Legendary Exploits of Three Not Viking Brothers

Leewan adds inquiry: "I was not aware the central faith permitted independent prophets to do the goddess's work."

The women answers in a cold and steady tone "My sister's purity is preserved at all costs. My mother saw fit to tell me of the world while I slept and that I should seek the King of Acren. She tires of the ceaseless conflict between Acren and the Lichdoms and wishes for an end to the stalemate."

Friesler is obviously sceptical and responds with carefully chosen words "Themis hasn't influenced a Daughter like so since the fall of the Empire. What is so important about this war of all wars that she would give voice now?"

Speaking without turning to Friesler "My Mother's intentions and plans are not knowable by mortals. She has revealed nothing more to me than to seek the King for now."

"Your Majesty has brought her to the war council with purpose then. If this prophet has words of direction to give then they should said now, before opposing plans have been devised."

The King gestures to Salvini and says "She insisted on coming. She requested my presence earlier and said she must be at the war council. I tried convincing her this is not a place for women but she wouldn't listen."

Everyone awaits a response by the women but none comes. A few moments pass of awkward silence and she never responds to the Kings statement. Just as it seems like the quiet might go on forever another two lords enter the room: Dessaur and Weingand. On entering they both give slight courtesy bows and Dessaur speaks to the King,

"Sorry if we are preventing today's discussion with our tardiness."

The King waves with a small gesture for them to sit and soon after the only two missing lords, Eichlinger and Weingand arrive in a similar fashion.

Leewan looks across the room. Though it is full with the most powerful people of Acren there is a stench of incompetence and political conflict in the air.

"You have arrived at the moment when discussion most closely concerns you. We lords question who among you will serve as war leader."

Lord Weingand nods in agreement with Leewans blunt but apt question and says "A fair question. Am I to remain Marshall your Liege or will you have another take my place? I am not as young as I used to be but I will serve this country until I die if that is what is needed."

Dessaur, a fairly young individual compared to the other lords, speaks up and says "And what of my position as current Merkis. The shores of Acren have been safe under my leadership."

These comments quickly garner innumerable jabs at the efficiency of the two and praises alike. Several, including Holzer, claim that the amount of damage from raiding parties have only grown during Weingands period as Marshall while others point out how few attempts at armies running the mountain passes have succeeded by the enemy. Mostly praises come towards Dessaur and Leewan himself can't help but recognise that trade has been good thanks to the security from his port with the less number of raids.

Eventually the King breaks the verbal brawl centered around Weingand and Dessaur by speaking loudly so as to be heard above all others "I recognize your contribution to this nations defense you have given, Lord Weingand. However, you are an ageing man who has spent his military career defending. The upcoming war will require a force capable of attacking our foes, not one that sits and waits for them to come to our lands. As such, you will be relieved of the title Marshall and another appointed. Dessaur you will remain as head of the navies though should you fail to achieve victory in upcoming battles you will be replaced. Our foes are not the simple raiders you have had the leasure of dealing with in the past."

Weingald seems to stutter for words before accepting his position while Dessaur simply nods in recognition to the King's authority. Lord Frey chuckles to himself a little and scratches his grey beard while speaking "Then who is to be our Marshall. Surely you don't intend to put Ettlinger in charge. He's never led an army in his life." Ettlinger shoots Frey a glare in response.

The King stares down at the map for a moment before looking up at Lord Frey and says "You have seen countless battles and killed countless men who would harm this country Lord Frey. Surely you would be the man to lead this countries combined military forces."

Frey shakes his head and says "I've always been much more of a warrior and a figure then a man to lead this country. Give me a sword and point me at the enemy and they will fall like wheat to a scythe but put me at the head of thousands and I will fail you. My own houses forces I am capable of leading but this country I am not."

[Leewan may weigh in on the discussion or remain silent should he so choose]

Robillard starts crying into his drink.

No comfort comes to Robillard as the giant sobs in a pitiful display

Leewan contemplates the hesitation among lords to step forward as marshall but remains silent for the moment.

