"Lady Veldorn," the young knight makes no effort to hide the condescension in his voice, "you will most certainly not be accompanying us in our rescue. I will not have a lady wielding a blade, no matter how well she believes her father trained her in its use."

His tone leaves no doubt that he feels this belief to be a thoroughly mistaken one.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:50, Tue 07 Mar 2023.

Lyria's voice can be heard soon after, slightly raised and very determined, her tone suggesting this argument has been ongoing for some time.

"It was my uncle who captured Sir Varonil and my uncle who threatens my peasantry. He is in there, and if you are going in even though I have told you that Calvorn and Falnis are already rescuing them, then I have every right to come too and help you deal with him. I want him stopped. My uncle has many men and you don't even have twenty. You would hire a mercenary if one were here, and you know that too. I don't need to be a knight to help, and I have more to lose than you if you fail. Which Falnis said you nearly did last time."
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:28, Tue 07 Mar 2023.

"I wouldn't believe everything a varim tells you, Lady Veldorn," Caled replies, his own voice taking on a terse edge. "My men are trained warriors of Carendisal and are far more capable than the rabble hired by your uncle. And more reliable than an over-the-hill Vard agent and a varim assassin, I would wager."

"Sir Larend, who is severely wounded, also told me that," Lyria says pointedly. "And Calvorn said all your knights needed to be rescued. That's two people who are not a varim."
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:55, Tue 07 Mar 2023.

'Over-the-hill Vard agent'? Falnis signs quizzically to Calvorn, raising an eyebrow.

The party come into view of the hollow in time to see poor Larend, who stands beside Caled in the group of the dozen or so warriors who fill the hollow, running a hand through his hair sheepishly as he avoids the accusing glare directed at him by Caled.

"A lot of people seem to tell you things, Lady Veldorn," Caled replies at length, releasing Larend from his icy gaze. "The next time I see Calvorn, I will suggest to him that he would do well to-"

"Oh?" says Calvorn as he strides into the hollow, the others in toe. "What will you suggest that this 'over-the-hill Vard agent' would do well to do?"

It is Caled's turn to look uncomfortable as he turns in surprise, opening his mouth, then closing it. His eyes then widen as he spots Tyronius and Marabir.

"Your Highness," he says swiftly, bowing respectfully as the men about him do the same.

"Sir Varonil!" Lyria says, clearly more concerned about him than she is about Prince Tyronius, whom she clearly assumes Caled is addressing.

"Lady Veldorn," Marabir seems pleased to be the one meriting the excitement and attention among the new arrivals. "I had some sort of healing potion," he adds, apparently feeling an explanation is required for his darkened veins even though none has been asked for, "I will return to normal in a few hours I am told."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:39, Tue 07 Mar 2023.

"By which time, we had best be far from here," Calvorn says pointedly, his tone once again suggesting Marabir's priorities are misplaced. "It won't be long before our enemies are out looking for us, indeed, I am surprised the alarm has not already been sounded. We must get to safety as swiftly as possible. I believe Lord Ravalor's fortress is our best bet?"

This question appears to be directed at Tyronius.

Tyronius hesitates a moment, in silent debate.

"There is a matter I must attend to at the Helard Woods," he says at length.

"The Helard Woods?" repeats Calvorn blankly. "Sire, we are in considerable peril at present."

"I am aware," Tyronius replies coolly, before addressing his men. "Caled, Larend, you will accompany us to the Helard Woods. Vandal, take the remaining men and ride hard for Ravalor's fortress. We will travel on foot, and should escape the notice of anyone pursuing us as they follow the hoofmarks. Once you reach him, tell Ravalor to meet us with spare horses at the ranger's cabin in the woods."

As Vandal nods and begins directing the men, Calvorn frowns, glancing furtively back up the hill in the direction of Calarn.

"Might I inquire what matter it is that calls you to the Helard Woods so urgently?" he asks impatiently.

Tyronius gestures for Marabir to do the explaining as he moves over to converse with Caled.

"Pardon me, my lady," Marabir gives Lyria a polite bow as he turns to Calvorn. "I would prefer not to speak about this too openly," he says with a dark glance at Falnis, "but there is someone I must meet with in the woods tomorrow at dusk. It is of the utmost importance."

Lyria sends Tyonius a judgmental look.

"Your Highness, your knight is wounded. I am not sure why you want to go to that forest, but surely you can take one with you who was not recently cut by a sword," Lyria says tartly.

Falnis, who seems to be enjoying all this, leans idly against a tree, making no effort to contribute or be useful in any way.

"It is precisely because he is wounded that he must come with us," Tyronius responds briskly as he appropriates Caled's sword, strapping the knights' sheath to his side as Caled signals for an unfortunate man-at-arms to give him his blade in turn. "With his injuries he cannot outride your uncle's mercenaries to Ravalor's fortress. Now, I suggest you find somewhere to remain hidden until we are able to deal with your uncle. Is there a farmhouse nearby or somewhere you can stay?"

"I will not endanger any farmers by staying with them when I know my uncle will not hesitate to have their crops raised to the ground," Lyria says, in the tone of someone who thinks Tyronius is slightly out of touch with how things work for the non-royals of Thane. "I will ride with your knights to Lord Ravalor. I am perfectly capable of keeping up. My brother, however..." her gaze softens slightly, and she hesitates, looking to Sir Varonil.

"Oh Camendur," Aerendir mutters to no one in particular.

Marabir ignores Aerendir.

"Lady Veldorn must come with us," he says firmly to his brother. "The boy most certainly cannot outride our pursuers and we can hardly have her wandering the countryside unprotected while her uncle is hunting her."

"Sire, surely you cannot be thinking of allowing her to join us?" Caled says quickly to Tyronius, in a tone which suggests he would rather face Galnor's entire army than 24 hours with Lyria.