The Needle Seer's Relic II / Session 29

 Noon of the 3rd Stoneday of Sprouts, in the hills east of lake Ryba

Sir Ludmer gets closer, his head weighed down to the side by a single grotesque horn sprouting from his temple. He looks over to Biserka struggling to control the pony. “He is coming … he might be writhing inside her.” He smiles with wide open eyes. His face is twisted and wet from rain or tears. ”You, serf!" he cries. "Let me cut you open and have a look!” Perilake steps between the visage of Ludmer and the terrified woman. "You are not Ludmer." He says with cold fury. "Of all the oaths, Ludmer was most sworn to protect the realm and above all, its people." He draws Reznik.

"Let me cut you open and have a look"

Between the rocks a fight breaks out. Ser Perilake cripples the hand of the knight who once was his friend. Ludmer, his head swollen and something writhing under his skin, draws a dagger with his off-hand and lunges at the Salt Knight, who has stepped between him and the frightened trapper.

“Or maybe he is within you!” Ludmer titters as he buries his dagger deep into Anastaz's guts. Anastaz crumples to the ground. With his next strike Perilake beheads the fiend and blood pools under the corpse.

When Sir Heldris lands next to the twitching body, he transforms into a man again … or so it seems. He stumbles and falls into the mud, taking Anastaz's hand. Rain falls on the Brotherhood of the Black Fleece while Perilake presses his hands onto the deep wound in his brother's body. They are united again: cursed and broken and bleeding.

In the night Perilake stands guard alone at the pyre where he burns Ludmer's body, staying far from the others to spare them the stench. Back in the camp Heldris stares into the fire with unblinking eyes and a hound-like snout, unable to speak. When Anastaz sidles up next to him, the Dove Knight's wings shield him from the rain.

After midnight a voice bellows over the hills: “I have come to rid the Realm of the filth of all Knights!” The speaker strikes the ground, making the earth quake. The Gilded Knight tries to reason with the Axebearer, but they just rage and strike the ground again and a chasm opens. Heldris, smelling blood, lopes forward with a snarl and crashes into them, while Anastaz lets loose an arrow. The Axebearer almost cleaves Perilake's shield in half, the shield that bears the cradle of the child, driving the Gilded Knight back and throwing Heldris off. Anastaz holds his side and draws his mace and together they break their foe. The Axebearer falls to the ground, blood squirting from the stump where their hand used to be and Heldris bites off their throat.

A nearby Ravine

The night passes and a cold wind blows from the west. Biserka serves them breakfast but keeps her distance. Heldris, who has found his voice again, explains that the relic must be in a nearby ravine. The old hunter leads them to the place. They climb down and find a niche with a lacquered box bearing the symbol of the Seer. Inside is a slender bone and they kneel in its glow.

The Needle Seer's Relic

Morning of the 2^nd Skyday of Sprouts

You all dream of the City, spires of coral and root and white marble, and it is still an hour before dawn when you wake up before the hearth in Marko's hut, the tall shepherd quietly rekindling the fire. With a silent smile on her face Biljana makes breakfast in the twilight of a greying sky, the Child close to her chest. When you sit around the table and drink tea, Marko explains that they will stay for another week to sell his sheep at the market on Silverday. “We will keep the child hidden until then,” he promises, “and once we have settled down in Waldochia we will send a messenger to the citadel.” You saddle your horses and a light breeze plays with the wings of Sir Heldris' armour and the proud new parents stand in the doorway and wave farewell.

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

The Dove Knight stands besides his friends as the gentle morning breeze ruffles his armour’s feathers. He looks at the Child, the most helpless of creatures shouldering such an important fate. “I’ll make haste to Karpat, although the thought of flying, inebriating once, seems dreadful now.” He smiles wearily at Anastaz and Perilake, “Be safe on the path my friends, I hope I can come back to you with some useful knowledge from the castle’s library.” We see his hands on the verdant background, as one clothes the other with the Falconer’s glove. As the hands retreat from the scene, the tall grass is shaken by a gentle draught and from behind a running cloud the sun shines against our eyes. When we focus again, a solitary hawk is flying in a large circle around the Chapel, before setting off towards the north-east.

Referee

The wind carries you and the clouds embrace you until you are above them and you are warmed by the sun. At noon you see the Karpatian mountains on the horizon and you fly over the northern lake where tiny fisherboats defy the churned waters and soon you are engulfed in the fog that seems to never leave the peaks of Karpat. Below you lies the Fortress and you spot the stained-glass roof lights of the flat scriptorium that balances precariously on a rock between dark towers and from a small window you see puffs of smoke, the ancient chronicler enjoying his pipe.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz steals occasional glances at the babe nestled in Biljana's arms. "I will not ask more of you than we already have," he says to Marko, "but powerful forces seek the Child. Make all possible haste. And if you must stay, let no one see the foundling. I implore you."

Referee

Marko frowns. “Taking the flock with us might slow us down. Better to sell it here and buy animals on the bazaar in the shadow of NëMuzg, the Twillight Mountain." He puts an arm around Bijlana's shoulder, who gently rocks the Child. Both, mother and child, look at you: ”You have saved us from Tizria and now it is our turn to repay you.” She smiles.”Have faith, Salt Knight. The Child will protect us.”

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

The Salt Knight sighs. "In the end, I suppose faith is all we have." He attempts a smile at the gathered family, and turns to leave the hovel.

Referee

You spur your steeds and gallop west and pass dark tilled fields, crows circling above you. Blacwyn and Tibor compete like wild foals and you cross the Ryba and at noon you see the white towers of Swanstone, bridge drawn and walls manned and the guards hail the Radiant Knights and open the gate. Your steeds are led to the stables by awe struck boys. A dark haired woman in a traditional full plaid introduces herself as Lady Alicja and takes you to your commodious chambers. She is the spitting image of Lady Bianca but with kind soft eyes. “Sir Zoltan informed me to not bother you with formalities but if you need anything please summon me.”

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake takes a private audience with Zoltan, finding some comfort in sharing his reunion with Inga. Once finished, the Gilded Knight seeks out Istvan. Few in the realm are such students of history as the tall southerner, and if there is any insight into the Needle Seer's relic to be found in Kranach, Istvan seems the most likely holder of the knowledge.

The Battlefield

Referee

You find Istvan in his study, reading scrolls that are scattered across his desk. He laboriously gets up to greet you. “My lord, I am pleased to meet you again so soon.” A servant brings tea and you sit by the window. Istvan holds his cup with both hands to warm them, looking out over the lake with a wistful smile. “I am convinced that the Seers will decide the right moment for the relic to be found… or for the right knight to find it," he says. "After the Battle of the Red Reeds, I spoke to a veteran who was blinded and separated from his soldiers, yet survived two weeks in the wilderness. He claimed he found refuge in a cave, and he swore he felt the presence of a Seer. In his state he couldn't have wandered more than two hexleagues from the battlefield.” The white-haired Steward explains that the veteran had been found by hunters in the forest east of Kranach Castle, malnourished and hallucinating. Yet, Istvan is convinced that the soldier had been saved by the relic.

