Garnier Milsec was practicing his sword play when Joan walked in. Actually he was trying to teach one of the recruits some of the basic moves. He was able to land a good whack on the trainee's head shortly after Joan arrived. But Garnier couldn't blame the guy. The trainee's guard was down because he couldn't keep his eyes off the captain. Garnier looked at the trainee, bared his teeth and raised his sword. He wasn't angry, but it was fun to scare the new guys a little. It was just about all the fun he could get these days. The recruit turned white and shakily raised his sword. Garnier smirked.<br/><br/>"At least you didn't run away like the last guy. You got guts, kid, even if we have to hone them, at ease, back to your post."<br/><br/>The recruit Scurried away Joan approached him. She was still the epitome of perfection to Garnier. He had learned a few things about her in the last few years and his bemused expression quickly turned to a cold frown and his stance straightened a little as Joan's brisk walk and straightforward expression told him that there was more to this visit than checking on the troops. She pulled him to the side and explained the situation.<br/><br/>Garnier had heard of the missing lady but he had had no evidence that she hadn't simply run away until now. As soon as he heard the name Gilded Serpents he tensed. So his old gang had struck again. This time going straight for royalty. It was in their style to rob royalty but times must be desperate to them kidnap anyone. Surely they knew the penalty for that. Garnier quickly helped Joan pack for the trip. Requirements would be light. They could eat off the land pretty reasonably on the way to where they were going. and they couldn't afford to be burdened down by heavy bags in the heart of Serpent country.<br/><br/>Finally they were on their way. As they left the castle gates Joan asked him about the Gilded Serpents.<br/><br/>"The Gilded serpents are a highly organized band of bandits and thugs that was founded by a wronged lieutenant from the royal army. He brought his military training to the band and his skills as well. Even before they recruited me their skill with the sword and knife were exquisite. They also have a highly structured internal organization. It is more than just a mere group of raiders following some guy with dreams of grandeur. They have a fortress hidden in the forest about 4 miles from here. It provides an ideal spot for raiding all kinds of trade coming into and out of the castle. Sometimes they will stalk their prey for miles and almost never attack a target within 10 miles  of their hide out. This gives the illusion that they are far more widespread than they are. Most likely they have taken the lady to this fortress. It will be difficult to penetrate their defenses. The fortress itself is a massively complex system of caves with many false tunnels and traps. It will be guarded by about 40 men. The rest will be hunting or scouting at the time we attack. which will be late afternoon, just before the sun sets. You already know all of the tactics they will use. I've taught you them myself. Just be careful, Joan. I don't want to lose you."<br/><br/>As soon as the last statement was out of his mouth he wished he wouldn't have said it. he had let his personal guard down and slipped. Hopefully Joan took that as friend to friend. But somewhere in his heart Garnier was glad he had. He had wanted to express his feelings for so long. But he didn't want to ruin a friendship like this for something that might not be reciprocated.