Skallangbiorn locks eyes with Rutilux, giving him a nod of gratitude and reassurance. "Do not give way to worry, Sir Rutilux. Courage is what is needed here."
Rutilux nods.
Turning his attention back to the girl, he again asks the boy's leave before moving her to an open couch in the main room. "Isham, you have drawn insights into this household's worship. I understand they have the holy writings of Erastil close to hand. Perhaps if one of you is versed in the teachings, you could begin offering prayers for the Warden’s protection.” Belying his height and formidable presence, Skallangbiorn is gentle in placing Jennis in a more comfortable place. ”I will set about praying for her in my own way and ask for Gorum’s strength to wash over her and provide her with strength to fight these fresh memories.”
"I think Iomedae will forgive me if, in addition to praying to her, I also implore Old Deadeye to look after one of his faithful. Pardon me." the Cavalier goes off to pray to both.
Iomedae, Inheritor, great lady of Valor. I praise you for all the blessings you have granted me. I am no paladin, but your example has shown me that striving to be honorable and just is not so much a burden, but as a gift a man may give to himself. I turn to you to help one sorely in need of valor. A young woman, Jennis, has been through much. She faced a strangeness and has the truth of the fearful moment presented before her. I ask you to fill her heart with the light of courage so it might banish the dark cage of fear that even now engulfs her. Help her find her strength.
May the Right prevail, and the light triumph.
He takes a deep breath, and then begins to pray again, this time to Erastil. He feels no shame in this, he's not a paladin or cleric and many in this world call on this or that god as need demands.
But he realizes Erastil may have little reason to honor one who has never really prayed to him before. Rutilux is not a hunter by nature, and certainly no farmer, but family? Family was in no small part why he came north. Yes, he could relate to the god on that level
Erastil, ancient god of the plow, the bow, and the homefire. I am Rutilux Talonn and most like a stranger to you. I come on bended knee to pray for a household that calls you lord, and is in dire need of your help. Jennis is a young woman, barely more than a girl, yet she has lost family, and then was taken by a fiend herself. Please, help her fight whatever shadows plague her soul and memory now. Let the warmth of your hearth hold back the cold shards of tragedy that pierce at her heart and threaten to overwhelm. Let her rise phoenix like stronger than before so that she might help the family she has, and, if it be her will, take on husband and family of her own in proper time.
Please.
After the prayer, he rises and stretches. And keeps an eye outside. He can do little more than defend and protect this place while they wait.
"Well, now we know for certain that Thorvald can make the young ladies swoon. Come, let's lie her down somewhere comfortable until she can recover. She'll be wanting some water when she comes aware again."
Turning to Stenly, "Good sir, your courage in protecting your sister is admirable. Our dear Thorvald here is direct, as I understand is the custom of your people. It is probably as well, for Jennis would have had to confront her experiences at some point. Perhaps you can help us to help her, if you tell us what you know about 'Smokie Joe'. If Jennis reacted that way, I'm sure you've heard tales as well."
"Skallingborn, I'd recommend rather than doing away with those arms, they might well be this family's best legacy. If we bring them to Savol's camp, they can turn their hand as squire and lady-in-waiting, even as Rutilux's cousins do. Such quality and storied arms would go far to persuade a Thane or one of the other nobles to make a place for them. Also in that way, we could give some oversight to their well being."
Be mindful of such things, Isham. We in the north can be a superstitious lot. Bringing such weapons into the household of some could be considered an offense once their origins are known. He readies himself for prayers, gathering his newfound weapon and helm and standing to go. For the time being Skall keeps his thoughts to himself, allowing time for Gorum to draw the battle plan and draw the blade. He stands to the side, keeping a close eye on Jennis but awaiting any further discussion.
"The more prayers the better. Perhaps one will listen, or perhaps one or more already did and helped us save the girl. Perhaps the intervention was our arriving here in the first place, but I will offer my own words to those venerated in the North."
Thorvald mutters a few words as he touches each of the iron symbols he keeps on his person before speaking the Skallangbiorn.
