~ The Council of the Knights of Rinder: [Archive] [Home] [Previous Turn] [Next Turn] ~

"Edryd of Kalt is no longer in this realm, Nigel," Emma says, staring at the knight, "He is with Anhur now. He gave his life in service to the Crown and in the effort to retake Fort Dillend. I'm not sure what status Edryd held in His Majesty's court or among your own organization, but if anyone deserves to be knighted for their actions, I would say that Edryd of Kalt should be so honored...even after his death."

She bows her head briefly before continuing, "As for the Battle of Dillend...it was no easy task. I would impress upon you, and the King, the need for reinforcements. As Captain Wheeler's report will inform you, there is a Baron General Robert Wade the Third of Caerloon that is waging war on his King's behalf by crossing the border into Rinder. So far he has captured or razed two of our forts, though we recaptured Dillend and it is still defensible...but the Caerloon general has done all of that with only a handful of the army he has at his command. He brings with him a larger number of troops...in the several hundred range, and bordering on well over a thousand. He has also allied himself with the Orcs, so his forces will well outmatch our border guard once they also cross into Rinder.

"The method by which we retook the fort was blessed by the hand of Anhur's justice, as well as Nire's luck. Several of us used a secret entrance into the stables and set about freeing the prisoners. Dire Luthor, the Falsely-Accused, was instrumental in providing us the means to do so without being detected until nearly all of the prisoners had escaped to safety. Even once we were discovered, the wizard came to our aid again by hurling a fiery spell into the midst of the largest concentration of Caerloon defenders. That gave Captain Wheeler's men the signal to begin their attack. They breached the gates, carried the battle into the parade ground, and we won the day. Edryd of Kalt died saving my life. He shielded me from an archer's arrow while I called upon Anhur's power to sway the tide of battle in our favor."

Anxious to leave behind the manner of Edryd's death, Emma goes on to fill Sir Nigel in on the details of Robert Wade the Third's army, including as much information as she can remember from her brief, albeit distracted, stay at the campsite. She also describes Captain Wheeler's remaining forces, now split between guarding two forts. Lastly, she comes to the warning of Seden's treachery.

"There is a meeting to be held in the Duchy of Seden," Emma tells him, "An annual gathering of the Knights of Rinder, I believe? The Baron General of Caerloon knows this, too...and he has solicited the aid of the Duke in dispatching them so Rinder will be plunged into more disarray. We discovered this when I entered the Caerloon camp and was mistaken for Lady Hannah, the daughter of the Duke of Seden. When I spoke with Robert Wade the Third, he asked me if my father had agreed to his terms. Apparently, he has made an offer to spare Seden once he conquers Rinder, and make the Duke an ally rather than an enemy. He offers that as long as the Duke assassinates the Knights of Rinder while they meet within his duchy."

Cy listens to Sir Nigel survey the seven Great Houses of Rinder, and the possible struggle for power which would ensue if the king were to die tonight. He strokes the stubble on his chin, but occasionally casts a few glances over to Storm. As much as the warrior worried for the safety of the Council of the Knights of Rinder, he knows that the dwarf could not stop thinking about someone else.

Hannibal curses his luck, it seemed as if everything was quickly falling apart. The King was dying, his kingdom under attack and strife with defectors, and now they wanted the Six to babysit Knights?!! Hannibal could not find the words to express his growing apprehension to this latest in assignments. Had Rinder's reputation outgrown their ability...especially now with the loss of their Paladin? For a moment, Hannibal courted with the idea of slipping into the night and forgetting that any of this ever happened. In the end, however, he wouldn't...couldn't turn his back on his friends.

Crayne looks glumly at Nigel after hearing his news about the King. "I can indeed see your concerns and deep ones they are that! The Kingdom is being stretched to the extreme! Not only facing war from Caerloon who are allied with most of the Red Dragon School, now internally Rinder will face one of its largest tests. A fight for power may leave Rinder in disarray and that is exactly what Caerloon will want. It is imperative that the situatuion is handled carefully and that the most suitable person is chosen to unite the Kingdom against the darkness that approaches. My friend, what do you know of these people who put their claim upon the thrown? Is there a man or woman who stands tallest in your eyes amongst the people you mention?"

