A Little Light Shopping

We had a good talk about what these bandits could mean as we ate breakfast this morning.  Daran was perhaps the most reserved about the job - and even he was keen to get started.  They warned me that that fighting other Hznaman and possibly Dzarraf was nothing like fighting Gurgam.  These could prove to be quite a tough enemy.  Anyone who has been raiding defended settlements will be experienced, well trained and well equipped warriors.  And if they've been carrying out raids on merchant caravans, then they'll be an even more formidable enemy.

Loudman, where we're headed, is the southern-most town of this northern country.  Since the warring ended and one King emerged over all these Hznaman lands, trade has flourished, and huge caravans packed with trade goods pass from here in the north to the south, and back again, almost weekly.  These caravans have traditionally assembled around Loudman, but the growth in population further to the south has meant that some traders are joining caravans later.  It could be these smaller transports that are being targeted by the bandits - I really hope so because, from what I've learned in the last day, you'd need a small army to attack one of the big caravans.

We've been out around the city doing a bit of shopping.  It was important to ensure we had enough lamp oil and trail rations for the journey.  The others have been renewing bits of their equipment, but my kit is brand new.  Instead of that, I've returned to the inn, I intend to spent an hour or with the stable-boys here, learning about how to look after these horses.  I might need that knowledge during the journey we're going to be undertaking.