Musings of a Future Baron - 5. Akiros and Kressle

Toilday 20 Gozran 4710

Akiros Insmort. The Stag Lord’s right hand man. We learned much of you today. Not as prone to violence as some would believe. You asked us to leave the Stolen Lands in peace, pointing out that the Stag Lord has been collecting taxes peacefully until we showed up to disturb the peace. How is the bandit king any different than us?

I don’t know what peace you were speaking of. Kressle’s little band was rather violent. Nonetheless, both you and Kressle seem reasonable, merely on the wrong side of the coin here. I can tell there can be redemption, but it will require work.

I let you go.

Oh yes, Valerie gave me a dirty look, but I did not ask to conquer a land by force. It will happen regardless. Blood has been spilled, and will continue to be spilled. Already we killed your southern scouts. But if by showing mercy, I can convince you to join the right cause, I will take this as a victory. You are not a bad man. And Kressle is no more evil than I am. You both deserve life.

Granted, you didn’t turn immediately, but I know what I’m doing. The seeds of doubt are there. Kressle is sick of the Stag Lord sitting pretty in a fortress while his minions run around dying by my hand. You cannot last long, Akiros, and we will meet again. At that point, you will have to choose. Leave the lands freely, or follow the Stag Lord to destruction. I may be merciful, but I am not stupid, and you will not have another chance.

Kressle gave us a ring for Svetlana. The two have an obvious connection, though I’m not sure exactly what it is. But we allowed her and her band to depart peacefully. She will no longer work for the Stag Lord, and the day has been won.

We also rescued a priest of the Elk God himself, Jhod Kavken. He had been held by the bandits, forced to heal their injuries. The priest told us of a vision sent by Erastil, of an old temple in the Narlmarches. It would seem this temple is host to shadowy creatures and impurities. Perhaps this is the source of the fog that dogs our every step? None of us know where to start looking, but there is an abandoned house the bandits seemed interested in destroying to the north. Answers might be found there.

Of course, this could all be the ramblings of a madman. But we have to start somewhere, and going after Tartuccio is not an option at this point. I have chosen my path, and I must see it through to the end.

We are out of rations after last night. It’s going to take ages to return to the trading post, but we need to stock up. I made a mistake, and it will mean lean nights ahead. It is a mistake I will not make again.

Besides, Svetlana will want her ring back.