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<blockquote data-quote="megamania" data-source="post: 5044430" data-attributes="member: 9255"><p>JOHN PLAY</p><p>“Play To Win”</p><p>SEGMENT 008</p><p>“Cannith Within the Woods”</p><p></p><p> Sypheros 2, 996 </p><p></p><p>They awake in the morning to wet mud filled shelter. The furs on the walls checked the wind but did nothing to stop the rain run-off from seeping into the ruins. Whatever the creature was, it has either died or decided not to return. It’s all-good to the both of them.</p><p></p><p>Hope’s horse is not strong still. The wound is infected and will need attention from someone good with animals.</p><p></p><p>They travel slowly. Often walking with their horses rather than riding them. John points out a few birds and animals he does recognize. When he is wrong Hope is polite enough to smile and nod her head with a smile. John has survival skills in the forest but it is clear he grew up as a city boy.</p><p></p><p>They travel over some short hills and through tall grass prairies. Many farms are sparsely located here. People here seem to appreciate their privacy. The sound of a river draws them more to the north. As hoped, there is a dirt road that follows it. They travel on this for a ways. Then they spot something unexpected.</p><p></p><p>Ahead of them is an over sized wagon with covered logs. The heavy load is pulled by four large and strong horses. Though the storm did not seem to cover this area as strongly, there is still mud in the road. The wagon sinks several inches into it. John estimates the wood to weigh over five tons. A lot of weight for four horses- mud or not. They politely step off the road to allow the wagon to continue through.</p><p></p><p>“Hello travelers. What brings you to the area of Riverbend?” asks the driver. The man seems polite enough but John notes the crossbow hidden behind his seat within easy reach. His clothes do little to hide his size. However, what looks like fat is more likely muscle. His five-day growth of beard on his face further paints the image of a woodsman to be expected in the area. So why the escort that is paralleling him in the woods? John was watching him out of concern of a bandit. He didn’t expect him to be a caravan guard or escort. Mental note- there may be dangerous roads ahead.</p><p></p><p>“Just traveling through. My horse has need of attention. Is there a town ahead that could maybe have services to help the horse?” Hope asks. </p><p></p><p>John thinks he really needs to talk to her about giving away more information than she needs to.</p><p></p><p>“I fear not. Only the mill. Ask for Carson. He may be able to help you. Just be careful. A wood mill is not the best place to be wandering around without a guide.” The man gives a wink to Hope and motions for the horses to move on. Looking at the horses closer, John is confident these are also Vadalis horses. Magically bred for strength and stamina.</p><p></p><p>A few miles down the road and they reach another clearing and see the mill. It is more than John expected. The mill is built directly onto the river. Logs are precut upriver and caste down. They are collected in the river at the mill. Somehow the logs are taken from the river and brought inside. The sounds of a large saw can be heard. Then blanks of various sizes come out of the side of the building to a waiting wagon. Several men are there. Some look like the type expected here; Big, burley and tough. Others however do not. Curious.</p><p></p><p>They stop at the mill entrance. Several men have noticed their arrival and the thin man in a muddy hooded robe goes inside. Hopefully to get Carson. Hating to do it himself, John leans over to check the horse’s hoof, which will give away the weakness. However, maybe it will create sympathy for helping them. One can take the man out of the Dark lanterns but one can not take the Dark Lantern out of the man. John has to remind himself that not all men are evil or hide secret agendas of world domination.</p><p></p><p>That said- John notes several things others may miss. Footprints covered by other tracks. The footprints are over 20 inches long and humanoid. A giant? A giant could be useful in a mill like this. And a powerful force to deal with if required.</p><p></p><p>A man comes out of a door with the messenger following him. He looks over his way and says something to the thin man whom goes inside. The leader of this group marches over with authority and a bit of unrequired intimidation. Whatever John thinks.</p><p></p><p>“I hope you are Carson.” John says to greet the man. “We were told you may be able to help us.” John holds out a hand to shake. It is not taken.</p><p></p><p>“You know who I am but I know not yourselves.” The man says sternly. John notes how much he is studying the two of them.</p><p></p><p>“I am John Play and this lovely lady is Shasta.” John leaves off her last name. It is a common Aundairan name and if properly said also suggests she has land which can only be procured in Aundair as a soldier or noble. Not good to announce in a foreign territory known to be attacked by Aundair regularly during the war and still wanted to this day. Nothing is ever simple. Well…. Maybe nothing he jokes within his mind.</p><p></p><p>A cold look is followed by a quick “what can I do for you Mr. Play?”</p><p></p><p>“Our horse has an injury and we hoped there may be someone here than can treat it. We can pay for the services.”</p><p></p><p>“I’m sure you can. That is a Vadalis Magebred horse. I’ll see what can be done. He turns to a man that John scarcely knew was there (sneaky bugger) and he nods and leaves. “Leave your horses here. In the meantime, come with me. We do not have the comforts of Fairhaven here but I find it peaceful.”</p><p></p><p>He knows where she comes from. Guy is traveled. Thinks John as he nods while smiling. He grabs his primary pouch and her pouch just to be safe.</p><p></p><p>They walk onto the porch of the mill and walk towards a small three-story building located just off of the mill. John tries not to be obvious when checking it out but the sight of a Hill Giant rolling a large log catches his attention. Shasta’s also whom is not against from gasping at the sight.