"We paid the Iron Price for these weapons. We have used the arms of our enemies against our foes in the past. I already carry The Axe of The Werewolf Lord and a spear from the belly of a dragon slain in part by my hands. Jediah carries a Cold Iron bladed Axe that once was once in my family and a threat to the fey of The Emerald Court. If these weapons bear no taint then I say we should continue to use what we have won to our advantage. We owe many of our successes to our equipment won afield."
The barbarian fetches a cup of water and some cloth should Isham wish to make a cool compress.
"Yes, those truths were direct, but they are still the truth and my intention was to come to some agreement on how to proceed. I wonder how much of his was caused by her local knowledge. . . At any rate at least the girl sleeps. She will need her rest for the days to come."
"Stenly, when you are ready let me know and we can start your training in weapons of war if your father had not already started you in them."
"I will go now, perhaps it is best for you to speak with her Ana and Rose. I suppose women left to their own for their soft tongues and many words are more soothing to their ear."
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Ana gives Thorvald a curious look when he speaks about 'womens' many words'.
Womens' many words? I've yet to meet any woman who rattles on as much as you Ulfen men do.
"Certainly." she says curtly as she leads him towards the door.
Thorvald walked out with Ana.
"That didn't go well. I wish I had drawn from a larger vocabulary of gentle words. . . ."
Thats what you get for speaking like that. You lack Rutilux's polish, Zethyris looks, Ana's Charisma, Ishams worldly charm . . . Dagmar we could really use you.
"Heh, I even managed to . . . Well it doesn't matter. I think I will go sift through the barn. Maybe I can find something useful there or at least get some things ready to go. Make myself useful."
Maybe you should take a que from the Mountain and remain silent more often. You never seem to make yourself heard clearly. Speaker of Savol . . . More like Bumbler of Savol. Like Isham said you really know how to make the ladies swoon. You saw how Ana looked at you when he pointed that out.
"I think I saw a wood pile too. I have been lax in keeping up my axe throwing. Maybe I can get a few throws in. Thank you for guiding me out. I made a real mess of . . . all that . . . in there. Sorry."
"Thorvald - axe throwing isn't something we practice much in the Southlands. Would you mind some company? Perhaps share some of your expertise? I think there's a language to the north, and the bite of an axe striking home is an important part of that vocabulary." Isham accompanies Thorvald, to companionably settle the horses, gather some firewood, and vent some frustrations on unsuspecting wooden targets.
"Yes, it is a skill a cultured northern gentleman is expected to know. Come along if you wish and I can teach you a thing or two about the art."
Although you may never know what truly causes it, the girls pulse slows and the cold sweat stops. A few minutes later she wakes up groggily but looks around terrified before breaking down crying again. Burying herself in Ana's lap murmuring things like, "Don't make me remember. Don't make me go through that again." again and again as Ana, Rose and Stenly try to comfort her.
It takes most of the morning before she calms down enough to be able to respond to your questions but she unconsciously, or purposefully, avoids contact with Thorvald as everyone makes plans and arrangements to leave the farm. It's finally decided that they will travel with you to Tweyd and then from there head on south or to Trollheim.
The trip back to camp is rather peaceful, only broken by a few instances at night. Several times you are kept up by the sounds of wolf packs nearby coming as far as the edges of the firelight and following you during the day. Despite that everyone makes it back to Tweyd in good health.
Your return is quite lacklustre as the majority of the town appears to be abandoned. With most of the army gone all of the towns expansions lay empty, their windows shuttered and bolted.
The ranking soldier present, Rendal, stands ready to greet you in the empty clearing that held Savol, Julianda and his other commanders tents.
"Greetings and well met my Thanes. I am sure you can tell but the army is already on the move. Lord Savol has already deployed his forces to the border and is making final preparations to attack. Please rest and take some time to recuperate. Though me and my men will not see the front at this time you surely will and for that you'll need all the energy that you can muster."
Rutilux is glad the young lady has awoken, but seeing she's in good hands with Ana, Rose, and her cousin, leaves them be.
Sunfire snorts contemptuously at the sound of wolves, seeming ready to cave some canine skulls in. Rutilux is not as eager for a fight, mostly because he worries it will set Jennis to fright again.
