Sir Sejanus has been told that Lady Galeria's brother, Peter, was last seen with his two friends, Sir Guidon (a Roman) and Sir Ferdinand (a Moor) heading toward Cirencester with his father's sword, Sanctgladius, a holy relic and family heirloom.  She believe that he was on a holy quest of some kind.

Cirencester is the home of the Duke Galegantis of Clarence.

Anyone who is coming along, feel free to post any preparations you are doing.

 As the leaves upon the trees started to give a brief glimpse of the burst of colors to come, and the birds began to migrate, Sir Sejanus and his trusted squire Casca, made ready to rendezvous with Sir Perin, and anyone else that wished to come upon the quest for the sword.

 He knew that Sir Perin had committed to the quest, but that might well be the only one. The other knights had their own affairs to tend too. So, it was for the Knight to meet Sir Perin in Sarum, so they might depart soonest.

Perin, having overseen the Countess Fiona's home and the restoration of Baverstock finds himself in Sarum, awaiting Sejanus' arrival.  He had, earlier in the year, agreed to help the man recover a relic, and in truth he significantly regrets his promise to smaller man.  While he's more than happy to help a brother knight, he is by extension helping the man that most likely orchestrated (or at the very least turned a blind eye to), the Irish invasion some weeks earlier.  The man who has the blood of good men, some of them Perin's friends, on his hands... Still, a promise is a promise, and he intends to see this quest through.

 As Sejanus arrived in the town of Sarum, signs of the recent siege where in evidence. A burned house here, a smashed shed there, evidence of the siege engines of the Irish. Repairs were being made to the gate house he rode though. He even saw a work gang of Irish prisoners clearing rubble, while closely guarded by hard by Men at Arms of the Earl.

 The young Knight reigned up in front of the Church, where he had agreed to meet Sir Perin and any others interested in this Quest. He saw Perin, and raised a gauntleedt hand in greeting. Hail, and well met, Brother. It is hoped that all is well with you and yours.” Said as he swung down, and offered his hand to Sir Perin.

A half smile comes to Perin's face as he returns the man's handshake.  "Well met indeed Sir Sejanus.  Indeed I am quite well, thank you for asking.  How is everything at your manor?  Has life returned to some semblance of normalcy?"

“Indeed, the manor was slightly harmed, but things are getting back to normal, or as normal after an invasion.” Sejanus looked around. “I take it; you are the only one that is coming with me. Other showed an interest, but the invasion changed many things.”

Hoobeats announce the arrival of Sir Dalan and his squire Melion. The knight of the panther looks older and more careworn than he had before the invasion but a smile still crosses his face when he sees his fellows waiting. Dismounting he threw his shoulders around Sir Perin (or as far as they could reach around the brawny knight): "My brother! How fare thee?"

Turning he smiled at Sir Sejanus and smiled, more formally. "And you good Sir Sejanus?"

Perin grins and embraces Dalan in a rib crushing hug.  "Excellent my friend!  And it is good to see you!" he exclaims with a boom.  "Good Sir Sejanus here was about to tell us more about this task of his.  Something about winning the heart of his fair lady, or so I'm told."

 As Sir Perin and Sejanus conversed, another joined the fellowship. Sejanus nodded his head in response to Sir Dalan’s greeting." Well met, Sir Dalen. It is hoped you and yours fare well."

 Sejanus regarded both Knights, and spoke in a solemn tone of voice. “Brothers, I am deeply honored that you have chosen to join me on this quest. You have both my thanks and gratitude. Let us enter the Church and pray before we begin our journey, and ask the good father, for his blessing on this quest.”

Sir Dalan smiles. "A fair lady? An endeavor our good and wise Queen would support."

At the mention of prayer he bows his head, suddenly solemn. "I agree my brother, let us pray and request a blessing. It is time to honour He who stands above any mortal monarch."

Perin smiles and waves off his friends "By all means my brothers, go ahead.  I have a few things that I need to take care of before we depart, but I shall return shortly."  Perin isn't the biggest fan of churches after all.  While his father might he been Christian, he was far closer to his mother, and as such, he only nominally followed the faith.  And in truth, he has little patience for holy men, thinking that words and actions are of more use than prayers.  Want the world to get better?  Go do something about it, don't pray for it to happen.

OOC: Feel free to skip ahead and have Perin meet up with y'all when you're done.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:53, Fri 17 Nov 2017.

Sir Dalan's eyes widen in surprise as Sir Perin leaves after a moment, not knowing quite what to say, he turns and enters the church.

 Once the three Knights had reconvened, Sejanus told them what little he knew. “From what I have been told, , Peter, was last seen with his two friends, Sir Guidon (a Roman) and Sir Ferdinand (a Moor) heading toward Cirencester with his father's sword, Sanctgladius, a holy relic and family heirloom.. She seems to think he was on a Quest. None of these three, have been heard from in many a year." it is in Cirrencester, that we shall begin our search,Gentle Sirs."

 Sejanus looked to his two fellow Knights,and produced a small wine skin. “ A toast to our success, Sir Knights. May god smile upon our quest,and grace us with success, if it right and proper,to do so.” He uncorked the skin and squirted a stream of amber fluid into his mouth, then then passed the skin to Sir Perin.

Perin nods, listening intently as Sejanus describes the task before them.  Again, while he  wants nothing to do with the Praetor, much less returning some family relic to the man, he had promised Sejanus that he would help.  With a slight smile, he takes the offered wine before taking a big gulp. "Something like that good sir!" he says before handing the wine to Dalan.

In truth, while Perin wasn't the type the hold a grudge (aside from the Praetor),  he is still more than a little guarded around Sejanus.  The two, while having been on a few adventures together, were not friends, at least not in the sense that he and Gracian and Dalan were.  To make matters worse, the rather devout knight had made a disparaging remark about Saxons , to which he quickly followed up with equating the Fae to the forces of Hell.  Perin had to admit that amused him to no end that those same Fae were the reason that Salisbury was saved, though he refrained from rubbing the small man's face in it.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:48, Sat 18 Nov 2017.

Sir Dalan gratefully accepts the wine and raises it before taking a sip. "As you say Sir Sejanus, may god find favour with us."

Sensing the tension betwixt the other two knights he clears his throat and speaks up. "What if anything can you tell us of this 'Sanctgladius' Sir Sejanus?"

The companions ride to Cirencester, an ancient Roman city, in which lies the luxurious home of Duke Galegantis of Clarence.  The knights are able to enter the old-style castle without a problem.  There they meet the officious bureaucrat Amig of Cricklade, the Duke's Castellan.

Amig explains that the Duke has many appointments with important people, and may not be able to see the knights for some time.  Sir Sejanus asks a few questions about the Duke and finds that the Duke has a custom of asking a favor before answering questions.  The only way to get information from the Duke is to accede to his request.  His requests are generally not onerous and never dishonorable.

Asking around a little, the party learns that the Duke is normally in his conference room during the day, meeting with emissaries, etc.  Around dusk he walks in his garden, and in the evening eats in the banquet hall.  It is normal for a Duke to keep knights waiting, perhaps for days, given their difference in rank.  Amig suggests that the knights try again tomorrow and perhaps the Duke will see them then.

Sir Sejanus gets a check in Courtesy and another in Intrigue.

Perin waits as Sejanus thanks Amig and the trio retreat to ensure some small measure of privacy.  "It seems to me that simply waiting around for days isn't the most ideal of options.  Perhaps we should avail ourselves of the Duke's lovely garden this evening and see whom we just happen to bump in to..." Perin suggests.  It's not like they can barge into the Duke's other meetings or his meal, so the gardens represent their best chance to speak to the man ahead of schedule as it were.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:29, Sat 18 Nov 2017.

"I agree. I also think I perhaps should address Amig next. A Knight Banneret is as a candle to the hearth fire but it does give me a pinch of standing that may make the difference. My father law is also the Earl of Cardiff." Sir Dalan says, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

 When the three had gotten to a place of relative privacy, Sejanus listened to his companions thoughts. He then interjected his own thought to them to them. “Amig of Cricklade, Duke’s Castellan, considers himself an important man, and in truth, he is. As such, he wishes for others to acknowledge his importance, and this is done in the way of a “gift”. Such are the way things are done, with we Romans. While such a gift might not get us immediate access to the Duke, it should cast us in a favorable light, which will quicken the oft time, madding slowness of a Roman court."

 The young Knight then spoke to Sir Dalan.” Aye, you are correct, your higher rank might help, and your connect to the Earl of Cardiff should impress the Castellan. But we still need a gift for Amig, of some sort, or our wait might be forever."

“Sir Perin, the garden the Duke walks might be within the walls of the Castle, and even if not, our approaching the Duke directly will cast us in a most unfavorable light. He is a Roman, and this is a Roman court, not the court of Earl Robert. There are rules we must observe.”

Perin shrugs and says simply "Your quest, your decision."  In truth Perin had a fairly mixed opinion about the Romans.  Sure, you had men like Gracian, but he was by in large shunned by his fellows (at least until his most recent marriage).  Then on the other hand you had men like the Praetor and this Galegantis, both playing games instead of coming right out and handling the situation like real men.  It didn't sit well with Perin, and so he was more than happy to leave the politics to someone else.  "Then if we're going to be here a while, I'm going to go avail myself of the town and see what might be found to while away the hours."

The following morning, the trio arrive at the castle and check in with the Castellan, who informs them that the Duke is still busy with others but perhaps will have time for them that afternoon.

Returning in the afternoon, Amig motions them to a conference room, where the Duke sits pouring over a dispatch.  He looks up, "welcome, good knights.  I understand that you wish an audience with me?" he inquires.

 Sejanus was surprised that they were ushered into the presence of the Duke. Sejanus came to attention, and with closed fist raised his right arm to touch his heart, the extended the arm to an open hand, the ancient salute of Rome.” Salvete Dominus. I am Sir Sejanus, and my companions are Sir Perin and Sir Dalan of Salisbury."

He then went into the meat of the matter,after the introductions had been made." We seek audience because we are on a Quest to locate the son of the Praetor Jonathel, one named Peter. He had two companions with him, a Sir Ferdinand and Sir Guidon. We were told he was coming to your fair city.” Sejanus said this in his best level of courtesy, which he could muster.

Sir Dalan chose against aping the Roman salute and instead bowed formally to the Duke when introuced. "Your Grace."

Perin, trailing the other two men, quietly and a bit more rigidly bows.  Not that the Duke would notice of course, as Sejanus has quickly occupied the man's attention.

The Duke nods, "I remember these men," he responds.  "I will tell you what I know of these men if you will do me a favor.  I rule over a village to the northeast of here called Burton.  It is a small village and thus does not often concern me.  I have granted it as a fief to a loyal knight named Sir Brocklebuck," he explains.

"Recently, two peasants arrived from Burton to beg that Sir Brocklebuck be relieved of the fief.  They say that he is cruel to them and would work them to death.  Now I see that you are good Christians and also good knights, so I trust you to find an answer that is both honest and just.  Agree to this one task: to go to Burton and investigate the conditions there, to talk to Sir Brocklebuck, and to send back a report to me so that I may decide the disposition of the fief, and I shall in exchange reveal to you the quest that Sir Peter engaged in five years ago," he offers.

 Sejanus mulled the Duke’s request over briefly. “I shall do as you ask, but it is for my companions to speak for themselves. Do you wish Sir Brocklebuck to know we come from you, and or, as to why we are there? “

Sir Dalan nods. "I too shall do this Your Grace. You say Sir Brocklebuck is a loyal man... my lord, what manner of man was he when you granted him the fief? Perhaps he has changed?"

There was of course little that the trio could do but accept the man's offer, so Perin was forced to incline his head in a gesture of acceptance as his brothers began to ask questions of the Duke.  But all these games on top of games; Perin's opinion of the Duke continued its free fall.  It cost the man nothing to simply tell them what they wanted to know, and yet he insisted on extorting them.  So much for the famed hospitium of the Romans.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Sun 19 Nov 2017.

The Duke shrugs noncommittally, "do whatever you feel is best in order to determine whether or not Sir Brocklebuck should retain the fief," he says.

  Sejanus made his farewells. “ We shall journey to this Burton, and see what there is to be learned. With your permission, My Lord, We shall withdraw, unless my companions wish to say more.”

The Duke waves you away, wishing you well on your quest.  Amig brings in the next supplicants as you leave.

Once outside Perin's voice seemingly returns "It sounds like we know where we're headed to next brothers.  Though if I may, perhaps only one of us should speak with this Sir Brocklebuck, while one speaks to the two men in question.  This would leave the last among us free to get the general lay of the land and try to get some much needed perspective of the whole situation."

 Sejanus seemed to consider this,but briefly. "Agreed. But before we depart this city,and head north,I wish to seek someone that knows Latin better then I. Perhaps there is more information on the Sword,itself."

Perin frowns slightly before asking "Why do you have some tome or dusty scroll in Latin that you can not decipher?  Or is it that you simply seek someone who knows more about the sword brother?"

OOC: Confused, is this is a language issue or a general knowledge issue?

" It is hoped, yes, to your first question,and yes,to the second. I intend to speak with those of the Church, to see if they have any information."

"As you will brother.  And if you need a hand deciphering anything that you might find, please don't hesitate to ask."  While Perin wasn't what one would immediately think of when one thought of a scholar, he was surprisingly well read.  Being romantically linked to Fiona had no doubt helped thing, as his brothers had seen the size of her library.  It didn't take much guesswork as to why Perin suddenly always seemed to have a book in his hand these days.

OOC: Shocked you didn't comment on her truly MASSIVE library earlier Sejanus!

* I wans't aware Se j had seen it.*

So, heading to a church to research or ask about Sanctglaius?

 Sejanus bid his fellows a temporary farewell, and told them he would meet them that evening in front of the Church. The Knight would seek out someone, Priest, Deacon, someone that might direct him to a source of information, or knowledgeable person, which knew something about the Sword.

Sir Dalan thoughtfully strokes his beard. "I agree research is wise think we shouldn't lose sight of Sir Brocklebuck. Perhaps I should be the one to speak to him while you speak to his peasants. As I said before I am a Banneret and that might count for much with even a foreign knight."

Perin claps Dalan on the shoulder as Sejanus walks off "You'd think our brother would have done this during the weeks leading up to this adventure.  I imagine that someone in Dorset could have told him more."  Letting out a mirthless laugh, he adds "Come on my friend, I'm sure we can find something to amuse us for the next few hours.  And yes, you are probably the best choice to talk Sir Brocklebuck, let Sejanus handle the two men who came to the Duke while I get a feel for how things are run."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Mon 20 Nov 2017.

Sir Sejanus spends two days of fruitless searching, trying to locate someone who knows anything about the sword Sanctgladius.  He is beginning to wonder if Lady Galaria made this all up when, on the third day, he locates a monk who has just copied a book that mentions the sword.

Sanctgladius is a holy sword that bears a relic of St Peter the Apostle in the hilt.  Its main power is that it smites with the power of the Lord.  The amount of damage it does is based on the weilder's Christian traits (Chaste, Forgiving, Merciful, Modest, and Temperate).  It also glows dimly when in the vicinity of creatures of the devil, to which it does extra damage and protects the wielder from fleeing from said creatures.

Sir Sejanus gets a point in Religion.

 Sejanus would ask the Monk, for any description of the sword and its history. He also would ask if there is any knowledge of Peter and his quest.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Mon 20 Nov 2017.

There is a passage describing the sword, which is a gladius, unsurprisingly.  There is an inscription on the blade near the hilt, "and then there was light" in Latin.  The blade has been in the possession of a Roman family for hundreds of years and was brought to Briton during Hadrian's reign, around 120 AD.

Of Sir Peter there is nought written.  It seems that failing one's quest is not all that notable.  :)

 After having thanked the monk, Sejanus would just seek out his companions, and tell them of what he had learned. Unless the others had affairs in the city, the trio would make the journey to the village, to investigate for the Duke.

Sir Dalan and Sir Perin have retired to a local alehouse while they await their brother knight.

"How fares the Countess my brother?" Sir Dalan asks. "She did us a good turn during the invasion."

When the party is ready to head north to Burton, they return to the Duke's castle, for one final meal and one final night's rest.  They chat briefly with the Duke over dinner, and he informs them, "Five years ago, Sir Peter came to me to ask of a sacred place called the Golden Field, for he had heard that one of the most religious knights had once quested for it.  He explained that he had a dream and that a holy man had told him to seek this Golden Field.  I offered to give him information in return for a favor.  He agreed and I told him that I believed that the Golden Field lay somewhere within the depths of the Sauvage Forest, to the north, for that is where my knight quested.  In exchange for my information, Sir Peter and his companions went to the village of Burton, the very village where you are now going, to slay a beast that had been terrorizing the villagers.  The knights did not return but within a few weeks the attacks on Burton ceased.  That is all that I know about Sir Peter."

He will expect a report on how to deal with Burton.

The group heads out of Cirencester on the following morning, taking the King's Road to the north for about 12 miles before taking a smaller road to the northeast.  Although this road is smaller, it is still well kept up.  At length, the group nears the town of Burton.

As the town comes in sight, a knight approaches, although none recognize him.  As he nears he shouts out a greeting, "Hallo!  Good meeting you here.  I am Sir Brocklebuck.  I do not recognize you, although . . ." he stares at Sir Sejanus for a moment, "you appear to be a Roman.  I've not seen another Roman in these parts since that Sir Peter and his companions back some five or so years ago.  You aren't related are you?" he inquires.

 As the trio approached the village of Burton, a single Knight approached them. He offered a greeting, and his comments about Sir Peter and his three companions, did surprise Sir Sejanus. "Hail and well met. I am Sir Sejanus, and these are my companions, Sir Dalan, and Sir Perin.”

 Sejanus did look around the area, not that he was really expecting any trouble, but one could never tell. “Indeed, I am of Roman linage. I had not the honor of knowing Sir Peter, or his companions, but we are on a quest to find out what ever became of he and his companions.”

"Ah," Sir Brockelbuck replies, his eyes gleaming, "it seems that you are in luck, Sir Sejanus, for I would be happy to tell you of Sir Peter and his companions, for I know what happened to them.  However, I would ask a favor in return."  It seems that Duke Galegantis's custom of exchanging favors has gained acceptance among his subjects.

"Indeed.Might we request your hospitality,so we can water and rest our horses. I would not mind something to wash the dust from my throat as well." Asked Sejanus to SirBrockelbuck.