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

Heldris lands in the rookery and asks to be announced to Sir Mateusz. When he meets the ruler of Karpat, he takes both his arms. “My dear Mateusz, I come from a tiring voyage. The Company of the Black Fleece seeks the relic of the Needle Seer, but without more proper knowledge we might be lost in an endless quest. I come to consult your library in the hope that I shall find some clue.” He says, as his tired eyes get accustomed to the afternoon light of the Hall. ”But that can wait for the morning. I hope I can keep you company this evening and hear how Karpat fare in these turbulent times.”

Referee

Servants bring spiced wine and fresh logs for the fire, but try as they might, the room stays cold and you are alone with the ruler and his Envoy. Adalgunde is silently knitting before the hearth. Mateusz eyes you warily from the throne. “We manage as best as we can, but I fear the worst is yet to come. Spring is the time when vassals die of hunger, and if they cannot cultivate the land, more will die later. If the relic is in Queen Anastasia's hands, the King might be forced to resign … or wage a full-blown war instead.” The iron crown seems too heavy for his frail neck, and he leans back and closes his eyes. “As long as the relic stays hidden, nobody can claim the throne for themselves and we might have another year of peace.” Adalgunde scoffs. “Another year of waiting for the inevitable. I'd rather we bet everything on Her Majesty to bring us lasting peace.” She knits in silence for a while, apparently waiting for Mateusz to challenge her. When he doesn't, she finally adds, “I will send for the chronicler to select all the scrolls and books that may hold the answer to your questions.”

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

The Dove Knight nods at Adalgunde’s remark. “I hope it won’t come to war, but the Realm needs stability.” When she leaves, he addresses Mateusz again, “Sir Mateusz, I fear the years and the sorrows have claimed our strength more than any battle ever could. I feel my spirit fleeting and I need to hold it back. Tomorrow I’ll consult the scrolls; but before I set off again for my quest, I would like the counsel of a minister or the proper time and place to feel the warm touch of the Sunlit Seer. To whom or where can you direct me?”

Referee

Sir Mateusz nods stiffly. “I too feel exhausted and in need of guidance, for the crown wears heavy on my head. Let us find solace in the study of the Seers' wisdom.” He slowly gets up and takes you by the hand. You walk through the narrow corridors of the Fortress to the Grand Hall, where he calls for his Steward. Mateusz bows before the altar displaying ancient scrolls and waits for Osvald. Servants light candles and brandish censers as Osvald proclaims the wisdom of the Swollen Seer, who wants to bring back huge beasts of primordial times whose cries can be heard at the Feast of the Stars. He then reads from the revelations of the Prey Seer, who foresaw great wars waged for envy and lust. Night comes, and with it a sense of serenity. Osvald reads from the scripture of the Needle Seer, speaking of the lost peace that could have been and the glory of a just war. Then you stand at the top of the obsidian stairs and the shadow of a hound walks beside you. “Before you leave the Realm, promise to come and visit my grave," a voice says. "You will not find the City while carrying your burden.” When you wake up in the cold and dark Hall, Osvald and Mateusz are gone and nothing remains but amber glowing in the hearth. The light of a candle stump guides you back to your room.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake convenes with Anastasz in the small library of Kranach, and the two pore over a map of the region. A student of Barowian military history, Anastasz quickly identifies the site of the Battle of the Red Reeds, north east of Kranach. "If Istvan is correct, this narrows our search down considerably." Perilake muses. "To find a cave in a few leagues is easier than a third of a kingdom." "Perhaps we can narrow it down further still whilst we wait for Heldris. Among the foresters, the trappers and the hunters of Laketown we may find a guide, perhaps? Though they do not know what lies within the cave, they may know the caves themselves." Perilake smiles wanly at Anastasz. "It seems there is hope for your marriage, my King to be." He chuckles softly in astonishment. "When first we heard of this relic, much was different. Would you have believed such things could be possible?"

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz looks up from the map as if he was just a great distance away. "Nothing we resolve to do is impossible, not for very long."

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

The words of the hound in shadow echo in Heldris’ mind. The memory of how it all started and of the curse that shaped him conjures up strange feelings, of hope, of fate, of something larger only known in dreams. He snuffs the candle out and the smoke seems to curl up in the shape of a wolf for a brief moment, then pinnacles and smoky spires, under a feeble moonray that peers through the tall and narrow window. With the realisation that Barowia is just a stone on a paved road that seems to step out of time, the Dove Knight falls asleep. In the morning these thoughts linger, but with them the will to leave this stone as stable as possible for the next traveller that’ll set foot over it. After a simple breakfast, he walks down to the library and greets the chronicler, asking for the scrolls and books that were set aside for him

Referee

“Lord Heldris,” the chronicler croaks, guiding you through the labyrinth of shelves to a table under a tall, narrow stained-glass window with carved insects crawling on the wooden frame. On the table lie scrolls of prayers of the Needle Seer that her acolytes had preserved. Among them are Glory to the Just War, from which Osvald has read, a book called On the Tabernacle and Teachings of Various Seers, a copy of the History of Masuria and a collection of scrolls held together by a threadbare ribbon with the inscription Spells from Northern Oudenburgh. You read for a couple of hours. When the chronicler brings a thin soup and bread it is already past noon and outside the window the twisted peaks of Karpat are hidden within clouds. You look down at your notes: Died during the reign of Trpimir I, the first ruler of Masur - Drowned in a lake by Altenburgian heretics. Later you find a comment on an acolyte of the Seer and more hints in the Tabernacle. By nightfall your notes are a tangle of quotes and arrows. You are dead tired but convinced: The tomb of the Needle Seer must be in a hidden ravine in the hills on the eastern shore of Lake Ryba  

Study in the Library of Karpat

Morning of the 2nd Rainsday of Sprouts, Kranach Castle

The sun is hidden behind thick clouds as you leave the castle at dawn to look for a guide at the market. Eventually you find a wiry trapper who has laid out her pelts and hides and is willing to lead you north in exchange for Ser Perilake's mace. She removes the beaver hat from her greying hair and bows. “A cave east of the swamps? I have been hunting in the swamps and forests and hills of the domain all my life and I can show you all the caves!” At the harbour there is a commotion as log drivers arrive with the news that the river has flooded the ruins of Oakfell and the underground fires have been extinguished. They plan to return and rebuild the settlement. “I'm Biserka and for your mace I will lead you until we find what you are looking for… even if it were to take us weeks.”

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Biserka's price is more than agreeable to Perilake, and he tells her they will travel when their companion arrives at Kranach. As the two knights depart, his face is dour. "Oakfell's fires extinguished by the River, at last." He mutters to Anastasz. "The Ages make a mockery of the plans we set in motion, of what we spent in our attempts." He shakes his head, and forces a brittle smile in to place. "Forgive me, my friend. Perhaps at least the village and the industry may be restored now the fire is quenced." He sighs and whispers. "Perhaps in time we will finally be able to mend things."

