Lord Christian immediately recognizes that Tiressia and Falcos' unlikely savior is no mere noblewoman.
Princess Eutropia Stavian. The only living child of the late Grand Prince Stavian III, the previous ruler of Taldor.
Eutropia is a social reformer, eager to establish schools and other public resources for the poor, and remove political or family restrictions for women and various minorities. Rumors have circulated for a decade that her ultimate goal is to overturn primogeniture — Taldor’s ancient law stating that only male heirs may inherit the Lion Throne—and become the first empress of Taldor.
The princess’s reputation for “fighting in the streets” largely hails from her skill as a fencer, a sport she excelled at during her schooling at the Sinora Academia. Many times in her twenties she matched blades with chauvinistic politicians who would otherwise refuse to let her speak or act within political circles, and those early public duels helped her win unexpected support for her later social reforms—as well as a reputation as an impolite, unladylike brute.
...
From what you have previously learned from Lord-Mayor Sellemius and the Whitehollows, as well as Lord Christian's efforts to keep abreast of politics, he is able to piece together what such a notable figure might be doing wandering the Narlmarches.
The Grand Prince of Taldor was recently assassinated, and there was a brief struggle for power between his two potential successors: his daughter, Eutropia, and his adopted son, Maxillar Pythareus. However, the odds were against Eutropia: Taldor is governed by ancient laws of Primogeniture, asserting that only male heirs may inherit; and as High Strategos, the commander-in-chief of Taldor's military, Pythareus commanded the loyalty of the majority of the nation's armed forces.
Considering that the Whitehollows referred to him as Grand Prince Pythareus, you can surmise how the succession crisis resolved.
Princess Eutropia has likely gone into exile, traveling north with a handful of soldiers that have remained loyal to her. Since Galt has recently fallen to the newly ascended Grand Prince's campaign of reconquest, she is probably trying to find refuge in a safer land.
Syretia's mind reels from the implications. A princess in exile? Here? Fighting trolls? She's probably an enemy to the Whitehallows, but does that mean she is a friend to us?
Tiressia...Falcos...I am fairly certain that your savior is royalty. Her Royal Highness Princess Eutropia Stavian, the only living child of the late Grand Prince Stavian III of Taldor to be precise.
Christian chuckles slightly.
From what I know of her, these are all rumors and gossip, she is a fighter that one. Does not like the status quo in Taldor. She likes her projects that tend to aid the less fortunate and that is not something Taldor is known for. It is said that she has or had eyes on the throne of Taldor but the laws of Primogeniture while ancient, are well rooted in Taldorian culture. That law gave the throne to the next male heir, an adoptive heir but male non the less...Maxillar Pythareus. The man that has his sights set on conquering all of the River Kingdoms and Charis.
He sighs deeply.
If she is here in this region. Those fallen soldiers were no deserters. They were loyal to a princess in exile. It seems our little corner of the River Kingdoms has just become part of a larger picture.
He turns to the two fey.
How long ago did they leave and in which direction?
Christian looks to Fenris and Brand
We may want to track them down.
"A princess? Well, things definitely are more complex than ever." The priest seems surprised, not upset
"All I hear is more Taldorian walking around here. Allying with her might paint an even bigger target on ourselves."
Allying with Eutropia might bring a significant influx of money, assuming the princess was able to escape Taldor with any wealth, as well as people. Of course, allying with Eutropia would mean potentially making enemies with the current ruler of Taldor even more so than the party's current feud with the Whitehollows would precipitate.
Tiressia indicates that Princess Eutropia's coterie departed the grove about two days ago.
"She asked if there were any potential sanctuaries nearby," the dryad explains. "I directed them to an old abandoned keep to the southwest. I believe it was built long ago by the elves, but I've never been there myself. I only know of it by Falcos' accounts."
Such a keep does not appear on the maps generated by the Whitehollows during their exploration, but the fey are able to provide fairly clear directions to locate it.
