Above the dungeons.

Overlooks much of the inner keep.

Lek burst into the room. "Mama! You have to make them let Papa go!"

Aislyn was deep in conversation with Xavier over what had transpired in the hall. Shawn didn't think he could stomach more of what had been said about Millie. He got up and went to Lek. "The man we brought back wasn't you're father. Your mother stated quite clearly that it wasn't him. And Mazi told her to go to his king, meaning the man we brought back. I'm sorry."

Lek shook his head. "No! It's Papa!" Lek ran over to his mother. "Mama, we brought Papa here, he's back."

Aislyn paused what she was telling Xavier. "I'm sorry, Lex, it's not. He's taller than your father. He doesn't speak like your father, he doesn't have your father's heart."

"He's just been away for a long time. Spend some time with him, you'll see." Lek said, growing more upset. "It's Papa."

"It's not him and I will not be bullied by my son into spending time with a false person!" Aislyn nearly shouted.  "Go find something to eat, Lek."

Lek burst into tears. "I'm not eating until you go to Papa!"

"You're father is not here, Lek. And I'm trying to stay out of jail here."

"He is too here!" Lek stamped his foot. "I spent a week with him- it's Papa. And he's in the dungeon where he shouldn't be."

"Damn it, Lek, I would recognize my own husband!" Aislyn cried out before crumpling back into her chair. "I can't take any more, "Lord DeVale. Shawn? Can I be sent to the convent so I can heal?"

"I can recognize my own father!" Lek slumped to the floor in tears. He had such high hopes that things would get better, but now they were getting even worse. Again. He needed Millie but did not know where she was. His shoulders shook.

Shawn looked at his cousin and nodded. "I think that would be acceptable. You have obviously and understandingly broken under the pressure. I don't believe you acted from malice."

"No! Mama, you can't leave us again!" Lek pleaded.

"Lek, lad, it's better than prison. Or worse. Your uncle is correct, she has broken under all the stress," Xavier said gently.

"No!" Lek sobbed. I can't lose anymore of my family. I can't stand it!"

Xavier wanted to slap the boy. He had obviously never grown up. "You're certainly not helping the situation by acting this way. Either act like a mature man or leave this room. NOW!"

The inconsolable boy left the room. He felt like he had lost everyone.

Xavier shook his head as he reclaimed his seat. "I am inclined to agree, Shawn. I've known men to be broken by less than what Mrs. Gerthrim has been through. I suppose her son needs to be assured she won't be gone forever. Someone needs to help that boy grown up and become a man."

Wulfsen came into the war room. "Xavier- what the hell has happened since I've been away?"

Xavier jumped to his feet. "So much. We have another apparently false Nelek in the dungeon, most of the raiders are dead, the leader is captured and in the dungeon. We hold no hope for him surviving though. Today, though...I don't know why everyone has been antagonizing Mrs. Gerthrim and Mrs. Spenser, but...we've had a murder. He was taunting Mrs. Gerthrim about her cooking skills, her parenting skill and insulting her daughter in the most grevious of manners. Mrs. Gerthrim couldn't take it, not after everything else that has happened." All of this was said in a rush of words, he was so relieved to see Wulfsen returned.

"It sounds like Mrs Gerthrim belongs in the healing room being treated- not the dungeons. What the hell?" Wulfsen had not even noticed that Aislyn Gerthrim was there. "That false Nelek... Was he the one we found? How do you know he's fake?"

"I agree. I found out after the fact and hurried to the dungeon only to find her being taunted by Mazi. And then the fake Nelek came in trying to force his way to her. Mrs. Gerthrim said he was too tall and Mazi called him his king. He came in with Shawn and Lek, so yes, I would presume he's the one you all brought with you."

"Sileas suspected, but Lek was so sure... I was hoping it was really him." Wulfsen shook his head. "God, what did they do to the real Nelek? Is he even still alive or would he want to be after everything that has happened?" Then he realized that Aislyn was in the room. He paled. "Mrs Gerthrim- I was just... Just because we haven't found him yet doesn't mean he is not to be found."

