Quinten Log 158

Halyard Village: Dirt Path

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Halyard Village *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A relative-sized dirt path, this somewhat makeshift road runs from the main

square of the village, through the forest - which borders the trail on both

sides - and opens out onto the sandy shore. Shallow wheel-ruts run parallel

along the path, and they are more often than not filled with murky water.

There is even, at one point, an abandoned and rotting wagon pushed off to the side of the road, and it has obviously thrown a wheel at some point in the past. One might want to watch for bothersome rocks if they come wagoning this way.

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Walking through the dirt path slowly and in thought. Jarril isn't making any kind of rush to get anywhere, the major having decided to head out of the mountain and go take a look around the area. Carrying his usual attire in case of trouble, the hare looks to be in a calm state, not taking notice of anything but looks can be deceiving...

Walking out of the village is the hare Quinten, he's dressed in his uniform and is carrying a large bundle under one arm and he has his back over his shoulders. He pauses as he sees the Major and salutes him. "MAjor Jarril sir."

Seeing Quinten come into view, Jarril gives a nod of his head before moving to a stop in front of his private. "Ah, 'ello there. So been busy t'day?" The hare taking a look at the bundle.

Quinten nods his head nad pats the bundle "Aye Sir, i came up to do some shopping, needed some new supplies."

Looking about the place, Jarril nods again. "Anything important or just personal artifects?" Feeling a bit uncomfortable in one side, the hare shifts the bow slightly to a more comfortable position.

Quinten smiles and tilts his ears back, "Beeswax actually, we are complelty out in the library so i said i'd come up and get us some more."

Jarril gives a firm nod, which follows by a sly grin on the hare's face. "So, still thinking about being our recorder then?" He moves up to where Quinten is standing and speaks quietly. "But good thinking anyways, we're in need of a few things. At least our weapon problem is sorted, only need one more patrah and we have enough again to finish that job. Even if the carpenters are complaining about the workload."

Quinten nods his head to Jarril and shifts the bundle. "I figure i can record things and still patrol sir." he then lowers his voice and speaks quietly. "Forge is complaining though, we are low on certain metals."

Jarril's face slowly frowns on that one as he looks a bit uneasy on that one. "Hmm, ya don't say." He looks at Quinten. "I hope they put in a report about it ta the upper'ups?"

Quinten nods his head, "Greg said they'd reported it but getting more iron is tricky apparantly."

Frowning, Jarril gives a nod. "Nothing for it then is there?" The only eye on the hare glistens though it's probably a trick of the light from the sun. "We just have ta steal weapons from our enemies from now on. I'll talk ta the colonels about it though." He grins. "Anyways, we're supposed ta be off duty, unless.." He gives a snerk. "Ya want ta go back ta the swamps again?"

Quinten tilts his head to one side and sighs, "Again Major? We haven't found anything in those blasted swamps at all, just that mad mouse and a load of toads. But if you think we have to, your the bosss i just iobey orders."

Beasts wandering into Halyard take all shapes and sizes, and Daclon seems to be just another weary traveler, or at least a beast unable to harm another. Any weapon he may have is out of sight, and his iron hook is missing from his paw. Aside from that, the ferret is much the same as he was in the past, just a little older and wiser than before. Too far away yet to identify the hares, he continues to trudge along the path leading to the road.

Jarril pats Quinten on the shoulder with a paw. "Oh don't worry. Majah Sandleford is there right now with his patrah. Well, we did promise ta keep an eye on the old fellow. They brought him food and stuff, blanks and all."

Quinten nodds his head, "Ahhh well that is good sir, still it was quite an experience meeting the old chap." he glances around the street and moves his bundle. "I did have one thought on where to get iron from. But i don't know if it will do us any good."

Smiling back at Quinten, he starts to move again out of the way of the travellers and stands just off the dirt road. "Hmm, well ya were always the one for old monks." He lifts an ear questionably at Quinten. "Go on,

Daclon continues to work his way along the path, his eye watching where his feet are going, now and then kicking a small cloud of sand into existence as he walks. The ferret is humming softly to himself, completely absorbed in his thoughts.

Quinten turns to follow Jarril and stands next to him. "Miss Apple's shop here in Halyard, it is stuffed with badger wrought weaponry and stock piles of iron and steel. Just...we don't really have any claim on any of it. Considering it was one of ours who killed her, not to mention the fact it rightlfully belongs to her son."

Jarril shakes his head. "No, we won't take that, though we should try and explain ta her son about things and pay him for it. Perhaps send a hare or two ta run the store for him until he's old enough ta run it himself or decide on what ta do with it." Rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "We owe him that much, at least."

