[IRP] The First of Many

[Toogee]

Paige was glad to hear so many ideas coming from the others, albeit contradicting at times. Orica wanted more people guarding the front, while Satsume proposed himself as the sole defender of the gate. Kalin wanted to allow the brigands inside and ambush them in the houses, something that wasn’t widely supported by those living in said houses.

“I’ll be damned if we let any of those brigands step foot in our village again,” the blacksmith replied. “If it’s forces you need, we’ll glad defend our own. Whatever I have in my shop is yours, within reason of course. My horse too if you need it.” The last part was directed at Shad.

Many of the villagers saw the blacksmith as a leader of sorts, causing six other men to stand up and volunteer. One of them was just a boy.

“I can’t fight, but I’m the fastest rider in this village!” the boy announced. “There’s a knight’s post not far from here. Hold ‘em off for a bit, and you’ll have the legendary Pheraen cavalry back you up in no time! How’s that for police!” His volunteering wasn’t so much bravery as it was a hopeful attempt to impress Kalin; the 14 year old had a thing for peg knights.

“Glad for your help, all of you,” Paige replied to the villagers as well as her fellow travelers. “Now, I think I can compromise between Satsume’s plan and yours,” she said to Satsume and Orica. “What if we had Satsume openly guarding the entrance while another force stays hidden close by. Then, when the bandits charge forth, this force will join Satsume and attack from the front. This will be enough of a distraction for our force from behind to initiate a surprise attack from the side.”

She edited the sketch to resemble the additional forces:



“I think that addresses most concerns. A lone defender to provide an opportunity, surprise reinforcement in the front to distract them, a larger ambush force, and hopefully, the promise of Pheraen knights for back up. Did I miss anything?”

The villagers seemed satisfied enough. The volunteers immediately set out to arm themselves. The blacksmith lead the way, glad that he prepared an extra batch of iron swords and axes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Gee boss, maybe we should call off the attack. They do have the legendary blade after all…”

The brigands were gathered around Glass to receive his sagely advice. They surprised to see him calm and determined.

“That blade is only legendary in the hands of those in my bloodline,” Glass said. “To everyone else, it is but a simple sword. Besides, do you really think I came all this way with just one weapon?”

“You have another legendary weapon?!”

“I have something just as rare in these lands…”

Glass held out his hand to the brigands. They were confused at first, seeing nothing. Then, flames formed in his palm until a raging inferno enveloped his entire hand. The bandits took a step back, afraid of getting burned by the growing flame. Just as it appeared, it disappeared, leaving Glass’s hand untouched. The brigands were smiling at the new weapon in their arsenal.

“Let’s see how brave these people are when I rain hellfire upon their little town! They will either kneel to my words or die by my fire and your iron! Now, here is the plan…”