Trouble

JP with Lucian and Winteroak

Aquilo

Markus looked at Tarmen and shook his head. "With the Odonine refusing to enter the mine, we have no one left to spare to go and explore the chamber they stumbled upon. Not without delaying mining and forging further." he said.
Markus goes on to tell you that he has tried to speak to Balt, the Ostiarium prisoner of war that was given a chance to join the clans, that Tarmen met when he first visited Fang. But the man has been away from the settlement delivering the payment promised by the Duke to the War chieftain.

With the makings of a storm brewing, Tarmen sighed and rubbed the imp head.
“Get the men down there. Close off the hole until we have time to see what is in it. Don’t need any drunkards stumblin’ their way in.”
He took some of the jerky, gnawing on the gristle for moment as he thought.
“Cycle the clansmen out, get people that will go down there to keep working. What are the deals made with the Odonine? Are their workers protected or fully under our orders?”

"Our miners are still working. But the majority are Odonine." Markus said clarifying it for Tarmen as the rain started to fall hard against the tarp of the blacksmith tent. "They are under our orders but we don't have the men to force anyone into the mines. Nor do I think they are the kind of people that would without a fight." he paused to drink some water. "We can't seal the entrance to this new chamber. It's massive. The void beyond is as large as I ever seen."

To say he was hoping for a smoother introduction to the area was an understatement. Once again Tarmen cursed the name of Zane. He glared at the tent wall for a few minutes, thumbing the various trinkets adorning his necklace.
“Then they are a liability. What is their pay? If there are goods and supplies used for barter, than stop givin’ them their due until they work for it. Same goes for food and if they still refuse, take their lodgings and drive them away.”

He continued to glare at the wall, a dead silence making the rain sound like thunder on the canvas.
“As for the hole, I guess I will need to look into it tomorrow. Someone, I don’t care who, will lead me to it so I can get a proper idea of what we are dealin’ with.”
He finally turned to lock eyes with Markus.
“That will also include looking over the whole area to decide what to do about defenses. Is there anythin’ else I need to know about until then?”

"Aye. This mine belongs to the Odonine. The city is leasing it form the Aghul themselves. We are not driving anyone away. And even if we did we would all be dead tomorrow." Markus looked at Tarmen with a serious expression in his face. "You brought what 20 men with you? We are here at the pleasure of the clans surrounded by thousands. Not the other way around. We are not going to piss on our allies on the eve of battle. Plus if you drive them away who is going to mine the iron?" He told him and that sounded pretty final. Tarmen would have to find another solution.

With the full scope of the shit pile, Tarmen had to hold his tongue. No use yelling at Markus, he seemed just as fed up. He groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Right. So then tomorrow it is. Maybe with a proper tour I can get a better grasp with what I am workin’ with. Thank you for your patience and your time Markus.”
With a curt nod he left the tent, leaving the man to rest.