Besides, anyone who can convince Konrad to ride with them is welcome with us.'

I don't usually hire damsels as sword arms, but I take a recommendation from Edward Peach seriously. 'Ah, apologies for the misunderstanding, my lady. Edward Peach told me I could talk to you.' You signal your men to stay a few steps behind and approach, calling out to Argo. They tense, eyes narrowing as you approach. You quickly discern the fine workmanship of his clothing, signalling his success as a caravan master. He has the face of an older man, with a short white beard and mustache, wearing a practical fur-lined leather jacket and hat. You quickly locate Argo sitting next to a fire. You suspect your masculine clothing saves you from quite a few jeers and leers.

It's dinner time, and men loudly guzzle ale and porridge amid laughter and banter. Taking two of your men for protection, you head to Argo's camp. Since vineyards mean cork and you are in the heart of wine country, his caravan likely has some. Cut off from the merchants inside the city, you decide your best bet is to buy some cork from Argo's company. Of course, the plan will likely end with four waterlogged corpses in the Selver if you do not procure some sort of flotation device. Do keep in mind that if you pull it off, you'd earn a nice bonus.вЂќ вЂњIf things go south, IвЂ™m sure youвЂ™ll make a good faith effort to liberate me, loyal hired sword that you are. This man is a mercenary through and through, after all. Dismissed.вЂќДЄs Konrad walks away, a thought comes to you. вЂњYour concern for my well being is appreciated, Konrad. You roll your eyes and respond, your voice flat. Or perhaps a poisoned fig? I hear you blue-blooded sorts find it all poetic-like to kick the bucket like that.вЂќ You know, most people with a death wish go a more direct way. вЂњAh, Lady Marguerite, always itching to jump into danger. As you finish the explanation, he chuckles. While still noticeably anxious, Dobb accepts your explanation and remains silent. I fear for your brotherвЂ™s safety if word gets out.вЂќ We kicked the hornet's nest by destroying their base of operations. вЂњBe that as it may, Dobb, we are under some time pressure here. вЂњMy lady, could we not wait? It would be most tragic after your valiant rescue if you, or I, were to perish in the cold waters of the Selver. Borcha and the spearman accept it, though Dobb himself is considerably more hesitant. You explain the plan to your infiltration team.

You address your men, asking for a volunteer for a potentially dangerous task, and choose a particularly competent spearman to join you. While youвЂ™ll miss his sword at your side, your de-facto second in command is needed with the remainder of your men to keep order, keep up their training, and most importantly, to keep an eye on your prisoner. ItвЂ™s a tough call, but you decide to leave Konrad behind. You judge the risk of taking any more people too great. You decide to enter with Dobb, to deliver him to his brother Borcha, for his uncanny aptitude at taking the pulse of the local underworld and one of your more capable men, as additional muscle. His idiocy aside, DobbвЂ™s information has given you a golden opportunity to enter the city and it would be foolish to waste it. Enter the city by night with Dobbs information

Mount and blade borcha