Quinten nods his head and thinks, "Well i think he's old enough to understand some of that, and if we set someone up to run te store that could work." he smiles, "I think i know a couple of beasts in Halyard we could probably hire on for the lad."

Daclon pulls a cowl over his head as he nears the hares, shifting the light cloak he's wearing slightly and inconspicuously as he does so, covering his missing paw. An old instinct, and probably one that's not required, but he has no idea what his standing with members of the patrol might be.

Replying back to Quinten. "Well, it's the least we can do anyways and..." Jarril stops and looks about again but shrugs it off as he continues. "I would have sent Darklett ta run the place but I doubt he like that so..."

The hare pauses again and looks at something/one from within the passing group and slowly gets a smile. "Anyways I best head off anyways, things ta do, beasts ta see."

Quinten looks around and shifts on his footpaws, "Well mind if i come along? at least back into town? I'm thinking imight stay in town for a couple of days anyway, see if i can look up those beasts for you."

Daclon is about even with th hares now, continuing at the same unhurried pace he's walked since he came into sight. If he's nervous at all, there's no sign, meaning he probably isn't up to anything. Why the ferret is at Halyard again is a mystery, but he no doubt has some reason.

Jarril gives a nod at Quinten. "Well, okay but I ain't sure when we're being called on duty again so don't hang about ta long here." The major walks towards the village casually.

Quinten nods his head, "I should be able to speak to them in a day or so." he glances at the ferret and tilts his head to one side, trying to wor out what kind of beast they are.

Jarril gives Quinten a slight frown. "Now, now, Quinten lad. It's a bit rude ta stare. Eyes front and all, wot." The major speeding up a bit to a better comfortable walking pace for the runner.

Daclon ignores the two hares, pressing on towards the village. The cowl shades the upper half of his face, so that only his tattooed jaw can really be seen. He glances towards them only once, then slows slightly as they speed up.

Quinten blinks, "But...Major...i think thats a ferret, shouldn't we at least talk to em inase they are someone we're looking for?"

Noticing the tattooed jaw, Jarril just gives a grin as he looks at where

Quinten is. "Oh don't worry, I have no doubt that we be approached but on that beasts own terms wherever it feels safe enough ta talk." Giving Quinten a serious look. "Now, ya keep quiet when that happens and let me do the talking."

Daclon takes little more notice of the hares, continuing along. If he has heard anything of what they said, he gives no sign. A slight, salty smelling breeze ruffles his cloak, and the ferret shakes his shoulders slightly to realign it. Aside from a brief pause as he does so, he continues to move towards the town.

Quinten blinks and looks at the Major, "What? Why is that sir? Who is that then?"

Jarril simply replies. "I'm not at a position ta say at the moment, just trust me on this one and no mentioning anything ta anyone over this either." Slowly they finally reach the entrance of the village itself as the dirt road widens out to the street in front of them.

The cowled ferret continues onto the street, headed for the western square. He walks as though he knows the town, and heads in a practically straight line towards the tavern, cutting through a small group of beasts as he heads to the door.

Halyard Tavern: Main Room

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Halyard Tavern ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Warmly lit by torches along the walls and lanterns set upon the many tables

scattered around the room, the main room of the Halyard Tavern is an often-

populated area. One corner of the tavern is taken up by a stage, about a

foot or two higher than the rest of the floor, where live entertainment

performs, while circular tables, both large and small, are set up in front

of the stage, spreading out into the center of the room. Meanwhile, around

the perimeter of the tavern, booths are set, and, of course, the obligatory

bar rests against the far wall, a bartender or barmaid always on duty.

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Following the beast in from behind, Jarril stands there and hands Quinten some coins. "Get us some drinks and one for whom I'm about ta see."

Leaving Quinten where he is, the hare makes his way through the tavern to

one of the far tables in a dark part of the tavern where Daclon would be either arriving or sitting.

Quinten blinks and still looks puzzled by all of this and heads for the bar, he grabs the barhares attention and orders three ales, waiting for them to be delivered.

Daclon is sitting at one of the tables, not the farthest one back, but one where he can see almost all of what's happening in the bar. The ferret watches Jarril's approach, not really concerned at all with Quinten's presence.

Sitting down at the other side of the table, Jarril just nods his head and speaks. "So, how are things?" The eyes from the hare never leave the direction where Daclon is. "I thought ya would've left the area by now, considering..."

Quinten walks over fromt he bar, carrying three tankards, he sets one down before the Major and then another before their strange guest before sitting himself down at the table, putting his packages on the floor.

