Eskil Estate - Bountiful Hollows

Eskil arrived with Ralf in a gray horse. He was at awe at how nice the place looked. Even something like him could appreciate the opportunity that could come from having this place as his abode. There where barely any people here, but that could change in a while. His horse was not as bit as the beautiful white horse Ralf had, but he wasn't going to complain after seeing this.

"Well it certainly exceeds my expectations." he said simply, looking around at the few houses and especially at the forest nearby." Looks like a place for research and studying. Hopefully I can do more than just build this place up."

Eskil smiled blankly." Well I think this is a wonderful place for some new changes. I can see why you see promise here. I promise I will make the best of this place." He got off his horse and tied it down. Looking around he fixed his vision on the people. He wondered how pliable the people here were.

"If these knights come from you, I suppose I can trust them. I'll need materials for building many many things, but those will come in time. I think I'll have a field day here. I can teach you my hunting ways if you want." He said, smirking at Ralf." I am glad you trust me with caring for this place. Opening your heart is the key for growth, if you didn't know."

North of Eskil's Estate a party of horsemen was observed. They rode atop barded white steeds; the sun glimmered off of their plate armor; banners fluttered overhead, displaying the Black Cross set upon a white background. At the forefront was Hochmeister Godwin, supreme commander of the Knight-Brothers. Footmen armed with pikes, crossbows, and other weapons followed behind them. The Brotherhood had seemingly fared well during the Flood; their ships were laden with supplies, and their forces already prepared for such endeavors - such was the way of these crusaders.

This small 'army' was headed towards Eskil's Estate at Ralf Valgard's commands. They were tasked with patrolling the Eastern March, and bolstering the defenses of the borderlords when necessary. That they were coming from the north indicated they were not traveling from the Twin Cities, no, they had already been active in the frontier.

As Godwin's retinue of knights and professional soldiers arrived they halted on the edge of the establishment. "I am Godwin," the man's voice was fierce and raspy. "Inform Eskil of my arrival. The Knight-Brothers are here."

Godwin groaned in frustration. He didn't have the time to speak to petty messengers. He was a man of action, and when something needed to be done expediently then that is exactly the way he intended for it to be done. He clutched the reins of his horse tighter. "Go find him," Godwin growled at the woman, ignoring her question. "Whatever errands he has can wait." Normally, Godwin might have retained some information so as to not alarm the townsfolk, but the enemy was on the move.

"There are orcs in the forests," he said, loud enough for others to hear. "They gather in the darkness and are preparing to strike at your home." He looked at the woman, his one remaining eye squinted, "now, go find Eskil. Unless, that is, you're keen on learning what orcs are capable of doing."

"I expect Ralf did inform you of our eventual arrival," Godwin replied, his one eye piercing Eskil. The Hochmeister carried a certain aura of defiance and authority, and his raspy voice carried that well. "He must have also informed you of potential dangers on the frontier, Lord Eskil. I am Godwin, Hochmeister of the Knights of the Black Cross." He raised one hand to indicate the knights behind them. "These are the Knight-Brothers. There are halbruders with us as well: pike and crossbowmen. The orcs are closing in and before long they will come rushing out of the forest. We're here to help you fight them off."

Godwin took a quick glance at the townsfolk, but his piercing gaze immediately went back to Eskil. "If there are fighters among you, they may join our ranks, or you may lead them yourself. In any case, it is imperative you join us on the battlefield. We can defend from here at the risk of damage to your homes... or we can meet them near the forests edge and fight them in the field. What do you prefer?" As Eskil considered his response, Godwin would say one last thing: "remember. The Twins are watching."

As Eskil scurried back into the town to collect his things Godwin began issuing orders. The camp followers, which included clerics, began to setup a camp on the outskirts of Bountiful Hollows. Tents were raised and fixtures assembled; food was being prepared as well, and all of the fighters present began to check their weapons and armor in preparation for battle. The clerics were non-combatants of the Brotherhood, but they provided a valuable service as healers, enchanters, as well as organizers; with their leadership the camp layout was quite efficient and organized.

The bulk of the allied force consisted of pike regiments and supporting crossbow regiments. The cavalry made up a third of the army, and consisted of the Knight-Brothers themselves as well as light cavalry. Those light cavalry units were tasked with scouting and would report back as soon as they saw enemy movement.

When Eskil returned he would find Godwin directing a number of subordinates. "Adhesive fire?" he asked inquisitively. Godwin was known for his hard and ruthless nature, but now his curiosity was piqued and now he seemed inclined to listen to Eskil. The Hochmeister waved an arm at some nearby squires who quickly brought a horse over. "Mount up... and tell me more about this adhesive fire, Lord Eskil." He was keen to learn exactly what this strange fellow had concocted, and what it could do.

"Fire, eh," Godwin said agreeably. He seemed to be thinking of his own ideas; perhaps if such a concoction proved useful in the battle he might seek Eskil's aid in the future again. "Since we'll be using fire... and an experimental weapon at that... we will deploy our forces away from the town. We don't want the flames to burn down everything you and your people have built. That being said," Godwin shrugged and sighed, "the alternative is burning the forest down. That's not exactly great either. We'll only be destroying resources, and running wildlife away." He shook his head. "This won't be good for your estate, Lord Eskil. And if it's not good for you, then it's not good for Ralf or the Twins."

Godwin led his horse to a sort of hill, the highest spot that his men could find. Some other important knights were also present. From here they could see the fields that rolled gently down to the forest's edge, where the orcs were expected to come from. Eskil would be able to see scores of pikemen and crossbowmen moving in squares onto the field. Various units of knights and other horsemen rode back and forth.

"This weapon of yours... can you control it? And if the forests catch fire, is that something you're prepared for? Can Bountiful Hollows survive if the countryside is scorched?" Godwin looked at the bow Eskil was carrying. He wondered if the liquid spread quickly, and how long it burned. Perhaps the substance was viscous enough that it would only cover a moderate area where the bottles were thrown, and so would not spread too much. In any case, he wanted to hear more about it from Eskil.