"At this point, I fear the very worst. They've either killed him or he died where they were holding him captive." Aislyn wiped at her eyes. "So not only did I lose most of my children, I now must accept my husband is gone."

Wulfsen sighed. He fished in his pockets for a clean handkerchief, but it had been over a week since he last had a clean handkerchief.

"Don't lose hope, we will keep looking." Wulfsen promised. "If Mazi hasn't told us anything useful we will see how this false Nelek holds up to interrogation. We will find out what happened to your husband."

Aislyn nodded dejectedly. Of course, it had already been two years since she had felt as if she had a husband. "I have very little in the lines of hope at this point, but I'll hold on to a thread of it."

"This won't end here." Wulfsen said and offered Aislyn his hand. "Would you like to go to the Healing Room? Difyr could make you some of that tea. You have been through a lot and if I know you you have been working too hard. You need to rest."

"Yes, I would, Lord Thornblade. I promise I won't leave the healing room without your permission. I know I have to answer for what I have done."

"You may have been justified for killing him. If I had a daughter and someone spoke badly of her I probably would do the same. But I think it would be best if you stayed in there." Wulfsen led Aislyn to the door. "Xavier, I'll be back for more details."

"All right. Shawn and I will write up an official report on all she told us and we can make a determination from there." Truthfully, he felt for the woman and hoped Wulfsen would agree on treatment instead of incarceration. Or worse.

"I meant, more details on all that happened while I was gone." Wulfsen clarified. "I want to know what happened to those raiders."

"Ah. Yes. All right. I will show you Sir Force's report on the capture and attack on the raiders."

Wulfsen nodded and led Aislyn out of the room and headed out to the main building.

"GET YOUR HANDS OFF AIS!" Liadan shrieked.

Aislyn sighed. What she didn't need was a lot of drama with Lia. "He's just taking me to Difyr. Calm down, Lia."

"You didn't let the fake Nelek get to you- I'm not going to stand by while the guards have their way with you." Liadan said. "C'mon Ais, we found Nelek."

"Lia, please, I can't take any more hostility and anger. Lord Thornblade is not going to have his way with me. Lord De Vale and Shawn did not harm me. You can walk quietly with me though. I"m not allowed to leave the healing room."

"Well hurry up, he's in the healing room." Liadan said impatiently.

Aislyn wasn't at all certain that she was up to another man claiming to be Nelek. At least not right now. But she supposed she would have to face him.

Wulfsen let go of Aislyn's hand. He did not think she would try to get away and did not want more yelling from Liadan.

Aislyn headed for the healing room.

Wulfsen returned to the War Room.

"Well, Mr Gerthrim is in the Healing Room. At least Mrs Gerthrim believes it's him." Wulfsen said and flopped into a chair.

"What? How did that happen?" Shawn asked in confusion. "Surely not the one from the dungeon."

"I don't think it's the one from the dungeon... Mrs Gerthrim seemed doubtful a first. Now... Well, she has accepted him." Wulfsen said. "Mrs Buckley had something to do with it, she told Mrs Gerthrim that Nelek was in the healing room."

Shawn frowned. "How did Lia get a Nelek?" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I hope Aislyn is not only certain but correct. I've had about enough of this merman nonsense. That was really bad timing for them to make themselves known at the same time we were being raided."

"At least we know now. They had been working at this for years." Wulfsen said.

"I shudder to think about how many women were taken in by them and how many be in the keep right now, posing as family men."

Shawn fell silent for a moment. "Wulfsen, I know this is a bad time, but I would like to tender my resignation as guard captain." He hoped Brie wouldn't be upset, they'd not had a chance to discuss it.

"Resigning? Why? Why now?" Wulfsen did not relish the thought of looking for a new captain.