Holzer speaks with a serious expression "Then it is between Lord Noske, Lord Griswald, Lord Bronstein, and myself. Lord Friesler has never been the military type and his lands are integral to the economy of our nation. Ettlinger is far too young to head our forces and his beasts will struggle to be of use in the mountain passes should we defend there."

The King looks at Holzer with scepticism and says "Don't hide behind a humble facade, Holzer. Your own part in defences since becoming head of your house is known to all here. Don't think I've forgotten your own son's abandonment of my father. Why should you be made marshal over others."

Holzer pauses for a moment at the Kings jab at his son before speaking "Simply put I am the most senior person, aside from Weingald, here who has military experience. My own houses forces are among the largest in the country and the support we have given the crowns family is fairly substantial."

Friesler interjects "Your houses military might may be substantial but your houses honour is questionable at best. Your own actions are not always the kind that should be representative of this country and I know for a fact you recently took on a man previously banished from Adroysia for his lechery. Don't think I don't know what deals go on in my own city."

Holzer responds to Friesler coldly "My actions are those that benefits this country the most. As to my new steward, he is the best businessman I have ever met. I'd be surprised if nobody else had taken him on had I not."

Changing the subject somewhat, Noske clears his throat and says "I would happily serve as Marshal. If this is a simple matter of appearances I would argue my own diplomatic relations with other lands and houses speaks volumes to my own abilities. I have never feared raising my sword when need be, and there is certainly no parlaying with the Lichdoms."

Bronstein provides his own reasoning for the position by saying "My own experiences are not much less than Holzers. My houses lands have always provided us with the benefit of rarely dealing with Lich raiding parties and such but my experience in war is substantial nonetheless. I accompanied your father, my King, on numerous expeditions and was a confidant of his throughout the years."

"Which of you is most merciless? Most unforgiving? It will be upon the Marshall to orchestrate a war against our most brutal enemy. If this is an expansion into the lands of liches then blood must run from the tops of forts and crenelations of castles. Total and uncompromising subjugation must be enacted. Which of you can swear to the king and the others of this court that they have the wherewithal to bring victory?"

Frey laughs loudly breaking the tension in the air and says "Now that is what I like hearing from a Griswald. Always leave it to the reclusive to say the truth in the bluntest and bloodiest way possible."

Noske, clearly not finding it as funny as Frey, says with obvious disgust "And what be no better than the savages? A land cannot be conquered if the entire population is dead. We'd be better off granting some form of leniency to the leaders who are not Lych's. At least then we'd have some form of common ground with the people we conquer."

Holzer scoffs at Noske's lack of stomach and responds with a sneer "Your right, better to leave those most capable of undermining our efforts in power than to put their heads on pikes. Our forefathers would be rolling over in their graves at the stupidity of such an act."

Holzer turns his gaze to Leewan and says "If it is simply a matter of bloodthirsty than why have you not stepped forward for the title of Marshall Griswald? Don't tell me your father raised a coward who sits behind his walls and only attacks barbarians."

"I have no preference for or against the position of Marshall. My ambition is to have real battle, and to that end I support any choice for Marshall, myself or otherwise, that will make the cold and cutting decisions necessary to win. Every lich burned, every acolyte quartered and every resistant city decimated. This would not be a war to elevate foreign barbarians. This would be a war that cuts the heart of heresy out from its monstrous form."

Friesler prevents an inevitable argument that could go on forever by speaking immediately after Leewan "Then which is it that you prefer, King Bernheardt? A bloody campaign similar to the crusades or one of liberation."

The King stares down at the map for a short period while all eagerly await a response. In the end, it is not the King who breaks the silence but Salvini with a warm a compulsive voice "A war of liberation would be a kind never fought before. Such a decision would be contradictory to the crusades of the past and would cement the distancing of church and state. A war of blood would assure the heads of the church that nothing different will come from your rule."

