Invasion of Fischler part V

by Dandelion

Dear Lucerne,

After heading for the Pig and Whistle for a drink after escaping the wolves we met Herr Fischler. "I see you got my message but are late Franz" he declared.

"We received no messsage but did you get my message" said Franz.

"Well seeing as you are here I have a mission for you" said Herr Fischler. Sieger has sent a force of approx 1500 men across the border theoretically searching for bandits. They slipped in under the eaves of the Schwartzen Walden. Scout them out for me while I make preparations. To help you I have recruited two extra members for your band. We introduced ourselves to Jill Trelawny a large ordained Avalon and Giancarlo a noted vodacce bandito.

We then travelled back to Tannen. We checked in with Gerhard Ernst the Wacht Hauptmann of the 'Wily Foxes'. He said scouts weren't coming back. Initial reports said that the posse had 5 covered wagons with them. The next morning we headed out on horseback. We aren't proficient riders. We saw signs of burnt out villages. We met refugees heading towards Tannen. When we camped we saw a party of outriders about to camp. We decided to sleep first and then we got up an hour before dawn. We then attacked before dawn. Their sentries were alert and we rushed them. They had captured a large man and had him bound in camp. We took out the riders and freed the man who turned out to be Borstenn.

The corporal decided to surrender. We spoke to him and tricked him into saying what the wagons contained. He said they had roaring cannons. He was a member of the 'Clenched Fists' and had uniform and club. We took the horses, gear and prisoner back towards Tannen. Before we got there Corporal ShickelGrüber managed to slip his bonds and ride off. I tried to pursue but my mount was spooked. Jill dismounted and shot an arrow into the disappearing horse. We set off in pursuit and 10 miles away came upon the dead horse. We could see the tracks heading towards a fresh pall of smoke. We ride that way and crest a rise to see a small hamlet in flames. ShickelGrüber sprinted towards the morderbande who were still there. The two forces met near the foot of the slope and Franz and Eduarde mashed their way through the opposition. The decided to flee and ShickelGrüber and 2 others managed to ride off. I realeased a peasant who told us that he hid in his cellar. The morderbande asked whether he was a bandit. When he said no they said they didn't believe him. They had tied him to a barrel and were about to torture him.

The food here in Eisen continues foul and I am off my writing. Please send cheese in next parcel. Have you still got the flask I sent you the Black Sap in? In may be useful particulary if it is still blooded and not cleaned. The sap attracts monsters and may be amusing if it could be planted on the posse or their wagons.

Dandelion.