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Location: Würzburg, Germany
	
18th Day of Eaiwe in the year 1031 of the Northern Calendar, Evening

After your decission to leave the Glendowerian soldiers in search for Sven's siblings, you are brought to guest quarters where you can refresh yourselves and later invited to diner with the baron.

Although Sven would like to depart as soon as possible, Ungulian insists that you wait until your guide, a young officer from Ungulian's army, has returned from a special mission Ungulian sent him out two hours ago.

In the meantime, you're treated with the most exquisite friendliness until you are called to a white, exclusive tent where the baron has prepared a big table full of delicious food for you.
The baron sits quietly next to Erdath and Sven while watching you eat.


-----------------------------

Ungulian exchanges some whispered words with a page, then takes up a small, but exquisitively ornated lyre and plays some tunes of the ballad "The Great Svenny".

[The details on the ballad can be found here... I leave it to Jigimy to find the right rhymes. Smile]

After a while of playing slowly, almost meditating, as if you weren't there watching him, Ungulian suddenly opens his eyes.

"Is there anything left that I can do for you?"
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gsvenson
	
Post subject: RE: The Grim Winter II, Chapter II: A Song of Swords  PostPosted: Jun 09, 2006 - 03:32 PM
Baron of Newgate
<b>Baron of Newgate</b>


Joined: Feb 06, 2005
Posts: 305
Location: Clearwater, Florida, USA
	
"Thank you, my Lord. You have been most generous with us. As we wait for the return of our scout, perhaps, if you are willing, could you tell us how you happen to be here in the middle of the Duchy of Ten and what you plan to do here? When I left home there was no talk of a Blackmoorian army being sent here; so, I am curious. Of course, you need not tell us anything that might jeapordize your operations if we were to be captured after we leave your protection..."

After listening to the answer, I will ask a second question:

"Can you tell me what led your scouts to conclude that my brother and sisters are in the carriage they spotted?"
-Sven
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Desdichado
	
Post subject: Re: RE: The Grim Winter II, Chapter II: A Song of Swords  PostPosted: Jun 11, 2006 - 04:46 AM
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gsvenson wrote:
"Thank you, my Lord. You have been most generous with us. As we wait for the return of our scout, perhaps, if you are willing, could you tell us how you happen to be here in the middle of the Duchy of Ten and what you plan to do here? When I left home there was no talk of a Blackmoorian army being sent here; so, I am curious. Of course, you need not tell us anything that might jeapordize your operations if we were to be captured after we leave your protection..."


Ungulian eyes Sven sharply, almost angry, or so it seems, but then apparently can control himself.

"Well... I... I am stunned that you don't know about this. The plans for taking the Duchy back have been going on for years. We here are the spearhead, so to speak. We were going to secure the passage over the Misauga river, but since Hanford and Silverbell are already under the siege of the Brothers of the Greenwood, I took my men to the inland. The Afridhi are retreating..."

He coughs.

"This is the best chance we have had in a decade to win the war. We will take Starmorgan in a month, if things go like I have planned them."

gsvenson wrote:

"Can you tell me what led your scouts to conclude that my brother and sisters are in the carriage they spotted?"
-Sven


Again, Ungulian reaction might bewilder you, since he stands up abruptly at Sven's words and looks into the white tent wall as if he would find the answer there.

After a while, he resumes to speak.

"It is not more than an idea I had... The first sighting of the carriage was in Newgate shortly after the assault on the Freehold, and its escort has been fighting my men whenever they came close enough to get a look. - Those who killed your family took something from them and are trying to give it to ours enemies. That is for sure."

Again, he coughs.

"My spies reported that when they tried to to claim the carriage, they heard children cry from inside."

The baron turns to you others again, waiting if someone wants to speak up again.


Last edited by Desdichado on Jun 12, 2006 - 01:42 PM; edited 1 time in total
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gsvenson
	
Post subject: Re: RE: The Grim Winter II, Chapter II: A Song of Swords  PostPosted: Jun 11, 2006 - 03:04 PM
Baron of Newgate
<b>Baron of Newgate</b>


Joined: Feb 06, 2005
Posts: 305
Location: Clearwater, Florida, USA
	
Desdichado wrote:
Ungulian eyes Sven sharply, almost angry, or so it seems, but then apparently can control himself.