Sir Nigel wipes his brow and yawns; it has been a long night. He then focusses on Crayne to answer his question. "I know a little of these Dukes and Duchesses. This news you bring of the deal between Duke Elgar of the Great House of Seden and the Baron General Wade III, it disturbs me. Elgar was never high in my estimation, yet I never thought he would stoop so low...

"Duke David II of Archadia is a decent man. He may someday make a decent king. Yet he is unmarried and therefore without heirs. Rinder could face the same problem when someday he would have to pass the crown as it does now.

"Duke Patrick of Marlond is a fine man, in my opinion. His is a Duchy along the Sinele River and the Orcish border. He has proven himself wise in matters when it comes to dealing with those beasts, though he has not been without some defeats. The treachery on the fields of Bigamore will forever haunt him. Yet he commands a strong militia. Unfortunately, he too is unmarried and without an heir, yet he is younger in his days than David II.

"Sir Bryant of Raimead is, in my estimation, most merited of the throne. He is an esteemed member of the Knights of Rinder. But I do not need to lecture you on his behalf, you have met the benevolent Duke. He commands a prosperous region, yet there seems to be some resentment against him from the Dukes of the less prosperous duchies. You have met his lovely wife, Rebecca. They have no children.

"Duke Phillip II of the Great House of Welten...well, he is one who adamantly opposes Bryant on many issues. Perhaps it is because his region, south of the Raimead Mountains and encompassing the western edge of our realm and the unending desert, is far from the fortune-filled province to its north. Yet they say he is a very clever man. I do not know him well, so I cannot say for sure.

"Duchess Serra II of Adela joined the ranks of the Dukes most recently, when her mother, Serra I passed away just a few yearsa ago. She is strong-willed, young, and unmarried. Like Phillip, I do not know her well as I have not yet had a chance to visit her duchy during her tenure."

After Nigel's reply Crayne then moves onto the request to go to Seden. "We will make haste for Seden, Nigel, and you may be rest assured that the Six will bring an end to whatever attempt is made to disrupt the meeting. You, my friend, must concentrate on finding a successor to the King for that will be a huge task that must be completed with the utter most care and delicacy.

"On return from the meeting we will provide you with whatever assistance we can offer you. You will certainly have your hands full dealing with squabbling Houses." Crayne grins a little and taps the table, as if patting the Knight on the back, "I do not envy your position, my friend! Politics was never my field!"

"It's a field that you might well consider getting into, Crayne," Emma offers, "With the problems that are plaguing the Red Dragon School, you might do well to one day form your own in order to balance the scales. Or, at the very least, join the Red Dragon School in order to bring some sensibility to their ranks. Dire would need some help in achieving that...and much of it would be political in nature. And, as you grow in power and popularity, you will have the means to do a great good for the people of Rinder...safeguarding their lives from such treachery ever happening again."

Crayne chuckles at Emmas suggestion, "Join the Red Dragon School!" Crayne says slightly astonished, "The Red Dragon school is split down the middle. Effectively there no longer exists a Red Dragon School." Crayne then rubs his chin with his first finger. "Although..." he ponders, "What remains of the school that chose to remain neutral and stay out of any conflict could certainly be of use to the Kingdom of Rinder."

Crayne looks at Emma and smiles, "You have got me thinking there Emma and I thank you for it. I would appreciate it if I could converse with you a little more over this matter at a later point in time. For your opinion is becoming valuable to me. And your ambition even more!"

Emma smiles and then turns back to Nigel to make a request. "We will need a few things before journeying to Seden," she tells him, "Information is at the top of the list. We simply have never met the majority of the Knights of Rinder...and at this point, we must understand who our allies are among them, so we can count upon their aid when we arrive. We also have only a small understanding of the political situation in Seden and how that affects the politics of Merriam as well. If we are to arrive in Seden, it would be best if we were able to do so with confidence and the full support of the Crown and the Knights of Rinder. Whatever official decree or letter of approval you can give us to grease the wheels of bureaucracy will definitely be appreciated. Lastly, we will need supplies and the money to obtain them. I believe that you mentioned rewarding us upon successfully completing our duty in retaking Fort Dillend? Perhaps that will help us to provision ourselves for this next task..."

Crayne smiles at Emmas mention of reward. "Indeed! I will need all the money possible if I am to establish a new order that will bring goodness to the Kingdom of Rinder!"

