Selina pokes her head into each of the righteous wanderer's tents and smiles, delivering the news of the meeting Christian had set up
Aolis and Sacha were just about to leave when she caught them. He had planned on skipping the duel, which talk had already started to go around about, yet it seemed only fitting that he watch that. Their was information to be gained at the very least and it would be better then just staying at camp waiting for the appointed time.
"Well now you get to judge how far you have come sense giving up the Aldori style, my dear."
My Lord, it is good to meet you finally, I beg you to please excuse my lack of decorum, but might I borrow your time for a moment please.
Lord Christian....if i remember correctly from the oath ceremony, Of course, what can i do for you?
After listening to Christian petition, Ignatius remains quiet for a minute to consider his actions.
While i do not believe our new king would plan against us, it would be wise to prepare for any "incident" that might occur, this reunion would also serve to better know the rest of our brothers in arms, so i will gladly attend my friend. If you give me the detail i will see that all leaders of the "Blessed hospitalers" receive the message as soon as possible.
Now I beg your leave My Lord
I thank you for the invitation Lord Christian, may we meet safely later Ignatius makes a small reverence with his head as he leaves
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"Perhaps, in a less public setting, your father and Axhammer could talk and come to some sort of arrangement, such as a term on the length of his oath. That seems to be a sticking point for him, and it may be worth negotiating."
Rade Surtova smiles.
"I hope father and the gnome knight reach an agreement.""Your father's inexperience in politics may also have offended some, and caused some hurt feelings. In time, those can hopefully be smoothed over. I know kings are supposed to never publicly apologize, but in private, I'm sure he would probably be willing to do so. A question, if I may. I imagined that the Regent appointed your father to this position due to their closeness and your father's ability. Was that not the case?"
Rade shakes her head.
"Father is no politician. And he is not close to his cousin. Father thinks he got appointed to this as a way to get rid of him. But he is brave, and the best man I know, and I am sure he will tame those wild lands!"Rade does leave with his father.
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After dinner, some minutes before midnight, a small crowd gathers in the plaza outside Restov's town hall, ready to see the duel between Lord Christian D Elagante of The Restov Coursers and Michael Khavortorov, of the Four Swords.
The contrast between the duelist is notorious, between the elegant, mature and professional cavalier and the youthful, flamboyant and joyful swordlord.
Michael seems to have had some drinks tonight, his boisterous voice booming, while embracing a couple of women.
"You have to see this duel with care, as it will be the last one I have in the city for some time! You will miss me, you will see!"
When the time arrives, he unsheathes his dueling sword and makes wide movements with it, as a way to show his ability.
"On guard!"
For what its worth, Ishana is also there with Ralph, as per her last post.
"Well, Michael, time for your lesson. I am, after all, no mere jilted husband nor angry father." Merus taunts as he prepares for the duel.
Swift action-enter Crane Style
move action- move up to Michael
Standard action- attack Michael using disarming strike, fighting defensively and Combat Expertise (total -4 to hit for +6 AC)
Merus deftly disarms Michael, cutting Michael's hand in the process.
"Michael, one must hold on to one's weapon if he wishes to duel." Merus continues to taunt.
AC-28
CMD-30 (32 vs disarm)
hp-77/77
status-crane style combat expertise, fighting defensively.
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Michael Khavortorov's sword flies thru the air at the expert strike from Merus Lebeda, clanking against the stone floor of the plaza.
The shocked face of the Khavortorov young swordsman is accompanied by the roaring laughter of his family (Angelo, Don and Ralph).
"Well done brother!"
"Nice lesson Michael!"
"You are so dumb, Michael!"
Michael turns angrily at them, and roars.
"Kinsmen, this man has defied and ashamed the ancient Khavortorov name. He has cut me! He has dared to attack me! Will you stand idly at it?"
The other 3 Khavortorov men stop joking, get serious, and draw their swords, facing Merus.
"All together now!"
The four on them kneel as one, with the three armed ones putting their swords in front of them, point facing down. As one, they tell, with clear strong voice.
"We, the four swords, here declare Lord Merus Lebeda better than us. We salute his skill!"
They stand smiling, sheathe their weapons, and go to greet him. Michael, the first of them, extends his cut hand to him.
"Well done! You got me out very fast! I owe you a beer."
The others also surround Merus.
"Lord Merus, thank you for teaching Michael a lesson. He is so full of himself he sure needed one!"
"Lord Merus, let us buy you a drink! You need to teach us how to do that! How did you learn that movement?"
"There is a pub near here where we can you and you can tell us about your adventures!"
---
Merus frowns slightly, unsure if he is being conned, but decides to go with it.
After a second, Merus smiles. "A drink sounds good!" I will gladlyshow you the difference in the disarm technique."
Turning to Michael, "I apologize for the insults, they are just a tactic i my fighting style to try and provoke rash mistakes from my opponent."
Standing amongst the onlookers watching the duel, Alysandra shakes her head and says to Porablum (presuming the two are still together), "Are they really moving as fast as they can? I'm not an expert myself, but Coalhouse is at least twice as quick in his workouts - and strikes three times as fast in combat."
Looking up at the taller half-elf, Porablum says, "Perhaps speed is not the objective. This duel was as much about honor as it was skill. In a battle, I think you will see a different method of fighting. Notice how it ended after a quick disarm by Merus. They weren't attempting to kill each other, just show off. I confess to not understanding it, myself. Still, they seem happy. The hour is late, and I must return to the camp of the Coursers. I shall see you in the morning, I'm sure." She bids Alysandra good night, and heads for the camp.
Upon arrival, she will immediately seek out Aramil and inform him of what she has found out from Rade about King Rupert.
Christian watches the display with interest. Seeing that it come to a quick, decisive end was pleasing to him.
Wow! That was quick.
Walking up to Merus, Christian with his ever present smile will place his hand on the his shoulder.
Congratulations, I am impressed, very impressed. That was amazing! How the hell...did....