When they actually come to the town, the cavalier smiles a bit to see it. It's emptier than he'd like, but if nothing else, it is among allies and that is welcome after an evil bandit lord's hospitality.
The ranking soldier present, Rendal, stands ready to greet you in the empty clearing that held Savol, Julianda and his other commanders tents.
"Greetings and well met my Thanes. I am sure you can tell but the army is already on the move. Lord Savol has already deployed his forces to the border and is making final preparations to attack. Please rest and take some time to recuperate. Though me and my men will not see the front at this time you surely will and for that you'll need all the energy that you can muster."
"Hail to you, Rendal, He responds, thinking of Rose "Are any of the lore wise still among the camp? There are matters of mystic nature that have arisen recently. Or are they with the army as well?"
He also looks about for his two cousins. Eustace would be eager to go to war, but not likely ready in the eyes of many. Noeva, well, she might be older than her brother, but she'd be less eager, or so he hoped.
Thorvald is acutely aware of the fact Jennis is avoiding contact with him. He plays it off as best as he can.
bluff
When the wolves lurk just outside the camp Thorvald welcomes the conflict, but they never make their move. Perhaps they can sense that the barbarian seeks something to vent his rage upon and seek out easier prey.
Seeing the empty camp Thorvald is visibly disappointed, but not surprised.
"I suppose it would have been too easy to find Savol and his cadre here to help advise us wouldn't it?"
He rides up and waits while Rutilux speaks and receives his answer then asks, "What has happened that Savol has moved to the border and has Savol been named King by the surrounding lands by taking a Linnorms head Rendal?"
"I am sorry lord but aside from the towns elders there are only warriors, what little divine support that Lord Savol has marched with him. If you look to your kin they went with Bron. He felt they would be safer nearby rather than left back here." turning to answer Thorvald, "Scouts and villagers near the border reported large amounts of troop movements from Irrissen so lord Savol dispatched everyone that wasn't already assigned to defending the nearby towns to march for the border and prepare for their attack." he pauses not quite sure what you mean before realization dawns on his face, "Yes lord Savol defeated a two headed Linnorm some time back, I believe you missed most of the celebrations. I thought you already knew."
Rutilux nods, "Things are very complex right now. It seems our timing is forever just a bit off. Rose and Rolf suffer under a geas of sorts. Jennis," He gestures to the young maiden, and her cousin, "And Stenly have lost their family."
He considers, "Did Lord Savol leave any orders for us specifically should we return while he was gone?"
On the journey, Zethyris will try to find out the identity of Jennis's adventuring cousin.
"If we do not have standing orders, perhaps we should try to meet up with Savol again and let him know we were successful in rescuing Montulo. He may still need us to gather support for him, or help defend against Irrisen."
Skallangbiorn spends his time seeking to know more about the company in which Gorum has seen fit to place his servant. To say they are diverse would be like calling an elven blade's edge "slightly keen". But the big cleric finds himself enjoying the banter.
At different points he'll strike up conversations to learn more about the group.
But the travel to Tweyd is not without concerns. As they learn of the wolf pack shadowing them, Skallangbiorn considers what Rose had described back at the farmstead. So much so, that he takes the mornings to investigate their back trail. He looks for the wolves' patterns of stalking and if they move like a normal pack versus having more...human direction.
As they near the village, he shares his concerns. "I wonder if this Wulf, the raider Rose mentioned, is following us. If he is a lycanthrope, he may employ others of his kind in a hunt. Or to track our movements to report back to his master."
----------------------------------
At their arrival in Tweyd, Skallangbiorn finds a twinge of disappointment at tuhe news Savoy had left.
"Scouts and villagers near the border reported large amounts of troop movements from Irrissen so lord Savol dispatched everyone that wasn't already assigned to defending the nearby towns to march for the border and prepare for their attack." Rendal responds to their inquiry.
"Then my efforts are at an end." He gives Shaggy horse a rub along the neck. "If Savol has answered the call at the border, than my mission is at an end. It means I am free to return to my brothers in black."
The cleric folds his arms across his chest. "It also frees me to stay on with you if we are to pursue this Margrave and his ilk. If the Savol is focusing on the border, it would prove an opportune time for that scum to strike."
