"Do not worry my brother. I admit she tricked me too for a while." Sir Dalan whispers, moving to the left.

The two knights depart the road on either side, swinging wide to come upon their attackers from the flank.  After 5 minutes, the squires and horses continue a ways down the road, staying out of easy bowshot range and giving a signal.  The two knights charge at their would-be attackers with swords, each striking one.  Sir Dalan's lays unconscious while Sir Gracian's takes a nasty slash before fleeing into the underbrush.

Sir Dalan, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Gracian, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Dalan, rolled 22 using 4d6+2.  Damage.
Sir Gracian, rolled 15 using 5d6.  Damage.
Bowman 1 take 22 - 4 = 18 and is unconscious, Bowman 2 takes 15 - 4 = 11 and flees.

The two swing at the second bowmen on their side, with Sir Gracian hitting his but Sir Dalan loses his grip on his sword, which would have flown into the woods save for the strap around his wrist.  The bowmen manage to get off their arrows first, which find their mark but do no damage.  Sir Dalan's second opponent scurries off in pursuit of his fellow.

Sir Dalan, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Gracian, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Dalan, rolled 21 using 5d6.  Damage.
Bowman 3, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Bow.
Bowman 4, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Bow.
Bowman 3, rolled 15 using 3d6.  Damage.
Bowman 4, rolled 9 using 3d6.  Damage.
Bowman 3 takes 21 - 4 = 17 damage and is unconscious.  Sir Dalan takes 9 - 10 = 0 damage and Sir Gracian takes 15 - 10 - 6 = 0 damage.

Not long after the encounter with the thwarted ambush, it grows dark and the knights are forced to make camp.  The night passes uneventfully and at first light, they are in the saddle once more, heading toward London.

Day 41

The day is grey and overcast and London is still a long way away.  So the knights push hard all day.  Traffic on the road is increasing as the pair approach London and they are not bothered by magical or mundane means.  Perhaps interference this close to London would be noticed?

As it grows dark once more, they are still many miles from their destination but without light they can travel no further.  They make camp for one last night and fall into an uneasy sleep.  Tomorrow is the day that they have been working toward for seven long, grueling weeks.

Day 42

Overnight the clouds depart and it turns into a crisp and clear night.  A couple of hours before dawn, a gibbous moon rises in the East, shining a ghostly light on the darkened landscape.

The stillness of the night is suddenly shattered by the clatter of hooves along the road by the camp.  Several horses come jerkily to a stop and a familiar voice calls out, "to arms, Brothers, the night is waning and evil is afoot."

Instantly alert, the Salisbury knights look up to see a ghostly version of their companion, Sir Tyngyr, astride his horse with his squire and spare horses in tow.  He is heavily bandaged and has been lashed to his saddle for he looks like he should not be out of bed much less galloping through the darkness on a horse.  Lines of pain are etched around his eyes and in addition to an unhealthy pallor, he looks like he has been riding for many hours.

As his fellow knights arise, Sir Tyngyr explains, "someone has set a Barguest^* after you, which can only mean that you have the Treasure that will save Sir Gawaine.  I can keep the beast from your trail but you need to get moving.  You are still a long way from the tournament field."

^* A Barguest is a black demon dog that can cause fear and must be killed in a single blow.  You have never had a desire to meet one.

A look of sorrow passes across Sir Dalan's face as he realises what Sir Tyngyr's ghostly appearance means."My dear friend I will make sure all know you as the hero of this tale. Until we ride together once more in the hereafter farewell gallant Sir Tyngyr!"

With a sad last look at his friend Sir Dalan kicks his stirrups and rides on.

Sir Gracian said nothing. With sadness in his eyes he sat still on his horse for a moment before raising his hand as a last farewell to Sir Tyngr. Then he turned his horse, kicked the stirrups and rode on with all haste and tears flowing down his face.

The two knights quickly mount and ride off, their extra horses and squires in tow.  Sir Tyngyr's squire Cadlew and extra horses with them, and Sir Tyngyr himself bringing up the rear.