Seeing the four other swordsmen standing near them. Christian looks each of the swordsmen in the eyes. Extending his hand to each of them in turn.
Good Lords this was a amazing display of your talents. I thank you for the entertainment.
Looking at merus
If you feel the need to bring guests back to the camp...I trust your judgement.
Christian smile is big and inviting.
I am sorry, go and have fun, I have held you up long enough.
Walking away from the five duelist, he will make his way to his encampment.
Merus walks to the camp for the meeting deep in thought.
Perhaps I have let my hatred of the Surtovas cloud my judgement. There may be opportunities here that I have not foreseen. The Khavortorovs are boys playing at a man's game, but they seem earnest and honest in their good nature. I may even have to give "King" Rupert a chance.
Once you enter the encampment of the coursers, it is evident that they are on high alert. Several patrols of guards are walking about. In the center of the encampment there is a new tent that has been erected since the dinner party started. This monster of a tent is a 40 x 40 pavilion. Five foot thick black and red strips run from the ground up to the top of the tent. Along the side of the tent is an image of a silver dragon displayed with a tower shield clenched in it's claws. There is a phrase on the shield written in Draconic: Draco Invictus
There are two guards to each side of the entrance and inside is a small brazier. There is a long table that is simple and set to accommodate about fifteen people. In the center of the room is a small table draped in a silver cloth. A water pitcher, a piece of coal, a large bowl and a tiny bell wrapped with silver wire rest on this table. Beside the small table is an easel with a large peace of parchment.
Once everyone has arrived the meeting will start. The guards will let people enter and then close the tent flaps. Wine, beer, mead, and water are available at the table along with an assortment of breads.
Christian will move to the center of the room and in a soft toned voice
Greeting, I am glad that each of you were able to make it. I want to make this quick and efficient. Please take a seat. Wallmen, please stand behind your charge. Thank you.
Jasrella walks to the table in the center of the room. She closes her eyes and mumbles some arcane words. She picks up the tiny bell and rings it three times without a sound emitting from the bell. She opens her eyes and nods at Christian. Jasrella walks back to the side of the room to stand.
We have warded this tent to the best of our abilities. With the limited time we had to plan this meeting, that might not be enough. I am asking for any help in warding this room further. Arcane and Divine are welcomed. If you have the power to summon allies to scout around the perimeter of the encampment, those also would be welcomed. Christian looks around the room at those in attendance. He continues after some time has passed.
Stepping over to the easel, Christian's voice is authoritative and set but he delivers his speech with respect directed at each of those in attendance.
Lord and Ladies, Please let me finish with my briefing before you ask questions. I am not here to ruffle anyone's feather or beat on my chest to show how powerful I am. So please excuse my tone and my words if they offend you..that was not nor is it my intention.
The king has ask us to a secret meeting in about two hours time. This meeting could be as simple as it is intended to be or it could be a trap set to remove all of us in one swift move. I am hoping that it is just a meeting, but it is too plain not to prepare for the worst.
Christian picks up the piece of coal and starts to draw a map, labeling several areas.
Here is the king's meeting location, I have set up three rally points Alpha, Bravo and Charlie. I will have a fast unit placed here at Alpha. This unit is under exfil orders. They will come in and get us out of there if the need should arise. They are too far away to be of any immediate support so we will move towards them. This goes as well if we have to remove the king from harms way. Now this here is
the vanguard. If sh*t gets real then the vanguard moves south and the exfil unit moves in as well. If that happens we are at war. Is this a bit much, yes it is. I like to be prepared.
Christian looks at Axhammer Rocknose
Sir Rocknose, I respect your choice on the matter of the oath and harbor you no ill will on that matter. I have been informed that you are not to take part in any diplomatic issues in and around the stolen lands. That would mean you are not able to attend the king's meeting. Since we can not bring you to the meeting, I would be honored if you and your men would join the exfil team.
Looking back at the others...
That goes for the rest of you, If you wish to place units with the exfil team let me know. I have only so many horse and the more the better. If you wish to place units with the vanguard then please see Jasrella after the meeting.
Questions, concerns, ideas??anyone
After he answers questions...
Christian takes down the parchment and rips into several pieces. Tossing most of these pieces into the large bowl. He lights the last piece and ignites the parchment in the large bowl. Once the parchment burns itself out, he makes sure that all the parchment has been burnt. Then he pours the water into the ashes to dissolve them.
Walking over to a guard. He hands the guard the large bowl of diluted parchment ash.
Pour this into the latrines, please.
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Riding slowly home Titian and Ezekiel talk about the food. Having spent the evening mainly watching the others dance a senseless dance for who has the bigger cock they enjoy their evening discussion.
"The rabbit was quite raw. .. And old! .. And the pecock should have had less feathers. .. He is useless! .. Indeed! .. I am not sure I like the stag. The composition was tasteless! .. But you did eat a lot! ... Well did you see the composition of wine I had to it! ... I did. I guess no one else! ... Well let´s see if all the food doesn´t give us a sore stomach!"
She had watched the all to short so called duel. It was a sad affair that left her disappointed. It seemed she had been right to abandon the style and follow Aolis advice then mentorship afterwards. She saw it for what it was, a limited style intended for limited opponents. How would it fair in the wider world, when you could not fight your enemy at close range. When you could not fight your enemy with a blade. When your enemies might overshadowed yours by leaps and bounds. Focusing completely on one form made that form strong yet exposed weaknesses along the way. No doubt in a duel she would be hard pressed, but in a battle she would survive while they would not. In the wild world, survival was victory. All their honor and puffery meant nothing to their enemies.
She left with Aolis to their next meeting, hopefully it would be more interesting then that preening display.
Aolis had attended the duel more to kill time and for Sacha's sake then any real interest. He had seen countless sword styles and more often then not, as was Sacha's case once, they focused to much on perfecting forms ill suited to their natures. While he admitted Merus was lucky or wise enough to find a form suited perfectly for him. It was still of no interest to him after everything from sea riding swashbucklers to desert sword dancers. It ended in sort order and they left for the first meeting.