"In either case, I would be honored to serve alongside this group."
"He gave no orders regarding you to me but if I may chance an opinion, I think he'd rather you join him at the front so that he can better plan his actions." he pauses, "But battle is no place for the young. Why not leave your charges here under our guard and make better speed to meet Savol?"
The wolf tracks and markings in the morning appear normal. You can tell that the pack was probably between seven and ten large and their tracks are normal sized rather than dire.
"Ha! By the Gods, Savol is a Linnorm King. The Sons of the Ursine have returned to their rightful place in the north."
Ana's mood darkens when she hears that the troops of Irrisen have begun to move.
"I agree with our friend Rendal here. We need to join King Savol at the front as soon as possible. If the war has already started, a bandit like Margrave or a wild goose chase for a mirror man is no longer our top priority."
"Jennis, Stenly, will you be alright staying with these people for a while?"
The cleric folds his arms across his chest. "It also frees me to stay on with you if we are to pursue this Margrave and his ilk. If the Savol is focusing on the border, it would prove an opportune time for that scum to strike."
"In either case, I would be honored to serve alongside this group."
"I do not speak for us all, but I'm honored to have you beside me. And there is no doubt we need the divine energies the battle god has entrusted you with."
Rutilux nods at Rendal's comment.
"Ha! By the Gods, Savol is a Linnorm King. The Sons of the Ursine have returned to their rightful place in the north."
"I wish I could have been there to see him defeat it. It must have been amazing," Rutilux smiles but is soon distracted by other problems.
"I agree with our friend Rendal here. We need to join King Savol at the front as soon as possible. If the war has already started, a bandit like Margrave or a wild goose chase for a mirror man is no longer our top priority."
"Jennis, Stenly, will you be alright staying with these people for a while?"
"And what of Rose and Rolf? With us I assume? Their 'condition' leaves them a risk no matter if we leave them here or take them into the field of war." He looks to Rose, "Beggin' your pardon, lady, but I felt it had to be said."
To Skallangbiorn, "Skallangbiorn, I have not seen any embassy to Savol from the Blackravens. If your current mission is discharged, as a Thane of Savol, I would ask you to accompany us to meet the Kodiakborn and ensure there is some Blackraven representation to his camp. Once we are there, together, we can clear up the niceties. For surely ravens have claws as much as Kodiaks, and I feel you belong among these Claws."
~~~~~
With Jennis and Stenly,"We will seek your mother's cousin at the Camp of the Kodiakborn - you have my word. If we can find your people, we will ensure they know of you. We will bring word back to you when we know more."
~~~~~
On the topic of Rose and Rolf... "I am concerned that Margrave, or his sorcerers, may scry through these accursed tattoos. If such is to happen, I'd rather the view was of a massed host, than of a thinly defended village. I also don't think the two are likely to gain any help here, but Savol will have gathered wise heads around him at the line of battle. Let us take them with us, but be prepared for mischief."
Ana nods in agreement with Isham. "Yes. We can't leave them here if Margrave is still after them."
"My gratitude, Isham, Rutilux." Skall responds, a grin spreading beneath his blonde beard. "I'm honored to remain on with your group."
He thinks on Rose and Rolf, reconciling a series of dreams he'd had over the past few nights...
The sky is dark above him, he stands in a clearing where fresh snow has fallen. His breath heaves cold air in and out of his lungs as he looks down at two figures kneeling. He steps closer and notes the beleaguered faces of Rose and Rolf. Both are in chains; one set connecting to their arms and bound to some heavy object beneath the fresh snow. The second set connects to a large manacle around their necks.
For his part, Skallangbiorn holds two weapons; a greatsword in his right, an ax held in his left. They weigh upon him, there is a decision to be made between them. He knows, somehow he knows that one will cut the chains, while the other will kill Rose and Rolf.
In the distance the horizon glows a sickly red mixed with dark greens and yellows. Some creature lurks over the horizon, deep growls and moans of hunger and anticipation. It too awaits Skallangbiorn's decision.
