Legendary Exploits of Three Not Viking Brothers

"Hire you? What for? I simply noticed you sitting here in the market and assumed you were a merchant. I spoke truly before; I did not know it was you."

He looks to his left and right and gives you a questioning look. He says "I'm sitting on a barrel in the street and I look like a merchant to you? I've seen the world and the only places where a barrel passes for a store is in the Lichdoms."

"Again, I apologize. Clearly I'm out of sorts. Let me buy you a drink while they prepare for the joust. Will you be watching?"

As he says this, Robillard looks over his shoulder, hoping Leewan doesn't notice him sneaking off to get a drink. He swears he'll be right back...

Robillard doesn't see Leewan among the crowd where he is and breathes a sigh of relief. The man stands up and puts his knife in a sheath will an audible sliding sound of metal against leather. He says with a nod "Why not, I'm not so rude as to disregard hospitality."

As Robillard leads through the crowd the man responds to your second inquiry "I'm afraid I will not be watching the joust. My current contract has me watching for pickpockets and thieves. Unfortunately, I appear to have done too well yesterday as none have come near the stores I'm responsible for. It's not easy to doze off in when a crowd walks past you at all times."

"Ah, so you are a security officer then? What brings you so far from your homeland?"

"My work as a mercenary forces me to travel. I took this contract out of necessity for enough coin to last me the winter."

You come to a clearing in the aisles of stores and spot a store selling liquor across a small crowd. Heading over you order two mugs of beer. Smacking your mugs against each other the man says "To the freedom of an open sky."

Although Robillard has not heard this toast before, something about it resonates deeply with him. "To the freedom of the open sky," he echoes, then drinks deeply.

Assuming he doesn't fall unconscious or dead from poison, he will then continue the conversation. "A mercenary, eh? You must be pleased about this upcoming Crusade then! Why not join our forces? We can always use more men, especially those who know the Lichlands."

He gulps down his bear quickly and wipes some of the liquid that had run down onto his chin. The man answers by saying "It'd depend on how much you're paying. I have no interest in being another lineman. They're usually the first to go once the battle starts. I've travelled the Blasted Lands three times before and I'm no stranger to the dangers it poses to men. Especially the places the Crusades never reach."

[Ooc, I was just talking with Amos about needing more commanders]

"Come speak with my brother. I have a feeling you'll find a place with us."

Robillard leads the way and soon finds Leewan standing off a ways from the main crowds looking dower as usual.

"Brother, I have someone who must speak with you. A heretic he may be, but he has intimate knowledge of the Lichlands. He serves as a mercenary, and is currently looking for work."

Leewan raises one brow and pulls Robillard in to convey a message to only him:

"We cannot entertain the company of heretics when the hidden sects of the church keep close eye on us. Have you yet confirmed this heretic's loyalties? His identity?"

"Why just look at his face! He is clearly from that silly land below our Southern sea. Do you fear he is some sort of Lich spy? I'm sure his loyalties can be decided by the sound of gold in his pockets. As for his identity, I can't say I even know his name."

When Gwain spots Niels, he rises from his position under the tree, stretching for just a moment to limber his limbs for the upcoming competition. He scans the people surrounding Niels for signs of what might be his father. Whether any such person presents himself or not, Gwain strides over to where Niels appears to be setting up. Rather than initiate anything himself, Gwain simply strings his bow and makes himself available for conversation.

"Then have him find us again after our matters of the day are done. I am not currently afforded the time to scrutinize his character."

"Very well then," Robillard sighs. He turns back to the heretic.

"Unfortunately you've caught him at a bad time. Find us this evening, after the joust, and we'll be ready to speak more."

After Robillard sends away the potential mercenary Leewan takes him to patrol the alleys.

As they weave between the open spaces and dark paths around the tournament grounds Leewan begins conversation with his brother.

"What transpired there in the lichdom? All our kin are quarry of a heretical sect of priests, all save you. Instead they pass on cryptic words that implicate you as a rising avatar of corruption. What happened to you Robillard."

Robillard's eyes grow shifty, and he speaks quietly.

"I have already told you what transpired there, brother. I fought for years against those heretics, proving my faith against their foul magics. I was forced to watch my companion die in my arms and hear the screams of hundreds of women and children dying at my sword. I slew their foul mages and their weakest peasants. I know not why that 'priest' came to hunt me down while we were in the barbarian North."