"Well... I... I am stunned that you don't know about this. The plans for taking the Duchy back have been going on for years. We here are the spearhead, so to speak. We were going to secure the passage over the Misauga river, but since Hanford and Silverbell are already under the siege of the Brothers of the Greenwood, I took my men to the inland. The Afridhi are retreating..."

He coughs.

"This is the best chance we have had in a decade to win the war. We will take Starmorgan in a month, if things go like I have planned them."


"That is well. You are driving to liberate Starmorgan, then. I don't mean to upset or offend you. I am just surprised to find you here at the head of a Blackmoorian army. It seems that my family has been keeping the news of this from me. If I had known that you were raising an army to invade the Duchy of Ten before I left home, I would have volunteered to join you."

"Since I have lived in Newgate and seen the Tenian refugees, I have often felt that this is what needed to happen. My grandfather has often said that it was his desire to do just what you are doing and the he was forced by the Regency Council to hold back. In a way, that is why I am here now. It was my intention to join the Brotherhood of the Greenwood after I finished the mission grandfather sent me here for."

Desdichado wrote:
Again, Ungulian reaction might bewilder you, since he stands up abruptly at Sven's words and looks into the white tent wall as if he would find the answer there.

After a while, he resumes to speak.

"It is not more than an idea I had... The first sighting of the carriage was in Newgate shortly after the assault on the Freehold, and its escort has been fighting my men whenever they came close enough to get a look. - Those who killed your family took something from them and are trying to give it to ours enemies. That is for sure."

Again, he coughs.

"My spies reported that when they tried to to claim the carriage, they heard children cry from inside."

The baron turns to you others again, waiting if someone wants to speak up again.

"I am trying to understand if they had actually been seen in the carriage or not. I will trust your idea, as you have more experience in these matters than I have. I just wanted to know if there was a possibility that I would be disappointed when we capture the carriage."

"Can you give us any information about the strength and composition of the guards of the carriage? Are there any hostile forces between this camp and the place were the carriage was last seen? In otherwords, can you tell us what are we facing?"
-Sven
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groundhogg
	
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: The Grim Winter II, Chapter II: A Song of Swords  PostPosted: Jun 12, 2006 - 01:32 PM
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Joined: Nov 13, 2005
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As the page leaves to retrieve our belongings, Jigimy thinks of something, and quickly follows out the door. Before the page gets too far, Jigimy shouts to get his attention.

When he looks back, "My good man, a horse for me is a bit much to handle. Is a riding dog out of the question? I know it may not be possible, given the short notice." Jigimy looks down humbly & kicks the dirt a little. He looks back up... "But could you try?"

Afterwards, Jigimy returns to the group. He sits down to continue eating heartily, so much so he may miss some of the conversation. He often compliments the Baron on the quality of the food between bites. It's been awhile since he's had a proper meal, and he's gonna take advantage.
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Desdichado
	
Post subject: Re: RE: The Grim Winter II, Chapter II: A Song of Swords  PostPosted: Jun 13, 2006 - 02:19 AM
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groundhogg wrote:

When he looks back, "My good man, a horse for me is a bit much to handle. Is a riding dog out of the question? I know it may not be possible, given the short notice." Jigimy looks down humbly & kicks the dirt a little. He looks back up... "But could you try?"


The page, an arrogant look in his face, nods briefly. "I'll look what I can do...Sir Halfling."

gsvenson wrote:

"I am trying to understand if they had actually been seen in the carriage or not. I will trust your idea, as you have more experience in these matters than I have. I just wanted to know if there was a possibility that I would be disappointed when we capture the carriage."


"Of course, the assassins could also simply have kidnapped some of your grandfather's servants and their children, but where would be the sense in that? - Also, since the bdoies of your siblings weren't found, it seems like the most logical solution. One member of the escort that is waiting for you near Dustcape was with the scouts that assaulted the vessel. He'll be able to give you more detailed information."

gsvenson wrote:

"Can you give us any information about the strength and composition of the guards of the carriage? Are there any hostile forces between this camp and the place were the carriage was last seen? In otherwords, can you tell us what are we facing?"
-Sven


The baron seems to try to hide a grin.