Nigel nods, and leaves the room for a moment, returning with a set of small sacks. "One hundred and twenty gold pieces each," he states, placing the sacks on the table in front of each person, except Mara. "That takes care of the monetary reward..." Nigel's eyes follow Storm and Hannibals' hands as they quickly snatch the sacks and hold them tightly.

"As for the letter of introduction, that can be arranged. I will have the scribe draw up something appropriate before your departure." He then draws in a deep breath, his large chest expanding in a tired fashion. "The matter of Seden politics is another story, indeed.

"Duke Elgar is married to his wife Elizabeth, and they have two daughters and a son. The Duke assumed power through the usual hereditary rites when his father, Syril, and the Duchess Katherine III of the Great House of Seden passed away a good many years ago. Seden is one of our nothernmost provinces, along the Northern Sea. It is bordered on the west by the Duchy of Archadia, on the south by the Duchies of Merriam and Marlond, and on the east by the Sinele River and the Orcish lands.

"The Duke commands a fairly large fleet of ships, which operate along the coast of the Northern Sea. These are traditionally used for the defense of our lands and beaches from raiders and pirates. Many of the Duke's subjects make their livelihood from the sea. The Duke entertains a court much like any other court, and I am not aware of the details of the internal politics. I am not sure of how cordial the relationships are between the Duke's children, though he is not yet of the age where they could be vying for favor, I do not think.

"The city of Seden is a fine one, indeed. It boasts a particularly extensive library cataloging the fish of the sea, I am told, as well as the finer art of shipbuilding. The city tends to attract a large number of scholars, though, and due to its slightly warmer climate this time of year, the Council has decided to hold its annual meeting there.

"The Council of the Knights of Rinder is composed of the chief Knights from each province in the realm, as well as other noted warriors from the order. I myself, am a member of the Council and one of the advisors to the Royal Throne from the council. I would attend the meeting, were it not for the King's failing health. Sir Bryant is a member of the Council, though it is unclear whether he will be in attendance this year. Other prominent members of the Council include: Sir Judd, Sir Clare, Sir Kamlet, Sir Latham, Sir Masten, Sir Nair, and Sir Pagek. Of course, each of these men will have with them their squires, scribes, and entourage. There is likely to be some kind of festival in honor of the Knights as well.

"You may choose to make a court appearance in the court of Duke Elgar. If you do not, and is informed of the presence of you legendary group, he may become displeased. On the other hand, if this story of his treachery is true, perhaps your task is better completed without alerting him to your presence.

"Perhaps that gives you a slightly better idea of what you are dealing with," Nigel concludes.

Crayne then asks Nigel, "Nigel is there currently a mage resident here that I could have a moments time with? I have a few questions that I seek to answer!"

"Yes of course," the tall Knight replies. "I believe there is a man who might be able to answer your questions. His name is Arnod. Perhaps you can arrange an appointment with him before you leave tomorrow." Crayne smiles and nods his head in thanks.

Seeing that the meeting was turning to practical matters, Hannibal speaks up: "Sir Knight, I was wondering what news you have of my friend Canhers? He lined me up with Rinder's a while back and I wanted to thank him. If I know him, he's still in your military...in one form or another? Also, where can I get a new bedroll, I lost mine on the last voyage." Hannibal smiles, clutching his sack of coins.

"Ah, yes, good ol' Canhers. He is still around, of course." A small smile crosses the Knight's lips. "The last I saw Canhers he was preparing some men for a mission into the Orcish lands. He had to travel out to the Welten duchy in order to locate some man, his name I can't remember. That was a number of weeks ago.

"I'd say he placed you with the right group of people, Hannibal. That was one favor I'm glad I could accomodate. And speaking of accomodations, I know of a shop down the main northern road, I'm sure the 'keeper would have a bedroll for you. Tell him Nigel sent you."

Hannibal nods and smiles, chuckling as he thinks of how the conversation wandered from grand topics such as the fate of the kingdom to such petty things as a bedroll. But his chuckling is soon interrupted:

Just then, the door to the room is opened and a young boy, perhaps twelve years old, comes running in, panting and out of breath. Nigel's head whips around to face the boy. "Is it time?" the Knight asks.

"Aye," the boy says, trying to catch his breath. "They say it is minutes now. He is askin' for you!"