Skall returns to the present and continues. "My prayers these last few days have been bent towards the task of the younglings' safety and towards Rose and Rolf." He gestures to Rendal. "It would seem that great Gorum has provided for the young ones in this place. A chance for their lives to be forged anew and to give them a chance to decide their fates." Then he looks to Rose and Rolf. "For them, I've had...interesting visions of late. I feel the Lord in Iron is revealing something to me. But time will tell. I am in agreement, we should keep them close."
"Very well, it's decided. And as much as I would like to rest, we should do so only a little to make all haste to join our sovereign."
I wonder what the significance of the man we rescued is. . . The drinking god returned Zethyris to us to bring us that information. What happened to the Valkyrie girl? . . . I feel like something big is coming. I hope we are making the right decision to bring these people forward with us. . . . Is this all part of some bigger manipulation? I guess we shall see going forward no matter what our choice is. . .
"A hot meal, bath and a warm tent will be a welcome change. Let us refit and supply. Perhaps the Speakers, Thanes, lord Talon and the Raven should hold a planning council to discuss matters in private first thing in the morning. We can also see to it that our wards are settled in."
"Montulo should probably come with us as well. It seems safer with the army, and we may want his counsel when we meet with Savol."
"Rutilux, before we head out, perhaps Herals can convey a note forward? I think we should give Savol's camp an opportunity to prepare for our guests."
Settling the children, preparing the gear and horses, establishing an appropriate route occupy Isham for a long day. On the third day following their arrival, Isham brings everyone together for a hearty breakfast, and a business-like departure.
"To the Kodiak!"
To the Kodiak!
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Rutilux nods, and sends Herald with a message: My Lord Kodiakborne,
We have received word from Rendal you are at the front. We are heading there to join you. We bring with us two people who are bound in strange magics of the soul and hope, victory allowing time, we'll be able to free them. We dared not leave them behind given the camp's state. A cleric of Gorum has also joined us. He is, in my opinion, most worthy.
As ever your man until death,
Rutilux Talonn
Resting in your own tents in exactly what you all needed to recover from several long days in the saddle and out in the elements. As the fatigue wears away you find yourselves fresh for the next leg of your trip, the journey to the border.
Leaving the two orphans in the care of the watch captain you start your journey shortly after dawn and make haste toward eastwards.
Herald has long since left ahead of you to relay your situation to Savol.
Three days into your trip you start seeing signs of the fighting, broken ground from skirmishes, fresh burial mounds and both weary and worn out soldiers working on patrols.
A few hours later you can see a small, dark form flying towards you that slowly resolves itself into the form of Herald. Landing clumsily on Rutilux's outstretched arm it's breast is matted with bloody feathers. It's not seriously hurt but appears to be quite tired and hungry. Examining the blood reveals an already healing gash, most likely a close call with an arrow. Clutched in its claw is a small piece of parchment.
Head north east. We've had to relocate our camp to Easton, a small fort close to the border, to deal with their own movements. I hope you're ready for trouble.
Bron
Ps. Don't try sending Herald after Savol again, the poor thing got roughed up pretty bad trying to pierce the enemy line to get to him.
It takes another day and a half to get to Easton. On the way you were waylaid by some Irrissen scouts that underestimated all of you and paid the ultimate price for their arrogance.
The fort of Easton is little more than an old fortified stone tower with a palisade half collapsed but reinforced with wood. All around it can be seen dozens of units of soldiers milling about looking ready to march. Inside there are many more soldiers, all wounded, lying in rows moaning and crying out as the armies healers and alchemists move down the rows changing bandages and dispensing medicine. The worst are being tended by two priests who look ready to collapse themselves.
One of Bron's clan move to guide you and you horses to the pickets and lead you to the tower.
Inside the tower you can see men and women sleeping or eating, all worn but not one shows signs of defeat. Even though the war seems to be taking its toll there seems to be no effect on their northern pride. At the topmost level Bron has set up his command tent. Maps and local charts cover several tables and the old dwarf leans on one as a young ulfen many of you recognize from Nayl's outriders stands at his side pointing to several areas and talking quietly. Julianda sits In a rocking chair asleep with a thick bandage around her head and a cast over her left arm.
When the man finishes his report he turns to leave and sees all of you entering. He barks out a whoop and raises his sword arm high in salute to you. "Welcome Thanes, it is good to see you."