Weingald speaks to Salvini with a finger waving accusingly "What kind of a decision is that?! To anger, the church would only serve to undermine Acrens interests. If what you say is true than we put every citizen of the Blasted Lands on a stake by their asses and let them die of infection!"

Noske speaks with fervour in response to Weingalds statement "And what has following the church gotten us with the Lychdoms for the last century? If we're actually looking to make a difference here than to the grave with the church as otherwise our children will never be free of our wars."

Frey, uncharacteristically not joking, stares at Noske and says in extreme seriousness "Spurning the church will invite catastrophe on us worse than any Lych. Need I remind you what happened to your grandfather Lord Noske or is his unmarked grave not warning enough?"

Bronstein backing up Noske says generally "The church's crusades is what killed the old King. A wise man knows when what he's trying to do isn't working and to stop. None of us is saying to go against the church entirely and we are all loyal to Themis."

Salvini responds in the same tone as before "Themis will never forsake us so long as we seek to overcome our obstacles. A victorious war will ensure the hearts and minds of the people belong to Acren and not the church, no matter the manner in which it is won."

Friesler leans back in his chair and says to the women sceptically "You aren't the best authority on such matters, Daughter. Don't think we haven't seen the way the Cardinals look at you. Just speaking to you very well could result in a declaration of heresy if we're not careful..."

The King stops Friesler before he can say anything more by speaking firmly "That's enough Friesler. I won't have you speaking to her in such a tone."

Friesler looks to be about to say something in response but stops himself from doing so.

"Enough. Let each lord put forward a candidate for Marshal. Those who rank highest are put forward for a second round of voting, or the king's decision. Regardless, let this issue be finished."

The King looks over at Leewan and says "I agree, enough bickering has been had and none here are liable to change their positions after anymore discussion. I am still young and therefore do not know who among you would be perfect for a task that has never been undertaken before. Still, I can see that the two best among you for the title of Marshal is between Lord Holzer and Lord Noske. As my council of Lords attended I ask you all to guide my decision with your vote."

Lord Holzer and Noske obviously vote for themselves. Lord Frey puts his vote forward first for Holzer followed by Bronstein for Noske. Dessaur follows next with a vote for Noske as well while Friesler also, though reluctantly, votes for Noske. Finally Ettlinger and Weingald put their vote for Holzer causing a tie between the two contenders. At this realisation all eyes turn to Leewan who hasyet to vote with anticipation. Leewan can't help but notice the Daughter smiling to herself.

Leewan looks around the room with a look of dismay.

"We all understand simple arithmetic. This vote will end the argument but this vote is till my own. So I have two questions, one for each of you. To lord Noske, if you were appointed marshal what freedoms would our forces have to deal with routed enemy forces, peasants and captured nobles? To lord Holzer, your philosophies on battle agree with my own. However it is no secret that my kin have issues with your new Senechal, a man who may very well advise the logistics and business facets of this war. Would you forfeit this fugitive of Adroysia to the Griswald family? I shall be plainly obvious. We would end his life."

Holzer answers you first with a short and blunt answer "Your kin can sleep in the beds they make for themselves. Your father would have agreed with me."

Noske responds equally simply "You'll still get your fill of killing, Griswald. You'll simply be asked not to outright kill the civilians for existing and their leaders if they comply."

The King speaks to you coldly "You yourself said lets be done with this. Cast your vote."

"I cannot vote for a Marshall who takes advice from disgraced fugitives of foreign nations. Noske, the responsibility is yours."

The King responds with an had raised to Noske "Then it has been decided. Lord Noske you will take upon the mantle of Marshal in service to this country. What say you? What are your orders for the warring Lords of Acren?"

Marshal Noske smiles triumphantly to himself and says "It is an honour to serve, my King. We shall take the fight to our foes. We will not wait for them to come to us and burn our crops and rape our women. We shall march from White Pass with our forces in attendance and smite our foes with the fury of our ancestors."

Frey responds to Noske with a sour look "You would have our forces which primarily consist of infantry fight in the open plains? There is a reason we have always fought the hordes of the Lychdoms at the passes!"

