"I agree, Malthir. Much as it pains me to abandon the Swordlords, our duty is to the wellbeing of Kardas. And I believe this agreement is the best we can hope for."
Kip nods in agreement with Malthir and Cas. These are my feelings as well.
"Yes," Fenna nods in the private council, "this agreement merely prevents us from lending support to either side in any civil conflict within Brevoy... something I think we would be loath to do in any case. It allows us to continue our peaceful relations with Restov and her allies, and also opens the door to better relations with New Stetven."
"Even the tribute might be negotiated. If it is merely to save political face, as the Duke claims, then the past actions of House Surtova present an opportunity. The cost of any tribute might be defrayed by requesting a small token to make amends for any past wrongdoings towards us."
The dragon has two heads... Oleg said softly. This Duke Demid has clearly researched us, noted Kardas' diplomatic standing and familiarised himself with our short history, and particularly the Guardians. He led up to his proposal for the entire meeting. I find it difficult to believe he does not have a counter-point ready to defend the past actions of the Surtovans who attacked you in the Narlmarches those two or three years ago; whether he'll claim they were acting alone, or on false information, its hard to say. My point is, our economy is strong and with our new allies Oleg nodded to Ricter without meeting his eyes we should be secure enough to grow our territory rapidly and keep our economy flourishing. Tis not a large sum they want. Better to just pay it and get this man and his knights away from our capital. While your at it, why not try and extend the agreement to a promise from both nations that military access will be requested in future, rather than rudely turn up at our doors.
"You know more of our finances than I," Fenna concedes to Oleg with a faint smile, "if we can afford to pay them what is asked, then there is little to be gained from reopening old wounds."
I have been discussing the coming plans for the treasury at length with Oleg and I think we can just manage it with out current plans, only just though.
Good, I am glad we all agree, let's be done with it and have them out of our hair once and for all.
Cas, you should also draft a message for your contacts within the Swordlords. Let them know that we have not turned out backs on them. Our hand may be forced on any direct involvement but we will not forget them. Now that we know that Surtova was not involved with helping us, we owe them more than ever.
Malthir is willing to draft or sign an agreement to the affect that Duke Demid has stated and he witnesses the rest of the Statkari doing the same.
...Barony of Kardas...
Kingdom in all but name Kalev corrected the man in an even, but determined tone.
"I think it will be best if I make a trip to Restov myself. Some things are best handled in person. I'll take Kressle along - between the two of us, we should be able to handle anything we run into along the way."
"I think it will be best if I make a trip to Restov myself. Some things are best handled in person. I'll take Kressle along - between the two of us, we should be able to handle anything we run into along the way."
To be honest I am more worried about the after you get there. What if the Swordlords feel betrayed and decide to take it out on you and Kressle? Or what if they decide to take you hostage ad demand the gold they invested in us?
I would feel much more confortable if you worked through your agents. Brevoy nor Restov is save for any of us now.
Casimir gives Malthir a hard look.
"None of us would be here if it were not for the Swordlords, Malthir - the least we can do is look them in the eyes when we announce our independence. If they decide to respond by harming or capturing a diplomatic envoy, well that is just another risk I will have to face as a Guardian and Statkari. It is no different than facing trolls in battle or assassins in our cities. And I hope that by going in person, we can at least salvage some measure of friendship with Restov."
I will go with you. There is safety in numbers, they say.
"Thank you for the offer, Kalev, but in this case, I think we are better off with a small group that won't attract too much attention. After all, you DO tend to stand out a bit in a crowded city. If we run into any trouble, out first option will be to evade and regroup - with my magic and Kressle's woodland skill, we should be fine."
When you say a "small" group Cas, does that include myself then? Kip adds with a warm smile. I don't stand out in a crowd, unless I wish too... and I am pretty handy to have around when it is time to escape and evade. Perhaps I should come as well?
"The Sword Lords will no doubt have requests or demands. Having members of the Statkari there able to answer such things there and then - in most cases - will probably make the damage control that much easier. I also agree that this is work for the subtler members of our band"
The Swordlords set Kardas up as an independent nation, not as their vassals and their contact with us has been in decline for quite some time. While Casimir's desire to negotiate with them is commendable, is it necessary? And will it only subject us to further demands from powers greater than ourselves?