With a start Julianda jumps from where she slept and takes a moment to see you before stumbling forward to greet you and Bron stands there with a wide toothy grin.
"Glad yur all back. We've got lotsa things to handle and we dun have a lot of time."
A grin creeps over Zethyris's face as he is saluted. Cheers, salutes... as a Linnorm King's Thanes I guess we'll have to get used to this.
"Glad yur all back. We've got lotsa things to handle and we dun have a lot of time."
"Glad to be back," he replies.
"The war seems to have begun in earnest while we were away. How goes the fight?"
Good to be reunited. Hopefully we can meet Savol soon as well.
They depart the small town, heading into the East and what would promise to be glory beyond counting. With each day, Skallangbiorn greets the dawn hours in prayer and in practicing his skills with the new Greatsword he'd acquired in caverns below Margrave's fortress.
But all the while, he still bears the weight of the visions Gorum lay before him. The same images of a darkling sky infested with awe and uncertainty. Always the same ending, the chained figures of Rolf and Rose before him...weapons filling his hands...and distant creature growling low with unearthly anticipation and hunger.
On the morning of Herald's return, the message from the front speaks of an active battlefield. The magnificent hawk, though wounded, had been stalwart in his dedication to convey the message. Skallangbiorn moves Shaggy-horse close to Rutilux's mount as the knight inspects his companion's wounds.
"If he will suffer my touch, Rutilux, I would offer my aid to such a noble creature." He says, hand outstretched to give Healing upon the man's say-so.
...to Herald on the day of his return
-----------
The approach to Easton stirs Skall's blood to boiling. Military units readying for the march, preparations for a larger war effort. It's all the men and women of the Blackravens could have hoped for and more. Even if their numbers were not overwhelming, the desire to stab into the lands of Irrisen was always at the heart of those wearing the raven's head.
But he stems his bloodlust with the memory of Rendall's words several days behind...and the fact their group had come under attack by Irrisen scouts on their way to Easton. Perhaps not an attack, but a counter attack? Did we wait too long? Are the vile witches mustered and ready to claim our homeland? The big cleric follows one of the clansmen as he leads them into the ramshackle fortress and into a den of wounded and dying. Hmmm, it matters not. My god has brought me to this place not for the plans of my people, but for his glory and the battle to come...
They are led finally to the tower at the center of the fortress, rising to its uppermost level to the main hall. Skallangbiorn remains towards the back of the group, loathe to claim any of the gloried greetings that was the their due as Thanes in the Savol's army. As he studies the gathering, he notes the old woman at her rest, bandaged as though having seen action herself. But her demeanor and seat of importance marks her a Seer in the cleric's eyes. Perhaps she can aid me in interpreting these dreams of late... As if in answer to his thoughts, she alights from her chair and moves forward to offer her greetings.
Once the initial exchanges are completed, he steps forward to introduce himself. "I am Skallangbiorn, son of Heiflmein, son of Iskylagrav, whose grand-sire is Raseri the Iron Eye the Reaver of Broken Bay. I am servant to Gorum and blood-sworn to the Blackravens. I am at your service." He nods to one of the casements holding the winter outside at bay. "The brave numbers have shed their blood, Gorum be praised. Once introductions are complete, I offer my aid in seeing them astride the conflict once more."
"It must be said: we have been compromised recently."
A few hours later you can see a small, dark form flying towards you that slowly resolves itself into the form of Herald. Landing clumsily on Rutilux's outstretched arm it's breast is matted with bloody feathers. It's not seriously hurt but appears to be quite tired and hungry. Examining the blood reveals an already healing gash, most likely a close call with an arrow.
Rutilux checks the poor bird over, and offers it some small bit of food quickly, "Forgive me, Herald. You seemed to have hit a rough patch."
The parchment confirms what the wounds already indicated…
Head north east. We've had to relocate our camp to Easton, a small fort close to the border, to deal with their own movements. I hope you're ready for trouble.
Bron
Ps. Don't try sending Herald after Savol again, the poor thing got roughed up pretty bad trying to pierce the enemy line to get to him.