"We should find her at once," Syretia declares suddenly. She flinches back, almost surprised at the steel in her own voice, but recovers quickly. "Taldor's rulers already mean to make subjects of us and our people, but she might be more willing to leave us be. And if not, then we need to remove her from our lands before she brings even more trouble down on our heads."
Master Brightshield has a point. Getting involved could make us more of a priority to Taldor.
Christian looks around the group.
We could find the princess and turn them over to the Taldor ruler in exchange for leaving us alone.
We could...
...but I doubt they would honor such an agreement.
Plus doing so would not sit right with me.
The young man rubs his eyes.
I think our best option is to find them and give them sanctuary. Until the Dracos get here, we have no standing army and even when they do get here, we are still vastly outnumbered. If she can pull forces loyal to her cause and away from the rest...a civil war could erupt within their ranks thus buying us time to solidify our position in the region. Hell, it very well could bring an end to this current crusade of reclaiming the stolen lands.
He turns to the two fey.
I think a proper introduction is in order. I am Lord Christian Del`Agante of Charis. My companions and I are the founder of that city. We heard rumors of creatures and such that are out here that very well may cause harm to our fledgling kingdom. We took it on ourselves to search out these rumors and deal with them if need be. This elven keep is one of those rumors. I think we should investigate this keep right away. If you wish to accompany us, we would welcome the company.
"I must politely decline," Tiressia says with a bow and flourish. "Falcos will need a few days to recover his strength, and I must mind him, lest he push himself too hard."
Falcos pushes himself up to a sitting position.
"There's also the fact that she cannot travel too far from her tree," he says with a teasing smile aimed at his dryad lover.
Tiressia rolls her eyes, and you get the feeling that this couple is perfectly back to normal thanks to your intervention.
Bydar smiles at the obvious love between the two "May beauty and love light your lives."
Syretia makes a gesture somewhere between a bow and a curtsy to the pair. "Thank you for your help," she tells them, smiling.
Christian looks to the group.
We head to the ruins and find them. I wish to hear her out first before making any judgment. Let us get moving then.
He turns to the fey.
If you need help, seek out Father Kavken at the old temple. He will aid you as best he can. Perhaps you could plant an offspring of your tree there. I know very little of Erastil but I feel it would be welcomed. Brand would this be an acceptable gesture?
I'm sure Father Kavken would be most honored by your appearance and visit should you be able to do so!
Once they are away from the two feys, Orlog lean toward Bydar but talks in a way that his voice carries. "Question. If our Lord Christian here would happen to wed that Taldorian woman and she managed to get her throne back. Would this make him the King of Taldor?"
Syretia, who had been taking a sip from her waterskin, coughs and sputters in surprise.
Christian smiles at the good humor presented.
If that were to ever happen, all of Golarian would have eyes on us. In the time it takes to say "I do" we would have a kingdom that spans around 1500 miles. Lots of territory to maintain.
Besides...As the princess has eye on the throne for herself, I doubt it she would welcome me as ruler.
It does present potential.
Oh she wouldn't have to make you ruler, maybe you'd just be Prince consort? Brandt grins at Christian continuing the good-natured jest as they prepare to leave toward where the Taldans went.
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Bydar chuckles at Orlog, but answers it somewhat seriously, "We of Shelyn tend to believe one should marry for love. SHOULD love break out between them, then it would likely make him Prince Consort of Taldor, unless she renounced that crown, and 'settled' for being co ruler with Lord Christian of Charis and the lands around it. Such a dealing on her part might mean that one day one of their descendants could make a claim for the throne of Taldor... if other contenders had passed prematurely. More likely it could mean eventual alliance, though one has to be careful or it would be used to make us a vassal state to Taldor in the eyes of Europa's rival. It would be part of what human nobles sometimes refer to the Sport of Kings, or the Great Game." He shakes his head "We lack dwarven sense, I fear. A better hope to my thinking that we make such a good impression that should she claim Taldor eventually, she recognizes our land as legitimate and independent, boosts trade and the like while both she and Christian married who they loved." He looks oddly melancholy, but chuckles, "But as a noble myself, you might see why I'd discourage matchmaking for mere politics sake."