"Sven... You're going deep into enemy territory, to the lair of someone powerful enough to destroy the Freehold. Of course, it will be dangerous... Indeed, expect spies and traitors on every corner."

Suddenly, Ungulian looks ostentatively at Erdath, but then turns to the wall again.

"Well... I hear the horses out there... Time to go for you... Farewell..."

With that, he keeps staring at the wall, apparently waiting for you to leave him...

[Attention - Attention - Attention: Last call for questions to Ungulian... Next post: Change of scene...]
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gsvenson
	
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: The Grim Winter II, Chapter II: A Song of Swords  PostPosted: Jun 13, 2006 - 02:15 PM
Baron of Newgate
<b>Baron of Newgate</b>


Joined: Feb 06, 2005
Posts: 305
Location: Clearwater, Florida, USA
	
'Excellent, we will be off then. If there is any chance that my brother and sisters are prisoners in that carriage, I want to rescue them, just as my uncle rescued my mother. Thank you for your generousity and curtesy, my lord. Until we meet again, fare thee well..."

Sven turns and leaves the building.
[I assume that we can retrieve our weapons when we get outside, as well as choose a mount...]
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groundhogg
	
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: The Grim Winter II, Chapter II: A Song of Swords  PostPosted: Jun 13, 2006 - 10:40 PM
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Jigimy bows to the baron before leaving his presense. "Thank you greatly for your hospitality, Baron Ungulian. The food was wonderful. And may your conquest go successfully!"

_________________
Jigimy - Halfling Bard
Cal - Human Paladin
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Draussa
	
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: The Grim Winter II, Chapter II: A Song of Swords  PostPosted: Jun 14, 2006 - 12:49 PM
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From Draussa:

Do I sense he is nervous, possibly feverish? Are the hackles on the back of my neck raising because of an intuition of falsehood? I keep Bobby close to my side.
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Desdichado
	
Post subject:   PostPosted: Jun 15, 2006 - 05:26 AM
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The Baron does not react as you say your farewells.

Draussa wrote:

Do I sense he is nervous, possibly feverish?


Judging from his silly behaviour during all the past hours, you cannot say if the baron is simply excentric or sick.
But he indeed doesn't behave like you would expect a nobleman to do.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Since the last few postings didn't meet to much response, I am going to forward thing s a bit.]

Outside the tent, Ungulian's pages await you with horses for Sven, Path, Brumm, and Erdath,
a small pony for Draussa and Boby and a fiercely looking creature vaguely reminding of a dog...

“That's all we could find, sir halfling.” The page bows before Jigimy,but cannot hide a mocking grin. “His name is Killer.”

Next to the horses waits a young man in green robes. Under the cloth, you can see a silver armour shimmer.

“My name is Gawaine. I am supposed to be the leader of your escort. - That means, if you choose to accept my company.”



Image



As you mount your steeds, you see Ungulian exit his tent again, hisface completely changed, grinning at you like in fever.
“May the gods bless you, my friends.” Without awaiting your response, he enters the tent again.

Without further hesistation, Gawaine leads you out of the camp into the West.

The Dawn of the night is approaching, but your horses run swift...



Image



Gawain will lead you right into the wilds of Ten without saying a word or even looking you straight into the faces.
Any questions you have to him? - For he won't speak up if you don't push him.
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Glgnfz
	
Post subject: Re: RE: The Grim Winter II, Chapter II: A Song of Swords  PostPosted: Jun 15, 2006 - 05:45 AM
Blackmoorian Merc


Joined: Apr 30, 2006
Posts: 46
Location: Germany (near Koblenz)
	
Desdichado wrote:
"Sven... You're going deep into enemy territory, to the lair of someone powerful enough to destroy the Freehold. Of course, it will be dangerous... Indeed, expect spies and traitors on every corner."


hmmmm... brumm hates sentences like those above...


Evil or Very Mad




"so, friend gawaine - why are YOU our guide?!?"
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Desdichado
	
Post subject: Re: RE: The Grim Winter II, Chapter II: A Song of Swords  PostPosted: Jun 15, 2006 - 07:18 AM
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Glgnfz wrote:

"so, friend gawaine - why are YOU our guide?!?"