Perin, frowning slightly, finally speaks up "I do hope you'll forgive me for asking Sir Brocklebuck, but what might this favor be?"

 Sejanus gave Perin a sidelong look,when he asked about the nature of the favor.

Sir Dalan clears his throat and attempted to be diplomatic. "Forgive our boundless curiosity Sir Brocklebuck but not all of us are familiar with the Roman ways."

Sir Brocklebuck nods his ascent, "of course, please, follow me to my manor and we will take care of your needs," he says.

He leads the knights to his manor.  As they pass through town, they notice that the place is clean and the peasants appear well-fed.  However, harsh years of heavy labor line the peasants' faces and bend their backs.

Sir Perin and Sir Sejanus get checks in awareness.

Like the town, Sir Brocklebuck's manor is clean and well tended.  He has the knights' horses tended to and leads them inside, where they are given refreshment.

(OOC:  Sir Brocklebuck is not Roman, he is Cymric.)

 As the group rode to their host’s hall, Sejanus took careful note of what they saw, as they passed. This is why he had asked for hospitality, not only to speak with the Knight in his own Hall, where he might be more at ease, and speak freely, but to also get a firsthand view of matters.

 As the group rested with drinks in hand, Sejanus spoke,” I am sure; I speak for all, when I thank you for your hospitality, Sir Brocklebuck. Now then, what favor do you wish of us, for the telling of what you know of Sir, Peter and his companions?”

 Just for the record, Sej would look for any sign of a Gladius, on their Host, hanging on a wall, etc.

"In the last week, there has been an uprising among my peasants.  Many of them refuse to work, claiming that I am too hard a master.  I must crush this insurrection, lest it spread.  I was just heading off to Cirencester, planning to recruit some men-at-arms, but your coming is a godsend," Sir Brocklebuck explains.

"Help me to round up the leaders of the rebellion.  There are three of them, and I believe that they are hiding in the woods nearby.  Do this and I will give you the information you seek."

 Sejanus had a look of surprise." Rebellion? But from what I saw, this holding is prosperous,they seem to have enough to eat. Why in the name of the almighty,do they have cause to rebel? Or should I say, what do these Rebels claim is their reason?" He took a a sip from his goblet.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:05, Fri 24 Nov 2017.

Sir Brocklebuck raises his own glass, "exactly," he responds.  "They claim that I work them too hard."

He waves an arm dismissively, "I suspect that my predecessor was too easy on them, which is what led to the place falling into disrepair," he suggests.

"As a Banneret I've found knights come in as many manners as they do manors." Sir Dalan comments, with a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes.

 Sejanus fell silent,as in thought for a few moments, before he spoke again. " I have a counter proposal, allow my companions and I to seek out these rebels in the woods. It has been some time since I had decent sport." This last said with a chuckle and light tone.

Sir Brocklebuck shrugs, "as you wish.  I can even lend you a hunting dog," he says amicably.  "Probably best to start off in the morning," he suggests as it is getting close to dark.

 Sejanus smiled. "The it is settled." He raised his goblet." To a success."

The night passes uneventfully and in the morning, the knights assemble to head off in search of the peasant revolutionaries, who are named Cad, Daf, and Ser.  If you so desire, Sir Brocklebuck's old hunting dog is available to help you search.

 Sejanus would take a a few moments in the morning to explain he had not taken leave of his senses. He had to arrange this "Hunt" so they could be away from Sir Brocklebuck, and speak with these "Rebels".

"I thought as much." Sir Dalan says. "Should we bring the dog?"

Perin smiles slightly "As did I.  And I see no harm in it, as he will no doubt come in handy, given that we don't know the terrain."

"There are pros and cons to haviong the dog. If we handle the dog, bring him, if one of the Knights men is the dog handler, you can guarantee, what we say will return to the ears of his Lord. But we need to find these two men, and they know the woods,we do not." Sejanus seemed reluctant to bring the dog, but in the end.. " Aye, we use the dog. I pray to dog,we do not frighten these peasants to death, before we can converse with them."

The three set off with the dog, heading through town and into the woods that Sir Brocklebuck indicated.  The peasants hide in their huts as the knights pass.  Soon the trio is at the edge of the woods.

Who is doing the hunting?  Are you on foot or on horseback?

Sir Sejanus gets a check in Deceitful.

Perin leads the hunt with the dog, all are eon riding horses.  - TT
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:24, Mon 27 Nov 2017.

It seems that either Sir Perin is a good hunter or the dog a good hunting dog, as they manage to find a trail that leads them into the woods.  After riding for about an hour, they come upon a campfire with three peasants huddled around it.  The oldest of the three, Cad, is probably about fifty years old.  The other two, Ser and Daf are strapping youths.  All three rise at the sight of the knights, with the two boys standing in front of their father.

Sir Perin gets a check in Hunting.

As the three Knights ride into the clearing, and behold the three Peasants, Sejanus raised his right hand. “May the peace of the Lord be with you, this day? Be not afraid, for we only come here to have words with you."

 Sejanus would slowly dismount, and approach the three men by the fire. He had his hands raised and away from his sword. “Are you the three that are in "Rebellion" against your Liege, Sir Brocklebuck?”

"Yes," one says a bit warily, keeping an eye on the knights.

"Look you, if we had meant you harm, you all three would be dead now. I swear upon my honor,we are only here to speak with the three of you."

"OK," the young man replies, looking no less wary now that you have discussed killing him and his fellows.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:56, Mon 27 Nov 2017.

"Now, what is this all about?" Sir Dalan says. "What would you say Sir Brocklebuck has done?"

Seeming to step up his courage, the young man declares, "he would work my poor pa to death he would."  He points at Cad, "my pa's over 50 and still made to work in the fields every day.  Will be the death of 'im, it will."
This message was last updated by the GM at 14:48, Tue 28 Nov 2017.

Perin frowns slightly, you could tell a lot about a man by how he treated his lessers, Fiona had shown him that.  And so his opinion of Sir Brocklebuck continuing its free fall.  "And I take it things weren't always this way?" he asked.

The boy gives a shrug, "Pa weren't so old 'afore Sir Brocklebuck arrived and we were but wee'ns what didn't know no better," he explains.

"You all seem well fed, and the holding well maintained. It is your duty to serve your Lord. So he might be in your opinion, harsh, but such is your lot in this word. Think of your coming reward in Heaven, when you sweat from your brow. This world is but a short time, Heaven is eternal."

The second boy pushes forward, "you're no better than Sir Brocklebuck," he spits.  Then, raising a wooden club with a couple of nails driven through it he challenges Sir Sejanus as the other two stare, open-mouthed.

If and how would you like to fight?

Sir Dalan's eyes widen as events seem to escalate. Dismounting his steed and keeping his sword firmly in it's scabbard he stepped forward, his empty palms raised to show he was unarmed.

"Please, I am sure we can resolve this without bloodshed." The Banneret looks at the club armed boy and, as kindly as can, says: "Set down your club lad. Thou will do thy father no good fortune if you attack a knight."

 When the lad  raised his club,Sejanus had to force himself not to reach for his sword. " Sir Dalan speaks wisdom Lad, put down the club,and let us continue to speak. It is obvious that you and others feel that your Lord is unfair. Give me examples of how he is unfair. Are you whipped, starved, turned out of our homes...what?"

"Your words mean nothin', you din't care 'bout us, we're no more 'n animals to you and yer kind.  Just work us ta death and then git more," he pronounces angrily.

Pointing at his brother he replies, "Cad already told ya 'bout Sir Brocklebuck 'an ya din't care.  Now ya gonna fight or leave?"

  " Telling me your father is to old to work the fields,if not enough cause to raise your hand in rebellion, against your Lord. "

 Sejanus unbuckled his sword and laid it upon the ground. He then walked over to the three." We have been sent her by the Duke to investigate the disharmony in this holding. Now put down the  cudgel, start from the beginning."

"I won't let your master kill my pa!" Daf screams before striking Sir Sejanus with his makeshift weapon.

Sir Sejanus takes 12 - 10 = 2 damage.

" Our Savior was scourged by the Romans, for what he believed in, if I must bleed for justice in your holding,so be it. I will not raise my hand against you."

Daf continues striking Sir Sejanus with his makeshift weapon.

Sir Sejanus takes 11 - 10 = 1 damage.
</quote>

Sejanus took the blow as the first, in a stoic manner. He looked to the Father." Call him off,harming me will not solve your problem. The next group that come looking for you, won't lay down their arms. Attacking a Knight is a most serious offense.Tell him to lay down his weapon,for I wish words between us, not violence."

Daf appears to have gone berserk, paying no heed to anything but hitting Sir Sejanus.  He lands a mighty blow that knocks the knight off of his feet.

Cad and Ser continue to stare open-mouthed at Daf, apparently unable to comprehend what is going on.

Sir Sejanus takes 20 - 10 = 10 damage and is knocked off of his feet.

"That is enough!" booms Perin.  Drawing his sword, he steps over Sejanus' prone form, shielding the fallen knight as he fixes Daf with a piercing gaze.  "Good sir, if you take another swing at this man, I promise you, it will be your last.  Stand down now!" he barks.  Perin's tone is grim, it is one of a man who expects his order to be obeyed, and instantly.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:24, Thu 30 Nov 2017.

Sir Dalan, does not reach for his own weapon but he does turn to the older peasant, Cad. "Tell your lad to drop his weapon before this goes too fire... there may still be a way we can talk this out." He looks stern and adds a loud: "Quick!"

Sir Sejanus was knocked to the ground,when the Peasant lad struck him thrice. He found it hard to breath, but he attempted to regain his feet, all the same.

Sir Perin gets down off of his horse and approaches the melee shouting at Daf as he continues his assault on the Roman knight.  The peasant is seemingly unaware of anything but venting his anger, his face contorted with rage.  The other two peasants continue to stand mutely, jaws slack, giving no sign of noticing Sir Dalan or hearing his entreaties.

Sir Sejanus takes 14 - 10 = 4 damage.  Another blow will likely render him unconscious.

Sir Sejanus can pick up his sword this round if he likes, Sir Dalan or Sir Perin can physically intervene in some manner, or you can continue shouting at the peasants.

With a growl, Perin steps forward, closing to within striking distance of Daf.  He isn't sure what possessed Sejanus to stand there while the peasant rained blows down on him, but he was ready to step in the minute his brother indicated his desire for help with the matter.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Fri 01 Dec 2017.

 Sejanus picked up his sword, with a look of reluctance."Jesus told his Disciples to take up the sword when they spread the good news. I shall not allow you to strike me again, young Sir. DROP THE CLUB!.. NOW!!!" Shouted Sejanus, in a tone of what he hoped was authority. Perhaps that might get through to the Peasant .

Sir Dalan curses and finally draws his sword. "The flats of your blades only." He tells the others. "Knock him cold."

As Sir Sejanus goes to pick up his weapon, the knight makes a fifth appeal to reason but Daf continues to attack heedless of the entreaties of the knights.

The blow knocks Sir Sejanus unconscious.

This would probably be an opportune time for Sir Dalan or Sir Perin to hit Daf with something.  Just saying.

Sir Sejanus takes 15 - 10 = 5 damage, knocking him below his unconscious threshold, he fumbles his attempt to remain conscious.

Perin growls menacingly and immediately lashes out at the peasant.  There is no attempt to, as Sir Dalan says, subdue him with the flat of his blade.  The man has just struck down a knight, the law is very clear about what his fate is to be...

Sir Dalan moves in, swinging his sword and using the flat of the blade to try and knock the young peasant down and out.

The two blows knock the boy unconscious (and below 0) and absent medical attention he will not survive.  Thus perhaps cheating Sir Brocklebuck of the pleasure of sentencing him to death for attacking a knight.

Sir Sejanus, meanwhile, is badly wounded as well.  It is unclear whether or not he will survive the trip back to Sir Brocklebuck's manor.

The other two peasants appear to snap out of their daze and, justifiably scared, bolt in different directions into the woods.

Shaken by the events Sir Dalan bends down to try and stop the boy bleeding out, before trying the same first aid on Sir Sejanus.

He can hardly believe how disastorously the past few moments have unfolded.

Perin ignores the dying young man and focuses his attention instead on Sir Sejanus.  While he's sad that it came to blows, the law was clear, Daf struck a knight, his fate was sealed.

"This doesn't look good Dalan, I'll do what I can to staunch the bleeding, but we need to get him back to Sir Brocklebuck's manor, and fast."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:58, Sat 02 Dec 2017.

Although Sir Dalan manages to heal both patients for 3 hp a piece, the boy is still negative and Sir Sejanus is still below the unconscious level.  Even being careful, the knight could receive aggravated damage on the trip back to the manor.

If he doesn't have one, Sir Dalan gets a check in First Aid.

As the boy isn't going to survive anyway, he can be left for his father and brother to deal with, alternately, you can sling his body over one of the horses.

Sir Dalan feels and looks like the Irish have burnt Tisbury all over again. Sadly he lays the boy in as dignified a pose as he can manage and murmurs a brief prayer over him. Then he turns to the still living, if only just, Sir Sejanus.

"Help me brother, we'll have to be very careful bringing him back."

The usually irreligious Perin is quiet as Dalan prays.  When the smaller man finishes, Perin claps him gently on the shoulder. "We'll see to it that he gets a proper burial, we can do that much for him at least.
Besides, it's what Sejanus would want us to do."

Nodding gravely, Perin motion's Sejanus' squire over, and the three men do what they can to devise some system of transportation for the fallen knight.  "Indeed brother, the last thing we want to do is aggravate his wounds any further" he says as they prepare for the arduous journey back.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:42, Sat 02 Dec 2017.

The ride back to Bourton is a slow and arduous one, with the knights wincing at every bump and jostle to their fallen comrade.  At length they arrive at Sir Brocklebuck's manor and soon after the knight himself rides out, a look of concern on his face, "what happened?" he inquires.

Think about what you want to do and what if anything you want Sir Brocklebuck to do or not do.  Assuming that you want to continue the quest, you are going to need to choose sides, as it were, at some point.  The positions of the two groups, Sir Brocklebuck and the peasants, is fairly clear and it all depends on who you wish to 'support.'  Remember that this is independent of your recommendation to the Duke.

You also need to decide what to do with Sir Sejanus.  Even assuming that he survives, he is going to be bedridden for the next couple of months.  That is something of an imposition on Sir Brocklebuck but it is a day's ride to Cirencester and another couple days from there back to Salisbury.  Perhaps having him stay here until he regains consciousness and then risk the aggravated damage once he is at least out of danger of dying?

If Sir Sejanus is staying here for at least a week, you can return to Salisbury and see if anyone wants to fill out your group.  Sir Gracian may be available now as his pressing work may be done.

"An encounter with rebels Sir Brockleburn. I fear our fallen brother is in too grave a state to move and will have to stay here for some time, if you agree Sir Brockleburn." Sir Dalan's voice is stiff, his expression grim.

Sir Brocklebuck cocks an eyebrow, nodding sagely, "I told you they were up to no good.  Let me know who did this and I'll have him flayed once you capture him."

The knight says that he will look after Sir Sejanus until he is mobile.

Sir Dalan looks deeply unhappy. "The one who did it is already dead, you don't have to worry about him."

"Good show, then," Sir Brocklebuck smiles pleasantly.

Anything more here?  What is the plan?

Perin glances at Dalan, his expression pained.  He was torn, as on one hand, he felt bad for the peasants.  On the other hand, one of them had just beat Sejanus within an inch of his life.  And legally speaking, Sir Brocklebuck was well within his rights to work his peasants as hard as he wished.  If only Sir Sejanus had shown an ounce of compassion, or an ounce of sense, maybe they wouldn't be trapped in this position...

But there was no changing the past, the two men would just have to salvage the situation as best they could.  And so Perin fixed Sir Brocklebuck with his best smile, and replied "Thank you for your hospitality Sir Brocklebuck.  I hope this satisfies our end of the arrangement then good Sir?"

"Well," the knight notes, pointing at the corpse of the peasant, "you have brought one of the three rebels but the deal was for all three."

OOC:  This assumes you have Daf's body in sight, otherwise he asks where the rebels you were supposed to bring back are.

One.  Two.  Three. 

Perin's face was frozen in a mask of a polite smile as he mentally counted, resisting the urge to lash out in anger.  There was a time where Perin would have immediately exchanged harsh words with the man, but in large part due to Fiona's influence, he was more cognizant of his words and the impact that they might have.

"Then if you'll permit us, we'll return to Salisbury and make arrangements for Sir Sejanus' transportation and care.  When we return, we'll have the remaining two men."

"Of course," Sir Brocklebucks replies, being as accommodating as possible.

"Thank you Sir Brocklebuck, you have been nothing but a most welcoming host." Perin says, before bowing and taking his leave.  There's no irony in the man's voice, and it's quite true; despite any of his other flaws in leadership, Brocklebuck has been nothing but accommodating to the trio of knights.

However before the pair departs for home, Perin seeks out the village priest to ensure that the slain young man receives a proper burial.

Burying Daf is easy enough.  Oddly, the sight of these foreign knights bringing back the body of one of the 'rebels' does not seem to encourage the townspeople to be any less wary of the knights.

The journey back to Salisbury is uneventful, if somewhat somber.  Reaching Salisbury, the pair return to their manors, where they find Sir Gracian and a newly-knighted Sir Alister making repairs to their manors.

Sir Dalan says little on the return trip, but his disappointment and unhappiness are clearly readable on his face. Clearly things had gone appalling wrong, so much so he wishes only to wash his hands of this affair.

He does greet Sir Gracian and the new knight Sir Alister though. "Well me my brothers. My contgratulations on winning your spurs Sir Alister! It is a dangerous business questing Sir Alister, so listen to my great friends Sir Perin and Sir Gracian. Experience is worth it's weight in silver."

Perin's face is a match for Dalan's, neither man is happy with how things had unfolded, but there was nothing that they could do about it at this point.  Still, it did little to lighten his mood

Catching sight of his two friends, he smiles slightly and gives a wave as they approach.  Dismounting, he exchanges grips with Sir Alister before saying "I was sorry to hear about your father and your brothers.  They were brave men, and died well.  I have no doubt that you will do them proud."

Turning to Gracian, he adds "My friend, I'm afraid that things are... a mess, to put it lightly.  I was hoping that I might call on you and Sir Allister here to help me make the most of a bad situation."