"If he will suffer my touch, Rutilux, I would offer my aid to such a noble creature." He says, hand outstretched to give Healing upon the man's say-so.
Rutilux immediately nods, "Yes, and please." He says after relaying what the note states about where to head next.
It takes another day and a half to get to Easton. On the way you were waylaid by some Irrissen scouts that underestimated all of you and paid the ultimate price for their arrogance.
Rutilux actually smiles a bit as he runs one of the scouts down. After facing the strange and the mystic, it is gratifying to try ones hand at honest combat again. Sunfire snorts in seeming agreement.
The fort draws Rutilux's eyes, and he frowns. There are far too many vulnerabilities in the Easton Fort, waiting to be exploited. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to fix it in such short time.
The people, however, make him smile again. They are battered but unbent and unbroken, and even the wounded of the Ulfen here show fierce courage. "Hail to you warriors, I see by the look of you that you do to your fathers proud."
When the man finishes his report he turns to leave and sees all of you entering. He barks out a whoop and raises his sword arm high in salute to you. "Welcome Thanes, it is good to see you."
With a start Julianda jumps from where she slept and takes a moment to see you before stumbling forward to greet you and Bron stands there with a wide toothy grin.
"Glad yur all back. We've got lotsa things to handle and we dun have a lot of time."
Rutilux returns Bron's grin, and, as ever, tries to help a lady by steadying Juliandra, "It is good to see you both as well. We've been separated far too long."
He looks about, "Forgive me, but my cousins, Noeva and Eustace? I was told they were with you." He supposed Noeva, along with many of the women, would be tending to wounded or chores, but there were other possibilities. As for Eustace, well, no doubt the younger cousin would insist on taking his share at watch if he were allowed.
If Sigrid is with them still, he introduces her as well.
Ana strides directly to the maps and starts studying them.
When she realizes that not everyone is following her immediately, she blurts out impatiently:
"When we are done exchanging pleasantries - can we talk about our situation? Where is the enemy right now? Where are our troops?"
Thorvald had been hoping to get a chance to learn more about the secrets of metal from the Savol’s Dwarven Smith once they had returned home from their last leg of their journey in his service. Of course on return they found that Savol had taken his host and moved to the front. Now it seemed that war had broken out against the forces of Irissen. The part’s path led to the front where Savol had taken the majority of his force to meet the White menace.
Thorvald was well read about the war of occupation, almost twelve hundred years ago, in which almost half for the Ulfen lands and peoples were subjugated, defiled and or exterminated. Baba Yaga, the great hag herself and her cold minions invaded the Eastern Linnorm Kingdoms, which fell in less than a month.
Riding towards now Linnorm King Savol’s camp, the big man was deep in his thoughts. His burly fingers touched and held the various iron symbols of his venerated gods.
If this is truly the big invasion that my people have been waiting for all of these years, will we be found wanting. Our forefathers were caught disorganized and by surprise, but they were wrapped in the steel of the old ways. I pray that this time my people, though thought of and softened by some, will prove more resilient and ready to unite . . . because this time, The White Witches aren’t going to be satisfied with taking just half of our lands.
And this time they have turned my own people as traitors against us. Like those scouts we killed the other day. They raise them like cattle to feed their monstrous minions and if rumors are to be believed, back to the new generation of slaves . . . disgusting!
This time though we have one of them on our side. Ana might be our saving grace . . . if we can keep her from the control of her sisters and the queen. And this group cannot have been brought together by chance. Look at who I ride with. We know what is coming and we have Savol to lead us.
Desna let us spit in the eye of the White Witches and bring change to the North. Gorum, may my blades stay keen and shed righteous blood for your altar. Erastil, guide my people and aid my hunt so that I might protect your flock. Torag, let us keep our honor and may my forged steel remain true and tempered. Shelyn, help me overcome and continue to face my shortcomings, especially in the eyes of my companions. Finally, Pharasma, should we fall please that our souls are treated fairly. Especially Ana’s for I know that hers is true and good though I know not the deity to whom it belongs.