Daclon peers around the room as Jarril speaks, and not seeing anyone who would recognize him, removes his cowl. "Considerin' what? It's not as if I have any other place to be." He accepts the drink from Quinten, smelling it and then taking a short drink, nodding his approval. "Hardly expected to see ya here."

Jarril doesn't take a drink at the moment but he replies back. "Well, things happened that required my immediate return." Looking at the ferret he speaks. "Now, before my young private here reminds me on a few matters, I need to say something. I'm under unders ta escort ya from this region, willingly or not. However it's one I am not willing ta follow." He gives Quinten a warning glance before returning his gaze to where Daclon is. "I need ya help."

Quinten blinks as Jarril mentions his order and the fact he is not going to obey them and pauses his tankard halfway to his lips. He stares at Jarril and then back at Daclon and his eyes go wide in recognition at last. "Sir..."

Jarril gives Quinten another warning glance again...

Daclon crosses his arms, leaning back in his chair. He's quiet for a brief moment, then shrugs. "No guarantees. What do ya need?" The ferret grins slightly as Quinten realizes him, but his gaze remains on Jarril.

Quinten shakes his head and falls silent drinking his ale.

Jarril replies back. "We've known each other now for a few seasons, enemies as it were but we've always played on the warriors honourable system which is why I am taking a risk with this. Otherwise I would follow my ordahs without a question and I still will." Taking up his tankard, the major takes a sip before placing it back onto the table again. "I need someone who won't scare vermin away due ta the new ordahs and help find out where this new horde is, especially where our young ones are being kept."

Daclon remains still, the only sign of irritation being a slight rippling of his forearm muscles as his paw squeezes his bicep. "I've been out of the news stream for awhile... I wasn't aware of any horde on the west shore."

Slowly, Jarril nods his head. "Well, there is and they've been known ta attack vermin as well. They're into the killing and skinning business if ya can get that thought into ya head. It's woken us lot up, my superiors are really pissed on the matter hence I'm supposed ta escort ya from these lands." He bites his lower lip. "No doubt ya be wondering what's in it for ya, but I can't offer anything, its not official but all I could say is that it would be best afterwards ta just leave the area, it be safer for a while at least."

Quinten taps his claws on the table and frowns, wondering why the ferret would offer to help Jarril find the Peltreapers if he doesn't get anything out of it."

Daclon reaches for his drink, taking several swallows in an attempt to buy some time to think. Placing the mug down, the ferret taps his claws idly on the tabletop, pondering what he should do. "An' if I don't help, what happens then?"

Jarril gives a reply. "I'll follow my ordahs and escort ya from these lands. Look, all I care for is the safe return of our young ones." He frowns and then gives a sigh, seeing a possible future slip from him. "Fine, if ya can find out where they are, I'll give ya my entire fortune I have saved up over the seasons. Ya can head off ta Mossflower or wherever and start again but never return back here."

Quinten blinksa nd sits up straighter, "MAjor....his help is not worth that much, we stand more chance of finding them on our own.

Daclon turns slightly to look at Quinten, his fangs showing in an unpleasant looking smile. "Aye, ya're doin' fine from what I've heard so far." His attention swings back to Jarril. "Not the entire patrol could drive me and my beasts off the shore, so ya can give up that idea. As for helpin'..." The ferret begins to tap his claws on the table again, eyeing his drink.

Jarril looks at where Quinten is and frowns. "Money isn't everything, I'd give all of it away if it meant the safety of our young ones." Shaking his head, he looks away from Quinten. "Maybe one day ya learn that lesson." He does though return his gaze to Daclon.

Quinten shakes his head, "If you say so Major, your my officer so i'll support your actions."

Daclon continues to tap, still looking at his drink. "It's hardly my job to go bounty-huntin', much less get mixed up in somethin' with another horde." The ferret takes another drink, then looks up. "I'll need another condition, but it's somethin' I decide, not ya. Alright?"

Jarril frowns back. "That depends on the condition and I need ta know that one before I agree on anything."

Quinten stays quiet for now sipping his ale and watching

Daclon nods briefly. "I want a promise that the patrol won't attack my beasts for at least a season. That's all." The ferret finishes his drink, setting the mug aside. "Not to hard, is it?"

Jarril ponders this one. "That depends on your actions during that season. Any forceful takeover, capturing, killing of any good beast within this region will terminate the agreement and we go ta war." The hare looks at the ferret. "I won't just stand there and see anyone get harmed. However, I can't promise that one. I would have ta see my superior on the matter. But if we find them before ya do, then the whole thing is off."