The ghastly-looking knight looks around furtively and occasionally sniffs the air or stops to listen.  About a half an hour after departing, he closes his visor and couches his lance.

Sir Dalan and Sir Gracian see a shadowy form ahead of them in the road, loping toward them.  There comes a menacing growl and the sound of jangling chains and the beast comes into plain view.  It is a large black dog with glowing eyes the size of saucers.  It seems to focus on Sir Dalan and breaks into a run toward him.

Sir Tyngyr lowers his lance and charges.  As he passes his fellows he shouts, "stay right and trust no one but Sir Gawaine or his squire."  Then he is passed and his lance dips as it skewers the dog, throwing it back several yards to the left side.

Sir Dalan and Sir Gracian and their retinue charge around on the right.  Sir Tyngyr drops his lance and wheels to the left at the end of his charge, drawing his sword as the Barguest tries to get around him and pursue Sir Dalan once more.  Sir Tyngyr strikes another blow that sends the beast hurtling backwards once more and presses forward as the thing gets up once more.  Again he bats it back with his sword and presses close to keep it from getting around him.

The knights soon lose sight of their comrade and the Barguest in the low light but they hurry on as fast as they dare in the poor light.  The dog looks fast enough to pace a horse over a long distance, so if Sir Tyngyr can't give them at least a few minutes head start, they might be seeing the thing again.

It is only about an hour later when the sun first crests the rolling hills before them and glints off of the towers of London in the distance that they begin to relax.  As they ride, Sir Gracian's squire relays what he was told by Sir Tyngyr's squire, and younger brother, Cadlew.  It seems that Tyngyr and Cadlew were only half-brothers.  Cadlew only found out recently that Tyngyr was part Fae.  After Tyngyr was knocked unconscious in the Wasteland, Cadlew managed after a couple of days to get him to Canduel and a boat bound for London.  The sea journey took several weeks, during which Tyngyr eventually regained consciousness.  He was still very sick when he arrived in London but he searched daily for rumors about his compatriots.  Yesterday, he had a vision, which he believed was from his mother, about the Barguest and he set out immediately to warn Sir Dalan, Sir Gracian, and Sir Caradwg.  Being part Fae, Tyngyr knew how dangerous a Barguest can be and seeing only two of his companions, he knew they could not risk trying to kill it as a group.

Somberly, the knights continue their ride toward London.  As it grows later and they got closer to London, the road becomes clogged with people and they have to force their way through the crowds.  The mood in the City is that of a funeral.  Eventually, they get close to the tournament field itself and are forced to dismount in order to push their way through the throngs.  They can hear the sounds of battle ringing out across the field.  The contest has already begun!

At length, they are able to push their way to the front.  On the field, Sir Gawaine and the Grey Knight have at each other.  Arthur watches from the dais, to the side of which stand Lady De Vance and her dwarf servant.  The pair recognize Gawaine's standard next to a man standing close by, his face pale.  Sir Gawaine is bloody from many wounds, only his great strength and will are keeping him alive.  The Grey Knight has obviously been wounded frequently - indeed, almost butchered.  His armor is rent and dented and strips of flesh dangle from his body.  There is, however, no trace of blood on his person.

As the knights watch, Sir Gawaine delivers a mighty blow to the Grey Knight's head, knocking off his helmet.  A collective gasp arises from the crowd as it becomes obvious that the Grey Knight is a dead man.  His face is clammy white.  There are worm holes in his flesh.  His eyes are sunken in his sockets.  All is still and silent for a heartbeat - no one moves, no one speaks.  Then, all hear King Arthur's awed gasp:  "King Ryons!"

A couple of people in the crowd mutter, "Arthur's great enemy from the last revolt.  Yet, was he not slain before the Battle of Terrabel?"

There is a bit of a pause before the pair will resume trying to kill one another, Sir Dalan is holding the whetstone, what would you like to do?

