by Matt » Fri Jan 12, 2007 1:04 pm
In the morning, the members of the warband going to the castle, have a brief repast, dress in their new clothes, and set off for Kald Square. The rising sun’s rays gleam above the rooftops, only the lightest of mists floats above the river, and the city awakens to the promise of a fine day. Herald Ballard and his scribe await by the well, and the square bustles with those hurrying to business in the castle. Royal guardsmen search all who enter, locking up weapons and turning a few away. The warband is passed as Herald Ballard is known to them. Once inside the bailey, the imposing façade of the keep looms over them. Without even meaning to, the group looks up to the battlements, fifty feet above. A couple of guards look down, observing the parade of nobles, heralds, and guildsmen.
Ballard leads the way into the keep, and towards an imposing stone staircase. Some of the guildsmen head in a different direction, towards a chamber on the ground floor, but Ballard leads the way up the stairs past several more guardsmen, all of whom wear livery of a golden acorn, slipped and leaved, on a black field. The cold gray stone walls are unadorned save for the sconces holding flaming torches. A winch stands to the left of the door, operating the portcullis of the main entrance.
At the top of the stairs, an imposing set of double doors stands before them flanked by two guards, but Ballard leads around the balustrade to a number of benches set up in the corridor. Most of the petitioners take seats, and Ballard explains that the Chamberlain will come by shortly to determine who has legitimate business before the King. Looking about, the warband does not recognize anyone waiting, nor does Jorst know the livery of any of the nobles. Another guardsman stands impassively at the end of the corridor.
[GM: Thoughts, comments, or questions?]