The Grey Tower

“A fool is any man who doesn’t think he’s a fool.” Valadin Manelle

OOC: I set tidbits of the story’s background in place. If it gives you any ideas run with it. Otherwise we could go with the uneventful travels and bonding that occurs between kindred spirits on a voyage.

Durent walked the paths from his quarters, carrying a supply pack with him. He was dressed in his typical combat-ready travel gear. He was wearing black and green leather that was designed to look fashionable and passable as everyday traveling gear for a well-to-do man in addition to serving as leather armor. It allowed him the freedom of movement required to engage in unarmed combat and acrobatics, his fighting style of choice. The only metal armaments he wore, that were also partially disguised, were the greaves and gauntlets that Caden had gifted to him so many years ago to aid his unarmed combat against armed opponents. He had promised Caden he would earn the heron-mark to be put on them someday, a promise he had yet to fulfill.

In his many efforts to reach out and reestablish contacts since his return, he had struck up a friendship with the Captain of the Guard for Hama Valon, the city's head of law enforcement. Durent had received a missive from the man today asking for Durent to take some men and look into reports of bandits in the mountains around the city that were harassing supply, trade, and travel. Eager to do something active and to further ingratiate himself with the Captain, Durent had almost immediately started planning the expedition that morning. He requested and received permission to take a small contingent of the Tower Guard with him and combined this with a request from Valadin Manelle, who wanted some further interactions with Green Ajah business.

Now, strictly speaking, the Green Ajah are not law enforcement, and Durent has no illusions otherwise, but it was close enough to their wheelhouse to make sense to assume the mission and not have any members of other Ajahs feeling like their toes have been stepped on. Except possibly a Blue or two... Durent suppressed a grin at that thought and continued making his way toward the stables to fetch his horse and meet the men he'd be taking with him. Wanting to take some time to brief just the Guard, Durent had instructed Valadin to meet him near the city limits of Hama Valon, outside of the Tower.

Durent was handed the reigns of his horse, Stormfront, by a stablehand and took a few moments to check over the saddle, fittings and the overall condition of the horse. She was a beautiful, large, grey and white warhorse, larger than most traveling horses. She was bred and trained to withstand combat situations or bad weather. Together they'd seen a few scrapes over the years and had served with him at The Citadel. He patted her affectionately and smiled when she huffed at him, seemingly in annoyance at not being taken out enough lately, which was true. "Don't worry old girl, you're getting a nice long trip today."

After briefing the Guard on their mission and search, Durent rode out, leading the group of five men out of the Tower grounds. A short ride later they arrived where Valadin was waiting for them. Durent saw the Dedicated, noting the growth the young man seemed to have gained in the time since their first meeting the gardens. Durent remained silent at first, gauging Valadin's reaction and composure as he interacted with one of the Guard. Durent also took note of the large black stallion, who looked very young and from what Durent could tell skittish and recently broken. It was a powerful warhorse, and he respected the Dedicated for seeming at ease in handling it.

Durent nodded to Valadin in greeting as the Guard rode ahead to let the two of them speak. "Dedicated Valadin, I appreciate your timely arrival and your obvious preparation. That is a good sign. One of the hallmarks of our Ajah that many overlook is that of preparation. We are to prepare the world for the Last Battle, but let that filter down to you being prepared at all times."

Pausing to look over their trail and nudging his horse forward to keep pace twenty feet or so behind the Guard, Durent continued. "You might have sensed my apprehension at this mission requested of us. Even with the growth of Hama Valon and the Tower's established presence, we still do get a fair number of bandits and misfits, but this one is showing signs of sticking around longer than usual and some level of organization. Certainly you've heard rumors of some of their activity even here in the Tower. Tell me, how would you proceed with our mission if it was yours?"

“Trust is more important than fear.”

Durent nodded in acceptance of the Dedicated's words. Proud that the younger man had held his own under Durent's question. There were Asha'man who rarely met Durent's eyes because of his experience that they contained. This man has mettle, Durent noted to himself. Good. Durent nodded to the Guard and nudged Stormfront forward. Two of the Tower Guard took up position ahead of them, but most trailed behind.

