With Emilia’s sudden entrance out of the way, a bit of silence fell back into the wagon as they retainers and siblings continued to pass the time. The dice rolls were very much not in Eydis’ favor, which led her to grumble and plot on how to turn the tables on Fionn and Odette, while Gunvald simply took out a blank covered book and began reading. Fersand being gone had been a detriment so far, seeing as they were practically blind as they went along the path ahead, but without any threats they could at least relax until something inevitably went wrong.
However, due to the fact that Emilia was riding alongside the caravan, and with the fact that there was a rather clear view of the surrounding aside from a few trees, having Fersand not around wasn’t as much of a problem anymore, thanks to the fact that Emilia had enough of a view to see anything important nearby.. Such as the group of four figures taking position on the road ahead of them. Ordinarily, it wouldn’t be much trouble, as they had come across other travelers while going down to Pernrith. But these figures were not only armed, but they were merely waiting for the caravan to approach.
While having been silent for most of the ride, the driver of the main wagon had taken notice of the figures, keeping a steady pace as he leaned back,
“Sir Gunvald, it seems we’re reaching a toll” he called out before straightening back out, turning to Emilia,
“I think it would be best for you to get behind the wagon for a bit Miss. No need to make yourself a target.”“Dammit…” Gunvald muttered as he folded a page of his book, placing it down and taking a peak out of the wagon’s interior,
“He’s right. Four figures, one of them on horseback, standing right at the crossroads. Not much of a way to get around them either, even if we tried. Hard to tell what they're doing, but barring the path for a toll is a good possibility..." Gunvald informed the rest of the wagon occupants, even if the group of figures were still a good few minutes away from them.
“They’re probably just some bandits hoping to make a quick buck out of some traveling merchants. Might've been hiding if Fersand came around. Whatever, some of us need the exercise-” Eydis commented, having quickly dropped the dice game once the news had been announced, giving a rather big stretch as she prepared to stand up from her spot before pausing,
“... But, I guess we’re supposed to be ‘keeping a low profile’, right?” she asked, causing Gunvald to pull himself back into the wagon with a nod,
“It’s risky to expose ourselves right now, even if they are just bandits” he agreed, taking a quick glance over of the group,
“Emma, Burhardt, see if you can’t settle any hostilities, if there are any, once we get there. Here-” Gunvald ordered, pulling out a rather average purse,
“That should cover any expenses if they want us to pay.”“The rest of you, get ready for a fight if they’re keen to stop us.” Eydis added shortly after, causing Gunvald to let out an exasperated sigh before nodding in agreement. It was a sudden situation they were having to deal with, but it was still best to try and handle it without violence, as far as Gunvald was concerned.