The Lords of Farkash I

Noon of the 2^nd Armsday of Sprouts

You hear the anxious whinnying of horses and a moaning from the tower where injured defenders have been abandoned by their comrades. The Kranach spearmen have surrounded their Urban and Barowian counterparts and Sir Vladislav stands them, head bowed and mumbling to himself: an old man, frail and lost. The Crownland mercenaries regard him with pity and some eye their guards with probing eyes. Zoltan commands his troops to bind them and lead them to the dungeon, while Captain Hiroshka orders her soldiers to man the towers and treat the wounded.

Later, you meet in the Great Hall. The reliquaries lie in the shadows of their alcoves, the candles unlit, and the grey light of a foggy spring day shines through the stained-glass windows. Lady Alina has personally served bread and wine. She stands at the entrance to the hall awaiting your orders, her wrinkled face devoid of expression.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake looks at his brothers, and at Avert sitting in an alcove, fidgeting with his cloak. "My brothers, I have a duty whose call grows only ever louder. Come the morrow, I I will make my family whole again." He smiles with profound sadness. "Painful as they were, it is still mere months for me. For Avert... and for dear Inga... I must tarry no longer. At first light, I must ride."

His limbs heavy with the fatigue of battle, he sits heavily back in his seat. "But for now, we must pick up the thrice-broken pieces of Barowia, and do what we can. Much has changed in Farkash in our absence." Perilake beckons Alina forwards. "What has become of the people of Oakfell, who we invited into these halls? To the merchants who once made this place thrive? And what of you, Alina?"

Referee

Alina comes forward. The sharp strike of her simple wooden cane echoes through the hall. She stands tall and proud, unbothered by the awkward circumstances and despite her advanced age. “Sir Svatoslav decided that the Citadel couldn't afford to support them any more. Eliska agreed. They left for the woods to the east to work as woodsmen. Some of them ...” she bites her lips but then adds. “Some of them, might have joined the Militia of the Axe … mylord.”

“The merchant guild still trades their wares on the market. You might want to ask Lady Jitka for the state of our coffers.”

Courtiers rallying behind their former ruler

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

Sunk into a chair, feeling exhausted by the metamorphosis and the fight, the Dove Knight stares coldly at the old courtiers of Farkash. His eyes black and motionless, like those of a bird that waits for its prey. At Perilake’s words of a family whole again, he comes back to himself and nods, speaking softly: “Lady Inga awaits you both, we won’t keep you away any longer my dear brother.” He then turns to Alina, Jitka, and Vojtech. “Twenty years have passed, and things larger than yours have been in motion against the good of the realm, so perhaps we shouldn’t hold it against you… But what have you done in our absence, to let the market rot and Oakfell fall? You that had kin here ruling our castle, or that have seen your castle usurped, or your lands pillaged?”

Referee

Voijtech smiles and clears his throat to speak but Jitka cuts him off. “My family's crest is the lock and the quill for we have long been in service of the Realm, as Stewards and Sheriffs, as Retainers and Courtiers. But we never ruled our own domain. When the King saw Farkash without rulers he finally granted us the holding we deserve.” Next to the imposing figure of Lady Alina, she looks even smaller - but no less proud. “It is true that the Citadel hasn't prospered in your absence. But other holdings faired worse than ours. Trade can't flourish in times of war as history has proven time and time again and at least our people don't have to starve.”

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz leans tall and strong against a wall. If the battle has taxed him, he makes no indication of it. "We must thank Urban the vassals did not have to sacrifice the way Karpat's have done. But a swift end to this war will be a boon to all."  

Referee

Jitka nods, relieved that the Salt Knight confirmed her words, and turns to Sir Heldris again. Vojtech uses his opportunity to step forward. “Mylord, we have done everything we could to keep the spirit of Farkash alive. We even had a small farewell feast when Elisa and the woodsmen left.” Although a mature man now, his face is still open and youthful. Avert, who is standing behind the throne, looks at the Waldochian curiously. While he seemed uninterested in the fighting, he has come alive in the more familiar circumstances of the Court and pays close attention. Captain Hiroshka has entered the hall and approaches the Salt Knight. She leans in and whispers, “Sir, when we rounded up the mercenaries and brought them to their cells... the King's brother was taken with them.” She weighs her words carefully. “It seems… inappropriate to treat him like a simple soldier.”  

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

Heldris listens attentively to his old courtiers. The rage of the river flows threateningly before his eyes, but he cannot bring himself to punish these people, who seem to have done what they could to survive in times of war. “Thank you, my old friends, for your honest answers. No one holds you accountable for the misfortune that has befallen this castle, as well as Urban or any other family who did what they could to protect their own.” He watches them intently, as he fights the pain in his tired body and the storm in his cursed mind. “If you still welcome the rightful rulers of Farkash, it'll bring me joy to have you again at our side, and we’ll reconvene later about the state of the holding, and what we can do to set things right. If you don’t, consider yourselves free, and have my blessing and wishes of good fortune, elsewhere.” 

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

The Salt Knight turns to Hiroshka and gently says, "The finest empty room is his. Make it up for him, and tell him to send for me once he is comfortable."

