Session One Hundred and Twenty-One - July 26, 2015

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

Session One Hundred and Twenty-One - July 26, 2015

Postby Matt » Sat Dec 12, 2015 12:31 pm

Azura 12 ,732

In the early hour after midnight, on the windblown cliff over-looking Darrindale, Ewen discusses with Rahel the events that transpired in his time out of Tashal. He asks about their brother Arren Lydel. Rahel believes he had departed, not because of his actions at the tournament, but because of a personal agenda. Neither think they have seen the last of him. Rahel reminds Ewen that the knowledge of Darrindale is for him and him alone, and that should things come to extremis in Tashal this place may serve as a refuge for him. The pace at which Ewen’s agenda for the sleepy kingdom is accelerating and he needs to be prepared for anything. All others are expendable, Rahel concludes darkly.

Back at Raven Hall for the breakfast meeting, the party discusses plans to entertain themselves until the boats are ready on the 16th for transporting Thilisa and other members of the household to Ternua. Aeomund decides to spend the time cleaning up his notes on the various battlements he has visited and possibly rework the calculations for the fortifications of Ternua. Kaelyn is going to study as well, working on learning a new spell. Baris, after receiving the reply from the hot redhead, decides he needs to visit Sotor to find out what Sotor said in the first letter. Baris also decides that Sotor should probably help him write another letter. Cekiya is not sure what she is going to do with the time, but is confident that Ewen will give her a task or the god will.

Ewen decides that talking to his wife cannot be put off any longer. After breakfast, as Baris leaves for Sotor’s, Ewen climbs the stairs and Lady Elena admits him into Thilisa’s sitting room. She is seated in a chair with her embroidery on the desk and papers in her hand.

“How are you feeling today my lady wife?”

“As well as expected with this parasite inside me.”

“That parasite is our son and your heir.”

“He is eating me from inside out so today he is a parasite. What business brings you to me today husband? Our visits are infrequent but I can’t say they are missed.”

“When you returned you made comments about how Rollard brought you back from Varayne.”

“If had know of the peril that clung to you, I may have considered my captor.”

Ewen smiles at Thilisa’s jab. “That is part of the cause of my visit.”

“Let’s start with no and go from there.”

“You may have heard of the little owl upstairs. I am concerned that the bird had a connection with your father’s latest doxy.”

“Bresyn Resai? Is that a custom among you?”

“It was not a natural creature. I am implying that your father’s wife may have you under scrutiny.”

“She is as you are, is she not?”

“She is and no I have never used an owl, so there may be another explanation.”

“In the attic? Review the list of servants and sack the problem. So husband don’t tell me you came by to brighten my day with concerns over vermin.”

“No, a martial matter. Those troops that had Rollard concerned for your safety at Varayne belong to the Earl of Osel.”

“The Earl of Osel is dead.”

“The present holder; his son is in command of those men. They seem to be waiting for something.”

“Heru? The current bailiff chafes at his new master and perhaps Harabor is bringing troops to bring him to heel.”

“My information is also that Lady Cheselyne and he are forming an alliance of sorts.”

“Lady Elena says a marriage is impending. Two wrecked houses married and finding salvage on a lee shore.”

“It seems to me that quartering troops in the woods outside of Varayne is still odd for bringing a bailiff to heel.”

“There are spying eyes on the Genin trail.”

“True.” Ewen paused before continuing. “The King does not do well.”

“I have no knowledge of that,” Thilisa replied with a toss of her head.

“I believe that Balim is running the show. It is interesting that Harabor’s troops are where they are …” Ewen trails off certain that his wife will follow his line of thought.

“You put too much stock in Harabor’s ability to lead an army. He never has.”

“I believe his judgment is flawed, but all these concerns bring me to my visit. I believe that in the near future Tashal will become unsafe, especially to one such as you.”

“Even with all these ghastly men-at-arms around?”

“Yes.”

“If anything serious comes to be, I can take refuge in Caer Elend.”

“It is formidable,” Ewen agreed. “It also is probably going to be the focus of all the excitement I am anticipating.”

“Are you suggesting a rebellion?”

“I am anticipating a period of instability in Kaldor.”

“Then no place will be safe.”

“That is a false choice. In the event of such unrest, some places will be safer than others.”

