Session Eighty-Nine - February 11, 2012

[Matt]

Kelen 16, 732

Once back at Raven Hall Ewen broke the news to Thilisa of her mother’s death and her father’s plans to remarry. A look of sadness and determination covered her face, ‘Never speak of my father again.’ As she turned to lie back down on her bed, her sobs started. Ewen nodded to his wife’s maid and left the room.

He quickly sent an urchin to fetch Baris from the Elf and Dwarf and sent Cekiya to pry Kaelyn from her room. It was time for a meeting. Tora is not invited to the initial meeting as she is not aware of Ewen’s capabilities nor the party’s agenda.

Once all the peoples had gathered in Ewen’s study, he raised the topic of Releyne. Kaelyn remembered her as the lexigrapher in Olokand. Ewen confirmed her memory adding that she is Elena’s sister and is more low level operative; being eyes and ears and not an executor as her sister is. Ewen outlines his thought of hiring mercenaries now. He believes that they can use the cover of ‘going to fight the Pagaelin’ for now and then they will be prepared for when the King calls for men to ride north. Ewen figures that news of the siege in Olokand will reach Tashal in a day or two. Perhaps a trifle longer as he remembers that Prince Brandis is inexperienced though brash and eager; a bit of a hot-spur.

The party decides that Ewen’s plan to hire the mercenaries now is a good one. Baris offers to hire a company himself, so that they may corner the whole market. There are three companies in town that they know of: Rathbar’s Raiders – a company of light foot they have hired before; the White Ravens; and the Blue Boars. Since nothing is known of the other two companies, Ewen and Baris will ask Dickon the location of the other two as well as their reputation.

Ewen and Baris set off to the Elf & the Dwarf to include Tora in their plans of hiring mercenaries. Tora is elated. She is eager to go, no shock to Baris. They set off for Dickon house immediately.

Dickon tells the knights and Tora that the Company of the Blue Boar is in Hag Court. They are two companies: 10 medium foot, 10 shortbowmen, and 20 light foot. The Blue Boars have a very good reputation and are usually hired out each year by the Baron of Kobe to fight the Pagaelin. Ewen dismisses this last bit of news, saying he will cross that bridge when it comes. The White Ravens are located down the street near the Coin and Broom. They are a company of light foot, and while they have a reputation of being capable, they usually do individual hires in town. Ewen thanks Dickon for this information.

Ewen, Baris, and Tora first go to the location of Rathbar’s Raiders in Medrik as they have dealt with them in the past. Ewen knocks on the door. Time passes. Ewen knocks again and more time passes. Finally a door slit opens and woman’s voice is heard ‘Whattya want?’

‘I am Sir Ewen and I wish to speak with Rathbar.’

‘You hired some of the boys last year didnya?’

When Ewen answers in the affirmative the door opens. They enter the room and the women pulls out a chair and indicates that Ewen may sit there. Tora, seeing no other chair being offered, clears her throat, ‘This is Sir Baris Tyrestal.’ The woman looks at Baris and nods to the other chair ‘You sit too.’ Once both knights are seated the woman tells them the boys are not here. They have been hired out on another job. Baris asks where.

‘They are on the Genin Trail escorting a caravan. The same job that those viscious warlike pagaelin attacked; they are responsible for the loss of my dear Waltar.’

‘I am sorry for your loss.’ Ewen says, ‘When are they expected back.’

‘Thank yer worship. They should be back anytime or in a couple weeks if there is trouble or if the caravan moves slow. But once they come back they are not needed until the middle of Agrazhar.’

Ewen counts out a shilling and hands it to the woman asking that she deliver the message to Rathbar to contact him as soon as they return. They leave the woman examining the coins.

‘That’s inconvenient.’ Baris says as they make their way to the Blue Boars.

‘At least they are not in town for others to hire,’ is Ewen’s response.

At Hag Court they quickly find the door to the Blue Boars. Ewen knocks and is rewarded with the door slit opening. A man’s voice asks who is there. Again Ewen introduces himself adding that he wanted to speak with the head of the company about retaining their services.

‘Ewen Ravinargh? The Victor of the tournament?’