Jhod paused in an effort to let his counsel sink in.
The Swordlord Council might take such an agreement as we will make with the Surtovans as a grave offence. Casimir, I would be ready to defend yourself in at least one duel if you do this.
The Swordlords set Kardas up as an independent nation, not as their vassals and their contact with us has been in decline for quite some time. While Casimir's desire to negotiate with them is commendable, is it necessary? And will it only subject us to further demands from powers greater than ourselves?
Jhod paused in an effort to let his counsel sink in.
The Swordlord Council might take such an agreement as we will make with the Surtovans as a grave offence. Casimir, I would be ready to defend yourself in at least one duel if you do this.
I agree with Jhod. We should work through your contacts, it would be more than dangerous to leave Kardas right now even as skilled as you are. Facing this danger seems pointless when there is enough to face here.
And as Jhod says, we are in no position to barter with another party for our freedom.
Cas, what about meeting them in a neutral location like Nivakta’s
Crossing or Ft. Serenko? At least you won't be in the seat of their power if you insist on going?
Illya, this is really just to buy us time. This agreement will mean little once the rebellion starts for either side. We will try not to get dragged in but if either side decides it's time to try ad drag us in things will become complicated.
I expect at that point the agreement will still be in place but could be ignored. I just want us to be as stong as we can between now and then.
"I do insist on going, Malthir - and I think your concerns about the reaction we will face is unfounded. The Swordlords granted us the charter, and as has repeatedly been pointed out, it grants us the right to rule this reals as we see fit. I am confident that we have more friends than enemies in Restov - and certainly more than in New Stetven. If it will make you more at ease, I will bring Kalev, Kip and anyone else who feels like coming."
Fine Cas. If they demand their gold back...they are not getting it back...or at least not for a few years. he smiles...
"Not to worry, Malthir. We'll be back before you know it, and I have no intention of coming back with a lighter purse. I'll bring you back something nice."
"As you say, a smaller group is less likely to draw too much attention; the Surtovans may assume betrayal if half our ruling council were to visit the Swordlords immediately following our discussion with Duke Demid." Fenna speaks to Casimir, "Though I would be grateful if you might find the time to enquire after Galen Medvyed while you are in Brevoy, it would put ease to my mind to know that he is well."
Reading over Ilya's document, Fenna frowns slightly at the closing paragraphs, "I would be doubtful that the Dragonscale Throne would be willing to put signature to this as it stands... I am sure that Oleg can correct me if I am mistaken, but I would assume that a cessation of import and export duties would be far more beneficial to us than to Brevoy; they stand to be our largest trading partner, while we are yet only one of many markets available to them."
"I will certainly inquire of Galen Medvyed, Fenna. And if you have any letters or other messages for him, I will make sure they are passed on to his family or anyone else who might come in contact with him soon."
If Casimir is set upon going... I will accompany him if he so wishes... and if there is nothing else requiring my attention here...
Over the final week of Pharast, many events that had been set in motion earlier in the month came to fruition.
Duke Demid left Kardas with a small tribute in tow and one copy of a signed agreement drafted by Statkari Ilya. He promised that Brevoy would honour the agreement and recognise Kardas as both an independent Barony and Nation.
Ilya himself left at the very end of the month in order to visit Varnhold, with two of Ricter's less conspicuous Hellknights in tow. Ricter's other Hellknights began to make their new citadel a home, but without funding from Kardas the dwarven complex that once belonged to Troll King Hargulka were sparse and ill-fit for purpose- although it remained both secluded and extremely defensible.
Fenna found a quiet room in the castle and the small Councillor consulted with the heavens and stars, receiving answers to her questions over an exhaustive ten minute ritual that left her shaking and exhausted for the remainder of that day. As always, she found herself wondering who exactly provided these mysterious answers; but as usual, at the end of her trance she had no recollection of how the piece of parchment in her hands had her questions and answers wrote down in her handwriting.