His first impression of the camp, warmonger. The last thing Brevoy needed was anyone with a militaristic mindset. Something tempered in his own group by gods and codes of conduct, thankful for small mercies. The tent was like his own yet more brash and intimidating rather then odd and subdued with it's leanings towards natural shades. The colors would be more suited to the Chelish and the draconic motto seemed provocative considering where they were. Was he trying to trample on the swordlord's pride or was he ignorant. Even after two hundred years they held on to their grudge and again pride. He was starting to wonder if anyone heeded the land and people they were on or if they simply brought their own ways in defiance of the consequences or culture they intruded upon.
He seats himself, a good bit of him moving past the head rest. Human made chairs rarely accounted for a elf's height or a lack their of in other races. Sacha did not stand behind him, she remained on his right yet not up front. As the woman cast her spell he identifies it with ease, a simple ward. He thinks if he should add to it but decides against it. It was an overreaction to think anyone would spy on them, even if they did. He was doing nothing wrong nor did he intend to do so. It was a waste of resources and unneeded precaution. He waited quietly as things continued and listened. When this Christian was done he spoke.
"I find your words and actions both troubling and vastly over reactive. I can not speak for anyone but myself and mine, yet I will say that Rupert simply does not have the men or power to ambush us effectively. It would take considerable planning and resources to make sure none of us escape or send word of his blatant betrayal. From my count we have at least three houses represented among our groups. If a Surtova, any Surtova openly attempted to kill or capture these noble house members. It would unite those houses against the Surtova. They would not survive and their current relations with other houses is indifferent to unfriendly to put it simply. They would stand alone and could never dream of getting aid from the swordlords, who as a people despise them. It is not simply a matter of political suicide but a matter of actual suicide. I will say this about Rupert, he does not strike me as suicidal."
The would be king had a long list of shortcomings in his mind, but he would have to be a fool in the extreme to even consider such a thing. Likely if he was such a fool his own kin would have murdered him, not placed him in a position to seal their doom should he misstep.
"More to the point he excluded Axhammer, the only one he has reason to do away with if that were the case. More so as a member of one of the groups involved, he would no doubt be interested in our sudden demise upon meeting with Rupert. Truthfully your "preparedness" is more concerning to me. Tell me if you were in his position, asking in good faith for a private meeting with minimum attendees. To find yourself suddenly surrounded on three sides with soldiers. I would think the least he would feel is insulted while at worst he would consider it a betrayal of his trust and request, perhaps even a threat to his life."
He raises his hand to forestall any response, he was not completely finished.
"I am willing to bring my own personal guard, in lieu of a weapon I do not wield as well as accept any perceived insult on his part about it. I am not going to bring a personal armed squad to a private meeting nor support it. The camps are a mere three miles away, I do not intend to walk. I don't know about your mounts but mine can make the journey in one minute at full gallop. That hardly seems enough time to warrant undue worry on anyone's part or create such risk. Even if a mount is unavailable my methods of escape are many. I think your are overreacting and over thinking this Sir Christian."
With that he nods in respect and listens to any others or counter arguments.
Christian watches as Aolis finishes his speech.
You are correct on several points master mage. I am over reacting and that is for the best. I do not want a conflict. I am hoping against it.
Looking around at the men and women in the room.
Think about it...He is correct in that there are several houses represented here in this very tent. Rudolf Ferdinand Aldori III a Aldori Swordlord. The King a Surtova, all in the same area with some of the most powerful and influential people in these lands. If we all go, that is a huge loss to the stability in the region. Now it may not be in the kings best interest to do such and I agree with that, but it might be to the interest of many others. Hell it could happen and be blamed on the mayor, giving a reason for King Surtova to put his boot on the neck of any hopes Restov might of had at being independent. There are several people in this room that have bounties on their heads. That in of itself is enough gold for someone to make a move on that location...We can go on and on about what could be and what might not be. When I do not know a person, I try to see the best in them, but prepare for the worst. I want this meeting to be a simple affair, but I will prepare for what we can think of.
Christian looks at the map again and then back at aolis.
You are correct that if the king would be surrounded on three side he might be a bit upset. I do not intend nor did I show you sets of soldiers sent to surround the king. I have one and only one group at a little over a mile away. If the king is threaten by that and perceives it as a move on his life....then I will gladly take the heat for that. I can deal with a political nightmare or worse, but I do not want to see someone die because I was too afraid to act in the defense of that person.
Christian watches Aolis as he considers his next words...
Master Aolis, I do not want a war, and do not plan to be caught wondering what to do. You have given us some very good points to look at. First, this does not appear to be a trap that will benefit our new king, Secondly My actions can be seen as a threat to the new king. Those are some good points to consider.
Christian looks at Aolis with as much respect as he can muster with these words.
Master Aolis, I am glad that you are able to move so fast and that you are able to escape harms way so easily. That is a nice trick and I would love to have such resources, but alas the majority of the people in this room do not have those luxuries. Those are the people that will need our help. Are you able to use such magics to aid those that can not escape?
SIR, Sir...does he not know that I am not a Knight.
He really did not want to drive his point home by giving something away, at least not yet. Christian seemed the type to try and do to much, causing more harm then he would prevent. He could only hope the man would see reason beyond his paranoia and war like mindset. It was a simple meeting away from gossips and eavesdroppers. The mayor's party was far more exposed and dangerous for them, all things considered.
"We did not know about this meeting until a few hours ago, how would an enemy know before us? If they had the ability to muster the forces and resources needed to harm us. Why would they wait or allow all their powerful enemies to be in one place while armed. It increases the difficulties and odds of failure, this out weighs their gain. Unless they are sure of success they risk the wrath of all those involved and their affiliations. They even risk uniting those that are fragmented for whatever reason. I am sorry to say but your actions will not be limited to yourself. This meeting has forced us pass that bridge should you proceed as is."