“And just what is your proposal?” Thilisa says, eyes narrowing.

“To facilitate your moving to Caer Ternua.”

“Ternua? Have you been made a baron and I was not informed?”

“Not yet, but I do possess the keep.”

“You plan to put me in the hands of Verdreth?”

“The Verdreth line is no more. In fact I have both of their heads in my study,” Ewen says with a chuckle.

The color drains from Thilisa’s face as she absorbs the import of this and she faints. Ewen takes advantage of this time alone with a quiet Thilisa and attempts to read her mind about all that he has mentioned. She has held nothing back, her thoughts are completely in-line with what she told him. Ewen takes this moment to implant a suggestion that ‘moving to Ternua is a good idea and worthy of her station.’ Ewen then summons Lady Elena to come to the aid of his vaporous wife.


Baris, meanwhile, had made his way over to Sotor’s house. He is once again admitted without delay. He tries to get Sotor to tell him what was written in the original letter, but Sotor’s line of thinking is a bit hard for Baris to follow. Baris wants to send another letter right away, but Sotor feels he should wait at least three days, “You do not want to appear too eager. The prey needs to feel worthy of the hunt.”

Baris is all for hunting, and Sotor agrees to write and send a new letter. With hunting on his mind, he takes squires Khalas and Goreg out for a bit of training.

After spending the rest of the morning in his study Ewen decides that he should probably talk to Rollard about moving Thilisa – he is surprisingly easy to track down. After a few minutes of Ewen dancing around the fact he wants Rollard to convince Thilisa to move and to give her the facts that Ewen technically holds Ternua by a writ and not by grant, Rollard tells Ewen “It is not for retainers to determine what is trivial. Those duties fall for to you. I will lend full support once my lady has all the facts.”

Ewen agrees that that is fair and Rollard gives a rare smile. Ewen tells Rollard that he needs to continue the interview with Thilisa and would Rollard please convey that to her ladyship that Ewen is available at her leisure. Rollard agrees and Ewen returns to his studies.

That evening Sirs Ewen and Baris, along with Ewen’s squire, Goreg, go to Galopea’s Feast to meet with Sir Prehil and hopefully the heir of Neph. Once inside Mak comes up to greet them. Ewen inquires about the private room on the second floor, but unfortunately it is already spoken for. He nods and tells Mak to just tell Prehil that they are upstairs. Goreg goes downstairs to watch the dogfight.

A few moments after Ewen and Baris take their seats at the far end of the far table, they hear Prehil downstairs and a few more moments brings Prehil to the second floor.

“Ewen!” Prehil says as he makes his way over them.

“I thought you were delayed by your wife.” Ewen says with a half smile.

“Not delayed by her at all. By Sarajin’s frost-bitten pecker – No Meden!”

“Well, you do know his haunts.”

“Well, there’s his house, but he’s not there.”

“Does he have any other friends?” Baris asks.

Prehil laughs, nearly choking on his ale.

“Is his sister still there?”

“Oh she’s there; such a little morsel.”

“Careful, Baris seems to be corresponding with her.”

“Writing? How plebeian.”

“No! A scribe is doing the writing.”

“Oh, well that’s ok.”

“I talked to Rohn. The King’s wound has not healed.”

“I came from a meeting of the Aldermen. There’s some concern that the hands on the reins have grown light.”

“This kingdom, like any other, needs a strong hand.”

“There has been a reduction in the expected business; quite a few nobles are not in the city.” Prehil mentions.

“Of course, there is less money due to the silver caravan being delayed.”

“Yes, the merchants are beginning to feel a pinch in the purse.”

“What does your father think?” Ewen asks.

“I don’t know. He has returned to Kobing. He plans to winter in Tashal though.”

“Who among the nobles is normally here that is not?” Ewen asks.

Prehil rattles off a few names that Ewen has only heard or seen in passing, he ends with the fact that Scina has left and even Prehil’s cousin Serli. No one is really surprised that Scina left, after his wife had died he left to go see his son.

Ewen fills Prehil in on Osel’s troops being in the woods near Varayne and how it all started with poachers.

“Horrible, I hope you dealt with the poachers severely.”

“No, I found they belonged to the small army that Osel has camped outside Varayne’s borders.”