Quinten shifts and looks at the Major and then Daclon and nods, "We'll find them Major it is just a matter of time."

Daclon nods once more, brief and curt. "Deal. I'll see what I can do. Most of my beasts know the shore, and I have a few freelance contacts as well."

Jarril nods back at Daclon. "I'll try and get your condition agreed on but I can't really guarantee it. However, we still be looking and if we find out first. No deal, however best ta keep out of our way for the time being." Slowly he gets up and looks at Daclon. "We still have our duel ta finish at one point as well, don't forget that." Looking at Quinten. "Let's go."

Quinten blinks "Duel..." he starts to stand up as he is told they are leaving and looks confused

Daclon grins at Quinten's obvious confusion, but says nothing else. Why should he? He's said everything he's going to.

Already at the door, Jarril has slipped outside and leans against the wall of the tavern, alone for a moment as he places a paw on his forehead and shakes it. Composing himself he gets himself ready for when he knows someone will be coming out right after him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Halyard Village *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Surrounded on most sides by short, squat buildings, none any higher than two

levels, the main square of this small, sea-side village is covered in a fine

layer of dirt, which mostly covers the old cobble stone beneath. Many of the

buildings lining the square are homes, though some are places of business -

and, of course, there are the obligatory pubs. However, pubs are not the only staple of a small village, especially not this one. Scattered here and there upon sidewalks and in front of stores, various fishing nets and traps lie about, most considerably worse for wear. It's obviously a fishing village.

Beyond that, a dirt road runs north and south from the square, with a small

scattering of homes, and behind these, a backdrop of trees. Meanwhile, beyond the trees lies the shore.

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Quinten hurries outside after the Major and looks around for him, "Major jarril..."

Jarril gives a frown as he see's Quinten. "Now before ya start.. Okay... What is it?"

Quinten slows to a stop, "What? What is what?"

Staring at Quinten. "Ya clearly have something on ya mind, so out with it."

Quinten shakes his head, 2That was Daclon...wasn't it? We are at war with them...how can you offer him something like that."

Jarril gives Quinten a frown. "Because I can and because I have seen what damage those peltreapers have done while at the mountain. We're not got a sniff of where they've gone and I really don't care Quinten." He walks away from the tavern wall and frowns. "Who knows how many are dying or have died under their claws while we are out here searching and getting nowhere. I have a responsibility and some of them were in my classes. So it's my own risk, if it means the odds have gone up on our favour then so be it. But being a day in captivity to those evil..." Pausing, the major shakes his head. "Well, it's ta long. Besides, others have crossed the line and got away with it. Maybe I was stupid in thinking that I could do anything while not crossing it. So unless ya know where they are, I'd shut up about it."

Quinten walks along behind Jarril his ears drooping back, "Sorry major...sorry...your right...we have to do something. At least what you did is honourable in the fact your trying to find our missing young ones...i'll stand with you sir don't worry. Just it was a bit of a shock,."

Jarril continues to walk as he replies back. "Well, ya be the only one then, my cousin will kick me out for this if he finds them before we do and I have no doubt there won't be a single hare left that will talk ta me. But if it means I be homeless and poor, as long as they be safe it's worth the price." The major looks ahead as he walks slowly. "One day ya realise that us officahs aren't that bad in a way. We do anything ta ensure those under our command are safe, it's something that ya can't learn by reading books." Looking up to the sky the hare smiles. "I just hope however this is played out that history will be fair ta me."

You say, "If your going to be thrown out for this sir if the Colonel finds out, I'll stand by you and leave with you, your trying to find our young ones. Yet Major Darklett dropped Miss Apple and i didn't hear anything happen to him at all, self defence or not something shoul dhave been done even if it was te delay in re-instating his commission but nothing happened."

Looking at something he smiles. "Aye well, it was brought ta a vote and pretty much everyone wanted something good ta happen after what had happened. I doubt he would've got back in otherwise but he did help bring the mountain back. I don't think he get away with it again though, he's had his lucky escape, ya get one of those once and that's it usually." Jarril gives a sly grin and looks at Quinten, changing the subject. "So ya were surprised about the duel I have ta finish with Daclon. Haven't ya read the rep.. No, I suppose ya wouldn't have."

Quinten frowns as the Major speaks and just shakes his head, "No sir i've not read about it, i didn't know you had to fight Daclon." he still seems troubled and pushes his ears back with one paw.