"Your brother is a very great knight and songs shall be sung of him," Sir Dalan tells Cadlew. He smiles sadly. "As they will of you someday."

Sir Dalan is uncharacteristically quiet as they approach London, weighed down by weariness and the great events they have been through. The faces of Sir Caradwg and Sir Tyngyr, the nightmarish Sangnoir and the incomparably lovely Aliadra all swim through his mind. Beneath his armour he feels like a man almost set to burst with passions both dark and light. In some ways perhaps he is already a changed man.

At the tournament the sight of gallant Sir Gawaine shocks Sir Dalan from his stupor. Anxiously he looks around for his liege, Earl Robert of Salisbury. "My Lord Robert!"

---

OOC: I'm assuming I should approach my own liege first. If I'm wrong - or can't find the Earl of Salsbury - I'll look for Sir Kay.

Sir Gracian grabs Sir Dalan by the shoulder. "Remember what Sir Tyngyr said - trust noone but Sir Gawaine or his squire. You really think Morgana isnt present here working her foul magic? Quickly ... lets get to Sir Gawaine's squire! Whatever happens you must get the whetstone to Sir Gawaine. Follow me my friend."

Sir Gracian start to make his way through the crowd not intending to let anyone - mortal or not - stand in his way. His hand is on the hilt of his sword and his eyes scans the crowd for danger.

Sir Dalan follows Sir Gracian, likewise alert for mischief.

The pair edge along the crowd toward the man with Sir Gawaine's standard.  At the sight of the dead King Ryons, he blanches and shakes his head sadly, knowing his knight is doomed.

He looks up despondently at the knights' approach and a glimmer of recognition crosses his face.  "You are companions to Sir Tyngyr, are you not?" he asks.  Assuring Eliezar that they are, they pass the whetstone to Sir Gawaine's squire, telling him what it is and insisting that he must get it to Sir Gawaine.  He looks skeptical for a moment but trusts comrades of Sir Tyngyr, who quested with Sir Gawaine.

Stepping out onto the field, Eliezar calls a stop to the fight, going to Sir Gawaine and whispering something before handing him a cloth, with which Gawaine wipes the sweat and blood from his face.  Sir Gawaine then rubs the cloth along his blade, although it remains as bloody as ever.  Sir Gawaine returns the bloodied cloth to Eliezar who returns to the crowd, a subtle smile playing across his features.

The battle resumes and both knights swing wildly, the Grey Knight almost losing his sword.  But the Grey Knight recovers well and strikes Sir Gawaine, whose blow goes wide.  Sir Gawaine is staggered but when the Grey Knight once more loses his grip on his sword, Sir Gawaine lands a mighty blow that pierces the Grey Knight's armored chest and, with a look of surprise, dead King Ryons crumples and falls.  Worms erupt from his flesh as a terrible stench washes across the field.  In an instant, there is nothing but an empty suit of armor.

Bloody but unbowed, Gawaine lifts his sword high and proclaims, "the truth has been proven.  Hail Arthur Pendragon, rightful King of this shining realm!"

Lady De Vance, in utter shock, rushes past Sir Gawaine and cradles the empty suit of armor in her arms as tears stream down her face.  Her dwarf servant attends her.

From the gathering onlookers, a mighty cheer rises, "Hail Sir Gawaine, the King's Champion!"  The cheer continues until, suddenly, Gawaine sags and falls.  His squire and several men rush to him and carry his limp body from the field.

When order is restored once more, King Arthur proclaims "there will be a Royal Feast this evening in celebration of Sir Gawaine's bravery and skill.  All knights, Lords, and Ladies are invited."

Sir Dalan and Sir Gracian have several hours before the festivities.  You can look for and talk to anyone you would like to.  Although it is not public knowledge that Sir Gawaine used one of the Treasures or who obtained it, the people who matter are aware or will be shortly.  It will be announced publicly at the feast this evening.

