Adrian and Yena stepped into the bustling main hall of the Adventurers' Guild. The air hummed with excited chatter, the clink of coin, and the distant clang of the blacksmith's hammer from outside. Jana, busy at the mission board, looked up, a warm smile spreading across her face as she spotted Adrian.
"Nyxal! And Yena! Excellent! You're both here!" Jana beamed, coming around the counter. "Perfect timing. Borin Ironhand just arrived with the caravan master. He's been eager to meet his new protectors."
Adrian offered Jana a polite nod. "Good morning, Jana. It seems our early start is paying off." He then turned to Yena with a playful glint in his eye. "Though I suspect Yena here was up even earlier, practicing her art of... 'subtle' observation."
Yena shot Adrian a look that was half exasperation, half a suppressed smile. "Some of us prefer to be prepared, Nyxal. Unlike those who leap out of trees unannounced."
Jana, missing the underlying banter, chuckled. "Oh, you two! Already getting along, I see! That's wonderful! A good rapport is essential for a long journey." She gestured towards a stout dwarf with a magnificent braided beard, standing near a large, intricately carved wooden map. "Come, let me introduce you."
They approached the dwarf, who turned as they drew near. He had kind, intelligent eyes that twinkled despite his gruff exterior.
"Borin Ironhand, these are your Guild escorts for the Silverbrook run: Nyxal," Jana introduced, gesturing to Adrian, "and Yena," she added, indicating the quiet woman. "Both are highly capable adventurers, ready for the road."
Borin Ironhand extended a calloused hand, first to Adrian, then to Yena. His grip was firm and honest. "A pleasure to meet ye both. Borin Ironhand, at yer service. Meticulous is me middle name, especially when me livelihood's at stake." He squinted at Adrian. "Nyxal, eh? Heard a few whispers 'round the Guild about yer... efficiency. Good to have ye aboard. And Yena," his gaze lingered on her, "I've heard of yer keen eye and quiet ways. Precision's a virtue, especially on the road."
"The pleasure is ours, Master Ironhand," Adrian replied smoothly. "We're both ready to ensure your caravan arrives safely." He glanced at Yena.
"Though I'm still trying to convince Yena that a little spontaneous joy, like finding a particularly juicy berry bush, can be just as important as strict vigilance."
Yena gave a faint sniff. "Spontaneous joy can get you ambushed, Nyxal. Vigilance ensures you live to pick berries another day."
Borin Ironhand chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. "Aye, a healthy balance, that's what ye need! But enough with the pleasantries. Let's talk brass tacks." He unfolded a detailed map on a nearby table, tracing a line with a thick finger. "The route, as ye know, is the King's Road. Fairly maintained, mostly. But there are sections." His finger paused over a forested area. "Here, the Blackwood Pass, is known for bandit activity. And further on, near the Gnarlwood Mire, we've had reports of gnoll packs. They're opportunistic, those beasts. Always looking for an easy meal or a bit of shiny metal."
"And the cargo?" Adrian asked, his expression serious now. "Any particular vulnerabilities we should be aware of?"
"Mostly fine crafted goods from Oakhaven – textiles, some finished metalwork, and a few crates of the finest Eldorian wine," Borin explained. "Standard fare. But we also carry a special consignment for a merchant in Silverbrook – a shipment of rare, aged Arcane Herbs. Very delicate, very valuable. They need to arrive intact, or my reputation, and my coin purse, will suffer greatly."
Adrian nodded, mentally filing away the information about the herbs. "Understood. No smashed barrels, no pilfered herbs. And the other guards? Are there more of us?"
"Aye," Borin confirmed. "Three other lads are already waiting by the wagons. Good men, if a bit green. This will be a good test for them. Ye two will be lead scouts, flank guards. Me and me drivers will handle the wagons. We leave at first light, two days from now. Plenty of time to get yer gear in order."
Jana stepped in. "Borin has already provided a detailed manifest and route plan. I've also briefed him on Nyxal's recent success in the Whisperwood." She winked at Adrian. "Master Borin, you've got yourself quite the effective new adventurer here."
Borin's eyes twinkled as he looked at Adrian. "Aye, I heard ye cleaned up some nasty business in the woods. Guild Master Borin himself sent word. You're a man who gets things done, Nyxal. I like that." He then looked at Yena. "And Yena's reputation precedes her. A sharp blade and an even sharper mind, they say."
"We'll do our best, Master Ironhand," Yena stated, her voice calm and professional.
