Session Ninety-Seven - December 15, 2012

Wherein the ongoing story of the FtF campaign may be found ...

Session Ninety-Seven - December 15, 2012

Postby Matt » Wed Apr 17, 2013 10:26 pm

Nolus 16, 732

In the early morning light a single knight, Sir Aeomund Legith, and his Bujoc companion, Kittiara, rode across the bridge over the river Kald towards Caer Olokand. At the gates he identified himself and asked to speak with the senior Reblena of the Lady of Paladins present. He is led to the fourth floor while his companion sees to the horses.

The travel-worn Sir Aeomund soon stands before Sir Houla Artona.

The veteran knight regarded his younger comrade. ‘Well, Sir Aeomund you are late, but here.’

‘I must report old news. The Silver Caravan has been taken.’

‘That is old news. How did you find out?’

‘I was with the caravan. During the skirmish, I was wounded and dragged from the field.’

Sir Houla leans forward, ‘Tell me everything!’

Sir Aeomund gives a detailed report of the viking ambush. He makes no mention of any forces of the Earl of Neph. After Aeomund finishes his report, Houla motions for him to sit and informs him of the events regarding the siege of Olokand. Sir Houla suggests that perhaps it Sir Aeomund should attend the morning council. He then indicates to Aeomund to sit and help himself to some breakfast.

‘Ah, pork sausage.’

Meanwhile Sirs Ewen and Baris with the rest of the party were sitting down to their own breakfast meeting. As the talk went around the table about what to do now that the vikings had departed and when the party should return to Tashal, there was a pounding at the door. Ewen quickly makes the final decision that they will just wait for the next few days and see if there is a way to gracefully exit. The pounding on the door starts again and as Baris stands to open the door Prehil’s voice comes through loud and clear, ‘Ewen! Out of bed! It’s time! I’m coming in and I don’t care which wench’s arms you are in.’

Baris opens the door with a chuckle playing on his lips.

‘Baris’s arms?! There must be a lonely wench in the castle somewhere.’ Prehil says as he walks in.

‘We have ladies!’ Baris protests.

‘Well Sir Prehil, what can I help you with?’ Ewen says.

‘The council has been called by my father. He suggested I grab you and Baris. Somehow you two are de facto members.’

Ewen chuckles at this and indicates to Prehil to lead the way.

The three knights make their way to the throne room on the second floor. Already present are Sir Edric, Lord Firith, Sir Scina, Sir Houla and a knight of the Lady of Paladins that Ewen does not recognize. The prince enters shortly after.

Prince Brandis takes his seat at the head of the table and Lord Firith takes the one to his right. Firith glances to the door and nods to the the Lady of Paladins Knight.

Sir Houla stands, ‘Your highness, this is Sir Aeomund. He was with the Silver Caravan when it was attacked and has a report for you.’

At this, Sir Scina folds his arms across his chest, leans back and stares at the ceiling in an obvious manner of not paying attention to the report. On his face is a look of contempt.

Sir Aeomund ignores Scina and gives his report and then answers a few questions that come after he is finished.

In his turn, Sir Ewen introduces himself to the knight and asks if Sir Aeomund was aware of how the Harbaalese knew where to ambush.

‘I believe they had some foreknowledge, perhaps a spy. They outnumbered us seven to one. The ambush came from both sides leading me to believe they knew the exact route and number of the caravan.’

Sir Baris introduces himself and asks if forces from Gardiren came at all.

‘I did not see any such.’

‘Hmmmm,’ Baris says with a slight sneer.

Prince Brandis holds his hand up and address the assembled warriors while looking at Baris, ‘It was not Neph’s responsibility to guard the caravan until it actually reached Gardiren ... but the Harbaalese had to go through the town like shit through a goose.’

Sir Aeomund wisely says nothing in response, but looks back to Baris. ‘I was injured and pulled from the field before the battle ended.’

‘You? Injured?’ Lord Firith sputtered in surprise. ‘When you fought with me against the Pagaelin you never got so much as a scratch. The men looked to you as a good luck charm!’

‘Even the sun is sometimes eclipsed,’ Sir Aeomund responded.

Sir Scina innocently asked if there were any other survivors.

Sir Aeomund opens the bundle that he had been carrying and empties it on the table. As the spurs of fallen knights spill onto the table he says that the task of revenge falls to him.