Sir Gracian receives his old friends with much joy and warm hugs even though his moods dampens when he notice their sullen faces and grim faces.

"I have done my best to make sure your lands has been rebuild after the Irish invasion. Luckily the damage was light but I have tried to help as much as possible so your next harvest wont be affected by the damage inflicted by the Irish. Sir Alister has already proven his worth to Earl Roberts by rebuilding Burcombe."

When Sir Perin start to explain the trouble he is in Gracian listens yet is silent for a while afterwards. "You know I will always ride with you my friend and if you need my help, my advise, my sword and my shield then it is yours. But what is it that is so important to you? I only heard you were accompanying Sir Sejanus on a quest of his but with him gone why is the quest still important?"

The mood was grim, even before the Knights had dismounted. Sir Alister had felt it long before they reached the newly reconstructed doors to the Manor. Their postures were stiff, expressions dour. That didn't seem to want to help the tightness in his chest, or the heaviness he couldn't quite name, or the impression — real or feigned — that the drumming of their horses hooves rung with a certain air of finality.

Nerves, or otherwise, he couldn't say. It didn't feel like nerves, but nor could he put a name to it.

"Well met, Sir Dalan," he replied at the greeting, and Perin received a somewhat tired smile. "It's been a long time, Sir Perin." And a lot had happened in between, but that went without saying.

Perin smiles slightly at the greeting "That it has my friend, that is has.  And I see you already know Sir Gracian?  Then I trust that you know better than to play him at cards?  The man is a terrible cheat!"

Clearing his throat slightly he fixes his friend with with a slightly bashful look.  "The quest is for Praetor Jonathel."  Seeing Gracian's reaction, Perin holds up a hand and jerks his head towards Alister.  The newly knighted young man was not privy to Perin's... suspicions about the Praetor, and it was best if it stayed that way.  "I was highly encouraged by a friend to seek rapprochement with the man, and so when Sejanus came to me with his quest, I was happy to help."  There was of course little doubt as to who Perin's friend was, no doubt this was Fiona's influence.

"We seek to recover a lost heirloom of the Praetor's, a holy sword that has been in the family for many generations.  It was last seen in the hands of his son, but disappeared when he did.  We had tracked down a knight who knew more, but he requested that we aid him with a matter in his own lands.  It was there that we encountered issues, and Sejanus was badly injured."  Perin's tone indicates that there is more to the story than he is letting on, namely about Sejanus's involvement in the whole matter.  Still, he doesn't seem very forthcoming, at least not right now.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:58, Tue 05 Dec 2017.

Sir Gracian raise his brow "... issues ... Perin, by Sct. George's ass what have you gotten yourself into?"

Alister was quick to catch the gesture by Sir Perin in his direction. The meaning was plain, and Alister felt his jaw set. The men assembled here were older, and far more distinguished knights than he, and so it was hardly his place to demand to know whatever it was they were deliberately withholding.

Still. It did put a deliberately fine point on what his role was, and the level of trust being extended. While it was no more than what he'd expected, it did nothing to help dislodge the weight that had settled into his stomach.

He didn't belong here. That much was obvious.

He kept silent, allowing Perin to answer the question. Perhaps there was still something that could be gleaned.

"It is that woman that has gotten you into this mess isnt it? Look .. I am not telling you who to love or not and I know all about shot by Cupid's arrow, but that woman is always getting you into trouble. Do I have to mention the damn lion?!"

Sir Gracians sighs and shakes his head and looks at Alister. "Mark my word - beware of women. They are dangerous!"

"Is that knightly experience, as Sir Dalan mentioned, or a word to the wise?" he replied with an amused smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:51, Wed 06 Dec 2017.

Perin smiles and holds both his hands up in a defensive gesture "For once it wasn't an issue of my own making!  Just ask Dalan here, I promise this is no lion!"  The mirth quickly fades from his face as he adds with a frown "I'm afraid that this whole mess can very much be laid at the feet of another."  Given the conspicuous absence of Sejanus, there can be little doubt as to whom he is referring.

"I'm afraid that I am very much in a bind here brothers, and in the wake of the invasion, Sir Dalan here understandably needs to attends to things at home, and so I find myself short a few hands.  So if you're amenable, I'd welcome your aid with this task."

"Bloody well both" Gracian mumbles and shakes his head.

"You really want his first quest ..." and points at Sir Alister ".. to be one with issues? Issues I might add that has already wounded Sir Sejanus and caused you two - two of the most courageous knights I know - to look like you are on your way to a funeral? Oh Perin, why are you so cruel to me!"

He pause for a moment and looks like he is going to come up with some more protests before he finally gives up. "Who am I kidding" he mumbles before accepting that fate is indeed cruel to him "Of course I will ride with you Perin but only to make sure you dont corrupt young Alister here. I know you ... you know I do." he adds with a wink.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Wed 06 Dec 2017.

"I never did get the impression Perin liked me very much," Alister replied with unconcerned shrug. Given the situation at hand, there didn't seem to be much else to do except try and make light. "No reason for him to start now," he said, flashing a grin in Perin's direction. "We'd best come and make sure you don't get into even more trouble."

So. His first official outing as a knight, on a quest that no one clearly wanted to be on, that had already injured knights with far more experience than he had, and that was likely going to end with him killed. And no one trusted him with all the details.

What a start.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Wed 06 Dec 2017.

Sir Gracian and his (far more than his master) cunning squire Idres prepare to accompany Sir Perin and Sir Alister on their doomed quest and joins Sir Perin as soon as possible.

Sir Alister himself didn't take long to get organised. In an ideal world, he would have been able to claim it as a testament to his ability to be prepared at short notice. Realistically? He just didn't have that much worth gathering. Near all of the meagre income he'd inherited upon his taking on the mantle as the caretaker of Burcombe Manor had been reinvested back into the fief to repair her sacked villages; the church, the mill, and the granary, and even buying new pigs and cattle to make up for those who'd been slain by the Irish when they swept through. Sir Gracian had been an enormous help in that regard, and although the scars of the invasion still littered the landscape, Burcombe, at least, was healing.

Even the "charger" that was lead out of the stable was a gangly thing. Black, with a bald white face, snakelike neck and long sloping shoulder, not quite free of awkward spindly stage between yearling and mature horse. There was a bright flash of silver shoes as it pranced, high headed and snorting at Perin's destrier. While it wasn't poorly built animal, it was clearly not long broken in. Together with the apparent age, it didn't take an expert in horsemanship to deduce it must have come cheap.

Sir Alister was standing beside it, and gave a sharp snap on the reins when it attempted to squeal a challenge at the destrier. The young colt snorted in surprise at the admonishment, ears pricked high, almost trembling with anxious excitement as it eyed off the unfamiliar horses.

"Apologies," Alister muttered, giving the colt a dirty look. "He needs the work. No need to worry. I think you'll find he'll keep up admirably."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:45, Thu 07 Dec 2017.

It doesn't take long for the three men to set off on the road, heading back the way Perin and Dalan just came.  Bourton isn't more than a three or four day ride, so it's not an overly taxing journey.  Perin figures that the two men deserve to know exactly the kind of hornets nest they're walking in to (after they'd already agreed to come), so during their journey he does his best to fill them in.  He attempts to avoid any personal commentary on the matter, and simply lays out the facts of the situation.

OOC: Unless there's something important that happens/has changed, Perin will greet Sir Brocklebuck, get the dog, then go hunting.

Sir Brocklebuck greets you pleasantly.  Sir Sejanus is still unconscious.  The rebels still need tending to.  The old dog remains old.

The older knights decide to allow Sir Alister the opportunity to try his luck at hunting, which he does successfully, quickly picking up a trail.  However, the trail turns back on itself and Sir Alister can't seem to figure out where it goes.  At length, the day grows old and the three return to Sir Brocklebuck's manor.

Sir Alister gets a check in Hunting.

The following day is much like the first, Sir Alister again picks up the trail easily but then loses it in a stream and is unable to pick it up again.  Sir Brocklebuck is slightly dismissive of the knights' abilities to track a couple of peasants.

On the third day, Sir Perin decides to show the young knight how this is done, as he had no trouble finding the peasants the first time.  However he is not even able to pick up the trail.  Sir Brocklebuck continues to comment bemusedly on the knights' hunting skills.

The fourth day sees Sir Alister back at the hunting helm with similar luck to his earlier attempts.  He finds a trail easily enough but then gets hopelessly lost, ending up in a gorse bush.  Sir Brocklebuck can barely contain his laughter when the knights return, pulling bristles out of their clothing and gear.

Sir Gracian share Sir Brocklebuck's amusement regarding their lack of success but considering how Sir Brocklebuck seem to treat his peasants then Sir Gracian isnt all too sure actually finding the "rebels" would be a good thing.

When Sir Gracian isnt lost in the woods with a his companions and a lame and blind dog he visits the bedridden Sir Sejanus and reads to him from one of Sir Sejanus' books. Sir Gracian may not always have approved of Sir Sejanus' conduct but still they have fought together and Sir Gracian try his best to make the wounded man feel comfortable.

And if there is time he visits the grave of poor Daf and pray for his soul. Life can be unfair and cruel but the way Sir Gracian sees it Daf did what he did because he was pushed to hard.

So, it seemed his luck wanted to run from bad to worse.

Sir Alister was already struggling against the impression he wasn't honestly wanted here. Sir Perin, despite any well meaning attempts, had made that perfectly clear outside of Burcombe. He and Sir Gracian were already well known knights in their own right, and Sir Alister was nothing if not starkly aware of how out of place he was in the present company.

He wasn't an atrocious huntsman at the best of times. At least, not usually. But his repeated failure to find even a handful of peasants was rapidly materialising itself as proof he had no business here. The fact Sir Perin failed to so much as find the trail on the third did little to help assuage his fears.

Either these were more cunning woodsmen than he'd anticipated, or...

He did his best not to let the frustration show, and brushed off the laughter at his expense.

At the very least, the time out on the trails was doing Kelpie the good he'd hoped. The accursed colt had spent all of the first day jigjogging and attempting to run through the bit in his excitement, but Alister was able to keep him well in hand by forcing him to give through the poll and soften to the bit whenever the colt tried to get unruly. If he could count any victory out of this, it was that by the final day of the unsuccessful hunt, the colt was finally walking along calmly.
Small mercies.

He kept up with the colt's training in the their downtime. Twice he even accompanied Sir Gracian to the grave, and once even joined him to visit the fallen knight who he'd replaced. Sir Gracian had shown himself a friend, and he owed him at least that.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Fri 08 Dec 2017.

A week goes by . . . slowly, as the knights head out each morning with the not-getting-any-younger dog and head back empty-handed each evening.  Sir Perin and Sir Alister trade off failing at hunting, sometimes finding and losing a trail, other times wandering around without sighting anything.

Day 11 dawns a little cool and misty and the knights head out once more, sure that this will be the day.  And Lo! Sir Alister finds a trail and this time it actually leads to a small camp, in which the knights find the poor, weary old peasant and his son.  :)

Eleven days.

Eleven days.

The only redeeming feature about this farce was that, by about day eight, Sir Alister was actually feeling better about the whole affair. Sure, no doubt Sir Perin had only stepped in to save Alister the humiliation, but the fact that that both of them were having just as much trouble went a long way to assuage his fears.

Both peasants may as well have skipped off to join the fae for all the trail they left behind. It doubled back, changed direction, disappeared through streams, more than once their quarry must have resorted from jumping to rock to rock to avoid leaving signs, and sometimes the tracks branched off in multiple ways. Whoever they were hunting clearly had a vested interest in not being found. It might have been funny if the matter wasn't so serious.

Day eleven would have otherwise proved to be the same as any other, and Alister had resorted to trying to make light of the situation. In the end, he'd found some tracks again and dismounted for a closer look. The trail appeared to have branched again, and even the dog was struggling, first chasing one way, then another.

Huh. They'd doubled back on their own trail. Clever.

He lead the rest of the way on foot, leading his horse behind so he could better keep an eye on the ground. It vanished once, reappearing elsewhere, but he managed to find the trace again. After a while, Sir Alister had gone quiet, not responding to questions, his brow drawn into a stubborn frown as he picked the way through the twisted roots and underbrush, the scent of pine heavy in the early morning air.

At length, he drew up, holding out a hand to motion for silence and to stop the procession behind him. Ahead, and half obscured in a crop of trees, there was the faint outline of a bedroll, and a sign of movement. No fire, as that would have given them away to their hunters.

Alister glanced back to Sir Perin and Sir Gracian, giving them quick nod and motioning them on ahead.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:44, Thu 07 Dec 2017.

"Good morning gentlemen!  Quite the merry little chase you've led us on these past few weeks!" booms Perin from atop his steed as he rides in to the camp, seemingly grinning despite the humiliation of the past few weeks.  Seeing the startled looks of the two men, he raises his hands "Peace, I haven't come with the intent of harming you."  Fixing them with a look that was sympathetic, yet stern, he adds "However given the events of the past few weeks, I'm afraid that I'm going to have to ask you to return with us."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Thu 07 Dec 2017.

The peasants seem oddly unswayed, the younger noting with a surly sneer, "that's what youz said before killin' my brother.  Your master din't wanna git his hands dirty and sent youz instead I reckon."  He stands between the knights and his father.

Perin's tone is firm as he replies "Your brother assaulted a knight, and refused to stop, despite multiple warnings.  What would you have had us do, let him beat a man to death?  I am sorry for what happened, I truly am, but he could not be allowed to continue."  Turning to the father, the large knight continues "Sir, you have already suffered great loss, please don't let your son compound it."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:40, Fri 08 Dec 2017.

As Perin rode past, Alister mounted his horse to follow. The young charger was picking up on the tense shift in mood, and nervously attempted to stick close Destrier's tail as soon as it walked past, even though his rider only had one foot in the stirrup. Alister might have muttered something inappropriate under his breath, but hauled himself up into the saddle regardless, and gave the colt a jerk to the side to get out range of the Destrier's rear hooves.

The two men in front of them looked about as dishevelled as he'd expected. Hopefully they'd follow along without trouble, but after the current track record this quest had taken, he wasn't exactly brimming with optimism. Well meaning or not and regardless of who had started what, the knights had killed one of them, giving the peasants precious little reason to be trusting. And while Sir Perin had assured him on the journey that Sir Brocklebuck was in his rights, Alister had some lingering doubts.

He kept quiet, expression stern as he let Perin take the lead in the discussion. He hadn't been here the first time, and so didn't trust himself to speak. Instead, he kept a wary eye on the two careworn peasants, and kept his horse well in hand in case one of them decided to break, or try something even more foolish.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Fri 08 Dec 2017.

"And you and yer master be killing me father and crippling the rest of us.  What do ya 'spect us to do, let ya work men to death?" the boy responds defiantly.

Neither of the peasants are armed.

Perin make a show of handing his sword and shield to his squire Gristan before dismounting and approaching the pair.  "Gentlemen, I understand your concerns, and I sympathize.  But you've said little more than he's killing your father and crippling the rest of you.  How so?  Are you being asked to work from dawn until dusk every single day with no rest? Are you getting whipped for not putting in enough output?  What's going on, exactly?"  Waving off the son as he attempted to reply, Perin pointed a mailed gauntlet at the father, who up until now had not spoken (in either encounter) "No not you, I want to hear from your father directly."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:28, Sat 09 Dec 2017.

Perin had managed to steal the words from Alister's mouth before he had a chance to say them. The question had been sitting on his mind ever since their arrival.

There wasn't enough information here. Too many questions remained unanswered, and he was nothing if not cognizant of the difficult position the peasants were currently in. They all knew Sir Brocklebuck wasn't requesting them brought to him so he could shake their hand, and Alister's uneasy feeling about the whole affair continued to linger.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:28, Sat 09 Dec 2017.

Sir Gracian remained mounted. What he had seen these past two weeks had made him feel uneasy about the whole affair and now that they had finally found the peasants he had this feeling that things were not going to get any easier.

So he remained mounted and watched Sir Perin dismount and approach the men. Sir Gracian moaned silently and hoped things would fare better than they had with Sir Sejanus.

The old man puts a hand on his son's shoulder and looks up at the knights.  He is clearly very nervous and more than a little afraid of the knights who have come to kill him.  Like those in the village he is stooped and bent, from long years of hard labor.  "Of course we work dawn to dusk, always have.  Other than a few hours on the Sabbath if the sun is up, we are out working," he replies.  With a snort he concludes, "we'll see if Sir Brocklebuck has you still out killing peasants when you are 50."

Rubbing his temples in exasperation Perin replies  "Gentlemen, let me make this abundantly clear here, as I said before, we are not here to kill you.  If we wished to cause you harm, why would we still be talking to you, when we could have simply charged in to camp and cut the pair of you down from horseback?"  Blowing out a heavy sigh, he adds "But I understand your concerns, and I will see what can be done about addressing them once we return."

Cad seems about as inspired by Sir Perin's talk of killing him as he was of Sir Sejanus's similar talk.  "No," he scoffs, "you'll allow the sun to beat me into submission and the stones to crush me to death of their own accord as God intended so that I can meet my maker sooner.  How noble."

He shakes his head and continues muttering for a while, something about Acrisius not trying to kill Danaë, that was the Sea, or something.

The negotiations were already starting to deteriorate. Even through Perin's armour Alister could see the subtle tensing of his shoulders, and hear the short clip that had worked its way into his voice. The peasants, too, were looking sullen, their eyes hard as flint as they watched the invading knights.

As the old man began to mutter, Alister's limited ability to do nothing in this situation finally wore out. He stepped off his horse and dismounted, and lead the animal forwards a few paces so he could speak.

So much for keeping quiet.

Keeping his voice pleasant, Alister offered the two men a short nod of greeting. "Then please," he said, hoping that he wasn't overstepping his place with the other two knights. "Talk to us, and help us understand. Your Lord tells us that you have risen against him, but not what you are seeking to achieve. Tell us, gentlemen, have you put forth any terms? Are you merely seeking a free Sabbath, and an hour in the afternoons? What changes exactly do you seek to bring?"

It kept coming back to the same problem. They didn't have enough information for Alister's liking, and so far no one had even been able to tell him what the peasants wanted. Hopefully, if they were willing to answer, it could give him an idea of whether their complaints were genuine. If all they sought was something simple to ease the burden, that was one thing. Else? Things might get even more complex than they already were.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:35, Sun 10 Dec 2017.