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz stares out in the distance, off in the direction of the lake. "Perhaps so," he mutters.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake stares too for a long moment, then shakes his head and his smile becomes as warm as it was in ages past. "Much may have changed," he says, "but the good cheer of the salt knight remains the same." He chuckles, and throws an arm around Anastasz's shoulder. "My brothers remain steadfast in all ways." His smile is not mocking, but truly warmed by this comfort. "Perhaps the river quenching the fires of Oakfell is a good omen, for we that seek to finally extinguish the embers of war and strife that have smouldered in this realm since Ulrich fell on that accursed battlefield." "Come, let us return to the castle. As we wait for Heldris, we may advance our cause further with Kranach. And we may advance Zoltan further in the eyes of his people, if such a thing were possible."

Referee

You spend the rest of the day at Court where Zoltan is making decisions for his aunt, who is sleeping on her throne and you speak to Courtiers and Knights about the interims reign of House Farkash and the future King Zoltan. They all seem slightly uncomfortable in your presence, nobles and important vassals alike and yet they are eager to listen to you. Evening comes and you still wait for the Dove Knight.

Morning of the 2nd Stillsday of Sprouts, Karpat Fortress

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

In the morning Heldris finds Mateusz in the courtyard, pacing silently under a large plane tree. Its sturdy branches shoot outward as if reaching for the early sun. “Lord Mateusz, I wished to thank you for your hospitality and for your help. Coming back to Karpat is both painful and merry, with all the memories that this place has.” He touches a hanging leaf and the whole tree seems to stir awake. “I’m happy that Karpat has found a ruler that will contribute more to its peace than to its sorrow, it’s all about the legacy that we leave behind.” He bows slightly, “I have to take my leave now, as my brothers await.” As we see the large plane leaves shaken by the wind, we move back to a hawk perching on a bough. Heldris takes flight to the South West as the morning sun fully shines on his speckled wings.

Referee

At noon you land on a lone tree high on a rock and you preen your feathers and eye a rabbit for lunch as you hear echoes from below, a cave maybe or a tunnel. A large group of people, you reckon, in a heated discussion. “ … if they all die otherwise she will ...” “ … either them or the axe will cut ...” “ … kash is understrength, if we strike now ...” When you glide down from the tree you see a fissure in the rock from which the voices issue.

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

The hawk glides down quietly from its branch, its wings outspread. On the ground, he makes his way into the cave, silently, to get a better view of these people who whisper in the dark and to hear more of their secret scheming.

Referee

Smoke stings your eyes as you hop into the cavern and through the haze you see a large group of people crouching around a fire. It smells of sweat and burnt meat. You don't recognize them but from their leathery faces and calloused hands they seem to be armed peasants. A broad-shouldered man clad in a tattered gambeson, stiff with old grime, shouts: "If we don't act Witta will punish us all." He turns around to look for dissent but the peasants nod in agreement."So it is decided. We move on Farkash! Death to the Knights!” and his booming voice is answered by two dozen fighters raising their axes.

Referee

Heldris, you sit with Voijtech on the balcony high in the Great Hall and watch from above a group of people from Laketown observing Stillday in the silence. “I will double the guards on the battlements, my lord, although … “ Voijtech sounds troubled, ” … the new gate is only a provisional solution and won't withstand a direct attack for long.“ Voijtech face is illuminated by hundreds of candles from the alcoves. He looks his age now and his charming smile is gone. “We made quite some progress, my lord. Three rebels have been arrested … well, two really as one resisted and was slain … "He clears his throat nervously. "We believe that we can get the prisoners to reveal the name and location of their leader. Gergana suggested that we … uh ... show them the instruments.”

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

"The instruments?" The Dove Knight looks at Voijtech with a concerned look, "let's not forget we are talking about common people, whether swayed by some nonsense or by their own will, they deserve our mercy. You're still the Sheriff, Voijtech, not Gergana; I trust you can keep her impulses at bay." He peers down towards the gate, "Gergana's soldiers are professionals. If it is indeed just peasants we're up against, gate or no gate, that won't make a difference. Put the archers on the battlements and tell the captain to ready her soldiers. Have a man on the tower sound the alarm when the militia is spotted."

Referee

Voijtech straightens up. “Yes, my lord, I am the Sheriff,” he says with a brave face but doesn't sound convinced. At night you dream of the City, a tangle of a thousand roots that drink in silence.

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

Trusting Voijtech to handle the situation, Heldris retires to a night of rest in his chamber. He wakes up just before sunrise, with the thought of another dreadful flight weighing upon his chest. He walks to the rookery, envying the resting doves in their comfortable houses. He sets off towards the West, fleeing the rising sun. As he passes Kranach, he slows his flight and keeps a watchful eye for the knights and their steeds below. 

Referee

Biserka has sold her wares on the market and waits for you at the gate. She looks up at the overcast morning sky. “It should stay dry all day ... if we are lucky.“ Her packpony squeals in terror as Tibor tries to bite it.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Blacwyn jostles forwards, his large and sturdy frame shielding the packpony from Tibor with a snort and ignoring the nip he receives as payment. The old horse has borne worse. "Lead on." Perilake nods. "We'll do our best to keep up."

Referee

You follow the shoreline until noon when you take a short rest in the shadow of a menhir. You can see fading runes between patches of moss. The sun breaks through the clouds and reflects on the waves of the lake and warms your faces. Biserka has shared her rations of dried meat and bread and is sitting some steps away on a rock with her fishing rod.

The Sun breaks through the Clouds

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz absently runs his hands along the menhir, squinting at the stone, as Biserka and the Gilded Knight talk.

Referee

The stone is weathered and smooth and warmed by the sun. You scratch away the moss and reveal more runes from a bygone age and a simple depictions of a winged beast attacking the sun with great claws. Biserka returns from the shore with her catch and kicks dirt over the fire.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake takes a rubbing of the Menhir, for Istvan's interest and for Kranach's archives. "At least it wasn't a spider..." He mutters to himself as he packs it away with a rough sketch of the menhir itself, the weight of Reznik on his belt heavier as he remembers those dark, narrow tunnels and the skittering within. As the group continues, he shares the story and smiles as Biserka relays the version she heard as a girl, in an age past. When she talks of Ulrich's heir rescuing a lost child from a horde of monsters, Perilake shares a second, private smile with Anastasz at the rear of the procession.

Referee

In the afternoon dark clouds gather and strong winds churn the water. Biserka leads you North over forested hills and in the evening you make camp under an old oak tree twisted by the winds. The old hunter turns a big carp over the fire ... when suddenly a dark shadow falls over you and when you look up you see a shrieking white cloud growing overhead.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake acts quickly, and grabs the reins of the steeds, yelling at the others to mount and flee. "Forget about the fish!" He calls to Biserka as she tries to gingerly grab their supper from the fire. Blacwyn snorts as Perilake throws as much of his bundle as he can secure in a single movement in to the saddlebags, and leaps atop his mount. "Into the trees!"

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Tibor utters a metallic shriek and Anastaz leans over the beast, hugging his steed as Biserka mounts and follows Perilake, the Salt Knight taking the rear.

Referee

You feel the impact of something slamming into you, threatening to push you off the horse but you both manage to steady yourself. Blacwyn and Tibor rear up and then gallop towards the tree line. When you are in the relative safety of the forest, you see the cloud whirling and a voice shrieks: “You run like mice, mortals! Beware Nimbrel, the Powerful!” before it rushes South over the trees and disappears.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

The Salt Knight glances at Perilake, and cocks his head. "Nimbrel?" He strokes Tibor's scales as the steed chitters.

