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

Emma tries to shrug off the feeling of uneasiness in the castle in the morning. She strikes out into the city as early as possible, asking directions to a Temple of Anhur. Once she arrives, she begins to gather that the King must have passed sometime in the night. It was hard to keep such things from the clergy.

She enters the towering stone structure, with its high arches over the main doors and tall dome on top. Her footsteps echo in the massive hall with each step. There, sitting on the end of the last pew, she saw a fellow priest. Emma hesitates, not wanting to disturb him from his prayers, but he begins to rise, so she steps forward.

"Can I help you?" he asks her, eyeing her tabard. "You are not from Merriam's temple..."

"No," Emma offers, trying to smile and present a good first impression. "I am from the Seden Duchy, traveling through Merriam with Rinder's Six..."

"Oh," the priest yelps, "Rinder's Six! Yes, we had heard good things about one of our sisters with that heroic group. It is an honor to finally meet you, Emmalya Serralund." He smiles and takes her hand.

Emma is stunned. "Word travels quickly, I never thought..."

"Indeed it does. But you chose quite a time to visit us. I'm sure Towers would want to see you--"

"Towers? Is he here?!" Emma is excited.

"No, my dear. He is at the castle. I'm afraid his majesty passed into the netherworld early this morning. I am Talec..."

Emma continues to converse with Talec, answering his questions about her travels with Rinder's Six. During the conversation, she hands him the sack of coins earmarked for Edryd. "Please see to it that these monies are used in the memory of the Sword-Bearer Edryd of Kalt." Talec agrees.

After about an hour, Emma departs from the temple. She was pleased with her visit. She had learned that Towers was, indeed, in Merriam. Though she probably wouldn't get to meet with him on this trip, now at least she knew where he was. And she had spent some time in familiar surroundings. There was a sense of calm and fulfilment having just been in that grand Temple.

Once Emma rejoins the group, she relates to the group the highlights of her visit to the temple. But since most of her conversation was on the subject of Anhur, current Anhurian scholarship, and the successes of Rinder's Six, there wasn't too much to report of great interest to the others. Her thoughts are still miles away as she wonders what will become of Rinder now that King Garith has passed away. Numbly she picks at her food...

Then Naeron Thess appears.

Hannibal looks the newcomer over, trying to get a feel for what kind of man he may be. For a moment, he is taken back to an old ritual of what members do to newcomers, but that was a bad time in his life and Hannibal quickly dispels the thought. When the hal-elf meets his gaze, Hannibal nods briefly and returns to his meal.

"You will be joining our party then?" Emma asks Naeron, looking up from her breakfast, "Under Sir Bryant's direction?"

Naeron nods to Emma. "Yes, my lady. The Duke bade me stay with Rinder's Six until such time as they--you--made a firm decision."

"Good day to you, Naeron!" Crayne says in elven tongue. Crayne bows his head and smiles, "It has been a while since I last saw elven blood. Perhaps too long."

He pauses, taking a sip from a glass of water. His new staff rests near. Crayne glances at the half elf's distinctive features over the rim of his glass, taking in all that he can. Immediately Crayne judges the man to be well spoken and scholarly.

"I am glad to hear that the Duke is pleased with our success. We are most glad to have been of service. You speak of his request for us to declare our allegiance to the Duke in his campaign to become the new King of Rinder..." Crayne pauses taking another sip from his water, "...I do not intend to speak for the group. However, I myself must tell you that I believe that the right person shall be chosen as King. I fear that I might offend here, but I will not come out and support any of the contenders who wish to become King of Rinder. I have nothing against the Duke of Raimead whatsoever. I believe he is capable and a very competent man. Nevertheless, the other contenders for the throne all have there own claims which are of equal clout. Perhaps I will make a decision to lean in favour of one of the competitors in the future. At the moment however, I am lacking in, shall we say, any knowledge of the contenders and thus my decision would be made on a whim, shall we say?" Crayne pauses and smiles.

He looks at the half elf again who seems to display a look of confusion upon his face. "Thus my answer to you Naeron is that I will not declare my support for the Duke nor do I say that the Duke is not the right man to become King!"

Hannibal chuckles softly to himself. "This one sure is convinced isn't he," he says plainly so that only Storm and anyone in his immediate vicinity can hear.

