A Meeting On The Road

“Father?” Sabina squinted at a figure riding a lepsi and waving approached from down the road.

“Sabina!” Halen cried jumping off his antlered mount before it had stopped moving and sweeping his daughter up in a hug. “The Machine is with me today. I did not think I would catch you before you returned to Meadowfort.”

“W-what are you doing here?” She asked incredulously, patting her father on the back with a dazed look in her eyes.

“It’s Meadowfort.” Halen said, finally letting go of Sabina to talk to the whole group. “Bandits have set up camp in the old fort. They are demanding we pay tribute to them in exchange for protection.”

“I heard this is a common racket in remote areas. How could it be happening here in the Aeln Dominion so close to Marth?” Kamelia asked.

“The bandits are like a small army. There were at least a hundred of them when they came to Meadowfort. Who knows how many others are out there.”

“How is our mother?” Jarel asked exchanging looks with his siblings.

“She’s fine. Marianna has gone and taken up leadership as she always does. Serepia and her should be able to keep things together in Meadowfort till we return.”

“Father, that road you were riding along. That doesn’t lead home.”

“You are right on that, my dear. I was just in Marth. Went to talk to the Guild about getting some help against the bandits.”

“What did they say?” Sari asked.

“I...don’t want to turn your opinions against the Guild. It does good work and if you stick with this adventuring, they are the best support you are going to get in on the Machine. But the higher ups, the old fogies that are in charge...They are more interested in filling the Guild’s coffers and uncovering artifacts from the Machine Proper. They are too wrapped up in the Guild’s prestige and image and not interested in actually helping people.”

“They aren’t coming to help.” Kamelia stated with scorn.

“I arrived in the early hours of the morning and despite my insisting that this was an emergency they **** me to wait for the Guild Masters to wake, breakfast and arrive for work. Once I finally got a meeting, they told me none of the experienced parties were available to help but if I wanted a less experienced group there were plenty on standby.”

“And you picked us?” Jarel scratched his chin.

“Yes. Meadowfort is your home and despite your lack of experience I know you will all fight to defend it.”

The Meadowfort Starling nodded in agreement. They would take back their town from the bandits.