The War Council

[Tanuki]

Miria looked at the warrior who spoke.

"Then as an equal gesture of good will, have your man thrown down his sword and surrender while we verify your claims."

Truly it was a reasonable request, but would Tain agree, or would he prefer to die with sword in hand? The girl looked into the eyes of the stallion, then up at the beautiful woman who sat calmly astride the magnificent animal. She smiled, an expression that meant . . . encouragement, perhaps.

She turned toward Tain, who's back was to her.

"Tain, I beseach you. Lay down your sword, and ask your men to stand down." she saw no reaction, and thought for a second. "You swore an oath to protect me. If you continue to fight, I will be killed, as well as your men. Please . . . do as I ask."

 

[MrWolf]

Khael

Khael looked over at the King and Cainvale, noting the slight flicker of disturbance across the General's face, the minor hesitation the King showed in preventing the General from taking the Arkonian's sword.

Khael smiled wolfishly. Disaster breeds opportunity.

"Majesty, permit me. I'll volunteer to disarm the man and I stand not so high that the realm will be desolate should the worst happen."

Strolling around to the front of Tain, not touching his own sword hilt, but rather extending his hand, palm up, dark eyes cold but determined.

"Your sword, sir. Surrender it. It will be returned to you should you prove innocent, on my word as the Lord of House Kerios."

 

[TheScarletBlade]

His men had already gone.They were just sleeper agents that Arkon had inside Ilia's army.He had sent them away a long time ago,it was only him who stood.He knew the time was near and he would either have to complete his mission or die trying.Tain looked with bitter distain as Ysandre had come to his "rescue".She shouldn't have gotten involved,he was hoping that she would leave the immediate area.

He was vastly outnumbered.There was waves of disciplined armored soldier's standing across the short distance of the street.He couldn't get a good estimate becuase the mighty charger Orion as it was called seemed to block the bulk of the army from view yet he could still see the king from where he sat in the back of the army,white plums on his helm(I guess) identifying him as who he was.Tain had been equal angered when Miria chose the worse time to come and join.Now he had women fighting his damn battles,now he was just disgraced.

"I don't need women to fight my battles.You might as well get out of here Miria." Tain said with a bitter cold tone "I was never charged to protect you,your father who is my mentor charged me with only one mission: To try and learn Ilia's plan.If I can do that and live then I can earn my spot in the Lords of the Sword.It seems luck was not with me." Tain said with only a tiny bit of sorrow in his tone as he lifted his head.Tain's life to him had no worth,not since the destruction of his house and the constant wars going on inside what used to be his fair lands.

"Your sword, sir. Surrender it. It will be returned to you should you prove innocent, on my word as the Lord of House Kerios.".

Tain looked up from where he was behind the large white charger and looked over at a Ilia soldier advancing on him.He looked over the man with a critical eye as his left had moved naturally to the golden hilt of his blade,his half gloved hand wrapping around the gem studded hilt,the pommel carved to look like a sheild bearing the longwinter family crest,the only thing he had left from his family.The sword was said to be created in a time before time and passed to the Longwinter family to gaurd for ages to come.

"House Kerios of Ilia means nothing to me.House Kerios that once served Arkon before Ilia was carved from our stolen lands used to mean something.Look at you,serving the Ilia king,your ancestors would be ashamed" Tain said with a slight disgust as his hand remained near his sheathed sword,wrapped around tightly,his muscles tensing as they got ready to strike if need be.

 

[MrWolf]

Khael

"You should have payed better attention to your heraldry. Kerios nevered served Akron. We were, in fact, ennobled for our role in rebelling against your rule."

Khael shrugged his shoulders at the man's foolish and bitter words then sidestepped, clearing a path between Tain and the King and the General.

"Sire, the man will not surrender. Of his own volition, he states that he is not here as a diplomat, but as an assassin."

Backing away smoothly from the confrontration that will now surely erupt, Khael's dark eyes burn in dark amusement.

"As you are not here as a diplomat, you are not eligible for diplomatic immunity. The penalty for assaulting a King's Guardsman in town is death for a male, and enslavement for a female. Good day."

Khael watched General Cainvale out of the corner of his eye, and noticed the dark pleasure in the General's eyes as the Arkonian's brash words signed his death sentence. Khael gave a small, barely perceptible nod of acknowledgement to the General. I have furthered your ends here, General. Remember the favour.

The King would not be likely to object. The female ambassador was pretty enough and her companion's words stripped her of a diplomat's shield. The King could now freely enslave the girl as was his pleasure, a pleasure the King would not likely reject, not with the chaos and murder the Arkonians had worked in his city and the girl Miria's loveliness.

Khael turned his eyes to the Verrieul girl. Another brash girl.. This one has backed the Arkonian assassin, which will not reflect well on her House. Indeed, the King may even penalize Verrieul for this act. Certainly, it will cost her father influence and likely disgrace the girl more than her scandalous clothes ever could.

War was inevitable. Yet, a man who was cunning as well as bold could benefit from even the worst turn. If Verrieul's daughter's recklessness unseated her House, perhaps Keiros could step to the fore.

Speaking without thinking will cost you more than you know, my dear.

 

[MrWolf]

Khael

Consider the confrontation in the streets, Khael discretely turned to one of his guards.

"The situation here is too out of control to be properly shaped. Kerios can not benefit from this War or Council. Saddle our horse. At midnight we return to my lands and we will fort up and ride out this conflict."