"Please hear what my friend has to say." Sir Gracian says as he dismounts and slowly walks towards the peasants. "I know that life has treated you badly and unfair. I know you have no reason to trust us because why should you? Yes you must work for your Lord yet in return your Lord is there to protect you and keep you safe. There is supposed to be a bond between the those that work the land and those that protect the land, a bond that in many ways reminds me of that found in a family. But on this land there is no such bond. On this land you are put to work till you die and hope seems to have abandoned you. You may have a broken body but I say your spirit is broken as well."

He pauses and hold out his hands to signal that he means no harm.

"But we want to help you but in order to help you we need to know what you wish for so we can speak your case before your Lord. So ... please ... hear what my friend has to say and speak."

Cad shakes his head and gives the knights an incredulous look.  "You'll get Sir Brocklebuck to give us time off?" he replies in disbelief, "as like as he'll pay for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land," he continues, looking at his son with 'can you believe this?' sort of look.

Ser steps up once more, perhaps to give the knights one last chance, "my pa's 50 years old, he shouldn't be working in the fields," he replies earnestly.

OOC:  Life expectancy for a male peasant who lives to be 5 years is probably around 35-40.  The high end is about mid- to late-sixties.  Fifty is an old man among the peasantry.

"A man as old as your father has seen many things and worked hard all his life. No man should as old as him should be put to hard labor." says Gracian and steps up to Ser. "I wont lie to you Ser and I wont make any wild promises about rivers of gold and days of happiness but I can promise you that I will speak your case before Sir Brocklebuck if you come back with us. I dont know what the outcome will be but we both know you cant stay in hiding ... your father wont survive a winter out here."

He extends his hand in friendship hoping Ser will accept it.

"Do we have an agreement, Ser son of Cad?"

Ser looks at the proffered hand for a long moment, unsure how to handle such an odd gesture.  At length he accepts it, figuring he has little choice and might as well walk to his doom rather than be dragged to it.  His grip is like a vice, and Sir Gracian is acutely aware that the kid is much stronger than he is.

The party of knights and serfs return to Bourton and the townspeople look out at them from behind shuttered windows and closed doors as they pass.

Sir Brocklebuck, on the other hand, seems quite jovial.  "Finally tracked them down, I see," he announces with a chuckle.  "Cad and Ser, I sentence you to be scourged and then displayed in the town square for a full day.  Then you are to return to the fields," he declares.

OOC:  Scourged = whipped with a multi-thong whip.

Sir Gracian almost punched Sir Brocklebuck but instead he took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. When he spoke up his voice trembled slightly with anger and he hoped Sir Brocklebuck didnt notice it.

"Are the men not allowed to be heard before you sentence them, Sir Brocklebuck? Or are other not allowed to speak on their behalf and let their case be heard? These past weeks I have come to know you as a gracious host and I hope you will allow me to speak on their behalf so all those assembled here today also can come to know you are a benevolent ruler."

For once Perin was the calm one.  Smiling broadly, he claps Sir Gracian on the shoulder.  "Good Sir Brocklebuck, my friend Sir Gracian here has a point; allow him to speak on their behalf before you pass judgement.  After all, justice can not be for one side alone, it must be for bath."

Sir Gracian compels himself to smile. Sir Perin's intervention allows Gracian to calm himself, his mind racing to figure out what to say that can make the cruel Sir Brocklebuck change his ways.

Sir Alister was plainly biting back on something as he studied Sir Brocklebuck carefully. The oncoming signs of a headache were already starting to press in on his temples, and Sir Brocklebuck wasn't assisting Alister's rapidly deteriorating opinion of the man.

"Sir, with all the respect that is due to a man of your standing," Alister began, folding his hands behind his back and keeping his voice carefully levelled. "These men returned to you in good faith, and in promise that their voices would be represented."

That was only the the minor of it, but rest would have to wait to be said if Sir Brocklebuck was determined to continue this farce.

Sir Brocklebuck seems quite taken aback by the trio of meddling knights telling him how to run his fief.  However, he patiently explains, "be heard?  What is there to say?  They refused to work and incited others to refuse to work."  He shrugs to suggest that there is nothing more to be said on the subject.

"I have no idea what you might have promised nothing other than that I would provide food, lodging, clothing, and protection in return for tending their the fields and doing what other work is required.  It is a simple system that I have abided by and they have not," he concludes.

Alister was starting to wonder whether or not his horse was more capable of more reason. Worse, they were treading a thin line. From what Sir Perin had told him, Sir Brocklebuck was holding the information about Sir Peter hostage, and to displease him too much ran the risk of this quest ending before it even began.

The arrangement had been simply to return the peasants, but there was no saying the man wouldn't turn back on his word if made sufficiently wroth.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy," he said quietly. Alister himself was no priest, and he didn't believe for a moment Sir Brocklebuck was the sort of man who would be moved by scripture, but the words of Matthew seemed oddly fitting. "To scourge a man of such advanced age may well be tantamount to a death sentence. I have seen the mortification that can set in after these injuries if not provided adequate care, and a man of his age will likely not have the strength to endure such wounds."

He was grossly overstepping. He knew that. And, yet, Sir Alister would hate himself more for having walked away and said nought in the two men's defence. He folded his hands behind his back, trying to keep his voice impartial.

"My lord, you have a right to the fruits of the field, and to the sweat of these men's brow, and now you find yourself with the opportunity to earn not only their subservience, but their loyalty. From what I have witnessed, you deal not with a man who seeks trouble for its own sake, but who is driven by a love for his father. The old man is aged, Sir, and his son merely seeks his relief. Continuing to force the old man to work in the field would only shorten what little life he has, and may stir more peasants to unrest. I would plead for prudence, and to allow the man to retire in recognition of long years of service. Experience provides a fruit greater than that of the fingers, my lord. Allow this old man to train and teach the other peasants, to pass on his knowledge and to provide the next generation of peasants with his wisdom. You stand to gain a better workforce, both through morale and through education, and without risking further revolt. Please, consider.”
This message was last edited by the player at 04:14, Mon 11 Dec 2017.

The knight chortles and rubs his chin, "well Sir Knight, those are some pretty words and fine sentiments," he replies.  "I am sure that if I were able to travel the Kingdom on noble quests with someone back here to manage my affairs for me, that I would spend my time coming up with similarly grand ideas."  He shakes his head rather sadly, "unfortunately, I am but a simple knight charged with running this fief and doing the best I can.  I haven't the time or money to buy my peasants' loyalty but have to earn it through hard work and providing for them as best as I can."

"Now, if you have all taken a liking to the old man and wish to experiment with how things improve if he is allowed to retire, I will accept 2£ to compensate me for the work he would have done.  Otherwise, I think you have important matters of your own to attend to and should leave me to attend to my own duties," he offers.

"As promised," he goes on, "five years ago, a fierce worm began to savage these lands.  I called Duke Galegantis who sent three knights errant.  They fought the worm, harmed it badly, and drove it off.  It disappeared northward into the Sauvage Forest and they followed it."  He indicates where the path is and although neither he nor the peasants use the path, it has not been overgrown in the five years since the departure of the worm and knights.

"You discuss their lives as if they are just cattle or slaves" Sir Gracian says rather coldly "So let us be frank. You ask for £2 for the old man but what if I want to buy the freedom of the entire family?"

He stares as Sir Brocklebuck before continuing. "And may I remind you good Sir that your serfs are put to work on the Sabbath. Even God rested on the 7th day   .. or do you see yourself above God?"

He knows he has said too much but he is inches from attacking Sir Brocklebuck. Instead he force himself to smile.

Sir Brockelbuck laughs, "and you, Sir, treat them as friends and equals.  They are neither.  I did not offer to sell anyone as you are now offering to buy them.  I merely offered to allow him not to work if you compensated me for the fair value of the work he would have done.  So who is treating them as goods to be sold?"

"Further," he goes on, his voice becoming angry, "they do not work on the Sabbath, as you yourself would know had you bothered to go look at the conditions under which they work during the weeks you have spent here enjoying my hospitality while you pranced around the woods with your friends rather than tracking down a couple of peasants, one of whom you claim is too old to work but who you claim so easily eluded you."

He tilts his head lower and announces, "since you see fit to slander me on my own lands and in front of my peasants, I would ask you to leave immediately and not to return.  Further, take your companion Sir Sejanus with you.  I have fed and housed him for far too long already."

OOC:  It is possible that the peasants exaggerated just a little.  And no one suggested going to see how the peasants were actually treated.

Things were going so well, they had managed to avoid offending their host, and it seemed like the father was going to be spared spending his remaining years doing hard labor.  Then Gracian opened his mouth.

Wincing, Perin steps between his friend and Brocklebuck.  Holding his hands up in a mollifying gesture, he interjects "Sir Brocklebuck, you are quite correct, you have been nothing but an accommodating host, and I am sure that Sir Gracian meant no offense."  Perin's words were accompanied by a glare at his friend that seemed to suggest that even if he disagreed, Gracian should keep such thoughts to himself.  Turning back to Sir Brocklebuck with a smile, he continues "While my companions prepare Sir Sejanus to leave, I was hoping that I might speak to you in private.  I assure you that you will wish to hear me out."

Sir Alister made a motion with his jaw that may very well have been a grinding of the teeth. While Ser Gracian no doubt meant well, flatly insulting their host was a fine line which Alister had been attempting to tiptoe around.

There was a reason he hadn't mentioned the Sabbath in his original request. Alister took a moment to mentally curse himself for his own part in this folly before gently taking Sir Gracian's shoulder.

"Thank you, Sir Brocklebuck, for the time and consideration you have shown us, and the care and respect you have provided Sir Sejanus in seeing to his care," he said, as politely as he could.

Whatever Perin planned to say, he hoped it wasn't going to result in Sir Brocklebuck trying to force them out at spear-point. Currently, however, getting Gracian out of the room seemed to be a higher priority. "Come, my friend. Let us prepare Sir Sejanus for the journey ahead."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Tue 12 Dec 2017.

Sir Brocklebuck waves off Sir Perin, replying "I have no desire to speak with any of you further, leave my lands now or I will remove you from them."  He is, clearly, barely holding his anger in check.


What are you doing with Sir Sejanus?  The path you need to follow is on Sir Brocklebuck's lands.  Leaving and dropping off Sir Sejanus somewhere (not sure where) will prevent you from following the trail.  The trail leads off into the Sauvage Forest, a wild and untamed place.  You should not expect to find any villages or manors once entering it.  Sir Sejanus is still unconscious (fumbled Chirurgery roll and successful Chirurgery roll, still below unconscious).  You also need to send a report to Duke Galegantis.

Sir Alister, Sir Gracian, and Sir Perin get checks in Arbitrary, Merciful, and Trusting.  All three get 50 Glory for rounding up the rebels.

Perin holds up his hands in a mollifying gesture.  "Of course Sir Brocklebuck, allow us to collect Sir Sejanus and we will depart immediately.  Thank you again for your hospitality."

When Sejanus had been collected, Perin turns to the man's long suffering squire, Casca.  Fishing in his purse, Perin pulls out what little bit of money he has and hands it over.  It's not much, but should be sufficient to cover the cost of Sejanus' care for a week, two at the most.  "Casca, take your master and make for Cirencester.  Find a room and engage the services of a Chirurgeon.  We'll come for you as soon as we are able." Dropping his voice to a whisper, he adds "Should the worst occur, return his body to Salisbury and inform Earl Robert of what transpired."

As Casca departs, Perin addresses his fellows as he prods his horse onwards.  Sir Brocklebuck had ordered them to depart, and Perin did not want to infringe upon his hospitality any more than they already had. "So, off to chase a dangerous beast that will no doubt slay us all then, eh?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:51, Tue 12 Dec 2017.

Alister had done what he could to prepare Sejanus for the road ahead, but short of hiring a cart to make the knight's journey more comfortable, there was only so much that could be done. The work helped to keep Alister's mind focused, although he couldn't help running the meeting with Sir Brocklebuck over in his head until pain was flaring in both temples.

He couldn't blame Gracian. Not really. His intentions had been honourable, even if—

No.

That couldn't matter, and dwelling wouldn't help. What was done was done, and painful lessons had been learned.

There was something unmistakably sullen about Alister's expression when it came time to leave. "Perin," he said firmly as his squire handed him the reins to his horse. "If I get killed on this adventure of yours, I'm coming back as a ghost to personally haunt you at inopportune moments."

Sir Gracian had been quiet and seemed as if lost in another world (RL tribulations has kept me quiet, sorry). He felt stupid for so naively trusting the peasants and even more foolish for loosing his temper the way he did. Bitterly cursing himself he found the courage to say the words he always found the most difficult to say. "My apologies Sir Brocklebuck. I said things I had no right to say and for that I apologise."

Without really waiting for a reply he saw Sir Perin arrange for Sir Sejanus to be moved. Sir Gracian stopped Sir Perin from giving Casca money. "Please my friend." he said to Sir Perin. "It is me that has been the fool and fools pay for their mistakes. Allow me to cover the expenses?" Without really waiting for a reply Gracian handed over a heavy purse full of money to Casca. "As Sir Perin just said. This should cover your expenses. Find a chirurgeon and see to it that your master well well cared for. Should he die then return to Salisbury and Earl Roberts."

With all that done and Casca and Sir Sejanus send off to Cirencester Sir Gracian mount up and turns to his companions. "Alister? Learn from what you just saw. The lesson that should be learn is to never do what I do. Never. Ever."

---

Is £3 enough to cover Cascas expenses?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Wed 13 Dec 2017.

Grinning, despite the seriousness of the past few moments, Perin replies, clapping Alister on the shoulder as he does.  "And you've already learned the more important lesson of, don't let Perin drag you into yet another one of his crazy life or death scenarios.  Speaking of, we have a worm to hunt, so shall we my friends?"

OOC: I think it's safe to say that we are headed to the woods and too our doom then eh?"

OOC: Huzzah! To the woods and our Doom!

"Think of the bright side, gentlemen." Alister added, pulling a face. "It can't be any worse than finding peasants."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:49, Thu 14 Dec 2017.

The path leading into the Sauvage Forest is entirely clear of foliage.  Vines, trees, and brush all grow beside it and above it, but never upon the path itself.  The group travels several miles into the forest before stopping for the night.

In the morning, the trio soon come to a crossroads.  The path ahead is slightly overgrown, while the crossing path is clear, like the way they came.

You can go left, right, straight, one on each, back, or something else.  There is nothing particularly notable about any path other than the slightly overgrown one straight ahead.

Perin grunts as they approach the clearing.  Of course the trail branched into three almost identical paths.  Well, there was little to do here put pick a direction and stick with it.  So motioning to the left his his head, Perin asks "seems as good a place as any to start brothers, what say you?"

OOC: Baring some sort of objection, let's go left.  I honestly just picked the first trail to keep us moving.  Anyone care?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:37, Thu 14 Dec 2017.

"I suppose an arrow pointing "This way to certain death" might have been too much of a giveaway," Alister muttered.

North.

The beast had gone north. Presuming there even was a wyrm at all and Sir Brocklebuck wasn't merely playing them for fools.

Alister eyed off the overgrown road ahead, then looked towards the leftmost path as though it might reveal some untold secret. "I seem to recall someone once telling me I shouldn't listen to you, Perin," he sighed. "There are three roads, and three riders," he pointed out, gesturing at each path in turn, "We could ride along each and report what we find, but, for what it is worth, I do not believe splitting up would be in our best interest."

He paused to think about it for a second.

Damn it all.

"Head left. A creature couldn't have travelled unseen. There may very well be a sign somewhere."

The group heads left and wanders along the path for a couple of hours, the path meandering about until it opens up into a clearing.  As they approach the clearing, the knights smell roasting food and hear the noises of joyful revelry.  The clearing is surrounded by dense, impenetrable growth but for the path on which they entered and two other paths like it to the left and to the right.

In the clearing, a grand feast is going on.  The clearing is filled by a long table.  At its head is a jolly knight, who the others refer to as The Lord of the Feast.  'The others' being nine other knights.  All are eating happily from the large piles of food that fill the table.  Off to the side are ten hungry-looking squires.  The knights at the table occasionally throw scraps to the squires, but most of the scraps magically disappear before getting to the squires.

Looking up, the Lord of the Feast beckons the players to take the three available seats at the table and join him in the feast.

"Hail and well met good sirs!" Perin booms as they approach the feast.  However as they approach, he notices the strange sight of the disappearing food and the emaciated looking squires.  Frowns as they draw ever closer to the table he murmurs quietly "Be wary brothers, and eat or drink nothing."  He remembers his mother's tales of knights who accepted such things and were forever trapped, and so he wonders if the same is true here.  While the knight doubts that the sight before them is Faerie in nature, it's still a good rule of thumb, as obviously some strange magic is afoot.

"Magic", Alister confirmed with a frown as he dismounted from his horse. He was no expert on the arcane, but last he'd checked, knights weren't in the habit of casually throwing decadent banquets in the middle of a forest.

Fae?

Maybe. Alister certainly didn't know enough about the fae to speak on the subject, but he would have expected it to look... different, somehow. The oft-repeated warning never to accept food from the fae was taught to every child, and it seemed like a good rule of thumb to extend here.

Alister handed Kelpie's reins over to his squire. The young man was looking at the squires at the end of the table uncertainly, and Kelpie gave an anxious snort. "Bryant, keep to the edge of the clearing." Away from the table, was the unspoken warning, and with another worried look at the starving squires, the boy gave a nod.

Roasting. Why could he smell roasting, when there didn't seem to be a fire? Or attendants?

"Thank you Sir, for your generous hospitality," Alister called to the so called Lord of Feasts as he stepped up to an empty seat, but stopped short of actually sitting down. "A table as bountiful as this may well invoke even a King to envy. Alas, it is that we have far to travel before the sun sets, and so cannot tarry. Pray tell, what is the origin of such a banquet? It seems magnificent that so much food could be brought here, as remote as we are. What brings you to these parts?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:35, Thu 14 Dec 2017.

The Lord of the Feast gestures to the knights to sit, "come, sit, enjoy my lovely banquet," he urges.  Unless they sit, the Lord of the Feast and other knights will ignore them.

The squires are not at the table, they are off to the side.  There is, sadly, no room at the table for them, although fortunately there are three available chairs for the trio from Salisbury.  The food does smell very good, reminiscent of tournaments past.

