'You've warned a mug of mulled wine, and a while out of the rain...'

Merius returns to his tent warmed by the news. Maybe the gods of this land were starting to pity them. Gods are finicky creatures you never really knew what they were conspiring. And speaking of conspiring, it was time to bring the good news to his employer. It was never good policy to leave his employer waiting.

He again sloshed through the mud to find Edric and Mathis talking to one of the ladies. He made the prearranged hand gesture to signal to Edric he had a message for him and waited.

In reply to Muse (msg # 5):

Leon looks to the remaining two men but quickly realises that they don't seem to be in the mood for talking so he faces the guard to give an answer.
But what answer? Leon quickly tries to come up with a good phrase.
"I am Leon, squire of Ser Mathys and we are here to join up with him. We also have to deliver an important missive."
Leon smiles. the tone was a bit too cheerful for such a crappy weather but the boy is obviously proud of what he just said.

Edric feared that the wound Mathys gave him in the duel would impede the parties travels or even prohibit Edric from coming all together, but with the stitches provided by Maester Egislor and a good night's rest Edric was fit for travel. The rain and wind of the Stormlands did nothing to bring down Edric's spirits. The time spent living here as a squire made traveling in the cold in wet second nature to him. Besides he had a tourney to prove himself in and the storms weren't going to bring him down. His only caused for concern was his sister. Since her youth she was prone to illness and the storms here might be to much for here delicate self.

Edric and Mathys huddled the cook fire, hoping to dry off abit before the next wave of rain comes when they were approached my Pella. Edric instantly wierded that bring Mara might of been a mistake and the only relief Pella could bring was a name. Thorin. Why does that name sound so familiar? Edric thought to himself, but his concentration was lost at the sight of Merius hailing for his attention.

I'm sorry Pella, but I do not recall of Thorin in my sister life. Maybe an old suitor from King's Landing that she had a falling out with? If you could make sure the Ladies in the tent are proper I would like to stay with  her until this illness passes from her.

Clasping Mayths on the back and giving a courteous bow to Pella, Edric makes his way over to Merius.

Merius I hear that the outriders have returned. What news do they bring of our Dornish companions?

Merius nods to Edric. 'Well, I'm told we are but a day, maybe slightly more, from the Dornish encampment at Blackhaven. We also have been told of a favorable route to get us there. This sounds good, but with your permission I want to send some of my men to scout this route and make sure we do not run blindly into anything. I intend to send them now, hence the interruption, to ensure we get news well ahead of our start in the morrow.'

One of the men steps up to Leon. He looks him up and down hard. He is obviously one of the lead Soldiers. He has blue highlights through his armor and clothes.

You men secure the Horse and take these two to a secure area while we clear this up. Make sure to get them a ration of grog, and a warm meal. You, squire, come with me I will take you to your knight. The seven help you if I find that you are lying to me boy.

He leads Leon through the rain through the camp to a group of people talking.

Sers, my Lady, and Captain Merius. This lad and two other men in Ashfield colors were stopped in the rear picket. He claims he is Ser Mathys new squire.

Send as many men as  you need, and feel free to enlist any other man Loyal to House Neumann to ensure this task gets down swiftly. I want to know about every inch of this new route if we do intend to take it. Also put together a detachment of your fastest riders together for tomorrow morning. It seems my sister has fallen and if this route is more favorable I intend to ride out in front of the vanguard with her in order to reach Blackhaven at a faster pace.

GM Controlled

Pella leans close to Edric whispering.

Dear, do not worry. I will make sure she is well. Your sister is a fighter like her Brother. She has been fighting it for days I am sure, but she is so stubborn that she would not say anything for fear of slowing the caravan down.


She starts to turn to leave.  She stops looks to the Blue Lancer, and than to Leon.

Welcome Squire to House Ashfield. If you need anything I am Pella Ashfield. Good luck, I think you are going to need it knowing my Brother.

She stops for a moment in front of Mathys.