Charon nodding brusquely and turned, marching off. The other three guards joined him, saddling their horses and gathering what the could from the remnants of the Inn.

At midnight, as soon as they could depart without attracting attention or giving offense, they would slip out of the city and right hard back for Stalotz Bridge, leaving the conflict behind.

Khael brushed his hands coolly and turned, walking into the crowd of soldiers and losing himself in the press of the crowd, slipping away from the chaos.

 

[caela]

Glaring at Khael once more Ysandre growled softly. Why would he want this war? His land were not far from her own and stood to be just as trampled if armies came marching through. Hissing softly at both men she threw herself gracefully from her horse and spun to turn her glare on Tain.

"Idiot!" she ranted in a voice that was only loud enough for him to hear but full of the fury that raged inside her. "If you're looking to get yourself killed and Miria and me along with you, you are doing a beautiful job of it." Holding her hand out sharply she suddenly spoke loud enough to be heard, "Give over your sword as a gesture of peace Tain, perhap the word of House Verrieul will mean more than that of Keiros. "and again her voice dropped so only he could here. "You'll learn nothing dead you damned fool. Give over if you truly wish to serve your King."

With her sapphire eyes locked on Tain's she spoke a bit louder so that Miria could hear her, "Lady Summer if you would mount Orion please, my House will stand gaurdian for you since your countryman will not. "

Somewhere in the background she could hear her father sigh softly and it made the corners of her lips twitch slightly, if the situation hadn't been quite so dire she would have smiled. For now though she wouldn't smile until Tain gave over and the situation was diffused. She wanted no rioting in the streets and there had been enough bloodshed this day.

 

[TheScarletBlade]

He felt her glare and yet he held his head high.He looked defiantly back at her,his hand still wraped around the fine golden hilted bastard sword.His hand only slightly shook as he drew slowly the blade from night black leather sheath.He remained out of sight from most of the armies in the line.The blade gleamed in the multicolored colors emitted from the setting sun.With a shaky and reluctant hand,the Arkonian flipped the sword up,grabbing the blade in his hand,he handed the beautiful Ysandre hilt first.

After she took it from him,Tain turned to Miria and flashed a her a slight smile.It was a weird contrast:the normally grim or enraged warrior's features now softened by a slight yet roguish smile.Warrior walked from behind the horse and stepped out into the middle of the street,completely unarmed and fearless,standing tall with a regal air about him.

Bowing his head,his slightly long bangs hanging down as he dead,the facial expression of the young noble turned to grim with a slight bit of defeated streak.Taking a knee in the middle of the street,he only took on knee,the other still up.His head bowed humbly,his eyes downcast to the ground,he surrendered formally yet his fists remained closed,he had been asked by Ysandre to surrender and he didn't want hers or Miria's life to be in danger so he surrendered without a fight.

 

[Paendragon]

The King nodded.

"Take him into custody."

He looked at Ilian. "In the Keep, General. Not your own dungeons."

He looked at the young woman. Miria. "I'll be expecting an audience with you immediately, in my throne room. I'll hear any explanation you have for this mess."

He looked to the head of the Elite. "Have someone you trust gather eyewitnesses of this alleged attack. Eyewitnesses, mind. I won't have you bring a goatherd who hapened to hear about this from his brother before me. Understood?"

The man bowed from his saddle.

The King eyed the kneeling man, once, before turning to ride back to the Keep.

 

[Tanuki]

Miria's jaw dropped and her heart ran cold at the Longwinter man's words:

"I was never charged to protect you, your father who is my mentor charged me with only one mission: To try and learn Ilia's plan."

What was he trying to do? She knew her father was not Tain's mentor, she had been by her father's side her whole life, and she never seen Tain except that one summer. And she could prove it, for she had her father's letter, bearing his official seal, taped to her thigh. Yet if she denied his words to King William, he'd probably execute Tain. Miria shook her head. I'm too young for this job! she thought in dismay.

Now Tain was refusing to surrender, and the warrior who approached him looked over at her as he spoke in a loud voice.

"As you are not here as a diplomat, you are not eligible for diplomatic immunity. The penalty for assaulting a King's Guardsman in town is death for a male, and enslavement for a female."

Enslavement? Miria's arms came up to cover her chest. She shook her head in disbelief. The diplomatic aids had never mentioned such a thing. She would have to convince the King of her innocence. Nor should she forget her mission, to avert a war. Her father's letter would spare her, she was sure of it.

"Idiot!" hissed the lady astride the horse. Miria looked up in surprise. The brave woman had seemingly limitless courage to stand up to these powerful men. She couldn't hear the rest, for the woman was facing the other way, toward Tain. Then her voice raised a bit, and Miria heard the words that warmed her heart with gratitude.

"Lady Summer if you would mount Orion please, my House will stand gaurdian for you since your countryman will not. "

Miria's legs felt wobbly as relief passed through her like a wave. Quickly, before someone could protest, she pulled her skirt back and lifted her foot up high into the stirrup--the horse was so huge--and then she hoisted herself up and slid behind the raven-haired rider. The horse moved a bit, and she slipped her arm around the woman's midsection to hold on. She has the muscles of a man! Miria thought to herself. The woman had a slim waist but her stomach felt rock hard beneath her clothing. Miria vowed to train harder.