Exchanging looks with his brothers, Perin takes a seat with no small amount of trepidation.  However once confident that nothing is immediately remiss, he tips his hand towards their host.  "Thank you for your hospitality my lord." he says.  Raising his goblet towards the man seated at the head of the table, he continues  "No person was ever honored for what he received, honor has been the reward for what he gave.  At toast to the Lord of the Feast and his boundless generosity!"

Raising his goblet to his mouth, Perin by all accounts appears to drink deeply; however the wine never so much as touches his lips.  With a smile, he asks "In the continued spirit of your generosity my lord, I was hoping you might share with us your secret.  How did you manage such a bountiful feast?  Your table rivals any that I've ever seen!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Thu 14 Dec 2017.

Well, the lack of response from the so called Lord wasn't a good sign. Alister had paused for a moment, weighing up his options as Perin sat. His compatriot didn't seem to have been immediately cursed or rooted to the seat, so, grudgingly, Alister took a place at the table beside the man.

Who then immediately pretended to throw a toast.

Great.

Alister couldn’t say for certain whether or not this “Lord of Feasts” would be able to know that Perin was feigning, but it was a little too late to kick Perin under the table. Hopefully that stunt wasn't about to bring down any wrath upon them.

"Indeed. It would be a pleasant reprieve from the journey to share your company, and hear tales of such wonders," Sir Alister agreed after the toast, making no mention of the food. At least Perin seemed to have grasped Alister’s intent in his question, which was better than nothing.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:47, Sat 16 Dec 2017.

Sir Gracian hated every second of this quest. Saxons and Irish were one thing but this ... this ... this madness was something different and it made him feel uncomfortable. He was about to decline the offer when his companions accepted the invitation to the feast. He sighed, thought of home and joined them at the table.

I am doomed, he though to himself while pretending to join the toast.

"Indeed my lord. Your feast is truly a marvelous wonder. And are these knights in your service or are they travellers like us?"

The knights raise their goblets and drain them with a 'hurrah!' before tucking into the food once more.  "Do eat, the food is excellent and the more you eat the more we can give to the poor squires," he motions toward the hungry-looking squires, who now include the trio's own squires as well.  "We cannot allow them to starve, after all," he reproves.  "As to the origins of the food," he explains, "please join us in eating and I will be happy to answer your questions."

Sir Perin gets a check in Deceptive.

It all kept coming back to the same request. One that Alister was liking less and less the more this so called 'Lord of Feast' kept insisting upon it. Despite his gregariousness, the inability to take no for an answer seemed to transcend mere hospitality into something far more sinister.

Think, Alister.

Think.

A holy sword. A giant wyrm; being a creature believed to be spawned of the Devil. A table of knights feasting in the forest. And a strange statement. "The more we eat, the more we can give to the squires."

"Why is that the squires cannot join us, when there is such a bounty to be shared?" he asked slowly, fearing he already knew the answer. Although the question was aimed at their host, Alister was watching the table closely. Each was knight around them seemed to be eating heartily, and Alister was carefully trying to ascertain exactly by what manner the table was being replenished.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:58, Sat 16 Dec 2017.

"Indeed my Lord ... let the squires join us so we can celebrate your hospitality." says Sir Gracian and force himself to sound as merry as possible.

He looks over his shoulder at the squires. "How long have you been waiting for your master?" he asks the squires closest to him.

FWIW: There is no room for the squires at the table and squires do not normally sit with knights.

The squire shrugs uncertainly.  The Lord of the Feast is busy talking to the other revelers who have accepted his Hospitality and are eating the food and thus able to throw some scraps to the poor squires who otherwise seem certain to starve to death.  In fact, your own squires look sort of hungry.  :)

"Sir Perin and Sir Alister? How gracious our host may be I think we have pressing matters that force us to leave this table."

Gracian knows he is in over his head and is starting to get the all-too-familiar headache he associates with quests of a certain nature.

Perin nods his agreement with Gracian "Indeed, I am afraid that we must decline your gracious offer, however I am sure that we will return when time allows."  Standing, Perin offers a half bow to the man before departing as fast as possible.  Once out of earshot, he murmurs "I think it's safe to say that there is magic afoot brothers, though I don't think it is Fae in nature, despite its appearance."

OOC: I'm all for going back and then taking the center one unless someone objects.

"I agree ... this place seems cursed but not touched by the Fae. I fear darker and more sinister forces are present in these woods."

The knights get up and leave, their host largely ignoring them.  The squires join them (although everyone is a bit hungry now after the sight of all of that food) and everyone heads back to the first crossroads and continue straight across.  The path wends through the forest and after some time enters a clearing.

Like the last clearing, this one has a pair of paths going left and right from the clearing in addition to the path by which they entered.  Upon approaching the clearing, the party hears laughter and good-hearted companionship.  When they do enter, they see five knights, the leader being a heavily-scarred Moor.  As the trio approach, the talk dies down and the Moor stands, and proclaims "I am the Knight of Vengeance.  Why have you come?"

OOC:  You will be happy to note that it appears that they recently ate.

Perin leans over and whispers to his companions "This must be Sir Ferdinand, as how many Moorish knights are there running about our lands?  And if that's the case, do you think the 'Lord of the Feast' was Sir Guidon?" he asks, referring to Sir Peter's companions. Turning to address the man, he smiles broadly "Vengeance you say my good man?  Against whom exactly?"  Perin asks, ignoring the man's question.

"Against Sir Guidon," he replies.  "My fellowship is complete but if you wish to join, you can fight one of my fellows in melee combat to first blood (with unrebated weapons).  Otherwise, begone as we have important matters to discuss."

A holy sword. A wyrm. Feasts. Vengeance. God. The Devil. Gluttony.

"Wrath," Alister finished quietly to his compatriots. So, they were on the right tack. All the more reason to be cautious. If this fate had befallen those before them, then...

Alister affixed a smile. "Of course, Sir," he replied, taking on Perin's gamble. "Do we have the honour of speaking to Sir Ferdinand, of whom we have heard such tales?"

Could they even remember their own names?

"You must forgive our ignorance. We are new to these woods, and have not yet been made aware of what has passed between yourself and Sir Guidon. I can only imagine it must have been a great and terrible slight to inspire such fervour in yourself and your fellows. Please, we should be interested to hear it, that we too might be stuck with the fire to join your noble cause."

"No," the Moor replies, "I am the Knight of Vengeance.  So, which of you would like to join or will it be all three of you?"  He seems disinclined to discuss matters with those not in his fellowship.

Perin grunts and inclines his head back the direction in which they came.  It's quite obvious to his brothers that like before, he wants nothing to do with the man before them.  Perhaps they'll have better luck down the third path?

The trio departs without incident as the Knight of Vengeance shows little interest in them if they are not planning to join his fellowship.  Returning for the third time to the initial crossroads, the group makes a right and heads along the overgrown trail.  It is starting to get late and they have been traveling all day when they come to a third clearing.

As with the other clearings, there are two other paths leading from this one, one heading off to the left and the other to the right.  Around the edge of the clearing stand three beautiful pavilions.  A pair of beautiful women peek timidly out of two of the pavilions, while the third stands empty.  In the middle of the clearing a knight sits on a dapple grey Andalusian charger, wearing reinforced chain and full helm.  The knight's shield is pure white.

The knight announces, "Choose one from your number to joust.  We shall fight to first fall for ransom."  The knight's weapons are rebated.

Terms and conditions negotiable should you choose to fight with unrebated weapons, until unconscious, etc.

Jousting, finally something that Perin could wrap his head around!  Turning to Alister, he remarks quietly "What say you brother, would you like the chance to prove your mettle?  It doesn't seem like an obvious trap like the last two, but perhaps that just means it's all the more insidious?" he asks with a grin.

Alister's reply was deadpan. "Thanks, Perin. I always knew you had my best interests at heart."

That said, he had to agree. This did look suspiciously straightforward in comparison to the other two clearings. In all likelihood, the trap wasn't going to reveal itself until after it had been sprung. Yet, if his assumption was right about the paths on either side, attempting to leave was just going to loop them back to where they started.

"Something has to give," he agreed quietly. Out of the three knights present, he knew he was the most expendable. He had no wife, or anyone patiently waiting for his return. "If this goes foul, or turns into a trap, both of you go on ahead." Alister's tone brokered no argument. "Find the wyrm. I suspect what we have seen here today is linked to this creature's influence."

Not waiting for a response, Alister cued his horse, and the young charger trotted forwards to greet the mystery knight with a flash of white legs. Alister took in the details as he went. The armour, the shield, the magnificent dapple grey, and the women in the tents on each side, peering out. Not much here seemed to make sense, but Alister had already learned the answer he was going to get if he tried to ask. Most likely, the Knight had been posted here to defend the women from those wishing to do them harm.

Oh well. He'd tackle that problem when he got there.

"Hail and well met, good Sir," Alister greeted with a respectful nod as he pulled up his horse. "My name is Sir Alister, and I would accept your challenge. With whom do I have honour of crossing lances?"

It was more straightforward than he might have been otherwise, but he'd already learned how far questions were getting him.

Free guess. 'The Knight of the Joust.'
This message was last edited by the player at 00:12, Mon 18 Dec 2017.

"Arnt you a bit cruel to young Alister?" Gracian whispers with a wry smile to his friend while keeping an eye on the mysterious knight. "The poor boy doesnt stand a chance."

When Sir Alister tells them to go on if anything goes wrong he laughs out loud and clap the knight on the shoulder "Nonsense! We have full confidence in your skills, Alister. Yes we know a winner when we see one!" before turning back to Perin whispering "He is doomed."

"I am the Jousting Knight," is the reply.

The knights ride to their starting posts and when the Jousting Knight's lance dips, they charge.  Sir Alister's lance goes wide but the Jousting Knight's strikes true with a mighty blow that throws Sir Alister off of his horse.  He manages to twist in midair and land without further injuring himself.

Sir Alister, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Lance.
Jousting Knight, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Lance.
Jousting Knight, rolled 31 using 7d6.  Damage.
Sir Alister, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Dexterity.
Sir Alister takes 31 - 10 = 21 Damage, a Major Wound, and is knocked off of his horse.  He makes his DEX roll and does not take fall damage.


The joust won, the Jousting Knight dismounts and after ensuring that the young knight is not grievously wounded, beckons Sir Alister to the unoccupied tent as prisoner per the rules of the contest.

Once inside, the Jousting Knight removes her armor to reveal a stunningly beautiful woman (APP 25).  "Remove your armor, Sir Alister and let me take my prize," she says, indicating the bed in the pavilion.

Meanwhile, the two beautiful young women depart their own pavilions and approach Sir Gracian and Sir Perin and offer them company in their pavilions.  Both are extremely attractive and of noble birth.  It is getting late and will soon be dark . . .

Sir Gracian tells Idres to make camp for the night. He has no intention of sleeping with any of these women - not that he is not tempted but his love for Lady Ariette is true.

"Do not go with them Perin. Let Alister have his night and pay what he owes the lady but he does not need us to be ensnared by these ladies. When morning comes we should continue our quest."

OOC: If needed I would like to invoke Passion (Love Ariette-24)

Perin smiles and claps Gracian on the back "Fear not my friend, I had no intention of going anywhere."  And that's entirely true, almost entirely out of his love for Fiona, and only partially because if she ever found out... well, Perin had seen what she was capable of, and the last thing he ever wanted to do was earn her ire.  Odds were that he wouldn't survive it.

OOC: Perin is in the same boat, if need be he'll invoke Love: Fiona to resist the ladies

Once, many years ago when they were children, Alister's older brother had laughed at him, claiming he'd always been far more graceful at falling off a horse than he ever was at riding one. Good to know that even after so long, the cretin was still right.

The lance had hit with the force of a runaway carriage. Alister couldn't precisely say what the damage was, but he could take an educated guess. Pain seared up his shoulder when he went to open the flap to the tent, prompting a sharp wince and hissed intake of breath.

That… that wasn't good.

Then again, what part of this was?

Alister took a deep breath upon stepping inside and inspecting the surroundings. The pavilion itself seemed to contain only one notable fixture; a large bed on one side of the tent. Alister felt his mouth run dry as understanding crept in, but his lip still to twisted into the shadow of a smile of all the same.

Of course. He should have known.

He looked over in time to see the Knight stripping out of her armor, the metal falling to the ground with a sharp clang. She was beautiful. He had to give her that, and his gut gave an unexpected twist at the sight.

"I need to have a word with whoever taught you to joust," Sir Alister managed with a pained smile as his shoulder gave another vicious stab. "It appears I need the lessons."

He knew the request was coming before it did. He just knew. There was something almost conflicted to his expression as — for once — he struggled to think of a response. None of it was good enough. He knew he shouldn’t. Yet, all the knowing in the world didn't seem to help.

“Call be a romantic if you must,” he said apologetically, trying to reach for his armor without aggravating the shoulder. “But I suppose it would be too much to ask to know your name.”

Would she reply? Probably not. That was a grand shame in and of itself. It would go a long way to making her feel more…

Well…

Human.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 12:46, Mon 18 Dec 2017.

"I am Lady Glesri," she replies beginning to remove clothing . . .

Lady Gles—

Alister looked up sharply, abandoning the buckle for the single pauldron he'd donned for the joust.

That was the first straight answer he'd gotten all day, and Alister was suddenly starkly aware of just how hard his heart was pounding inside his chest.

Lady Glesri.

"How did you—"

His head was swimming with questions, and each one wanted to compete to the forefront. The way she was pulling off bits of clothing wasn't helping, and Alister had to rip his gaze away, feeling himself start to grow hot underneath his armour. Taking a second, Alister removed his helm and resting it to the side before he slowly sat down on a corner of the bed, running a hand through his hair and trying to compose his thoughts.

This wasn't—

This wasn't right.

"How did you get here?" he settled on finally, looking up at her. "Is this really what you..."

Well, no. That seemed a stupid question. She'd been the one to say as much. But was that just the magic talking, or was a part of her still in there, somewhere?

She continues to remove clothing until she is only wearing a silk shift that shows off as much as it hides.

"I came searching for my amor, many years ago," she replies as she moves closer . . . much closer.  Sir Alister's eyes are on level with two of Glesri's more prominent and enticing assets and he can smell an intoxicating mixture of lavender and the oil from her armor.

"I think that he is long dead, for I don't even recall his name any longer," she remarks offhandedly as she leans forward to run her fingers through Sir Alister's hair.  The neck of her shift droops, revealing all that lays beneath.  "I would like to see his image once more but right now, I have a rather different desire . . ."

Ohh. That was not—

That was not helping.

Alister forced himself to take a deep breath, gently trying to take the Lady's hand in his own despite the stab of pain through his shoulder. Somehow, the knowledge that she’d become trapped here while searching for a lover made it all the worse. How long had she been here? A year? A decade? A century? The realisation brought a sudden sharp pang.

Think.

Who could she have been searching for?

His heart was still hammering hard enough he could hear it echoing his ears. He could feel that closeness. Her hand was warm, skin soft underneath his calloused fingers. She was by far the most stunning woman he'd ever seen...

And yet...

Alister closed his eyes for a moment, as though drawing strength.

“Sir Peter,” he found himself saying, with some difficulty. “Sir Guidon. Sir Ferdinand.” She might have come looking after any one of them. “They’re here. Trapped, same as you. If I could just—”

Just what, Alister? He didn’t have any answers, no matter how much he wished he did.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:13, Tue 19 Dec 2017.

There is no spark of recognition in her lovely eyes at any of the names.

The stunning woman seems to be tiring of all of this talking.  With Sir Alister holding her hands it seems that using her mouth will be the best way to shut him up, so she kisses him on the lips.

Perhaps having sensed the soreness in his shoulder, she uses the distraction of the rather sultry kiss to pull her hands away from his and she starts to message his bruised shoulder.  Her hands are strong, stronger in fact than the knight's own.  They feel incredibly good and Sir Alister can feel his muscles relaxing under her tender care.  She is forced to remove some of his armor to get at some of the tender areas.

Now what was he talking about?

There was no response to the names. No flicker of understanding.

It wasn't going to work.

He made no move to stop her this time when she leaned in, the fresh smell of lavender clinging to her like a perfume. And oh, she did taste sweet, mouth soft and warm, playful flick of the tongue and nip of teeth, making it impossible to breathe.

That shut him up all right.

There was something almost unexpected in the level of care she was showing him. It was in the way her fingers danced over each muscle, working out the tension, each piece of armor and clothing falling away, forgotten. He’d tensed by instinct the first time her hand found his shoulder, anticipating of a flash of pain, but none came.

This was—

No.

To Hell with it all.

Alister found himself making a noise deep in his throat, his fingers settling across her thighs, running up towards her hip, gently guiding her onto his lap. He leaned in, kissing her hard, tongue pushing inside, and God, he could feel her, the slow sleek swirl of her tongue, feel his own heartbeat begin to pound through his ribcage, thumping against his chest. Fingers twisting through her hair, curving against the base of her scalp, and it's the worst kind of wrong and the best of everything that’s ever been right.

If this was sin incarnate, he wasn't even quite sure if he cared.

OOC: Que fade?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Tue 19 Dec 2017.

Sir Alister and the Jousting Knight retire to the empty pavilion and close the flaps.  After a time, some moaning is heard and the two beautiful young ladies in the other pavilions pad softly from their tents and look over longingly before starting to exhibit the sort of signs one might expect of dogs in heat.  The moaning stops and fortunately there is no indication that Sir Alister is in trouble.

The pair of ladies return to their own tents, giving a last reproachful look at the neutered Sir Gracian and Sir Perin.  However, they fail to properly close the flaps of their respective pavilions and occasionally a glimpse of them bathing, dressing, undressing, and making exciting underwear can be glimpsed.

Sir Perin and Sir Gracian enjoy a lovely, if cold and lonely, night out under the stars, while Sir Alister must endure the warm, soft, and very, very large bed and its occupant.

In the morning, Sir Alister wakes quite refreshed and his shoulder already feels mostly healed.  Lady Glesri lies naked under the covers next to him and seems a bit more talkative.

Sir Perin and Sir Gracian get checks in Neutered Chaste.  Sir Alister gets a check in Lustful.

Alister didn't remember falling asleep. He supposed he had. He didn't remember it being morning the last time he closed his eyes. There was a part of him which hadn't expected Lady Glesri to still be there in the morning. Some enchantment, or some curse, perhaps.