Did Calenwen speak truly about the identity of her mistress?
Yes, if considered self-serving.
Can Calenwen’s mistress be trusted to leave Kardas in peace, and leave the area after ten years?
Yes.
Does Gwengwyvar, the Blodeuwedd Queen, wish harm upon the people or lands of Kardas?
Not specifically but general malice.
Would a smaller group of Statkari be more likely accepted to treat with the Blodeuwedd?
No.
Does the blood of Choral the Conqueror flow through the veins of Galen Medvyed?
Unclear.
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Casimir's contacts pulled through and a Half-Elf Druid named Cale Tarmikos who had come at his invitation to Kardas performed a reincarnation on Kundal's preserved remains. He had Kundal buried in the earth underneath an oak tree and doused the finger he had severed from the corpse with several vials of exotic natural oils. After a ritual taking ten minutes, cast from a scroll and with the words of magic spoken in Druidic, the finger crumbled to ash and became one with the earth- and the potent magic of the spell slowly formed into the body of a young, muscular Half-Orc which bore a striking resemblance to Kundal's features, although a little more bestial and tusked. If anything, the powerful build and muscles of the new body seemed to promise even greater strength than Kundal had possessed in life. Once the body had fully formed, Kundal's spirit rushed into it- and Kundal awoke with a sudden gasp of air- shocked by the sudden return of life and the transformation. Akiros gently led him away to help him become accustomed to his new form, but not before Kundal humbly thanked the Statkari for returning him to the living. Over the past few days, Kundal has shown signs of being well-adjusted despite his new form- perhaps his background as a shapeshifter made him well-suited for such a ritual. Akiros took Kundal under his wing and he essentially became his right-hand man. Neither of them seemed very popular with the Hellknight contingent, but neither of them seemed too worried about this. Ricter's reports about powerful chaotic auras in Swordhaven were usually limited to a single man- Kundal; much to the Hellknight's ire. Still, the sweeps had barely begun.
Kesten himself was raised via a scroll, used carefully by Jhod Kavken to return his spirit to his body. The diamond he held in his hand slowly fell apart as he called upon it in the spellcasting- he slowly scattered pieces of it upon the fallen General as he chanted and the diamond dust faded into Kesten's body, seeming to close mortal wounds and heal flesh. When Kesten's spirit returned to his body, he was still gravely wounded but able to stand- and his young wife and child rejoiced at his return. After being magically healed of remaining wounds but nevertheless still somewhat drained after his ordeal, Kesten eagerly inquired of the fate of the city. Once he had been informed of all that had happened, he slowly sank to one knee before the other Statkari.
I cannot, in good conscience, leave after what you have done for me he said solemnly. House Garess will have to manage without this soldier. I shall remain in Kardas, my lords.
The expensive, Barony-funded reincarnation and raising of the pair did not come without repercussions. The other wealthy members of Swordhaven's richer families and self appointed nobles feuded over whether they too should have rights to such means- many defended the Statkari's new policy while others decried elitism and the unnaturalness of life beyond the grave. Fenna managed to calm the disputes and issues in a series of town meetings until they eventually faded away without lasting consequence.
Eventually, the new month was ushered in and Kardas seemed a little calmer, at least for now. Ilya had left for Varnhold and Casimir, Kip and Kressle prepared to make a trip to Restov.
"No specific messages," Fenna nods to Casimir, "but might you reiterate my previous invitation for him to visit us in Swordhaven?"
...
During the week, Fenna would like to take the opportunity to visit Vierkirche, to check on the cathedral's development, and reassure the residents of the town that they have not been forgotten.
...
Last two questions:
Left unmolested, would the Blodeuwedd be a threat to Kardas?
Do any elves, aside from Calenwen if she can be counted as such, serve Ehaism-Caesin?
Malthir assures Red Eyes that magic will be used on his behalf within the next month.
Kip offers to loan the coin required to awaken Red Eyes' chosen companion now rather than later...