"There are actually several reasons. For one thing, I pushed myself too hard after I was injured and it's catching up with me. I want to spend more time with my family, and quite honestly...I feel the raid was my fault. I went after Jack to protect Pinja and the lax security provided by men I chose to guard him allowed him to escape. It's my fault the village was decimated and that Aislyn and I lost most of our children. And what happened to Brie. Not to mention that we never managed to catch Andy for what he did to Sileas either time, and it ended up causing grevious harm to Yehudit." Shawn closed his eyes. "And forced Sileas to take a life to protect her. It's time, past time, that I...I do what my father taught me to do. Farming."

"That wasn't your fault. Jack wasn't working alone- he practically had an army break him out, you didn't have enough men to keep them from breaking him out. And Andy had magic on his side." Wulfsen said. "But i understand wanting to spend more time with your family... I just hate having to replace you."

"I understand. I will help as I can until you find a new captain," Shawn added.

"Thank you." Wulfsen said. "I don't know who I'll get to replace you. Do you have any ideas?"

Shawn shook his head. "My men were lost during the escape and raid. I'm not very familiar with the surviving men from the village."

"There must be someone who could make captain." Wulfsen said.

"What about Juniper? She seems capable and has enough men to make a fine guard force."

"She's strong too." Wulfsen said. "I'll ask her."

"Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a wife in need of my attention. I need to go find her."

"I think I saw her in the healing room. She didn't look sick or hurt though." Wulfsen said.

"She may have taken food down." Shawn frowned.  "With Aislyn under house arrest, I guess I'll end up pressed into service in the kitchen."

"For her own safety... With her husband back she probably will be feeling less stressed and better before too long." Wulfsen said.

"You might think about putting some guards in the common areas. Sounds like there's been more than a few problems with antagonizing people."

"Everyone must still be under great strain." Wulfsen said, massaging his temples. "I'll see that at least two of my men are in those areas at all times."

"I'm sure they are, and being trapped with people they don't know or like adds to it. That's a good idea, maybe things will be able to be controlled somewhat."

"At least prevent more killings... justified or not." Wulfsen said.

"Yes, along with a lot of emotional pain can be stopped."

"If that's all,  you must be eager to see your wife." Wulfsen said, dismissing Shawn.

"Yes, I am. Thank you, Wulfsen." Shawn stood and left the war room and headed for the kitchen.

After Shawn left, Xavier spoke. "Who's Juniper?"

"It was her ship Lek foolishly boarded." Wulfsen said. "Fortunately, she's not a slaver."

"It's going to be hard to replace Shawn, he's been an excellent guard captain for years. Think she'll be interested?"

"I hope so. Now-" Wulfsen frowned at Xavier. "I want to know everything that went on while I was away. What happened with the raiders, how many are still out there, what about all of those they kidnapped?"

"Ah, the raiders. I probably shouldn't have, but I allowed Sir Force to go with the men. Miss Pinja decided no one would find their hideout without her help, and she forced Aalyssa to take her. Several who were kidnapped escaped, many were brought here to Difyr. One young lady found her own way here," he said, thinking of Helen and Elizabeth. If any of the raiders escaped, it was very minimal. Jack received the pounding he so richly deserved and, if he hasn't succumbed to his injuries yet, he is in the dungeon. I have heard of a midwife who traveled with them, she is so far uncounted for but we haven't gotten a description from Miss Pinja as of yet."

"We ran several successful  trips to the village for salvageable supplies and personal belongings." He glanced down at his hands. "Before she left, Sileas asked me to bring any remaining contents of Lowell Manor to her and I obliged. All are in the rooms she is sharing with Miss Questa. There were some very strange and mystical things in that manor, I am grateful the raiders didn't find them. Nor the mermen. I plan to have a discreet guard near her rooms so no one can get to them."

"Are all of the kidnapped accounted for?" Wulfsen asked.

"To be honest, there's no way we'll know. Those whose husbands or families were killed unfortunately have no one to speak up for them."

Wulfsen groaned and put his head in his hands. "We should make a list, a census, of everyone's names that we can come up with by talking to the survivors, especially those who escaped kidnapping."

"I will get a couple of men working on that."