He rolled over towards her with a muffled sound, until he felt her familiar shape, wrapping one arm around her waist and pressing in close. He still felt half asleep before realising he'd rolled onto his injured shoulder. The pain had dulled into a low ache, as though the injury was already months old, and Alister stirred enough to begin to wake properly as the night's memories came trickling back.

"Morning," he said with an easy smile, voice still heavy from sleep. "Didn't know if you'd still be here."

He was glad for that, he supposed.

It made it feel less—

No. That wasn't quite right.

"I'll have to get knocked off horses more often," he mumbled, nuzzling his chin into her hair, trying — and failing — to sort through the questions what were resurfacing from last night.

She was warm. And comfortable. But this was..

It wasn't...

He stirred a little after a moment, one arm still wrapped around her. "Do you remember... anything?" he found himself asking despite himself. "Not about last night. About... how you got here. Or about who you were? Who you were looking for..." It was a final desperate shot, one that he wasn't even sure would work. But the idea of leaving her here to her curse just didn't...

It didn't feel right.

Damn it all.

"I want to help you."

The young woman looks a bit sad, although she snuggles up against Sir Alister.  "I know no more than I did last night."

"It wasn't that spectacular," she murmurs quietly to herself.

"I came looking for my amor some years ago but don't remember his name," she explains.  A little desperately she goes on, "I feel that if I could just see him again or even his image, things would be better,  Maybe I could find peace?" she suggests hopefully.

Tracing a long nail across his chest, Lady Glesri crawls over Sir Alister's naked form rather suggestively.  She gets up, showing that she has not, in fact, become any less attractive.  She sidles over to a table, retrieves something, and returns with her favor.  With a giggle, she ties it somewhere that other knights are not likely to see it.

It took a second for what Lady Glesri meant with her muttered comment to fully register. At least until then, Alister’s perplexed expression was nothing short of priceless. He managed a short laugh once it clicked. “That’s not what I meant,” he’d chided playfully, giving her a squeeze.

The rest, however, was something worth noting. He’d half hoped there might be something she’d forgotten, but it appeared he wasn’t going to get any more information with which to help her than what he already had.

He stayed where he was when she stood, and there was no flicker of shame this time as he watched her move around. He had to quirk an eyebrow when she returned with a favour, and Alister couldn’t help but laugh. "Can't have been that bad, then," he remarked, watching as she tied it off with a flicker of amusement.

That, uh…

That probably couldn’t stay there.

Though, really, he couldn’t stay here either, although not for lack of wanting.

At length, Alister pulled himself up. His shoulder still ached, but for the most part felt more hale than it had the night before. His clothing and armour pieces seemed to have gotten scattered, and took some degree of recovering. “I’ll be back,” he’d said, but he couldn’t promise more than that. He couldn’t tell her when. Or how. If his suspicions about the other two knights in the glade were correct, then…

“Your amor…” he explained finally, taking her hand for the last time. “I think I know where he is.”

It was the only thing that seemed to make sense. The three clearings. The three curses. The damned quest for the sword. They had to be linked somehow. The moor seemed the most likely. Either him, or Sir Peter himself. But there was only one way to know for sure.

The sun was almost painfully bright when Sir Alister stepped outside the tent, Lady Glesri’s favour clutched tight in one hand.  His squire was nearby, looking remarkably like he hadn’t slept all night. Sir Perin and Sir Gracian didn’t look much better. And for a moment, Alister wasn’t sure whether to be annoyed at them for not having gone on ahead like he’d told them, or grateful that they hadn’t.

“We need go back to the Knight of Vengeance,” were the first words out of his mouth, his expression strangely set as he readjusted the buckle of his sword-belt. “I’ll explain on the way…”.

Well…

Maybe not all the details...
This message was last edited by the player at 12:37, Wed 20 Dec 2017.

The group returns to the clearing with the Knight of Vengeance, it has not changed since they were there the prior day.

The knights hadn't acknowledged them this time. In fact, it looked like they hadn't so much as moved from the same place they had been standing the day before.

Frowning, Alister dismounted again, handing Bryant the reins to his horse. He was making a gamble, in truth, but what limited experience Alister had was enough to tell him that women were the ultimate root cause of oaths of vengeance and seething rivalries more times than one would think.

Perin had agreed with his assessment on the ride over, so at least if this failed, both were as wrong as the other.

"Greetings Sir," Alister began, addressing the Knight. "I return on behalf of the Lady Glesri, who seeks to be reunited with her lost armor,” he said, holding out the token of her favour, and praying that he was right.

OOC: Writing posts on mobile is awful
This message was last edited by the player at 11:20, Fri 22 Dec 2017.

Perin and Alister had discussed the matter as the men of Salisbury road along the path.  The younger knight's plan was sound, and Perin couldn't help concur with his conclusion.  There was just something about Lady Glesri's words, wherein she said she wanted to see her amour or his image that struck Perin as odd.  He'd heard many tales of curses being broken when an object was returned to its rightful owner, so perhaps this was a similar situation?  And while the pair had no idea which if either of the two men that they had encountered would be the right one, it cost them nothing to try.

The Knight of Vengeance takes no notice of the returning knights until mention of Lady Glesri, at which point the Moor's head snapped toward them and he subconsciously put his hand to the scars on his face.  Seeing his Lady's favor presented, he accepts it and stands mute for a moment staring at it before announcing, "I renounce my vengeance against Sir Gaidon," looking over at his five fellows, he says, "I release you from your oaths."

Returning his attention to the trio, "thank you, good sir," Sir Ferdinand says to Sir Alister.

EDIT:  Five fellows, not two.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:48, Thu 21 Dec 2017.

Well shit, Perin hadn't actually expected the plan to work.  Given how the rest of the quest had unfolded, he was honestly expecting things to end significantly worse.  There's still time said a voice at the back of his mind, but he dismissed the concern and turned his attention to the Moorish knight that seemed to be free from whatever spell held him.  "If you'll forgive my asking Sir, what caused your feud with Sir Gaidon?  And how did you come to find yourself here?" Perin asked with a wave of his hand.

OOC: Alister is off being a nut and doing her typical weekend Aussie horse crap, so she told me to go ahead and post to keep things moving.  Amazingly enough trying to type a response while it's a million degrees, out in the middle of nowhere, and on your phone doesn't work all that well.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:36, Thu 21 Dec 2017.

"I swore vengeance on him for scaring me," he says, pointing to his face, "which I thought had caused me to lose my true love," he explains.  Indicating the favor he continues, "but now I realize that she still loves me."

"As to getting here, Sir Gaidon and I rode here with Sir Peter, chasing the Worm after we wounded it near Bourton," he says.

Perin nods gravely.  That was one mystery solved, now to make a giant fool of himself...  "And I do hope you'll forgive me if this sounds preposterous, but Sir Gaidon has taken to calling himself the Lord of the Feast, and has a seemingly endless supply of wonderful food on hand.  Would you know anything about that?  It just seems a mite strange is all."

There was a strange emotion that flickered through Alister when he parted with the favour. It wasn't regret. Not quite. He was glad for her — in a way — if it meant that Lady Glesri was to be reunited with the one she loved, and yet...

It was more of a guilt. A heaviness. Something he couldn't quite name, but he forced a smile all the same.

He was getting better at that these days.

"You must forgive Sir Perin's questions, Sir," he said, looking almost a tad rueful. "My name is Sir Alister. We were sent by Sir Peter's father" — sort of —  "to ensure his safe return home, and in doing so found ourselves on the trail of the same wyrm. We encountered Sir Gaidon and yourself on the journey, and Lady Glesri, who came to search for you after you did not return to her."

The rest was... best not mentioned. Possibly ever.

"She very much wishes to see you again, Sir," Alister said solemnly. "She is not far, and I imagine we have much to discuss on the road." Perin was roughly on the right track in asking about Sir Gaidon. Sir Gaidon couldn't be left to his fate either, but any information about the wyrm or where to find Sir Peter was sure to prove invaluable.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:56, Fri 22 Dec 2017.

As Sir Perin and Sir Ferdinand have been talking, the other knights have laid themselves on the ground and are now asleep.  Ferdinand himself seems to be struggling to stay awake but he is fading fast.  "The worm . . . sent by the Devil.  Trapped us here.  Sir Guidon's . . . ever-full . . . cornucopia.. . ."  He slumps to the ground, unconscious and efforts to revive him are unsuccessful.

An ever-full cornucopia?  That would certainly explain how the ‘Lord of the Feast’ was able to produce such a bounty here in the middle of the woods.  Perhaps he was missing it, much like Sir Ferdinand here?  Frowning Perin began searching the slumbering knight, maybe had this cornucopia on his person?  After all, stealing another man’s prized possession would certainly be within the realm of the ‘Knight of Vengeance’.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:04, Fri 22 Dec 2017.

Sir Ferdinand and his fellows are wearing armor and little else.  There are no obvious cornicopias on them.  They are essentially asleep.  I am not sure where you intend to take them.  The only way out of this place that you know of is through Bourton, where you are not particularly welcome.  Of course you have not checked any of the paths out of the clearings.  I suppose that you could tie the six of them and their squires to their horses if you wanted . . . and hope no one rolls off.  It seems that you have some other, more pressing matters with which to contend.


                        ? --- Love --- ?

        ?                      }                   ?
                               {
        |                      }                   |
        |                      {                   |
   Food +------------------------------------------+ Hate
        |                      |                   |
        |                      |                   |
                               |
        ?                      |                   ?

                             Bourton

Map representative rather than literal, and not to scale.

What in God's name was—

"Perin!"

Alister's reprimand was surprisingly sharp. A week ago, Alister would have hesitated to question the judgement of any of the older men, but that was before Perin seemed to want to go rifling through and stealing the possessions of unconscious knights. "Have you taken leave of your senses?"

That familiar headache was creeping back up. He couldn't say for sure why the knights had fallen asleep, but it seemed as though this wasn't going to be as straightforward as he'd hoped. He hadn't quite pictured returning Sir Ferdinand to Lady Glesri by strapping the unconscious man behind his horse like luggage and dumping him at her feet.

"There is more going on here." Alister strode back to his horse, snatching the reins back from his squire and mounting again so fluidly the colt gave a sharp toss of his white head.

One thing was for sure, they hadn't fallen asleep by accident. This wasn't over.

"We should search the remaining roads. Perhaps there are more like this to be found," he said, pushing his horse up towards the untraveled road from the clearing that lead deeper into the forest.

OOC: The "Up" road towards the upper right corner, yeah.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Fri 22 Dec 2017.

If Perin seems bothered by Alister's outburst, he doesn't show it.  Instead he turns to the younger man, a smile fixed on his face.  "Calm yourself brother, Sir Ferdinand mentioned something about an ever-full cornucopia, and I was merely making sure that he didn't have it on his person; because as you say, something is obviously remiss here" he says, gesturing at the fallen knights.  "But as you say, we should investigate the other paths, perhaps we'll find it elsewhere."

This road leads to the clearing with Lady Glesri.  Circle completed below.


                     Food --- Love --- Hate

       Love                    }                  Love
                               {
        |                      }                   |
        |                      {                   |
   Food +------------------------------------------+ Hate
        |                      |                   |
        |                      |                   |
                               |
       Hate                    |                  Food

                             Bourton

Map representative rather than literal, and not to scale.

The entire ride, Perin can't seem to shake the feeling that they've missed something with Sir Ferdinand.  Seeing his chance to return to the clearing with the Moorish knight, he turns to his companions and says "Alister, would you see about convincing the Lady Glesri to return with us to Sir Ferdinand?  She said she wanted to see her love, and it seems we have found him."  Glancing at Gracian, he adds "I just can't help but think we missed something in that clearing, I'm going to go give it a once over again if you don't mind my friend.  If this works, I'll see you there shortly, and if not, I'll return here as quickly as I can."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:22, Sat 23 Dec 2017.

Sir Alister goes back to Lady Glesri's clearing and finds that she won't even talk to him unless he challengers her again.

Meanwhile, Sir Perin searches through Sir Ferdinand's tent and finds a cornucopia.

Sir Perin gets a point in Deception.

After a discussion, it appears there is a predicament. Sir Ferdinand is still unconscious, and Lady Glesri has once again lost her memory, making it difficult to bring one to the other. Finding themselves short on options, Alister and Perin agree to bring the Cornucopia to Sir Gaidon to see if it holds another key to the curse.

OOC: Phone post again, this time coming to you from under a tree. Perin and I discussed this probability might happen, just to make it clear that I'm not writing on Perin's behalf without having talked to him first. <3

Sir Gracian has (again) been quiet lost in contemplations about why on earth he left his home for ... this. Luckily for him Sir Alister has proven quite alot smarter than Sir Perin and Sir Gracian combined. For a moment Sir Gracian had thought they had the riddle solved but now things were back to normal.

All they need now is that it will begin to rain ...

It doesn't take long for the trio to arrive where the Lord of the Feast (Sir Guidon) is still hard at work eating, he and his fellow knights throwing scraps at their squires.  In his booming voice, Perin addresses the man "Sir Gaidon, we come from Sir Ferdinand, he has renounced his oath of vengeance against you and we have come to return your cornucopia to you." he says, presenting the object to the man sitting at the head of the table.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:46, Sat 23 Dec 2017.

The Lord of the Feast gives a gasp as he sees his cornucopia and accepts it gratefully from Sir Perin.  "Thank you, good Sir," he exclaims.  He hands the cornucopia to his squire who uses it to feed the other squires.  Once fed, the knights and squires lapse into sleep.  The food on the table disappears.

Perin had hoped to question Sir Gaidon, but unfortunately the large man had passed out almost immediately after the squires were fed.  Moving towards the unconcious knights, his intent to search them, much like before, is quite clear.  Holding up a hand, he forestalls any reply by Alister "Sir Alister, I know you don't care for my methods, so when we are done, I am happy to meet you at a time and place of your choosing.  Lances, first to fall.  If you win, I will gladly apologize for my behavior, if I do, you will say no more of it.  Is that fair?"

Without waiting for a reply, Perin begins searching the sleeping the knights.  He's looking for some image of Sir Ferdinand to show the good lady Glesri; though he's not sure they'll find it.  Already he's trying to figure out how to best transport the unconscious knight back to the lady, so that they might break the curse she's under.

Sir Perin finds a locket that contains Sir Ferdinand's image.

With a flick of his wrist, Perin raises the newly found locket high.  "And here we are brothers.  Hopefully it should hopefully be a relatively easy task to free the good lady Glesri from her curse."  With the locket in hand, the trio quickly make their way back to the enchanted noblewoman, and upon arriving, Perin makes a point of allowing Alister to present it to her.

The Jousting knight sees the image of Sir Ferdinand in the locket and gasps.  Her armor and horse disappear and she appears as if waked from a dream.  The two young ladies in the other pavilions shake their heads as if dispelling bad dreams of their own before yawning and lying down to sleep.

Lady Glesri, exclaims, "thank you, Sir Knight!  I had feared I would never see my amor again."

On the far side of the clearing from where they initially entered, the vines shrink and a path emerges.  In the distance, the Golden Field can be seen.

Sir Alister, Sir Gracian, and Sir Perin receive 100 Glory for lifting the lesser taints from the forest.  Sir Perin loses one Honor for looting items from unconscious knights.

"No doubt the worm lies in that direction.  To our sudden and inevitable doom then brothers?" Perin asks, pointing towards the newly opened path.  Despite the jovial nature of the large man's banter, it's obvious that he's concerned about the coming fight.  For the creature to trap all these people here... there was obviously strong magic afoot, and if the Salisbury knights weren't careful, they could easily find themselves in the same boat.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:22, Mon 25 Dec 2017.

Lady Glesri slumps to the ground, unconscious, as the three knights head toward the Golden Field.  When they enter the path, a man's form appears before them, clad in heavenly raiment.  He is blinding to look upon.  "Well done, Sir knights," he proclaims to the group.  "You have cleansed the evil brought about by the blood of the Iridescent Wyrm touching the Golden Field.  However, one task remains," he continues, now seeming to only be speaking to Sir Perin. "You must draw the new Wyrm away from the field before you slay it, lest you repeat my mistake and my failure.  My sword, Snactgladius lies where we fell," he says before disappearing.

Continuing on, the group find themselves at the edge of the Golden Field.  It is a place of beauty and glory and the Hymns of the Lord seem to sound on the wind.  However, three things mar the field.  The first is a sword, glowing with a dim golden light, which has been thrust into the soil at the center of the field -- Sanctgladius.  Twined around it is a long serpentine skeleton and beside that, the skeleton of a man.  Finally, on the far side of the field is a blasphemous wyrm, its iridescent scales all of the colors of the rainbow.  It lets out a screech as the players appear and charges them.  It is moving faster than a horse.

A plan would probably be a good thing.  It will take a turn to get to the sword.  There are three paths out of this clearing, the one you came in on (6 o'clock), and ones at 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock (or 0°, 120° and 240°).  The paths are not wide enough for multiple people to go side-by-side.  The woods are too thick to be able to ride through easily.

"There isn't much time brothers, let us retreat back up the path and setup on either side of the road, and when the beast comes, we'll surround and trap it there; else we risk spilling the worm's blood here in the field."  Seeing the worm quickly advancing, Perin shakes his head adding "It's a blessed weapon but it is too risky to try to get there before the worm."  Turning back up the path, he gestures the others ahead of him but as soon as they start racing up the path, he turns once more and heads for the sword.

As he charges forth, the usually irreligious Perin murmurs a hasty prayer.  Perhaps it was due to the heavenly presence of Sir Peter, or perhaps the unholy worm that made him do so.  Regardless, it felt appropriate, and helped calm the young knight as he watched his shining rainbow doom approach in a blur of scales and teeth.

EDIT:  GM edit to rectify God-moding.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:15, Wed 27 Dec 2017.

Turn 1

Sir Perin charges forward toward the sword as Sir Alister and Sir Gracian retreat back toward the Jousting clearing.  The wyrm heads straight for Sir Perin, its iridescent scales gleaming malevolently.  As he gets close, Sir Perin's courage fails at the sight of the Unholy beast and he retreats back toward the edge of the clearing.  Unfortunately, the Wyrm is faster and it pursues him and bites him.

The attack is not exactly physical, it is as if the thing bit through his armor and touched his basest feelings.  Sir Perin takes 4 points of damage.

Turn 2

Sir Alister and Sir Gracian dismount and draw their swords, urging their squires to lead the horses to the clearing where Lady Glesri lies in slumber.