Arriving at the keep on the borderlands (well a rundown tower more correctly) it was obvious that King Savol and his host had already seen battle. Thorvald was a Speaker and Birthsworn to the Kodiakborn the Sons of the Ursine in the North, but under these circumstances he believed his role was to remain silent. Savol’s champions were members of his party and Rutilux ranked highest among them as an actual named lord, though Thorvald was not clear if he now had actual lands or the promise of lands to come should their campaign against the White Throne prove successful.
Thorvald listened to Skallangbiorn introduce himself in the short form as was appropriate given the situation, . . .Finally someone who knows how to properly introduce himself. . . . and winced when he heard Julian announce to those in the room that the party was compromised Dang it kid, my people are superstitious enough and morale, though high, may still be a fragile thing. Why would you say that aloud here?
Luckily Ana, with her commanding presence, swept over to the maps that were laid out. She turned and somewhat impatiently quipped, "When we are done exchanging pleasantries - can we talk about our situation? Where is the enemy right now? Where are our troops?"
Now here we see you and your Royal training.
”Yes Bron, we have been afield for some time, can you at least give us a quick summation of our position?”
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"GUARDS! KEEP HER FROM THE MAPS!" Julian leaps at Ana trying to tackle her.
Oh boy! here we go again.
Skallangbiorn whirls at the call of Julian, half expecting a spy springing from the shadows. When he sees him tackling Ana, the cleric reacts without thought. "What in Gorum's name? !!"
"Impetuous youth, why does he launch himself at her?" Skall asks Rutilux.
Skall, pulls the cudgel from his belt and calls after the young ninja. "Cease this foolishness!!
Thats' our Julian. Jediah waves Skallangbiorn off. He is rather crazy but he does have his reasons for doing that.
...whoopsie
"I understand, Jediah, but we didn't come this far to let distrust tear us apart..." the cleric steps swiftly to put himself between Thorvald and Julian, hand out stretched to Thorvald to stop his brethren from launching himself at the ninja. "...or to lead us to bloodshed."
It all happens so fast that Bron, Julianda and the soldier are caught completely off guard by Julian suddenly tackling Anastasiya away from one of the desks before she has a chance to get more than a cursory glance at it. The force of Julian and Ana's bodies causes the table to shift and scatters the the various chips and markings strewn about its surface.
Reacting quickly Skallgbiorn casts a spell but Julian's sense of urgency resolve prevent it from taking hold.
Rutilux buries his head in his hands.
"I'm sorry, princess, but we need to be more certain your family's control of you is gone."
That was it, that was all Thorvald could stand. He didn't grab for his axe or any other weapon. He was so pissed at seeing his love tackled and smeared on the floor like a rag doll without warning that he was just going to beat Julian to death with one of his own arms.
But, then Julian said something that made sense. What if the Queen could scry through Ana's eyes? Still the bear had been poked.
"gahh! Thank you for saying sorry, but maybe stopping her in a little less dramatic fashion would have sufficed. Now please help her up someone. It is best if I stand over here."
"Just what in the blazes is going on with you all?"
The big cleric stands to, hooking his cudgel back to his belt and watching as Thorvald indeed retreats to the other side of the room to cool the fires of his anger. Once confirmed, Skallangbiorn turns to Julian and nods understanding. "Now that you've given voice to your intent, I wonder if your concern is not valid." He steps to the side to share conversation with the others. "A better way of expressing the concern might have not set things on edge, Julian, but I must commend your quick thinking. Our focus has been for the concern of Rose and Rolf and the potential of Margrave's sorcerer leveraging a connection there..."
Skall looks to Ana and then the rest of the group. "Has Ana been a concern in the past for this group? Has her family attempted such a thing in the past?"
"Only once has Ana seemed overwhelmed by the influence of another that I recall, and that involved contact with another winterwitch if I remember rightly," Rutilux answers, "Perhaps merely checking to see if some magic CURRENTLY engulfs her would be more called for than grappling her when we don't know?"
"Listen, horseguy. She was looking at Savol's battleplans. While I'm sure she is savvy and could help the cause, I could not risk the time of calling for a high wizard. Their power over her has been strong enough for her to try to kill her lover, man. I can't imagine the violation this has been to our princess sorceress. But the fact is, until we're sure their power is one of proximity, we cannot risk the witches seeing those maps."