Referee

Biserka emerges from the tree where she has hid. She scans the sky nervously. “You are not supposed to eat well on Stillsday, maybe the winds reminded us?” She makes another campfire and you sit together and eat dry rations and talk about the cloud and the relic and the wedding.

Morning of the 3rd Stoneday of Sprouts, in the hills east of lake Ryba

You wake up at dawn, the campfire fighting against constant rain. After a frugal breakfast you start a methodical search of the area and soon you are soaking wet. At noon you rest in the shadow of rocks shielding you from the wind and you are looking out over a heath and the first spring flowers. Suddenly Blacwyn snorts a nervous question and Tibor raises his head, tastes the air and hisses in agreement. Biserka gets up to calm her pony. A figure is slowly approaching, a knight on unsure foot, clad in beaten armour with a helmet it seems and one horn broken off.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake calls out to the knight on its slow approach. "Hold there! Who goes, and what are you about?"

"A friend," the figure titters

Referee

You hear a high-pitched laughter that is uncomfortably reminiscent of someone, but you can't recall who. Their face is hidden in shadow, their armour bloody and they unsheathe a longsword. “A friend,” the figure titters. You realize they aren't wearing a horned helmet, and you recognize that it is Sir Ludmer.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

The color drains from the Salt Knight's face, and he glances at Perilake. "What need do you have of us, Trail Knight?" he calls out.

Referee

Sir Ludmer gets closer, his head weighed down to the side by a single grotesque horn sprouting from his temple. He looks over to Biserka struggling to control the pony. “He is coming … he might be writhing inside her.” He smiles with wide open eyes. His face is twisted and wet from rain or tears. ”You, serf!" he cries. "Let me cut you open and have a look!”  

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake steps between the visage of Ludmer and the terrified woman. "You are not Ludmer." He says with cold fury. "Of all the oaths, Ludmer was most sworn to protect the realm and above all, its people." He draws Reznik.  

Session 28

Evening of the 2^nd Silverday of Sprouts, The Chapel of the Child

Upon hearing his brother approaching Ser Perilake rushes outside and sees the Salt Knight keeping his distance from the main building. Sensing trouble the Gilded Knight saddles his steed and meets Anastaz at the foot of the hill. While they greet each other the Child peeks out of its cloth carrier and Perilake understands. The light of a torch emerging from the dark alarms them briefly until they realize that it is the Dove Knight who has galloped all day and into the night to meet up with them. Heldris tells them that a hunter saw a white raven killing the messenger bird he sent to Karpat. Only then does he see the Child hanging in the blanket on Anastaz' chest. They decide to search for a hidden place to spend the night, away from the prying eyes of the nuns. In an overgrown ravine they discuss their plans: The Child must not fall into the hands of the church nor those of the Order of the Seekers. Could it be raised in Farkash under anonymity or hidden away in the Thrice-Ninth Kingdom? Finally they decide to take it outside of the Realm where the church has no power. The child is to be raised in the steppes of Waldochia and the children of Bohat, Marko or Biljana, will protect it.

An overgrown Ravine

Morning of the 2^nd Kinsday of Sprouts

They wake up from sweet dreams of the City, root spires and pristine marble and colourful corals and they ride through the morning haze. At noon they arrive in Bohat and visit Dunja's tannery outside of the village and Biljana embraces the Salt Knight who had rescued her from elfin service. In the small hut they drink tea and ask if Biljana is married and willing to move away. Her mother only listens to their proposal after Anastaz points to the Goldfalx, that will be melted and all its worth will be given to the young parents. Biljana reveals that she is married to none other than Marko, the shepherd, who is summoned. When the Child is handed over it seems to protest but soon is rocked to sleep by the proud new mother and Marko swears on his dagger to let no one come near it. They spend the rest of the day planning their next step. The Child might never be safe but if it were to return to the Realm it must be to a peaceful place and not under Barow's rule. At Sceptremass the Salt Knight is supposed to marry Queen Anastasia. But she demands the Needle Seer's relic in order to accept him as her King, the relic long lost and sought after for ages by many Knights of both Kranach and Barow. Heldris believes that the library of Karpat might hold the answer but since his message was intercepted they only have a vague idea. North of the dried well, east of Kranach and south of Castle Barow. Heldris reluctantly agrees to take flight again and search the library himself, while Perilake and Anastaz ride out to seek the wisdom of the Veiled Seer, where the brotherhood will reunite again.

Marko, ready to protect the Child

The Lords of Farkash IV

Morning of the 2^nd Silverday of Sprouts, somewhere in the mountains

You wake up to the smell of roasted bread and cheese. The Knights of the Order have rekindled the campfire that hisses in the light rain and placed your breakfast before you and watch you from a respectful distance.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake nods thanks and wakes Avert, the two of them sharing a meal beneath the watching eyes of the Seekers. Avert stares suspiciously at them, but does not say a word. When they are done, Perilake rises and the two begin breaking camp, the seekers leaping to help. "Sir Gorny," He asks as their steeds are made ready and they prepare to depart. "I have met Seekers who swear to protect the Child, and Seekers who are sworn to destroy them. What can you tell me of this schism?" "And of the Mother." Avert interrupts before Gorny can respond, his face intent atop his strange steed. "Tell us of Mother.

Referee

The other Knight, barely older than Avert has taken the lead and rain is falling on his tonsured head. Gorny is riding behind Avert. “The mother is an example for all of us, steadfast in her belief during the years of waiting… even when others were doubting, humble and … “ he hesitates .” … and kind!” He raises his voice to address Perilake. “The heretics are all outsiders from Altenburgia. They are evil apostates who … “ he shudders ”… in their blindness they are willing to commit heinous acts. But their minds are confused and they even fight amongst themselves.” Midmorning you ride along a deep gorge and see a fortified cloister on the other side, a massive outer wall under construction around the monastery, and a bell tolls again to announce the hour. At noon you reach the foothills and take a short rest in the lee side of a mound and soon after you hear angelic singing from a humble chapel. You leave the steeds behind and enter and the Knights kneel in the small dim room and some nuns turn around and nudge each other and one after the other they fall silent and you hear the shuffling of feet and you are ushered to a back room and to a simple cell where an old woman in brown habit is kneeling at a window. A young nun next her whispers in her ear and steadies her when she turns around and upon seeing Avert's face almost feints. Before you or Avert can move she composes herself. “I need to speak to my husband … alone.”she says in a strange hoarse voice. “Take my son to his cell and bath him and … cut his … “ she curls her lips “ … immodest hair.”

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

The young nun moves to obey, but stops when Perilake stands closer to Avert. The Knight rests a hand on his son's shoulder, and he reaches out with the other. "Inga, my love. Please, a moment, as a family, before anything else." Perilake's voice has always been as golden and strong as the armour of legend, but it barely holds now, a deep fracture of emotion threatening to break it entirely. "Let us take back a moment from what was stolen."

Referee

Inga nods at the novice who takes a step back and waits at the door. “What was stolen is gone forever and cannot be brought back.” Her voice sounds different, older and lacking the warmth you remembered. Her eyes greedily take in Avert's face and the young man looks confused from one parent to the other. “I waited ...” her voice breaks and she closes her eyes. “I will take care of my son now.”