GM EDIT: Only then do they realize that Sir Perin is not with them.  Turning, they see with horror that the wyrm is attacking Sir Perin as he reaches for the Holy Sword.  Realizing that if they attempt to remount their horses and ride back, they will meet Sir Perin as he tries to enter the path, preventing him from entering and forcing a fight on the Golden Fields, they resign themselves to setting up the ambush.  Calling back their squires, they get their horses backed into the forest nearby.

Sir Perin draws upon his will and forces himself to face the abomination before him and ride toward the sword.  The wyrm bites him again for another 7 damage as he grabs the sword.

Sir Perin gets a check in Valorous and a check in Reckless.

Turn 3

Sir Perin wheels his horse and heads back toward the path that leads to the Jousting clearing, the wyrm bites Sir Perin a third time, for 10 points of damage this time.

Turn 4

Sir Perin urges his mount onward and charges down the path toward his companions.  The wyrm bites Sir Perin a fourth time for 6 points of damage, dropping him below the unconscious level.  With a burst of willpower, he remains in the saddle and can see his companions on either side of the path ahead.

Sir Perin is at 7 hit points, 8 is his Unconscious level.  He is only up because he made a willpower check (rolling under current hit points).  He is Unhealthy and requires Chirurgery.  Vigorous activity will probably result in aggravated damage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:25, Wed 27 Dec 2017.

Cursing Sir Perin's recklesness Sir Gracian is still shocked to see how the terrifying gracefulness of the Wyrm. He sees Sir Perin be struck again and again as Sir Perin attempts to bring the sword to his companions and feel cold fear grib his heart. He tries to calm his nerves, gribs his sword and steadies himself for the (most likely final) assault.

Realizing that he is badly hurt and barely able to stay in the saddle, much less fight a protracted battle, Sir Perin knows his only chance is to get to the clearing, turn, and fight the beast while his fellows charge it from behind with lances.  For that, he needs a little distance between him and it.  "Slow it down then follow on horseback," he shouts to Sir Alister and Sir Gracian as he gallops by.

Having little choice at this point, Sir Gracian and Sir Alister step out onto the path as their companion rides by, intercepting the wyrm.

The wyrm pauses to engage the two knights who now block it path, swinging its tail at Sir Alister and trying to bite Sir Gracian.   The two knights stand their ground against the unholy abomination and both connect with its shimmering scales although much of the damage seems to be deflected.

Sir Gracian, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Valorous -10.
Sir Alister, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Valorous -10.
Sir Alister, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Gracian, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Sword.
Wyrm, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Bite.
Wyrm, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Tail.
Sir Alister, rolled 22 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Gracian, rolled 18 using 5d6.  Damage.
The wyrm takes 22 - 15 = 7 and 18 - 15 = 3 damage for a total of 10 damage.

Sir Gracian gets a check in Valorous, Sir Alister gets a point in Valorous.  Both get checks in Sword.

The Wyrm then slithers around the pair and takes off in pursuit of Sir Perin once more.  Both hit it as it flees before getting back up on their horses, hoping that they have given Sir Perin enough of a headstart.

Sir Gracian, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Gracian, rolled 18 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Alister, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Alister, rolled 19 using 5d6.  Damage.
The wyrm takes 18 - 15 = 3 damage and 19 - 15 = 4 damage for a total of 7 damage.

Looking behind him, Sir Perin sees the wyrm resume its pursuit.  He sees the clearing ahead and urges his destrier onward, hoping that he can make it to the clearing and turn before the thing catches up.  He beams as he breaks into the clearing but the smile soon disappears as he takes in the scene in front of him.  It is not only the last thing he ever expected to see but the last thing he does see as the wyrm bites him for a fifth time, knocking him unconscious.

Wyrm, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Bite.
Sir Perin, rolled 6 using 1d6.  Fall Damage.
Sir Perin takes 7 points of damage, bringing him to 0.  He takes another 6 points of damage from falling off of his horse.  He is unconscious and will die soon if not revived.  He has taken 6 wounds that can be healed (all for at least 3 damage).

Sir Gracian and Sir Alister mount up and pursue the wyrm.  Sir Gracian quickly falls farther behind but Sir Alister mounts quickly and gains ground on the wyrm.  However, he is still too far back when Sir Perin breaks into the clearing with the wyrm right behind him.  Sir Alister is as surprised as Sir Perin was as the scene before them unfolds.

There are a couple of dozen knights in the clearing, most mounted but a couple examining the sleeping women.  The closest knight is easily recognizable as Praetor Jonathel of Dorset, a large Roman with an imperial gaze.  He looks up from examining Lady Glesri in time to see Sir Perin riding out of the path toward him with Sanctgladius, his family's hereditary heirloom, in his hand.  He stands with an expression of rage crossing his face until he sees the wyrm right behind Sir Perin.

The wyrm strikes Sir Perin in the back, sending him from his horse and Sanctgladius pitches forward out of the unconscious knight's hand as he falls.  The blade goes end-over-end before embedding itself severel inches into the ground in front of Praetor Jonathel.

The Duke picks up the sword as the wyrm attempts to bite him and strikes the wyrm with a crushing blow, cleaving it in two.

Praetor Jonathel, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Honor.
Praetor Jonathel, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Sword.
Wyrm, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Bite.
Praetor Jonathel, rolled 63 using 18d6.  Damage.
The wyrm takes 63 - 15 = 48 damage and is killed.

Praetor Jonathel approaches the still form of Sir Perin and then looks up as Sir Alister and Sir Gracian ride into the clearing.  He gives the pair a questioning stare, unsure of exactly what just happened.

In addition to the Duke and knights, Lady Galeria is sitting astride her horse near the entrance to the clearing.  She is dressed all in black and in addition to looking downcast has the air of one who is out of favor.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:13, Wed 27 Dec 2017.

As Sr Gracian breaks through the woods and enter the clearing he is as surprised as anyone else by the sight. Both Sir Perin and the Wyrm slain and the clearing full of knights led by Praetor Jonathel of Dorset. Somehow it all seems wrong in so many ways and for a long moment Gracian appears dumbstruck.

When he finally comes to his senses he jumps off his horse and runs to the fallen Sir Perin and kneels by his side urging his squire to tend to Perin's wounds. Only then does he stand and removed his helmet before addressing the Praetor.

"Your Grace. I am sorry for my manners but I did not expect to see Your Grace here. I am Sir Gracian and this is Sir Alister. We joined first Sir Sejanus and later Sir Perin that lies before you on a quest to find and recover Sanctgladius so we could return it to Your Grace. On our way we have discovered the remains of Your Grace's son, Sir Peter, and rescued his companions, Sir Ferdinand and Sir Guidon, from the Wyrm's foul taint. But I can see the blade Sanctgladius has already returned to it's rightful owner."

To be honest Sir Gracian doesnt know what to say. This whole quest has seen the loss of two of his friends and is surely nothing to be proud of.

Arrogant idiot fool son of a—

The string of mental curses directed at Perin persisted up until the moment Sir Alister burst into the clearing. He reined up hard, his horse giving a shriek at the sight of the wyrm, rocking it's weight on its rear hooves in an attempt to rear. Alister yanked the horses head to the side as the wyrm was split in two, tainted blood oozing into the grass.

There wasn't much time to question what the Hell had just happened. Alister only managed a bare moment of confusion.

Who the hell were—?

His heart had jumped for a second, worried that the men were in an attempt to do the unconscious women harm, but—

The sword—

How had—?

Perin was downed, and that was the first thing Alister managed to fixate on in the chaos. The man was sprawled out strangely on the grass, and even from atop his horse, Alister could see the blood.

Shit.

Alister vaulted off without so much as a word to the other men. Kelpie was blowing hard, the black horse with his peculiar white head sucking in air and shaking, sweat coating up to his ears. Alister only spared him a single pat before he was rifling through the pack he carried lashed to the back of the saddle. A security his father had always insisted on. A small pot of honey, vinegar, linens, and a few herbs.

He didn't mean to be rude to the squire, but Alister none the less all but elbowed the boy out the way. "Help me with his armour." It looked as bad as could be expected. Great rends had been torn in one part of the metal from the force of the bite, but for the most part, it seemed the armor had done its job.

Damn you, Perin.

Why did you have to—

It was too late to curse him now. As he worked, Alister's head finally managed to start putting things together. Listening to Gracian address the man helped, and finally, the last puzzle piece fell into place with a clunk.

Praetor Jonathel.

It wasn't often that Alister found himself lost for words, but...

What was there to say? To a Duke no less?

Everything had been—

All of this was...

A mess. It was a mess.

Cringing, Alister quickly stripped the man's gorget to feel his neck to ensure it wasn't broken before he gave a heave, pushing Perin onto his side so he could better reach his wounds. Gracian could handle things for now. And Perin needed his help more.

OOC: Alister will be more talkative after seeing to Perin. I'd like to attempt first aid, for what it's worth.

"Hmmmm," the Duke muses as he subconsciously weighs the sword in his hand before handing it to one of the knights who approaches with a scabbard, takes the sword, cleans it, and places it into the scabbard.  The knight then takes the scabbarded-sword to the Duke's horse.  The sword stops glowing when the wyrm dies.

He watches Sir Alister work on Sir Perin with some interest.  Although for a moment it seemed the icy hand of Death would claim the knight, Sir Alister's ministrations seem to have worked a miracle of sorts as the color comes back to his face and he begins to breathe more easily.

Sir Perin gets 17 HP back, bringing him to 11.  He is out of danger at present although he will need rest.  Sir Alister gets a point and a check in First Aid.

As this is going on, the knights carry the three unconscious women into one of the two side pavilions and prepare to move Sir Perin into the other one as soon as Sir Alister is finished.  Meanwhile, others are moving furnishings and supplies into the pavilion that Lady Glesri had used.

"Let us adjourn to this pavilion and make ourselves comfortable.  I feel that there are at least a couple of stories to tell based on what you have already said and what my daughter," there is an edge to his voice as he stresses the final two words and looks over to the black-clad form with annoyance, "has confided."

He leads the way into the pavilion in which there are now carpets on the ground, and a table laden with food and drink, surrounded by a trio of identical, and comfortable, chairs.  Sir Alister notes that it still smells of Lady Glesri's perfume mixed with armor oil, although the bed has been removed.

Praetor Jonathel sits in one of the chairs and motions the knights to the others and the food and beverages, "please, make yourselves at home.  And feel free to speak informally.  You have done me a service and I feel you have been ensnared in one of my daughter's little games, so while in here, let us just speak frankly."

No one else is in the pavilion and there are a couple of guards and a servant outside.  There is a bell on the table in case the servant is needed.

"Let me start," the Duke begins, "by briefly explaining how I came to be here.  I learned about a week ago that Galeria has been . . . as I mentioned, playing games again.  I found out that she had hidden information about my son Peter's disappearance and confided it to Sir Sejanus.  When she told me about Cirencester, I rode there and we came upon Sir Sejanus's squire, who told me about his master's death and where it had occurred.  We proceeded to Bourton and along the path Sir Brocklebuck indicated and when we came to a crossroads, headed straight and came upon the rather odd scene outside.  As I was examining the young lady. Sir Perin appeared with my sword.  You know the rest."

He grabs a bunch of grapes and some wine and chews thoughtfully for a moment.  "Perhaps you could tell me what you know of this affair and what has happened to date, then I can perhaps shed some additional light on my daughter's role in this," he suggests.

OOC:  No need to give a blow-by-blow but you can hit the highlights or cover what is said and what is not.

OOC: A reminder that Perin didn't want Alister to be told about any suspicions re the Duke, so as far as Alister knows, he and Perin had a thing over Fiona, but the Duke is otherwise trustworthy. Someone had better let him know at some point... yanno, given he's taking a very-injured Perin with him and all :|

It didn't quite seem real. Like a haze had settled over the world, or he was living a waking dream. It was an effect Alister had felt only a few times before. Once, when his mother died. Again when he heard the news his father and brothers were slain. He passed into the pavilion behind the other men like a ghost passing through the world. As though he wasn't consciously controlling his own body.

Perin's blood was still on his hands. There was a faint tinge of copper every time he breathed in. Alister had always been sharply attuned to the smell blood compared to other men. He was still looking at his bloody hands even after he sat down, listening quietly as the Duke spoke. The air in the tent still smelled of Lady Glesri, but it was blood he watched as it dried, watching it crack along the wrinkles in his palm when he flexed his hand. Perin would be okay. Lady Glesri. The rest, too.

He needed to believe that.

More puzzle pieces were clunking into place as the Duke spoke. The Duke's daughter. Perin had mentioned something of Sejanus’ lover, but the memory took a while to come to the surface. Black. She’d been wearing black. Black could only signal one possible end to the fallen knight's tale. Alister felt his stomach drop.

Sejanus. Peter. Almost Perin too, if God had not been kind and kept his hand steady. The severed vein in his arm had been worrisome, but the linen and the impromptu tieoff along the cephalic vein would hold until they reached town.

Alister forced himself to shake off his thoughts. There were more pressing matters now, and he knew what misery he was like to subject himself to if he allowed them to fester. Speaking, too, was a conscious force of will. His thoughts kept trying to return to Perin, lying in his cart, and how he needed to return his lance.

It was funny, the sorts of things the brain decided was important in a time of crisis.

When the Duke had finished his tale, Alister forced himself to look up, to look the Duke in the eye, and away from his bloodied hands.

"Your Grace, it is an honour to make your acquaintance finally. I must apologise, for it is with a heavy heart that we must deliver news so grim, and I wish the circumstances around this meeting were met with better tidings. Alas, Sir Gracian and I only swore our swords to this venture in your name after Sir Sejanus took his wounds, and as such, I fear there is little that we can tell about what transpired between Sir Perin and Sir Sejanus before we reached Burton.”

Alister paused for a moment, trying to figure out how to condense so much information into something manageable.

“Sir Brocklebuck provided us the same information that he left with you. We followed the same road taken by Sir Peter — the same one you took to reach us — and encountered the same crossroads. The first glade we encountered contained a knight trapped in an eternal feast. The second, one sworn to vengeance. Neither appeared to know their names, and would not speak to us lest we give in to vice.” Alister continued, providing only the briefest description of what they found in the two clearings. The details hardly seemed to matter any more.

"I have come to understand these were Sir Peter’s companions, who were lost to a curse the wyrm had placed over this forest. The woman in this clearing is the Lady Glesri, the armor of Sir Ferdinand, who came to search for him when Sir Peter did not return. Should you send your men to scout along both paths to the side of us, they will discover Sir Guidon and Sir Ferdinand, both unconscious. All three fell into a magical sleep when the curse was lifted. They will need urgent attention, your Grace, and care. I pray that when they wake, they will be able to impart to you more knowledge of Sir Peter’s final moments, given they were with him towards the end.”

Would they remember anything, if they did? Would Lady Glesri remember him at all? The thought was queer, and Alister felt his stomach churn. If she did not remember him, it was for the best that that was how it stayed. Sir Ferdinand may hold her to blame, or treat her unkindly, or she may feel shame, or...

No. No good would come of it. But they couldn't simply be left were they were, at the mercy of the forest. They had to brought back. They needed care.

Alister shook his head slowly, trying to wrack his memory. No doubt the man would want to know more of his son, but there was only so much he could tell. ”Your son was brave, your Grace, and a true knight. He did not succumb to the forest’s enchantments, and sought to meet the beast on the field. Alas, we found the sword on the Holy Field, together with the bones of your son, and the remains of one of the wyrms he had slain.”

Would that comfort the man, to know his son had died fighting? Given the way he had dispatched a wyrm himself in a single blow where Alister and Gracian’s swords had barely touched the creature, he could not be certain.

Alister let the confirmation of Sir Peter's demise settle for a moment before continuing.

“He appeared to us, your Grace, in a Holy Vision.” Hesitantly, Alister described what they saw, as though afraid he would not be believed. If nothing else, such a sight of Sir Peter bathed in Holy Light could only mean that Sir Peter had found his rest at the gates of Heaven, and that, he hoped, ought to count for something.

“It was Sir Perin who risked his life to retrieve the sword,” Sir Alister added, not quite as an afterthought. It felt important the man know that, somehow. As foolish and idiotic as the attempt had been, Sir Perin had still tried. “We bought him time to escape, and faced it in the forest, but the beast was faster than any mortal horse, and sought to destroy the wielder of the sword.”

Sir Alister’s expression was drawn. Solemn. His wording in the last part had been careful. If Perin had of let him race Kelpie for the sword instead of—

No. That wouldn’t help. Not now.

“If it please your Grace, when we are concluded, I can take you to your son's remains, so that the proper rites be made, and he may be brought back home to rest.”
This message was last edited by the player at 11:31, Thu 28 Dec 2017.

Sir Gracian allowed the far mor eloquent Sir Alister explain the Duke what had happened. He knew of course of the bad blood between the Duke and Sir Perin but saw no reason to speak of it. Instead he just listened to Sir Alister and tried to understand what the Duke had said about his daughter playing games. Had all this just been a game? A ... game?!

He finally forced himself to speak. Mostly because he felt like he had to say something even if he had nothing to add. "It is as Sir Alister says Your Grace. We only joined this quest after Sir Sejanus was killed yet it was Sir Perin that insisted on continuing so the blade could be returned to you, Your Grace."

---

OOC: Aw come on, Alister how the heck am I going to top Msg#247? That is just not fair! :D

The Duke listens intently but does not interrupt.  At various points he seems a little skeptical and overall he does not seem pleased.  His disappointment does not appear to be with the knights before him but with the paucity of information they have on topics of especial interest to him.

When the pair are done, he explains, "Galeria is the third of three daughters and fifth of five children.  Although her mother doted on her, her future was unlikely to match her desires.  Other than a dowry, she has little attractiveness to most knights and fewer Lords.  Even less when they spend much time with her and she begins her manipulations.  Sir Sejanus was the third suitor just last year, and I found him rather, scattered.  But in return for dealing with some quarrelsome monks, I allowed him to court her.  It seems, however, that she convinced him to try to find my son Peter and my sword, Sanctgladius, which Peter took without permission.  How she knew about him going to Cirencester I do not yet know.  I may need to wait until his companions awaken to find out.  I am not sure what she said to convince Sir Sejanus either, although I assume that she suggested that I would allow them to marry if he were to return my son and the sword."  He gives a shrug at the hypothesis.

"From your story," he gestures to Sir Alister, "it seems that Peter came to defeat the Iridescent Wyrm and succeeded but its blood poisoned the Golden Field and created a new Wyrm.  Why his companions were not with him is an open question though."