Gwain does not see anyone walking with Niels as he approaches the arena yet alone his father (whom you've never met but still). As Gwain walks over Niels lays a small pack down to which a unstrung bow and longsword are attached to. when Gwain finally arrives and starts stringing his bow Niels himself has sat upon a tree stump and is pulling drawstring from his pack to put on his bow. Gwain can't help but notice that the bow Niels is stringing is nothing more than a common, and well worn, hunting bow while the longword contains a large ruby in the pommel and an ornate scabbard.

As Gwain and Niels both works on their weapons Niels does eventually break the silence by pulling on the strung bowstring giving a reverberating thwap and saying "I'm told your brother was the deciding vote against Holzers becoming Marshal. A poor choice."

"Is that so?" Gwain replies with a dash of smugness. "I try not to involve myself in politics too much. I'm a man of action: if I see something going wrong, I prefer to do something about, not sit around and chat. What is it about the decision that disturbs you?"

"Holzer is willing to do what is necissary. Doesn't care for the politics of the other lords and would ensure the real work is done." Niels stands up from his seat and says "unlike some."

"Enough then. Let us wander a while longer. If these enemies do not show themselves in ambush then we will follow the trail laid by Gala and move to the joust."

"Very well. I do hope they show themselves though," Robillard replies as his fingers stroke the holy of his sword. "The Rising Dawn is thirsty for heretic blood."

The Farajian leaves without another word and Robillard can't help but wonder if he'll ever see the man again. Leewan and Robillard wander the alleys near the joust stands for some time and none come to speak to them nor any shady individuals other than some homeless citizens and beggars are found. Robillard clutches tightly to the pendant Schiller gave him to try and feel for the presence of the one who cursed him as they walk. Alas, eventually the brothers are forced to return to the entrance gate lest they miss their chance.

On approach to the entrance, the two brothers notice a crow sitting upon a wooden beam and it utters a single caw and flutters off out of sight. The same guard from before hails you both as you approach and the shouts of the crowd already inside can be heard getting louder as the events draw near. The guard strokes his beard and says "Ah, Lord Griswald you have returned. Have you enjoyed the sights around the tournament grounds?"

"The public holds high spirits. This tournament has succeeded in rousing martial joy from would be soldiers. May this surge of morale remain a while."

"Indeed. Let us go to the stands, so that all may see the proud von Griswalds and know where we stand."

The guard nods at the request and guides you into the stands. On passing through the gates both brothers are greeted by the sight of a large central arena surrounded by a standing area for the peasants to view the events. The throngs of lesser people shout and scream their adoration at a parade of knights that ride throughout the arena displaying the vivid colours of their houses and their polished armour that glint with sunlight. The weather of the coast has remarkably cooperated on this day and the sun and blue sky dominate instead of the usual grey clouds.

At the base of the stands, many banners of houses can be seen holstered by house guards who themselves are not allowed into the stands but are entitled to better seats and views than the peasants. In the stands themselves are the faces of Acren Lords, wealthy merchants, and other important individuals in Acren society. Right above the entrance where the knight's ride into the arena on their beasts is the booth where the King and his close associates sit in viewing; among them is the new Marshal Noske who looks gleeful at his new power. The guard guides Robillard and Leewan to a set of seats that are next to a couple of merchants and property owners. Leewan notices that all of the houses Lords are spaced apart from each other to prevent the obvious from happening.

As the two brothers sit without so much as a word to each other they take in the contenders. Most ride great war horses who you feel would shake the ground with every step in a full gallop. Others ride demigryphs and saurians though those are part of joust sections of their own. Robillard notices among the group of Knights already on the field practising their form is Edward who's face cannot be seen beneath his helmet but the house sigil on his pauldron and the horse Robillard recognises.

Robillard's heart gives a flutter when he sees handsome Edward on his steed. He hopes that no harm will come to him this day. Of course, he gives no sign of his burgeoning affections besides a too-long gaze.

As Robillard swoons over his waifu (not actually sure if that's the correct application of waifu) Leewan scans the crowd for suspicious faces. Adding to Leewans difficulties, however, numerous priests can be seen among the crowd of various ranks including the Adroysian Cardinals from the crowning ceremony. Leewan nudges his brother to get him to focus on the matter at hand though he isn't sure what has Robillard so distracted.