Again at Ewen’s answer in the affirmative they hear the bar slide across the door. The door opens revealing a tough looking man in his 30’s, with dark hair and a close cropped beard; around his neck is a pendent with a symbol of the blue boar. ‘I am Orek of Morjen.’

Ewen nods and introduces Sir Baris. Orek nods at the knights and gestures for them to enter. They enter a room similar to Rathbar’s and take their seats. ‘I am the sergeant of the Blue Boars.’

‘We are hoping to retain your services …’ Baris begins as another man enters the room and stands to the side.

‘Well, what do you have in mind?’

‘We would like to put together a force to operate and march against the Pagaelin. We heard that you have experience.’

‘We do. I have to tell you the Baron of Kobe calls on our services. He hasn’t yet, but the season is early. He has the right of first refusal on service.’ Orek then turns to the man, ‘Go get Harmon.’

‘I gather Harmon is the captain,’ Ewen says.

‘Former captain – he’s semi-retired and runs the business side of things. The Captain is not here.’

‘Well, it is our intention to aid and participate in the action of the Baron. Perhaps the Baron will give me the honor of hosting you this year, but we’ll wait for Harmon.’

As they wait, Tora and Orek exchange a few snide remarks to each other about the proficiency of the company.

A few minutes later an older man enters with a slight limp. He has visible scars, white hair and appears to be in his 50’s. ‘I am Harmon of Burgram; you are Sir Ewen?’

Ewen smiles and Orek waves his hand in the direction of Baris, ‘This is Sir Baris and someone else.’ Tora takes this opportunity to introduce herself. Harmon looks at the trio, ‘Who am I dealing with?’

‘You are dealing with me,’ Ewen says and gives the explanation of why he is here adding that of course the Baron will have the right of first refusal.

‘I haven’t heard from him yet, but I hear he is in Tashal. He doesn’t hire us every year, just when the campaign is going to be extensive. We are up for that. So, what did you have in mind?’

‘Lord Prehil, myself and perhaps one other young lord, feel that the moment is right for an advance.’

‘Ok, here is how we work. We maintain a cadre strength of 10 men-at-arms, 20 light foot, scouts and the rest and company of bowmen. That’s the cadre, we usually double that for the Baron. We could double up in about a week or two and be ready to march by the end of the month.’

‘Doubled up sounds good.’

‘Our rates are 5,430d a month, two months minimum-three months are better, and one month up front that we will refund you if the Baron calls upon us.’

‘I would like to see them,’ Tora says, still not sure about the company.

Harmon ignores her, ‘What do you say Sir Ewen.’

‘When we come to an agreement, I would like the courtesy to inspect the troops, but not now.’

‘That is doable. We’ll replace any man not up to your liking saving Orek and my son, Aisla – who would command the troops.’

‘The campaign is a joint venture and the time frame is flexible, what is the possibility that you could be ready to go sooner?’

‘40 are here now; another 40 are not in town. They are on the Genin Trail Caravan, but they should be no more than 10 days away. We give them a day or two to blow off steam. A few men we could use are in town or nearby.’

‘Very good. I intend to hire for three months.’

‘There is a bit more to discuss. Our contract can be extended, but not past fighting season and no personal caravans. We are an army and that’s what we do.’

‘Admirable,’ Tora says and Harmon gives her a look that says that is the first thing we agree on.

‘If I were to extend the contract …’

‘No later than the third month at mid-point. Take it up with Aisla, I mean Captain Aisla. Sergeant Orek commands the men-at-arms in the field and serves as senior man. I can draw up the paperwork now.’ He starts to write and pauses, ‘We’ll take the first month up front and the remainder of the payment when we march. If you extend, the money is due on the first day of the month.’ Satisfied that this was agreeable with Sir Ewen, Harmon goes back to writing up the contract.

‘This is your normal monthly rate?’ Ewen asks extending his senses out to try to see if Harmon was being honest with him.

‘Standard rate, no negotiations. We don’t up or lower the price based on who you are, of course the Baron gets a slight discount.’

‘Of course,’ Ewen says confident that the man was telling the truth. They soon settle the paperwork and the trio are on their way.

As they walked towards the White Ravens’ establishment, Tora speaks up about the hiring of the mercenaries, ‘I understand why you were so easy on them Sir Ewen, they do routinely work for the Baron of Kobe, but you should look at the muster of the next group before you hire them.’

