Thilisa's kidnapper is named Sir Lyndar; "Lydel" is the surname of Sir Ewen's eldest half-brother, and is an entirely distinct can of worms. Note that this does not qualify as a spelling error, to my mind
I think spreading a scurrility and then going out of town is rank cowardice, so I rule that out entirely. Let's try to let the concept of honor do its work; that's what it is there for. I think the plan we discussed in session is a good one.
I think most in Kaldor have no concept that, by Thardan standards, they are soft and complacent. Dave's description of a Tolkienesque ramp-up to war seems more suitable to preparations for war with another kingdom, say Mordor. Viking-style raids on the northern shires are, in my opinion, more likely to be miscontrued as a glorious opportunity for Kaldoric chivalry to dash up north and vanquish some barbarians. I do expect Kaldor to underestimate the scale of the problem at first, and for the King to call upon his nobles to quickly raise the troops and march north, Sir Ewen included. As I believe I have mentioned in a previous thread, the best scenario in my mind would be for word of the invasion to hit Olokand around tournament time, with the flower of Kaldoric chivalry dashing gloriously into the maw of the Harbaal marauders, but I suppose that would be too late in the season to work, alas. At any rate, my guess is that initial incursions will be assumed to be displaced vikings from the war in Orbaal, and that Haldan III will not realize until after the initial wave that he needs "a bigger boat".
Sir Ewen could put his manorial troops on the road with a couple of days warning, I would guess. I can't send the Tashal company without risk of blowing their cover; I doubt the King would tolerate Ewen having that many troops in the city if he found out. We could start migrating some of them to Varayne, I suppose, but should start that process soon if that's what we should do. Our assets (especially Thilisa) need to be covered while we march north, and best to utilize the company that the King is unaware of, and appear like we are "all in" when the call comes.
My inclination, given the geography, is to delay the gargun adventure in favor of readiness when the hammer strikes Gardiren's anvil. That wouldn't rule out returning to the vlasta lair, as Teddy suggested, if we need something to do, because a messanger could reach Ewen with the king's summons quickly, and Ewen could clairvoy as in last session to detect the wire when it is metaphorically tripped.
We should discuss what, precisely, the king is likely to expect when he calls Sir Ewen up on his feudal obligation. For instance, does Lady Aefewynn march as well, or is a bailiff expected to remain behind at her post?