"And maybe some women... Those men were beasts." Wulfsen said.

"Good point." Xavier pondered who to ask to help.

Wulfsen pictured women held captive by the raiders and no one even knowing their names. He suddenly slammed a fist on the table. "Where did these raiders come from?"

"From what I've gathered, Jack, the leader is, was, Pinja's husband. He was very abusive so she ran away and came to the village. Shawn and even Aron tried to get him to leave,vowing to help Pinja dissolve the marriage. Jack attacked every woman he came in contact with so Shawn ended up jailing him. His family and friends, the  raiders, broke him out and swore revenge on Shawn and Aron."

"Jack's not from Buckley Village. Where did he and his family come from?" Wulfsen asked. "Where did Pinja come from for that matter?"

>From The Healing Room (2)

Juniper gave the large wooden door a push and slowly stepped inside the decorated war room. Maps and weapons littered the walls and tables. She began to examine the different items strewn about, not aware of the others in the massive room.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 82):

"He came in search of her, then his family arrived to break him out and steal her back again. Or make her pay for leaving, your choice. No one has told me where they hail from."

When the door opened, Xavier got to his feet, pulling his sword at the same time.

"Knowing that could help us find them..." Wulfsen was interrupted by Juniper's arrival.

"Ah, Juniper." Wulfsen greeted. "Where do you see yourself in three months?"

Juniper spun where she stood, tossing aside a decorative helmet she was holding aside and stepped closer.

"Nothing good comes from the fantasizing of the future. Takes us from our presence here,"

She slyly remarked as she stood at the table.

Wulfsen glanced over at Xavier. "In the near future we are going to need a new captain of the guard in Buckley Village."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Sun 05 June 2016.

Juniper placed a hand on the table and leaned in, following Wulfsens gaze with her own and raising an eyebrow.

"Aye...?"

"Yes. And we were wondering if you would be interested in the position." Wulfsen said.

Junipers face broke out into a grin as the thought hit her brain. She was alway up for a challenge.

"I would be honored to accept the position "

Xavier lowered his sword. No one had introduced him as yet, but obviously this was the Juniper Wulfsen and Shawn had been discussing.

"Good." Wulfsen noticed that Xavier had his sword drawn. "Xavier, this is Juniper Sparks, she helped Sileas and Lek find... the false Nelek, but she got them there and back alive. Juniper, this is Xavier DeVale."

Xavier bowed. "It is an honor to meet you, Lady Sparks."

"And to you Master DeVale."

She grinned widely before letting the smile disappear at the mention of Nelek.

"What did you just say? False Nelek?"

"The one we found was another imposter." Wulsen said. "But apparently Mr and Mrs Buckley found the real Nelek."

"And what of the imposter? Is he still around? Has he been questioned?" Juniper quickly replied

"No, unfortunately an opportunity did not present itself. Mrs. Gerthrim was in the dungeon for unrelated reasons. The false Nelek was insisting on trying to be with her and was causing increasing distress, so I removed her from the dungeons to be brought here."

"We'll interrogate him." Wulfsen said. "Xavier, did the other imposter give any useful information?"

Xavier shook his head. "He's positively useless. All he does is taunt and anger people."

"Now that we have a new prisoner we can afford to execute Mazi. It might loosen the new imposter's tongue." Wulfsen said.

Xavier grinned. "I have been looking forward to that order for two weeks," he said.

"A noose or an axe?" Wulfsen pondered.

"I'm thinking an axe. We don't know if they can be strangled. But lose a couple of body parts along with their head, that might be more difficult for him to overcome."

Juniper quickly interrupted the gentlemen's conversation with a few questions of her own.

"If you dont mind me wondering, why are you trusting me with this position? Captain of the guard is no easy task."

"A couple reasons." Wulfsen said. "You're strong. You know how to fight.But you know how to give orders."

Juniper streached her arms above her head

"Well now that I've been promoted is there any task you want me to handle or can I get some rest?"

"Rest for now." Wulfsen said. "Shawn can help you get started later."