Noske snaps a quick response "And how many civilians have died as a result of those that climb the mountains? I don't think I have to remind any how staggering the cost always is."

The King nods and says "We will have little time to adapt our forces to such a fight. The enemies will surely have access to war machines and other horrors their dark miracles conjure. Where shall we make our stand or would you have us attempt an attack on their camp?"

Holzer scoffs and the King gives him a sharp look which silences him. Friesler looks at the map while Noske contemplates and says "We will need a location established such that supplies can be maintained. Too far and we risk losing a war of attrition because our men starve. The Lychs always employ thieves to steal food and weapons from rival armies."

Noske points to a location around thirty-five miles roughly between White Pass and the crater where the enemies have set up camp. The area is most notably marked by a formation in the ground that looks like a gash was formed on the map. Noske says confidently "The scar in the land here would make a suitable location. The supplies and camp can be kept in the lower land shielding them from the lands biting winds and providing good lookout points along the outside. From there we will be able to scout the enemy further and engage them."

The King nods in agreement "A suitable target for the army to march for. We will have to send scouts ahead of the army to ensure there isn't an ambush waiting. It will provide a good link point for supply lines on moving further."


Weingald speaks gruffly "And what of the civilians we meet along the way? We can't simply leave them be to report our location to the enemy."

Noske nods and says "We will have to capture any we come across and put them to work. On defeat of our enemy, they will be released from their work. Their labor will help ensure our soldiers are fit for battle."

Leewan elects to remain silent and let those around him continue their discussion. Ettlinger clears his throat to get attention and changes the subject somewhat "What of the Lords not here? Surely those not being directly involved or here currently will make up excuses for not sending their full forces."

The King responds while looking around to those in attendance "You all have proven your loyalty to Acren and the crown by being here. Trust me when I say you will be rewarded and the parts you play in this upcoming war not forgotten. Those Lords who do not send a substantial enough force to meet demands will receive an increased tax on their lands. Such a cost should be motivation enough."

"What is the day we shall meet at White Pass then?" Frey says bluntly.

Noske ponders for a moment and says "The enemy forces are a months march for a force their size from the nearest pass into Acren, and they haven't even begun marching yet according to scout reports still coming in. Two weeks for our forces to assemble at White Pass should be ample enough time to ensure all receive word of the summons and for us to reach the scar."

The King nods in agreement and says "Then messenger ravens will be sent right away. If there are no other matters to discuss we will adjourn this meeting."

"From which purses will food for captives be funded? If we are to show peasants and the spies and assassins sowed among them mercy and hospitality then such supplies must be provided by the crown. For a hasted assembly of our forces we cannot bring heavy wagons loaded with supplies for protracted combat and expanded operations."

Noske nods in agreement with Leewans question and says "Feeding numerous captives will certainly not be easy. I can assure you they will not receive any of the soldier's food or supplies. We will have to rely on any foodstuff we seize from villages and homes we pass to feed them and any provisions they happen to have with them."

The King adds "The costs of paying for some prisoners will be fairly insignificant compared to the costs of this campaign. If it is so much trouble then the crown will indeed cover the remaining costs."

"Then house Griswald shall wait for further battle missives in two weeks time."

Back at Detlef's estate, Gwain ponders what he should say to his men.

"Your concerns over the loyalty of Gwain's Guard are ill-founded." He states to Detlef. "They are no mere mercenaries. Treachery and I have been friends since we were boys. Gluttony we rescued from the cruelty of poverty. Wrath owes me a life-debt for my rescuing him from the gallows. And so the list goes on. My men and I have liberated cities, deposed dictators, and conquered the hearts of the people. There is no greater bond, and they deserve to know the truth."

"If word of my condition spreads, so be it. Whatever shame it brings my house shall be but pebbles against the mountain of glory I will win for my family. A Griswald is not defined by his scars, but by the deeds with which he wrought them."

Assuming Detlef offers no further resistance, Gwain assembles his men within the estate and relates his most recent misfortune. He can only hope that Gwain's Guard will still accept him as their proud leader.