Then a glance back at the others, "Not that I'm above Matchmaking for some when I think love with another could be there." a good natured smile at them.
Mmm, Brandt is doing well on his own. I do hope Cavan and Syretia hit it off? We'll see. Lord Christian probably will want a noble bride to 'help' the kingdom. Need to observe and see who draws not just his eye, but his heart's joy. Orlog ... well, dwarven ladies are moving in so that's a start. Mental note... learn more about dwarven courting and matchmaking.
How about we find the princess first and then figure out her agenda.
Christian smiles jokingly.
Then you can play with my future afterwards. Sound fair.
He laughs with good humor as he moves to leave the two fey behind and towards the direction of the fleeing princess.
"Fair." He agrees good naturedly
Brandt whistles a traditional marriage tune under his breath, smiling as he follows the Taldan trail deeper into the woods.
Fenrir follows along as well, tracking the Taldans by scent....
Christian chuckles a bit...
You all are starting to sound like my...grandfa...
He stops mid-sentence and remains quiet as he continues to follow the others. His jovial appearance absent and replaced with a simple sad demeanor. After some quiet time...
I miss him.
Grandfather would push for such a joining. Mom would not approve, and she would point to Etienne as reason why. Why do I still refuse to call him father.
"I"m sorry, Christian. What was your grandfather like? Clearly he was loved." Bydar is sympathetic
He was a great man. I was blessed to see a side of him that not many got to. Most knew him as ruthless, heartless, uncaring, and cruel...this is what politics can make you become. I got to see the love he had for family. His desire to see us grow and become more than just a name. He had a fondness for me that I never will understand. No matter how misguided we were he always wanted the best for us. My mother got those traits from him.
He looks off to the sky and sighs.
Enough of my past. That story is for another day and another place. You deserve it. All of you deserve the it, just not now.
"Family can be a strange thing..." Syretia muses.
"We all have our secrets regarding them I suspect." A frown at something "BUt yes, later."
According to the directions provided by a recovering Falcos, this abandoned elven keep lies approximately 14 miles southwest from his dryad lover's grove. This route leads deeper into the Narlmarches, where the idyllic woodlands fully give way to swampy morasses.
Fortunately, Brandt and Fenrir demonstrate an almost supernatural skill at guiding you all safely and swiftly through this rough, damp terrain whilst never losing track of the path taken by the princess' own party. Their help is also indispensable when making camp halfway through the march, finding a dry and defensible place for the night.
Mid morning on the following day, you spot your destination through the bowing trees.
A ruined, circular keep looms out of the forest, surrounded by towering, ancient trees draped with hanging moss. Four circular towers sprout from the cracked walls like the trunks of great trees, at least one crumbled into rubble. Twisting vines and thick moss cover the walls in a coat of verdant green, blending the ruins almost seamlessly into the surrounding woods. The overgrown remains of a path lead to an open, arched gateway gaping in the keep’s eastern wall, its doors long since rotted away
Brandt do you know if she went inside or circled around?
Brandt finds clear tracks that demonstrate the path of the princess' party. The majority of the group, including the princess herself (based upon the type of boots worn and the weight suggested by the prints' depth), stayed out front while a small detachment - including the other woman in the group - circumambulated the keep, likely to scout out the grounds and spot potential dangers.
Apparently they were satisfied that it was safe, because the entire group then marched inside the ancient keep.
Well if they went in then we follow but...
Christian looks from the group to the entrance.
...they may not want visitors, so let us be prepared for security measure that they may have put in place.
Let us go and find them and pray that we can resolve this situation as soon as possible with minimal problems for our people.
The mercenary walks slowly towards the ruins, his eyes scanning the area.