He seems lost in thought for a while as he processes what he has learned before speaking once more, "and I would be interested in knowing why Sir Perin was interested in returning my sword to me.  While no one would question his bravery, he has certainly proven himself no friend of mine and this is a rather abrupt turnaround."  He shrugs once more, at a loss to explain this oddity.

"We will be staying until Sir Perin, Sir Gaidon, Sir Ferdinand, and Lady Glesri awaken, as I would like to find out more about what has occurred.  I would like to know who these other knights and ladies are as well.  You are both free to stay as well if you like or return to Salisbury and I will ensure that Sir Perin gets home as soon as he is recovered," he offers.

Huh. So all of this had been for a cause that didn't even exist. Alister might have laughed, were he not so emotionally exhausted. He should at least feel angry. At least feel something rather than numb.

Sejanus had died for nothing. Perin might have almost done the same.

"If it please your Grace, I have come this far, and would be remiss not to see it through. Braverstock is not more than a day's ride from Burcombe. I can as easily see Sir Perin returned home to rest and spare you the concern."

He did not know what Perin's condition would be once he awoke. There was not much he could do for him now, save to keep the bandages clean and changed and try to keep any wounds from mortifying on the journey home. Something his squire could do, to be sure, but Alister couldn't help but feel personally responsible. Every time he flexed his hand, more of Perin's dried blood cracked off his fingers. He could feel it, rather than see it, but he was nothing if not starkly aware of it.

Fiona would need to be informed too. Alister would need arrange for a message to be sent. Perhaps Perin would prefer they go to her instead of home, if he was in good enough condition to request it. That was best not mentioned before the Duke, however.

"From my understanding, it appears Perin wished to make reparations between your Grace and himself." At Fiona's inistence, yes, but that was also best left unsaid.

"I am aware that much of what I have said may seem fantastical and defying of credibility, your Grace, but you slew the wyrm with your own hand. Until our companions awake, I will endeavour to answer any further questions to the best of my ability."

He couldn't help it. It was playing with fire, to be sure, but curiosity was gnawing at him. Whatever the sleeping men had left to say might help complete the missing gaps in the picture. And, admittedly, a part of him was curious to see the fate of Lady Glesri. Whether being reunited with Sir Ferdinand would bring her some peace...
This message was last edited by the player at 10:49, Mon 01 Jan 2018.

"I agree." said Sir Gracian. "It is no secret that reparations between Your Grace and Sir Perin was ... needed. I suspect this was Sir Perin's attempt at this and while not unwise of him to attempt such a thing then ..." he coughed a little unsure of what to say and wondering if he hadnt said too much already "... then I think we can all say that things turned out a bit different than hoped for. Sir Perin is not a bad man but patience is not one of his virtues and he is at times rather ... impulsive."

He thought it wise to change the subject quickly and looked briefly at Sir Alister. "Indeed. I can accompany Sir Alister and see Sir Perin returned home to rest at Braverstock."

"I am mostly interested in what Galeria might have told Sir Sejanus but it seems that the pair of you are twice removed from any such conversations, so while I thank you for the information you have provided, I don't think that you know anything that is of value to me," the Duke responds.

"As to Sir Perin, I suppose that it is possible that he had a change of heart.  I can understand feeling animosity toward a rival but I am not sure that I was one once the Countess made her choice," he shrugs noncommittally.  "anyway, my men and I will wait here until it is safe to move him and the others awaken to make sure that they do not come to any additional harm.  And perhaps they will have some answers for me."

"Unless there is anything else you would know of me, I would appreciate if you could show me to my son's remains.  They must be taken care of," he concludes.

It may occur to one or both of you that since you only know one way out of this place, which goes through Bourton, and that way is not open to you, that you may need to figure out some other means of leaving.  Sir Perin had crashed through Death's door and rooted around in Death's fridge.  Even though he received a lot of healing and is above the unconscious level, it may not be wise to move him for the next couple of weeks.  It is a long way back to Salisbury (much farther to Hereford) and every day of riding while unhealthy will probably earn him d3 points of aggravated damage.

"We will be honored to stay in your camp if Your Grace so allows and be of service in any way we can."

It would not be wise to attempt to travel through Bourton on their own - especially since Gracian had made a fool of himself and insulted the Lord there. Perhaps it would be best to accompany the Duke and let home wait a little longer.

"Sir Alister and I will of course show you to where we found your son's remains. And may we offer our condolences? I know I am probably naive but I had hoped that we would somehow find your son still alive. All this seems almost .. meaningless."

Sir Gracian make sure to show the Duke the remains of the Duke's son. He stays in the background though giving the Duke every chance possible to have some privacy as he is finally reunited with his son.

Alister had glanced over in Gracian's direction at the request to follow the Duke's camp, but caught on quickly to his intended meaning. Alister gave a solemn nod, trying not the let the memories of what had transpired in Burton from smarting more than they already did. He'd have to find an appropriate moment to mention Sir Brocklebuck's displeasure with them lest the Duke take issue with being lied to by omission, but now was not the appropriate time.

He was quiet this time as they saddled up and lead the Duke into the forest, to show him the remains that rested beside the bones of the wrym.

"Foolhardy he may have been, but no one can deny your son's bravery, or his fortitude," Alister said quietly as the bones drew near. "He sought the wyrm, and faced the creature alone to rid the Devil's foul influence over this forest, and save the lives of his friends who lay cursed within. He displayed a courage that can not be understated. His life may have been taken away too soon, and it is hard to understand why brave men should be taken so soon. Alas, it is a question without an answer. We should not dwell on the loss of dear Peter. He is in Heaven, and at peace, as he appeared to us in his vision. It is a comfort that few can boast, to be able to say with absolute certainty that their kin rests resplendent at the right hand of the Lord. Take comfort, your Grace, that he rests in Heaven. Celebrate his life and remember all of the things which he had accomplished."

There was a lot that Alister might have paid to be able to say the same with such certainty. His stomach was starting to churn. The memories of his father. His brothers. It had been easier to bury the grief at their loss when they had been on the road, but now, faced with bringing a father to the bones of his son, it was getting harder to keep it buried.

He reined in beside Gracian, allowing the Duke to go on ahead. It was best to keep his distance, for more reasons than one. It would be good to see the end of this, but their tribulations were not over. They had to get Perin home, and Alister was not confident in the man's ability to sustain a long ride. Perhaps they would be able to find a place to take him in, but Alister's optimism was not high.

As Sir Alister reined in beside him, Gracian watched the Duke from a distance and mumbled "I want to go home ..."

"You and I both, my friend."

The Duke is silent as he goes up to the remains of his eldest son and kneels on one knee, bowing his head for a moment in silence before standing and turning once more, his face inscrutable.  He motions a few of his knights to take care of the body, which is buried on the edge of the field after a priest gives the last rites.  The remains of the wyrm are dragged off to the clearing where Sir Gaidon once held court as Lord of the Feast and is burned, along with the body of the freshly dead wyrm.

When the trio return to the clearing where Lady Glesri lies in slumber, they find that all of the sleeping knights, ladies, and squires have been moved there and placed in tents with people assigned to watch over them until they awaken.  In fact, the entire clearing is a blur of activity as the Duke's rather large retinue, which has now arrived in force, turns the place into a small town.  Sir Perin is laid out to rest in one of the pavilions, Sir Gracian and Sir Alister are given another, and Sir Ferdinand, Sir Gaidon, and Lady Glesri are laid out in the third.

As night falls, the Duke invites Sir Gracian and Sir Alister to dine with him.  It is a small affair with the three as well as a couple of Praetor Jonathel's knights in attendance.  Interestingly, Lady Galeria is not among them.  Talk is mainly of trivialities but the Duke does formally thank the knights for their assistance.  "I mentioned that my daughter was playing games and I want to make clear to you that finding my son's remains, returning my sword, and defeating the Wyrm were not for naught.  They are all noteworthy deeds and I thank you for your part in them."

Looking at Sir Alister he says, "I understand that you are not married, Sir Alister.  While I would not normally consider the Healing Arts to be a knight's work, I was favorably impressed with your talent in recovering Sir Perin from certain death.  I have a couple of eligible daughters other than Galeria, if you are interested.  Otherwise, I will try to find some suitable token of my appreciation."

Looking over at Sir Gracian he notes, "I gather that you are already married, Sir Gracian.  As this quest was done for love, at least by the knights of Salisbury, as a sign of my appreciation I would like to have planted a rose garden on your estate in Salisbury."

"Your Grace is most kind and generous." says Sir Gracian who has listened keenly to the Duke during dinner when not making conversation with the Duke and his knights on other matters.

"I hope I will one day be able to show Your Grace's gift in full bloom." Gracian continues and smiles politely while silently wondering if he will even be able to afford to house the Duke and his retinue.

The offer seemed to have caught Alister off guard. To his credit, he disguised it well. Gracian, knowing him best, would have noticed that the silence was slightly more than just Alister's usual pause when he was trying to arrange his thoughts.

At his turn to speak, Alister leaned forward, gently resting his arms on the table. "Your Grace," he began respectfully. "Your offer goes far beyond what I can accept," he said softly. "I am no great knight, your Grace. I hold no lands of note. I have no banners or retainers that might answer your call. Only myself. What little remains of my Hall was ravaged in the Summer Invasion. Any daughter of yours, accustomed to such wealth and comfort as afforded to a man of your station, would only believe herself wretched to remain in such a place."

The smile he offered was rueful.

"It is too much, your Grace. Your offer is most humbling, yet more than I deserve. To accept would do you a disservice."

The Duke waves away Sir Gracian's praise as unnecessary and actually snorts at Sir Alister's concern for his daughter's upkeep.  It is clear that his scorn is not directed at Sir Alister himself but reflects the Duke's general thoughts on the value of his daughters and their comfort.

"They could use a does of reality," he notes.  "Nevermind, I will find something suitable for you," Praetor Jonathel replies.

Dinner concludes and the knights sleep well, somewhat exhausted from the events of the day and those preceding it.

The following day, Sir Peter's companions and the other knights, ladies and squires are still asleep.  However, in the afternoon, Sir Perin regains consciousness.  Although a little beaten up, he appears to be his usual self.

Sir Gracian and Sir Alister tell Sir Perin what they have learned and when he is well enough, the Duke visits Sir Perin.

"Thank you for retrieving my sword, Sanctgladius, it was a rather surprising turn of events," the Duke says.  "I would like to present you with a token of my appreciation."

"None is necessary, Your Grace," Sir Perin replies.  "Burying any animosity between us is enough reward for me," the young knight replies with the hint of a smirk.

Praetor Jonathel cocks an eyebrow, "animosity?"  Comprehension dawning, he replies "you mean the hunt?  Well, I rather think that was the Countess's doing.  I certainly don't hold you responsible for that."  He chuckles, "I did warn you to watch out.  I know that you are in love and anything I say about the Countess you will write off, but you don't know nearly as much about her as you think."

Sir Perin's face clouds over, "Sir Sejanus said that you were still livid when you returned.  Now you are saying you are alright with my gaining what you could not?  Her love?"

The Duke laughs, "I did not see Sir Sejanus until the day after I returned and certainly was not angry.  In fact, I had already sent a messenger to Lady Rhodria about her own proposal by then.  Anyway, I had no interest in Lady Fiona's love.  She has a lot of land, is an excellent administrator, loved by her people, has a terrific army, and is a tiger in the sack."  He pauses for a moment before laughing, "maybe I should say a lion."  He continues to chuckle at his own humor.

Sir Perin's calm seems to be shaking, "you needed Fiona to help you get back your sword and find your heir, Sir Peter, otherwise your succession would be in trouble" he stammers.

The Duke just laughs harder, "perhaps I should nominate you to be King Arthur's new jester, you are quite amusing.  Yes, the sword has been in my family for many generations but it has nothing to do with the succession.  And Peter was not my heir, I disinherited him years ago.  He was a lousy knight and a worse administrator.  He was destined to be a Bishop, not a Duke.  I suspect that is why he took the sword and went on this quest to begin with.  He wanted to prove himself.  Well, he proved himself a failure, that is for sure.  Sad, really, he was a good kid and very Pious, just not a knight," he shakes his head a bit sadly.

"But Galeria told us," Sir Perin begins to retort.

The Duke holds up his hand, "I think it has already been established that she is not a reliable source of information.  All feelings aside, if you wish no reward, I will at least retract my complaint to King Arthur about your Liege allowing Irish raiders to trample unimpeded and without warning through my lands on their way out of Salisbury when I was off with my soldiers with the King's army in the North," he offers magnanimously.

Sir Perin cannot hold in his ire any longer, "the Irish YOU let through your lands in order to pay me back," he shouts.

"Don't be ridiculous," the Duke retorts, "the Irish did not come through my lands to Salisbury.  I would never allow the Enemy to attack a fellow vassal of King Arthur."

"We heard all about your meetings with the cloaked and hooded men and pouring over maps of Salisbury," Perin begins.

However, the Duke suddenly becomes enraged.  Sir Gracian and Sir Alister think for a moment that he will strike Sir Perin, who himself seems to be readying for a fight.  Instead, he storms to the tent flap and asks the guards, "where is Galeria?"

One replies, "she went riding with four knights when you went in to see Sir Perin, Your Grace."

"Find her and bring her back.  If her knights try to stop you, kill them," he says in a voice that can barely contain the man's rage.

A dozen knights mount up with a tracker and tear off down the path toward the crossroads.

The Duke takes some time to collect himself but at length he calms down and returns.  "I owe you all an apology.  I never thought that Galeria would go this far.  We will find out the truth, though."

The knights do not return that evening, nor the next day.  In fact, it is several days before they return and Galeria is not with them.

Sir Gracian make sure not to be near the Duke if possible as he has no interest what so ever in being dragged further into the family feud.

"Smart move, Alister" he mumbles to Sir Alister the first chance he get to be alone with Sir Alister. "Never ever marry any of the Duke's daughters. I would fear for your life if you ever got near any of those witches!"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Sat 06 Jan 2018.

Alister — for his part — was at a loss. Would he have agreed to join this cause back then, if he had known the full nature of the politics and everything that was at stake?

Perhaps he was a fool after all. Gracian's playful warning about being wary of women seemed to be holding true at every turn. But who was the liar here? Was it Galeria? Fiona? Perin? The Duke?

His headache was back by the time Gracian found him. There was a quirk of Alister's lip, as though he'd found something amusing. "I was wondering how he would take that," Alister admitted. "I had been fishing to get the measure of him. To date, I am not certain I approve of what I have seen."

He left that vague. The Duke was... complicated, certainly. In the mean time, it was best to play things cautious.

"If he is telling the truth that his daughter concocted this against him, why? And for whose end?" Alister pressed a thumb and forefinger to the bridge of his nose. Perin might shed some light, but given Perin's obvious dislike of the Praetor, he thought he could safely guess where that line of questioning was going to end, and the less the Duke's loyalties were questioned inside his camp where word might return to him, the better.

The days pass without any sign or news of Galeria.  After a week, Sir Ferdinand, then Sir Gaidon, and finally Lady Glesri all awaken from their slumber.  Sir Ferdinand and Sir Gaidon tell of Sir Peter leading an expedition to find the Golden Fields, claiming to have seen a vision.  They thought that his father had given him the sword for the quest.  They went to see the Duke Galegantis in Cirenchester, who asked that they help rid Bourton of a wyrm that had attacked the place in return for information concerning the whereabouts of the Golden Field.  In Bourton, they met the lovely Sir Brocklebuck, and fought the wyrm that was terrorizing the village.  Although they wounded it and caused it to flee, they were unable to kill it.  The wyrm headed off into the Sauvage Forest and they followed.  They got split up in the forest and Sir Gaidon came to a clearing with a table.  He used his ever-full cornucopia to make food but when the knights sat down, they found that their squires could not eat at the table and could only eat scraps.  The knights never got full but the more they ate the more scraps they could give their squires.  Sir Ferdinand came upon Sir Gaidon and took the cornucopia, hoping that it would break the spell.  It did not and the two fought.  Sir Gaidon wounded Sir Ferdinand and grabbed a locket of his that contained Sir Ferdinand's image.  Things after that are foggy.

Lady Glesri came looking for Sir Ferdinand but found a clearing and then things got hazy.  The various knights and ladies all came on quests for the Golden Fields or in search of their own amors and were trapped here.  Lady Glesri gives no indication of knowing Sir Alister, or any of the other knights.

With their stories told and everyone able to travel, the Duke and his entourage begin to pack up.  Sir Perin believes that the Duke is a big liar and every conversation with Sir Gracian or Sir Alister devolves into more and more elaborate reasons as to why and how the Duke set all of this up.  Sir Perin even goes so far as to extol Sir Sejanus's information and cleverness.  Keeping Sir Perin and the Duke apart seems a grand idea and Gracian and Alister do just that during the time before Sir Peter's companions wake up.  Fortunately, Praetor Jonathel seems to have little desire to hang out with Sir Perin.

It is now time to leave.  Although Sir Perin has only gotten back to about half health, winter is closing in and tailing the Duke's party seems the easiest means of getting through Bourton unscathed.  Sir Perin seems especially eager to get away from here and see Fiona.  He insists that he is feeling well and can ride.

Once the group makes it through Bourton, the Salisbury knights head more quickly to Cirencester, leaving the Duke's retinue behind.  In Cirencester, they find Countess Fiona waiting and she whisks Sir Perin off to accommodations she has arranged, while the others are free to head home before winter sets in.

And so another year ends.  Sir Perin is not seen during the Winter, as he likely needed at least a couple of months of rest to be fully healed.  Over the Winter, Sir Gracian received a letter from Sir Perin in which he thanks his friend for his assistance and says that he will be spending the Winter in Hereford.  He hopes to see everyone at Arthur's Pentecost Tournament but Fiona needs him to pick up some dragon scales for her.  Although he plays it off as a joke, Sir Gracian is pretty sure that it isn't one.

"The fool." he mumbles before putting the letter away. He had tried to warn his friend about the Countess but love - and lust - makes a man blind and now it seemed almost too late.

And then he returns to bed and snuggle down next to his sleeping wife ignoring the snow that has begun to fall outside.

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OOC: Do we gain any Glory from the Quest or should we just count ourself lucky that we survived? ;)

You got 100 Glory for removing the taint from the forest, add another 150 for the destruction of the Wyrm.