Anastaz, you ride all morning through the mountains and at noon you stand before the cave, soaked by a steady drizzle and feverish from a sleepless night. The ancient acolytes await you and lead you into the tunnels, the air warm and dry and filled with the sound of chimes. Finally, the child awakens and peers out from under the blanket; if the acolytes recognize them, they don't show it. The inner sanctum is lit with candles. There are fewer acolytes than you remember, and some of them are armed with daggers. Between them lies the Cured Seer, emaciated and encrusted in salt.

Echo Caves

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

"Cured Seer, I have travelled long and far to seek your counsel. I have come to ask where the Needle Relic can be found, though on my journey a more pressing matter has arisen." He holds up the child to the assembled acolytes. "What is to be done with the Child?" He waits for an answer, and slowly kneels at the Cured Seer's side.

Referee

Your words echo through the caves, your apparent transgression only met with incredulous stares from leathery faces of which many are covered with ancient fading tattoos. The Cured Seer lies silent and unmoving in their block of salt.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

The Salt Knight sets the Child beside him, still holding on to its hand, and licks the Seer's shoulder.

Referee

The floor of the cave rushes towards you and next you see

Sir Ludmer, smiling next to his lowborn wife - A heap of jewels and a wolf before a burning hut, Seeker Knights slain before them - The child improbably walking before you on the surface of the sea – The Trail Knight, strangling his wife with the same smile and a horn sprouting from the side of his head - The Veiled and the Entangled and the Entombed Seer lying next to each other with their horse like hair and countless limbs and dusty bones, bleeding from many wounds and the brotherhood of the Black Fleece, one after the other, step forward and dip their weapons in the pooled blood - The Child is looking over their shoulder and behind them lie the spires of the City bathed in golden light.

Heldris, in the morning you keep an eye out for the return of the messenger bird from the battlements but there are only grey clouds in the sky and you pull your tunic around your shoulders against the light rain. You hear sawing and hammering from the carpenters who are reconstructing the gate; Kranach soldiers and Masurian Hussars stand in line in the courtyard and Voijtech and Captain Gergana pass below you with a handful of guards. Finally Zoltan and Captain Hroshka approach you to take their leave. When the Pigeon Knight shakes your hand he holds it for a moment.. “ I trust you will rule with firm hands … “ he pauses as if worried by the implication before adding, “ ... and just and kind. Until we meet again Dove Knight, at Masur Keep for Sceptremass!”

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

"Then let us have one moment to ourselves, and take care of each other." He nods at the nun. "For just a moment, please sister." Perilake reaches out to draw Inga and Avert into an embrace.

Referee

Inga goes stiff as you embrace her. The nun tries to pull Avert away but he resists and holds on to his mother. He starts crying.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake releases his wife and son, allowing Avert to pull his mother into a deeper embrace, and stands quickly his face a mask of barely controlled rage. "Take your hands off my son, nun. You would take him away again, after all he has suffered?" He snarls. "I have fought time itself to bring him back to his mother, and you dare try to snatch him away?"

Referee

The novice startles at the ferocity of your words and retreats back to the door. Avert is kneeling before his mother, his arms around her and his head in her lap. Inga caresses his hair and whispers soothingly in his ear. Then she looks up. “When you allowed … when our son was taken from us", she corrects herself " ... I prayed to the Mother to bring him back. And I waited and prayed for year after year.” There is a strange ecstasy in her eyes. “Now the mother has answered my prayers: The Child is born and my son has returned to me.” She speaks in a formal liturgical tone now as if preaching from the pulpit. “I believe the Mother has plans for my son that will be revealed in time. Maybe he will become a prophet or a hermit or a saint. But his future is in the church.” She helps Avert to his feet. “Will you allow sister Ecatarina to take care of our son or will you stand against the will of the church?”

The Chapel of the Child

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilakes despair at what has become of his wife can only be seen in the tears in his eyes, the tremor in his hands. But his voice is strong once more as he looks between his love and their son. "The will of the church, or of my wife? Of Avert's mother? Of Lady Inga of Svenrik, the kindest woman this kingdom has known?" He kneels before Inga, the tears falling silently down his face. "It is not my place to stand against your will. Yet it is not so simple." "I promised I would return our son to you, and for each of us that has been...a journey of a different span. For him, it has been a score of seasons since he last saw you." Perilake traces the outline of Ingas face with a hand, not daring to reach and touch "For you, an age." He whispers, before regaining his strength. "For me.... I still see your face as it has been in all my dreams and memories, my love. The face I see now." "It is a... hard thing, I know. But Avert is no longer a child." Perilake bows his head. "That was taken by the Elf before I found my way to the thrice ninth kingdom. And it was only with the aid of the clever young man he has become that we were ever able to return." Perilake looks to Avert. "The Elf stole you, and even as we walked the path back to home, the wizard Ashling stole yet more; the years of our life together cruelly snatched away. I would find him in King Barows court and tear those years from his entails if such a thing was possible, if such a thing would spare you this burden, Avert." He looks to Inga. "I would tear them from myself if it would spare either of you any more pain." "What is the will of my family? What is the will of our son?

Referee

Anastaz, when you come to, you lie on a straw bed. A white-haired acolyte cradles the child and feeds them sweet milk. In the candlelight, you see bread and dried fruit on a blanket on the floor. When the acolyte notices that you are awake, she hands you the child, who watches you intently with bright blue eyes. All is silent except for soft, shuffling steps echoing through the distant tunnels.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

As the sun shines down on the hills outside the Sanctum, Anastaz saddles up Tibor. The Child rests in a sewn pouch strapped to the Salt Knight's chest. He looks down at the babe, and the Child meets his gaze smiling and not flinching. It has yet to cry. "To be destined for greatness is a cruel fate, little one. The people will cry out for their savior, but you will lead an unexceptional life, I promise you." Tibor huffs, and gallops northwest.

Referee

Avert is still holding Inga's hands, unwilling to let go. “Please forgive me, father, but … I want to stay here, I want to…” He lets out a deep sigh. “Mother is right—we cannot bring back the years that were stolen from her, but I can't leave her again.” She pulls him towards her, tucks his long hair behind his ear, and lovingly touches the side of his face. She turns to you and says softly, “It is my will, and it is the will of your son. But you need to see that fate has brought you here: the Child is born, and the Lost Son has returned on the same day, in the same place!” You hear whispers behind you. Dozens of nuns are kneeling in the narrow hallway, their faces hidden in shadow but their eyes ablaze with rapture. She addresses them as much as you. “Let it be known that you have kept your promise and returned your son. You will always be welcome in the chapel. My son will stay within the bosom of the church, nurtured and taught scripture, and in time he will lead the Child until the Child will lead us all.”Avert looks confused but smiles shyly, embracing you before he is taken away by the congregation.

That evening, you are taking a simple meal in the refectory when you hear the unmistakable sound of Tibor's hooves outside.

