"As long as we do not leave those objects behind I agree with Balthazar. I will also carry the hammer with me, then."

"On to Sviatoslav, then," says A'kos, putting his back into the oar.

The Heart of Oak begins to make very good time as the thought of warm dry beds, baths and a sense of having this ordeal over hits those minding the oars.

Just a little over a day passes and the ship is heading up the Danube and nearing the captial of the Rus. Another half a day and the ports are in sight.

This is obviously a thriving trade town, unlike many other cities there is little in the way of battlements, it looks like they are being constructed but it is clearly a new settlement. But even for all it's youthful growth it is as I said before thriving! Traders from all over the known and somewhat unknown world bustle around the docks...men as black as coal, yellow as the sun and everything in between can be seen.

Miroslav has proved better equipped for piloting a vessel than Thorfinn was and he guides the ship into port without a hitch. Within a mminute the vessel is tied and secured to the dock.

OOC Still not fully functional at home with the net.. a few more days. I got some luck and was able to access the web for a while this afternoon:)If anyone needs to reach me, my email address is kenpfrenger@gmail.com You could also add me on facebook if that is your bag...http://www.facebook.com/pfrenger

As they dock, the normally ebuilliant A'kos looks about.  The waters of the blue Danube strike a cord, and for a moment he feels a pang of nostalgic familiarity for the river.  He looks about, notes the thriving press of humanity ashore and is relieved to see the town little more than an armed encampment, something akin to the meeting places used by the more nomadic of his folk.

Leaving his oar, he looks after his belongings and his horse, as well as the arabian, then says to the others, "Where shall we meet?  I would look around a bit, but would prefer to stable the horses at a reputable inn first, if that's possible."

Once the ship is docked Loukas looks to Miroslav, "We are in your land now, friend. How should we proceed? I think we would all like a good inn and a proper drunk and morning to sleep it off (and Balthazar is going to just want a night to recover himself from the past few day's rowing), but how should we approach your King?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:41, Fri 10 June 2016.

Miroslav begins to answer Loukas but he stops when he sees a small group of Rus approaching the ship. There are ten of them, they are definitely soldeirs but have the look of an official guard rather than how the marauders were dressed.

The tallest of them takes the lead and within a few moments they are standing near the ship, the tall Rus askes loudly in Greek..."What is your business in Pereyaslavets?"

Loukas was unsure what to say, We're bringing news to the King about us nasty backstabbing Greeks? This trip was not his idea anyway, so he decides to let Miroslav or somebody else speak. Whatever the case he is glad to see some sort of apparent civic order here!

Au contraire mon frere, Balthazar used an unseen servant spell to handle his share of the rowing.

Balthazar memorizes the following spells once the party arrives in port: charm person, message, and ESP.

.

Balthazar allows someone more of the party "face" to answer the guard's question.

Roderychus steps ahead "We hail from Constantinople and have news from the Empire. Matters of state which must be reported to highest ranking officer available."

The knight awaits for the reply from the rus.

A'kos thinks of giving a suitably glib reply to the officious peckers, but instead wisely keeps his mouth shut as he prepares the horses to disembark.

The Rus looks at the party for a second, taking in their eclectic nature then turns to one of his fellows and says something in a voice too low for any of the party to hear.

The second Rus and Miroslav exchange nods of the head, then the Rus says in Greek..."Please follow me."

Miroslav makes a small motion with his hand to the party and the look on his face is a favorable one, giving away the fact that he knows this man they are dealing with. He takes the lead and begins to follow the Rus officer who does not seem to be waiting for the party.

Ok, you cam follow or stay behind, just let me know which and we can either stay as a group or break off into seperate threads.

Loukas nods at Miroslav and follows without speaking.

A'kos watches as Loukas follows. Turning to Jaleh he says, "Care to follow me as I explore the locale?  I'd trade the Arabian and find a place to lair while they go about their business."

Turning, before she can answer he says to Loukas, "I'll meet you here on the docks in the hour before dusk."

Replying to A'kos "Of course! I have no need to play at affairs of state. I do not think a women would be welcome in such talks anyway."

She looks to the others and says "Will any of you be joining us?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:28, Sun 11 Oct 2009.

Balthazar as well.

In reply to A'kos, the Falcon (msg #38):

In reply to A'kos Loukas nods, "Aye, save me a pitcher of wine, my friend."

And turning to Jaleh, "And save us some A'kos, eh, beautiful!"

Much to Jaleh and A'kos surprise Jean says "I will join you in a look about town. I do not speak the language of the Rus so I fear I will not be any use in dealing with their King. I know that Sviatoslav allows Christians to live in his land, surely there is one Christian church in such a new and vast settlement."

Shrugging A'kos says to the Frank, "Come then."

He is careful to lead first Storm's Wind, then the Arabian off the ship.  An idea strikes and he says to Jaleh, "We may have need of swift steeds at some point soon.  This is a gentle creature, and brave in her own way...perhaps not too much for you to ride.  I would give her to you rather than pawn her as common horseflesh.  I fear there is not enough gold in even this King's treasure vault to adequately pay what she is worth."

The byzantine paladin follows the rus.

Jaleh is overjoyed at the gift given to her by A'kos. She gives him a quick hug and turns to Loukas as he leaves and says with a laugh "I am not sure about leaving any of A'kos for you all or wine either"

With a skill that belies her training she hops onto the Arabians back. "Yes this feels good! Let us three take a tour of Perelaslavyets!"

A'kos hides a clever smile.

"A noble steed for a beautiful Lady," he notes with a solemn tone belied only by a wink.  "Lead on, then!"

Jaleh does just that...A'kos follows close behind and reluctantly bringing up the rear is the Frankish knight. I am booting the three of you to a seperate thread titled...Tooling about town:)

The rest of the party follows the Rus officers in silence to the middle of what can only be a large military encampment but it has a strange look of permanancy about it. The Officer turns and motions for the party to stop and says in Greek..."Please wait here for a moment...I will inform the Knyaz of your arrival and request to speak with him."

When the officer leaves them, Loukas turns to Miroslav, "Have you met the Knyaz before?"

As they wait it occurs to Loukas that not only has it been quite a while since he has shaved or bathed, but he has spent several days rowing and fought a battle in that time. Looking down at the sea and battle stained tunic and cloak that covers his armor he attempts to straighten things, but realizes that there's little to do. To himself he mutters, "It has been a very long couple of days..."

Miroslav notices Loukas worrying about his appearance and says..."Yes, I have met the Knyaz before...in many ways my family has served him as your family has served the Basilius and the one before him. Do not be concerned with your state of cleanliness. Sviatoslav is most unlike any king you will likely ever meet."

The party waits fully expecting to be brought to the Knyaz of the Rus but after a few minutes, the officer returns with what must only be the Knyaz in tow.

Sviatoslav the Grand Prince of the Rus follows a few paces behind the officer. he is dressed in simple white linen tunic and breeches. He wears little in the way of ornamentation, basicallyt he only thing that sets him apart from the throng is the fact that his tunic is whiter and newer than most and his sword belt, scabbard and sword is of a very high quality. He is of a middling height and has a somewhat stocky build. His head is shaved except for a long lock on the side of his head and his blonde beard. He looks to be in his 30's.

When he see's Miroslav he smiles and says in Rus..."So Miroslav brings you all with news for me...what is it?"