"What is your name, milady?" she whispered into the woman's ear. "I thank you, for your bravery, and your compassion." Before the woman could answer, she heard the King, speaking to her directly.

"I'll be expecting an audience with you immediately, in my throne room. I'll hear any explanation you have for this mess."

Miria sighed. Now she would see what sort of diplomat she was.

 

[landiek]

There was many that muttered about the latest news as Ayleece wandered into the kitchen and started to wash potatoes for the event dinner. The cook grateful for the extra help didn't seem to notice that the young helper was not one that she had seen within the walls before.

Alyeece kept busy as she listened to the stories of the rumors. She giggled as some refered to Young Longwinter as a man that stood as tall as the giants from the Norselands. Others claimed he was a demon from the damage at the Green Dragon that was wrought. Ayleece just smiled hearing many stories about the fighting spirit of the Longwinter clan in some ways it was her comfort.

As the day drew nigh, Ayleece quickly filled pictures with sweet wines for the banquet and helped two other girls set the table for King William and his honored guests.

Pages were sent about the castle to inquire when the feasting would begin. The cook wanted to leave nothing to chance as the commotion of early was making some of her helpers nervous and clumsy.

Ayleece was ordered to look after the meats and when word of the King came to begin serving, she was to take out the suckling pig.

"Yes Mistress Cook." Ayleece replied then went about her business. Hoping to hear more news of this council that came together under flags of peace.

 

[caela]

Ysandre watched as Tain gave himself up peacefully to the King's men before gently wrapping his sword in her own cloak and carrying it between herself and the pommel of her saddle. It was a beautiful weapon and she silently vowed to care for it as well as she did her own until she was allowed to return it to him.

She felt the young woman climb up onto Orion behind her and couldn't help the smile that curved her lips. The girl had spunk that was for sure, most women would have been afraid to try and mount a horse of his size and she'd done it on her own. She could feel the girls surprise when her arm slipped around her own waist for support and knew she could feel the muscles the hours of working with her sword and alongside her father's tenants had given her.

"What is your name, milady?" she whispered into the woman's ear. "I thank you, for your bravery, and your compassion." Before the woman could answer, she heard the King, speaking to her directly.

Waiting until the King was done speaking to Miria she finally turned a bit in the saddle to face the girl with a warm smile. "My name M'lady is Ysandre Verrieul. I'm hoping you won't feel the need to stand on formalities with me though, I am terrible at them. " Chuckling softly she righted herself in the saddle and turned Orion back toward the palace.

As they moved up the street she saw her father just ahead waiting for them and smiled her sweetest smile for him. "Hello Father, interesting day yes?" The dark look on his face cleared and the older man laughed at his daughters sorry attempt at an innocent expression.

"You my darling daughter are going to be the death of me one of these days."

Ysandre simply laughed and turned slightly nodding toward the young woman seated behind her, "Father, might I introduce Miria Summer. I've given our House's word to stand Gaurdian for her....Miria, this is my father, Jonathon Verrieul, and despite the scowl he's the kindest man you could hope to meet."

 

[TheScarletBlade]

As Tain surrendered,a battlion of gaurds advanced on him.Disciplined soldiers-elite soldiers- in nice armor surronded the "helpless" noble,making a wide ring around him,tower shields in place and long,black shafted spears with their polished sharp spear heads trained in on Tain for if he was to make a move,they were ready to feed his flesh to their spears,the spearheads serrated down the sides to inflict more pain and to chew through armor.

Two weaponless soldiers advanced,both in simular armor wearing the colors of Ilia's main army:The black and green(I guess) bearing the family crest of King William himself.Tain pushed up,slowly rising to stand at his feet.Only to be knocked at the back of the leg,heavy boots kicking the muscles in the back of the leg,knocking him back to his knees.Bowing his head down submissively though not without a bitter and resentful look.His enchanting jade green eyes looked to the ground,down at the rough cobble stones that made up the street.

The young noble wondered how he got into this.As he emerged from the flaming wreckage that used to be the inn of the Green Dragon,he was prepared to charge on alone against the legions of the army that amassed the fight him,he figured by their numbers they were only at half strengh but that still ment at least a thousand troops he would have to fight,yet that ment nothing to Tain,who hated looking at combat in numbers becuase that just made death a matter of mathematics.

Soon after he was knocked down,four strong arms seized him roughly and yanked him to his feet.It didn't make sense:did they beat him to his knees for the fun of it? they probably got a kick out of seening an Arkonian noble on his knees.They seemed to have forgotten though the damage he had done and the hot headed temper of potentially dangerous Arkonian.Roughly two men brought his arms around his back and brought out shackles,the cool metal seered into the young nobles skin as he heard the dreaded click of the shackles clamping around his wrists.It wasn't more so a phyiscal searing but more of a mental pain and a sense of dread.

Pushing him forcefully foreward,the ring of soldiers splitting into a crescent and travelling behind the two men on each of Tain's sides:Spears always at the ready as if they were eager to kill him,Tain didn't blame them.Without reluctence for the most part they hauled him off yet as he passed by the king,the young noble looked up at him,his eyes locking with the kings before his head fell back to where it hung on his shoulders,looking half ashamed half defeated as he was dragged towards the keep.