[If Robillard wishes to spot the priest he met before in the Capital in the crowd he'll have to make some kind of test]

Robillard searches among the crowd and unfortunately does not spot the priest from before among the people present. Before he can tell Leewan the sound of trumpets from the Kings seat call for silence and the man himself stands up from his seat to address all before him. The knights down below fall into an ordered line in the arena and only the sounds of the animals can be heard around.

The King speaks loud enough for all to hear, though you expect that towards the opposite end of the arena it would be difficult to hear "Welcome all to the second day celebrating Acren and its future! Today marks the beginning of the joust, the noblest and greatest of all spectacles of man's capabilities in existence. Before you stand some of the greatest fighters in all the realms and they are here to compete for your enjoyment and glory."

A loud applause is given for those on the field and the knights remove their helmets as one and give a courtesy nod to the King. The King raises his hand for silence and then continues speaking "These men will soon be fighting like so many others for the future of Acren where we will take the fight from our borders into the heart of our foes. They will be led by our new Marshal who will lead our men to victory against the Lich's as our navies strike at their homes." Noske stands up and waves to all and a short applause is given to him but all quickly fall silent again.

"Now, let skill at arms and our Goddess determine who wins this competition. I pronounce a start to the royal joust!" the King proclaims and a grand applause goes out from all. All but two of the horseback knights vacate the field to a coral for the others to keep their steeds and a small seating area secluded from the rest for the knights to watch in.

A finely dressed announcer proclaims the two knights names and titles and soon enough the clang of the jousting spears against metal armour clangs across the stands with shouts and boos from the on watchers in equal measure.

"Perhaps my brother thought him too soft. Lord Griswald tires quickly of intricate machinations when a simple slaughter will serve just as well. I don't agree with his views, but I also cannot deny their effectiveness. On the contrary, I have always been of the mind that good deeds reap their own reward," Gwains face darkens, "though recent events have cast a shadow on that."

Leewan continues watching the tournament.

Niels snorts and says "What has being tricked by a man you didn't put down for good caused you to lose your famous jovial nature? Good deeds may win you favours but a being a fool will only get you taken advantage of."

Niels shoulders the bow and puts his quiver at his hip. He looks down at Gwain from his standing position and says "This world doesn't have many who strive to do what's right and it's always a shame to see one fall. My Father made sure I understood that."

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Leewan and Robillard watch the events of the tournament go on. Several competitors come out to the arena and the thrilling sight of some getting knocked clean from their mounts occurs several times and other close matches. Eventually, Edward Holzer comes up against a knight of House Dessaur and Robillard watches eagerly as Edward delivers decisive blows against his opponent and wins his fight handily.

Just as Edward finishes his fight and begins walking away to Robillard realises the pendant given to him by Schiller has begun to heat against his flesh. Robillard must have been so transfixed upon the events occurring that he hadn't noticed the pendants temperature increasing.

Robillard starts, and his hand flies to the hilt of The Rising Dawn. "Brother, he is here!" The words hiss out from his clenched teeth like prayers from a heretic's mouth. He looks around again frantically, trying to use his massive height to his advantage. [Rolled a 6. FML.]

Leewan stays motionless.

"Where precisely?"

Robillard, looking at Leewan's steely demeanor, realizes he is overreacting. Through a supreme effort of will he holds his head straight ahead, although his eyes don't stop darting from place to place.

"I can't tell. The amulet which the Cardinal gave me has turned warm."

"If they wanted us dead, we would be."

Leewan and Robillard scan the crowd for any new additions but alas none are seen. The two do their best to maintain their composure (hard for one but not the other) and try to make it seem they are focused on the event. Robillard notices that his pendant is only getting hotter as time goes on and the clang of metal is only serving as an irritating distraction. Eventually, Edward returns to the field in competition adding to Robillard's distractions.

As Edwards bout goes on the son of Holzer strikes a blow that sends his opponent careening to the ground with a resounding thud. All of this around Leewan and Robillard jump to their feet in excitement and applause go about. When the crowd settles Robillards pendant is hot enough that he feels it would risk searing his flesh. Looking down he sees the guard from before who had guided the brothers to their seats and walking behind him up towards your position is a black cloaked individual underneath of which hints of brilliant blue fabric can be seen.

"There!" Robillard hisses, not yet ready to draw his blade, although his fingers leave deep impressions in the leather hilt.

