, it would make less difference than an effective weapon.”

“Understood,” Sebastian shared a look with Ciaran before continuing. “We would still be interested if possible, but arrows and blades are what we need most.”

“What sort of creatures are you fighting?” Verdan looked between the two Kranjir as he saw the discomfort on their faces. “I understand I’m not one of your people, but I need to know if I’m going to approve anything.”

“I must admit, I’m uncomfortable sharing information with a Southerner,” Sebastian said before taking a deep breath and nodding to Barb. “Your companion vouches for you, however, so I will trust in Clan Baorlin. Ciaran will explain.”

Ciaran nodded and leaned forward with an intent expression. “There are two threats to our people. The first is a warband of creatures known as the Darjee. Are you familiar with them and the threat they pose?”

“I am. We fought against them last year when they were pushing south.”

“Good, then you understand why they are such a priority for us. The second is a winged race of creatures known as the Vespa. They are usually content to their mountains, but in recent years have been growing increasingly aggressive.”

“I know of them as well,” Verdan’s grim tone brought curious looks from both of the Kranjir. “Have they been acting more organised than usual?”

“I’m not sure what you mean?” Ciaran shared a confused look with his father before turning back to Verdan.

“Hobson’s Point was attacked by Vespa around six months ago, but we found evidence that the attacks had been targeted. Some sort of potion was used as either a lure or some sort of marker for them.”

“What evidence did you find?”

“We recovered some of the potion used. We believe the Weeping Death Sect was responsible, considering that they were trying to take over the city at the time.”

“That is concerning, but thankfully, they aren’t one of the Sects that comes north of the mountains,” Sebastian said with a heavy frown.

“The Defiant Flame was involved in their scheme as well, so that may not be as definitive as we would like,” Verdan pointed out, making the two other men grimace.

“That is unfortunate, and it will be something we look into,” Sebastian said before conversing briefly with his son in Kranj. “Thankfully, what you’ve described is different to what we’re experiencing, but we will remain vigilant.”

Verdan let out a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding before nodding. “I’m glad to hear it. What exactly is the problem you are having then?”

“The Vespa have been growing increasingly aggressive and are ranging further from their territory with each passing year. They are a secondary threat to us at the moment, but that won’t be the case for much longer.” 

“I see,” Verdan nodded slightly as he considered their words. “So you’re looking for these weapons to assist with the Darjee but mainly to prepare for the Vespa?”

Sebastian looked a little confused by Verdan’s response and shared a look with his son before replying. “No, the Darjee are by far the more urgent threat. These weapons are vital to driving them off.” 

“I’m not sure I understand,” Verdan said slowly. “Darjee are a threat, but they are a fairly mundane one from what I’ve experienced. Why do you need enchanted weaponry for them?”

If anything, the two Kranjir looked more confused by Verdan’s statement before Sebastian’s expression cleared. “The Darjee you fought, were they hunting, or was it a warband?”

“Hunting, I think. I’m not sure what the difference would look like.”

“Hunting groups are comprised of a dozen or more small groups of Darjee. They base themselves in a conquered ruin or some fastness they can defend and scour the area. While problematic, you would face only unsupported Darjee. A warband, however, is what they send to capture settlements or scatter resistance, to allow the hunting to continue.”

“I see, and that contains more than Darjee?” 

“Beasts of war bred to kill and destroy will be unleashed on their victims. A warband will also have several Bonecallers, their equivalent of Sorcerers. Cruel and vicious things with foul items made from the corrupted bones of those they kill.”

Verdan’s lip curled in disgust as he recalled the collar fashioned of bone fastened around Sylvie’s neck in her wolf form. “I’m familiar with their work.”

“Then you understand why we need enchanted weapons to fight back.”

Verdan nodded silently as he considered their request. Knowing what they were up against, he was far more inclined to agree, but he still wanted a bit more information. 

“What of your glaichsteel and the Chosen? Can they not fight off the Darjee?”

Ciaran bristled at Verdan’s words, but Sebastian laid a hand on his son’s shoulder to calm him. “The Chosen do as much as they can, but there are limits, and we are pressed thin. We have evacuated our nearby holds now that there is an active warband, but within a few weeks of our return, I expect them to attack us.”

“If you’re on a timeline, when do you need to leave?”

“Within the week would be preferable, but we can wait longer if needed. Arriving home with no support is worse than being late.”

“I see,” Verdan said, his mind made up. “I can not stand by when such creatures are threatening innocents. I will speak with Commander Silver and let him know that I will be creating both armour and weaponry for you. Give what you consider reasonable to the city as a gift once you have received the equipment.”

Both of the Kranjir relaxed at Verdan’s statement, and Sebastian gave Verdan a respectful nod. “Clan Thrain owes you a favour. We will not forget this.”

Verdan nodded and got to his feet once more. “Thank you, but we’re not quite done yet. I will need several of your warriors to join me at my estate tomorrow. Then we can begin working on what you need.”