 

[Tanuki]

Tain's surrender without further bloodshed was a great relief for Miria, for now she stood a good chance of saving the young noble's life. The girl had to sit up straight to see the Arkon as the soldiers took him away, for the woman on the horse was several inches taller, even while seated. Ysandra Verrieul, was the woman's name. A pretty name, thought Miria, that matched the warm smile that made the tension of the day's events recede a little. She giggled at the exchange between Ysandra and her scowling father.

He was a regal and handsome man, who reminded her of her own father. Miria thought he must have been quite an interesting character, to raise such a daughter.

"Father, might I introduce Miria Summer. I've given our House's word to stand Gaurdian for her....Miria, this is my father, Jonathon Verrieul, and despite the scowl he's the kindest man you could hope to meet."

Miria smiled and bowed her head at Lord Verrieul, her best attempt at a proper greeting while on horseback.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, milord," she said. "I apologize for the actions of my . . . delegation, and I do not wish to impose on your House's kind generosity." Miria smiled more broadly and added, "Your daughter is exceedingly brave; I shall aspire to such courage myself."

Miria had to stifle another giggle at the exasperated look that flickered over Lord Verrieul's face before he could stop himself. She gathered this was not the first time his headstrong daughter had caused him trouble.

 

[caela]

Ysandre couldn't help laughing at the exchange between Miria and her father. The look on his face when Miria told him she'd aspire to the courage Ysandre had shown was priceless and she wished there was a way to capture it. Turning her head she winked at Miria and whispered, "He's not really upset with me, he just has to look it in public. After all it can't look as if he approves of my running around in breeches and arguing with soldiers...even though he's the one that taught me to do such things. And it wasn't courage back there Miria, it was foolishness and an overdeveloped dislike of pointless bloodshed."

Smiling softly as they made their way back to the palace she couldn't resist lightly stroking the sword that lay before her and remembering the courage of it's owner. He'd been ready to take on the entire garrison and yet he'd surrendered when she'd told him to...she couldn't help but wonder why. It took all her control not to look back to see the soldiers leading him toward the palace, she knew she wouldn't like what she saw but there was nothing more she could do at this point; he was alive and under some diplomatic safegaurds.

Reaching the palace stables Ysandre slid easily enough from Orion's back and chuckled softly when her father moved in to help Miria down from the tall horses back. It was the first time that Ysandre realized the girl was really much shorter than she was and was glad her father had better manners than she herself did. Entrusting Orion to one of the stable lads that she had noticed taking excellant care of them earlier she linked an arm with her father and grinned at Miria.

"Come on, until proper arrangements have been made you'll stay with us." Eyeing Miria's disheveled and dirty appearance she continued, " I doubt your things have arrived due to the attack so I'll get a palace seamstress to alter a couple of my dresses for you while you get cleaned up. You can't appear before the King looking like you've just escaped an attack. Even though that's what happened. Besides you'll feel better and think clearer once you're clean again."

Guiding both of them through the palace without asking what either Miria or her father wanted she made a point of stopping one of the serving girls and ordering a bath drawn for Miria as well as a seamstress to come up to their rooms. She didn't think to ask Miria if any of her arrangements were alright with the young woman, she simply assumed the girl would say if it wasn't. It took her father's calm voice to make her stop for even a moment, "Ysandre, don't you think you should ask Miria what she wants?"

"I'm sorry Miria!" she said chagrined." I don't think sometimes and just do things without thinking. Is all of this alright with you? If it's not I'm sure we can make more immediate arrangements for lodging and clothing for you."

 

[TheScarletBlade]

The Ilian's took great pleasure in having captured him.The guards,grinning like idiots and pretending they had any part in the capture of the fearsome young noble,they waved hands as they walked him through all the back streets and through most of the town,a parade of shame.The elite gaurd had broken from where it was marching with spears ready,they lifted the spears up pointing the sharp tips towards the heavens then marched off to rejoin the rest of their legion.With the king out of sight and the kings extremely righteous and disciplined elite gaurds outta the way...Tain was free game.

Tain remained looking down as the little walk of shame through the city or more of a joyous event to the backwater gaurds or formally as the young Arkon considered them:The weekend soldiers.He didn't have time to stop,before if he even faltered one step he was pushed roughly ahead by a group of rowdy gaurds.He was a diplomat yes,but that ment little to the gaurds who in vain tried to bolster there self image wouldn't allow the young man a minitues respite.

Tain stood with his head hanging in shame yet without a word of complaint about anything,even he constant booing of the enraged citizenry or the rough treatment of the guards,his will was like steel,he just took it in a almost unnatural silence.Being pushed on as he passed through the nice ornate oak gateway doors into the main keep,the gaurds yanked him by his chains through a side door when he clumsly took a wrong step.

Tain was paraded through the main barracks,where almost every onhand keep gaurd stood there: Howling,Booing and Laughing.His diplomatic safe gaurd didn't protect him from being "roughed up" Tain kept his head down as he was beat on by almost every man in turn as they moved him past a line of men,standing on either side of the mess hall of the barracks,to each side of him he saw a line of angry or bored gaurds,offering him only pain.The guards figured if the noble King William wished to know why the prisoner was in such a bad shape,the guards figure they could tell him he just tripped.

His nose was broken,he could feel it.The pain was little yet the crimson blood of the young man could be seen slowly falling from one of his nostrils.His body ached with pain yet he focused his mind and tried to subliminate most of it as he finially reached the end of the room and was forcefully pulled down the stairs to the main dungeons of the keep.They said the dungeons in the keep were nicer than the main general's dungeons were,yet that didn't mean they were pretty.