The guard leads the individual in question right up to where Leewan and Robillard are sitting leaving Robillard plenty of time to recognise the individual approaching him as the one who cursed him before. The guard gives a slight nod to Leewan and says "Lord Griswald, Father Armata has come to join you in watching this spectacle. I will leave you to your enjoyment." The guard takes his leave back the way he came.

The priest walks up the few flight of stairs between him and the brothers and says with an obvious smirk "Hello Lord Griswald, a pleasure to meet you at last."

"In truth, I know not who I speak with. With such splendid talents for subterfuge I cannot be certain if you wear your own face, or the face of another."

Leewan motions for Robillard to keep his rage at bay a while more.

Robillard's teeth audibly grind together. It is amazing that they don't crack right here and now.

"An honor indeed, 'Father' Armata," Robillard agrees, "to know your name before I gut you like the heretic you are."

It is taking all of Robillard's not inconsiderable strength to keep himself from drawing his sword and smiting this heretic scum right here and now.

Without turning, he explains to Leewan. "This is the goddess-forsaken mage who cursed me in the North. Please, let me slay him now."

Leewan turns his head ever so slightly towards Robillard.

"You will make a bloodbath in the stands at the king's own joust? Look to both sides Robillard. Here sit a great portion of the important men of Acren. Draw your sword and one hundred bolts will meet it."

Such a choice is surprisingly difficult for Robillard to make. In the end he realizes that there is no way for him to prove Armata's heresy, at least before he himself dies.

The priest raises a finger and waves it side to say while saying "Ah... Ah... Ah. I wouldn't be so brash. Not only for your own houses sake but for your younger brothers as well."

Gesturing to the seat next to Leewan he says "May I take a seat? I spend so much time walking my knees can use whatever rest I can get them."

Leewan sees Robillard may not have enough patience for a drawn out conversation. He nods at the priest and resumes conversation.

"You seek to put a cursed warrior on the throne of Griswald then your eminence? If that is not your motivation for butchering my blood relations then I must think you beyond observable reason."

The priest takes his seat next to Leewan (Robillard on Leewans right, priest on his left) and speaks as he massages his knees "My apologies for that, truly. We tried to ask your Uncle some questions nicely but he caught us by surprise with a hidden weapon where we were speaking in his home and the resulting fight cost him his life. Your cousins were merely collateral damage as they were visiting for the week to give him some company."

The priest stops massaging his knees and puts his hands in his sleeves to hide them from sight. Leewan notices he isn't wearing the black and white gloves. He continues speaking "In all honesty, my name is Ermilo Fonte. You have no need to fear Lord Griswald, our goals are not to replace you with your brother. All I did was liberate him from the control that sword he carries exerts on his mind." As he says the last part he winks at Robillard.

"Your every word damns you further, heretic scum. If Themis grants me a single wish, it is that my eyes will be the last thing you see before you die."

"Cease brother. We have been involved in a war waged in shadow."

Leewan continues speaking to "Ermilo".

"And you are one of the many holy warriors of Themis waging war on his estranged ordained brethren. The current clan of Griswald has no qualms with the church, whatever future she has. It is our duty to oversee the peasantry and wage wars on foreign foes."

Leewan scowls.

"A cordial introduction is prelude to the offering of an olive branch, or an alliance."

Ermilo shrugs and says "A valid point, perhaps I'll be blunt with you. Assuming the owl has outwitted the crow long enough, though owls do see better in the dark."

"I'm afraid for you that your house has more conflict with the church than you've been made aware of. I wouldn't expect you to know, Leewan, as your father never saw much hope for you. That's why he sent you off to be raised by his brother and only took you back to take your position when your other brothers were deemed even more hopeless." He glances at Leewan who returns the look coldly.

"My organisation is named the Shadows of Themis. Our group is as old as the first invasion from the Blasted Lands into Acren and we serve to remind all that Themis is as much the light as she is the dark. We serve to create conflict, something the main church has always sought to control but that is not the true wish of Themis. The Talons, one of whom is a sly crow you spoke to before, was created to counteract us. No matter how many times they think they destroy us, however, we always return with new goals and faces."

The priest gets a sly smile on his face once again and says while looking right at Robillard and Leewan "And your Father hid something in that castle of yours, and his brother was his confidant. All we know is it holds a secret as old as the Empire and at the end of the trail is the end of the Church of Themis. No more crusades, no more central power, freedom of thought for all."