“Then I suggest you, I and Oswald set out immediately while we have some idea where Wulfric is. South east of Carlisle covers a big area but it is better than the whole of Northumbria. Do you need a shield grog with you for your Carlisle business?”
"Not in Carlisle itself, but it might be best to have one along on the road there. I'll speak with Oswald -- and with the sheriff as well to let him know that we will be investigating things in Carlisle."
"I'd suggest that we set out tomorrow morning. That will give us time to gather the supplies and equipment we will need for travel. It's about a week's journey to Carlisle and back, and who knows how long it will take you to track Wulfric?"
"You should take a couple men with you, Master Thadeus. If only to watch your back," says Hamish. "And Oswald knows his business well. He'll do right by you on this hunt for the wolf."
"If you don't mind, just in case this doesn't work out, I will begin working on at least learning the spells needed for me to pull off my idea. Even if they might not be needed here, they might be of use another time." Elric says.
"Certainly, sodalis," acquiesces Thadeus, "if not now, then I am sure tush spells will prove useful in the future. And having those in the library is beneficial to all of us."
Raising from his bench, Thadeus nods to the others, "Let's each be at it, then."
He next seeks out sheriff Osbert, to let him know a small part of their plans. "We are sending a small group to get more information about Wulfric's activities in and around Carlisle. Whether we take actions remains to be seen. Our group should depart soon."
After the discussion with Osbert, he finds Oswald the ranger, explaining Angus' plan. "So we need a good tracker to help locate Wulfric. This shouldn't pose too much danger, but I cannot guarantee it will be safe."
“On your trip to Carlisle can you purchase some mundane books on Artes Liberales and Philosophae as we don’t appear to have anything in the current library Praetor”
"I can visit the local scribes to see if they have anything, but Carlisle is a relatively small city. I'm sure the covenant could purchase something on those subjects. We'll see if there is anything we can order a copy of."
Thank you
Before Thadeus departs, there will be another meeting with the sheriff and his son. Baldwin is very curious about the new tower. «Such excellent craftsmanship. Who was your master mason? I cannot understand how you could have completed it in less than three years.»
Osbert is more businesslike, and curious about the magi's plans. «Have you had a chance to think about it?» he asks. «I do not really expect a detailed plan at this stage, but I hope we can agree on a common interest and intention.»
"It was Janus who took charge of the new tower's construction. He has left now, sadly," Thadeus says laconically to Baldwin.
To Osbert, he explains, "We will be sending some people to Carlisle to get more information about Wulfric's location and actions. They'll leave in the next few days. What we do next will depend on what we find out."
«Janus. What an unusual name. Is he still in the business for new projects?» inquires Baldwin.
«Oh. Brilliant.» says Osbert. «I hope they will call at the manor when they are there. They will be most welcome guests. We will be on our way after breakfast. While your hospitality is impeckable, I should not be away longer than necessary in times such as these.»
"I certainly understand that," Thadeus says to Osbert, "we may take you up on that at some point. It will all depend on what we find out about Wulfric."
To Baldwin, "He had to go north, and we have had no news from him since. I will let him know, should he contact us again."
The sheriff and his entourage bid their farewell. IIUC, Thadeus departs a few days later. Who goes with him? Any preparations?
Angus and Oswald the tracker go along taking plenty of food, money and camping gear. Angus ensures he has plenty of sling stones with him as well
I assume you take the route via Cockermouth!? As last year, they seem less scathed by war and famine than the villages further East. Fish is for sale on the market, brought up from the seabord villages by an peddlar. Nobody mentions Wulfric, although there are vague rumours about witch burnings «in the East».
The journey is quite uneventful. Anything else you want to add before you walk into Carlisle?
Hamish continues training the turb and keeping the peace in the immediate vicinity of Ungulus. He does his best not to be seen any anyone outside the covenant.
Thadeus and Angus bring along a shield grog, a pack animal and a handler for it, in addition to Oswald. We biring the usual gear and supplies for a journey of one week, as well as some silver (perhaps 2 pounds) in case there are books available in Carlisle.
You arrive in Carlisle in the afternoon, on the third day. The streets are riddled with beggars, like last year, but somewhat fewer. A few more stores are open, but many are still boarded up. There is an inn across the square from the cathedral, and the sheriff's manor house is just at the far edge of the city, separated from it by the palisade.
Angus suggests they go to the inn. After some food and a drink he sends Oswald out to pick up any rumours of Wulfric.
I'll wait for Thadeus' response before I place you at the inn.
How does Oswald go about the information gathering. Please make a matching roll. If he has any relevant virtues, please remind me.