Ewen smiles, ‘I am leaving this company in yours and Sir Baris’s hands. I will be the observer this time.’

They see a building with a sign/badge on the wall of a white raven. Positioned to the left of the sign is a set of double doors that are open showing a small, but long room. There are three men dicing in the center. One looks up and asks if they would like to join.

‘No. I am looking to speak to your captain. I am looking to hire some fighting men.’ Baris says.

‘Oh! Clients. Oh yes, just a couple of minutes,’ the man says as the other two men try to casually hide the dice.

The man comes back with a younger man in his early 30’s. He is very well dressed in new looking clothing and is very neat. ‘Welcome, I am Garvo of Konalesh.’

‘I am Sir Baris Tyrestal and this is Sir Ewen and my retainer Tora.’

‘Welcome, what can I do for you all.’

‘I am looking to hire some men for a foray south to battle the Pagaelin.’

‘We are considering you as a possibility,’ Tora interjects, glaring at the dice players.

‘Well, yes, a possibility. We wish to inquire about your experience and rates.’ Baris says.

‘We have our share of experience, we last fought the Taelda, which are very much like the Pagaelin.’

‘Your availability?’ Tora asks.

‘Right now I can muster a dozen and if we are given a few days a full company.’

‘That sounds good. We will most likely be ready to leave by the end of the week or near-abouts.’

‘Sir Baris is willing to make a large commitment to this company. I believe that an inspection of your troops is in order.’

‘That is reasonable. I can muster up the dozen right now.’

‘Excellent. Tomorrow in the east common, full equipment?’ Tora says with an eager gleam in her eye.

‘What is your price for a month or two?’ Baris asks, thinking of his moneypurse.

‘Two months gets you a discount. 1,440d a month or 2,880 for two and 3,320 for three.’

‘That is reasonable. I look forward to the morrow then.’

On the way back to Raven Hall, Tora leans slightly forward to speak with Sir Baris. ‘My lord, I heard that you were discussing the possibility of marriage. I want you to know I fully support this idea.’

‘Not you too!’ Baris cries, throwing his hands up in the air. Ewen chuckles and picks up his pace slightly so that Tora may scold Baris with the illusion of some privacy.

‘If it is not presumptuous to give advice; I would advise that you not marry or look to court anyone at this time. For one, there is a chance of battle down south and glories on the battlefield will heighten your prospects. Second it will give you more of a chance to be seen and don’t forget those you ride to the assistance of. And third, after battles, there are always widows.’

‘True. I shall then go find the handsomest woman in the kingdom!’
‘It is astonishing how an extensive estate sets off a lady’s face. So just wait.’

‘Tora, you make excellent points.’ Baris says, feeling a great weight lift from his shoulders. He indicates to Ewen just ahead, ‘You may need to tell Ewen all this.’

Back at Raven Hall, Cekiya and Kaelyn are informed on how the meeting with the three mercenary companies went. The party then turns their attention to Ewen’s holdings and what and who should be called up. After some talk and looking at maps, they decide that Ewen will call up his knights: Sir Grogan’s son Sedris (called in place of Sir Grogan), Sir Catham, and Lady Afaewyn. Ewen will also call for the light horsemen. The party breaks up after dinner and Ewen heads to Rahel’s.

Once at Rahel’s’ Sir Harth catches Ewen before he climbs the stairs.

‘Sir Ewen, I’m sure you have given this situation a great deal of thought.’

‘I have.’

‘Have you considered there may be an attack on Tashal?’

‘Yes, my plans at this point involve leaving the Thardan troops in Tashal. I would not have them spent in Olokand.’

‘I speak of Lady Rahel’s protection. Dickon’s men will be fine. I plan, despite protestations, to take the lady out of the city via the portal to safety. She is in my charge and has been since she was a little girl.’

‘I approve of your plan. Perhaps that may buy some small mileage against the protests.’

‘I will try to leave word as to where we are.’

‘Thank you. I know I can count on you to protect my lady and our child.’