Brandt will dismount, and wander forward with Fenrir, keeping his hands obviously away from his weapons and scanning for hidden threats. Should we announce ourselves? Or wait until we can clearly see them before. Perhaps we could blow a horn to warn them and let them decide if we're friend or foe? My Da told tales of how sailors in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings would land, blow a horn, and then wait for those ashore to decide if they were a threat or not before disembarking. Also gave you time if you needed to grab a shield to make the shield-wall if they didn't like you.
Syretia opens her mouth to suggest the very same, but nods in agreement. "They have good reason to be wary of someone following them. Best that they know we're here with good intentions."
Bydar nods at both, "Sounds like an excellent idea to me."
Sounds like a good idea...that is if they have entered an abandoned ruin. If not, then we very well may make this worse. So let us enter to the courtyard and see what we see first. If all is well then, we can announce our presence.
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The keep’s exterior walls and those of the flanking towers are built of 5-foot-thick stone and are 20 feet high. Studying the walls reveals ancient, worn carvings that corroborate Tiressia and Falcos' account that this was an old elven construction.
Besides the main gateway in the eastern wall, the keep’s southern wall has been breached, creating a rubble-choked opening leading inside. The walls are rife with thick ivy and weathered stones, meaning that the walls could be scaled should you be so inclined.
Following Christian's lead, Brandt enters the courtyard, scanning for signs of life which he expects to be within. I liked the horn idea, but as we don't have one, this will have to suffice. This place seems like it was once beautiful, no Bydar?
Following Christian's lead, Brandt enters the courtyard, scanning for signs of life which he expects to be within. I liked the horn idea, but as we don't have one, this will have to suffice. This place seems like it was once beautiful, no Bydar?
"Breathtaking, more than that... these carvings indicate, well, I believe this actually dates back to the ancient elven kingdoms that rose BEFORE the Age of Darkness" He says excitedly, "Orlog, what do you make of it?"
Orlog gets closer to the gate. "How would I know about this? I'm not that old"
His attention is pull from the carving to the gateway itself. "Wait, there is a portcullis here, and it seem to be set to fall on anyone that cross it." He looks around to what lies about. "Any piece of lumber around here? We need something long enough to block it."
Good eyes. That would have been a nasty surprise.
Christian takes a closer look at the portcullis.
Wonder who put this here. The ones we are seeking or someone that claimed this place as their own?
Nearby, you spot a fallen tree that is stout enough that, when wedged into place, would keep the rigged portcullis from falling.
As best as you can tell - between Brandt examining the ground around the trap, and Orlog and Bydar examining its construction - this rigged portcullis has been guarding the keep's gate for years rather than days. Thus, it becomes clear that this trap was crafted by someone who was occupying the keep before the princess and her party arrived.
Brandt drages the fallen tree into place, securing an entry and exit for the party should the need arise. Orlogg, Christian, can you help me with this? he says, heaving the massive trunk just about into place on his own...
"Sure, give me a second." Orlog casts a spell to increase his strength and heads over to Brand.
Syretia watches with trepidation, knowing that she has precious little to contribute to this particular task.
Once more, Bydar lends his support. This time of the physical sort. While he considers himself in good shape, he's merely a sidekick to the strongmen of the group.
It takes a grand group effort, but you haul the fallen tree over to the gate and wedge it against the corner of the recess that conceals the dangerous portcullis. You're left with quite a bit of dirt and bark on your hands and clothing, but the way is safe now.
A graceful tower rises out of the keep’s central courtyard, now overgrown with bushes, undergrowth, and several sizable trees. Like the outer walls, the tower is draped with vines and creepers, and several small plants have taken up residence on ledges and in cracks along its sides.
"Well, this place seen better days. Should we explore clock wise or counter?"
This has me concerned.
Christian looks to the portcullis.
I think we should find them before whatever is here finds them.
The young lord looks to the ground for the tracks and then to Brand.
Are you capable of following the trail any further?
Bydar is taking a breather , having been reminded he's definitely not one of the physical of the group .
Syretia quickly casts a pair of spells to enhance her senses before following the others into the ruins. Once inside, she scans the immediate area for any magical auras.