‘Well said Sir Aeomund,’ Sir Houla responds.

‘It is all well and good to collect a few spurs here and there,’ Scina says with a not nice smile beginning to form on his face, ‘but how exactly did you survive?’

‘I was unconscious and dragged from the field.’

‘So there is another survivor? Let us hear from him.’

‘My hunts-woman Kittiara removed me while I was injured.’

‘You were saved by a woman?’ Scina laughs.

‘As a knight of Larani I often look to a woman for aid.’ Aeomund responds. The room chuckles with clear indication that all thought Aeomund won that tilt in the lists.

Prince Brandis clears his throat, ‘Now that that is cleared up; Sir Houla, have your men returned?’

‘Not yet, your highness, I expect them sometime this afternoon.’

‘Then I suggest we adjourn until the scouts return.’

All rise when the prince leaves the room. Sir Scina and Sir Edric follow Brandis out.

Ewen walks over to Firith and Sir Houla, ‘I am troubled by the response to my question earlier. If there is a turncoat in Kaldor’s officials to the vikings we would be remiss not to look further into the matter.’

‘Sir Ewen, the time of the caravan is a closely guarded secret. There are many caravans on that route this time of year but the Silver and the Black caravans are at random times,’ Sir Houla tells him.

‘Precisely my point.’

‘The Order of the Lady of Paladins is responsible for the caravan from Naniom Bridge to Gardiren. The Khuzan, along with some others, guard the caravan to the bridge and the Earl of Neph’s forces join the guard at Gardiren. This year Sir Aeomund was sent to coordinate the times and he chose to return with the caravan. The knowledge could only come from Azadmere.’

‘And they were waiting punctually,’ Ewen mentions, ‘Sir Aeomund, could there have been a betrayal by the Khuzan? A rogue element perhaps?’

‘It almost had to be something like that. Some sort of forehand knowledge,’ Lord Firith agreed scratching under his eyepatch.

‘They would also need a way to communicate quickly across great distances. The attack was overly developed and coordinated,’ Sir Aeomund responds doubtfully.

‘That is odd behavior for vikings.’ Baris says, ignoring the ambush at Ovendel field.

‘Lord Firith, is it out of bounds to ask the Earl of Neph about his involvement or lack thereof?’ Aeomund asks.

‘No doubt the King will have questions of his own.’ is the Baron’s evasive response.

There is a brief silence as all think on this. Sir Houla speaks up, ‘Sir Aeomund, in a strange turn of coincidence Sir Ewen holds the manor of which you were once bailiff.’

Aeomund hesitates for a moment. ‘Actually that puts me in an interesting position. The Serekela made me swear fealty to the Lord of Varayne and if that has changed ...’

Sir Houla splutters, ‘Surely you mean the Archbishop himself, not as Lord of Varayne?’

‘No.’

‘Just the Lord of Varayne?’

‘Yes.’

‘What on earth possessed him to do that?! When?’

‘When I was sent south to the Solori crusade, I would have been in the presence of the Grandmaster of the Lady of Paladins, so he had me swear fealty to him as Lord of Varayne.’

‘I suppose that makes sense. To have you report to him above the Chabla he needed to have you sworn as a feudal vassal versus an ecclesiastical one.’

‘I commend you Sir Houla for bringing this knight to my attention.’ Ewen interjects with a grin.

‘I am beginning to rethink my decision.’

‘There is little option but to consider Sir Aeomund as part of my retinue. Of course, if you need him I could possible see extending his duties to merge with yours.’

Sir Houla sighs and takes a brief glance to the heavens, ‘Well, technically Sir Aeomund is an Erana, which means his assignments are at his own discretion. So he is free from any ties to a chapter house or abbey. I will have to consult with others and sort this out for the future. But for now, Sir Aeomund, Varayne is no longer subinfeudated to Caleme Abbey.’ At this, Aeomund looks slightly confused so Houla continues, ‘I and many other worthies of the kingdom wonder how Ewen managed to transfer the holding from the Archbishop to the King. But Ewen is now a tenant-in-chief of the King.’

Sir Aeomund considers this new intelligence for a moment and then removes his sword from its sheath and swears feudal homage to Sir Ewen. Ewen accepts and passes back Aeomund’s sword.