He shook his head at the whole thing.
"Unless you have a real, solid reason to involve others much less armed forces on a simple gathering. These are assumptions without base. I can not support it, theories without proof or substance amount to little. If you are so concerned for your safety then decline to go or bring your squad with you openly. As for the safety of others, perhaps you should offer it rather then impose it from a distance. Does that not seem reasonable?"
Truth be told he could think up a dozen ways to cause damage without being detected or using military force. Cunning was far more dangerous then any army and more useful. Even bandits made use of it, which is why they sent a spy to gather information. They did not need to see threats that did not exist or create problems among themselves. They would get plenty of that soon enough.
Aramil hears Porablum's report as she tells of what happened at dinner with Rade, as well as what she learned of King Rupert. So, Noleski hopes for this expedition to fail. He gets rid of a cousin he dislikes and can blame Restov for the death. How shrewd of him. He allows Porablum to go change, and heads for the pavilion. As he approaches, he shakes his head and thinks, He really needs to pick a more soothing color scheme. Black and red tends to put people on edge.
As Jasrella casts the spell, he finds himself wondering what Christian is so concerned about. He had been under the impression that they were not discussing anything particularly sensitive. As Christian lays out his plan, and Aolis counters, he is silent during the byplay, until a brief lull when he can interject.
"You've planned this with your usual tactical acumen and attention to detail. I do, however, think it a bit unnecessary. We have noting to fear from Rupert - with the exception of Sir Axhammer, he has received our oaths of fealty. He has no reason to attack us now, unless he is far more shrewd than he appears - and I have my suspicions he is more straightforward than that. As to the bounties on our heads, Christian - I rather suspect that if they had significant enough numbers to come after us here, they already would have. All involved with this expedition will either be in attendance at the meeting, unaware of its existence, or lack the resources to cause us harm. Any third party who wishes to attack us will not employ such methods as an army. We have more to fear from assassins or renegade magic users, acting in small numbers, which we alone are far more effective against. I myself intend to go alone, as was requested of us. A show of good faith for the would-be King. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, set up your one exfiltration team, but do not surround the meeting. That will only serve to put his back up and irritate him. If others who are not present at this meeting but are at the next hear of them, they may suspect treachery on our part. I would hate for a misunderstanding to cause friction before we've even begun."
Christian's tone remains respectful and he listens to what Aramil and Aolis have to say
"We did not know about this meeting until a few hours ago, how would an enemy know before us? If they had the ability to muster the forces and resources needed to harm us. Why would they wait or allow all their powerful enemies to be in one place while armed. It increases the difficulties and odds of failure, this out weighs their gain. Unless they are sure of success they risk the wrath of all those involved and their affiliations. They even risk uniting those that are fragmented for whatever reason. I am sorry to say but your actions will not be limited to yourself. This meeting has forced us pass that bridge should you proceed as is."
Yes Master Mage you are correct that we did just learn of this meeting. Yes you are correct in that, but how long would this event take to plan. How long does it take to organize a dinner party that brings all of us together. Do you think that the resources that needed to be sent down here happened in the last couple of hours?This took weeks to plan, more than enough time to know what is going on and to prepare accordingly. How many spies do you think where in that party tonight. I do not know and I willing to bet that there were at least a hand full tonight. As to whom the worked for..well it is all politics then...to many variables to come up with anything that is of proof. Being prepared for the worse does not need proof. You can call it paranoid, I call it being prepared.
Christian remain respectful
I agree with both of you that I am over thinking this, but I feel that is enough time for a spy to report to anyone about what is going on here. I am not planning an attack on his majesty, I am planning on defending him and us if the need should arise. I have laid out plans for three different points to rally to if something should go wrong. I have laid out plans to send in aid if something should go wrong. I have laid out plan for our people to come and haul our butts out of the fire if something should go wrong. If these plans do not want to be followed that is not my call. I gave my little speech on my plans and what you would like to do is up to you.
Aramil, I too plan on attending this meeting without backup as that is what was asked of us but I am going to go prepared.
Lords,Ladies...those are my thoughts on what we should do, does anyone else have anything to say. I hope that we can come up with something solid before we depart.
Entering the camp Ignatius felt impressed by the level of alert of the guards, and carefully walked to the tent they pointed, looking hoping not to disturb the order set by the patrols, before entering he tent he curiously stares at the dragon unable to understand the language, yet felling it similar to the detailed symbols his order uses to decorate the hall of their monastery, once inside he sits at the table abstaining from eating or drinking anything and listening to the rest speak before feeling its his turn to give his opinion.
Lord Christian while the need to be prepared is fundamental, I must agree with both Aramil and Aolis, this meeting with the king is supposed to show our good will and loyalty to him, to arrive with a large fighting force would prove just the opposite, as for the king´s security, the three group champions will be present with him, few forces could attempt to take all twelve of us at once to reach the king...and should such force be mustered i fear there would be little our support forces could do to stop it, that said should you wish to bring them anyway i would recommend doing so openly, as Lord Aolis already said.
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Dagit looks at Christian and frowns. he recognizes the language, a language he knew all to well... Draconic. He didn't speak the language, but he knew enough to know it was a motto, not a threat.
" is it really a concern? would the king not have his own precautions? there comes a point where wisdom and foolishness collide. the king likely has ways of protecting himself that we do not. i know from personal experience that almost all of them have an item to detect poison, and almost all of those who do hide it well. if the need to protect the king arises, I'm sure that all of us veterans will be fully capable of taking care of it. with a little effort, I could make sure the king isn't even touched."
As soon as he can, Coalhouse will depart the dinner, with the excuse (should anyone ask) of making sure everything is prepared for the 'morrow; he'll have an eye out for anyone else making tracks at the same time. The fact of the matter is he spends less than ten minutes at the back of the King's camp.
"Everything quiet?" Coalhouse asks his eldest brother.