Most people of note are here, somewhere.  Earl Robert and his Salisbury knights (including our four new arrivals) are still on the road but will be here before evening, bringing the body of Sir Tyngyr and the newly knighted Sir Cadlew.  Lady Ellowyn and her lovely father Earl Mylon are around, as is Ariette.  You will have time to talk to more than one person and some may come looking for you.

Sir Gracian find his quarters and after more than 40 days of fighting irish raiders, giants, dragons, brigands and witches, of entering other Realms and experiencing The Wasteland, he has no interest in talking to anyone.

Instead he ask his good squire Idres to prepare him a bath. A hot one. He remembers not to fall asleep in the bath but manage to almost drag himself from the bath to his bed where he sleeps like a baby until Idres wake him up to attend the great feast.

Sir Gracian is of course excited to attend the King's Court but he wish he could have staid in bed and slept for month. He change into more fitting clothes for the nights feast wondering how Idres actually managed to bring it with them on their long journey. That man skills never seize to amaze Sir Gracian.

Idres wakes Sir Gracian up a couple of hours before the festivities with an apologetic smile, "My Lord, I have noticed a certain lady hanging about for some time now.  I believe that you met her at the Easter feast, a Lady Ariette?"

He looks around conspiratorially before almost whispering, "I do not mean to overstep my bounds but I have heard that the Lady is a very good steward and her family was granted four manors, which would go to her husband . . ." he allows his voice to trail off meaningfully.

It takes a while for Sir Gracian to fully understand what it is that Idres is talking about. He doesnt really begin to comprehend it is an ambush until he finds himself in the hallway outside his quarters, all dressed up in his finest clothes and the sound of his squire slamming the door shut echoing in the hallway.

Sir Gracian suddenly knows what fear really is.

Sir Dalan is every bit as exhausted as his friend and all but falls into the bath he has his squire draw him. Then to bed to sleep as long as possible; he is simply in no state to see or talk to anyone before the feast.

In reply to Sir Gracian (msg # 183):

Lady Ariette looks up from the flowers she was sniffing (for 35 minutes) and feigns surprise at the appearance of Sir Gracian.  "Oh, Sir Gracian, isn't it?  I think we met at the Easter feast.  I had so hoped to get to see you and that Sir Carowdog who was so nice as to fight that nasty Sir Tor for my honor," she coos, finally  straightening once Sir Gracian has had enough time to marvel at what can be seen down the top of her bodice.  She almost sounds sincere, except for butchering Sir Caradwg's name.

When informed that Sir Caradwg was felled while fighting a giant and was last seen among the Fae, her eyes seem to light up, as if something was just confirmed.  There is seemingly no thought given to the felled knight.  "A giant, you say, and the Fair Folk?  You must tell me all about your adventures since last we talked," she says enthusiastically as she comes a LOT closer.

Sir Gracian gets more than a whiff of the honeysuckle perfume the attractive young woman wears.  While he is able to get out a word or two here and there, Ariette seems quite comfortable doing the talking for both of them.  She goes on about how some knights are all show, suggesting that Sir Tor and Sir Griflet count among them, while other knights, she puts a hand on Sir Gracian's, nobly go off to fight giants, demons, and witches for friend and family.  She also notes, completely in passing mind you, that while her own manors have thrived, there is always the threat of beasts and invaders and without a strong and brave man about she is always in fear.  She fixes Sir Gracian with impossibly large eyes to show the depth of her suffering.

After ten minutes of talking, Ariette says nonchalantly, "I hope to see you at the feast this evening, perhaps you could save a dance for me if all of the other Ladies are not lined up for the knight who so excelled at last year's joust.  I had hoped to have a handsome knight to go with but it seems that Sir Cardowog is indisposed."  Chop, chop, chop.

Throughout this whole exchange, Lady Ariette's maid has been fluttering about nearby to ward off any talk of impropriety, or perhaps fend off any other potential Ladies.

