Chapter 613: Warriors of the Frontier

The alarming reports from Northgard had prompted the Adventurer Guild to take immediate action, although establishing a permanent Regional Headquarters in Frostford remained a matter for future negotiations.

For now, the Guild could still assist the northern settlements through its existing mission network.

With the cooperation of Northgard’s administration, Garran’s department had prepared several reconnaissance and monster suppression commissions based on information supplied by frontier patrols.

The requests were reviewed, classified according to their estimated difficulty, and posted on the Mission Boards at Kingsford Headquarters.

Within two days, several experienced Adventurer parties had expressed interest.

One particular commission attracted considerable attention. It concerned a northern commercial route where monster encounters had nearly tripled, threatening the caravans that supplied several isolated settlements.

The commission offered substantial compensation for investigating the affected territory, identifying dangerous monster concentrations, and providing reliable information concerning the condition of the road.

Garran stood near the Mission Boards when three experienced Adventurers approached the registration counter.

Their leader, a broad-shouldered swordsman named Roland, examined the commission before turning toward the receptionist.

"We’re interested in the Northgard reconnaissance mission," Roland announced, placing his membership identification upon the counter. "Our party has experience operating in mountainous terrain, and we’ve completed similar assignments along the eastern frontier."

The receptionist examined their records.

"Your party meets the minimum qualifications," the employee replied. "However, the mission involves extended travel through dangerous wilderness. You’ll need to review the additional conditions before accepting."

Roland nodded. "That’s fine. We’d rather understand what we’re getting into before leaving Kingsford."

Garran approached after hearing the conversation.

"You’re considering the northern reconnaissance commission?" Garran asked, examining their identification records. "I’m Garran, the Guild’s mission administrator. There are several details I’d recommend reviewing before you make your decision."

Roland turned toward him respectfully.

"We’d appreciate that," Roland replied. "The notice mentions increased monster activity, but it doesn’t explain how far the affected territory extends."

Garran unfolded a map upon the counter.

"That’s precisely what the reconnaissance mission is intended to establish," Garran explained. "The northern patrols have identified several dangerous sections, but the information remains incomplete. Your responsibility would be to investigate the designated area, document your findings, and avoid unnecessary engagements."

One of Roland’s companions, an archer named Cedric, studied the map carefully.

"These settlements are remarkably far apart," Cedric observed. "If something goes wrong between them, we might have to travel for days before reaching assistance."

"Correct," Garran acknowledged. "That’s why the commission requires sufficient provisions and appropriate equipment. Northgard’s authorities have also identified several patrol stations where Adventurers can obtain information."

Roland considered the route before nodding.

"We’ll accept the commission," Roland declared. "We’ll prepare properly and depart tomorrow."

Garran completed the necessary documentation.

Elsewhere in the hall, another experienced party accepted a monster suppression commission concerning attacks near a northern farming settlement.

Unlike the reconnaissance assignment, their objective involved eliminating a confirmed group of dangerous monsters threatening local residents.

Both parties departed Kingsford the following morning.

Their journeys toward Northgard took them through increasingly rugged terrain, where prosperous market towns gradually gave way to smaller settlements surrounded by fortified walls and watchtowers.

By the time Roland’s party reached Frostford, the northern climate had become noticeably colder.

The regional administration had arranged temporary accommodations and established a small liaison office where Adventurers undertaking Guild commissions could receive information and submit reports.

Although Northgard did not yet possess a Regional Guild Headquarters, the arrangement allowed its officials to cooperate with the Guild without assuming responsibility for Guild administration.

A local official welcomed Roland’s party and provided updated information concerning the affected commercial route.

"Three caravans have reported attacks during the past week," the official explained, pointing toward the map. "The worst incidents occurred between the northern watchtower and the settlement of Greybrook."

Roland examined the route.

"How far is Greybrook from the watchtower?" Roland asked.

"Nearly two days by wagon under ordinary conditions," the official replied. "Longer if the weather deteriorates."

Cedric frowned.

"That’s a considerable distance without reliable shelter," Cedric remarked. "Are there any villages between them?"

"Only a small farming settlement near the eastern hills," the official answered. "Most travelers avoid leaving the main road because the surrounding wilderness is dangerous."

Roland nodded thoughtfully.

"Then we’ll begin at the watchtower and investigate the surrounding territory," Roland decided. "We’ll send our findings through the agreed reporting points whenever possible."

The following morning, the party departed Frostford.

For the first day, their journey proceeded without serious difficulty. The road remained relatively clear, although occasional tracks suggested that monsters had been moving through the surrounding forests.

However, conditions changed as they approached the northern watchtower.

The terrain became increasingly uneven, and thick woodland restricted visibility along several sections of the road.

Cedric crouched beside a collection of tracks near a muddy embankment.

"Roland, take a look at these," Cedric called, examining the impressions. "Something large passed through here recently, and it wasn’t traveling alone."

Roland approached and studied the ground.

"How many?" Roland asked.

"At least six, possibly more," Cedric replied. "The tracks overlap, but they’re heading toward the road."

Their third companion, a shield-bearing Warrior named Marcus, examined the surrounding trees.

"Then we should keep moving," Marcus suggested, tightening the straps of his shield. "I don’t particularly like standing around while something watches us from the forest."

Roland agreed.

The party continued cautiously, recording the tracks and marking their location upon the map.

Several hours later, they encountered a group of armored beasts near a narrow section of the road.