"I have no doubt," Borin replied. "Now, come on, let's head out to the caravan. I'll show ye the wagons, and introduce ye to the rest of the crew. We can talk more about the route and any potential issues there."
They followed Borin out of the Guild and towards the main gate, where a small convoy of sturdy, covered wagons stood, attended by a few other figures. The air was filled with the scents of wood, leather, and beast of burden.
"So, Borin, about these 'unforeseen challenges'," Adrian began, continuing his banter with Yena, "do you prefer to deal with them head-on, or with a well-placed arrow from the shadows, Yena? I find a good old-fashioned sword charge often clears the air, literally."
Yena sighed, a tiny smirk playing on her lips. "I prefer to avoid them altogether, Nyxal. My goal is to arrive at the destination with minimal fuss. A good scout and a well-planned ambush, if necessary, are far more effective than a dramatic charge."
Borin Ironhand laughed heartily. "See? This is what I like! A bit of healthy debate! We'll have a lively trip, I reckon. But for now, let's just make sure those wagons are secured. We'll be depending on ye both to keep the peace, one way or another." He led them towards the waiting caravan, the sounds of Oakhaven beginning to fade as they focused on the journey ahead.
As they approached, Borin gestured towards the three other guards. "Lads, lasses, these are our Guild-sent adventurers: Nyxal and Yena. They'll be leadin' the charge, so to speak, makin' sure we don't end up as bandit roadkill."
A tall, muscular man with a shaved head and a massive axe slung across his back stepped forward. "Name's Torvin. I prefer my challenges loud and messy. Good to have you aboard."
A slender woman with braided red hair and a quiver full of arrows slung across her back gave a curt nod. "Lyra. I'll keep the gnolls at bay."
The third guard, a young man with nervous eyes and a short sword, stammered, "Erm... Gareth. I'm... happy to be here."
Adrian offered them a friendly smile. "A pleasure to meet you all. It seems we have a diverse group. Strength, precision, and... enthusiasm. A good mix." He winked at Gareth. "Don't worry, friend. We'll make sure you get some experience."
Yena simply nodded, her gaze sweeping over the wagons and the surrounding area, ever vigilant.
Borin clapped his hands together. "Right then! Let's get acquainted! I'm Borin Ironhand, as ye know. I've been runnin' this route for nigh on twenty years. Seen a few things, I have." He chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "Bandits, gnolls, goblin raids, even a grumpy troll once. But we always made it through, thanks to a bit of dwarven ingenuity and a lot of good ale."
"Grumpy trolls?" Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Now that sounds like an interesting story."
Borin grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Aye, it is! But it's a tale for around the campfire, not before we set off. For now, let's talk about the road ahead." He gestured towards the lead wagon. "This here's the 'Arcane Herb' wagon. Most valuable cargo, so keep a close eye on it. The others carry our usual wares. We'll be followin' the King's Road, mostly. But there are a few tricky spots."
He pointed to the map, which was now spread out on the side of one of the wagons. "The Blackwood Pass is our biggest concern. It's narrow, lots of trees for bandits to hide in. We'll need scouts ahead, flank guards, and someone keepin' an eye on the rear. After that, it's the Gnarlwood Mire. Gnolls are thick there, and the ground's soggy. Makes for slow going, and they like to ambush from the reeds."
"What's your preferred strategy in the Blackwood Pass, Master Ironhand?" Yena asked, her voice professional. "A full frontal assault, or a more... discreet approach?"
Borin stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Depends on the size of the bandit force. If it's just a few scrappers, we can push through. But if it's a proper warband, we'll need to be clever. Maybe set a trap, use the terrain to our advantage. I'm open to suggestions, if ye have any."
Adrian leaned against one of the wagons, his expression thoughtful. "Perhaps a feigned retreat? Lure them into a prepared ambush? Or, if we're feeling particularly theatrical, a few well-placed illusions could sow confusion." He winked at Yena. "Though I doubt our friend here appreciates theatricality."
Yena rolled her eyes. "Illusions are unreliable. I prefer a straightforward approach. Good scouting, a clear plan, and decisive action."
Torvin chuckled, hefting his axe. "I say we just charge in and smash 'em! Less talk, more smashin'!"
Gareth gulped, his eyes wide. "Let's... let's try to avoid smashing, if possible."
Borin laughed, a hearty, booming sound. "See? We have a bit of everything! A strategist, a berserker, a cautious lad, and... well, you two are a bit of a mystery, but I have a feelin' ye'll keep things interesting." He clapped his hands together. "Right then! Let's get these wagons moving! Silverbrook awaits!"