Initially, the most visible part of the Ash Guard compound was the palisade. It stood almost two stories tall, hiding what buildings had been built within but the sprawling nature of the settlement made the wall appear quite squat. There were a handful of wooden watchtowers, bristling with cannon ports but this mostly offered the artillery range and height advantages, rather than for its defense.
A small gatehouse was the only access to the camp and a pair of guards flanked the open doorway. It was usually left open and would only be closed if a threat approached. One of the guards, a halberdier with a salt-and-pepper goatie gestured for the wagon to stop, so Joshua hauled in on the reins. It took the older man a moment to recognize the smith. "Josh! How the hell are ya? It's been too long!" He offered a hand for the young man to shake before continuing. "I didn't know you'd be comin' this way. What brings ya out here?"
"Well enough. Just coming by to check up on my work." Joshua nodded toward the battery towers. He had cast several cannons for use by the Guard several years ago. He could cast the steel faster and better than other gun makers in the Grand Duchy.
"Uh-huh," the guard said, incredulous. He was looking at Tara now. "Never figured ya for the settling down sort but if you're lookin' to get hitched, you'll probably have to," he said, clearly misinterpretting the pair's relationship.
"Knock it off," the smith snapped. "She's a client. Bounty hunt possibly."
"Ah, alright." The guard pulled down his kettle hat, clearly embarrassed. "Well you know the way to the command tent. Captain's out but the First Lieutenant might be willing to see you." The guard shrugged, adding, "No guarantee, though."
"Thanks." The smith waited for the man to stand clear of the wagon before urging the ox beyond the gate. The second soldier glance from the bard to the smith before catching his eye and offering a conspiratorial wink that only confused Joshua.
The interior of the ward was a large village of tents and canopies. However, while the camp was supposed to be ready to pack up and go at a moments noticed, a few sod housed had cropped up, built with thatch rooves to keep out the rain. Most of the soldiers were off duty, taking brakes from their training and contracts. A few trained, a man and a woman sparring with leather dussacks. There was a stable, and a hand put up the smith's beast. This freed the travellers to head for the largest canvas structure, with several peaks where the roof was supported by log pillars.
Pulling Tara aside, Joshua took a moment to mention something he thought might set the bard's mind at ease. "You should know that most of the Guards don't have a problem with magic. Even those from Connlaoth have mostly outgrown their prejudice, so don't worry about threats. No one here will threaten you."