Sir Harth nods and Ewen continues his way upstairs. As he is passing through the great hall he hears sounds of laughter coming from behind one of the closed doors. He isn’t sure as to whom the laughter could belong. He continues up to the third floor and enters Rahel’s chamber and sees her illuminated by the flickering light of the fireplace.

‘Come join me brother. I have been expecting you,’ she says dreamily.

‘I heard the sound of girlish mirth in Hag hall.’

‘Elena and her sister. They don’t get to see each other that much. She is so stoic and grim, it is a bit disconcerting to hear her laugh’

‘Yes, I thought I felt my thumbs prickle.’

‘Come and tell me your plans.’

Ewen smiles and bestowing a kiss upon her forehead, tells Rahel of everything that happened since he left.

‘The Blue Boars have a good reputation.’

‘I plan to leave Dickon’s men in the city and the company at Varayne to exploit whatever develops.’

‘I understand and agree. This is your moment and your call. All of it. Whatsoever you command, we will obey. What do you need? What don’t you have?’ Her mood shifting from playful to serious – the daughter of the Colossus.

‘I will probably need contact with Tashal when I am in the field.’

‘I can set up a special form of Rapport. We each will need a focus, a mirror, bowl, or the like. We will set up a time that we would each have to rapport through the focus, not as detailed or intimate as now, but we could relay information back and forth. It is fatiguing to do this even for a few minutes. It will be as equal of doing strenuous physical activity. You would not need to contact me every day, I would monitor during the set times.’

‘Being information deprived was a large concern. We should make arrangements, either daybreak or sundown.’

‘The later the better, so as not to interrupt your normal sleep. Let’s say ten o’clock at night. I’ll need time to find the best focuses. We can set them up tomorrow, same time will do. We can attune and connect them here.’

‘Thank you. What about an aide-de-camp?’

‘Don’t hire anyone. I suggest you use someone you trust. Except the little Navite, she’s not reliable for that sort of thing.’

‘Where is the portal in Olokand? Do I need to know where it is?’

‘Good idea.’ She muses on a soft voice. ‘Good idea; a little risky. But do you go and come back or go and look around? You would need to look different than you do now, so you don’t stand out in anyway. If I were the Harbaalese, I’d have pressed a number of the population into service. You might be caught and then have to fight your way out. No, too risky, just go and immediately come back.’

‘Where is the portal?’

‘A tenement near Releyne’s place of business. She owns the building and the portal is in the cellar. I recommend you going late in any event. Darkness will be your friend. How about now?’

‘I’m ready.’

‘Let us go disturb the laughing sisters,’ Rahel says with a smile.

Before Ewen and Rahel can knock on Elena’s door, Elena opens the door, ‘You wanted something?’

‘Yes, I wish for your sister to take Ewen to Olokand.’

Behind Elena, Ewen can see Releyne’s face turn a very unflattering shade of white.

‘We were expecting this. I can do this if you are willing.’

‘I shall enjoy it,’ Ewen says with a smirk.

‘Not too much,’ Rahel teases as she turns and walks back to the stairs leading to the third floor. Releyne looks very relieved and slips back into the room.

‘Shall we?’ Elena says and Ewen indicates that he will follow her.

Once all three are gathered on the third floor Rahel mentions that there is another portal in Dickon house the Ewen should be made aware of. It was, in Rahel’s opinion, difficult to have the portal in her chambers be the only portal. There is also another portal in the city that she thinks Ewen should be know the location of. It is in the lower level of the Peonian crypt.

Elena nods to Rahel and steps in the circle of stone marking the area of the portal. The floor beneath her feet begins to glow. ‘Well, what are you waiting for?’

Ewen steps onto the stone and as Elena wraps her arms around Ewen’s waist she gives Rahel a wink and then they are gone.