As you ride out of the camp, Gawaine suspiciously eyes Brumm, but then, in a friendly tone of voice, bothers himself to answer.

"I am the commander of the scouts that were sent to Dustcape. I want to join my men there. - They're expecting us 17 days from here."
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djaykix
	
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: The Grim Winter II, Chapter II: A Song of Swords  PostPosted: Jun 15, 2006 - 08:52 AM
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Joined: May 30, 2005
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Thank you for leading us to where the caravan is. What can you tell us about the strength of it and what type of tactics they use? How big of a force attacked the caravan the first time?

_________________
Erdath Stargloom
Theron Ard
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gsvenson
	
Post subject:   PostPosted: Jun 15, 2006 - 01:53 PM
Baron of Newgate
<b>Baron of Newgate</b>


Joined: Feb 06, 2005
Posts: 305
Location: Clearwater, Florida, USA
	
Desdichado wrote:
“My name is Gawaine. I am supposed to be the leader of your escort. - That means, if you choose to accept my company.”

"You are welcome in our small company, Captain. You look familiar to me, Gawaine. Where are you from? Can you help me figure out how I know you."

After we get away from the camp, I will slow down a bit, letting Gawaine get ahead so he can not hear us, and then I will speak to the rest.

"Friends, our interview with the Baron was strange. I have always held him in the highest esteem, but he has not been the same since he returned from rescueing the Baroness from the Egg of Coot. Things he said are not adding up to me. Perhaps I am not thinking clearly because of his news, but here goes."

"First, if such a large army was being raised in Blackmoor to come here I would have had to have heard of it before I left home. Second, he blamed the thieves guilds of Maus and Jackport for the sacking of my grandfather's freehold, the killing of my parents and grandparents and the kidnapping of my brother and sisters. Rowell is a leader of the thieves of Maus, surely if they were after my family he could have captured or killed me at any point while I was travelling with him or during the chaos at the Maiden's Rest Inn. Third, the carriage came from Newgate. If my parents and grandparents were killed at the freehold near the City of Blackmoor, my sisters would have been there with them, so why the detour to Newgate, far to the south on their way here? It would make more sense if there had been another attack in Newgate on my uncle Sol and his family. He is, after all, the heir to the barony. And as for my brother, Little Menander, he has been gone for over a year now, last I heard from him he was with the Peshwah in the Eastern Hak and he was heading for Dragonia not returning home."

"Think on these things maybe we can come up with some ideas. I fear that we may be going into a trap. Anyway, we better catch up with Captain Gawaine..."
-Sven
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Desdichado
	
Post subject: Re: RE: Re: RE: The Grim Winter II, Chapter II: A Song of Sw  PostPosted: Jun 16, 2006 - 12:58 PM
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djaykix wrote:
Thank you for leading us to where the caravan is. What can you tell us about the strength of it and what type of tactics they use? How big of a force attacked the caravan the first time?


Gawain smiles wearily at the elf and answers:

"The scouts found the caravan by mere coincidence - they were five mercenaries, and only an elf, Palnatoke, managed to escape. She reported to me that the caravan was protected by heavy magic, but didn't specifiy in her message what kind of force killed her companions."

gsvenson wrote:

"You are welcome in our small company, Captain. You look familiar to me, Gawaine. Where are you from? Can you help me figure out how I know you."


"I lived in Ringlo Hall for two years, before the Baron called me to fulfill my oath of allegiance and to follow him into the enemy's land. Maybe you recall my face - I was an officer among the palace guards of Lord Menander."

The young man seems uncommital, but friendly. Young in years, but already an experienced warrior and gentleman...

gsvenson wrote:

"Think on these things maybe we can come up with some ideas. I fear that we may be going into a trap..."


Mant looks as if his head would hurt.

"But why did he treat us so kindly and not kill us as spies? - What could we have done against him, with all his soldiers?"

------------------------------------------------------

You travel three days alongside the borders of the frozen swamps, the weather constantly worsening.

On the high noon of the fourth day, within constant waves of snow, trembling and exhausted, Gawaine orders you to stop.

“Don't you hear that? - Something's coming!”