As Leonard stumbled through his story, the situation gradually became clear.
The desert bandits Leonard spoke of were a long-established gang primarily composed of Zoroastrian followers, running rampant in the Jordan desert for many years.
Relying on their ability to come and go like the wind and their familiarity with water sources and oases in the desert, they often attacked villages when the border patrols were absent.
They extorted a great deal of wealth, cattle, sheep, and grain from villagers who were already living in poverty.
Occasionally, they would also rob the few passing merchants or poorly guarded noble estates.
Even Count Reynard, the lord of Kaler Castle, could do nothing about them.
Leonard was also unfortunate. He set out this morning with five soldiers, intending to buy warhorses in a wealthy village under the jurisdiction of Fort Montreal.
There was a large horse market there.
