by Matt » Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:39 pm
After a couple of days, in the early in the evening of the 7th, Bjan Drogo arrives at the clanhouse. He brings with him a small cask of mead, and suggests drinking it over conversation.
Once the cask has been tapped, and all present sampled its excellent quality in several toasts to the Gray Slayer, King Alegar, and the defeat of the Southrons, Bjan draws a rolled parchment from his tunic and places it on the table.
"That, Selds," he begins, "is your commission - should you accept it. Your father-in-law, Igon Seld, put an idea to the princes that an embassy be made to the King of Kaldor. Prince Meraag thought it worth the attempt, though Prince Raabaas is reluctant to ask help of any Southrons. However, he sees no harm in the looking. So, there is your commission from Prince Meraag to King Haldan, seeking troops, mercenaries, whatever you think will benefit Orbaal - even if just a diversionary attack on Thardan lands." Bjan takes a small, leather bag from his belt, and empties the contents on the table. Twelvescore silver pennies gleam, and amidst them lies one large blood-red cabuchon. Bjan picks it up between thumb and forefinger. "A garnet of around 4 carats - it can be sold or used as collateral to raise funds for mercenaries, "gifts," and the like. It should fetch at least £25 if sold, worth perhaps more as collateral. The House of Taareskeld does not keep anyone in Kaldor regularly, but there is a temple to Sarajin in the city of Tashal. The high priest is of the clan Horveal, and he will aid and shelter you. The King of Kaldor usually spends his winters in Tashal. What say you? Do you accept the commission?"