</p><p></p><p>“Don’t mind Endo. He is big and not very swift upstairs but he is a good worker. You may see several things here that will shock and amaze you. This is an experimental mill in several ways.” Carson says with a faint but obviously proud smile.</p><p></p><p>The first floor is a basic tavern or mess hall. There is room for 20 or more men here notes John out of habit. They climb a set of stairs. They continue up but the door is slightly ajar. It looks to be the sleeping quarters of the workers. The top floor is made of better wood and craftsmanship. There is a smaller mess hall here that opens onto a deck. Several closed doors may lead to the offices or private rooms of the leaders here. Carson collects several mugs and a liquid that has a strong smell to it. Cider. Apple Cider. Not bad thinks John…. If you like cider.</p><p></p><p>They step out onto the deck that over looks much of the mill. John can not hide how impressed he is with the facility. He guesses at most of it as Carson begins to describe the operation to Shasta.</p><p></p><p>“We have loggers that work up river. They collect the hardwood trees of this region and cut them down and remove their branches. With animals and sometimes Endo, they place the logs into the river. We have workers with gaff hooks that follow the river to be sure there are no jams until they reach here. This section of river was widened then restricted to a false dame. The logs are stopped but the water can continue. Then workers walk onto the floating logs and work them to Endo whom pulls them out of the water and to the mill.”</p><p></p><p>“Sounds dangerous.” Says Shasta looking at the logjam. John easily can envision the danger of walking on rolling and dipping logs. If one fell into the water they would either be crushed between logs and worse- the logs would seal you off from the surface so that you drown.</p><p></p><p>“This is where House Cannith has come to work with us.” Carson continues with a subtle change in his demeanor that John can not place. “Similar to the contact stones that House Orien uses to hold up their electric rail carts, we move the logs from the river platform into the mill. There we have water powered saws that cut the logs to the sizes we want. Then they flow out to the waiting wagon to be taken to another facility for work or further distribution.”</p><p></p><p>There is a gentle knock at the top of the stairs. Carson turns and nods to the man there. “Excuse me for a moment.” And he moves along. John watches him in secret. They speak for several long moments and he is angered by something said. He erases the anger from his face and tells the man something before coming back to them.</p><p></p><p>“Your horse will be fine but it needs to rest over night. You may stay here in my room if you wish. I can not have you below. It is too dangerous to wander around and a distraction to my men that may lead to their own accidents. I insist you remain here as such.”</p><p></p><p>“There is no where else? We can stay in a tavern rather than trouble you.” Offers Shasta.</p><p></p><p>“The closest tavern is over ten miles away. And a storm is coming. It would be better if stay here within my room.” Carson repeats with more intensity to it.</p><p></p><p>“Very well.” Says John wondering what they have just gotten themselves into now.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="megamania, post: 5044430, member: 9255"] JOHN PLAY “Play To Win” SEGMENT 008 “Cannith Within the Woods” Sypheros 2, 996 They awake in the morning to wet mud filled shelter. The furs on the walls checked the wind but did nothing to stop the rain run-off from seeping into the ruins. Whatever the creature was, it has either died or decided not to return. It’s all-good to the both of them. Hope’s horse is not strong still. The wound is infected and will need attention from someone good with animals. They travel slowly. Often walking with their horses rather than riding them. John points out a few birds and animals he does recognize. When he is wrong Hope is polite enough to smile and nod her head with a smile. John has survival skills in the forest but it is clear he grew up as a city boy. They travel over some short hills and through tall grass prairies. Many farms are sparsely located here. People here seem to appreciate their privacy. The sound of a river draws them more to the north. As hoped, there is a dirt road that follows it. They travel on this for a ways. Then they spot something unexpected. Ahead of them is an over sized wagon with covered logs. The heavy load is pulled by four large and strong horses. Though the storm did not seem to cover this area as strongly, there is still mud in the road. The wagon sinks several inches into it. John estimates the wood to weigh over five tons. A lot of weight for four horses- mud or not. They politely step off the road to allow the wagon to continue through. “Hello travelers. What brings you to the area of Riverbend?” asks the driver. The man seems polite enough but John notes the crossbow hidden behind his seat within easy reach. His clothes do little to hide his size. However, what looks like fat is more likely muscle. His five-day growth of beard on his face further paints the image of a woodsman to be expected in the area. So why the escort that is paralleling him in the woods? John was watching him out of concern of a bandit. He didn’t expect him to be a caravan guard or escort. Mental note- there may be dangerous roads ahead. “Just traveling through. My horse has need of attention. Is there a town ahead that could maybe have services to help the horse?” Hope asks. John thinks he really needs to talk to her about giving away more information than she needs to. “I fear not. Only the mill. Ask for Carson. He may be able to help you. Just be careful. A wood mill is not the best place to be wandering around without a guide.” The man gives a wink to Hope and motions for the horses to move on. Looking at the horses closer, John is confident these are also Vadalis horses. Magically bred for strength and stamina. A few miles down the road and they reach another clearing and see the mill. It is more than John expected. The mill is built directly onto the river. Logs