1.4 - Payment Up Front

In the morning we headed back to Thornhollow. I was surprised to see Toman waiting for us by the gate, but he looked pleased to see us return. We informed 'Old' Mara that the camp was never haunted, just being used by a group of marauders we took out. If some people headed up there, they'd likely find a good amount of supplies that could last them until another wagon came out that way. She thanked us for that, and for keeping good on our word to not let Toman get hurt. It's not much, but the people there won't soon forget the name Fjarrn Blackmane.

On our way out of town I asked Toman if he wanted to join me. It would be good to have someone woods-wise about. I promised adventure, money, and glory, but it's the simple life he wants and we parted ways.

We return to Harrowfen to claim our pay. The Ward wanted to us to track down the leader of these marauders and put a stop to him, but it had been a tough road and we were hurt and exhausted. At first he scoffed at payment, but when he saw the look Sera gave him at that, he agreed that we had completed the letter of our contract and was forthcoming with the coin. He agreed to let the prisoner leave in exchange for his information. The Ward asked if we would see this through under a new agreement, but I demanded payment in advance this time. He balked at that, but Brynn stepped in and made a deal. We would forgo coin for this job, but he would provide food and lodging while we recuperated for a week before setting off, and provide us with whatever supplies we needed when we left. The quality of food and bed the Ward would provide is easily worth several times what he might have paid us. I knew it would make it difficult to track down Hakon Varr, but we needed time to recuperate.

I made good on my word, and even forewent coin to agree to bring a marauder to justice. The people here know I'm more than just another boastful and arrogant stranger. One day, when all the Ironlands know my name, Harrowfen will be hailed as the town where the greatest story ever told began.

We spent a week then. During the week I spent time thinking, reflecting on where I came from and where I'm going. I needed a symbol. All great leaders have a symbol that strikes fear into their enemies and inspires their allies. I purchased some supplies in the village. There were no fine pigments here but that suited me just fine. Lampblack, clay-stain, horse brushes. These are my tools as I as I envisioned the symbol of Blackmane and painted it upon my shield.

I spent time with my companions: eating, drinking, laughing, the camaraderie was well earned despite the short time we known one another. Sera in particular, I talked with her alone one evening, and we shared our histories in brief as we looked upon the marshes. We flirted some, and she didn't reject me, though neither did she wholly take to me. She's not looking for a liability that charges blindly into danger and thinks only with his muscles. I held out my arm and used my axe to mark the iron cuff I wear on my wrist, I swore by Iron I would prove to her that I can be relied on.

The rest of the week moved much the same as that. Thick stews of meat and vegetables, and dark, hearty, breads help renew stamina like nothing else. After week of a sleep in comfortable beds, my wounds healed and spirits restored, it was time to make good on my word. As we finished loading our packs I remembered what the camp master at the mining camp told us of Hakon Varr's movements. The mining camp was being used as a staging area for supplies, there was another one to south, along the Mire Road. An island in the Blackmere. Everyone in this area knows of that lake. Cold, dark, and treacherous. More than one fisherman has gone missing there, lost forever in it's deep waters. We couldn't know if he'd still be there by the time we arrived, or if he'd already moved on, but it was the only lead we had.