In reply to Sir Dalan (msg # 184):

Like his comrade, Sir Dalan is awakened some time prior to the start of the feast.  His squire hands him a brief letter in an unmistakable script.

"Ask and you shall receive.  -E"

Sir Gracian is now fully aware of the situation he is in. His eyes dart around trying to find an escape but find all routes blocked by Lady Ariette's maid that seem to anticipate all his moves. He manage to smile and nod at all the right times but rarely get to say more than a word and never to speak a full sentence. He is slowly being pushed back and his defenses are failing. No matter how much he tries to go on the offense and get a word in he seem to never be able to penetrate her defenses. The poor man is sweating and silently curse his squire that Sir Gracian suspects has planned this whole thing together with Lady Ariette's maid.

When he finally manage to speak a complete sentence he seem quite proud to finally land a blow. "Oh fair Lady Ariette. I assure you that I wish to dance with none other than you. A Lady of such beauty as yours should never go unescorted to the feast. Am I too bold if I ask for your permission to escort you? I know that Kings would go to war to win your heart and that I am but a humble and lowly knight, but I will be never be able to forgive myself if I did not ask for this honor."

Sir Gracian smiles only to realize a second later that he has done what she expected him to do. He is doomed and loosing the battle fast.

In reply to Teller of Tales (msg # 186):

Sir Dalan dons fresh, fine clothes and after a few moments of trying to control his nerves carefully picks up the parcel entwined in purple flowers. Then, heart hammering in his chest he walks out in search of Lady Ellowyn and her father.

"Oh, how gallant of you, Sir Gracian!" she exclaims.  "It is rather my honor to have so thoughtful and brave a knight to escort me."  Although Sir Gracian is almost certainly correct in guessing that this was the young lady's intention all along, she seems genuinely impressed and flattered with his honeyed words.

She eyes him up and down critically for a moment, seeming to decide that he was adequately dressed before mentally figuring out what she herself would wear to complement him.  "Hmm," she muses absently, "I'll need something flashy with all of the attention we will be . . ." she trails off as if suddenly realizing that perhaps she should not admit to knowing how famous her date is about to become.

Smiling a radiant smile, she suggests, "Perhaps you could pick me up at my villa at quarter of?"

In reply to Sir Dalan (msg # 188):

Sir Dalan has no trouble finding the rooms the Earl of Cardiff is using.  When he appears at the door the doorman lets him in to a sitting room as if he were expected and moments later, Lady Ellowyn arrives, looking as beautiful as ever, a rosy glow about her features as if she can barely contain her excitement.  Her nurse follows her in and sits discretely in a corner sewing something.

"Sir Dalan," she gushes, "word came to me of your quest some weeks ago and I could barely breathe fearing for your safety.  Word went out of the horrible contest and father insisted on coming.  Of course I hoped to see you and yet . . . well, let us say that having to endure that brutal ritual and not seeing you or your fellows, I thought the worst.  But then, you appeared on the far side of the crowd and talked to Eliezar and I just knew, I knew that somehow you had succeeded where the others all failed."

She seems quite overcome with emotion.  After a moment she seems to gather herself and favors the young knight with a coy smile.  "I heard the Queen talking about what happened and it was confirmed.  She even said some nice things about Sir Gawaine, who was never in her favor."  She looks down and absently traces the pattern of the fabric on the divan with a long finger, "I asked Guinevere what sort of boon could be asked of Arthur by one who had just saved his Kingdom and she gave me a knowing smile and said 'any that he desires.'"

He nods when she request he pick her up at her villa before the feast. "I will be your humble servant tonight Lady Ariette." Sir Gracian says and bows to the best of his ability. He knows he is lost. Soon shields will be shattered and swords splintered. And then he surrenders.

"I am but a poor knight and I have little to give. But when I was in the Faerie Realm my Brother-Knights Sir Caradwg and Sir Dalan and I fought and slew the hideous giant Sangnoir. As a reward I was given by the faeries a necklace of mithril and diamonds that is not of this world. It is of such beauty that even poets will be unable to find words that do it justice.

