Maester Aemon came to see Dramon with a broad shouldered man in next morning.
"Dramon, I've brought Jorren Clay, a huntsman who lived in the Embertarn village."
Dramon welcomed both. "This means the gentleman you've brought knows some rarely trodden paths around the Widow's Maw, Am I right, Maester?"
Maester nodded solemnly while the hunter spoke. "I came here to seek help on behalf of Willowfurd village. They have been hit hard by the bandits. The bandits have not only looted their grain but also kidnapped their young men and women." He slowed himself, "Also I know a trail that can only be trodden through foot. It takes you to a vantage point where you can see the bandit hideout."
Dramon thought for a second. "Maester, I thank you for your help." Then turned to the hunter. "Come in, Let's talk over a glass of ale."
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A big black mahogany table was laid in the center of the fairly big room. Dramon led Jorren Clay to the table and him to sit, who did it hesitatingly.
Dramon picked up two cups from the shelf and poured the ale in.
"Is Willowfurd the village that was hit around a week back?" Dramon asked as he poured wine.
"It is, milord. My brother-in-law lives in that village. He was the one who sent the message for help." He looked down, eyes full of tears. "I don't know what happened to him or to my ...sister. She's just had a son, milord. I haven't gotten any news at all since."
Dramon looked in Jorren's eye and said. "I'll do my utmost to save who can be saved. Seven willing, nothing has happened to them."
Jorren took a minute to settle himself, tears changing to solid resolve. He looked up with hope returned eyes. "I know some people who can help out."
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Dramon rode with his retinue along with Jorren. Ser Koryn of Hulhut joined Dramon along with his 20 men-at-arms, all mounted.
It took a day and half to reach Mistmoth, the village Jorren hailed from.
"I'll prepare the best possible home for you to rest, milords." Jorren hurried off as soon as they got there.
Dramon turned to Ser Koryn and asked, "Ser Koryn has any suggestions on how we should proceed?"
Koryn let a light chuckle escape his mouth. "I have put my faith in you, boy. Don't make me lose face. As long as you find the robbers, I'll make sure to vanquish them swiftly."
Before long Jorren came back with couple of boys and maid servants. "Milrods, I have prepared your lodge. These boys and maids will help you with anything you may require of them. Please come this way."
Dramon struck up a conversation with Jorren as soon as they got to their lodge with Jorren.
"I believe you understand the urgency, Jorren. As soon as we get the trail of bandits better it is for us."
"No problem, milord. I have already dispatched all the people who possibly could track bandits. We might have results as soon as this nightfall."
"Then, I'll go and instruct all the knights to rest and recuperate."
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In the wee hours of the next morning, Dramon called all the knights to assemble.
"I have been informed by Jorren that a footpath to the bandit's keep has been found." He then pointed to a boy no more than ten dressed in rough clothes. "This shepherd's boy, Rud, is the one who found it. My plan is to strike fast and quickly without giving them any prior warning. One of you will take this news to knight Bolling while rest of us set off immediately. Does everyone agree?"
Ser Koryn came forward, "I'll send one of my men on the fastest horse. Let's set off before dawn breaks."
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They traveled through very narrow moutain paths only one feet wide and filled with nothing but rocks for two days to reach the bandit's keep.
Ser Koryn came forward, "I'll take the front." He declared.
Dramon had no qualms, he stated. "Ser Koryn, please lead us, as you are the one here with the most experience."
Koryn nodded sternly and whispered. "Boys, take out all the people on the lookout first as silently as possible. Then charge the main camp."
Olynd took out his bow and quickly eliminated those on the wooden watchtowers. Rest of the men entered inside and started to massacre the bandits.
Strangely the bandits provided less resistance than expected and killed off quickly. Ser Koryn signalled evryone to gather and attack the main bandit camp in strength.
"It seems they're distracted by something else. Let's finish them."
"Let's finish them." All the men roared and charged towards the main camp.
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In the central tent of the main camp, all the leaders of bandits had gathered. This meeting was for discussing what to do with the Bolling army that was nearing their stronghold.
A fierce looking red bandit bellowed. "What is there to discuss? We have been ravaging Bolling lands for months. Have they been able to kill us? Stop us? No. We have only grown stronger. It is high time we show these Bolling whelps who the real lords are."
Another shrewd and gaunt bandit leader said. "Don't forget we are mere bandits. It is not wise to fight soldiers in head-on fight. I am in favor of us slipping away from here and attack the fief. Surely, we will get both rich bounty without the Bolling army hampering us."
As time wore on two factions formed. One wanting to engage the army, other wanting to slip away and attack the undefended villages and towns.
At this exact point Ser Koryn led the detached party to attack the stronghold.