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.

---

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.