Brother, be gentle with him. Don't break him like you did your toys as a boy.

Merius nods again and sloshes through the mud back to his camp. He quickly dispatches Hagop with five men to scout the new route and report back, under strict instructions to be be careful and to be sure they scouted properly, despite the weather.

 Indeed, the  gods must of had a drinking bout worthy of an Epic ballad, for the divine piss now pouring down on  them was enough to drown the word. Such thoughts where upon the mind of Mathys, as he attempted to warm himself by the fire. He drew the damp cloak more tightly about him and spat into the brazier, that caused it to hiss." Well, Edric, perhaps the sun might decide to honor us with an audience on morrow."

   Ser Mathys was about to tell a bawdy jest, but the appearance of his sister, Pella, caused it to die upon his tongue. He listened to her, as she bespoke of Edric's  sister having fallen ill. When Pella told them of the name Thorin, Mathys  frowned in thought, for that name was known to him. But where? He was musing this over, when Edric clapped him on the back and departed to speak with one of the Soldiers.

   As the small group of men approached the fire, in it's illumination, revealed them to be in House Ashfield colors. Mathys was about to call to them, when his sister spoke to him about broken toys and squires. " Pella, my sweet, dear sister, tend to the ill Lady, the hurts and sniffles of the camp, and leave my Squire to me." His tone of voice was of a tone of a mild scolding, but it did not reach his eyes. He adored his twin,  even of they fought like two dogs over a bone, at times.  He kissed her upon the back of her hand,  then looked to his...errrr his Father's people.

 " Ho, men of Ashfield! Come to the fire and warm yourselves, and be welcome. Leon! I was wondering if you had fallen into a midden pit, or some poxy wench,had wood you from your duty." Mathys was frowning.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Thu 30 Oct 2014.

Leon bows wen Pella welcomes him saying "Thank you very much Lady Pella" before quickly facing his knight.
"No no Sire, no pit! The rain was really bad and we couldn't ride faster. I also have two messages from Septa Gisela! he says and when noticing the front he adds quickly: "We also were ambushed... Twice even! only two guard of the five remained... They are over there" pointing in the rough direction where the picket guards took them.

  When Leon told Mathys about being ambushed, Mathys suddenly became more mentor then antagonist to the young Squire. " Ambushed? Leon, are you whole and hail? Did you get a look at those that attacked you? Did they wear any symbols, or did they look more like Bandits?" The Knight was now standing on front of Leon, looking him over  for any sign of injury.

In reply to Ser Mathys Ashfield (msg # 17):

Leon nods quickly and blurts out "I am fine Ser! They looked like shabby bandits to me but I didn't get a good look. It was very chaotic when they attacked and I was busy getting away... We lost one guard in the first ambush in the Neumann lands but were able to drive them away. After we left Castle Neuman they were back again with more or maybe they were other Bandits I don't know! Thankfully my horse runs very fast but they got two guards on the chase.
There is no sign of any injury visible.

 After his Squire, answered his question, Mathys nodded. " Leon, get yourself something hot to drink, and warm yourself by the fire, after you deliver your missives.Once you are relatively dry and refreshed, come and seek me out. Now off with you. " With that being said, Mathys turned and told the pickets to allow his Father's men at arms access to the camp, so he might speak with them of events.

Edric gently placed his hand on Pella shoulder, Go and look after my sister. Tell her I will visit her soon.

Leon's story of Bandits sparked Edric's curiosity. It might be Olaf and his band that attacked you,but they never attempted on attack an armed party before. If it was his band then It might be time to purge him from this world. Mathys, we will sit down with Merius soon and plan a campaign between our two houses to rid the Reach of these bandits.

As the two Ashfield's went there separate ways, Edric approached Leon. I hear you have letters from my family's Septa. If they are address to my sister or I then I will take them now. Edric's tone seemed to suggest that he would be receiving the letters no matter who the are addressed to.