“Really? Perhaps they are Verdreth troops. No one seems to know where he and his men went.”

“I thought the same thing, but they really do belong to Harabor. It is his son leading them. What do you think he is doing?” Ewen asks.

“Well, he does hold Heru, and that’s not that far away … you’re not suggesting he’s getting ready to march to Querina? You don’t want to peek down Halea’s dress, but that’d be provocative.”

“Yes,” Ewen says holding his drink, “especially when the reins are light.”

“Are you suggesting that Harabor is moving his troops within striking distance of …?”

“Yes, he is not happy he is not the current King. Then there is the wedding he and Lady Cheselyne are cooking up.”

“True, that will not be a happy marriage. But that’s two weak claims.”

“Not in their minds.”

“I grant you that Cheselyne has the bloodline of a past king, but Harabor is a bastard in so many ways. And the throne is not vacant.” Prehil goes on to talk about how the Royal Guard will stand and protect the castle and the throne and no one will get through … unless of course you are the son-in-law to the captain of the Royal Guard, like he is.

“We need a line to Maldan Harabor. I am under the impression that Meden Curo is keeping his own counsel and plans and we are only informed when he decides we are useful.”

“He would be a cold duck; going his own way. He has no Elendsa blood in him though so he’s not a contender.”

Ewen nods, “Let’s say Harabor is daft enough to try to take Tashal. The body of troops may be for that or for intercepting the road to Querina.

Prehil pulls out a dagger and lays it on the table. He then pulls out 5 coins and arranges them along the hilt and blade. “The dagger is the Kald – the core of the kingdom. Tashal holds the government or Olokand depending on the time of the year. Olokand is isolated in the north.” He points to the two coins representing Tashal and Olokand. “These three, Heru, Querina, and Ternua, control all the routes leading to Tashal. Querina is a royal keep controlled by Roloth Delwarne, Heru is held by a constable and belongs to Harabor, and Ternua currently belongs to you, Ewen. Continuing your theory, should Harabor try, he would come from Heru.”

“I agree”

“If those troops are from Qualdris they passed through Ternua under your nose.”

“Yes,” Ewen says with a grimace, “I still believe they came from Qualdris.

“If Harabor was to do that; that’s assuming Pawade is cooperating, the five companies may be enough to stop Querina from helping, but not enough to take Tashal at the same time.”

Ewen ruminated on these ideas for a moment.

Prehil continued. “Don’t ignore the Indama’s, they are not a huge force but they are significant.”

“What can be done to blunt the possibility of a move?” Baris asked.

“You would need to meet force with force. Either to defend the city or meet the attacking army.”

“Or intervene after the first two forces have battered each other down.”

“This time of year, if Osel intends to move he is going to need to move in a month or so at the latest. He also need to keep his men from returning home for harvest, unless he is using a professional force.”

“About that meeting of troops; should others be ready?” Ewen wondered.

“You mean us? Do we have those troops? My father does, but I don’t.”

“My thought is if Harabor does something rash and there is a clash it may be an opportune time to slip away.”

“Leave the city?”

“Slip away to do take advantage militarily.” Ewen explained. “It is a shame Curo isn’t here.”

Prehil nods, “No doubt he does have a few troops.”

Ewen leans back and speaks as if musing aloud, “Balim vs Harabor, then Curo and Firith could clean up.”

“You are assuming in the first place that Harabor is trying to seize Tashal: a fool’s errand.”

“Harabor’s reasoning is flawed.”

“True, I’d be happy to attend that beheading.” Prehil pauses and takes a drink, “Not enough beheadings in this kingdom.”

“Funny you should say that,” Ewen says with a chuckle. “Let’s get another pitcher and I’ll tell you a story.”

Azura 13, 732

At the breakfast meeting Baris raised the idea that the Osel army is actually a problem.

“Not unless they continue to poach on my land, here have another pork sausage,” Ewen replies.

“It’s not right to just attack an army, there is no legality in it,” Aeomund opined.

“It may be rash, but it’s in the best interest. It gives trouble to Balim with no interference on our part.

“I need better intelligence,” said Ewen.

“What are next moves?”

“I’ve been talking to different people. I am not yet finished.”