This makes Jarril laugh as he shakes his head. "No one made me fight him but it was something that happened when Daclon had control of the entire village and we tried ta get it back. Ya weren't here then. Taye was just a recruit until a battle later on where I gave him field promotion. But before that I challenged Daclon to a fight ta the death on who would leave the village. It was one on one and so we both went from behind our lines and met up in the middle of the big main square."

Quinten nods his head listening to this, "And what happened then? Your both still alive so something must have gone wrong."

Flicking an ear to get rid of a bee or other flying insect, Jarril answers. "Aye something happened but I wasn't sure who started it. But I think both me and Daclon was annoyed that our fight was intterupted. Ya see, it was the most honourable fight that I have evah had with a vermin before. There was no cheating, no sneak attacks. We followed all of the rituals, the rules of combat, everything. Ya know how rare it is for someone who leads a group of killers ta be like that?" Pausing the hare shakes his head. "I suppose in a twisted way, Daclon is interesting ta me. He'd be a good ally if he took the good road but I suppose he chose his path. He's had plenty of time ta kill me with a quick attack behind my back but he never did. It's not a honourable thing ta do. I haven't a clue if he does that with anyone else but I suppose I have gained his interest as well."

Quinten nods his head in surprise, "Yes sir, that is definatly a surprise to hear that, i mean i've never heard of a vermin to fight honourably in battle in such a way. I half expected you to tell me a group of his horde beasts jumped you and you had to be rescued by the patrol."

Jarril shakes his head on that one. "No, nothing quite like that. There was a fight, we both got back ta our part of the village and the fighting stopped. But I wouldn't test it with him though, like I said. I haven't a clue if it's just me or if he will do that for anyone else. But I don't trust him fully however, I'd be a fool if I did and he doesn't trust me. It's still a risky game ta play with him and even moreso which is why I am hoping that we find them before he does." He frowns. "My honour is at stake now Quinten, lad. It make Daclon win if any terms are broken, that's the war we have with each other. Who will break their honour first."

Quinten nods his head and sighs, "Complicated bussiness this....you know this time last year i had a life of being a farmer ahead of me. Then the vermin came and now look at me, i'm a Private in the Patrol." he shakes his head and sighs, "It is definatly a complicated bussiness."

Jarril gives Quinten a pat on the shoulder. "Well, sorry ya had ta be there for it. Usually it's just me and him meeting alone. If ya need ta, step out of this now. As ya get higher, more things get more complicated"

Quinten shakes his head, "No Sir, you need someone at your back through all this and looks like your stuck with me." he grins at the Major and eyes him sideways, "And i bet you where hoping to get shot of me when i made Private."

Jarril blinks. "And what made ya get that idea from? Ya placed where ya placed. Besides I think Zeraph was more surprised ya came into our patrah though."

Quinten shrugs, "I was always the problem recruit Major, always just assumed you'd want me out of your fur for a bit." he blinksa d shakes his head, "Zer was?"

Jarril chuckles. "In a good way and besides, ya were like any other recruit. But I have a plan ya see. If we get out of this, ya going ta do some classes with the next lot of recruits. All is fair in love and war, see how ya like taking the receiving end."

Quinten blinks and takes a step back, "Hey steady on sir...me train recruits? They'll never behave for a Private i'm just a no body patroller to most of the new class."

Jarril snerks back. "Rubbish, it help ta build ya character and ability ta give out ordah's later on. Besides which ya got ya first day in two days time. Ya be teaching them about ya experiences while at the abbey, what differences there are from here and there, how ta take ordahs and all." He gives a really sly grin. "Although if ya can find out where the peltreapers are, I could postpone that until we get them back." He looks upwards at the sky. "Call it, positive motivation..."

Quinten smirks and leaps forwards, "Well wot we waiting for sah...lets get down and have a look about those swamps," he slides to a stop and smiles, "I know we should go at night and hide during the day, spend a week or so camped out there keeping watch during the darkness. See if we see anything."

Jarril laughs his head. "Fine, we head out tonight but er, aren't ya forgetting something?" He looks back to where the village is. "Apple's store, although we can sort that out another day but don't leave it ta long.

I wouldn't be surprised if Daclon was about when we were discussing that and although I am sure he's honourable, I don't think the rest are and it be ta tempting ta rob the place. I head on and get our patrah sorted. Make sure ya back before nightfall."

Quinten salutes and calls after the Major, "Are we going out dyed or not?" he looks towards the main street and heads off to find the beasts he knows."

Calling back. "Dyed I think so ya best get back as soon as possible." Not saying anything else he starts to run off in the direction back to the mountain.

- End Log