Ewen finds himself in total darkness. He can smell the earth and believes that he is in a root cellar of sorts. Elena creates handfire, ‘Well, this is it. My sister owns the building. She keeps this part of the cellar empty.’ She points to a ladder, ‘That leads to a trap door. You have imprinted on the portal, but perhaps you should look outside to so you can identify the building.’ As Ewen moves toward the door, Elena reminds him to remove his sword in case he is seen. He hands his sword to Elena and she leans it against the wall. Ewen touches the trap door and extends his senses as a precaution. He believes that the room behind the door is empty. He slowly and as quietly as he can raises the trap door. He comes out into the kitchen of the building. It is bare, stripped of all supplies. He doesn’t think that the supplies were taken by Releyne and figures that the Harbaalese must have raided or sent the villagers they pressed into service to raid each building. There is a door that leads to the side of the building perpendicular from the shuttered window. He again touches the door and extends his senses. He is slightly distracted as Elena silently comes up to stand beside him. He grimaces and presses his ear against the door and hears nothing. He opens the door with a slight creak and sees the chamber hall before him. To his right, along the same side as the shuttered window is another door. Elena indicates the door, ‘That is the door that leads outside.’ Ewen rolls his eyes at Elena’s assessment of his intelligence. He touches the wall attempting to sense anyone outside. He feels nothing. He opens the door cautiously and only a crack. He looks out onto the brightly light sky. He can smell just a slight hint of the bonfire that has lit up the sky. He hears noises, shouting and the sounds of fighting behind him. He looks across the street and thanks to the bonfire can just make out Releyne’s shop across the street. He believes he can find this building again if he has to. He nods to Elena and they make their way down to cellar and the portal. As he picks up his sword he tells Elena that ‘perhaps this would be a good time to check out the other portals.’ Elena again puts her arms around Ewen and with the customary glow are gone again.

This time Ewen invokes handfire a second before Elena. Hers is a stronger, steady flame, but Ewen’s is impressive as well. He looks around and sees they are in the Northwest corner of the lower level of the Peonian crypt.

‘This is the most used portal in Tashal. Deryni not friendly to us know about it and use it.’

‘Speaking of Deryni not friendly, Lady Bresyn has invited me to tea.’

‘Make sure to bring your own.’ Elena replies with a laugh as she wraps her arms around Ewen again, ‘On to Dickon house.’

They emerge in the cellar in middle of a small corridor. ‘This is new, we have only just established it. I think that the last leg of the trip you can handle on your own. I will go first.’

‘Thanks.’ Ewen says as Elena gives him a smile and disappears. Ewen steps into the circle and steps out into Rahel’s waiting arms.

Kelen 17, 732

The morning dawns with Sir Baris and Tora talking about the upcoming inspection of the White Ravens in the east common.

‘You did order several bales of hay for the muster?’ Tora asks.

‘Umm sure.’ Baris replies looking into his mug of morning ale.

Tora lets out a long suffering sigh and walks out to go find and place hay bales. Despite this delay she is still able to make it to the meeting place by eight in the morning. Baris shows up a few hours later and the White Ravens show up around noon.

Tora, already annoyed at the timing, walks up to the Garvo and asks that he have his men line up. Garvo looks at the milling men, ‘Line up!’ The men follow the almost casual command, more or less. Tora walks up and down the line inspecting the men. Her jaw clenching tighter at each man she walks past. She see bad stance and inattention in all 12 of the men. All have weapons that Tora would only use if a butter knife wasn’t handy. Five of the men have other equipment not up to standard and have shields that would lose a fight to oil paper. At least all of them have helmets, although not all of them fit and one Tora thinks she can see through to the man’s scalp. Half of the men have stomachs that protrude past the belts. She gets to the end of the line and gives Baris a small disappointed shake of her head. She then turns to the nearest man, ‘What is your name?’ She asks in a commanding voice.

‘Oakist.’

‘Oakist, attack that bale of hay,’ Tora commands. The man doesn’t move. ‘NOW!!!!’ she shouts in a voice Baris believes could be heard in the castle. Oakist runs to the hay bale and starts to whack at it with his falchion halfheartedly.

‘I TOLD YOU TO ATTACK THAT BALE OF HAY! SOLDIER! NOW!’ Tora yells, now in her element.

Oakist hits the bale of hay for a few more minutes before looking back at Tora as if she was a demon spawned from Agrik.

Garvo turns to Baris, ‘Your retainer is a bit gun-ho.’

‘She gets the job done effectively. I am sad to say , even in Tashal and not a more dangerous place, your men’s discipline is lacking just a bit.’

‘Well, they never have attacked a bale of hay before,’ replies Garvo nonchalantly.