"Aye. Find me if you need me. "

Juniper did a slight bow to the two gentlemen and left the room, hoping to find either a bed or her friends. The cold wind sliced through her as she left the war room.

> To The Keep

Wulfsen drummed his fingers on the table, torn between seeing to his prisoners and hopefully getting some answers, or finding Sileas.

Xavier gave him a questioning look.

"I'd better deal with the prisoners." Wulfsen sighed. He knew if he went to Sileas it would be hours before he took care of any of his other responsibilities.

"I suppose so. You could have sent your new Captain, of course."

"If either of them are going to talk I want to hear it myself." Wulfsen said.

"I have the bad feeling you're going to be disappointed."

"I have to try. Do you want to help?" Wulfsen asked.

"I guess I can stomach another round of their insults," Xavier said, getting to his feet.

Wulfsen picked up a heavy axe, tested the edge, then headed for the dungeon.

Xavier arched his eyebrow and followed.

"Wulfsen!" Yehudit shouted, limping from walking too much. "Where the hell are you?"

Wulfsen walked into the war room and sat on the first chair he saw. His head was spinning.

Sileas sat next to him, holding his and Xyla's hands. Olivia joined them as James simply paced back and forth anxiously.

Liadan entered the room. "What the hell is going on?"

Sileas looked up at Lia. "We don't know yet. Grandpapa wants to tell everyone at once."

Liadan swore and muttered.

Xyla watched Lia with wide eyes.

In reply to Xyla De Wolfe (msg # 125):

"She's crazy but she won't harm you." Wulfsen told Xyla in a low voice.

Xyla made a small o with her mouth and nodded.

Nelek arrived with his wife. He hoped things weren't as bad as they felt.

Shawn entered behind them.

Nelek looked expectantly at the door for his son.

Shawn sighed again. "I'm sorry, Nelek. I couldn't dissuade him. I even told him he might face a reprimand from Wulfsen. He standing on his principles. It's hard to argue against that."

"Oh no!" Nelek gasped.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:22, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

"What's this?" Wulfsen asked, Nelek's exclamation bringing him to the present.

"Lek declined to come to the meeting. He challenged one of the knights to a duel for molesting Millie and deriding young Pinja. I tried to tell him a reprimand from you would be better, but he feels he needs to defend Millie and Pinja's honor."

"Lek did that?" Wulfsen was too surprised to be angry. He knew Lek was close to his twin and cared a lot for Pinja, but never thought the lad had it in him. "Who did he challenge? I never thought any of my knights would treat a woman so shamefully, otherwise they would never be serving me."

"I believe I heard the name Edgar mentioned."

"I will look into this, whoever it is will find himself stripped of his title." Wulfsen said.

"He should probably be banished as well, for the safety of the females."

Wulfsen nodded. "After I determine who he was and learn all that had happened. It doesn't look like Lek is coming- is everyone else here?"

Shawn glanced around. He finally spotted Xavier, and nodded. "Yes, everyone is here."

Wulfsen turned to James and Olivia. "I guess you can tell us now." He squeezed Sileas's hand.

James cleared his throat. He didn't have the military style for delivering this, so he would report it the only way he knew how. "Prince Alexander has gone mad for power. He's already imprisoned the King and Queen. Olivia and I only got out with Xyla because some of the knights came and warned us that Alexander would be coming after anyone allied with the King. Your mother and step-father refused to come along, feeling it would be too obvious, but they did send Xyla with us.

The knights who warned us were following but were overtaken to fight off those loyal to Alexander so we could get out. We took some devilish roads to get here, and lived off the land so we could avoid any villages and inns. But we can be certain he'll be heading here to get you, Wulfsen. Thankfully the village has been resettled in a slightly different location, but it won't take him long to find us all. I was hoping the keep would be strong enough to hold off a siege and that we could settle here, but we may have to just run for it."

Wulfsen was shocked and dismayed. His mother... he doubted that Alexander would leave her alive for any purpose but to torture her. He thought quickly.

