Legendary Exploits of Three Not Viking Brothers

"I will quickly teach Edlass. Come here child." Robillard commences teaching Edlass some minor footwork and strokes. He does not duel the child, or beat him senseless, or even hit him too hard [because the kid is 5!]. Once the training is over, he goes to Leewan to have their conversation.

Leewan is found sitting at the open terrace of the warchamber. He has taken a seat out to the railing and broods over his goblet of spirits. When he hears the loud steps heralding Robillard's entrance he focuses his mind on the conversation soon at hand. He stands up and turns to face Robillard.

"You are back now. Back from battle for both the house and the crusade. Three moons have passed since all this and your tale is spun greater, more dangerous and more mysterious with every passing week. Now we face the danger of your fox natured curse and suspicious tidings of strife in the holy capital. Yet this is all second to the pursuit of glory and victory for house Griswald. So I ask you, dear brother, what purpose have you envisioned yourself fulfilling with your life?"

Robillard is a bit taken aback. He was not expecting to start a conversation of this magnitude. He bows his head, takes a seat, and speaks. "I must admit, I had not thought on this matter. I hope only to dedicate my life to the service of Themis and the Griswald family. I have no great ambitions."

He clears his throat, then continues. "But what is this you say of strife in the holy Capitol? I was not aware of this;Cardinal Schiller did not speak of any conflict."

"There is possibility that a political war is brewing to select the next arch-cardinal. Thus these squatting clergy in a lower halls. But of your ambition. You must envision your own lineage extending into days far from now, or did you suffer a crippling cut in the crusades?"

"Truthfully, I never expected to live long enough to see any offspring. I always imagined myself sacrificing myself in the service of Themis, dying as a martyr. But now that I am back from the Crusade, I must say that I need to reconcile myself to my new opportunities. Would you have me marry? Who is available to grant our house a good aliiamce?"

"These arrangements are still uncertain. I could not risk any resistance from our family as I begin opening negotiations. Second, I ask you to investigate the rumors of turmoil in the church through Schiller."

Robillard's brow furrows. "I hope you aren't asking me to spy on the Cardinal. I will certainly ask him any questions you might have, but he is an honest man; if you are so curious, why not ask him yourself? It would do you good to enter a church more often."

"The church is for times of guidance. Are you questioning the direction of our home?"

"The church is for honoring our lady Themis and determining her orders for us. Perhaps if you come with me to speak to the Cardinal, you will see that there is nothing to be afraid of. I'm sure these rumors are just that: rumors. I will go now and speak with him."

As he stands up to leave, Robillard turns around slightly and says, "I hope you know that I am not 'questioning the direction of our house.' I may have been gone for nearly a decade, but I still remember what it means to be a Griswald. I had hoped my recent service against the northern barbarian's had convinced you of this. Perhaps my actions now will do the same."

Robillard leaves his brother to his glaring down at the town. As he makes his leave he passes by Leewans wife and son in the halls who are heading in the direction of Leewans quarters (and hers technically). They stop and ask you if Leewan was there which you confirm and they go on their way. As you begin leaving the castle to find Schiller you can hear a loud amount of merriment coming from the dining hall.

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After Robillard leaves Leewan he is left with time to ponder from the balcony. He looks town on the town thinking about what could be before he is interrupted by a knock on the door and the voice of his wife saying "My dear are you in there?"

Leewan turns his head to look at his wife and child.

"Yes. I am present."

Robillard will duck his head into the hall to make sure nothing too illicit is going on, but he will make sure not to get too waylayed on his way to Schiller.

Robillard peaks in on the merriment and sees Gwain and company celebrating alongside some of the house officials. Samuel sees Robillard peaking inside and shouts "Robillard! Our righteous sword! We were discussing the upcoming hunt I've been working on planning five days from now. Care to join us?!"

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Leewans wife and son enter after his response. Your child looks shylee towards the ground while his mother looks at you with a slight smile. As they walk in she says "Dear Edlass has been wanting to ask you something since you've gotten back. You've been so busy that he hasn't had time to yet."

Edlass looks up for a second to see your gaze at him and then returns to being shy and looking towards the floor

"Perhaps once I return from meeting Cardinal Schiller, Samuel. It has been too long since I have been on a hunt; I would enjoy the exercise."

Hoping to quickly meet the Cardinal and resolve their impending discussion, Robillard leaves.

Robillard hurries off to try and not get distracted from his new quest. He races along at a quick pace towards the sept. As he approaches Robillard notices a large crowd gathered towards the center of town. Very strange considering the time of day people have much better things to be doing.

He will continue towards the sept, perhaps trying to eavesdrop as he walks by. Maybe his height will allow him to see over the crowd, but he won't push his way through or anything like that.

Robillard continues on and peers over the crowd. All he can see is the crowd of people gathered around a raised wooden platform stop which is someone shouting out something. The shouting individual is holding up a scroll and appears to be reading from it.