Unless there are any good reasons for me to stay, I will journey with you. I doubt a half-orc's presense will cause any problems, unless paintings of me are in high demand in Restov. I could certainly understand why a young woman would want to have a picture of me, but still... Kalev said with a smile.
-----
After Kundal's reincarnation as a half-orc, Kalev has started visiting Kundal, feeling some sort of racial bond with the former werewolf.
"I will welcome your company, Kalev. And you are right, your presence will probably not make much of a difference unless people are watching for us specifically - at which point we are all equally at risk of being recognized."
"We should be ready to ride out in a couple of days, just as soon as council business is taken care of. Once we get to Restov, I'll contact the Swordlords for a discreet meeting.
No, you four couldn't possibly get into trouble... says Malthir with more than a little sarcasm in his voice.
No wars! That's the least I can expect from you.
Ricter, Fenna, and I might go and have a look for these Worgs while you are gone. Don't worry, I plan to take Kundal with us to help track since our tracker has business elsewhere as well as Kesten to keep his mind off of things.
Speaking for myself, the only "trouble" I'm looking for in Restov involves plenty of drink, games of dice and/or pretty young ladies! Kip remarks with mischief in his voice.
His tone turns my serious when Malthir signals his intent to hunt the Worgs. Hunt the Worgs? Without the rest of us? Do you think that wise? Kips smile fades entirely. Now you have gone and made me feel guilty about leaving... He taps his chin as he ponders. Which duty should I fulfil... ?
As he continues to ponder, he adds, almost as an afterthought, Have you given any thought to my offer regarding Red Eyes and his request?
It is as wise as heading into what could be enemy territory to tell someone that you will no longer be their ally, but probably less so.
Seriously, be careful and run if you need to. Kardas and Malthir don't want to try and run this kingdom without you! he smiles.
Red Eyes agreed to 3 moons. Fang will be with him next month at the latest, all is being prepared. I spoke to him myself. If you wish to take this on to make it happen earlier I am not opposed to it.
Several nights later, he invites Kesten to sit by the fire with him and share a drink.
My friend, I am glad you are back. You sacrificed much to help save this land. Bringing you back was the least we could do. We have released you from our service, yet you have decided to stay. You should know that I would not have filled your position as Kardas' General otherwise.
The Hellknights were necessary. Our position is tenuous at the moment.
You can still go if that is your wish? You have earned that much from us. Don't think for one minute that I want you to though but as I said you have earned that honor at least. What do you want from me and from Kardas Kesten? Name it and if it is within our power, we shall grant it!
Though his time is spread thin between making the new keep defensible and monitoring the militia in Kardas, Ricter is present when the diplomatic party leaves.
"There is no cause for concern, Kip. My bretheran are deployed along our southern boarder. Should we need to retreat, they stand ready to repeal a counter attack - the boarder villages will not suffer should we find ourselves temporarily outmatched."
Later, Ricter sends word to the keep to be spread amongst the three squads posted in the boarder hamlets:
The Baron is considering a sortie into the wilderness whilst a number of a guardians are away from the Barony. The target is a warg pack, which may be provoked to counter-attack should we be unable to best them.
Put plans in place to protect the local population from an attack specifically by fast, organized predators. Evacuation as would be performed in the face of a further troll attack will be impossible due to the speed of the creatures - concentrate on identifying suitable strong-points to defend.
Inform the locals of what you are preparing for and make sure they know their part in your plans. Make it clear the danger they are potentially in. They will be easier to keep under control when properly afraid of the monsters they rely on us to protect them from.
It is curious to me that everyone is already treating Brevoy as two separate entities... Considering how easily these pieces of paper that everyone is waving around can be invalidated by a few words, I see no real change in our actual position. In the tradition of the River Kingdoms, we are free to make our choices and change our minds just like the Surtova's are doing. At some point we need to act like a truly sovereign nation, not one beholden to another for its "legitimate" existence.
We go as a courtesy, to inform the Swordlords of the Surtova's latest move, nothing more. We are not declaring our alliance with their enemy and should not, if the second charter was genuine, be worried about confirming our right to independent decision making...