"We can't run, he will keep chasing us. This is a keep, it can withstand siege. I'll have those who began settling outside brought in here. I need more guards on the walls." Wulfsen said, standing up.

"The gate and the outer wall seem pretty sturdy for holding off a siege," Shawn offered. So much for his plans for a nice quiet life on a farm. "But we can't stay in here indefinitely, he'll easily starve us out. We have to be able to get supplies."

"More than that, we need to find a way to take the Capitol. He'll crush everyone in this country who don't agree with him, and probably tax everyone to death," Xavier offered. But thy needed more men and fighters, ones who would be loyal to the true King or Wulfsen if and when it came to that.

"I know, I just want to make sure everyone is safe when he attacks." Wulfsen said, "Xavier, double the guards on the walls then come back here. Then we can plan how to take the capitol."

Xavier nodded and headed through the keep first, searching for any off duty knights who might b inside.

Wulfsen brought out a map and spread it across the table. "Alexander's forces can't be far behind you."

James nodded. "Not more than a day or two. I tried to leave some false leads in my wake, hoping to purchase some time. I fear I'm not very versed in military actions."

"If we can figure out which way they'r coming from we might be able to set up an ambush." Wulfsen said, dropping markers on promising roads.

"I tried to stay off of the main roads, and if any were right behind us, they managed to stay well hidden. But we came up this way," he said, pointing to an area that was mostly farms and forests.

"We'll have to send scouts." Wulfsen said.

Brie tapped Lia and Aislyn on the shoulders. "We'll have to come up with some defense measures for around the keep."

"Just kill everyone that comes in." Liadan said.

Aislyn gasped. "We can't do that Lia! Some may be seeking refuge from what's happening."

"Mortally wound them then, and sort them out later." Liadan amended.

"That's kind of the same thing," Brie pointed out.

"Well I'm going to be protecting my family!" Liadan said. "I don't care what happens to a bunch of strangers."

"But they are also someone's family. No, we have to come up with something better than that."

"The raiders had family too, and I'd kill every one of them again if I had the chance." Liadan said.

"True, but they were acting in a threatening manner. You're talking about just flat out killing people."

"They can't hurt anyone if we kill them BEFORE they attack." Liadan insisted.

"But it's not right to kill innocent people. And if they're not posing a threat, they're innocent."

"If we're going to end up under siege we could be dealing with limited resources." Liadan said. "They'd eat all our food."

"Then it's up to the gate to keep people out who don't live here."

"The gate guards are lazy and will let anyone they feel like in." Liadan said.

"They didn't tonight. They came down to the hall to get Shawn to go identify his father before they would let James and Olivia through."

"I don't trust your husband's judgement on who to let in." Liadan said.

Brie sighed. "I didn't say it would always be up to him. If they arrive claiming to know someone, the gate would send for whoever that person is to identify them. Shawn's not in the guard any longer."

"What if one of Alexander's supporters are already in the keep?" Liadan asked. "They could let in enemies."

Aislyn stiffened. "That should be mentioned to Wulfsen so he can verify all his men are loyal to him."

"There's already one that messed with Millie, there's bound to be more momzers." Liadan said.

Aislyn nodded. "Sadly, though, we may need to deal with some momzers for protection if they're loyal to Wulfsen."

"Just kill 'em all." Liadan said.

"Save your bloodlust for Alexander's men. We need all the fighters we can get."

Liadan shook her head. "I have always survived well enough without knights protecting me."

"You've never had the entirety of the king's army storming you. Tens of thousands of knights, plus mercenaries."

Liadan scoffed.

Brie rolled her eyes and studied Sileas. She wondered exactly how much danger her daughter was in now.

Lek entered the War Room, looking worse for wear but at least he was alive.

"Lek!" Nelek gasped, aghast by how bloody his son was looking.

"Lek!" Aislyn shrieked, nearly knocking over the heavy chair when she got to her feet. She ran to her son. "I knew this would come to no good. I forbid you to be a knight. You need to see..." she noticed the bandages and cleared her throat. "There's absolutely nothing wrong with being a woodworker like your father!" She wrapped her arms around Lek and pulled him close.

