Rise of the Tyrants – Session Two

[This session write-up was done by Tony M from Thanos's perspective]

Word of our exploits has travelled around the docks. It seems everyone knows who cleaned out the lighthouse, and saw off the Tuskans. For some reason Cyrus wanted me to use a fake name for a while, but I never got to the bottom of it.

Shortly after breakfast a rather unkempt man arrived in the tavern and proceeded to harangue Cyrus. Not getting what he wanted he left, but not before making an ominous threat. It turns out he wanted Cyrus to put me forward for a bout in the arena. I’m not opposed to the idea, but I wouldn’t trust that man to arrange a fight, and I don’t do death bouts.

The next arrival was more welcome, a merchant by the name of Menelaeus who claimed to have some work for Cyrus and Rhadamanthos. Unfortunately they were unable to accept the work as they had an appointment with Simonides to finalise the lighthouse saga. Promising to return later in the day we made our way to the offices of Simonides. On route we encountered a dark troll with his rather impressive bodyguards. Momentarily forgetting my place I stared at the trio, and was rewarded with a cuff to the head. The next reminder of my station was less physical, but hurt just the same when Simonides ordered me from the room. I should be used to it by now, but I wasn’t born a slave and it still feels wrong. At least Cyrus and Tiphane have treated me well, not all slaves can say the same.

Having been paid, and given a letter to present to the temple of Asclepia for any healing that was required we left Simonides to his busy schedule.

Returning to the tavern we accepted the offer of employment from Menelaus. A simple task, we were to escort a ships mast along the costal road to a near by village. We left without delay heading to the North gate where we were to meet Avel the wagon master.

At the North gate one of the guards commented on by gladiatorial armour and asked our business. On finding out I was none other than Thanos the Mighty, he squeezed my bicep and asked if I would be fighting in the arena. Cyrus fabricated some tale about heading out of the city to train and we left Gela behind.

Walking beside the wagon at the slow and steady pace of the oxen we made our way along the costal road. Avel struck me as an honest and hard working man, and we chatted about life in general to pass the time. After several hours Cyrus happened to mention the tuskan raiders. Avel not wishing to risk his live would have returned to Gela had we not promised to see him right.

Stopping for the night in a dilapidated covered barn we lit a fire and settled down. As the sun dropped below the horizon Cyrus left the barn to scout the perimeter only to return at haste. The tuskans from the lighthouse were back; somehow I couldn’t believe that this was just a coincidence.

Taking up defensive positions within the barn we waited to see what the tuskans would do. We didn’t have to wait too long, as a number of arrows shot out of the darkness. Footsteps approached the barn and very soon we found ourselves surrounded by Trollkin and Tuscans. A Trollkin emerged through a gap in the wall near me, spear raised. I ducked under the thrust and all but severed his right leg forcing him back through the gap. Another took his place his eyes wide with fear, thrusting over the fallen body of his comrade. I leapt through the gap; knocking the ineffective thrust aside and cut deeply into his leg. Hearing the ring of steel on steel from the entrance of the barn I skirted the building to out flank the enemy. Cutting down a third Trollkin I entered the building to see Avel and Cyrus fighting a Tuscan. Distracted as he was it was a simple matter to ram my sword through his chest ending the very short and bloody fight.

Later I discovered that Rhad had engaged a second Tuscan, wounded it and driven it from the barn.

I cleaned my swords and took time to make sure Avel’s wounds were bound as Rhad and Cyrus questioned the dying Tuscan. Far from being intimidated Avel was quite upbeat and seamed genuinely pleased to have ‘seen me in action’ as he put it.

The rest of the night passed without incident, and in the morning we completed our journey. However on reaching the village we discovered there was no ship being refitted. It would seem my hunch was right, this was no coincidence, we had been set up.

Returning to Gela the ships mast was sold with Avel, Cyrus and Rhad splitting the coin.