‘I apologize for the lack of armor.’ Aeomund says as he accepts the sword back.

‘No need to strip down. The sword you’re using is the metal one.’ Prehil says mischievously.


During the morning conference, Tora was not idle. She took the remaining members of the White Ravens out to the north common for some basic training with spears. Unfortunately she overestimated the skill the Ravens had acquired under her tutelage and took the blunt end of a thrown spear to the head. She fell, knocked cold, and the Ravens sheepishly assisted her to the infirmary, hoping she wouldn’t remember which of them had thrown a spear backwards.

After Ewen, Baris, and Aeomund excuse themselves from Lord Firith’s company and go back to Ewen’s quarters.

‘Scina doesn’t seem to like you much Sir Aeomund. Why is that?’

‘A childhood thing. I grew up in Balim House. My father was Chaplain and my mother the tutor. We were part of his, Scina’s, uncle’s retinue in Tashal. Scina was a bully as a child and has never grown out of it.’

‘Was Sir Karison a bully as well?’

‘Not really. He went along with his brother on everything but it was more of a younger brother following the older’s lead than any real malice on his part.’

‘So, we should get to know each other; tell me of your history.’ Ewen says pouring himself a drink.

‘Well you know I was bailiff of Varayne, then I went to serve in the Solori crusade. I met the Grandmaster of the Lady of Paladins in Cundras. I later served with the Baron of Kobe fighting the Pagaelin. After a second trip to Melderyn, I returned to Kaldor and went to Azadmere to coordinate the Silver Caravan.’

‘What do you know about us?’ Ewen asks. When Aeomund responds that it appears he has been out of Kaldor for the almost the entire time that Ewen and Baris had been in the kingdom, Ewen gives a short precis of their time in Tashal.

‘What do you want me to do now?’ Aeomund asks.

‘Have you begun to investigate the possibility of a spy?’ Baris asks.

‘Not in Azadmere, but in Kaldor.’ Ewen clarifies, ‘Baris is of the notion that Neph is in on it.’

‘The ambush and the everything I have learned has made me think that this was more than a random raid, but a campaign.’ Aeomund says.

‘I understand that you have a personal stake in this matter to avenge your compatriots. You have my leave to go and look and investigate, just don’t drag Baris and I down.’

‘I understand.’


Later that afternoon the knights Sir Houla sent out to Setrew and Baseta return with the news that both are viking free. The knights leading the group spoke to those in charge of the keeps and both confirmed passage of the viking warboats. At this news, Lord Firith decides to keep the army intact at Olokand for several days more.


Nolus 17-25, 732

After a few days of waiting, rebuilding, and quiet some peasant women emerged from the woods. They had fled the vikings; many who did not were taken when the vikings left – especially the young and the pretty.

During the quiet and after the women returned, Kaelyn decided to try and study a new spell she had developed. She distracted Baris from his normal interruption of her work with pert twin villagers. Despite the relative Baris-free environment, Kaelyn was unsuccessful in learning her spell and in fact was severely fatigued for half a day. Ewen periodically communicated with Rahel about life in Tashal and once tried to look in on Thilisa, but had similar luck as Kaelyn’s and knocked himself out instead. Tora slowly recovered from the knock to her head. Smoak surreptitiously told Baris that she had ordered them to put more weight into their throws and, well, Tynder is a big man with a lot of weight.

Around the 20th of Nolus Lord Firith became concerned about the supplies and decided to send the troops that came from furthest away home. Valador and his men, the Earl of Balim’s men under Sir Scina, the Sheriffs of Oselshire and Thelshire with their men all left. Lord Firith waited for five more days until he was satisfied that the vikings were not returning this season. He left half of the Lady of Paladins force, Sir Houla’s from Whyce, and dismissed the rest of the army.

During this time, Kittiara the Bujoc blandly invites Ewen Sir to share her bed one night. Somewhat taken aback, Ewen demurs. She seems not at all put out, but turns to Baris Sir and invites him. Baris, never one to turn down a chance for a rogering, glances at Aeomund, who shrugs. Baris then accepts almost too eagerly, but is surprised to find in the morning that he feels like he had a fine round of calisthenics – certainly not like any sex he had ever experienced. As the days passed by, she would invite other men – never twice one who had declined – but at no time did it seem like she attached any more importance to this activity than recreation.


