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Banner of the Claw was the name bestowed by Duke Louis. With the achievements now confirmed by the elves from the caravan and the blessings from the Protector of the Northeastern Realm, Arlan’s Banner was already known across Midland. Arlan garnered the name “The Young Lion.”
The young lion’s band left Galdo City in three columns. Their destination was Galdera Village northwest of Galdo City. The dirt roads they traveled were decently developed and wide enough so wagons or caravans could easily traverse them. This was due to the fact that Galdo City was a trade hub of the north, so developed roads were important to maintain.
As they traveled, many adventurers and merchants alike shared the path. So far, no monsters had appeared. The Banner of the Claw traveled for five hours before finally reaching Galdera Village.
The village population was about nine hundred, most of them were either miners, lumberjacks or hunters. The Adventurer’s Guild had a branch here but there were only a handful of adventurers who would come through. There was a lack of monster activity in this area until recently.
As the Banner of the Claw approached the quaint village, many residents reacted with joy. They were quite happy to see that their request was heard in Galdo City. As the young lion’s banner marched towards the Lord’s Manor, many onlookers joined in and whispered to each other. Arlan overheard bits about how he’s too young to be the Baron that defeated the orcs.
A grin struck most of the soldiers as they knew how powerful their captain was but the villagers didn’t. After about a minute of marching, they reached the Lord’s Manor. Arlan was at the front with JD behind him as they approached the manor’s front gate.
Arlan instructed his banner to take a moment to rest as they disappeared behind the gate. Two guards escorted Arlan and JD to the main building. An older nobleman who presumably was Lord Poma was at the front. He was the Lord of Galdera Village. Arlan was told that he wasn’t a bad Lord but he wasn’t exactly effective at his position.
Upon arriving at the main building, which was about fifty meters from the front gate, the guards announced Arlan’s name and title. Lord Poma approached Arlan with a handshake and said “Thank you for coming out to Galdera, Baron Arlan! Excuse my rudeness, I thought the young lion would be more… bigger.”
“Lord Poma, do not worry. I am the son of Duke Louis Reeve. I have here the orders that I am allowed full reins to investigate anywhere I see fit.” replied Arlan as he hands Lord Poma the letter sent by Count Emile.
Lord Poma smiles with a hint of worry while he finishes the letter. “I see, if there is anything I can do to help or the village guards can do, please inform us! I wish to serve you as best I can, Baron Arlan.”
“I appreciate the formalities, Lord Poma. I’d like you to gather the villagers who spotted the monsters.” stated Arlan.
“As you wish, I will have the village guards gather the three miners here immediately.”
“I also require accommodations for me and my men. We will stay here for at least four days to scour the area.”
“Baron Arlan, you may stay at my Manor while your soldiers can stay at the local Inn. They have enough rooms to accompany your band.”
“That won’t be necessary, I’ll stay at the Inn as well with my soldiers.”
“As you wish! I will now see to my duties, if you’ll excuse me.” said Lord Poma as he bowed himself to Arlan.
Arlan nodded and left back towards his men with JD following.
“JD, did you notice something off about Lord Poma?” asked Arlan.
“Yeah, for some reason, Lord Poma should be more enthusiastic and happy that we’re here to deal with the potential monsters in the area.”
“I noticed his lack of initiative in wanting to make sure the area was gone of monsters.” stated Arlan.
“Arlan, I mean, Captain, I’ll have the men stay vigilant.”
“That won’t be necessary, JD. If Lord Poma intends any harm, he wouldn’t dare harm a Reeve in his own village. My entire house would ride here immediately. Even if I was an adopted Reeve, they wouldn’t let anyone harm a Reeve.”
“I see, so what should we do first?”
“First, let’s get our banner some time to rest while me and you talk with the miners who spotted the monsters. Then we visit the Adventurer’s Guild to get an idea of the history of monsters in the area. Afterward, we send out all three squads to scout the area. If we find anything, we immediately deal with it or send for reinforcements from Galdo if we cannot handle it.”
“You’ve always been good at this, Arlan.” said JD.
“It just comes naturally. Get the banner to the Inn and give them some rest. I’ll take care of having the guards send the miners to us here.”
“Aye, Captain!” Saluted JD.
The Banner of the Claw headed towards the Inn. JD informed each squad leader to allow time to rest and eat for their respective squads. While letting his troops rest, Arlan questioned each miner brought in by the guards.
Most information wasn’t really useful but they all claimed to have spotted gremlins near the mines. Gremlins aren’t much of a threat and typically avoided humans. Gremlins behaved like goblins but in a much more passive manner. They typically avoided fights and contact with people.
