Telen entered the radius of the fire’s light. There was no sound to betray his footfalls. Soon he stood in the center of the small campsite. Some of the men were sleeping, others eating and a few were staring out into the distance on watch. The smell of brazed coney with wild sage permeated the air of the camp. Telen had avoided detection and had slipped into their midst unannounced.
“Outriders” the elven scout said loudly.
The men were startled to find the cloaked stranger in the center of their camp. Some reached for weapons while others struggled to awaken from their sleep. One man dropped a plate of food in his lap in surprise.
The elf threw back the hood of his cloak and surveyed the scene. A Halfling to his right, who had been staring out into the night on watch, spoke first.
“You are Lord Balian’s friend….how did you enter our camp? Where is Chase? What is going on?” the Halfling fired off his questions in rapid succession.
“I am here to inform you that Lord Chase has fallen in battle.” As Telen spoke those words he could see the crestfallen faces of the men in the flickering campfire light.
At the back of the camp a large half-orc stood and asked, “How did it happen?”
“He fell in battle with the Fey demon and was pulled from this plane. Whether he is alive or dead, I do not know, but he is no longer in this world.” Once again he could see the impact of his words on the faces of the men. A soft murmur began to rise as the men spoke to themselves about the news and what might happen next.
“Lord Balian has appointed me as Marshal. I shall command the Outriders. We shall recover from the shock of this night and use it to strengthen our resolve” said Telen as he bowed slightly to the men.
There was a moment of silence.
“Why should we follow you?” called out the half-orc.
Telen seemed unfazed by the challenge to his authority. He had expected that such a reaction might be the response to his news.
“You will follow me because more than any one man, the Outriders are about duty and honor. You are the tip of the spear. You are the hidden dagger. You are the eyes and ears of this kingdom. You are the scouts, the couriers, the information gatherers, the spies, the guides, the trackers and the first line of defense for the people of Miras.
I will work to hone the blade that is the Outriders into the keenest edge in the Riverlands. Just as I was able to walk into your camp undetected, I will train you all in the same techniques. How many of you would like to learn the ancient riding secrets of the elven horse lords? How many would like to know how move as a ghost, leaving no sound or tracks to betray your passing? How many of you would like to know how to hit the most vital areas with blade or bow so that mighty opponents will fall with a single strike?
Honor and respect are not demanded, they are earned. We will work together and earn each other’s respect. We will build upon the foundations left by Lord Chase and evolve. We will become the most feared force in the Riverlands. Bandits, Fey and the monstrous beasts of the wild will know our mark and fear it.”
Telen paused to allow the impact of his words to settle upon the men.
Once again the large half orc spoke, following a satisfied grunt, “Ok.”