Once Robillard arrives it doesn't take him long to get an audience with the Cardinal. Moments later you are guided to Schillars office for the second time in few days and he greats you on entry "Ah Robillard, how good to see you. Nothing is wrong I hope?"

"I'm sure everything is fine. My brother Gwain and I will soon set out on a pilgrimage to seek redemption for my curse. Leewan however, is not so optimistic. He wanted me to ask you about the rumors of inter-church fighting. Apparently he has heard of conflict between Cardinals recently? I told him there was nothing to be worried about, but he insisted I come ask you."

Cardinal Schillers expression becomes extremely serious and he takes a long hard look at you "Why would there be reason to worry of conflict between Cardinals? I've always known your brother to distrust the church and I've recently learned my priests are no longer allowed entrance to the castle due to your brothers orders."

"My brother has barred priests entrance to Heretic's End?! That certainly sounds like my brother. Extreme reactions to a probably nonexistent problem. I do not know why he was so concerned in particular; I only know that I must follow the orders of the head of my house and my liege."

"I only hope he doesn't plan to make you his messenger to me. If he has a problem with my presence here he can tell me himself. Your father was the one who asked me to stay And I'd prefer not to deny one of his last requests."

He gives a loud sigh before continuing "But that is not your concern. You're merely conveying your brothers words and are not the one responsible. You're going on pillgrimige then? You'll be gone for quite some time. You're not concerned about your... condition?"

"You bring voice to my own thoughts. I also told him to speak you directly. It is not fitting for a Cardinal to have to deal with great lords by messenger. Regardless, as to your second point, I believe this pilgrimage is necessary. I will find the answer to my curse at the heart of Themis' power on this earth. I am prepared to bring many donations to earn my freedom. Prayer and meditation will keep me safe during our journey."

"If that is your conviction then so be it. I will pray for your safety on your journey. I am sorry that I could not help you more with your curse. I spent much of my youth learning the way of the blade and never learned the exact nuances of miracles as others have." He stands up and hands you something. When you look at what he handed you you see it is Schillers Raven symbol cast in white gold.

Speaking after you have seen the item "What little I do know however this object may help you. Whenever the one who put this on you comes close to you it will begin to heat up. The closer he is to you the hotter it gets. Considering the nature of this individual I doubt you're free of him forever."

Robillard bows and smiles. "Every time we speak, I find myself more in your debt. Thank you, Father. And don't worry about focusing on the blade. I would love to have seen you in your day!"

Robillard then takes his leave. On his way back to the castle (the dining hall in particular) he stops by the crowd to try and get a closer look.

You take your leave and head to where the crowd was in the town square. Before you even arrive you can hear a tremendous amount of shouting coming from its location and upon arrival almost the entire towns population must be gathered and shouting at the people up on the stage. The one you recognize as being the individual who was reading from a sheet of paper earlier is standing off to the side while an individual in a heavy fur coat is the one apparently receiving much of the shouting. The shouts generally appear to be along the lines of "Who will protect us?!" and "Who killed him?!"

Now alarmed, Robillard pushes his way to the front of the crowd. "What is the meaning of this?!" he booms. When he reaches the front, he moves close to the man who was reading before.

"Tell me now, what have you said to alarm the people so?"

The man looks at you in a manner as though he's taking gage of your capabilities. He speaks with a commanding voice and in a mannerism that indicates him to be a man of the high courts "I would appreciate it if you would watch your tone, sir. Especially in the presence of an agent to the new King of Atten."

Robillard's face hardens. "And I would appreciate it if you would watch your tone in the presence of the second son of House Griswald. I recognize your position in the courts and the capital, but these are my people, and I do not take kindly to having them whipped into a riot. Now tell me, what is your message?"

The man extends the paper he was reading towards you as he speaks "My apologies sir. The citizens have been quite rowdy upon learning the news and I thought you were one trying to make a scene. I am Kings Hand VonKretch, the new King Bernheardt the third. You can read the news yourself if you'd prefer."

"I understand, Sir Von Kretch. I prefer humble attire. I find it keeps me closer to Themis." As he speaks, Rpbillard snatches the paper and reads it quickly. "Has my brother been informed?"

"Be out with your words boy. There is no shame in bringing a statement before the lord of the house."

The child looks at you and looks as though he's about to speak but stops short. His mother crouched down and encourages him and the boy finally voices his question "I... I wanted to ask if I could... learn how to sail the big ships?"

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As you read through the paper the man tells you "A messenger has been sent requesting audience with Lord Griswald. My orders are to tell the entire populous of the towns I visit."