Ghent Maston, who is sitting outside what the family is calling 'the command tent' - i.e. Coalhouse's big pavilion - is watching (or, well, trying to watch) Jocasta, Quentin, Lida, Delga, and Burl (family all) trying to teach Freiya Fjar-Bana-Högg the rules behind the game of rounders (yes, in the dark, or at least in torchlight - two elves, three half-orcs, and a dwarf, after all), and shakes his head at the quiet female dwarven archer. "Somethin' wrong with that girl," the tired-looking older man replies, taking a sip of something out of the mug he's holding before looking up at Coalhouse. "Yeah, all quiet. Jocasta came back all disappointed-like - Coursers didn't want her stickin' around inside their camp, no bloody idea why. She also said they were exceedingly polite - said that fop d'Elagante kept calling her 'lady'."
Coalhouse grunts, then ducks inside the tent for under a minute, depositing most of the 'glitter' inside and re-emerging in 'work clothes.' He wears the generally-brown and -green mix of leather and denim of the working man, with the 'adventurer's add-on' of a stained brown cloak of a workable wool, with a dozen or more convenient little pockets on the inside. He carries a backpack under the cloak, and has gotten his 'necessary gear' - two wands, four daggers, and two whips - in their concealed-carry locations (or, for the whips, inside the backpack), a quiver of arrows on his left hip, and a composite shortbow carried strung, ready for absolute-emergency use. He doesn't often; he's the first to admit he's not all that great of a shot.
Standing there for a moment, absentmindedly fiddling with his cuffs as he watches five of his siblings trying to teach Freiya the game of catch - she has a habit of flinching out of the way instead of catching the ball - Coalhouse takes the time to decide what exactly he wants to do. "All right," he says half under his breath, then gives a whistle.
Quentin snatches the ball out of the air bare-handed, and the six drift over to Coal and Ghent at the former's 'come in' hand gesture. "What's going on, Coalhouse?" asks the male half-elf.
"Bit of guard duty for you and Jocasta," replies the half-orc with a small-tusked grin, glancing first at the sky, then towards the entrance. "Of sorts. I'm going to go out for an hour or two, but I'll be back. In the meantime, I'd like you two to stay where you can keep an eye on the three big camps nearby - Restov Coursers, Righteous Wanderers, Blessed Hospitallers. When I get back, I'd like to know who came and went, from where and to where. Ghent," he adds with a glance at the near-forty-year-old man, "gets to write it all down so's you don't have to actually remember."
Ghent snorted. "How long you fixin' to be gone?"
"Hour, probably two," Coalhouse replied after a moment of thought. "Bit of scoutwork. Ghent, maybe you can loan the kids" - somewhat ironic, since Quentin and Lida were both older than he - "your little around-the-corner peeking thingie to use?"
"It's called a periscope, you uncultured swine," Ghent casually insulted Coalhouse, "but sure, if they promise to be careful with it."
After extricating the promise from the two, Coalhouse waved at the rest. "Get some sleep," he said, "we've a big day tomorrow."
As the rest of them broke up to go to either the cloth 'privacy screen' around the king's camp or else their own sleeping places, Coalhouse walked with Ghent to the latter's tent. "I wasn't the only one to leave early," he warned the eldest Basterd, "so there's going to be other movement, and I don't want to be surprised whatever happens. Make sure you get it all written down. And roust ... hm. Look, roust Zoe and Gyorg, have them go up to the party and wait outside; they get to be Aly's escorts home, and no arguments from any of them. They're to stay there until she comes out, I don't care if they have to take turns napping outside the door. With everything that's rumbling around here, I want her back safe, not bleeding out in a ditch. When she gets back, have her join in - if nothing else, she can identify who's who."
Ghent nodded. "Couple hours?"
Coalhouse grinned, though this time there was no humor in the baring of his tusks. "Unless something happens. Then I'll have to hide a body."
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Once Coalhouse left, his half-orc little sister, who shared his strength of night-time vision, and his half-elf half-brother with the exceptional eyes waited and watched through the periscope - Jocasta looking around to see who was moving through the near-darkness, and Quentin in order to identify (or at least describe) who it was as they came into the pools of light around the camps. Despite appearing to snooze between each arrival, Ghent faithfully kept the log.
Coalhouse's foodspeed would probably startle most of the people he'd encountered at the mayor's party; using the magic sleeves to deepen his clothing into a dark charcoal grey to better blend with the night, the half-orc headed south at a rapid jog.
Two and a half miles wasn't all that difficult, and took Porter less than twenty minutes. Cresting a small rise where the road curved, the place where the king's meeting became ... well, obvious. Standing there for a few moments in consideration, Coalhouse started moving forward again, alert - Alysandra would say 'paranoid', though the more-experienced Ghent would probably have come down on Coalhouse's side - for the possibility of guards, or an ambush, or whatever might occur. That nothing lept out to devour him didn't make it useless; practical paranoia wasn't about the nineteen times in twenty times it didn't happen, it was about the one time in twenty that it did.
Moving carefully and quietly, he got off the road well before the generous amount of torchlight which helped the servants set up the meeting spot could effectively touch him; the clouds overhead scattering the moon's light gave him more than enough to move around with. Though he continued to approach the well-lit pavilion, he stopped when still sixty or seventy yards away, and turned to slowly circle the place. The distance virtually guaranteed that the guards were vanishingly unlikely to see him, but if they did he was certain they wouldn't respond favorably to someone sneaking around a secret meeting spot - Which, face it Coalhouse, is exactly what you're doing, he thought to himself
Yeah, but I don't want to attack the king.
So let's see if you can't figure out where someone might hide who DID want to attack the king.
With a quirk of a smile at himself, he continued the slow, careful scout of the area, looking for just such places - and anyone who might be waiting in such places. He didn't think he could be the only one who thought of this; undoubtedly there were others who, though the pavilion was a goodly distance from the city, had noticed the departure of such servants with such items at least an hour or two previously. Scouts could have been sent on horse (though he didn't smell any) or on foot (and he hadn't discovered any), even if he's not found any such trace.