The Lords of Farkash III

Evening of the 2nd Riverday of Sprouts

Perilake, in the evening clouds are moving in and hiding the stars behind them. Avert stares into the fire with heavy lids over his strange slanted eyes and he promises to take the second watch and falls asleep almost immediately. It is cold in the mountains and you tuck him in and he almost looks like your lost son again. Then you see torchlight and someone calling out: “Peace be with you, strangers. The Order protects the weak and punishes the wicked. Which one are you?” Two Knights appear out of the dark, the crest of the cradle on their shields and torches raised. You can't see their faces, but they sound giddy—almost drunk.

Anastaz, in your arms the child falls asleep and you feel its warmth and trust and the fire from the hearth throws shadows over the walls in which you and the child are one. Then you hear riders approaching and a commotion outside of the hut. Two groups it seems, threatening each other with violence. “Open up!” a voice shouts. “We know the Child is in there. Let us in and we will save it from the Rogue Seekers!”

The burning Hut

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake swiftly stands as the torchlight grows nearer, picking up both his sword and the shield of the mad Seeker knight who nearly killed him. "Peace be with you, warriors. We travel for an audience with The Mother." Perilake words are as cool as his gaze upon the shadow-clad figures. "I am Perilake, and this is my son."

Referee

The younger of the two looks staggered by your words but is quickly pulled down by the older Knight who is already kneeling: “Praise be the Mother, Her Child and the lost Son.” he exclaims ” This is a wondrous night!” and now in the torchlight you see his eyes filled with tears of joy. Avert looks drowsily out of his bed roll. “You must have seen the second sign, my lord: It is true, after all these years … the Child is born! We have been sent to look for it but now that we found you … and the son … we will guard you with our lives.” The younger Knight makes the sign of the cradle and starts praying while the older looks at you expectantly. “I am Sir Gorny, your servant. What are my lord's orders?”

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake beckons them to rise. "We have taken a... long and strange... journey. If you can guide us the last few steps to Lady Inga, it would be welcome." He frowns slightly at the excited ecstasy on Sir Gorny's face, before adding "In the morning, of course."

Referee

“Of course, my lord. Rest now while we watch over your sleep.” And they sit down some steps away from you and start their own fire and whisper with each other, throwing shy glances over to Avert who has been fallen asleep again.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

The Salt Knight glares at the door. He covers the Child's head and ears and yells, "The Child is under the protection of the Salt Knight. Enter and your lives are forfeit." He begins to rifle through the bedding in the cradle and the shelves of the cottage.

Referee

You grab the blanket from the cradle and try to tie it with one and a half hand while holding the baby and you hear heavy thumps against the door until it finally is kicked in. You spin around to face the white haired Knight who wields a mace and half-shield and barely get your own mace out to meet her blow. She hasn't noticed the Child who is seemingly unfazed by the noise and resting its head against your shoulder.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz's mace crashes into the other knight's inches away from his skull. He knocks it away and forces the other knight back. "Are you trying to kill the Child, you fool?" He brings down his mace but the other knight dodges out of the way and readies for another blow.

Referee

She involuntarily takes a step back and angrily points with her mace at the cradle. “No harm will come to it if you put the Child down and leave. We will take care of it.” You hear the sound of metal against metal outside the hut. A fight has broken out on

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz looks between the other knight blocking the entrance and the indistinct commotion happening outside. He lowers his mace and whispers, "Forgive me," to the Child as he hugs the babe to his breast and throws his other shoulder through the window of the hut. He runs to Tibor, blood dripping from around his scalp and pieces of stained glass forming some perverse crown. He puts the Child in the saddle first and in a low voice, "We must protect him" as he pulls himself up onto his steed. As he goads Tibor into galloping west, he looks back at the din.

Referee

You see light pouring through the open door and something is aflame, maybe a torch being thrown inside and the cradle burning and the white haired Knight rushing out. Outside two Knights pressing on a third who has lost his helm and he tries to keep them from following you. Then Tibor carries you away and the burning hut is just a bright light in the darkness. Your steed hisses and breaks through shrubs and branches and it is a wild ride through the starless night, blood running into your eyes. After some time you manage to catch your breath and dab your wound and light a torch and you try to hold a south-western course. The child is sleeping and its sweet warmth melts your heart. Later you find yourself between forested hills and you can see a fire far below you, the hut ablaze. It is the hour of the wolf and you are dead tired and shivering in the cold mountain air.

You take a swig from the everflask, cold, pure water and press on, following the only path away from your pursuers and higher into the mountains. A cold light rain starts to fall and you cover the child's head with the blanket. When a grey morning dawns you find an overgrown trail leading South towards the Cured Seer's cave.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

The Salt Knight yawns and rubs his eyes. He peeks under the blanket and sees the babe gumming the compass, somehow extracted from his pack. Anastaz sighs and whispers, "Ready to meet a Seer, little one?"  

Mountain path to the Monastery

The Lords of Farkash II

Morning of the 2nd Riverday of Sprouts

Perilake, the first light of the morning falls through the window where Avert is standing already dressed, tense and full of anticipation. After breakfast you take him to the stable and Blacwyn greets you with a loud snort and rubs his head against yours. He has white hair around his muzzle but there still is fire burning in his now sunken eyes. Avert takes the reins of the horned stallion.

Anastaz and Heldris, when you enter the Great Hall after dawn for breakfast the Gilded Knight is gone and Jitka waits at the door for your orders. She avoids Heldris' gaze.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

As Avert leads the horned stallion out of the gates, followed by his father, the pair are stopped briefly by the tall, lean figure of Zoltan. His men stand guard on the walls, and the Pigeon Knight feels their eyes upon him - and hears their whispers of the returned scion from every corner. He bows before father and son, and his voice is low; not the mumble of his youth, but the guarded, cautious tones of care. "Please pay my respects to Lady Inga, my lord." His eyes play over Avert, and back to his mentor. "She was always kind to me. Tell her I wish that I... that the myths were kinder to her." Perilake clasps the younger man in a hug, and they depart. Zoltans eyes follow them along the road, a wistful expression across his face as the riders break the horizon.

Referee

Your shadows ride before you as the sun rises and you pass through green hills covered in ferns and spring flowers. Blacwyn proudly takes the lead, the foreign steed following, or father and son are riding side by side if the terrain allows it. At noon you rest and Avert watches in astonishment bees tirelessly flying from crocus to daffodil. “I remember them” he says chewing, “they all serve their queen. There were bee hives in Bohat when we visited Aunt Wendela ... We don't have them in the Kingdom,” he adds thoughtfully.

Later you reach the treacherous ravines that criss-cross the western hills between Farkash and Bohat.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz sits down to eat, exactly as he normally would. Between measured bites, he says to Heldris, "The Queen demands the Needle Relic. The Cured Seer may give us a better notion where it is."

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

Heldris nods, dark thoughts brooding in his head. "I remember Lady Hedwig mentioned the relic once," the sudden thought of his late wife's seems to drive the storm away from his head. "There may be some map that shows a more precise location in Karpat's library. I shall go and research their scrolls."

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

The Salt Knight nods solemnly. "I shall wait for you at the Chapel of the Child. Perhaps we can confer with Perilake there."