Nolus 26-28, 732

The party leaves with the bulk of the army and slowly makes their way to Tashal.


Nolus 29, 732

In the early evening they arrive in Tashal. Ewen sends his manorial troops home and dismisses the mercenaries under his command. As they make their way through Tashal, the party finds that the Summer Fair is underway. Mangai square is packed with stalls. The merchants from the Genin Trail and Salt Route Caravan are present. The streets are empty where the Silver Caravan should be. There seems to be some silver in the market and it may be that the shortage is not as bad as they were hoping.

Baris and Tora make their way over to the Elf and Dwarf. The common room is the busiest Baris has ever seen. Tora offers to take up her position and watch the room for trouble. Baris notices that her eyes lack focus and she is not quite steady on her feet so he suggests that perhaps she should manage the White Ravens as bouncers instead of doing the work herself. Tora and the Ravens are not thrilled at this suggestion but agree as Baris is the one paying them. Baris finds out that his initial impression of extremely busy is more accurate than he thought as George has rented out his room. Baris decides to have a drink or two as he watches the money come in then makes his way over to Raven Hall.

Kaelyn decides to go shopping in Mangai square after freshening up at Raven Hall. Cekiya decides to tag alone to practice her special procurement skills.

Ewen introduces Aeomund to Walin and tasks Walin with finding him space in the hall. Walin takes this duty with grace and shows Aeomund to a room on the third floor and then shows him the rest of the house. Kittiara was lodged with the servants on the fourth floor.

Ewen decides to check in on Thilisa. He finds her up and about.

‘So happy to see you feeling better my dear.’

‘Yes, the troubles seem to be over.’ Thilisa replies. In the awkward silence that ensues, Ewen mutters something about leaving her to her peace and quiet and goes to find Sir Rollard.

‘Suh Ewen, you have returned from the wars,’ Sir Rollard says in greeting.

‘Yes, we fought hard and Caer Olokand is spared being host to the Harbaalese.’

‘Ah have heard from others that you are the hero of the houwah.’

‘I played a small role.’

‘Well, you will be pleased to heah that all is well heah.’

‘Very pleased Sir Rollard. Tell me, what news from the city.’

‘There has been some speculashun on the part of those in the know. Ah am sure the Lady Thilisa will tell you evrathing.’

At this moment Walin returns with Sir Aeomund. Ewen introduces Aeomund to Rollard with a small explanation of how the Lady of Paladins knight came to be in Ewen’s retinue.

‘Sir Ewen, you have again descended into the sewahs and returned with a dieahmond necklace.’

Ewen smiles and thanks Rollard for taking care of his lady and adjourns to his room to rest before dinner.

The entire party sits down for dinner at Raven Hall. Thilisa is seated next to Ewen for the first time in a very long time. As they eat Thilisa fills Ewen on what happened in the city.

‘Initially there was panic among the merchants. This escalated as Kelen went on and there was no sign of the Silver Caravan. A number of merchants began to sell the paper representing monies for grain at a small discount. The discount got larger as time went on. The vast majority of the paper was sold towards the middle of the month.’ Thilisa pauses and leans in to whisper to Ewen, ‘I bought some.’

Ewen nods in approval, ‘What has been the temple of Halea’s involvement in all of this?’

Thilisa indicates that she doesn’t know the specifics but they have always been involved in trade. Baris volunteers, rather quickly, to go and check.

Ewen chuckles and asks if the King has been seen in public since his injury. Thilisa has heard he has held court but she hasn’t seen him or heard of him out in the public eye. The rest of the dinner passes and Thilisa excuses herself to retire for the evening. Ewen manages to grab Sir Rollard’s attention before he leaves.

‘Has there been any communication from Vemion or her sister?’

‘Ah am not aware of any,’ Sir Rollard answers.


Baris and Ewen retire to Ewen’s study after dinner.

‘Apparently the war with the vikings is over and we are back in Tashal, so now what?’ Baris asks.

‘My domestic affairs have become complicated.’ Ewen mentions.

Baris’s face becomes confused and he thinks to himself, ‘another kid?’ Out-loud he says, ‘Umm, I wasn’t aware. Congratulations.’