After the interview with the miners, Arlan and JD left for the Adventurer’s Guild. Upon arrival, they noticed that there were only two parties of four in the hall. It was pretty empty.
The clerk behind the desk was already informed of Arlan’s arrival and offered help. Arlan asked for records of all monster bounties in the last five years. While JD began interviewing the adventurers of any oddities in the area.
Arlan noticed that two years ago, a large demon hound was spotted in the area and the party that dispatched it was currently talking with JD. The monster bounties were way too random. There was no consistency in the monsters being spotted but there weren’t enough monsters appearing that it would cause any problems.
Arlan approached JD while he was mid-conversation with the party. They seemed to be in their early twenties but they knew Arlan was a Baron.
“Excuse my interruption, is this the party that dispatched the large demon hound two years ago?” asked the young baron. A black-haired man holding a spear with a dented steel cuirass comes forth to answer Arlan’s question. “Mi’lord, my name is Anthony Lira. I’m the leader of the Nymedes party that’s responsible for killing that demon hound.”
“I’m Baron Arlan Reeve. I’m here on official orders from Count Emile to investigate the monster sightings. May I trouble you to answer some questions about your encounter and any history in the area?” asked Arlan.
“It is no trouble, Baron Arlan. Let me introduce you to each of us.” answered Anthony. The spear-wielding adventurer introduced a lizard beastmen known as Mahari. Mahari towered over most of them, especially Arlan who was the smallest, at six foot and nine inches. Mahari was in armor and wielded a hand-axe with an iron buckler.
Anthony introduced the remaining two party members. An elven girl with light skin who barely looked seventeen. She wore a green cloak over most of herself but a recurve bow and quiver were present on the outside. Elven archers were known across Althea as fearsome for their accuracy and speed. The final member was a human girl cleric who had long blonde hair and a white robe decorated with the Numen’s markings. She was armed with a short staff. Arlan could sense a strong mana presence in her.
“The elf here is Yanie, she’s an elven archer from the east. And the cleric is Fiala.” stated Anthony. Fiala waves at Arlan with a smile as she bows.
“It’s a pleasure, Baron Arlan. I’ve heard about you from my uncle.” said Yanie as she bows.
“Good things, I hope?” replied the young baron.
“Yes, he was among the trade caravan that you saved. Thank you, Baron Arlan.” stated Yanie as she knelt in front of Arlan. Mahari kneels before the young baron as well.
“Rise, Yanie and Mahari. There is no need to kneel. I was performing my duties for the Duke. But I would like some information on your encounter and the history of monsters in the area.”
After Yanie and Mahari rise, the Nymedes followed Arlan to a common area in the Adventurer’s Guild Hall. The common area housed a few couches and tables for adventurers to party up.
“Baron Arlan, what would you like to know?” asked Anthony.
“Just Arlan is fine. The large demon hound, where did you find it, and what was it doing?”
“Well, a hunter was in the wolf woods to the north. He was almost attacked by it while it was lurking in the woods. Naturally, the guild put up a bounty and we took it on.” said the Nymedes Leader.
“A large demon hound is nothing to scoff at, were you able to dispatch it with ease?” inquired the young baron.
“It wasn’t easy. We were able to dispatch it thanks to our experience. We were a rank C party at that time.”
“Since then, have any other strange monsters appeared?” asked Arlan but Mahari locked eyes with Arlan and answered.
“Master Arlan, fewer demon wolves in the north forest, this year.” stated Mahari.
“So the wolf forest to the north holds the answers. Thank you everyone for the inquiry. If you’re able to help with our scouting operations as guides, you’ll be compensated.”
“The Nymedes party will gladly help. Galdera is our home. We’ll also reach out to the other party and inform them to help with your investigation.” stated Anthony as he looks to his party and they nod in agreement.
Since it was getting late, Arlan decided to have the scouting operation start the next morning. As Arlan left with JD back to the Northstar Inn, a familiar hooded figure was following him. It was likely the same stalker from Galdo City.
The stalker didn't show any signs of danger so Arlan pretended not to notice. He wanted to see what the hooded figure would do.
The young baron and JD returned to see Trent and Dimitri arguing with three mercenaries. Each mercenary wore leather armor and was well armed with steel weaponry, they were in their late twenties or early thirties. Before JD could walk over, Arlan raises his arm to stop him.
“Let’s see how they handle this, we’ll intervene if it gets out of hand.”
“Alright.” nodded JD in agreement.
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