He brokers a non-aggression pact with the Vaegirs to cover his ass. Graveth may have broken off more than he can chew.

While fetching a herd of cattle to feed our forces, I hear that a truce has been brokered between the Nords and Swadia. While encamped, a runner informs the party that the Kingdom of Rhodoks has declared war against the Sarranid Sultanate! Great news for us, and an aggressive tact that I did not expect from King Graveth. I meet back up with him near Narra, where we wait to retake the city (You see now, greedy dumbasses? You basically looted your own villages!). He asks me to scout for any more approaching enemy forces, or to detect any weaknesses in the enemy line. The marshal spends no time gloating over our decisive victory. Across the steppe, other invaders are defeated in like fashion. Not long after, King Yaroglek himself falls prey, along with several accompanying lords. I think it best to have at least one friend in each kingdom, preferably of some influence. Instead of taking him captive, I set him loose. I see my old friend Boyar Meriga on the field (Lord of Rivacheg, I helped him with his sea raider problem). A feeding frenzy ensues upon the demoralized and battered Vaegir forces. As I take the long, safe route around to scavenge arrows along the other side of the enemy assault, the all clear is sounded, and the battle is won. I run into the fray to grab a fresh quiver from a fallen comrade, and take enemy fire along the way. I assume a position to the side of enemy ladders, barraging a largely defenseless enemy from the side. I accompany Kramuk Noyan to Ichamur, where we try to repel the Vaegir forces led by Boyar Vlan. In the distance, I see Narra under Sarranid control, and the outlying villages burning (some of them being looted by opportunistic Khergit lords). I withdraw and meet the marshal not far off. Parties stand guard outside the city to harry any reinforcements. Rather than ride towards the rally point at Malayurg Castle, I go to assess the situation at Ichamur. Apparently, Ichamur is besieged, and calls for aid. I am summoned into a new campaign by Kramuk Noyan, Marshal of the Khanate. Usually, the steppe bandits settle near the woods byВ Tulbuk, but this time, they stake claim right in the middle of the steppe. Shortly after leaving the capitol, I stumble upon the lair. I buy a warhorse to match my riding skill, and up my looting and leadership abilities. Once inside the castle, Sanjar Khan tasks me with eliminating a steppe bandit lair, and Chaurka Noyan extends the invitation IвЂ™ve been waiting for to join the Khanate as a mercenary. Things are not looking so good for the Khanate right now. On the way, we pass a besieged (and doomed) Khergit force in defense of Narra. We meet nobody of consequence until we reach Tulga. The war in the steppe has only just begun, so that probably wonвЂ™t happen until we get our fill of blood and glory. He may choose to break faith with the Veigirs and bring the fight to the Rhodoks while theyвЂ™re distracted. Nothing like a bit of Yalen cheese and eggy wegs to sharpen you up for a bit of the old вЂњultraviolence.вЂќДЄs I guessed, the Rhodoks play their hand against Swadia, declaring war and entering into alliance with the Kingdom of Nords. I also pick up supplies for the future campaign. I oblige, and am rewarded with plenty of experience and denars. Far too many ruffians offering to вЂњescortвЂќ travelers in these parts.Д¬ount Gutlans, Lord of Yalen, is eager to pass of the responsibility of protecting his lands to me. And maybe somebody there may be interested in taking out this obnoxious bandit hideout. We head to Yalen, an ideal place to load up on produce, cheese, fish, and butter. We start in the Rhodok highlands, with an intent to join the Khergits soon, but in need of cheap supplies that may not be available on the road for some time. Sieges, battles in the field, protecting allied caravans, even a good old fashioned raid! This will be a rather extended episode, covering what ended up being a rather extended campaign under Khergit command against two enemy factions.

Mount and blade warband merchant ledger