Robillard's mead is now so watered down by his own tears that he orders a new one. "Oh Guinevere," he moans in grief. "Oh Edward, why have you forsaken me?!"

Detlef does not offer more to say to Gwain. After Gwain tells his tale to the men they all stare at him for a number of moments in disbelief. Greed breaks the silence by saying "I find it hard to believe that your brother would help them take your manhood. Never pegged him as that kind of person to watch his own brothers taint be cut off."

Gwain can't help but notice Gluttony hand a handful of silver to Pride while Treachery speaks up "I have half a mind to cut off Robillards taint while he's asleep. Themis knows I won't get anywhere near him anytime soon."

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As Leewan makes to leave some of the other Lords continue discussing matters relating to the tournament. On reaching the door Leewan feels the piercing glare of several pairs of eyes but bears it and continues on his way. After a small walk down flights of stairs, Leewan finds Friesler waiting at the end of one flight of stairs and says "A shame you didn't get Bradford from Holzer. Tell me, would you actually have chosen him if he'd offered to give you Bradford?"

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Nothing comes to ease Robillards pain

"And then you'd be no better than the priests who took mine." replies Gwain. "If there's revenge to be had, it's against the establishment which blinds young maidens and divorces them from the world. As for Robillard... he will find his own punishment. When he returned from the crusades, I thought my brother had come back. Clearly I was mistaken. The man who abandoned me to the church is no brother of mine. Seeing as Leewan was born without a shred of compassion, yet again, you are the only family I can turn to. I'm not the person I once was, but I hope you will accept me just the same. "

Gwain takes a moment to compose himself. "Even with all that has happened, Bradford is still our top priority. If we can't come up with a plan, then I have no doubt Leewan will disown me, but even worse, Bradford will have won. Not to mention Emily is still out there... "

"If only we could catch Bradford in the act of something illegal, Lord Holzer would be all but forced to relieve him of his position as Steward. If there is no illegal activity to be found, then we might just have to create some..." Gwain lingers for a moment on those words as his mind races.

"While we remain in the capitol, I ask each of you to gather up whatever dirt you can on Bradford. What dealings has House Holzer had here? What factions stake claim on the capitol's black market? Have they encountered the Ex-Baron?"

The group looks around to each other and Treachery speaks up "Gwain, we've been talking amongst ourselves and we're worried this stuff with Bradford may be becoming an obsession. Is it really worth going after Bradford when a war is just around the corner? Who knows how few of us will come back to Acren."

"And what am I to tell Leewan when the courts of Panzinger come to the Griswald doorstep asking for 600 gold? If House Griswald is to join the crusades, or whatever the king is calling it now, then that will be a different matter. But until then, the fate of this country's borders are not my responsibility. I appreciate your concern for my well-being, but beyond hunting Bradford and winning the arhcery tournament, what else could possibly give meaning to my life, now that love has been wrenched so painfully from it?"

Treachery maintains a worried look and says "We'll start asking around. Who knows how far Bradford has spread his roots through Acren. I fear he may be more dangerous than before and we all know the damage he can do with a simple quill."

"Just don't talk to any nuns and don't do anything too illegal and I'm sure you'll be fine," assures Gwain.

With that the members of Gwains Guard disperse throughout the city on their ambiguous mission to screw over Bradford. Leewans discussion with Friesler is very brief and nothing comes of it and the Friesler leaves Leewan to his journey back to Detlefs estate. On his arrival a maid tells Leewan that Gwain is present in the house (somewhere of his choosing) and Robillard has been gone all day since leaving for the archery event.

Leewan proceeds several paces more and stops when his back is faced towards Friesler. He turns his head to his side so that Friesler can hear: "Holzer has demonstrated an unwillingness to sacrifice. If the title of marshall truly held value in his eyes he would have departed with his fugitive coin handler. Noske may very well be the same, but he has yet to display such folly."