He was so far down.The jail was submerged so there was no light seeping through any kinda whole,there was only darkness in the cell.The cell seemed crafted from the very rock that was under the earth,with strong steel bars in place to keep anyone out.The floor was cold,being natural rock and musky with slimy unnatural cave water from moisture that fell from overhead.Tain was thrown in with a fair amount of force,thrown hard against the rock.He rebounded off it,falling limp to the floor yet the young noble stood strong.He couldn't feel most of his body and all he could see was darkness yet he only had to close his eyes and he would be there,out on the lush plains of his homeland,now marred his the blood of his clan members as they fought each other for land.It was summer,the grass was tall and green,it was lush and the sun beamed down on him he could feel its warmth upon his cheek as he laid in the grass,being sallowed up by the green.

 

[Paendragon]

King William IV

He rode into the courtyard and found stable hands waiting. He dismounted, and made his way into the Keep.

He was furious.

He knew the fire would be contained, he saw the men begining to do so already. Was angered him was the possibility of one of his men ordering an attack on the Arkonian ambassador. He wouldn't have believed it normally, if not for some strange happenings recently. Illian had an extensive network of spies, but no King who relied solely on what others told him would hold onto his throne for long. Too many orders were being issued without his knowledge.

He barely noticed the servants he passed on his way to the throne room, and when he arrived there, he pushed the doors open forcefully, so that they slammed against the stone walls brfore rebounding.

Behind him the Elite fel into place at the doors, and at even intervals around the room. Other, more secret, precautions were being made in regard to his saftey here as well.

Now, he would wait.

 

[Drinking Cap]

Ilian had watched the whole remarkable scene from the safety of being behind his men. The noble refusing to surrender to Keiros, the women he had beg for his life and finally, his King's accepting the surrender. When Ilian had seen the Noble finally agree to the inevitable, he had stepped forward, convinced the threat to anyone's safety was over.

King William approached Ilian as the Arkonian noble lay down his sword.

"Take him into custody." The King commanded.

"Of course, Sire" Ilian said dutifully. He had just the place in mind. William, however, seemed to know just what he was thinking. The King looked directly into Ilian's eyes as he clarified his order.

"In the Keep, General. Not your own dungeons."

"Of course, Uncle" He said as the King walked towards his mount. He could swear he saw tears in the King's eyes as he did this. Sparing the Arkonians life had cost his Uncle face with his people and his men for the hope that peace could be had. He stepped towards one of the Garrison captains.

"Captain, put the Arkonian in chains and take him to the Keep's cells."

The Captain, weather worn and looking old past his years recoiled in what seemed like horror at hearing this order

"But Sire! The beast killed more than a dozen of our men. He destroyed one of our most beautiful buildings! How can we spare his life" He asked

"Captain, those were the orders of the King himself. As long as my Uncle is your King his views on this matter are the law." Ilian replied coldly. He didn't have to elaborate on his point. Many of the ranks were likewise shocked by the King's orders. The Captain turned as began to speak to his men when Ilian interrupted him.

"Captain, I'm sure my Uncle would agree that it would be most unfortunate should our prisoner fall and hurt himself on the road to the keep."

"Aye sir. I'll make sure to tell my men to be extra gentle" The Captain replied as a grin spread on his lips. Ilian watched the guards take the prisoner into custody, roughing them up as they went.

Ilian turned and mounted his horse. The day's events had gone well for him. His Uncle's decision had almost certainly cost him support among the troops. Should a forceful seizure of the throne be in Ilian's best interests, he might have the Military's support.

These thoughts, among others, ran through Ilian's mind as he rode back to the keep. There was still the Lady Corvain to think of, as well as still convincing his Uncle that war with Arkon was the most wise and proper course of action. When he dismounted he made his way back to his chambers. He'd hoped to wash and prepare for what was sure to be a muted banquet but to his surprise saw Captain Arroll standing outside of his quarters.

"Arroll, I thought I had dispatched you?" Ilian asked, genuinely confused. Arroll was not one for forgetting his orders.

"Aye sire, you had but I received news from the border today. News I thought it was best to tell you immediately"

Ilian rolled his eyes. Today had been such a frantic and chaotic day. Even Ilian had hoped to make it through the rest of the night without more business to attend to.

"Very well Captain, although this had best be important."

"Sire, apparently there was a skirmish along the border. Arkonian raiders attacked our outpost near the town of Ramshead."

Ramshead? The name was familiar to Ilian but it took him a minute to place it. It was were his last communique with his Cousin the Prince had been from.

"Is that all? So what is the urgent message? My cousin beat them back and is now drinking their wine and violating their women?" Ilian chuckled. The Prince had from time to time sent Ilian messages from the front that were full of nothing but braggadocio of his sexual exploits.

"The Arkonians were indeed beaten back sire, but I have the grim duty of reporting that the Prince fell in the attack?"

Ilian couldn't believe his ears. His Cousin? The Prince? He had less love for his Cousin than even his Uncle but still the news of this was a shock to Ilian. His cousin had been an able warrior with crack troops at his disposal. Ilian found himself at a loss for words.

"Wha-wounded?" He asked hopefully. A son seriously wounded by the Arkonians might push the King into war. A dead son would mean, well, who knew?

"Unfortunately no, General. The Prince died"

"But how? He had nearly 200 elite troops at his side. How many Arkonians could have raided the village?"