Leon nods happily when his knight mentions a warming fire. "Yes Ser!"

When he gets approach by Edric he nods and rummage around a bit before producing two missives, handing over the one to Edric and the one to Mara. "Here they are Ser Edric!" he says, happy that this business was taken care of so quickly. He then will head to the fires to get something warm to drink.

Edric made his way to his tent. Lighting a candle, Edric took a seat and read the letter addressed to him.

Missive 1 to Edric

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:33, Tue 04 Nov 2014.

Edric set the letter down, his worst fear coming to realization and he how he couldn't be there to put an end to the troubles at home. He sat in silence, contemplation want needs to be done. When it finally came to him he retrieved quill and ink, writing a letter to Lord Ascar.

Edric folded the letter and and left his seal upon it. Exiting his tent, Edric handed the letter to one of House Neumann's men. See that this letter reaches Lord Ascar. Also inform Merius and Mathys that I wish to meet with them in my tent right away. Tell Mathys to bring his squire too. He almost died bringing me this information and deserves to here to contents of my mother's letter.

As the men arrived to his tent, Edric poured each as glass of wine and offered a seat to them. Once everyone was present, Edric took his seat and handed them the letter.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Dearest Children:

I write to tell of in tidings at Blue Hall. I have sent this note through non traditional methods to insure its secrecy to your father. His lecherous and immoral ways seem to rule him more than the need to insure the well being of the domain. Much of the tasks of day to day operations has fallen upon. Much of the day to day operations have fallen to Maester Egislor and Septa Gisla.


Two weeks have passed from the time I am writing, Septa Gisla and myself went to the nearby hovels to offer compassionate aid to the people of our domain. We were guarded by Bruce the strong with a few of his men. Suddenly, battle erupted around us. Olaf's bandits had chose to strike. We were nearly killed. As the horror happen to the those poor small folk. Gisla pulled me to our palfreys, and we rode to freedom. I looked back, and saw that Bruce's men had fallen. He stood in the middle bravely fighting on. He was outnumbered 10 to 1 at least. The men attacking were falling to his great strength. I have not seen Bruce since. He is missing, and presumed dead.

Olaf and his attacks have increased. Our troops are young and untrained. If, it was not for the bravery of our heroes and the Blue Lancer Cavalry Blue Hall surely would of fallen. You brother, Jon, has done well in the deployment of our men. He truly has a scholar's knowledge of war, but unfortunately he views the task as a intellectual challenge. He lacks a leader's empathy for the men and the small folk we defend.

We shall hold. It is important that you continue to King's Landing. I have planned long for the return of both my loving children. When; I arranged for you to be sent to your various places. I did it for two reasons. My great love and desire to protect you from your father. You Edric, I feared if you stayed at home you would become more like your father. I saw in you a greatness. A chance to renew the Blue Hall. My sweet Mara, I know you think I sent you away just because of your father's appetite. Dear Mara, I saw that you were stronger than the body the Seven has given you. I knew you would thrive at court. It was my hope that you would develop the strength that I knew you had. Mara stand by your brother; he will need friends and allies. House Neumann has many enemies other than Olaf. They see the weakness in your father, and they wish to strike. Our truest enemy is ourselves. How, you wish to deal with it is your choice.

There is one major challenge ahead of you. House Durwel has made Olaf's son, Kelric, a knight. Rumors are the attacks that once were directed at their house has stopped, and I fear that they may work in tangent with Olaf. Ravens have brought news that you will see him at the tourney. Be careful. I do not know his purpose, but it may be to harm you and your sister.

The young squire waits for my letter, so I will close with I love you both. I do not know what the Seven have planned for me. I fear that I may never see you, but think not of me. Think of the glory, I have foretold in the future for House Neumann. You are my legacy, and you our are future.

Your loving Mother
Lady Jocelyn Neumann

---

It seems as though the situation at Blue Hall has become grave and I fear that I can not handle this situation alone. I have brought you here because I believe you are the only ones I can trust to help me end Olaf and help return my lands to prosperity.

