Starfall

[The Forgotten God]

"Leader?" He asked. "They all seemed like leaders, or followers, or maybe the leader just wasn't there. They didn't seem to need to be told what to do, just to carry off villagers and take them to whatever hell they've made for them."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

Titus cursed again. "That is unfortunate. Can you tell me anything else? I want to stop these men, but I can only do that if you tell me everything you know, no matter how small a detail."

[The Forgotten God]

The man thought and thought. "They had strange garb," he said, "and exotic looking weapons, but their accents weren't foreign," he finally concluded. "We had a woman from Tyrosh or somewhere crash near our shores once, and they didn't sound anything like that."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

"Did they sound Dornish?" Titus asked. "Or like me? I come from the Reach . Did they sound like any traders you've met?"

[The Forgotten God]

"More like you than them," he said, "but...different, a bit. I can't explain it; I'd have to hear it," he said. "Definitely Andal, I'm sure of it."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

Titus frowned. That could mean anything. Westeros was vast and there were many accents in the different kingdoms. "You told me about the masks and cloaks. What can you tell me about their other items of clothing."

[The Forgotten God]

"Boots, leather ones, not knight ones," he said... "and chain mail, like warriors," he said. "No leather or nothing." He shook his head. " it was dark, m'lord, and we only saw so much from our hiding place."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

"Of course. Thank you for your assistance. If you think of anything else, please let me know. I have the beginnings of an idea that may help to catch the villains, but any new information is always useful."

[The Forgotten God]

The man nodded and left, leaving Titus to consider his next move.

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

//////

Titus requested a meeting with Ser Denys Dayne, Lady Dayne's chief huntsman and her chief scout.

[The Forgotten God]

Ser Denys enters in a hurry, his time important as he hunts the slavers. "Most Devout," he greeets with a short bow. "It is good the Faith considers this so important."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

"We do. This matter is a crime against the faithful," Titus answered. "There are two others I am waiting for and then I will begin. I have an idea to catch the scoundrels."

[The Forgotten God]

Denys nodded. "Could I hear the outline of it, or is it a secret for now?" He asked.

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

"Of course you may. If we can determine the likely locations for the next attacks, we can set men to follow the villains and track them wherever they are going. We might then be able to find out more about who they are and even stop them entirely."

[The Forgotten God]

Denys nodded. "Hopefully we can narrow that down. There's only so many vulnerable areas left, not patrolled by knights and the like now."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

"Yes, I hope so. Perhaps you have a map we can examine to help us work out the next locations for the attacks. Would you care to hazard a guess?" Titus asked. "As a newcomer to the area, I'm afraid my knowledge is sketchy at best."

[The Forgotten God]

"They'll head to the Reach," Denys said. "for a few days at least, so they can renter our lands elsewhere. We need to link with them to hunt these bastards down properly, I would say."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

"I've requested aid from several sources and been promised men but of course, I'm here now, so I've not had any communications regarding further action Perhaps Lady Else could write to Highgarden and the Starry Sept seeking further news?"

[The Forgotten God]

Denys nodded. "We can hope so," he said. "More men would be welcome, more fighters. I'm going out tomorrow morning," he said, "ranging northwest, if you'd care to come."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

"Gladly," Titus answered. "We'll take one of my knights with us, if you don't mind. Perhaps we could also send someone to the Elms to look for tracks, if it's not too late? i'm not huntsman, I admit."

[The Forgotten God]

"Take as many knights as you want; this is a hunt," Denys said. "Lady Elsa is giving me two dozen men of her own, so we can skin what we flush out," he added. "They'd appreciate a true Reachman being with us, keeping suspicions of our motives above reproach."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

Titus had misunderstood the knight's intention but he ignored the mistake and said "I'll bring all my men then. I'm well known in the Reach and godsworn to boot so you need not fear any threat while I'm with you. I will organise my men."

[The Forgotten God]

Denys nodded and bowed. "Appreciated, Most Devout," he said, "the help is truly Seven-sent."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

Titus smiled. "I am glad you see it that way, and, please, call me Titus. Are there any specific arrangements you need me to make?"

[The Forgotten God]

"None," he said, "until we see the Reach search parties. I'd like for this threat to be crushed as soon as possible. Lady Else has given me a writ allowing me to feed and shelter anyone willing to help."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

"Excellent. If only all lords were as generous-hearted as Lady Dayne," Titus responded. "Let's make ready."

[The Forgotten God]

Denys nodded. The men are ready by nightfall, but there's no moon, and so they wait until dawn to set out, forty strong, all men with horses, swords, and bows.