"Not many sire but the Prince seems to have been a victim of bad luck. One of the raiders shot your cousin and the Arrow pierced his neck." Arroll replied, reading the news from the Parchment. He read the news of the Heir to the Throne being killed with the same level of emotion as reading that a local cat had caught a local mouse.

"I, uh, thank you Arroll." Ilian managed to choke out and grab the parchment. He was not close to his Cousin but still he thought back to the days they had spent as Children together. The General thought he might actually feel a pang of sadness until a thought hit him like a lightning bolt.

The King will need an heir

The thought ricocheted around his head, each time getting louder and louder. The King will need an heir!

If it wouldn't have seemed so monstrous, Ilian might have danced a jig. He fought to contain the smile that he truly felt and turned from the Captain.

"Thank you Arroll, I will inform the King at once"

Ilian quickly made his way to the Throne room. As he walked the Luxurious halls he now looked at them as a farmer might view a growing crop.

This will all be mine, Ilian thought, and soon.

He approached the heavy doors of the throne room and again was blocked by the Elite Guardsmen who had stood guard for his Uncle as he fornicated.

"Sire you..." The Guardsman started but Ilian simply walked past him. He had affected a mournful face and had pinched himself hard so as to make his eyes water.

He walked into the magnificently adorned throne room and found his Uncle looking pensive, sitting on the ornate throne. He kneeled before the King

"Ilian" The king said sounding frustrated "Perhaps now is not the time

"Uncle, I-I have some news from the front" He said, stifling a fake tear "News concerning the Prince"

He looked into his Uncles eyes and saw the look of worry spread on his Uncles face. He may be King but he still showed the same effect any Father would on hearing what was sure to be terrible news about their child.

"What of him Ilian?" The King asked his voice quivering slightly

"Sire, I, words cannot describe how heavy my heart is, this is, I mean, if..." Ilian sputtered.

The stage, thought Ilian, if I was not born to be King I'd have made a fine actor.

"What news?" The Kings voiced roared with the passion Ilian had seen on the field of battle.

"Your son fell on the field of battle, my liege. Slain by the arrow of an Arkonian archer in a skirmish on the border. He is dead, Uncle"

 

[Tanuki]

"He's not really upset with me, he just has to look it in public. After all it can't look as if he approves of my running around in breeches and arguing with soldiers...even though he's the one that taught me to do such things. And it wasn't courage back there Miria, it was foolishness and an overdeveloped dislike of pointless bloodshed."

Miria laughed at the thought of Ysandra as a child running around in britches and carrying a wooden sword, being chased by her father. Not unlike her own childhood, except that her father had never given her the attention she'd wanted. Yet like Ysandra, the desire to end the bloodshed, not to cause it, gave her courage. Miria's thoughts drifted back to the soldier she'd killed that day, and her mood became quiet and somber.

Later in the stables, she snapped back to the present when she saw Ysandra's father coming to help her down off the horse. Miria blushed as the man picked up her up easily like she weighed nothing at all and set her down on the ground. She had to look up at the two--Ysandra stood nearly half a foot taller than her 5' 5" slender frame, and Miria felt the urge to rise up on her toes in their presence.

Miria grinned broadly at the woman's offer of a clean bath and fresh clothing. They moved through the King's palace, and she tried not to gape at the high ceilings and exquisite tapestries that adorned the halls.

Lord Verrieul turned suddenly and caught her staring up wide-eyed at a painted ceiling, and Miria blushed again when she saw the slightly amused expression on his kind face. To make her at ease, he smiled and said, "Ysandre, don't you think you should ask Miria what she wants?"

"I'm sorry Miria!" Ysandra said, turning. "I don't think sometimes and just do things without thinking. Is all of this alright with you? If it's not I'm sure we can make more immediate arrangements for lodging and clothing for you."

Miria stopped herself from rising up on her toes -- by god the woman was tall. "It is wonderful, thank you!" she gushed, "a warm bath and clean clothing is just what I need. But I must hurry, the King wishes to see me, I believe?"

Miria suddenly felt nervous at the thought of having to plead her case before the King, but a pat of her thigh where her father's letter was hidden eased her anxiety. She smiled warmly at her kind hosts.

 

[Paendragon]

King William IV

His world rocked. He gripped the armreasts of his throne until his knuckled turned white. Tears stung at his eye.

"My son . . ."

His hand curled into a fist, and he slammed it down on the armrest.

"Bastards . . . bastards! They killed my son!!!!"

He became aware of Ilian still kneeling before him. Ilian whom he didn't trust. Ilian whom was his only blood left. His only blood.

"Rise nephew." His voice shook as Illian rose. The man still kept his eyes lowered. There were tears there, William noticed.

"I'll . . . I'll need a moment."

Illian bowed. "Of course my Liege." Illian gave one, brief, concerned look toward his King, before turning and exiting the throne room.

William watched him go in silence.

Then wept.

 

[caela]

"It is wonderful, thank you!" she gushed, "a warm bath and clean clothing is just what I need. But I must hurry, the King wishes to see me, I believe?"