Later that morning, Anastaz goes to the stables, where it seems a stone statue of a horse, cracked and chipped, is taking up one of the stalls. With a pitcher of brine from the kitchens, the Salt Knight douses the creature, and it starts to snort as he rubs the fluid into its skin, hardened scales flaking off. Fifteen minutes later, Anastaz leads the beast outside, and tells a horrified stableboy, "You may need help cleaning up the mess. It's been a while since Tibor last molted."

The Southern Woods

Referee

The other horses eye the ancient steed with some relieve when you leave. There is a deep depression in the scales between Tibor's eyes and a drooping of the lower lip which gives him a morose expression. The sun breaks through a thin layer of cirrus clouds as you ride South through a valley overgrown by thorny shrubs and brambles. At noon you reach a forest of oak and beech and rest at a pond covered in water lilies. Rays of sunlight filter through the canopy as a choir of frogs chirp and croak. Across the pond stands a half-derelict hut, the door hanging from its hinges. Inside, you think you catch a glimpse of a cradle.

Heldris, you sit alone in the Great Hall for a while after the Salt Knight has left. Eventually Jitka approaches you with some trepidation. She still avoids your gaze. “Is it true what they say?”

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

Heldris watches the Steward with a tired look: “To which of the many rumours and truths that people spread are you referring to?”

Referee

“Sir Svatoslav is family and … he is missing and the guards stationed at his door informed Lady Landrada you sent them away and that you escorted him out of the castle. As the Sheriff of course she pursued the matter and the townsfolk told her they heard him screaming and … “ she hesitates “ … they said they heard your voice and … they heard you howling like ... - well we would like to bury his body but the rumours are … that … that the body cannot be found because ...”

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz gently calls out, "I mean you no harm. I am a knight of the realm seeking food and shelter in these woods," as he goes to the door.

Referee

Tibor snorts a short warning as you enter. It smells of moss and mould inside but the furniture is intact: a vase on the table has fresh flowers, the cupboard a few pots and pans but no food. The cradle is empty except for a rattle made from animal teeth. In the distance you hear a strange hissing cry, neither human nor animal - more like fire doused with water.

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

“Lady Ladrada is not the Sheriff anymore, Vojtech is. Who appointed her doesn't rule this castle anymore, and she has no right to pursue anything.” Heldris falls silent for a moment. He breaths slowly, letting the steam dissipate. He resumes in a calmer tone: “I'm sorry for Sir Svatoslav, I truly am. But he has been claimed by the River. Twenty years we've been away, it's true, although against our will. Some of us have lost family and friends in this time, and we've come back to a world at war. You claim to have done what you could for Farkash in the absence of its rulers, and I believe you. Sir Svatoslav did not, he ruled becase he wished for power and he choosed blood when he could have stepped back. You have heard his harsh words yesterday, his treath of treason towards those who would stay.” The Dove Knight looks at Jitka almost tenderly, “I understand family bonds, and nor I nor my brothers will be resentful if you'd decide to leave.” He extends his hand to her. “Think about what you want your role in this realm to be, and give us an honest answer before noon.”

Referee

“The River claimed his body ...” she says and nods slowly as if accepting the explanation. “And Lady Landrada? My aunt … “ Jitka hesitates again. “ … is she in any danger by you - or the river? I must know before I can tell you my decision.” She raises her hand to indicate that she is not finished. “Before you answer I need to set aside my personal circumstances and act as the Steward of Farkash.” She straightens herself. “What do we do with the Crownland mercenaries? We can't feed them forever but if we release them they might see an opportunity: The castle is poorly protected, some of the bowmen were killed or injured, many fled. Sir Zoltan will return to Kranach. Captain Hiroshka told me the Hussars will ride back tomorrow. We can starve the mercenaries to death … or we can release them and risk retaliation.”

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz squints at the source of the noise, and draws his goldfalx tentatively. He leaves the cottage, and puts a hand up to his ear as he slowly follows the sound.

Referee

Between the trees and among the rays of light you see a fire burning and as you get closer it is a woman, her body aflame, her eyes glowing coal and she screams in anger. She hasn't seen you yet.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

He enters the clearing and shouts over the noise. "Do you need help, my lady?" He keeps his hand on his sword.

Referee

You see her through a haze of heat, flames dancing on her white tunic embroidered with golden threads that form arcane sigils. The fabric stretches over her swollen belly as if she were heavy with child. Her burning eyes fall on you, her scream the incomprehensible fury of wild fire. She moves towards you, swift like flames burning through a field of dried grass. Her fingers are curled into claws.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

The Salt Knight's hand goes from his sword to the everflask, and he quickly uncaps it, attempting to douse the approaching woman.

Referee

She is upon you and about to engulf you in a deadly embrace. You feel the heat of her body as she grabs you but the water from the flask gushes over her head and then there is a cloud of steam and the fire sputters and her body goes limp and slides to the ground. She seems to be unconscious and unharmed but when you feel for a heartbeat her skin is hot as if burning with a fever. 

The burning Mother

 Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz lifts her up gingerly and seats her on the back of Tibor. "Gentle," he says, and Tibor huffs. He mounts the steed and continues toward the sanctum.

Referee

She groans when you place her in the saddle. After a while Tibor suddenly halts and prances nervously and the white tunic darkens and wet stains spread rapidly from her waist down. Tiny flames start licking on her arms.   

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz sighs, looks west, looks northeast, and goads Tibor back to the hut, putting the smoldering arms around his neck. As they arrive at the pond, he lifts the woman off the horse and places her down at the edge of the pond, her hips above the water but the bottom of her legs inside. He stamps any flames out of his tunic and lays it beside her. "My lady, I know little of these things, but I believe you must push now."

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

Sir Heldris muses for a long minute, then lifts his eyes to meet Jitka’s. ”We will release the Crownland sellswords, and they will march back to whence they came... call their leader so that I may speak to them.” He then adds, in a less commanding tone: “Lady Landrada has been removed from her posting as to not put her in a difficult position, but she is in no danger by me or the River. The River has been appeased through the soul of a sinful man, and we may hope we won’t hear of it again soon.”

Referee

“I hope we won't regret the decision. I will summon their leader at once.” She bows and turns to leave but hesitates and adds. “Svatoslav was an opportunist. When the King gave him the chance to rule he grabbed it with both hands, for his own glory and that of house Urban … but he was not a bad man. I will inform Lady Landrada and Sir Vojtech and I will personally give you my decision by noon.” She leaves. The Grand Hall is silent again and you sit alone on the throne. After a while Captain Hiroshka arrives with the mercenary, a squat woman in the elegant uniform of a Barowian officer. She salutes sloppily and waits for you to address her. Her eyes wonder around the hall as if looking for an escape route.