 Mathys  spoke to the two remaining men of house Ashfield, that had escorted his squire to the encampment. After telling them to warm and refresh themselves, it was about then that Edric's man asked Mathys to join him. He headed for the tent and entered, after having taken a camp stool, Mathys noticed the serious expression Edric had. He sipped his wine, and waited for his friend to reveal the reason for the summons.

 When the letter was read by Mathys, he drained the last of the wine in one swallow before he spoke. "  Whatever you need of me, old friend,  I am your man. I say we  sally forth and bugger these Whoremongers with their own swords."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Tue 04 Nov 2014.

Missive 2

Merius again sloshed through the mud. An exercise that was becoming tiresome, as tiresome as this cursed weather. His longing of the free cities was re-igniting with every step in this, also cursed, mud.

He nod to all present and took a secondary position at the table, respecting the hierarchy present. On his turn he read the missive and hardly disguise the cloud hat hovered on his face. Black tidings indeed. There were positives for him, as the men he left back where still holding on. But the gods know there were preciously few of them.

‘I’m at your service Lord Neumman. This connection between Olaf and House Durwel does help explain some things behind the bandits actions.’

Edric's heart swelled as Merius and Mathys both sworn him their swords.

The time for fighting will come Mathys, but I was taught that a battle is won before the armies take the field. Now is the time for talking. I intend to accept your father's offer and marry your sister. This will form an alliance bound by blood and I will need the might of House Ashfield to win. Hopefully I can find a suitor for my sister that will pledge their house's support as well. Also the war with Dorne is done. House Kolwyn is our ally and their troops excelled in the same tactics used by Olaf and his band and their insight alone will help us greatly. It is key we gain their trust and support. Lastly There will be a large number of hedge knights looking for glory. The more we can convince to join our crusade the better.

Edric's attention then turned to Merius. Merius, you are a wise and battle-tested commander. I need your experience now more then every. Any suggestion you have, make. I look upon you as an equal not as a foreigner.   

'I hope to repay our confidence Lord Neumman. I would rarely advise to split our foces, but there is a numerous contingent of lances with us. The fact your allying with House Ashfield, makes you even more safer. I think the best we can do is send a small number of lances back to the Blue Hall to verify that the Hall can indeed hold. They can bring us word of what is happening not only in the Hall but also in the lands around the hall... and of this link to House Durwel. If we are not re-assured we can turn-face and send the bulk of the lance back to the Hall, otherwise we progress forward. And perhaps, if House Durwel is deeply involved with bandits against your House...  take action against the Durwels, before their arrival at the tournament. They will not have a big party of riders and surprise would be on our side...' 

Merius understood the full implications of what he was proposing, but he was being paid to provide security for House Neumman and, if force was the best option, then he certainly would not shy away of stating it.

  When Edric bespoke of talk, marriages and alliances, Mathys threw up his hands with a sound of annoyance. " Now is the time for action, Edric, not talking. The things you spoke of are all fine and good, but they will do nothing for the situation at your hall...NOW! Let us take as many swords as can be spared, and steal a march on these turds. If you want it to be known that Ashfield is with you, my shield being with the relief force is a sign of that. Our arrival will not be anticipated, so we deliver them a buffet that will not soon be forgotten. Then you can worry about the long view."  Mathys poured himself another goblet of wine and sipped.2

The guard at the the tent's entrance signal's that he is entering. With the guard is one of Lord Ascar's Personal guards.

Lord Ascar send notice that He would like the a forward vanguard to ride ahead. He wants the vanguard to leave three bells before dawn. He wants them to connect with the Dorne contingency. He will command the main body and follow up. He wishes that his son will make arrangements to secure dry quarters and warm food before we head out again to King's Landing. Furthermore, Ser Edric he will speak to you on a dryer day and place. He welcomes the conversation, but feels that more will be accomplished with a warm mull wine in hand.