Naeron smiles again at Hannibal. He responds softly, seeing Hannibal might be a bit surprised at being heard by Naeron, "It is true that I am. And why not? It is likely that many of us may die for such things as these. Do you wish to die for a divided and individualistic kingdom that will certainly fall, or for a united kingdom that will stand long after you and I are gone?"

Emma looks around at the others, then says, "So it has begun already then? The scramble for power becomes paramount now. For better or worse, Cy, it would appear that our concerns lie with Seden, but above that, with Rinder itself."

Then, she looks directly at Naeron Thess, measuring him for a moment with her eyes. She's curious as to what motivations are behind him joining Rinder's Six. "I'll be honest with you," she finally tells him, "I like Duke Bryant...and his wife Rebecca, too. They have been gracious and kind in everything they've done for me personally. I'm sure the rest of Rinder's Six probably feels the same.

"But in truth, I agree with Crayne," she continues, "I am a newcomer to the political arena. Only last night did Sir Nigel begin to educate us on what the King's death might mean to our country. It will take some time for us to properly determine whom our allegiance should be sworn to. I say this because ultimately my personal allegiance is to Anhur, as would be expected by any follower of his. But ultimately, I think Anhur's philosophy is embodied in Rinder itself. So, I pledge to do my best to safeguard Rinder's best interests...and we shall see which of the claims to the throne shares that commitment. For now, I think Duke Bryant has shown much for us to trust in..."

Naeron smiles in return and answers in an even and conciliatory tone. "Very well, good mage, and priestess. Certainly no one should make an uneducated choice. However I must caution you that it is not the throne itself that is at stake, but rather Rinder itself. Gather more knowledge if you will, but do not hesitate. If you will not throw your gauntlet in with the Duke per se, I urge you to throw it in for unity. A house divided against itself cannot stand. A country divided against itself in a time of war will be dashed to pieces."

His eyes scan the diverse group of heroes, and his pride and hope swell as he thinks, *Rinder still has a chance!* Then he continues. "Granted, this Council could turn into a political morass from which we would best fall on our swords rather than face Caerloon in disarray." His gaze becomes intense, focusing on one hero at a time as he speaks. "But they will listen to you. They will follow Rinder's Six. They can be inspired by your heroism, your actions," he pauses, "your...sacrifice for Rinder.

"This is not about a crown. This is about a people. The people of Rinder. Of all the Great Houses, no one is less in need of the throne and the gains that entails than Sir Bryant. His lands are already some of the richest in the entire kingdom. His interests are greater." Naeron pauses one more time. "Certainly he, like any of us, is no saint. But consider that his resources are considerable, his soldiers are crack, his commanders are experienced... With the support of the Six, we can proclaim unity before the sun rises twice and can regroup and take the fight to Caerloon!"

Emma nods at most of the half-elf's words, finding his enthusiasm and patriotism refreshing. "Will shall do what we can," she offers, "And Duke Bryant is certainly on the short list of my individual preferences for who might succeed King Garith. But, no matter who is chosen, we must shore up the support of all the other factions. We cannot allow a hasty decision to further fracture our nation."

After everyone else adds their thoughts Crayne suddenly looks up, asking, "Naeron! Do you remember Paros? How is he?" Crayne raises an eyebrow and waits for the half-elf's expression. He remembers back to the meeting with the Duke and how somebody had infiltrated that meeting which had led to the ambush. There was something about Paros that he didn't like and Crayne would find out what is was in the future, he was sure. He was sure he recognised him from somewhere.

"Paros..." Naeron responds, his voice trailing off for a moment. "But of course. I have seen this 'Paros' a number of times at the Duke's court. But rarely does Paros offer much in the way of words when I or any of the other diplomats are about. He seems to reserve his advice, for he is indeed an advisor I believe, for times when he and the Duke are alone."