Ewen smiles, ‘You remember the Earl of Vemion, it appears that he has take a wife. A wife young enough to give him an heir. No one knows of this but you, me, and Rahel.’

‘I shall keep it to myself. I will see to my own affairs for the moment.’

‘I don’t need your help to take care of my father-in-law, but I could use your help in a different matter.’

‘Depends on the mission,’ Baris says cautiously.

‘Not as an assassin. It might become necessary to bring some members north and they would need an escort. If you could fit it into your schedule.’


After dinner Sir Aeomund leaves to visit his parents. He travels to eastside, avoiding Mangai square. Cekiya follows. On Nistora Street she sees him knock on the door of a building with a stone first floor, and wood for the second floor. There are two more doors along the alleyway. The upper floor of the building hangs over the alley a bit. There are windows by the door and on the upper floor. A women he greets as his sister answers the door. She is happy to see him and tells him that their mother is on the roof but their father has taken a turn for the worse. Aeomund visits with his father and sister a while before visiting his mom on the roof. He gives her a star chart he had acquired for her.


After Baris leaves, Ewen makes his way to Hag Hall. He passes a coin to the beggar on the corner. The beggar says ‘Welcome master, it has been awhile.’

Sir Harth greets Ewen at the door, ‘Welcome home.’

‘Thank you. Is all well?’

‘Well, but near. It is a matter of days.’

‘It will be a great moment for us all when it comes.’

‘Yes, I am not quite sure how to enter this in my journal.’

Ewen smiles and makes his way up the stairs. As he raises his hand to knock on Rahel’s door, it opens and Rahel leaps into his arms.

‘You are back! Come, come.’

Ewen laughs and carries Rahel to the chair in front of the fire, ‘I have returned, weary from helping squirrel the younger hoard his acorns.’

‘I have been squirreling some acorns of my own. I refer to putting time and treasure to ...’

‘Taking advantage of silly merchants.’

‘Fleecing them,’ she laughed, pleased at his quick mind. ‘Pesera will do well. Querine came too late to the party. It all depends on the silver, at the very least that pledged to the grain. Some of the money was recently brought in. You may know the source. Yes, Para Harkthorn, dropped off an impressive amount of gold and silver, only the truly heavy items were sunk, coins and some lovely gems. The weapons and armor were shared out before the ship could be sunk. It is ironic to use the monies from the Silver Caravan in the manner they were intended.’

‘The more in your control, the better.’

‘By my calculation, we control 30% of this year’s grain payment. I did not buy a single note for more than 50% of its worth. Thilisa was late but she still got a nice discount.’ Rahel smiles as if congratulating herself on again beating Thilisa to the punch. ‘Oh the other news. The King has recovered. He still hasn’t been out in public but has held court.’

‘What news of Bresyn Risai and my father-in-law?’

‘I have had no answer. I know this much, they have not returned to Minarsas. I am not sure if Bresyn has told him the truth of her self.’

‘Is it likely she is pregnant already?’

‘She is trying if she is not already there. She has shielded herself from scrying. We need to find them ... Ah well. On to a more pleasant subject. Talk to your son.’


Nolus 30, 732

Ewen, Baris, and Filen go to the Exchequer to be reimbursed for their contribution to the war. Filen has healed for the most part but walks with a limp. Baris is reimbursed 1,812d for the two months. Ewen is paid 5,112d for the mounted men and 8,628d for the mercenaries: a total of 13,740d.


Larane 1, 732

The day dawns sunny and humid. The party breaks their fast in Raven Hall. Baris weighs the pros and cons of buying some of the discounted paper for himself. After getting everyone’s opinion, he decides that he would be a fool to pass up this opportunity. He leaves after he finishes his eggs and pays a merchant £4 for discounted paper nominally worth 9,600d in grain contracts.

After breakfast Ewen is reviewing his finances and making plans in his study. There is a quick knock on the door and as Ewen pushes certain pieces of paper under piles of no importance, he tells the person at the door to ‘Enter.’ Walin comes in with apologies for disturbing Ewen, but says that a message has come. Walin hands Ewen a packet sealed with the heraldic leopard of the Bastunes. Inside Ewen finds a message from Tarien Bastune, the new Baron of Kolorn, requesting a meeting at a time and place of Ewen’s choosing. Ewen leans back, a thoughtful look upon his face.