Besides which, Coalhouse didn't like walking into any place without knowing the lay of the land, how to get the hell back out again. Maybe it made him paranoid, but he'd gotten out of some pretty nasty scrapes because of it.
Having spotted a couple of possibilities to keep a mental eye on, he paused for a bit to creep just a little closer to the pavilion and see what the servants were doing. Big table, chairs all around ... why's it look so strange? He mulls that one over for a few moments, eyeing one of the individuals he'd come to recognize over the last couple of weeks since the IB had been handling the king's baggage train, but has to shake his head and give up, unable to put his finger on why it looked weird to him. Undoubtedly the reason would be revealed when he was able to get closer without revealing himself.
You know, you COULD just walk up there. It isn't like you don't know these guys. Or aren't invited later.
Yeah, but then I wouldn't know stuff nobody else does - like the fact that I was here at all.
It puts a smile on his face for the less-than-twenty-minutes it takes him to hoof it back to camp.
"So, what's --" started Coalhouse once he was passed by the king's guards.
"Here," interrupted Maston, handing him the paper with the pencil scrawls, and finally able to tuck his pocket watch into its little pocket home. "I'm goin' to bed," the human said with a respectably-orcish snarl, and stalked off.
Coalhouse looked after Ghent in surprise. "What's with him?"
"He was up at five this morning - yesterday morning, now, Coal," replied Alysandra. "He's tired. The only reason you and I aren't is because we took a nap this afternoon - which we could do," she pointed out, "because we knew Ghent was awake to take care of any problems. Go to bed, you two," she added to Quentin and Jocasta. "I'll make sure your morning duties are done - but only if you're up by nine."
With the last of the Basterds heading to their bedrolls, Alysandra gestured with her thumb at the folding chair Ghent had vacated. "Sit, and talk to me, little brother. The Restov Coursers hosted a little get-together after Merus Lebeda's duel with Michael Khavortorov."
"Who won?"
"Lebeda won with a quick disarm, but by the gods they're both so much slower than you," she commented.
"I doubt it," Coalhouse disagreed, ruffling his fingers through his hair yet again to dislodge any remaining stray bits - grass, bits of leaf or twig - still in it. "Duellists have to be fast; I'd be willing to bet it was, in part, a show for everyone watching. I probably could knock either of them out cold inside thirty seconds, especially with just a hint of prep time, but I'm pretty sure I'd take damage doing it. From what I understand, Lebeda moves like the wind, and is almost as hard to hit. Plus," he added with a shrug, "duelling swords. Codes of honor and that nobility crap. I started using my palm instead of the sword with Khavortorov, you can bet his brothers would jump on in, and then I'd really be up sh!t creek without a paddle."
Alysandra rolled her eyes at the phrase. "You are so eloquent."
"Practicing for the king later this morning." He smiled at Alysandra's sharp glance. "Not just me; it's a big table, there's lots of chairs. Who was at the Courser's get-together?"
"Wanderers and the Hospitallers, though Amavin Zephyra was missing for certain. Going by what the kids described, though, I don't think anyone else missed. Maybe Titian Stagson and ... why can I not remember his second's name?"
"Everyone needs a flaw. Father Ezekiel. I wonder ... hm. That's ... kind of worrying." Coalhouse stared towards the other camps depsite the privacy band. "Well, maybe I'll leave a little later. Stay up with me? Won't be another hour. Then in the morning you can make sure everything's hunky-dory while I go see what in the Nine Hells Rudolf Ferdinand Aldori the Third thinks he can use me for. Like Ghent says, if you want the pearls, you gotta get in with the swine."
Alysandra looked at him oddly as he stood and picked up his chair, gesturing her out of hers and picking it up as well. "I've never heard him say that."
"You," Coalhouse grinned, "have never gotten him drunk enough ..."
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The secret meeting starts on time. The night is clear, with only a few clouds and a small waning moon.
A very nice pavilion, set up in a clearing, welcomes you with torches, a big round table, nice chairs and some refreshments (cheese, wine, some fruits). Very elegant, very nice.
Besides all of you Rudolf Ferdinand Aldori III and a Monk from the Cenobitic Order (Hard to say if the same one that assisted to the dinner, you would say it is the same one) arrive, so all of whose who swore fealty to His Majesty Rupert Surtova are here. Anando Verisisi is also here, a step behind Rupert, and nobody else. No other waiters or guards.
Rupert is dressed in a shiny plate armor, with a big nice sword at his side. Both magical. He also wears a lot of other magical items.
Anando dresses elegantly, and seems unarmed. he has some magical items, but not as much, and not "weapon" related.
Rupert greets all of you, and looks at Axhammer Rocknose.
"Master Rocknose, We are afraid we will need you to leave this meeting. We also need everyone that didn't personally swore the oath of fealty to us to leave."
With a smile Fra Ezekiel moves out of the pavilion and whispers just a few words to Titian who simply nods.
Azrael arrived without Hareth, who is waiting not far from the meeting site though...
He greets the others who have come with a smile and nod... and bows deeply to Rupert. "Your majesty..." ... then he'll take a proffered glass of wine and sample the cheeses as well while waiting for the meeting to begin.
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Arriving fully geared for wear, Axhammer doesn't even deem to dismount before Noble, as he was still no king, and most likely never would be, since it took more than just some popinjay saying he was king to make it true. The only Reason, that he could figure that the man before them might be king is that those around him were powerful enough to prop up the decrepit throne. That was however strange as the man hadn't even set down on the throne but never the less it was a castle built on sand with no firm foundation.
Axhammer tosses the invitation down at the ground at the would be kings feet and moves out of ear shot. Saying without using words, I was invited here at your request and you deem to insult me for showing up?
I think that'll 'scent' him. I don't expect him to have thought of being up/downwind, though. ;) Coalhouse, not having made a point of meeting him at the party, won't specifically know who he is, however, just that there's some feller (and a horse) up the road a bit.