As the discussion continues Crayne thinks back to the meeting with the mage Arnod. Why had he reacted in such a manner when Crayne had posed that question? It was none of his business Crayne admitted to himself. Nevertheless, to react in such a manner from a mage of his caliber must have meant something was a foot. Such an outburst of rage seemed strange to Crayne. "Okay," Crayne thought to himself, "the Red Dragon School had been split down the middle and you could see why the man would be upset." However, to speak to somebody like Crayne in such a manner who had just helped retake the fort of Dillend seemed on the verge of ridicule. Crayne senses a distinct feeling of dread as he brings back the image of the angered Mage. Dire had never mentioned Arnod, which was unusual as far as Crayne was concerned, for if he was a member of the Red Dragon School then there could have been little doubt that Dire would have brought him up in conversation. What was going on here? With the King now dead was it safe to leave Merriam in such disarray with people like Arnod to take over?

Storm looks the half elf up and down, rather unimpressed by the regal man. "Elven blood, eh? Oh Rinder's Six be praised." He jokingly thinks to himself. As other introductions are made, Storm approaches the man but does not offer a handshake (though will reluctanly return one, along with an unnecessarily strong grasp, if offered). While looking at the half elf he says aloud, directed to everyone, "Aye, maybe we should be headin' back up Raimead's way...now we's two that can see in the' dark! He-hah!!" He spits out the corner of his mouth, the spittle hitting the bottom of the wall next to him. Storm, though, of course, pays it no heed.

Hannibal doesn't even flinch, regardless of the fact that he is not but two feet from Storm's spittle trajectory. Instead, he prods the dwarf playfully and chuckles at Storm's never ending array of quips.

Naeron laughs aloud, a full ringing laugh. "Well, yours is a reputation that certainly precedes you. It appears you have no great love for people of faerie... Regardless, it is my hope that we will become fast allies, good Storm."

Hannibal leans down, speaking low into the dwarf's ear..."Lookout old friend, I think he likes you." Hannibal had been amused at Storm's inability to cope with Emma's hug and had taken great pleasure in seeing the dwarf squirm in recovery ever since. He would have to take advantage of the poor stout's sensibilities.

Cy gives a nod of recognition to Naeron and little else. Politics don't amuse him. It reminds him of his youth in nobility... Of things his family lost by hostility. However, it is nice to have someone around to talk there way out of things. "We can always use the help of a warrior of words."

"Naeron Thess," Canter says, placing an empty glass carefully on the table. "I don't mind if you're coming with us. We might be able to use a well-greased diplomatic machine such as yourself, especially with Storm over there!" Canter smiles at the dwarf, ready to jump out of the way of any spit that might fly in his direction. He then returns to addressing the newcomer. "But if you're coming with us, our road leads to Seden, and we set out presently."

"Aye...I think me's and Cy be doin' some lookin' around thems markets first," Storm says, interjecting.

Canter nods, "Okay then. But let's not wait too long. Remember, the meeting starts in three days and it'll take two to get there!"

"Alright. Storm, and anyone else, let us make haste. I will go first to the armorer and see to it my shield is properly repaired..." Cy says, gathering his things and preparing to set out.

Storm, Hannibal, Emma, and Cy then head out to the streets. Storm is looking for a bow and some arrows, and Cy looks for the armorer as well as anything else that appears interesting. Soon, they find the armorer. After about an hour, during which time Cy purchases three steel vials of oil and six additional sheaf arrows. That brings his total to 30, filling his quiver completely.

Storm purchases a composite long bow, which he slings over his shoulder but leaves unstrung, and a quiver, topping that off with a full set of 30 arrows.

Emma, too, purchases a bow: a short bow. She is not completely familiar with the instrument, relying on Cy's familiarity with it to choose a well crafted one. She also purchases a quiver and a full set of 30 sheaf arrows. "It will take me some time to get used to this thing," she tells herself as she slings her new purchase over her shoulder.

Hannibal, in the meantime, purchases a new bedroll. "Not as comfy as the old one, but warmer than the cold ground!" He also picks up a new set of clothes (breaches, tunic, vest, and boots). He looks to purchase some more arrows, but finds that his quiver is full. He opens his backpack, but then thinks twice, "in the quiver they won't snap, but the way we manage to get ourselves in trouble, arrows could break in two inside this backpack!"

After the hour, shopping is completed, and Cy's shield is looking stronger and shinier. The armorer compliments the warrior on the standard painted on the shield, "A fine banner, I ain't seen that one before!" but Cy doesn't spend the time explaining.