The paper reads off in typical courtly dialect a number of things. The first thing it says is that the late King Bernheardt II was killed on crusade a month and a half ago by overwhelming heretical forces. His son, the new King Bernheardt III, has taken the throne due to his fathers death. In addition, the heretical horde that overwhelmed the crusading forces has been sighted moving towards Atten in preparation for an invasion. It is estimated they will arrive at the passes into Atten in four months time. Their leader, Lych Kholek, has declared a crusade on country of Atten

"This is serious news," rumbles Robillard. "I will bring it to my brothers' attention immediately. Thank you."

He then turns to the crowd and, using his massive frame and voice, tells them all to quiet and disperse. He proceeds quickly to Heretic's End, looking for Leewan and Gwain.

Leewan is surprised by the boys request. "Can you swim?"

Edlass shakes his head in affirmation and says "Master Samuel has been teaching me so on the hunts I don't drown when crossing rivers. I... I want to be ready to help when I'm old enough!"

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The crowds begin dispersing and Von Kretch responds as they do so "I should join you in speaking with the Lord Griswald about the matters. At this moment there's very few remaining who can speak with the Kings authority."

Robillard nods. "Come with me, Lord Von Kretch. I will take you to my brother presently. I am sure this information will take precedence."

"I will judge your swimming ability tomorrow. If sufficient then yes, lessons on sailing could be arranged."

Edlass gets a big grin across his face and says "I won't disappoint you Father!"

Soon after a knock comes at the door and you hear Ohly's voice "My Lord! A messenger has come announcing the arrival of a kings agent! He brings news that you must here!"

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Robillard heads towards the castle with the Kings Hand and is quickly admitted through the upped security. On the way up the sounds of the merriment from before can be heard still.

On his way up to Leewan, Robillard stops by the dining room.

"Gwain, come with me. We must speak with Leewan at once. I cannot tell you more here."

"I'll meet with the agent in the audience chamber immediately."

"Look everyone, it's my oak of a brother!" Gwain points to Robillard and bursts out laughing. His cheeks are rosy red from merriment. "Whi're you alwaysh russin' everywheres? Come down and 'av a drink!" Gwain punctuates his sentence with a hiccup, followed by another burst of laughter.

"Now is not the time for merriment, Gwain," Robillard says through gritted teeth, cursing his brother. "Now come here. You will have to sober up on the way."

Robillard moves into the room and grabs Gwain, dragging him along. [Do we need to start a combat for that? I hope he'll come willingly.]

Robillard drags Gwain from his entertainment and they head for the war room. Upon arrival they find that Leewan, Ohly, and Ritter are already present with Samuel squeezing his way past you in the door way to get to his seat at the table. You make room for the Kings official and on entering he bows slightly and says "Lord Griswald, I am Kings Hand Von Kretch. I have come to deliver dire news that affects all citizens of Atten."

"Then be received by our court and reveal this dire news Von Kretch."

Gwain stands at attention with a look of utter seriousness. He adopts his most formal and rigid posture, but for some reason the room tilts from side to side.

As Von Kretch is about to speak you hear a shout coming from down the hall from the Steward "Wait for the rest of us before you go spreading the news!" and a pause is had for your Steward and Kennelmaster come through the door and take their seats shortly after. With everyone finally assembled Von Kretch speaks,

"There has been some significant turn of events lately. Firstly, the now late King Bernheardt II was killed on crusade a month and a half ago. A swarm of heretical soldiers, under the command of Lych Kholek, overwhelmed the forces he was with and was killed in the ensuing carnage. His body is reportedly hanging from the ramparts of the Lych's stronghold. Similar reports from other crusading forces have come by raven with similar tails of misery. As far as we know, the Crusade has ended in defeat." This portion he speaks in a dour tone.

"The Kings son, King Bernheardt III has taken the throne. Those of you keen on the ordering for the control of the throne will recall he was third in line. I cannot bring myself to speak of how he attained his new position. In celebration of his new position, a grand ball has been declared and all the heads of house are required to attend and swear fealty to their new liege. Unfortunately, news from beyond the mountains towards the lychdoms has it that an enormous force being led by the Lych Kholek is en route towards Atten. The Lych has declared a Crusade of his own against our mother nation."

Leewan wonders about the maturity of a leader celebrating his inauguration in the wake of his own kin's murder.

"The king has given word to his lords to abandon their lands as an enemy army encroaches?"

"The celebration is also to act as a funeral service for the Kings oldest brother and father. The King recognizes the concern of the incoming invasion and is allowing representatives to be sent in stead of the head of house. He has said he will look favorably on those that come in person claiming it will demonstrate those confident enough in their capabilities to defend their holds even when away." Von Kretch responds with a worried expression.

Leewan pauses for what seems like forever and addresses Ritter, not Von Kretch.

"Do you believe in your abilities to maintain the castle?"

Ritter nods and says "I'm sure I'll be able to keep the area around the castle safe. If an entire army starts marching through we'll get the citizens into the castle."

Ohly speaks up with a gruff "Nobodies gotten past these walls since I took over. You've got nothing to worry about. I'll even double the guard while you're gone to help ease your conscious"