‘Is there a messenger waiting for a response?’

‘No, Sir Ewen, but one can be addressed to Bastune house and a messenger sent next door to deliver it,’ he replies drolly.

Ewen smiles at Walin’s wit and writes out a response. A short time later Walin hands Ewen a reply that tomorrow evening around seven at Galopea’s Feast would be perfectly acceptable and that it would be the new Baron’s pleasure to take care the details.


Larane 2, 732

The majority of the day passes uneventfully. Tora was nearly recovered from her blow to the head, and declared that she would resume her duties tomorrow in a tone that would brook no challenge.

Evening approaches and Ewen decides to play the meeting with Tarien cautiously. He asks if Baris, Kaelyn, and Aeomund would join him in the dinner and decides to bring one of the men-at-arms along. Cekiya, of course, would be just a shadow away should anything go wrong.

The small group enters the common room of Galopea’s Feast. They see no one of real note with the exception of Aethel Atan and his charming niece dining at a center table. At a corner table with the other men-at-arms are two men wearing Bastune livery. Ewen nods his head slightly in the direction of the table and the man-at-arms that accompanied him moves to sit at the opposite end of that table. Ewen and Baris are not left standing in the doorway long. Mak quickly comes up and greets them. Ewen tells Mak that they are supposed to be dining with the Baron of Kolorn. Mak says that he is waiting for him upstairs. He, the Baron, had rented the entire second floor. The party climbs the staircase and finds a lone man seated at the far end of the hall.

‘Which of you is Sir Ewen?’

Ewen steps forward, ‘I have that honor.’

‘Come, sit, we have much to discuss.’

‘Thank you. My condolences about the death of your father.’

‘Ewen, we would have a better relationship if we were honest with each other,’ Tarien says with a smile. Ewen nods, saying nothing save the introductions of those he brought with him.

Tarien makes the usual noises in response; ‘Baris, your reputation precedes you’ and ‘Aeomund, are you of any relation to the Chybisan Baron of Lerenil?’ The four sit and consider Tarien, who looks to be in his early twenties with a resemblance to his father. Mak brings up sweetmeats, cheese, and other delicacies along with wine served in crystal goblets.

Tarien raises his glass, ‘To the next Earl of Vemion.’

Ewen nods, a smile playing on his lips, ‘To the next Earl of Vemion,’ but he does not drink. He begins to truth-read the Baron. Tarien takes a drink and regards Ewen.

‘To the next Baron of Kolorn,’ is Ewen’s reply.

‘Thank you.’ The Baron of Kolorn looks thoughtful. ‘I understand that your lady wife is expecting.’

‘Yes, she is indeed. She is in radiant health, although it is true in the early months she suffered some small discomfort.’

‘That is not the concern of men,’ he nods an apology to Kaelyn. ‘I also understand that the present Earl of Vemion bears no love for you.’

‘To put it succinctly. In fact, I am sure you aware of my banishment from the earldom.’

‘It is my belief that I am not much more welcome than you,’ Tarien says.

‘I am surprised at that.’

‘You know what my brother did and that my father fell failing the Earl. You should not be surprised.’

‘The sins of your family fall upon you?’

‘I do not call it just,’ Tarien leans in. ‘I must tell you plainly, the Earl has confirmed me in the barony but I believe he did it with reservations. I feel am in a trial period. I believe that were I to displease his lordship he would use that as an excuse to take back the barony of Kolorn. I would not like that. I have waited too long.’ He leans back. ‘I will tell you something else; I had intended to challenge my brother upon my father’s death. I know all too well about the rumors of paternity and him being my half-brother.’

Ewen smiled grimly. ‘I say without intention of flattery, there are no such rumors about you. I can understand how it would sit uneasy with you to have the barony given with such reservation.’

‘Thank you.’

‘I find my situation galling. I was married before Larani as is proper and I understand my lord, Earl of Veniom, does not intend my wife’s child to inherit.’

‘He can’t do anything about that unless he sires a male heir. I believe that is his plan and that’s why I contacted you. I would rather have you, based on what I know of you, than Declaen Caldeth as Earl.’

‘I assure you that the barony of Kolorn would be securely in your hands if I were to inherit.’

‘We understand each other. Let’s not be so formal; Tarien and Ewen are our names, let us use them.’