As the party assembles to leave and the group goes about their preperatory actions, Storm asks the group aloud. "Aye there, does any of ye want any o' these? Theys don't really suit me fancy." He displays the stiletto, obtained from the stranger a long time ago, and the two knives he's come across on his way. As an afterthought, he adds. "They be weighted funny fer me. I's be stickin' with me daggers." He winks obnoxiously.

"I'll take that one," Hannibal says to his friend, pointing at the stiletto. "I was looking to get my hands on that thing. Don't see too many of 'em."

Naeron then steps in on the conversation. "They're called stilettos. Small and easily hidden, yet deadly if used correctly. They're banned in most cities because guards can't easily see them. But in my time in Sir Bryant's service, I've come to know that any self-respecting aristocrat carries one in the small of his back." Naeron nods.

"Hey, if I've got one, am I an aristocrat?" Canter quips, reaching behind him and pretending to pull out his own (imaginary) stiletto.

"Nice try, Canter," Emma says with a wink and a smile.

Storm lets out a chuckle, but then returns to picking his fingernails with a dagger, occasionally clutching the holy symbol around his neck.

Then the day's travel begins. The road north of Merriam, toward Seden, is not one the party has ever traveled on together. Travel is easy, though it is cold. The road is fairly heavily populated. As the morning wears on and news of the King's death filters through the city and surrounding lands, people begin to flock toward the city center to pay their respects to their fallen king. Mumblings are heard amongst the men on the road as they wonder aloud who will assume Garith III's place on the throne of Rinder.

As they put more and more distance between themselves and city, the traffic begins to lighten, though, and as the sun sets, an appropriate place is found off the road to camp for the night. A fire is lit and Storm sets some snares to catch some food for dinner. Hannibal tosses his new stiletto in his hand while the meat is cooking, while Emma spends some time praying to her god and Cy inspects the armorer's handiwork (and approves).

As the meal progresses, Canter turns to Naeron and addresses the half-elf: "So, Naeron. You say you've been in Bryant's service for a while, now. How did you get there? I would think that if anyone not entirely human were in the Duke of Raimead's service, it would be a dwarf, seeing as there is a large community of Dwarves in the Raimead Mountains. No offense, of course, but I'm just curious. Would you care to enlighten us?"

The others listen intently to Naeron's answer, eager to learn a little more about this new member of their party.

Emma then directs the conversation toward more practical matters. "Tomorrow we will arrive in Seden," she says while drawing a breath, knowing that the closer they come to Seden, the closer she is to home. "And we must decide upon a course of action."

She thinks for a moment, eyeing Crayne, and wondering what he might think of the idea that's begun to spring into her mind. "What if Cy, the Highbrow, and I arrive at Duke Elgar's court and take advantage of what all that will entail. Canter, Storm, and Hannibal could keep themselves hidden and enter the city from a different route than us, and under different names. Perhaps they could search Seden for a different kind of information that simply won't be available to the rest of us? What do the rest of you think? Is splitting Rinder's Six into two threesomes too risky?"

1. NAERON: Please respond to Canter's question, as a way of further introducing your character to the party, if you will...

2. Responses to Emma's suggestion? Does anyone have any other ideas? Now's the time to air them!

3. Purchases:

STORM: 1 Composite Long Bow (75gp), 1 quiver (8sp), 30 sheaf arrows (2gp, 4sp). Total: 78gp, 2sp. You also gave your stiletto to Hannibal, and sold your two knives on the street for a total of 7sp.

CY: repairs to shield (10sp), 6 sheaf arrows (3sp), 3 steel vials of oil (1gp, 8 sp). Total: 3gp, 2sp.

EMMA: 1 short bow (32gp), 1 quiver (8sp), 30 sheaf arrows (2gp, 4sp). Total: 35 gp, 2 sp.

HANNIBAL: 1 bedroll (8sp), 1 breaches (3gp), 1 tunic (7sp), 1 vest (6sp), 1 pair/boots (1gp), 1 stiletto (free--from Storm). Total: 6gp, 1sp.

Please update your records accordingly.

Hannibal, if you don't want the stiletto, you can get rid of it when next he has the opportunity, I just thought you might be interested in checking out the new weapon!

4. EMMA: Did you have specific questions/tasks you wanted to ask/accomplish at the Temple of Anhur in Merriam? If so, feel free to let me know and we can roleplay a quick (emphasis on "quick"!) scene.

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