Nigel turns back to face the party. "Very well. I must go. I will see to it you have a place to sleep tonight in the castle. You must depart tomorrow in order to arrive in Seden in two days time. May the gods smile upon you in this dark night!" With that, he gathers his things and rushes from the room, leading the young boy and leaving Rinder's Six, and Mara, alone.

Cy then speaks aloud. "The search for the missing one may be of interest to us all, but we must look above ourselves. If our kingdom falls, we fall with it...and become roving band of outlaws in a time of strife and banditry. I'd rather be a

member of a group of heros who fought for King and Kingdom wether I die that way or not."

"I agree," Canter says, stretching his arms above his head and stifling a yawn. "And I think we've even managed to convince our dwarven friend here of that fact, right, Storm?"

Storm, meanwhile, rises from his seat and moseys over to Crayne. "Arr, can I be seein' those maps?" he asks.

Crayne hands over the maps the party has collected. Storm spends a few minutes looking at the map intently, scratching his head and measuring map distances with the blade of one of his many daggers. He tries to add up the miles of a trip from Merriam to Parton and then on to Seden, but fails and must keep count on his fingers. Eventually he comes to a conclusion. He folds the map up sloppily and returns it to Crayne along with some grumpy, mumbled comments. "Arrr...Seden it be...but after's me off ta Parton..." is the only bit that's understandable, but it's clear that Storm will go to Seden before seeking out Guilliam.

Emma smiles, then reaches down to hug the burly Dwarf from behind. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Storm" she says, smiling at the noble spirit her friend displays.

"I thank you all for accompanying me on this journey," Mara then says quietly, almost a whisper. "But I must depart from you now. Perhaps sometime in the future we will meet again. I hope the gods are smiling more favorably on the state of affairs in our kingdom then..."

"Good-bye, sister," Emma says, reaching out to touch Mara's arm as she rises from her chair.

All eyes follow Mara as she leaves the room, and soon the sound of the door closing punctuates her exit. Then, everyone faces each other again, and Rinder's Six, now once again truly numbering six, is alone.

"We must make haste and leave at first light, I think," Canter begins.

Crayne raises a finger in objection. "I would like to meet with this Arnod, I have a few questions for him and he might be able to tell me something more about this staff of Gaven's!"

"Very well, then," Cy says, trying to bring the meeting to some kind of resolution before everyone falls asleep. "What we need now is rest."

In the morning, each person rises and bathes. How nice it is to bathe after so many weeks camping in the mud and riding in the rain! There is an air about the castle, however, which is not quite as refreshing. Hannibal greets Nigel early in the morning as the Knight is crossing a courtyard in the castle.

"Hannibal," Nigel says quickly, "It is done. The King has departed this world. Tell your comrades. They must leave for Seden before we lose both the King and the Council!" With that, he rushes off.

Not wanting to slow him down Hannibal simply nods. "I'm sure he has plenty to do..."

Meanwhile, Crayne rises early; well, earlier than he wanted to, in order to meet with Arnod. After asking the appropriate people, the young mage finds his way through the castle to one of the towers, where he finds a heavy wooden door with the name "Great Mage Arnod" etched into a fine wooden panel.

Drawing a deep breath, Crayne knocks on the door. At first there is no answer. Then a second knock, this time louder. The sound of a latch opening, and then the door squeeks open. On the other side, sitting behind a desk, is Arnod. There was no one opening the heavy door; it seems to open itself.

"Welcome, mage Crayne," the old man says softly. He is quite elderly, his long gray beard and his balding head reveal that much. He wears a long red robe which one day long ago might have contained a fit man, but now hangs loosely over his bony skeleton. "What can I do for you this sad morning? I cannot talk long as I must meet with the King's advisors before the announcement is made in the city square."

Crayne swallows hard before speaking. "Your greatness," he begins, "I have come into possession of this staff, and I wish you could advise me on its capabilities. I have been able to magically determine that it is enchanted, but my abilities are not yet...advanced enough to learn more." Crayne is trembling slightly in the presence of the King's own mage.

"Let me see..." Arnod says. Without more than raising his hand, the staff floats from Crayne's grip and lands softly in Arnod's. Then, there is a gasp. "Do you know what this is?!" the old man scolds.

Crayne is terrified. "Cursed?!"