are precut upriver and caste down. They are collected in the river at the mill. Somehow the logs are taken from the river and brought inside. The sounds of a large saw can be heard. Then blanks of various sizes come out of the side of the building to a waiting wagon. Several men are there. Some look like the type expected here; Big, burley and tough. Others however do not. Curious. They stop at the mill entrance. Several men have noticed their arrival and the thin man in a muddy hooded robe goes inside. Hopefully to get Carson. Hating to do it himself, John leans over to check the horse’s hoof, which will give away the weakness. However, maybe it will create sympathy for helping them. One can take the man out of the Dark lanterns but one can not take the Dark Lantern out of the man. John has to remind himself that not all men are evil or hide secret agendas of world domination. That said- John notes several things others may miss. Footprints covered by other tracks. The footprints are over 20 inches long and humanoid. A giant? A giant could be useful in a mill like this. And a powerful force to deal with if required. A man comes out of a door with the messenger following him. He looks over his way and says something to the thin man whom goes inside. The leader of this group marches over with authority and a bit of unrequired intimidation. Whatever John thinks. “I hope you are Carson.” John says to greet the man. “We were told you may be able to help us.” John holds out a hand to shake. It is not taken. “You know who I am but I know not yourselves.” The man says sternly. John notes how much he is studying the two of them. “I am John Play and this lovely lady is Shasta.” John leaves off her last name. It is a common Aundairan name and if properly said also suggests she has land which can only be procured in Aundair as a soldier or noble. Not good to announce in a foreign territory known to be attacked by Aundair regularly during the war and still wanted to this day. Nothing is ever simple. Well…. Maybe nothing he jokes within his mind. A cold look is followed by a quick “what can I do for you Mr. Play?” “Our horse has an injury and we hoped there may be someone here than can treat it. We can pay for the services.” “I’m sure you can. That is a Vadalis Magebred horse. I’ll see what can be done. He turns to a man that John scarcely knew was there (sneaky bugger) and he nods and leaves. “Leave your horses here. In the meantime, come with me. We do not have the comforts of Fairhaven here but I find it peaceful.” He knows where she comes from. Guy is traveled. Thinks John as he nods while smiling. He grabs his primary pouch and her pouch just to be safe. They walk onto the porch of the mill and walk towards a small three-story building located just off of the mill. John tries not to be obvious when checking it out but the sight of a Hill Giant rolling a large log catches his attention. Shasta’s also whom is not against from gasping at the sight. “Don’t mind Endo. He is big and not very swift upstairs but he is a good worker. You may see several things here that will shock and amaze you. This is an experimental mill in several ways.” Carson says with a faint but obviously proud smile. The first floor is a basic tavern or mess hall. There is room for 20 or more men here notes John out of habit. They climb a set of stairs. They continue up but the door is slightly ajar. It looks to be the sleeping quarters of the workers. The top floor is made of better wood and craftsmanship. There is a smaller mess hall here that opens onto a deck. Several closed doors may lead to the offices or private rooms of the leaders here. Carson collects several mugs and a liquid that has a strong smell to it. Cider. Apple Cider. Not bad thinks John…. If you like cider. They step out onto the deck that over looks much of the mill. John can not hide how impressed he is with the facility. He guesses at most of it as Carson begins to describe the operation to Shasta. “We have loggers that work up river. They collect the hardwood trees of this region and cut them down and remove their branches. With animals and sometimes Endo, they place the logs into the river. We have workers with gaff hooks that follow the river to be sure there are no jams until they reach here. This section of river was widened then restricted to a false dame. The logs are stopped but the water can continue. Then workers walk onto the floating logs and work them to Endo whom pulls them out of the water and to the mill.” “Sounds dangerous.” Says Shasta looking at the logjam. John easily can envision the danger of walking on rolling and dipping logs. If one fell into the water they would either be crushed between logs and worse- the logs would seal you off from the surface so that you drown. “This is where House Cannith has come to work with us.” Carson continues with a subtle change in his demeanor that John can not place. “Similar to the contact stones that House Orien uses to hold up their electric rail carts, we move the logs from the river platform into the mill. There we have water powered saws that cut the logs to the sizes we want. Then they flow out to the waiting wagon to be taken to another facility for work or further distribution.” There is a gentle knock at the top of the stairs. Carson turns and nods to the man there. “Excuse me for a moment.” And he moves along. John watches him in secret. They speak for several long moments and he is angered by something said. He erases the anger from his face and tells the man something before coming back to them. “Your horse will be fine but it needs to rest over night. You may stay here in my room if you wish. I can not have you below. It is too dangerous to wander around and a distraction to my men that may lead to their own accidents. I insist you remain here as such.” “There is no where else? We can stay in a tavern rather than trouble you.” Offers Shasta. “The closest tavern is over ten miles away. And a storm is coming. It would be better if stay here within my room.” Carson repeats with more intensity to it. “Very well.” Says John wondering what they have just gotten themselves into now. [/QUOTE]
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