Ysandre grinned at the other woman's words and pulled a face at her father as if to tell him she knew what she was doing. Laughing softly she pulled them both along with her and when they reached the Verrieul's rooms the bath was already prepared in the dressing room, for Miria, and a seamstress sat waiting. Ysandre was hard pressed not to burst into laughter at the look on the seamstress face as the old woman took the measure of both woman and the difference in their heights; she could almost see the woman thanking the gods that height was the biggest difference between them. Pulling Miria gently to the closet she flung it open on an array of dresses and gowns that all looked as if they had yet to be worn...most of them did.

"Pick at least three, you'll need two daydresses and a gown at least until either your own trunks get here or we can have a wardrobe commissioned for you." Leaning in close she whispered conspiratorially to the other woman, " Whichever three you want, I'd give you all of them if I didn't think father would go into fits. I hate dresses."

Grinning she turned back to the sitting room, closing the dressing room door behind her and threw herself down onto a couch to give Miria the priacy to make her choices and bathe. She couldn't wait to see what the young woman would choose and chatted aimiably with her father. Almost as an afterthought she called out loud enough for Miria to hear in the other room, "Don't come out til your clean and dressed so we can see the whole transformation at once!"

 

[TheScarletBlade]

When his eyes opened,Tain was not in the lush green feilds of his home,he could feel nothing but the mucklike water that dripped off the natural rock jutting down from above,its jagged yet sharp peak reminding him of spear points.Darkness filled the entire area,there was no lights in the cell,outside of the cell streaming through the window on the door or even any light.He was to far down below into the earth that the sun never reached here.There was no light,no light to lead him on,only darkness surronding him and the grime that came with the natural crafted cell.

His hands were still pulled tightly back and clamped into place.The strain hurt his muscles,added with a burning sorness from the beating he recieved from the gaurds,his body ached.His head remained down as he tried to push himself up but his hands were still tightly drawn in tight and his could bearly feel them.He looked around weakly,his eyes trying to penetrate the darkness yet all he saw was filthy water,broken and jagged rocks and iron bars.Tain closed his eyes once more and kept his head down as he began to reminisce about the past.

He could bearly remember anything past his fathers death,the dissappearence of his mother and the divison of his house and land into 4 minor groups.The former Longwinter lands were a neighbor with Ilia,they were near where house Verrieul's lands.The former lands of Longwinter were lush with grass and blessed with good soil.Longwinter also housed the kings Lord of the Swords:The crack noble blademaster group.None of them were left,they were most were killed with the fall of the Longwinter clan,they were murdered by one of the four small houses warring for power in the former Longwinter house's lands.Only one Lord of the Sword remained alive and he took in Tain.Tain had trained under him yet could no be offically a Lord of the Sword before named one by the king.Just before his caravan left for Ilia,his master died.Tain sought to restore the Lords of Sword and some day unite his lands.

Tain could remember clearly what the king had said.He was to go with the beautiful Lady Summer and attend the war council.If he could bring back proof of an alliance/ceasefire peace agreement with Ilia he would given his long desired position.Yet Tain no longer cared about that.He wanted to remain a warrior for a while,he needed to become better.Yet he could do nothing about here in the dungeons.He could feel dry blood caking his face and the bruises from his beating all across his body yet the young noble held strong.

 

[landiek]

In passing of the many hallways searching for the page to give information about the King's attendance of the feast, she notices the man that walked by. in respect she lowered her eyes and made a downward drop of the knees.

"Evening My Lord" Speaking to Ilian. "Pray that all fairs well this eve.. may this one inquire of Your attendance to the feast?"

She noticed that he seemed to not hear her soft voice and so she continued along the passage. Notcing the guards aoutside of the door she inquires.

"Pray guardsman, will the King be wishing to join the feast or does He desire a platter brought to Him?" Ayleece glanced into the guard's eyes as she spoke. Her lips parting as the promise of a kiss would follow. As she stepped closer she swore that she heard weeping.

The guard reached to her, then his eyes moved down. "Maybe you should attend to the King's needs."

Suprised to be thrust into the doorway it took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darker room. She gathered her strength and spoke earnestly. "My Lord is there something that this girl may do for you?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lady Lana

She stood hidden in the alcove, watching as men came and went, hearing the talk of what had happened in town. Knowing William as she did, she knew he'd be in a fit of temper.

"Marge, the banquet will be canceled for tonight, please see that all the residents of the inn are given a room, food and bath. See to it the prisoner is fed and made comfortable, but not too comfortable mind you. Just some bread and water and a blanket. We do not wish him dead, just repentive." Lana dismissed the servant to do her bidding then wrapped herself into her darker cloak.

Walking away from the main stair way, she found the back stair where she would not be seen. Moving quickly, all she could think about was helping William in seeing that this peace process went through.. and finding those responcible. The traitor had to be ferreted out and quickly!

"M'Lady?" She glanced up to see one guard posted at the small door. "It is not a good time to see the King M'lady."

"Durr, don't give me that none sense. Open that door!" she whispered harshly. "He has need of council, someone he can trust.."

"He is in a rage he has barely contained Lady Corvain..."

She gave him a little glare, walked around him and pushed open the door slowly to peek in.. What she saw broke her heart.
My god, why is he weaping?! She'd never seen him have a weak moment in their entire aquaintence. She pushed open the door far enough to sneak inside, turn and shut it once more.

He was alone in the room, taking note of every entry, she knew he had barred himself in with his Elite. There was something else wrong.... something she wasn't sure she wanted to know either.

She shed her cloak and let it fall where it may, approaching the throne she laid her shaking hand upon his shoulder. "William?" She spoke softly, poised ready to jump back if he went into a rage.