They rode in silence for a little while, Durent enjoying the wind on his face and just the joy of being out of the Tower. There was once a time when he lived on the road, sleeping under the stars and hunting for his own food. While he had definitely become accustomed to Tower life, and the life of an Asha'man, he still found great peace and joy in traveling. He looked over at Valadin, trying to see if the man's expression would betray his thoughts.

"Tell me, Dedicated, how are your studies faring? You were raised at a good pace, do you see yourself soon donning the cord?"

The countryside went by as they spoke, the sun slowly sinking into the horizon.

Durent nodded in appreciation for the man's resolve. He liked that, and it was something the Green Ajah and the Tower would need in the coming years. Durent was certain of that. "Your learning will get easier, especially as you begin to specialize your training and your purpose becomes clearer as to what you will do as an Asha'man. What is your proficiency with Battle Weaves? Also what martial combat training, if any, are you pursuing?"

Durent knew some of it by reputation and asking around, but he wanted to hear the young man's self-appraisal. They were going into a possible combat situation, he wanted the lad to be ready, and stay safe of course.

While listening to the Dedicated answer, he saw a spot towards the horizon that would make a good campsite for the evening. He motioned one of the Guard over and informed him of his plans. The man saluted, bringing his fist to his chest, and rode to the front of the company to pass on the orders.

OOC: Sorry if I moved to fast, but I just thought that this was an experience that would benefit Val at this stage; the setting up of a military camp and such. I'll let you take lead from here though as I don't recall what the story was...though I believe it was bandits? Either way, it's all yours.

As was customary, for Durent, the tent was mostly sparse. He had no need for extravagant comfort on a mission like this, as it weighed down the horses. He'd brought a map of the area and had it strung up in his tent with notations on it from the information he'd been given by Tower scouts, eyes-n-ears, and other sources about the bandit camp and its possible locations, and the movement of the bandits before and after raids. Based on known geography, he'd narrowed it down to a small valley where they would likely have set up a makeshift camp. They seemed to be doing well for themselves up to this point, probably settling in nice and comfortably, robbing caravans and Hama Valon itself, and hadn't yet had a response from the Tower. Well, that would change the following day.

When Valadin entered, Durent looked over at the man's greeting. "Ah good, come in, Valadin. I wanted to go over my plans for tomorrow and get your input." Durent showed Valadin the map and explained the various notations and markings, just in case Valadin hadn't yet learned what they all meant. Each commander had their own style or variation of notations, and Durent had learned his from Caden Ives, former Master of Training for the Tower, and good friend.

"We should be at their camp in the early afternoon tomorrow. I plan to stake out their armaments and then attack as the light begins to fade, and have them in custody by nightfall. I intend to take as many alive as possible. Our role, as channelers, will be two-fold. We should protect the Tower Guard, and also use weaves to incapacitate and restrain the bandits. These men are not Shadowspawn and thus we are bound by the oaths, myself already and you by Dedication, to not kill them. Also, I see no reason for bloodshed. I want these men tried by the laws of Hama Valon, the laws of the people they have been abusing. What are your thoughts?"

The dedicated's responses were good. Impulsive, but sound. Durent was impressed. "No forgiveness needed, Dedicated. I appreciate your candor and voicing your ideas. Too many ignore the advice of the learning ranks for they assume none of them could have any insight they themselves had not already thought up. I find that a fresh pair of eyes can often give me ideas I hadn't thought of before.

"As for tomorrow, I want you near me, assisting in neutralizing the bandits. As many as we can without lethal force, and only then if you have no choice but to defend yourself, as the Oaths will one day bind you. Now, for the specifics..." The two of them worked over a few battle plans and came up with a solid plan of attack, using mostly Valadin's suggestions. Durent would step in only when he felt it was needed, which was not often. They informed the members of the guard of their plan, and then went down for the night.

Durent found sleep difficult as he often did lately. Too many memories haunting his dreams. Eventually exhaustion overtook him, forcing his brain to quiet. When he woke, he joined the others in preparing, the sun was not yet rising. They were to get a jump on the camp’s sentries, and take them out as quietly as possible. They would be going on foot with the advance team to take out those sentries, and then moving in on the rest of the camp.

When they were at their final staging location, in sight of the first sentry group, Durent turned to Valadin, speaking quietly, but loud enough for their group to hear. “Dedicated Valadin, you’re in charge. Lead us in.”