Baris grins at that volley as the castle bells begin to ring. His eyes narrow, ‘I bet I know what that is about’ he thinks to himself. He motions Tora over and she gives him her opinion.

‘There is potential and certainly their work is not up to battlefield standard.’ Tora says with a gleam in her eye.

‘Tora …’ Baris says trying to get her back on track.

‘I will drill your men if you hire them. I can get them ready and competent.’

‘Excellent. I will go see what those bells are about.’ Baris turns to Garvo.

‘Are you hiring?’ Garvo asks looking over his men.

Baris nods, and Tora adds that the caveat is that they will be spending time together training.

‘You have all the time you want with the men. They are yours.’ Garvo smirks as he turns to walk away. The men of the White Ravens look terrified as Tora turns to them.

‘We will successfully drill and attack the hay until the bales are gone. Let’s start with a cheer ‘Up Sir Baris!’’

One of the men in line mutters just loud enough for Tora to hear ‘Up Sir Baris’s what?’ Tora doesn’t like the muttering and as Baris hurries to the castle the men are now doing laps around the common.

Back at Raven Hall, Ewen hears the bells and starts on his own to the castle, along with most of the townsfolk. He sees Baris and the two proceed closer to the castle together. The crowd is getting larger and larger. Moving through it is becoming more difficult, but being knights they find the going a little easier than the common folk. The bells are still ringing. Ewen sees Prehil and his father making their way towards the castle gate. He nudges Baris and the two angle their approach to meet up with the Baron and his son. The mood of the crowd is expectant as the bells continue to ring and more people gather. Lord Firith goes straight to the gates and is admitted. Prehil nods to the guards and glances back, ‘Ewen, Baris, come on.’ Ewen smiles his thanks and they enter with Prehil.

They enter the castle and proceed to the throne room. A quick glance around the room shows that Vemion is not there, but Balim, Stimos, Ternua, the Archbishop, Rekela Dariune, Harapa Indama, and Kytem Curo are there. After a short wait, Harapa bangs his stick on the dais, ‘My Lords, your attention, His Grace the King.’

King Haldan III steps out from behind the tapestry and sits on the throne. Ewen thinks to himself that was a very odd way to enter. The King looks concerned as he scans his nobles’s faces.

‘It is with a heavy heart we bring sad tidings. Our blessed realm has been invaded. We have received word this day raiders from the north attacked and are attacking Olokand. This will not stand!’ the King pounds his fist on the arm of his throne, his voice taking on a bit more strength. ‘We call upon those present to attend us in this hour of need. Writs will be sent; the royal army must gather at Heru by a fortnight from today. We will march north and repel these invaders and preferably annihilate them. Let he would speak, speak.’

The Earl of Balim steps forward, ‘Your Grace, I pledge all that is mine to the defense of Kaldor.’ As he steps back, the Baron of Kobe steps forth, ‘My Liege I volunteer to command your army and bring them to victory.’

‘Cousin we thank you, but this task falls to us. We would thank you to stand by us.’ Haldan says. The elder Firith nods and steps back.

‘My Liege, as First Knight of Kaldor, I hereby pledge my life and all that I have to your kingdom.’ Ewen says stepping up.

‘Well said Sir Ewen, and we accept and ask you take a foremost place in our army.’

‘Thank you Your Grace, you do me honor.’

Stimos begins to speak, ‘Gracious Sovereign. Tharda wishes your kingdom nothing but the best, though we cannot aid you. We wish you to prevail and teach your enemies not to trifle with this kingdom. We cannot help with your offensive, but if worst should come to worst and Tashal sees the bloody sword unsheathed, my King has granted me the power to raise my sword, save only to him, and fight in the defense of Tashal.’

‘We thank you Lord Stimos.’

An unknown man steps forward wearing only arms on his tunic, a party per bend sinister azure and sable, a boar rampant argent. He bows, ‘Great King of Kaldor, I regret having to present myself under such circumstances. My name is Sir Arren Lydel, my lord and master, King Darebor II of Melderyn has sent me to your court as his representative.’

‘We welcome you to our court. We trust your credentials are in order?’

‘Yes, Your Grace,’ Sir Arren hands his papers over to the Rekela Dariune.