Bringing harm to us would only serve to make an enemy of Kardas. I believe the Swordlords to be wiser than that.
Kip waves a hand, realizing he is saying more than he intended to...
Anyhow, I am not going to Restov to debate political agendas. I am going to support a friend, and see that he returns in good health.
As for Red Eyes, if he is truly happy to wait a month... that is good enough for me.
Deep in her divination, Fenna asked two more questions.
Left unmolested, would the Blodeuwedd be a threat to Kardas?
Unclear. Not directly.
Do any elves, aside from Calenwen if she can be counted as such, serve Ehaism-Caesin?
No.
Fenna's trip to Vierkirche was well received by the cathedral town, although the people were keen to see the settlement grow. The massive cathedral and its staff put out a fine meal to welcome the councillor and she was asked to bless the newly built bells.
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Ricter began to make security arrangements as Malthir planned a hunting trip- specifically, to hunt the Worg's that slew Lord Sirian and his entourage. Lord Sirian himself was also raised by Jhod at the Barony's expense- but after thanking Malthir and the other Statkari humbly he claimed exhaustion from the ordeal. He currently lives in a room in the castle, slowly settling in, grieving for his men and recovering his strength. Vaysh and Jhod have taken it upon themselves to be his host and speak to him daily while the remaining Guardians seek out the Worgs. Thus far, he has graciously confirmed what you already know and made it clear he was to be situated in Swordhaven permanently as Varn's ambassador.
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Kesten sat with Malthir a few nights after he had been raised. He thought for a time after Malthir made his speech and replied-
You have done enough for me already, my lord al'Dagon. I live to see my son grow and return to my family and home. I am content.
Despite his words however, Malthir sensed a hesitation in his voice. He got the impression that Kesten's sense of honour would not allow him to even ask to leave Kardas now, despite his desire to return to House Garess and take up arms. Even Malthir's express permission to leave did not seem enough for him- Kesten had always put duty first and knowing the cost of his revival had shifted his sense of duty
______________________________________________________________________.
Kalev visited Kundal and the pair of burly half-orcs could often be seen wrestling the Owlbear cub, training the magical beast. It was exceptionally difficult work- the young cub had a ferocious, frenzied temper and had lashed out several times at both handlers. Nevertheless, they were making slow and steady progress rearing it. Kalev's own experience in raising animals and beasts was much less than Kundal's own- not only was he well trained at such a task but he seemed to instinctively understand the cub and its instincts. Kalev was able to help him on several occasions though, his help still valuable in an assisting role. Kundal seemed to have adapted well, although he was clearly still in need of a Restoration spell to be the man he once was. He tired quicker, seemed a little sluggish at times and struggled with the Owlbear more than he used to. Without Kalev's help, it looked like he might not manage to rear the cub successfully at all.
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Day 3 of the Journey to Restov-
Two and a half years after the founding of Kardas, Casimir, Kip, Kressle and Kalev now made their way north through the Greenbelt to return to Restov. For Casimir in particular, the journey is full of reminders, as the group passed the magnificent tree which the mites lived underneath and Northgreen- now a small town where once stood only one man's trading post. In the distance to the east, Bokken's hut- now a small hunting lodge after the hermit abandoned it. The flourishing hamlet around the gold mine the group stumbled across almost three years ago. Casimir can recall when these lands were wild and dangerous; and now as the trio travelled north, they could see hamlets, thorps and farming communities dotted over the lands- mostly supporting local agriculture. The stone road built through the landscape leading north kept the journey quick even in the hilly terrain.
Yet there was still great beauty in this place, even with civilisation laid over it. Many of the residents of Kardas followed a similar pattern of thought to Oleg himself, leaving small copses of several trees in many places, even close to the road. The flora and fauna had inevitably been disturbed, but farmer's wives happily laid flowers by roadsides and in their hamlets. Kalev in particular, felt Erastil would be pleased by the compromise between community and nature. As he wandered away from the city, he felt good. He thought often of the White Stag and Erastil and pondered their plans for these Stolen Lands- and for him.