 

[Tanuki]

In Ysandra's chambers, Miria finally began to relax. She watched the woman fling open the closet to reveal a stunning array of fine dresses, with not a pair of breeches in sight. Ysandra instructed her to pick three, and then leaning in, she whispered, " Whichever three you want, I'd give you all of them if I didn't think father would go into fits. I hate dresses."

Miria giggled and nodded, for she'd guessed as much. She understood Ysandra's desire to be comfortable and unencumbered, it made swordfighting possible, and it was tiresome to have to worry about catching a sleeve or a skirt on some corner, or stepping into a puddle. But Miria also loved to dress up, to look beautiful, the gown clinging to her curves and attracting attention from males and females alike. She turned and flashed a bright smile to Ysandra and then dug into the dresses.

Miria wrinkled her nose at the traditional dresses with tightly laced bodices and ruffled sleeves - she imagined it took an army of maids to force Ysandra into that kind of thing. But she was pleased to see more modern dresses as well. Her eyes fell on a lovely red satin gown with a square-cut neck and cap sleeves. She pulled it out and looked back for Ysandra, but the woman was relaxing on the couch, in a most unlady-like pose, Miria thought, stiffling another giggle.

"Don't come out til your clean and dressed so we can see the whole transformation at once!" shouted Ysandra from the couch. Remembering the urgency of the situation, Miria quickly settled on two dresses and a gown, and gave them to the waiting seamstress. Then she closed the door to the dressing room and began to undress for her bath. Once undressed, she removed the velvet pouch from her thigh, and checked to see that her father's letter was still inside, then placed it on the table. Then she climbed into the warm water, sighing as her tired muscles soaked in the warmth. She reminded herself to thank the kind father and daughter again. Miria slid back to find a comfortable position, and her eyes began to droop.

 

[caela]

Ysandre and her father chatted amiably for a time while they waited to see Miria. Ysandre was more than happy to be able to give away a few dresses and her father had just sighed in resignation. Jonathon was smart enough to know when to push his daughter and when not to and he had always encouraged her to be generous. Still he did wish she hadn't felt the need to bring her breeches and tunics along, the rumors would be flying at the feast tonight.

Almost on the heels of that thought a knock sounded at the door of their suite. Motioning for her father to remain seated Ysandre went and answered the door. The startled look on the messengers face at the sight of her made her want to laugh but Ysandre had enough good manners not to laugh in the poor boys face; he seemed to be having a hard enough time getting out whatever it was he had to say.

"I-I-I need to s-speak with J-j-jonathon Verrieul or his d-daughter Ysandre please Ma'am," the young man asked politely for all his stammering.

"I'm Ysandre Verrieul, what is your message please?" She tried to be polite but the young mans eyes simply bugged out of his head his eyes went so wide to hear that this tall woman dressed as a man was the Lords daughter. Ah well she was used to that reaction.

"The feast for tonighhasbeen canceledLadyYsandre." This time he didn't stammer but his words came out in such a rush that it took Ysandre a moment to realize he had told her the feast for that evening had been cancelled. "Oh! And the lady Miria won't be needed until she is called for Lady Ysandre, the King is closeted away with his Elite."

"Thank you young man. Here, for your trouble," she smiled warmly and slipped the yound man a gold sovereign which again made his eyes go wide as saucers.

Closing the door gently she curled back down into her chair a small smile playing on her lips. At her father's quizzical look she nodded toward the door, "He said the feast is cancelled and Miria won't be needed for awhile. Let her take her time in the bath, she's had a long day and if the water was warm enough probably fell asleep. It will give the seamstress time to finish the dresses. I have an errand to run."

"Ysandre..."her father said in a tone that she knew all too well. "You aren't planning any more trouble are you?"

"Of course not father. I just plan to check on the other Arkonian, I doubt his appointments are quite so nice as we've been able to make Miria's."

Swiftly before he could forbid it she was out the door and making her way toward the dungeons.

***

"M'lady you can't go down there!" an exasperated gaurd argued with her.

Tossing her head defiantly Ysandre stared him in the eye until he looked away and point down to the dungeon. "Sir, I have every right as a noble of this realm to see any prisoner being held in these dungeons. Especially one I helped put there. Now lead me to his cell or I will find your superior and you won't like the results of his having an angry noble breathing down his neck to get her way."

With a low growl the gaurd finally gave way and turned sullenly to do Ysandre's bidding. Oh he knew she was in the right to ask to see the Arkonian if she wanted, he just didn't think a dungeon was anyplace for a lady. Of course for all her fanc breeding this one didn't act much like a lady now. Leading her to the cell he pulled his keys and opened the door for her, "MY apologies lady but if you want to talk to him you have to be in there with him. He's considered dangerous and not to be let out til the King commands. Just knock when you're done."

With that said he closed the door behind her and Ysandre heard the ominous sound of the key locking the cell door once more. Turning to look at Tain she gasped softly at the sight of his and felt her blood rise in anger. Twisting back to the door she called out, "Gaurd!"

"That was fast Lady, want out already?"

"No you fool I want you to fetch a doctor...now. This man's been beaten and if I'm not mistaken his nose is broken." At the truculent look on the gaurd face she hissed softly, "Now!" He looked as if he might argue for a moment but finally turned and went to fetch the doctor. That done she turned to look down at Tain once more.