Protect Life

[Brian]

Peter and Stuarts nod at this, and Peter turns to his subordinate.  "Another hour of field exercise," he decides.  "And let that be a lesson to you.  No harm this time, but mistakes can be ill afforded."  The soldier nods eagerly, and runs off to do as he was told.

Peters looks at both Bjorn and Stuarts apologetically.  "Is there anything else, Sirs?" he asks respectfully.  Stuarts starts to shake his head, but then catches himself and looks to Bjorn questioningly again.

[Bjorn]

"Nothing else, thank you," Bjorn replies, shouldering the bow and quiver.  "Have a good day, gentlemen."

With a polite parting nod, Bjorn walks off, finding a quiet corner in which to examine the bow and the arrows carefully.

[Brian]

Both Peter and Stuarts salute as Bjorn walks away.  The quietest place to stand at the moment is the base of the ramp leading up to the wall.  Currently, there are teams of five lashing together arrows into large bundles, securing them on pulleys, and hauling them up the side of the wall.  There's another team on the opposite side of the courtyard, hauling more arrows up that way.

The bow itself is of a very highly polished (and very clean) light wood.  It's nearly white, but very strong, and has a recursed curve.  The string is silver-colored, and looks like metal ... but flexes like tendon.  The wood itself doesn't flex as much.  The bow is compound, and has a very strong heft.  It takes quite a bit of strength to pull it completely.  The entire length is also carved with vines -- they match the vines on Dorian's wrist tattoo.

About six of the arrows are the same silver arrows that were found in Dorian's room.  Another dozen normal arrows (steel arrowheads, feather fletchings) are also in the quiver.

[Bjorn]

Bjorn grunts to himself, and then shoulders the bow and quiver again.  Once again, he makes his way out among the men, performing a casual inspection.  At the same time, he keeps his eye out for any of Radagast, Nathan, Mirallia, or the two independents.

[Brian]

None of the people Bjorn is looking for -- except for Derrick, who is loitering near the gate and looking a little unsettled.  He's fingering his Star of David medallion nervously.

[Bjorn]

Bjorn makes his way over, moving quietly.  "Master Derrick," he greets the man as he gets closer.  "How are things with you?"

[Brian]

He blinks.  "Ah," he says.  "Well.  Well.  Except...."  He trails off, and glances through the currently open gates.  Heaving a sigh, he says, "I must accept the truth that Samson is not a child ... he has his own will.  And it is his will that he guard these gates.  And he is built well, and strong ... but I worry still anyway."  He shrugs helplessly.  "Do I doubt my own ability as a crafter?"  He shakes his head.  "But I am certain you have more pressing concerns."

[Bjorn]

Bjorn studies Derrick for a long moment with a steady eye.  "In fact," he says, almost apologetically, "I must admit that you remain a pressing concern of mine, Master Derrick."  He looks over in the direction of the golem.  "I know little of you or your crafting, and part of my duty is to make sure that the Keep will not fall from within."

[Brian]

Derrick stares at Bjorn blankly for a long minute.  "What?" he finally asks, blinking in confusion.

[Bjorn]

"I am not sure that we were properly introduced," Bjorn says with a small smile.  "My name is Bjorn.  I am a vassal of Hammar, and currently serving as the acting Warden of Stormwall Keep.  As such, I am one of those responsible for the defense of the Keep against threats internal and external."

[Brian]

"Oh," Derrick says, blinking.  "Well.  Yes.  We met briefly, when Master Qurral and myself arrived.  I assure you, Lord Bloom has explained to me the importance of defending this place, and I agree wholeheartedly.  I don't know what assistance I can provide, but Samson intends to fight to defend this place alongside the other soldiers."

[Bjorn]

Bjorn nods slowly at that.  "At the risk of being inquisitive, Master Derrick, can you tell me more about Samson?"

[Brian]

"The golem?" he clarifies, glancing back towards the gate.  "Well ... I crafted him myself ... but he seems to have assumed a life of his own."  He shrugs uneasily.  "We're friends.  I don't have control over him, but we respect one-another.  What did you want to know about specifically?"

[Bjorn]

"Another of my duties is in the development of tactics," Bjorn explains.  "But to conceive of how best to make use of your assistance, I need to have some idea of your capabilities."

[Brian]

Derrick shrugs.  "You would want to discuss that with Samson ... he does what he wills ... what he thinks is best.  I'm not certain how much he's willing to listen to commands if it doesn't suit him -- for all of his strength, he is essentially a child."