Minerva (Date 1/6/9)

The "village" proved to be more of a collection of huts along a river. Barely a dozen people turned out to greet the party, most of them children. Everyone eyed the Prince and his band with some suspicion. Eventually, Notleigh invited them back to eat with his family. The pickings were slim and the conversation minimal. A conclusion drawn by all that this area would likely resist assimilation into the kingdom, but other than the bandits in the old fort, there was little here to serve as a threat. It was hoped, that once the kingdom's farms started bringing prosperity and bounty to the land, the locals would warm to notion of being part of Malwan again.

Hedge spent time playing with the children. A young boy named Styles, upon hearing the party meant to march on the bandits, asked that they try to rescue his sister, Winter, saying they would know her by her silver hair.

They rode out at dawn. Lex spotted a bird behaving strangely, and pursued using the magic cloak. The hawk retreated, and led him to an approaching band. It was Minerva Colina coming to avenge her beaten beau. The battle was joined, but a mistimed charge left Hedge and Justice exposed. Minerva proved a powerful combatant, and Hedge was forced to retreat while Justice performed a holding action until help arrived. During the fight, Winter was spotted and convinced to switch loyalties, aiding the party in the fight while Minerva was forced to retreat.