Coalhouse, on the other hand, arrives geared for ... apparently nothing but a walk outside. Oh, his clothes are slightly better than your standard workman's clothing - sturdy brown leather boots and breeches, that same oddly-patterened green/brown tunic beneath a heavy leather jacket, plus a thick woolen cloak. Under the cloak, a backpack; at his hip, a gallon-sized stoneware jug. He's on foot, having gotten a bit of jitters and left a half hour before , so he's there a little less than ten minutes before the meeting.
When he gets there, he smiles slightly, running his hand along the table and giving a shake of his head; it's clear that the thing amuses him for some reason. He does, however, give an eyes-up hand-over-his-heart bow (from the waist) to the king when he arrives, and bows of courtesy (from the shoulder) to both Aldori and Verisisi; the Cenobitic monk receives a bow (from the neck) of respect. The half-orc takes a couple of apples (or other roundish fruit) and absentmindedly contact-juggles them around in the palm of one hand as he watches any stragglers arrive, though being on foot even at a hustle might mean he'll be last. A couple of pieces of cheese are what he eats while his hand fidgets.
Seeing Axhammer arrive, his eyebrows go up; he didn't - quite - expect the gnome to show up, after his actions during the oathtaking. Aly had told him that the [tall for a] gnome had spoken with the Surtova afterwards, but that it hadn't looked like anything had gotten patched up, exactly. The king's refusal of the gnome's presence - and the gnome's petulant throwing of the paper (The directive to this meeting? Coalhouse wonders) to the ground makes his lips tighten; watching the heavily-armed and -armored gnome on his axebeak withdraw barely a couple dozen yards makes his entire expression tighten. "Sire," he says, giving a bow towards Rudolf Surtova, then walks out of the tent and up to Rocknose.
"Master Rocknose," Coalhouse says in a conversational tone (and volume) as he approaches, still rotating the two apples in his hand; 'Master' is definitely a step down from the previous 'Sir' he'd used previously to address the paladin-hellknight. "I'm rather surprised you showed up, after refusing to swear fealty. That said, however, here's my question, and it's twofold." He continues to amble closer until he's at the gnome's stirrup, though he keeps an eye on the axebeak; he's had ... bad encounters with the beasts before.
"First, if you don't approve of this man, if you haven't sworn oath to support him, why are you here at all any more? Your compatriots - Dagit, Trawets, even Aolis - have all sworn fealty, so you're sort of out of luck there, but I know you have your followers, so you could pursue the general good, justice, and law ... in some other corner of the continent. Basically, anywhere King Rupert's authority doesn't extend. Second, if you are still wanting to assist your compatriots, if want to gain any sort of influence over his policies instead of antagonizing him and his allies until someone decides you'd be better off at Abadar's side, then why are you being a blithering idiot and offending him at every step? He told you to take off, so you withdraw barely outside of conversational earshot?
Coalhouse shakes his head, adding, "And don't try the argument that 'you left the meeting'; that would be ... amazingly pedantic of you. Head back to the Wanderer's camp. Or hell, even just a couple hundred yards up the road, if you have a burning need to be within save-your-buddies range. But I gotta tell ya, you being so consistently offensive and well within charge distance to a man I've sworn my oath to -- makes me kind of twitchy. So I'd take it as a kindness if you, say, went back to camp with Father Ezekiel, or maybe up the road to where that fellow is hiding in the bushes with his horse. Whaddaya say? Keep the peace a bit?"
Merus walks up to the meeting place alone and apparently unconcerned. He watches the exchanges between the Hellknight and the others, then continues into the meeting. He glances around taking note of each person. He gives a quick bow to Rupert and settles towards the back of the crowd.
Having arrived upon Fylson he had barely settled in by dismounting when problems reared their ugly heads. Aolis only watched what he knew would come, heavens forbid it ended so simply. He could make a few arguments for Axhammer's presence but both their actions were the sort of thing that deserved each other in his mind. Then Coalhouse came barreling in with all the ease of a drunken bull in a pottery shop. Turning a misunderstanding and bad decisions on both parties part into a provocation and ultimatum. He had not even set foot in the stolen lands and was already trying to make more enemies. That would not due, more so when that enemy was one of his comrades. Still he would let it play out, if Rupert could not speak for himself and needed such a blunt porter to do it for him. Well that said volumes to him and everyone else here.
Concerning Rupert he still did not know if it was arrogance, clumsiness, or ignorance. Axhammers reaction was almost predictable, granted not the back handed nature of it. But a reaction was expected when you basically gave your word to a hellknight and then betrayed that word in the span of mere hours. More so it was placed in writing, social etiquette aside as hellknights had no use for it nor should anyone familiar with them expect much of it from them. A token effort of explanation or even respectful bid of his leave would have been enough. You never win playing the brute with a hellknight, they only bend to law. Even then the law must be in accordance to the measure and chain. No kings, countries, or anyone else for that matter was going to get anywhere otherwise. He supposed he could have said as much, then again Rupert had been to busy being a political brute now hadn't he.
Amavin glides up to the tent, not the least bit surprised that Axhammer had shown up and spotting Coalhouse having words with the Hellknight. "Sir please...if someone insists on acting like a child then let them. There's nothing to be gained watching someone stamp their feet like a five year old begging for attention, just ignore it and move on" she advises, addressing her remarks to the businessman as she ignores Axhammer, slipping into the tent and acknowledging the presence of Aolis with a swift nod of respect. Once inside the tent she makes the appropriate gesture of respect towards Rupert, and takes a spot near the corner of the tent.
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Dagit sees Axhammer and frowns. he knows the feeling, but he does nothing to move against him. He is a good friend... oath or not there is only one thing far worse than loosing your divine powers... and that is your closest allies.
When Axhammer moves to the corner, Dagit watches the others speak with him. Dagit gathers his composure and moves over. "Exuse me, Axhammer is a hell-knight, and knows first and foremost the consequences of his actions. If the gods see wrong in it then he will face judgement. But if that is not the case then should you not question your own judgement?" Dagit lets those words sit in the air as he returns to his spot.
