The Locket and the Medallion

Hal weighs his options, and more importantly, the gold in his coin purse. He looks at Reynore and answers, "How much for the medallion and the locket?"

The elf smiles, "We'll call it 40 gold. I should charge you more, but you remind me of my old friend, so I've given you a discount."

He smiles back, counting out 40 gold coins and handing them to the travelling mage. He tries not to baulk at how lightweight his coin purse has become as he hands the coin over. Reynore hands him the locket, but keeps the medallion in her hand. She turns, grabbing something else from the back of her wagon. Hal waits for her, unsure what object she'll return with. Soon after, Reynore brings him the medallion and an envelope, addressed to 'The Ranger deemed worthy'. "What's this?" He asks, confused.

"When Lucius left me his medallion, he asked me to give this letter to whoever I sell it to. I'm not sure what it says, but I hope the medallion serves you well." She explains, passing him the letter.

"I see. Well, thank you for everything. Before I go, do you know anywhere I could take a contract?"

"Try the guard station, near the West Gate. They normally have bounty hunting or mercenary work."

"Thank you, Reynore. I hope to see you again"

"Good luck on your contracts, Ranger." She smiles, watching him leave.

Hal walks away from the market, putting the locket in his satchel and pulling the medallion around his neck. He smiles, it fits perfectly and feels natural, like it was made for him. He continues walking, before curiosity gets the better of him and he decides to read the letter. He leans against a wall and opens the envelope with his seax, pulling out what appears to be a letter written years ago, on yellowed parchment with half-faded ink. It reads;

'To the Ranger deemed worthy,

My name is Lucius Helias Greyspear. I am, or by the time you read this, was a Ranger. I operated in Atria, usually in Wardhurst or the nearby areas. I had no children, no heir, and no apprentices, and yet I will die a wealthy man. My gold is to be gifted to the people, but my gear belongs to one who will use it. I have left my equipment in a small shack on my estate, buried twelve feet beneath the earth. Should you be capable of finding the stash, it will all belong to you. May they serve you well, as they served me.

Lucius Greyspear, Ranger.'

Hal grins, folding the letter and placing it back in his satchel. He needs to find out more about Lucius Greyspear and his estate. He makes his way along the main city road, heading to the West Gate and the nearby Guard Station. Hal recognises the gate as the same one he rode through with Faldor, though now that he's on foot he is more observant of the area, which has at least twenty guards, all patrolling in pairs. The guard station is made up of two large stone buildings, one appears to be an armoury and the other is a barracks. They are connected with stone walls, forming an open air training yard in the centre. With most guards on duty, only a few cadets and a few greybeards are there, practicing or giving orders. Hal walks over to an older man who appears to be in charge. "Who's in charge here?" He asks

The man looks him up and down before responding. "I am, at least while the commander isn't here. Lieutenant Barrett at your service. And you are?"

"Hal. I'm a Ranger, looking for work." He offers his hand for the lieutenant to shake.

Barrett takes his hand and shakes it firmly, his suspicious expression softening as he sees the medallion signifying Hal's words to be true. "A ranger, eh? Haven't had one of your kind here in a while. Just starting out, are we?"

Hal nods "I finished my apprenticeship a few weeks back. This would be my first proper contract."

"Then I have just the thing for you, lad. Mercenary contract to deal with a bandit camp in Warden Forest. Think you can handle it?"

"I can. Where exactly is this camp?"

"We're not certain, and they might move around. They hit a number of targets at a time, in small groups. They mostly rob, but I've heard of them killing too. Also heard a barkeep managed to get past them when his bodyguard killed them all, but the bodyguard got injured in the fight. Maybe speak to them?" He suggests.

"That sounds... wait a moment..." He realises who the barkeep and bodyguard Barrett is speaking about is. "I think you're talking about me, Barrett. I'm the bodyguard."

"You are?" He appears shocked "I heard the bodyguard, sorry, you got injured pretty badly."

"I heal fast" Hal chuckles, taking the piece of parchment with the contract on it. "I'll take the contract. I expect to see you in a few days."

"Bring back something to prove you killed their leader. A head, maybe, or some sigil."