Choice 2. Check out the noticeboard for news?
Feet turned to continue down the street, Gregor saw a good deal more farmers on the King's Road, which was much thinner here with worn-out cobblestones. The few other races he saw besides orcs, mostly legionnaires in winged helms that stood watch or patrolled the area in squads of eight. The smithy he passed by worked by a sweaty dwarf in a black apron that glowered up at him.
Lytan who was just as equally curious about where they were going, goggled at everything, while at the same time staring at the guards with envy. The barracks where they were stationed, easily marked out by the two banners that hung high from a stone balcony, a fiery phoenix in flight, and the other the King's sigil of a blue citadel in the sky.
Careful not to draw any unwanted attention, Gregor wandered on, until he found what he was looking for at a crossroads. The noticeboard, a battered old thing, made of wood, where people would post up their troubles, proclamations, and warnings. As good a place as any to collect news, before he ran into trouble.
Pausing he took a look at the first, and frowned.
"By order of the Lord Captain Commander, everyone is hereby warned to avoid the Northern Woods. Any bounty hunters, travelers, or adventurers that wish to travel that way, should know that cultists have taken over that area. And that the Lord Captain cannot guarantee your safety, if you choose to travel that way. You have been warned."
That however was not the worst news he saw.
"The Demon Prince Garathor has been seen lurking about the area with his band of deserters. If you do see them, alert the guards at once, and be ever vigilant."
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There were also two others posted further down that looked to be written by the same person. The hastily scrawled notes were hard to make out.
"I don't care what the blasted Council says, nor anyone else for that matter. If you've got the stones to fight, come find me at the east side of the village. I'll not be driven out of my home by the filthy green vermin," though if he meant orcs or goblins was hard to say? But then orcs driving out more orcs made no sense.
Restless as Lytan fidgeted beside him, Gregor muttered, "go practice with your sword," before he moved on to the next note written in the same hand.
"Goddamn you, and your blasted orders! You had no right to arrest them for picking up swords. They had as much right as any to defend their homes. Soon the goblins will be crawling through the village, and what will you do then?"
A chill cold, settled in Gregor's stomach, and he turned to leave, when one last note caught his attention.
"Due to increased hostile activity in the region, all merchants, travelers or visitors, must adhere to these rules to ensure their own safety. Never travel alone, and if possible join one of the many caravans that make their way through our realm. Stay on the King's Road at all times, and stay well away from the Northern Woods. Never leave the village at dark or you may risk a fate far worse than death. If there is trouble? Run. The Legion will do all it can to protect you, but it needs your help as well. May the suns shine down upon you, and favor you with light."
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