“Well Neph house is empty, why not have Ceikya go in and see what she can find?” Baris suggests, “Also, Sotor said something about hunting and that got me thinking – I should go hunting! We could all go to Varayne and talk to Lady A.”

“That is not the worst idea; let me think about it.”


Ewen goes up to his study to try to clairvoy Kornuska, but before he goes upstairs he tells Cekiya to check in on him in about twenty minutes. Trancing, Ewen relaxes his mind. When centered, he allows the power to open up the special eye in his head and now he is seeing through Kornuska’s eyes. There are cottages, a common, sheep trails – a small village and there are troops in the process of marching through. It seems to Ewen he is talking with a Laranian priest, but of course, it is Kornuska who is doing so. The conversation appears to have been going on already, and continues for a few minutes before Kornuska turns his horse around. Ewen’s mind-eye sees the troops which seem to be in good order and they appear to be singing as they march through the village. They throw shadows to the left suggesting a northern march. As Kornuska turns his horse Ewen sees that it is a manor house in the distance and a Laranian church. Beyond there is a line of trees to the north indicating what could be a stream. Ewen cannot control where Kornuska looks, so it is hard to be certain. Still, it appears to him there are more than five companies marching. Then Kornuska’s eyes alight on a small group of mounted knights which is holding Scina Dariune prisoner! A handful of the troops marching by appear to have seen fighting. As the army heads past the northeast part of the village, Ewen sees a stream perpendicular to the line of march. The column turns left to march along the southern edge of the glorified waterway.

The vision fading, Ewen wearily gets up to talk to Baris, who is downstairs finishing his pork sausage. He tells Baris to go to Heru and if it is clear of troops he is to contact Sir Bereden Pawade and tell him that Kornuska’s forces are moving north. If it is not clear he is to return back to Tashal as fast as possible. As Baris turns to leave, Ewen tells him to take Cekiya with him. He then sits down and does a fatigue banishing, afterwards feeling quite refreshed.

A few moments later Sir Rollard enters the hall and tells Ewen he can see Thilisa at any time. Wondering if he ought not have just retired for a nap, Ewen resigns himself to seeing the irascible noblewoman for the second time in as many days.

Lady Elena meets Ewen outside the door, “I warn you she is not in the best of moods today. I would refrain from any heady discussions, she raved more than a bit about numerous vexations.”

“Peculiar how people respond to these things.”

“Yes, one thing: my cousin Tellas has invited me to a small celebration at Valador house regarding my aunt, the late Lady Ialny and her cause.”

“I believe she has a growing number of adherents.”

“I hope so. Unfortunately my Lady Thilisa is not among them.”

“I hope she’s given you her permission to attend?”

“I have not asked her.”

“When is this event? I’m sure you have leisure time.”

“We are cousins after all. The event is tomorrow evening.”

“Are you asking permission from me?”

“Certainly not – I was informing you that your late mother-in-law has supporters.”

“I know and hope that the cause thrives.”

Elena regards Ewen primly. “You would not be unwelcome.”

“Perhaps I shall pay a visit on Tellas. I did name the tournament after her.”

“If you would like you may escort me. Until then, our lady awaits.”

Thilisa does not rise as Ewen enters the room, “Ah husband come to regale me with more grisly tales.”

“I come contrite.”

“Nevermind, it was brought on by surprise and lack of food.”

“Does your appetite continue to trouble you.”

“The parasite consumes all and I feel nauseous.”

“Have you given any further thought to the suggestion of moving?”

“I was wholly against it, but as I have given it thought I find myself in the midst of the civil war. Part of me hears and understands your argument, and part wonders who else is there in the gutter of Ternua. I have no firm resolve.”

“It is not an easy decision.”

“I need more information.”

“What do you need.”

“This castle I’ve only seen in passing. It is a veritable marketplace of activity. Who controls the castle? You say Verdreth is dead?”

“I do, by writ of the King. That exceeds any living claim until His Grace makes another decision, which is unlikely given the King’s grave situation.”

“You are not the baron nor the constable but a bearer of a writ. For now, you said the King is unlikely to rescind it. Sooner or later someone will be given control. What makes you think you can control Ternua?”

“Nothing but the force of ambition. And that has carried me this far.”

“Your force is made of stern stuff, but is it made of steel?”

“Right now I have six to seven companies at Ternua, loyal to me an equal number of pledged knights.