Referee

Hiroshka salutes and leaves at once. Sir Svatoslav, who has been hiding among the courtiers, steps forward and bows. His face is pale, and he wears the traditional white blouse and black waistcoat of the south. "I thank the Dove Knight for his mercy," he says. With a warm timbre and without raising his voice, his words carry to the farthest corner of the Grand Hall. "It pains me to leave the holding I served for a decade, but my loyalty to the King demands it." He then turns to the other Courtiers. "You need to decide for yourselves whether to leave with me or to stay." His face is flushed now, and you can feel the suppressed anger in his melodic voice. "But unless the Citadel pledges loyalty to the rightful ruler of Barowia, I must consider you - traitors!" 

Hushed murmurings can be heard and the Courtiers exchange anxious glances. The ancient Lady Landrada whispers something in Jitka's ear. Half a dozen minor nobles rally behind their former ruler.

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

Heldris listens quietly to Sir Svatoslav’s speech. When the nobleman falls silent, the Dove Knight stares at him coldly, his eyes still, like those of a hawk. “I wasn’t talking to you, Sir Svatoslav of Urban!” he says, raising his voice at every syllable, until the man’s name echoes throughout the hall. He stands up, wearily, and walks to him. “If you think you can run to your belligerent king and call us traitors, you are very much mistaken!” He gestures to Farkash soldiers to take hold of him. “Lock him in his chamber, we’ll soon judge if he deserves the same mercy he so quickly refuses his former courtiers.”

Referee

Sir Svatoslav is dragged away by the guards struggling in their grip and shouting to be released. The Courtiers who have come forward to support him scurry back to their peers who murmur excitingly about the former ruler's downfall when Zofia raises her voice: “All hail the Company of the Black Fleece, all hail the rulers of Farkash” and the noble men and women kneel. Even Lady Landrada the Envoy under Urban's rule is helped by Jitka to bend her creaking knees but she shrugs her off and hides her face under a black veil.

When finally the Court is dismissed and only Jitka stays behind to await your orders, Hiroshka returns. As the grey spring day turns dark, servants start to light the candles in the alcoves “Milords” the captain announces, “Sir Vladislav has been relocated to his chambers.” “I have made sure that he is treated respectfully.” she adds turning to the Salt Knight. “The Banner Knight would like to have a word with you … for old friendship's sake, he said.”  

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake spends an evening looking out from the balcony of his old room, where once he and Inga shared laughter and hope. Their belongings have long been removed, replaced by those of a stranger. And stranger still looks the place he called home. No longer does it ring with the busy merriment he remembers; a memory that is for the Black Fleece, mere months past. Yet so long for those who reside here. Once more he feels the world shift uneasily beneath him at how the river of time has been so thoroughly broken. That young Vojtech, once a callow youth among the Fox Knight's fancies, is of an age with the Gilded Knight. And that those who were once his peers now stand old... as must surely his wife. He thinks not of her beauty or her grace, but of the years of loneliness she must have faced without him. The only solace he has is that his son shares the room with him once more. That his family will be reunited. Such a thought is enough, even as the challenge of reuniting the realm itself hangs heavy upon him. "In the morning, yes Father? We will see mother, and we will bring her back to the court." Avert says from the room, his eyes glittering in the candlelight over his gathered scrolls and books. Perilake smiles sadly, and nods. "In the morning, my son. We will see Inga. And then..." He trails off, his heart heavy. "And then we will be a family once more, and we will decide." Avert eyes narrow, and Perilake nods. "Your mother and I, and you. Together, we will decide."  

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

As the last trickles of the sun's blood vanish from the horizon, the Salt Knight carries a pitcher of wine to Sir Vladislav's quarters. He wears no arms or armor. He enters the Banner Knight's chambers and pours two goblets full, offering one to Vladislav. "This batch of grapes was harvested the year we left Farkash, and now it is a rare vintage. Have you, too, sweetened with age, or become more sour?"

Sir Vladislav questioning his life choices

Referee

Sir Vlad raises his cup with a shaky hand, spilling wine onto the rug in front of the hearth. “I have turned to vinegar,” he snarls. Lingering pain has carved deep lines around his eyes. He stares vacantly at the stains on the rug before leaning back heavily in his chair and downing the rest of his drink. He looks down at his trembling, liver-spotted hands. “When I was young, I wrestled bears. Now, I can’t even hold a cup.” He looks up, his watery eyes meeting yours. “What will they say about Barow’s rule over the Realm? Was it just? Did we bring peace?”   

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

"For a time. Had we remained here all those years, we might have helped you. But the needs of a father are sometimes more important than needs of a king. In the blink of an eye, all that was once strong became feeble, including your brother's rule. Perhaps it is time for a change."

Referee

“Perhaps – but Andrasz won't go down without a fight … and he has support from the North: Two warbands of veterans who have been fighting all their lives - not to mention the army he can muster anyway. Even the combined forces of Masur and Kranach won't beat them easily … if at all!” Vladislav stares at the red stain on the rug again. “More violence, more blood. Is that what you want?”