‘Let’s make it so,’ Ewen holds out his hand for Tarien to shake.

‘What do you know of the Earl’s plans and where did you last see him?’ Ewen asks.

‘I was recently summoned to Ferlune manor to pay homage to the Earl. It is held by the Valador’s – the strongest familial support that Declaen enjoys. Almost all that family supports him. There, in all proper Larani forms, he married a Melderyni woman, a Lady Bresyn. There is only one reason for a rapid marriage after the death of Lady Ialny. I have no idea where he planned to go next. This was only a few weeks ago. He could be in Tashal or any of his other castles, although probably not Baseta.’

‘Would he not go to Vemionshire?’

‘Too far away and too many things going on. And then there is you and what you might do.’

‘I doubt he underestimates me, I give you that. I understand the entire kingdom knows of my banishment.’

‘Yes, it completely overshadowed Camissa’s wedding.’

‘What are the chances he fled to Melderyn?’ Aeomund asks.

‘I don’t believe he fled, but it is possible.’

‘We need to find him.’ Ewen states.

‘He could be anywhere. He has no family left at Minarsas, but he would be welcome anywhere with the exception of Raven Hall.’

‘Oh, he’d be welcome,’ Kaelyn says with a grin.

‘A peripatetic lifestyle is not good for man in his condition.’ Ewen says.

‘Agreed. I now ask you, how may we best help each other? You have my support in this matter.’

‘I have the resources to locate Declaen Caldeth.’

‘I know of the large forces you brought to the field, but I fail to see how that is useful in this.’

‘I have persons of my acquaintance with other talents in terms of finding him.’

‘My brother, my half-brother, was foolish to take you on.’

Ewen smiles at this compliment. ‘Were the Earl of Vemion to come to a premature end, the King would not look kindly on a person who inherits to have had a hand in it.’

‘No he would not. That person would find himself disinherited and on the block.’ Tarien pauses, ‘Sir Baris, I do not wish to speak out of school, but my mother must never know of this conversation. Mother is noble and with beautiful attributes but discretion is not one of them.’

Baris is momentarily taken back. ‘More pork sausage?’ Aeomund offers.

‘Ah, that is not a problem and don’t mind if I do,’ Baris says taking the offered plate with evident relief.

‘Who hates Vemion enough to be a believable fall guy? Another noble house?’ Ewen asks and watches Tarien’s face. Ewen believes he is coming to the end of the young Baron’s knowledge. ‘Such a decision would require good reason but we should not be closed to the idea.’

‘To be honest, I am not sure. I don’t know enough of them well enough to say. I do know this much, the constables of the other keeps are loyal and there is no reason to believe that will change.’

‘Was the Earl’s retinue of his normal size or was it smaller?’ Aeomund asks, surprising Ewen with the fact the knight of Larani has not objected once to thinly veiled talk of killing an Earl. Aeomund is a knight who puts his duty first and his duty is with Ewen and Ewen’s is with the King. Although Aeomund thinks the new Baron of Kolorn is bottom dweller for conspiring against his liege lord.

‘It was his normal retinue,’ Tarien responded.

‘Where exactly is Ferlune manor?’ Ewen asks.

‘It is on the Kald just north of Ternua.’

Ewen leans back and notices that Sir Harth has entered the room and gestured for Ewen’s attention. Ewen gracefully excuses himself and goes to talk with Sir Harth.

‘The Lady Rahel is in labor.’

‘I will come as soon as I can,’ Ewen says.

Sir Harth’s mouth drops open, ‘Sir Ewen, I said the Lady Rahel is in Labor.’

‘Allow me to finish my conversation with the Baron of Kolorn.’

‘Of course, I will wait for you below.’

Ewen walks back to the table. ‘I am afraid an unexpected emergency has come up.’

‘I hope that your lady wife is fine.’

‘I expect so, but I need to check on matters.’

Tarien stands and extends his hand, ‘Until we meet again.’ He looks at the the trio still seated, ‘Please stay and enjoy my hospitality.’ Tarien then leaves the room.


‘Sir Ewen, what do we do now?’ Aeomund asks.

‘Eat, drink, and be merry,’ Ewen replies as he finishes his glass of wine before he departs.

Aeomund sits flummoxed at the table while Kaelyn and Baris blithely enjoy the food and drink left to them.