The creatures emerged from the trees, their thick hides covered with overlapping plates resembling dark stone.

Roland immediately drew his sword.

"Marcus, hold the front!" Roland ordered as the monsters advanced. "Cedric, keep your distance and watch the flanks!"

Marcus raised his shield and intercepted the first charging creature.

The impact forced him backward several steps, but he maintained his footing while Roland moved around the monster’s exposed side.

Cedric released an arrow toward another approaching beast, striking a vulnerable joint beneath its armored neck.

The battle lasted several minutes.

Although the monsters possessed considerable strength, the Adventurers’ experience allowed them to maintain their formation and defeat the creatures without serious injuries.

Afterward, Roland examined the bodies.

"These things are tougher than the report suggested," Roland remarked, wiping his blade. "A less experienced party could have been overwhelmed."

Marcus lowered his shield with a tired sigh.

"And we encountered them directly beside a commercial road," Marcus added. "Imagine what would happen if a caravan came through here."

Cedric examined the surrounding tracks.

"There’s something else," Cedric observed. "These aren’t the only creatures using this area. We should investigate farther north before drawing conclusions."

Over the next two days, the party discovered additional evidence of increased monster activity.

Several trails contained fresh tracks, while abandoned campsites suggested that travelers had recently fled the area.

The distance between settlements complicated their investigation.

Food supplies had to be carefully managed, and the absence of nearby assistance meant even minor injuries could become serious problems.

Meanwhile, the suppression party operating near Greybrook encountered similar difficulties.

Their assigned monsters had been attacking livestock and threatening farmers who traveled beyond the settlement’s protective walls.

After locating the creatures’ hunting grounds, the Adventurers successfully eliminated the immediate threat.

However, their report noted that additional monsters appeared to be moving into the surrounding territory.

When the first reports reached Frostford, the regional liaison officials forwarded them to Kingsford through the established courier arrangements.

Garran reviewed the findings alongside Boren and Marcelline.

"The reconnaissance party has confirmed multiple monster concentrations along the northern road," Garran explained. "They’ve also identified several locations where caravans are particularly vulnerable."

Boren examined the map.

"These distances are going to create difficulties for future Guild operations," Boren observed. "Even if we establish a Regional Headquarters in Frostford, Adventurers working near remote settlements may be several days away from administrative assistance."

Marcelline nodded.

"That reinforces the need for subordinate branches and reliable communication arrangements," Marcelline replied. "However, we shouldn’t establish permanent facilities until we understand which locations can support them."

Garran turned toward another report.

"The suppression mission was successful," Garran continued. "The immediate threat to Greybrook has been eliminated, and the settlement’s administrator has confirmed the results."

Boren smiled faintly.

"That’s encouraging. At least the local communities are already benefiting from the Guild’s involvement."

Several days later, Roland’s party returned to Frostford carrying detailed maps and written observations.

Their findings identified dangerous monster habitats, damaged sections of road, and several locations where future patrols might establish reliable supply points.

The regional authorities expressed considerable appreciation for the information.

Merchants who had previously avoided the affected route began discussing the possibility of resuming limited shipments once additional security arrangements were established.

News of the successful suppression mission also spread among nearby settlements.

For communities accustomed to relying entirely upon overextended military patrols, the arrival of qualified Adventurers offered another means of addressing dangerous problems.

Back in Kingsford, Sage reviewed the completed reports with Garran.

"These missions accomplished more than eliminating a few monsters," Sage remarked, examining the maps. "They’ve given us a clearer understanding of what operating in Northgard will actually require."

Garran nodded.

"Exactly, Guildmaster," Garran replied. "The Adventurers confirmed that the greatest difficulties aren’t limited to combat. Distance, supplies, weather, and communication are equally important."

Sage studied the northern route.

"Then we’ll need to account for those problems when planning the Regional Headquarters and its future branches," Sage concluded. "There’s little value in establishing facilities if Adventurers can’t reliably reach the places where they’re needed."

Garran opened the final section of Roland’s reconnaissance report.

"There’s one additional finding you should see, Guildmaster," Garran explained. "The party discovered an abandoned fortified waystation near the junction of two northern routes."

Sage looked toward the marked location.

According to the report, the structure occupied elevated ground beside a freshwater source, with enough surrounding space to accommodate supplies, temporary shelters, and traveling parties.

Its original walls were damaged, but the foundations remained largely intact.

"Interesting," Sage remarked. "How far is it from the nearest settlement?"

"Approximately a day’s journey," Garran answered. "More importantly, several dangerous routes intersect nearby. The reconnaissance party believes the location could serve as a useful staging point."

Sage examined the accompanying sketch.

A fortified facility in that position could provide Adventurers with supplies, shelter, and a reliable place to organize expeditions into the northern wilderness.

It would not replace the planned Regional Headquarters in Frostford, but it might eventually support operations far beyond the reach of ordinary town branches.

"Have Tobias examine the construction possibilities," Sage instructed. "And ask Marcelline to determine who controls the property. We shouldn’t make plans until we know whether the site can legally be used."

Garran nodded.

"I’ll arrange it, Guildmaster."

Sage returned his attention to the map.

The Guild’s northern expansion had begun with requests for protection along dangerous roads.

Now, the reconnaissance findings had revealed something potentially more significant.

A location from which the Adventurer Guild might eventually support expeditions deep into Northgard’s dangerous frontier.