“Indeed, and you feed all these mouths?”

“The late and lamented baron had a treasury that I am redistributing.”

“One last question. How many of these mouths are to be purposed elsewhere?”

“A critical issue. The keep can be adequately defended by 40 men at the same time my …”

“Are you not moving me to keep me safe, not adequately defended?” Thilisa interrupts.

“I am laying the facts before you. The share of men I have and other purposes is too fluid to give a hard and fast number. Things changed and neither of us want to be left behind because we were not prepared for the eventuality. Ternua is a strategic military asset and by placing you there it becomes the preeminent. I have no intention of squandering resources and opportunities. I have achieved much and am ambitious and for you and I come into our own, we have to seize opportunities as they arise.”

Thilisa breathes, and stands with small trouble. She holds her belly and paces around the room. She reseats taking another breath. “You speak with a honeyed tongue and yet you speak plain sense. What are you going to do to make the hold permanent?”

“As you say the person who holds control of affairs of the crown in many ways determines the price of Ternua. The King is ill and the only remaining prince a prisoner. Harabor is marching and I believe that Lord Balim’s heir is his prisoner. He is heading to Heru.”

Thilisa breathes a soft “Heru.”

“There is an awful lot going on Thilisa, the outcome will show where we stand and not just at Ternua.”

Thilisa’s breathing changes as she realizes that more than a barony is at stake, “One last question; who is in charge at Ternua?”

“Sir Dickon of Parketh.”

“I don’t know him.”

“He is been in command of troops, he held the keep with but a scant number of men against Verdreth and his armies for me. I knighted him for the accomplishment.”

“Will you send me to Ternua with full authority of command and this Sir Dickon of yours can have command of the defense of it, but will answer to me?”

“When I am not present, it will be as you say. This is a partnership, though I must be in the military command; that is my strength and ultimately in that area you must trust me.”

“I so agree. That while I am alone I shall command with that understanding. I shall go to Ternua and hold it as ever the Countess of Osel did.”

“Arranged for your convenience is conveyance by boat downriver, I wished to make your journey as comfortable as possible and as safe as possible.”

“So sure of me agreeing. When?”

“The 16th.”

“Three days. No it must be tomorrow. There is not a moment to lose.”

“I shall make make it so my lady wife.”

“I shall send take care of it. To whom should Finbar speak?”

“The harbormaster.”

“Excellent. We have discussed enough for one day. Send Finbar to me.” Thilisa says turning to her embroidery.

“I’m glad we did better than yesterday.” Ewen says with a smile as he rises to leave.


Baris, Goreg, Cekiya, along with Baris’s squire leave for Heru around 10am. As they ride Baris and Goreg discuss what it means to be a knight, arriving in Heru about two in the afternoon. They see no troops in the south common, just animals and peasants. They see no troops on the east common. As they make their way over to the castle gate, Goreg wants to know why they don’t go to a tavern first? Baris draws himself up, and adopting the tone he feels appropriate to his greater age, rank, and experience, opines that ‘time is of the essence.’ They arrive at the far gate.

A guard challenges them. “Hold Sir Knight.”

“I am Sir Baris Tyrestal and I wish to speak to Sir Bereden Pawade.

“Sir Baris? Can you wait here? There is water for the horses if needed.”

“Very well.”

Some twenty mintues go by when they see issue from the gate a half a dozen men at arms and a knight. “Hello! You are Sir Baris?” the knight queries.

“I am. I am a retainer of Sir Ewen Ravinargh, with whom you are acquainted.”

“Wait a minute, Sir Baris? You were the one missing the last time Sir Ewen was here. What were you doing?”

With all his dignity, Sir Baris replies, “Exploring the town in the fog was not the best of ideas.”

“What brings you here to Heru today?”

“I am afraid I did not catch your name sir.”

“Sir Donisel.”

“I was out exercising the horses and getting the squires acquainted with the land. Sir Ewen asked me to deliver a message to Sir Bereden.”

“Is it written?”

“No verbal.”

“I don’t mean to offend you or show disrespect, but you don’t come across as being that serious of a messenger.”

“I’m sorry, mayhap my reputation has not preceded me. I was in the sixteen at the tournament at Caer Olokand last year and second in the tournament at Varayne this year.”