Kip himself wondered if the magnificent tree could serve as a treetop settlement, like the Wood Elves sometimes built- a haven and gathering place for the good Fey of the Stolen Lands. Many he had met still had reservations about Kardas, especially now the Hellknights had joined the nation. They feared being banished from their ancestral lands or being put into alienages. Perhaps a city in which Fey were particularly welcome would help alleviate the problem? The Halfling's Fey blood stirred as he saw the landmark- it was an truly ancient sycamore tree, over 100 feet tall and with a trunk over seven metres in radius. Its thousands of long, strong branches could surely support dwellings. Of course, the tree was old and perhaps near the end of its life. But perhaps with the right magic or a displaced Dryad- it could be restored and preserved? A treetop city had its own vulnerabilities but against conventional attack, it was exceptionally hard to siege or assault.
Kressle too, seemed merry. Although she had some initial worries about her former bandit status within Restov, she had packed a veil which she intended to wear if she felt someone might recognise her. The huntress seemed amused by being part of "Team K" and teased Casimir about being the odd one out- although she did seem to be very happy to get her husband away from his duties for a time and enjoy a journey together.
The four travellers witnessed many dozens of Brevic people, their belongings in tow, travelling south to emigrate to Kardas. They are keen to escape the coming war and Casmir is able to get some news out of them, especially bastards and disaffected young nobility too low in the succession to have a claim.
Open war is simply waiting for the first strike now. House Lebeda and Lodovka in the north-west and south-west have publicly declared their loyalty to the crown, Surtova- while Orlovsky has successfully negotiated an agreement between itself, Restov and Medyved. The land is divided between west and east- save for House Garess. Sandwiched between Surtova and Lodovka to their north and Lebeda to their south, House Garess is trapped should they declare for the eastern alliance but their mountains are extremely defensible, especially with an alliance with the Dwarves there. Having enjoyed bribes from both sides, House Garess has gathered its banners as well as a powerful mercenary army paid partly paid for by the other houses. How long they could afford to maintain such a force is something every major lord in Brevoy must be wondering.
New Stetven is interestingly placed geographically- it is fairly close to Restov and far from Surtovan lands. However, it looks set to be used as a staging point for any south offensive and therefore is extremely well defended, especially when the Bulwark of Gorum, the largest temple to the deity in Brevoy, is considered.
It looks apparent now that House Garess will not commit itself until the fighting has begun, which puts Surtova and its allies in a more difficult position than Restov and its alliance- committing the crown's full strength without leaving a force to keep Garess in check would leave Surtovan duchies and baronies vulnerable- as well as Lodovkan and Lebedan. Restov do not want to appear as the upstart rebels to the common people and are hoping that Surtova will make the first strike, which people expect to come any day now.
After two nights camping in the Stolen Lands after the day's journey, the four crested a hill and saw Restov before them, lit up by hundreds of light sources. The grassy plains and gentle rolling hills of Rostland's farmland were also visible outside the city. Restov- the second largest city in Brevoy with over 20,000 people. Home of many a Swordlord and traditionally, House Rogarvia's "home" city, excluding the slightly larger wooden capital of New Stetven.
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Day 2 of the Hunt for the Worgs-
With no real trail to follow, Kundal did his best to pick one up in the hills of the Kamelands, but after one day and night in the wilderness, Kundal, Fenna, Ricter and Malthir have seen no sign of any worgs, although they had spent a miserable night being rained upon with little shelter to be had. On the second day however, they pick up the trail of what seems to be a merchant caravan. Judging from the direction of its passing, it seemed to be travelling north from Mivon and ignoring Swordhaven or Northgreen- sticking to the mostly unclaimed eastern Greenbelt. Kundal thinks they only passed through yesterday and doesn't think they travel particularly fast.
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Meanwhile, Ilya and his two Hellknight guards are a little over halfway to Varnhold, having travelled north up to the east-west South Rostland road and moving east to eventually head south and turn towards Varnhold.
Malthir is curious about the caravan as well as it being a prime target for Worg raiders.
He suggests they follow and possibly meet this caravan that seems to be avoiding the roads and major cities.