“We accept you. What say our cousin Melderyn?’

“Much the same as Tharda with one difference; you may call upon us for any aid I am able to give.’ Sir Arren gives a bow and steps back next to Stimos, smiling.

Baris takes the pause in the proceedings to step forward and bows deeply, ‘Your Grace, I am Sir Baris Tyrestal and I pledge my sword and strength of arms. Agrik take the hindmost!’

Harapa leans forward and whispers something in the king’s ears, and the his face clears of confusion, ‘We thank you.’

Other knights in the room quickly follow Baris’s suit. After most, if not all, have spoken Harapa pounds his stick again, ‘My Lords – the King.’ Haldan stands and withdraws back behind the tapestry.

Ewen glances around and notices that Orsin Firith looks like the cat who swallowed the canary with no witnesses. He moves over to Prehil and his father.

‘Yesterday I retained a troop of mercenaries to put to good use and by god they shall be put to good use now.’ Ewen tells the Firiths.

‘Which ones?’ the Baron of Kobe inquires.

‘The Blue Boars. I understand you have used them before.’

‘They are good men in a scrap.’
‘I hired them with the provision that you get them first. I had hoped to use them in your lordship’s part of the country.’

‘You pledged your sword; will you take them north?’

‘I will take them north.’

‘Then they are yours to command.’

‘I’m bringing a company as well,’ Baris adds.

‘Oh, I’ll make use of you too.’

‘I hope so. I am eager to swing my sword in anger.’

Before the Baron can reply, Lord Balim and Scina Dariune come up to the men, ‘Orsin we must talk when you have a moment. Raising this force will not be cheap.’

‘You would pinch your pennies to drive the invaders out?’ Orsin asks crossly.

Balim shrugs and leaves. Scina turns to Prehil and Ewen, ‘Pagaelin, vikings, they are all the same. I am leading the men of Balimshire. I look forward to fighting by your sides.’ Scina then turns and follows his father.

Ewen notices Stimos lingering.

‘Ewen, there will most certainly be a council of war first thing. It would be in your favor to attend,’ the elder Firith tells him.

‘It would be an honor.’

‘Just present yourself at the castle tomorrow. I’ll leave word.’

Ewen nods and turns, finding himself face-to-face with the Archbishop.

‘Sir Ewen, I don’t think there is a prayer of my keeping Varayne now. Your star is on the rise. May the blessings of the goddess be upon you.’ Ewen nods as the Archbishop walks away.

Ewen finally makes his way over to where Stimos is standing.

‘Your thoughts would fascinate me.’ Stimos says.

‘I’m sure. I am surprised by the new Melderyni representative.’

‘I should’ve seen the signs. I became too complacent. Lady Bresyn is usually so silent. Yet Melderyn house is next door, and I saw signs of activity. Bresyn has left the city.’

‘Well, then it is unlikely that I will get to have tea with her.’

‘I doubt Sir Arren will invite you to tea. He will be a more formable advocate for Melderyn.’

‘It is time for you to get back on your game or it will be a coup.’

Stimos smiles and lowers his voice, ‘He is almost certainly a Deryni. Be aware. It makes me thankful that certain, well let’s just say I have been protected. He has an odd name don’t you think. Arren: a name usually reserved for kings according to history.’

‘You have studied well.’

‘I am your servant. Call upon me. What goes for Kaldor does not go for you.’

Back at Raven Hall Baris tells Tora of the news from the castle, while Ewen sends messengers to gather his knights and light horsemen from the south.

‘Sir Baris, this is the blessing of the lady! We just acquired an army and invaders come from the north!’ Tora exclaims upon hearing the King has called his knights to battle.

Baris, with a look of constipation upon his face, mutters, ‘Most blessings of the lady involve the rack.’

Tora, too elated to hear Baris, exclaims in a voice of reverence, ‘War!’

Baris, takes this chance to ask Tora about the land around Olokand as he and the rest of the party did not get a chance to explore when they were up there for the tournament.

Tora takes a moment to think. She tells the party that she believes that the vikings most likely had to portage their ships somewhere. There is a huge waterfall outside the border of Kaldor along the Kald. Also the Anoth Delta, from which the Vikings most assuredly came from, does not connect to the Kald.