Lek was mortified- Wulfsen was right there! He squirmed uncomfortably. "It's not as bad as it looks."

Aislyn tightened her embrace. "I don't care, you are not going to go through with this folly. You're not a fighter."

"But I won!" Lek burst out. "That knight assaulted Millie and insulted Pinja and I beat him!"

"Where is this knight? He hurt my babies and I will have vengeance on him!" Aislyn exclaimed.

"I will deal with this knight." Wulfsen said, feeling for Lek's embarrassment.

Sileas got  up from her chair. She had to go to her old rooms and find her weapons of choice.

Wulfsen watched Sileas leave, not knowing where she was going but enjoying the view.

"Wulfsen, I want your promise that this knight is dealt with harshly. And I hope it doesn't leave you in too much of a bind if I forbid Lek this foolish notion of his to be a knight."

Wulfsen sighed. "I won't go easy on this knight, but Lek is of age- he can become a knight if he chooses."

Aislyn sighed. She knew Wulfsen was right, but Lek and Millie were her babies. They would always be. Aislyn turned to her son. "I don't know that I can bear to see you hurt worse."

"I couldn't let him get away with treating Millie like he did." Lek said.

"But you're my baby boy. And you've always been sensitive, never showed any interest in fighting before. This is such a change. It's like you are someone completely different."

Lek tried to stand taller. "Maybe if I showed more interest in fighting sooner less people would have been hurt when the village was raided."

"Oh, sweetheart, there was nothing you could have done any differently. The raiders managed to defeat Uncle Shawn and they killed Larrigan. If anyone should have been able to hold them off, those two should have."

"I can keep it from happening again." Lek said.

"Why? Why do you want to cause me all of this worry?" Aislyn demanded, tears streaking down her cheeks. "I didn't lose enough of my children already?"

"If I knew how to fight I could have saved them!" Lek said, also tearing up.

"That doesn't help me keep you, Millie and Kadey safe," Aislyn, feeling like her legs were about to give in. Her son simply didn't love her enough to do his part to keep her from worrying and being fearful.

"I protected Millie tonight." Lek said.

Aislyn turned to Nelek. "Our son doesn't care ifi he causes me to worry myself to an early grave," she wailed.

Sileas returned to the war room and quietly reclaimed her seat.

In reply to Aislyn Gerthrim (msg # 202):

Nelek sighed, wrapping his arms around his distraught wife.

Aislyn's tears soaked his shirt as she clung to Nelek.

Wulfsen felt incredibly uncomfortable.

"I'll be all right, Mama." Lek said awkwardly.

"There are always going to be threats and battles. You can't promise that, Lek."

"I have a better chance now than I did before." Lek said. "At least now I know how to fight."

"Even seasoned warriors can be critically injured in battles, or worse. Don't make promises you cannot keep, Lek."

"And raiders killed people in their own homes. I'll do the best I can." Lek said.

Aislyn leaned into Nelek. There was nothing more she could say that might convince her son to give up his foolish notion.

"Listen here, Lek," Wulfsen turned the boy to face him. "I forbid you from dueling until you are a full knight. Breaking your mother's heart is more than enough reason to not risk your neck in duels, but with what is going on now I can't afford to lose you."

Lek blinked and looked around.
"What's going on?"

"My half brother has decided to size the throne. We are preparing for a siege and flight."Wulfsen said.

"Oh."Lek said, surprised and feeling more than a little foolish. "What do you want me to do?"

"Go find Xavier and find out what's keeping him. I had sent him to double the guard on the walls a while ago." Wulfsen said.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:30, Sun 31 May 2020.

"Yes sir." Lek said obediently and headed for the gate.

Wulfsen sunk back in his chair, an arm going around Sileas. Of all the rotten timing, today, on his wedding. He felt selfish for wishing this had been delayed one more day but he had been looking forward to today.