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

The Dove Knight sits in his chair, holding on his lap a leather gauntlet, adorned with arcane symbols and old hawks feathers. “Captain Gergana,” he says, “I have nothing against you and your men. I’m going to release you all, on the condition that you won’t pillage our fields and harass our people.” He looks at her for a moment, as if struggling to make a difficult decision. “But I don’t presume to give you any orders. I will offer you the gift of flight, the swiftness of the hawk, and eyes over every move of your enemies, that’ll set your company above any other in this Realm and beyond… if you accept and respect my terms…” He hands her the falconer’s glove “I know your men must be fed and paid, but that is on your employer, you’re free to go ask Andrasz what you’re owed. If you accept my gift, consider ourselves bound to friendship, and hopefully a productive one, when our coffers will be full again." He smiles

Referee

She takes the glove and turns it in her hands. “They say you killed Prince Grigori … and Sandor the Hawk - the greatest mercenary of his age - and took the ring he used to turn into a bird of prey and spy on his enemies … So it wasn't a ring.” she says thoughtfully and then she shakes her head. “This is a powerful artifact … it would give me a great advantage on the battlefield … and yet, I wonder ...” She caresses the old leather. “My men are tired of war and they have seen the fertile lands of your domain, and its peasants … they are weak. Give me their lands and you have an army of experienced soldiers… and in time of war they would protect what they own.” “Or refuse and I'll take the glove and I will command them to leave … but I can't guarantee they all will. Some might be tempted ...”

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

The Dove Knight nods, thoughtfully: “After all these years of war, it is your right to wish for a more stable life. We’ll be happy to give you land to work on and to call your home. But I have to warn you,” he sighs, “you risk going from the frying pan into the fire.” His face darkens, “It has come to our attention that some of our subjects have joined the militia of the Axe, and they may cause you some problems.” He seems to reflect about something, then he finally adds. “Well, Vojtech, our Sheriff, will start an investigation immediately. Help him uproot at least some of these rebellious farmers, and I'm sure that in half a fortnight you'll have a quiet farm and good land secure from any harm."

Referee

She flashes a dangerous grin. “My men fear no peasants, rebellious or obedient… and we can wait. We have waited long enough.” She hands you the glove back with a wistful smile. “Hopefully, my years of fighting are over… but if you need a Retainer for your Marshal or a Courtier… I'd rather use my knowledge than work in the fields.” She shakes your hand and returns to her men.

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

Heldris breathes a sigh of relief and smiles back to Captain Gergana. “I’m sure our Marshall Zofia of Barow could use a skillful hand such as yours... and also someone to keep an eye on her...” he adds with a smile.

Referee

At noon, Jitka returns. The small woman walks slowly over to the throne and bows deeply. “My lord, I have decided to resign and take my aunt to Castle Barow. I thank you for your trust in me, but loyalty to my family has to take precedence. If you have any last orders for me...” She looks down, and if she feels any regret, she doesn't show it.

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

Heldris takes a minute to think about Jitka’s decision. “Thank you for your honesty, Jitka. I don’t have any last order, and I wish you the best. I have only one question: all these years, who amongst our courtiers would you have trusted with your duties, in case of sickness or indisposition?”

Referee

She scoffs. “I wouldn't have trusted anyone to replace me… but I if I had to hand over my duties for a time … either Lady Ileana of Karpat or Sir Dumitry of Barow. Both know when to spend and when to save. The Lady of Karpat might be rash in her decisions but her instinct is mostly right. Dumitry can be callous but he has good contacts to the merchants guild back from his time in the Crownlands” and Heldris decides to appoint Ileana the new Sheriff.

Jitka attends the Council meeting in the afternoon and hands over her duties to Ileana. Voijtech looks nervous around her and only shows his charming smile after she has left ... which disappears when a servant brings him a list of all peasants, their contributions and whatever else is known about them. Landrada has made no effort to sort them and the Waldochian looks lost between all the scrolls. The tall Ileana of Karpat has a sour smile and harrumphs repeatedly while studying the documents Jitka has left her and you recognize with sadness a striking esemblance with a younger Hedwig. Zofia leans over and whispers something in her ear but the new Steward only shakes her head. “Not enough funds unless we increase taxes or withhold our contribution to the Queen.” And so the Courtiers start arguing for and against this or that proposal and the meeting goes on and on while Heldris watches them with tired eyes.  

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

After working with the council on these urgent matters, Heldris walks to the dovecot up on the great tower. A young boy is feeding the birds and murmuring comforting words to them as the shadows of dusk approach. "Good evening Remus,” says the Dove Knight, “who is your swiftest bird? I have an urgent message for Karpat.” He hands him a small rolled up paper with the sigil of Farkash; inside, a request for information about the Relic of the Needle Seer, that may be hiding in Karpat’s extensive library. 

Night falls in the Mountains

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake and Avert lead their mounts through the twisting ravines of the lands west of Farkash. Many would find these routes near impassable, but in the Stolen Age, when one was a boy and the other merely a few seasons younger than now, they rode these paths. And despite living every one of those years, old Blacwyn remains surefooted, remembering the steep trails and winding scree he trod as a young stallion. Perilake is pleased to see Avert guide the horned stag with skill. The beast is strange, and its temperament fierce, but they are both touched by the thrice-ninth kingdom. For once, this brings more wonder than woe to Perilake's heart. All is quiet on these lonely paths through the hills. The chattering joy of the boy he was is gone, but Avert's curiosity remains. He listens intently as Perilake talks of the realm; the inscrutable insights of the seers, the myths that shape the land and the people; the politics and intrigue of the houses; the old king and the new, and the seemingly inevitable gravity of a conflict that can no longer be deterred or avoided. With each insight offered by his father, Avert has a question or two or three or five, each carefully considered. And for each of those questions, his eyes reveal yet more insights unspoken. For Perilake, it is a welcome thing. A return of sorts, and a long awaited reprieve. As he did in the thrice-ninth kingdom, he feels hope in his heart that the impossible may be achieved once more.

Referee

In the afternoon you reach the foothills of the mountains, the sun blocked out by majestic rocks and in their shadow you lead your horses up a winding path. After some time mist begins to rise all around you and your body grows heavy and your legs weaken and when you feel Blacwyn's wet muzzle in your face you lie on the ground and look up at a starry sky. Over the rush of a nearby waterfall you hear joyful cheering and later the continuous tolling of a bell from the mountain top.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake strokes Blacwyn's muzzle. When Avert asks about the tolling bell, Perilake gestures around to the darkening skies. "It is too late, Avert. It sounds peaceful enough; no one in need of our aid, and nothing of import to our affairs." He smiles as he helps his son set up camp. "And I know you do not wish to keep her waiting any longer.  

Referee

Anastaz, the woman moans in response and you see beads of sweat on her forehead. The sun moves slowly west sending rays onto the hut and the pond and the rock from which a strange silvery waterfall flows. Now and then the mother is shaken by contractions and flames dance on her upper body and burn you and she cries in pain. Then the last ray of sun touches her face and a thick mist rises around her as if a red-hot iron is quenched and her body feels heavy in your embrace and then you feel someone being much too close and Adler smiles at you and when you wake up, you hear distant cheering and shouts echoing from the mountains in the West. A light shines in the dark and when you enter the hut a child lies in the cradle. There is a candle on the table but no sign of the mother.  

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz grips the edge of the cradle, his brow furrowed and his face pale and clammy as he peers in.

Referee

The Child is wrapped in torn white cloth and it looks at you silently with bright blue eyes. It shows a sweet toothless smile and it is as pure and innocent as the first day.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

The Salt Knight's breath catches. He puts a finger in the crib, and the babe tugs on it. "There are many who have anticipated your arrival, little one," he says, as he turns away toward the hearth. "But they will have to wait." And he begins to make a fire.