“Your seriousness of a knight is in no doubt but it is the messenger of Sir Ewen that has me questioning the message.”

Baris dismounts and walks over and says in a low voice, “I would rather not discuss this out here.”

“It is my responsibility to protect the castle.” Sir Donisel says.

“Then this is relevant to your duties.”

“Compromise? We shall stable the horses here and you leave your weapons with the guard.”

“Acceptable. I will leave a squire and the girl here.”

They go into the keep with the guard of honor. They take a seat in the great hall and soon Sir Bereden arrives.

“We met at the tournament of Varayne, you were the knight that was late. Donisel, Donisel, be not so stiff, this man is a drunkard and needs more ale. He’s a man of our class, the drinking class. What brings you here?”

“My lord Sir Ewen has bade me to tell you of an army that is heading north with upwards of five companies of men.”

“An army headed to Heru? Whose army?”

“Kornuska Harabor is leading the army. We also believe that’s Sir Scina Dariune is a prisoner of his.”

“Why do you think he means me ill?”

“We don’t but in the spirit of friendship and thankful for the hospitality Ewen wanted to inform you of the incoming troop of men.”

“Is Kornuska in rebellion?”

“We’re just letting you know the men are coming.”

“Well I suppose I should thank you the warning, and offer you hospitality for the night.”

“I thank you but I must return to Sir Ewen.”

“We are strong castle; if the lawful lord comes and demands entry we will allow him and if not the lawful lord we should deny them.”

“Do you have anything you wish to tell Ewen?”

“I’ll remain quiet and anything I say I shall I impart face-to-face. The last time you were here you went missing and you were responsible for the theft and damage of a valuable artifact, the red horse. Your reputation does precede you. Now, Festa has packed some pork sausages, since you missed them the last time.”

Baris flushes and says thank you.

As they mount up and begin to ride away Goreg gets Baris’s attention, “Psst, Sir Baris, we should ride east a ways and see if can find the army.” Baris thinks and asks Ceikya her opinion. Cekya says they should sit and watch to see if the bees swarm.”

Baris weighs the merits of both but does not wish to spend the night. So he decides that they should ride east for awhile. After riding east for little less than an hour they come to the village.

Baris asks Goreg for an opinion who says, “Just ask what the name of the village is and move on.”

They ask the first peasant they find.

“This be Donaven,” he says.

“Any news?” Baris asks.

“Oh yes, Master Lars cow has calved,” Goreg groans but the man continues on, “and the goats are not …” but the rest is lost in the dust as they ride away.

Cekiya and Baris try to talk for a few more presents and realizing how wise Goreg’s advice was. They travel on and after an hour they reached another village.

“You there! What is this place?” Goreg demands.

“Jafpot!”

“Jackpot?”

“No Jafpot – fffffff. Like fuck.”

“Have you seen an army?” Baris asks.

“Like the one coming on the other side of the village?”

“See we hit the jafpot,” Cekiya says.

“Oh I like you. Vanguard is coming in, so you found it. Are you part of it?” The man asks.

“Nope, just looking for it.” Goreg replies.

The villager seems confused at this.”Oh well there it is.”

“I guess we will go home then,” Baris says.

Goreg tosses a few pennies, “We were never here.”

“Of course! Don’t know a thing,” the man says. It was nothing but truth.

The trio heads back and arrives at Heru as dusk is settling in. They stop at the Red Horse where Baris is instantly branded a thief by the patrons but there is food and drink to be had. They push on to Tashal and arrive around 10 PM.

Barris attempts the secret knock and announces “Open it is I, Sir Baris!”

Guard, “Dawn comes early.”

Cekiya knocks again.

Guard “Who’s there?”

“Me! Sir Baris Tyrestal!”

“So? Do you have any hinge grease?” the guard asks.

10d later the door opens. They arrive back at Raven Hall and task Walin with telling Sir Ewen they have returned. He goes upstairs and interrupts Ewen’s nightcap. Ewen receives them in his study and asks that some cold meats and bread be brought up. Baris give his report of the conversation with Sir Bereden and how they went east to find the army, Ewen merely pinches the bridge of his nose and nods. As Ewen gives them leave to retire, Cekiya asks if she can see the heads again.
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Matt
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