"This is the emblem of the Red Dragon School!" Arnod yells as loudly as his failing voice allows him. "Where did you get this! Does its owner know you have it?"

"But sir!" Crayne begins, "it belonged to the Red Dragon Mage Gaven. We defeated him at the Battle of Dillend!"

"Defeated, eh? Red Dragon School...hmm..." the elder wizard's voice trails off. "Fine then." The words seem to have a sense of finality. Arnod then squints his eyes and whispers some arcane words, focussing on the staff in his hand. After a few moments, he looks back up to Crayne, still standing in front of the desk. Crayne had been observing the rest of the room, a small laboratory of sorts, complete with flasks of colored liquids, glass jars with specimens of various monster parts, and many, many books.

"This staff is enchanted, you are right. It can cause a very damaging blow if you strike something with it." Crayne smiles, knowing his experiments just a few days before were on the right track. "But it can only be used a certain number of times before its powers are gone. They run out!" the old man opens his hand quickly as if to illustrate the point. The staff just stays there, floating in the air.

"But can I give it more powers?" Crayne asks.

"It can be *given* more powers, mage Crayne. But you are hardly powerful enough to do it..." Crayne grinds his teeth at the man's condescending tone. Were all wizards like this? Or just personal mages to powerful kings?

"That is all I have time for now," Arnod says, struggling to rise from his chair. "I must go now and meet with the advisors. And I am sure you have somewhere to go, as well..."

"Just one more question," Crayne pleads as Arnod dons a faded red cloak. "Are you...a...a member of the Red Dragon School?"

Arnod freezes his actions. He then finishes putting his arms into the cloak and looks Crayne directly in the eye. "Don't ask questions the answers to which you are not ready to hear. They can kill you."

Crayne joins the rest of the party in a small hall in the castle where all are eating a light breakfast. The night's sleep was kind to most everyone. And Canter, especially, is thankful for the warm bath and good meal.

Hannibal then informs the party of his encounter with Nigel earlier in the morning. "We knew it was going to happen..."

"It does not spell good news for the kingdom," Crayne opines.

Cy clears his throat. "Indeed, but our task is clear before us. We must get to Seden. The struggle for power between the Great Houses is not our business."

"Or is it?" a new voice asks. All heads turn to face the new man in the room.

Despite his modest height, his bearing is regal and refined. He is broad-shouldered and muscular. He wears a blond beard, but his scalp is covered with a dark green scarf pulled tight all around and tied behind his head. His features are angular and sharp. It is his eyes, though, that Rinder's Six notice the most. They are huge and almond shaped, and most striking, a vivid violet! Crayne notices too, that his ears are narrow, without lobes, though rounded at the top. He nods and whispers with a smile of recognition, "Half-elf. He has elven blood."

"I am Naeron Thess," the new man announces, taking another step toward the table. His footsteps echo in the silence in the hall, its tall ceilings and stone floors enhancing the effect. He wears black leather boots, green breeches, a black tunic, a brown vest, and a forest-green cloak.

Cy and Canter both nod in recognition. They have heard of the young man, who has gained favor recently with the Sir Bryant and the other Great Houses. He is known as a persuasive and even-headed courtesan, often used as an envoy between the houses of Rinder.

"Greetings to you all," he says, addressing the Six. "Your reputation precedes you, and is, I understand, more than amply earned. Thank you for your service. I consider it an unusual honor to travel as one of your party." His voice is voice is a rich tenor, with many unusual, soothing overtones, owing to his elven mother. He sits down with a flourish, allowing the proceedings to continue.

"I come bearing a message from by Duke, Sir Bryant of Raimead. He is pleased with your success in his mines and the high quality armor which has been fashioned from the ores extracted. And I'm sure he will be pleased to hear of your continued success on the battlefield.

"In these times, nothing is certain anymore," he begins, looking into the eyes of each person seated. "Including the throne. I have been sent by my Lord, the Duke, in order to secure your allegiance to the Great House of Raimead. And your support in the Duke's endeavor to claim the Throne of the Kingdom of Rinder."

1. Each character may add 120 gp to his/her money.

2. Each character gains an additional 1000 XP for successful completion of the campaign's third adventure, "Dire Struggle for Dillend." I haven't yet checked the numbers, but if anyone gets a level up, I will notify you accordingly.

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