In this Realm of Mortals I can think of no one but you, fair Lady, whose beauty can match this necklace. I beg of you - wear it for me tonight Lady Ariette ... others will see the necklace and speak highly of it's beauty and the otherworldly splendor of the craftmanship, but while others will focus on the beauty of the mithril and diamonds of the necklace, then it will mean nothing to me.

Why?

Because I will only see you - your beauty, your smile, your laughter and your grace. I am but a warrior and have seen many a batttle and yet during the entire night of feasting I will be afraid. Afraid of loosing you once the feast is over and the night has passed."

Sir Gracian suddenly finds himself blushing and realise he has said too much. "I am sorry, Lady Ariette. I have said too much and I hope I have not offended you."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:29, Mon 04 Sept 2017.

In reply to Lady Ellowyn (msg # 190):

Despite his continuing nerves Sir Dalan smiles. "My dear Lady Ellowyn, how I have longed for such words. You see I still carry the scarf you gave me, as blue still as your eyes. It inspired me in the dark and lonely times of my quest. How kind and patient you have been. I think you know which boon I shall ask for"

After a moment of hesitation he holds up the parcel, wrapped in ribbon and garlanded with purple flowers. "I fear I am still a poor knight, but please accept this token fair Ellowyn. Made by the Faerie folk themselves after I and gallant Sir Gracian and dear lost Sir Caradwg. It was their gift to me and I give it now to you."

In reply to Sir Gracian (msg # 191):

For all that the young knight is not known for his eloquence, Sir Gracian manages something hitherto thought impossible.  He has rendered Ariette de la Belle Sourire speechless.

The enterprising young lady thought of the knight as brave and loyal, tough even.  She had not expected any wealth or pretty gifts, unless it was as a result of his converting everything he owned to get her a bauble, something she always considered a possibility.  And she was fine with that.  A sturdy man with a good reputation around court, even if he never amounted to more, would do in a pinch.  But this.  This was something quite extraordinary.  She realizes right away that she has wandered into something quite special in this young knight.

Whether or not he is able to read the signs, the look on Ariette's face is a sure indication of two things.  First, that she is never going to leave him and second that if not for it being a public place and if Ariette was not a Chaste Lady of some repute, that she would be dry humping his leg right now.  But it is not to be . . . here . . . now.

After what seems like several minutes, Arietta is finally able to gasp out, "oh my. I just . . . never . . . that is . . . my word."  Calming her breathing, she accepts the gift gingerly and places it reverently away where it will not be seen before its time.  This is something that needs the proper presentation.  "Truly you are an extraordinary man.  This will be our night, Sir Gracian," she whispers into his ear, her bosom brushing against his arm, her lips a hair's breadth from his cheek.

And then she is gone, leaving only the faint scent of honeysuckle.

In reply to Sir Dalan (msg # 192):

Lady Ellowyn blushes furiously at her knight's words.  It is like the stories but one few enough Ladies ever even hope to live.  But this is nothing compared to the gift that he presents to her.  She carefully unwraps the precious thing and literally has trouble breathing when she sees the exquisite garment within.

"Oh Dalan, it is magnificent," she murmurs in awe.  "It is perfect for this evening, when all eyes will be on us.  Everyone will see us and know that our love is ordained from on High.  And forever afterwards, regardless of what may become of us, this will be the image they remember."

She lightly brushes Sir Dalan's hand before rising, "I must get ready.  Pick me up here in an hour?" she inquires, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Of course my lady... of course Ellowyn." Sir Dalan felts a jolt of electricity as the damsel's fingers brush against his own. It is all he can do not to gasp. He shares her excitement fully and his smile now shows traces of the nervousness he feels.

"A garment, no matter how beautiful, no matter how well made is only worth as much as the person who wears it. You Ellowyn are what makes that dress so precious; few enough great ladies would have recalled the name of a lowly knight. You did and more."

He bows and departs, already counting the moments.