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Moving back towards the crowd he smiled within his helm,shield held out before him briefly stopping at each person "Who will loan you gold Unpios Man, who will store your valuables, who will keep the Cruasdes from your door? Who will ask the Lawful Gods to forgive your heresy that you speak so often?
"Killing me and sending me to my god will not get you anything more than a Crusade, and yet here I stand waiting for your thugs to commence with thier threats. I will of course have no qualms telling the Hellknight Orders of this, travisty, let the clerics of the Lawful Gods, spread the word of your kingdoms Chaotic and Evil nature. Slaying a Paladin and Preist under a white flag? What more hersey and befoulment of the Laws of Hospitality will you allow to be done?
The voice conveying all of the information is calm, quite, and yet filled with hope that this can be turned around. However he is ready to die standing there under the white flag if it means destroying Chaos, and Evil.
Azrael lofts a brow at Axhammer's outburst... to claim Rupert and his nascent kingdom chaotic and evil because he was spurned at a meeting seems childish at best. Who said anything about slaying anyone? And now after being asked to leave, he's claiming he's under the 'laws of hospitality'? Hospitality is an offering, nothing more, not a law, though there are customs in place, for sure. Ah well, perhaps he will come to see reason at some time.
He turns his attention back to the audience as a whole, and chats with others about mundane matters.
Suddenly, from seeming nowhere, a whirling miniature solar system appears floating near Azrael's head... He turns to glance at it, and gives it a little wink. He speaks to it softly in some form of Celestial, understandable with difficulty by those who speak that language, but it bears notable differences from standard Celestial. "Hullo Corwin, good to see you... You've been busy tonight... How is Hareth doing?"
The little solar system replies in a piping voice in the same type of Celestial language, it's satellites whirring faster as it speaks, "He's fine.. keeping watch. You done yet?"
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The hellknight looked at the other two paladins, "One of your group just made a threat to murder me, and you wish me to leave this place? No, I will not leave under anyones orders at this point NOT after having been threatened by the man who apparently speaks for this Unpious Noble.. Either slay me now or continue those are you only choices.
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Dagit sighs. "if there is a problem, we can alwasy sommon an outsider to see its point of Veiw on this... I'm sure an Archon would have great insight into our plight on this issue." dagit seriously is considering just doing that here and now, to show that there is no evil in this room... of if there is then it shall be swiftly ended.
Arriving with the other Coursers, Aramil offers a short bow to the king and takes a seat midway down the table, watching as others arrive. He is unsurprised by Axhammer's arrival, having suspected he would come, but the way he threw the paper down at the king...he was inordinately stubborn, this one. Still, it was clear that both had offended the other in some way, likely revolving around the oath of fealty, and only time or death would heal that rift.
He saw Coalhouse's arrival and watched as the porter relaxed, then saw his confrontation with Axhammer. Though he understood what Coalhouse had been trying to say, the way he said it could not have been better phrased than to put the Hellknight's back up and further offend him. Amavin's dismissiveness upon her entry would only add fuel to the fire, and he was unsurprised by Axhammer striding forward full of righteous fury.
The accusations leveled at the King, however, were a surprise. He'd expected anger, he'd expected him to complain of the insult...but to accuse a man he'd met mere hours before of being unpious, committing heresies and being an agent of Chaos and Evil just because he was offended? While he supposed the Paladin could use his abilities to determine such, he personally had observed no such signs from Rupert.
Stepping forward, he said to Axhammer, "Good sir knight, I do not believe Coalhouse was intending to threaten you, particularly here and now. I also do not believe he was acting at the king's behest, seeing as he came over to you without either direction or provocation. His words were blunt and ill-chosen, true, but he was merely stating that he sees you as a threat to attack the king, not that he intends to assassinate you or murder you where you stand. Indeed, I doubt any here would do so unprovoked. Also, I believe to accuse a man you have met mere hours ago of being unpious, a heretic and an agent of Chaos and Evil to be rather premature. I understand your anger, and in some respects you are perhaps right to be, but in this instance you only further hurt your cause. Decisions made in anger are often hasty and result only in tragedy. Please, I request of you, knight of Law and Good, to withdraw from this place, and let calm enter your thoughts. Let us all move past this and start anew on the morrow with a clean slate. Let calm and peace be our companions this night. Or, if you will not, let us accept Dagit's offer to summon forth an Archon. Surely, the judgement of a being of pure Law and Good will be acceptable to you?"
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Rupert raises his hand.
"Lord Axhammer, we hereby order all the people under my command not to attack you, and to be polite and courteous. Moreso, they all are to refrain to speak to you. We will talk to you tomorrow night, after our first day of travel. Now please leave, and let us have our meeting."
He looks at Coalhouse and the others, expecting a compliance to his orders.
His peace having been said, and the king's orders issued, Aramil half-bows and moves away from Axhammer and returns to his seat, a silent look on his face that says, Please be satisfied with that and adjourn.
Aolis moves towards the front of the tent, catching Axhammer's eye if he can. He gives a directed nod for him to go. Rupert was going to get a few things from him tonight, loyalty was not one of them if this continued.
Coalhouse, riled by the paladin-hellknight's psychotic, obsessive, paranoid drivel, doesn't care for the order, but after a glance at Rupert, he places his hand over his heart and gives a slight bow. "Sire. At your command." He gives Axhammer a long, contemptuous up-and-down examination, then spits to the side as if just the sight of the tall [for a] gnome left a bad taste to his mouth.
Turning and walking away from the [tall for a] gnome, he doesn't miss the arrogant, haughty expression on Aolis's face, and the half-orc's palpable disgust only intensifies. Shaking his head, he glances around at those present, his attention arrested by the floating, chiming ... thing by Azrael. Moving slowly around the table, he asides to Aramil as he passes that elf, "I'd say we already have a celestial servant of good and law here..."