Sir Harth and Ewen walk quickly to Hag Hall. On the third floor Ewen finds Elena of Lerik waiting.

‘Who is attending Rahel in her delivery?’ Ewen asks Sir Harth.

‘A healer has arrived. He is very skilled; Sir Flavius is his name.’

Ewen nods and takes a seat and begins the wait for the cry of his son.


Back at Galopea’s Feast Aethel Atan makes his way upstairs and shouts to the trio seated at the far end of the hall, ‘Did I see Sir Ewen leaving?’

‘Your eyes did not betray you,’ Kaelyn calls back.

‘I did not think they would. Look at this spread.’ Aethel gestures to the table and then looks at Aeomund, ‘I don’t know you.’

Baris introduces Sir Aeomund.

‘Sir Aeomund Legith? Are you related to that complete horse’s ass Salamys Legith? That is a little harsh, for I know he doesn’t mean to be, but if only he could remove that stick from his ass.’

‘Would you like some pork sausage?’ Aeomund asks.

‘This came from Mak’s kitchen?’ Aethel says as he takes a few forkfuls of sausage.

‘Of course.’ Baris says. Aeomund looks confused as to who Aethel is.

‘We noticed you having dinner with your niece. I hope she is well.’ Kaelyn says.

‘She’s not ill.’

‘I meant, I hope there is no mental distress.’

‘From birth she has suffered mental distress.’

‘How is she holding up?’ Baris asks, following Kaelyn’s line of questioning to see if the Lady Cheselyne Hosath was aware of the Earl’s marriage, a marriage she had wanted for her widowed daughter.

‘She is doing well under the circumstances. I would much rather talk about you.’ Aethel says, turning to face Baris.

‘Of course, what do you want to know?’

Aethel holds his glass up to the light, ‘Excellent vintage. Tell me about vikings. In Orbaal now into Kaldor and that they take boats, but the river systems do not connect. How did they get thither to hither?’

Aeomund stands up then sits down just as quickly as the idea hits him; it would have been nearly impossible to portage the boats with the weight of the silver caravan and the scouts Sir Houla sent would have, but didn’t, catch up to them. If they went far enough, of course.

Baris looks at Aeomund, but as soon as it becomes apparent that the other knight is not going to say anything, Baris says simply, ‘They walked.’

‘You know I did travel north recently. I traveled to many places and among them Lorkin.’

‘What perspective does that give you?’ Baris asks.

‘I asked you first. Don’t answer a question with a question.’

‘They cowardly ambushed the army at Ovendel and tried to take Olokand where they were dealt a blow so they retreated.’

‘Yes, they up and left on the verge of taking the castle.’

‘They are vikings.’ Baris says simply.

‘They are not stupid. Do you not have a sense of the mystery?’

‘They escaped with booty when they could.’

Aethel leans towards Baris, ‘I will tell you the answer, but you must come to dinner. Bring these two and Sir Ewen.’

‘It would be a pleasure. It is such a long journey between our front doors,’ Baris says with a grin.

‘I will make sure Molly knows where the cream is at this time. It has been fascinating.’ Aethel says standing and he departs.

Aeomund’s brow had no unwrinkled during the exchange between Aethel and Baris.

‘Dessert?’ Baris asks.


As midnight approaches, Elleere brings up food and drink for those waiting on the third floor.


Larane 3, 732

Ewen takes a small walk around the room to keep himself awake as midnight comes. Ewen realizes that the date puts the signs of the baby on the cusp of Ahnu and Angberelius. The child will be a swordsman like his father.

Finally a cry is heard in the other room. A few tense minutes pass and the doors to the bed chamber open. An older man comes out, ‘Well it’s done. Healthy baby and all that. Where’s the wine?’

Ewen pays the man no mind as he goes to kneel at Rahel’s side.

Rahel lies slightly reclined in bed all aglow and looking perfect with a small bundle of baby in her arms.

Cekiya’s head pops around the corner, ‘Daffodil is Daffodil.’

Rahel pushes the blankets surrounding the baby’s face away so that Ewen may get a better look, ‘Ah brother, our son, the grandchild of Arren of Melderyn.’

Ewen reaches out and gently strokes the baby’s head.

‘Behold Stavron of Aerth.’ she says.
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Matt
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