Leewan turns completely and faces towards Friesler. "You are following these battle orders of ours? You will send your men to die in open plains?"

Friesler gives a sly smile and speaks while shaking his head "I'm afraid I will not be joining the great campaign. My forces are simply garrisons and I'll not send peasants to their certain deaths." He shrugs as he continues speaking "If the King should see such a lack of military as weakness than so be it. My luxury is a city full of wealth. The flow of coin is my war, not the blood-drenched tundra of the Blasted Lands."

"You haven't come here only to ask me of my vote then. There is something of value to you in the lich lands?"

Friesler crosses his arms and points to you in a dramatic fashion while saying "You're more clever than you let on Leewan. I'll get straight to the point. There's a number of us who have a significant interest in the nature of the past Kings death. Supposedly his corpse hangs from the battlements of Fort Bourgh which is approximately ten miles South West of where the current armies of the Lychdoms reside."

He pauses and leans on the railing of the stairs and Leewan realises a set of footsteps is coming. Lord Weingald walks past and nods to both of you but continues on his way. Once the footsteps are out of earshot Friesler continues speaking "Since you're going to the Blasted Lands I thought I'd offer you the chance at a substantial chunk of money. Enough to pay for your brother's debt and then some more."

"Be more clear with your conditions Friesler. Your faction must believe there is something of value on the old king's carcass. You wish to have his scavenged and rotting remains retrieved?"

"His remains are not what I'm so interested in; though I would like to see a proper burial pyre given to him as befits his status. I would prefer our former patron be picked to the bone by vultures and crows. You may have noticed that the Kings crown is in perfect condition. Quite strange for a crown that has seen an entire Crusade wouldn't you agree?"

He pauses and looks at Leewan but doesn't give him time to respond "The real crown is still at the fort where our King met his end. A source of mine has reported that the crown of Acren is hidden in the fort somewhere but the location was only known to the King to prevent it from becoming some Lich's prize. I have reason to believe that the location of the crown is on the Kings body or written somewhere within the fort. I don't think I need to tell you why I'm interested in acquiring the real crown of Acren."

"Nor does it ultimately matter. What is your total offer?"

"I'm willing to offer a total of one thousand gold for the recovery. As a token of faith, I'm willing to offer the amount your brother is indebted come the end of the tournament. I'll give you until then to decide on your answer." He gives a small wave as he begins walking away from Leewan down the stairs. He pauses as he's about to get out of sight and says "When you've decided send for me and I'll ensure the first payment is received by the time you return to Heretics End."

With that, Friesler leaves Leewan to ponder for a moment. Leewan walks the rest of the way from the castle to Detlefs estate in contemplation and before he knows it he is walking through the doors and a maid informs him Gwain and Detlef are in but Robillard hasn't been seen since leaving in the morning.

"House Griswald will undertake your task should the opportunity avail itself."

Gwain may speak to Leewan at his leisure. Robillard may stumble home or fall asleep at the bar should he so choose. Otherwise all brothers will go to the next day

[Edgelord Von Griswald does not speak unless spoken to.]

Robillard will stumble home.

Leewan does not speak of the job offered to the house of Griswald for now. He does however collect his brothers and search for an isolated alley in which to speak with them (guards standing as lookouts).

"It is time we discussed the rise of this new faction in the holy church, and how far both of you are willing to go to shield our house against it."

Leewan looks at Robillard.

"I do not know the faction of which you speak. I have spent too long in army camps and too little time in the church. I find it hard to give these Daughters the benefit of the doubt however, if they are whom you speak of. Who is this false prophet that guides our naïve boy-king?"

"The priests donning black and white gloves, the daughters of Themis and this self claimed prophetess are limbs of one more dangerous monster. Their agent who appeared before Robillard at the summer raid shows they command resources and information well beyond the scope of any one noble house."

Robillard's face darkens. "That man who cursed me was no member of our church. He was a demon in human form. Did he not curse me with his foul magicks? But more priests in black and white gloves? Is this not the uniform of barbarian heretics?"

"Gwain, explain to him."