23 Planning a heist

Being the slower witted of the bandit pair, Fred didn't see what the problem was. He'd never seen Mark act like this before. It was just a pendant and he's over there shaking in his boots.

"How bad is a Druid Mark?

Seeing how nonchalant Fred was acting snapped Mark back into reality. He knew some of the newer recruits weren't the brightest men, but this guy had a reputation for bungling even the easiest jobs. Lately he'd been trying to educate the newcomer without success. Acting quickly would be key, their group was already fragmented.

"Ah where to begin Fred. First of all to even become a Druid you need understand earth magic. Just that alone could crush the group. Don't forget about about the fact that we're in the middle of a forest. They can have a branch reach out and catch your ankle or even stab ya. High level Druids can even chuck pine cones that explode!"

Gulping could be heard as Fred swallowed nervously. He'd almost doomed the entire group. He moved quickly to try and fix his mistake as the realization dawned on him. Moving over to Zanir, he nervously smoothed out the wrinkles he'd caused earlier by grabbing his shirt.

"Friend, friend that was all a misunderstand on my part. Please accept my apologies young master."

This bandit was certainly thick-skinned and shameless. Wasn't he just trying to rob me a second ago? Bandits this close to home wouldn't be good. He needed to find out what was going on here.

"Who are you guys? Why are you out here?"

Hearing the subject brought up both men shared a pained expression. The older bandit Mark replied with an explanation and described how they arrived. During the conversation they walked back out to the grove with the other bandits.

"We were all part of a bandit group called the Iron Shield. Things were going well the last few years, we had been hitting bigger and bigger targets. We had moved up from travelers and merchants to caravans and shipments. I'm not proud of it but we made good money. It was almost enough to retire. Everything was set for one last job."

Pausing for a moment, the bandit took a deep breath to collect his composure. He continued telling the story.

"One last job they said. 'A big haul' they said. We had received insider information. We were going to hit an iron mine! There's enough iron in there to make a fortune. Or an army. Our group lost a lot of good men attacking that damn mine. Just after the celebrations started we were betrayed by some of our own."

Understanding more about the situation only brought on more worry. If this bandit's story is true, there was an even larger force of bandits near the area. He needed to know how close they were so he interjected.

"How close is the mine? We're not in danger right"

One of the other bandits responded while handing him a cup of beer.

"Nay lad, it's a few miles down the way and they won't charge into a Druid's grove. Have a drink with us if ya like."

Taking the cup, he joined the others and sat down. Zanir continued to chat with the mountain bandits as they drank and barbecued meat. He grimaced as he drank the beer.

[Material analyzed:

Name: Bandit Brew

Type: Alcoholic beverage, Beer

Rating: Level 1

Description: This beer was brewed with sub-standard ingredients. What it lacks in quality, it makes up for in quantity. The taste leaves something to be desired. Mainly the desire for a different beer.]

As he learned more about them and they continued their conversation a large bandit entered the clearing. Much bigger than the rest he gave off a serious demeanor. Several of the bandits stopped laughing.

"Boss!"

Walking over to the group the large man slumped down next to them. He had a distant gaze as he half-haphazardly motioned for a cup of beer. A nearby bandit handed him a cup of beer, which he promptly downed. A deep, gravely voice came out as he finally spoke.

"No luck finding the Druid out there. Any sign of 'em here?"

Mark replied as he stepped forth.

"No boss but I found us a lead here. Our guest, Zanir, claims to know the Druid. He even has one of his pendants."

"Well that explains the kid here but where is the Druid?"

As if on cue the wind seemed to shift and pick up. A booming voice echoed out. It seemed to come from all around the clearing at once.

"NOBODY MOVE! ONE WRONG STEP AND I'LL TOSS THIS PINE CONE!"

Panic spread throughout the men as they were taken totally unaware. Some of them drew weapons and formed up. Some started screaming or collapsed on the ground.

'We're all gonna die'

'Not the pine cone, nooooo!'

'Form up men, on me!'

Roaring laughter emerged from the forest as Reed made his appearance. The men quickly regained their wits and scrambled over. Approaching Zanir and the bandit captain he introduced himself.

"You should have seen the looks on your faces just now! I couldn't pass up an opportunity like that. 'Pine cone'. Hahaha just wait 'til I tell the guys about this. Anyways, Zanir tell me who your friends are."

"I've only just met them. They're remnants of the Iron Shield bandit group. I was listening to their story just before you got here"

"Ah well lets get the beer going. Always make a story even better!"

With a casual wave of his hand, Zanir made several casks appear out of thin air. The bandits were shocked when it happened. It must have been some kind of illusion magic. Though rare it wasn't unheard of.

That assumption was shattered however when he stepped forward and poured two glasses of 'The Reserve'. The beautiful scent of the beer spread like tendrils across the grove. They could see it, now they could smell it. Surely it had to be real.

Sipping gingerly and appreciating the flavor, Reed was impressed. Looking over at the drooling bandits, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"What about your friends?"

Looking over he saw that all of the bandits were gazing over at him with expectant eyes.

"Oh yeah, you guys can help yourselves"

The bandits were almost moved to tears. It had to be known that bandits weren't welcome in towns. They weren't able to purchase good beer and had to brew their own. Slowly and carefully they poured out the various quality ales. It wasn't a big loss for Zanir as the casks would refill daily.

With a Druid, a boy, and a group of bandits drinking together it didn't take long for everyone to get familiar. Naturally the discussion turned to recent events and the iron mine. Discovering that Reed was in charge of the area they asked what could be done.

"Well normally, a hostile bandit group like that would get reported. Someone would get sent out to clean them up. The iron would be returned to the mining company, with a portion going to the cleaners. At least that's how thing's normally go."

"Even if we cleaned the place up, we'd have to give most of the iron back. You see it's enchanted with tracking runes in case of theft. Lucky for us, we've got Zanir here. The question is what are you and your men willing to give up for revenge?"

The leader, who they discovered was called Terry, didn't hesitate in his reply.

"I'd give my life if that's what it takes."

Perhaps he didn't expect Reed to call his bluff. He might not have spoken so quickly if he knew what was coming. Reed produced a scroll from his robes that would forever alter the course of his life.

"This is a spirit binding contract. It just so happens that my friend here needs loyal guards. If you sign the contract with him, we can help you get revenge. I know what it's like to be betrayed by your own people."