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz sighs. "Masur and Kranach were defeated once before, and look at them now. Andrasz chained the wolf, but could not tame it. To win the war, he must make this realm a ruin. Only then will you have your peace."

Referee

Vladislav rubs his temples with trembling hands, eyes closed and he is silent for a while. “It was a mistake to come to this Realm.” he finally says. “It was a mistake to leave our home. All I wanted is to hunt and to enjoy life and now … now I am an old man and I will be buried on foreign soil … “ He shakes his head. “All you can wish for in life is to keep peace for a while until the cycle of violence begins anew.” He opens his eyes again. “March on Castle Barow and you will be responsible for the death of hundreds of men and women - and for what? A dream! There will never be a lasting peace, Anastasz.”

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz seems to ponder the knight's words and rises to the room's window. He looks out, hands clasped behind his back, and says, "My brothers seem to think a legend will unite the people. Perhaps they're right; perhaps they're wrong. But Barow's time has passed..." He turns back to Vladislav, smiling sadly. "After all this, I still respect Andrasz. Return to the Crownlands with whatever men you can muster and whatever wealth you can carry, and I will ensure there are no reprisals. Tell your brother we can end this suffering."

Referee

“I still remember the grove on the night after our bout. The stars above us ... I was happy then … happy that I was alive. Happy to have met a worthy opponent.” Vladislav gives you a sad toothless smile. “I will talk to my brother. He will call me a fool and a traitor … but I will try.” “And if he declines ...” His smile broadens “ … I hope the two of us will meet on the battlefield and that I will die in the saddle and not in a bed.” He laboriously gets up and extends his hand.  

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

The Salt Knight pulls the old man into a hug. "For my sake, I hope to stay far away from that hammer." 

~*~

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

Heldris sits before the fire in Anastaz’s chambers, and tells the Salt Knight of his debt with the River and how it came to be. “I thought it’d be easy to sacrifice an enemy for the good of the Realm,” says the Dove Knight in a whisper, “but even before such a detestable man as Sir Svatoslav, I struggle to bring myself to act.” He pokes the fire slowly, pensively. “I would gladly pay the toll myself, but to think of my daughter losing her father again and, perhaps sinning of arrogance, of me quitting so early this quest to bring the Realm together…” He sighs, "I fear, one way or the other, my spirit is lost."

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz places an arm on Heldris's shoulder. "And if the river chooses to wreak vengeance, how many children will lose their parents? These forces are not to be trifled with. The life of one old man is of little consequence in comparison."

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

Heldris nods, looking up from the fire. "You're right, ad always. The River has taken its course and cannot be changed now." He stands up and, without the need of saying more, he makes his way towards Sir Svatoslav chamber.

Referee

When you reach the corridor that leads to Sir Svatoslav chamber you see in the torchlight Lady Landrada and a servant being turned away by the two guards posted in front of his door. Landrada looks furious as she slowly shuffles away. “Ungrateful peasants” she curses. The gurads stand in attention and open the door for you.

Svatoslav is pacing in front of the window and when you enter he turns with a smile that falters as he recognizes you. “I was hoping ...” he forces himself to smile. “... to speak to your Envoy … but I'm honoured that you came to see me.”

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

The Dove Knight dismisses the guards from their posting, and enters the nobleman’s chamber. “I’m not sure what business you’d have with my envoy, but it is time for you to be judged.” He tells Sir Svatoslav calmly, without anger in his voice. “Will you please follow me? We have a long way to go.” 

Referee

Sir Svatoslav looks surprised. “Now? A long walk?" He puts a coat around his shoulders and follows you.”I am prepared to defend myself and stand trial for whatever crimes I am accused of.” he says with a firm voice but when he sees the Salt Knight waiting at the door, he pales and takes a step back. “What am I accused of?”

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

"If you ask me, of the crime that far too many people have committed these last twenty years... acting against peace and the good of the Realm." The Dove Knight's tone is still calm and almost reassuring. "But it will not be on us to find you tarnished or free of sin. The River will be your judge, and its wrath may be appeased" He gestures Sir Svatoslav towards the door.

Referee

He looks scared now and hesitates to cross the threshold but under the Salt Knight's steely gaze he doesn't dare to resist. His shoulders slump and with a sigh he leaves the room. At the gate the guards hand you lanterns. When you reach the deserted market Sir Svatoslav stops at the bas relief of the merchant guild and starts to beg. “Please, Sir Heldris! I have done nothing wrong.” He holds on to the sign with both hands and drops to his knees. “What am I accused of? I followed the King's orders just like you. Please, have mercy!” The families of the small harbour town must have returned after the siege as you hear doors opening and see candles being lit but nobody steps out and Sir Svatoslav's pleas fade away in the thickening mist.

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

The Dove Knight stands still for a moment, he puts a hand on the nobleman's shoulder. “I'm truly sorry, Sir Svatoslav. But if you think yourself virtuous, you will walk with us to the water and will either be spared by the River, or redeem yourself with a last worthy deed: appeasing its fury." He gestures the nobleman to stand up.

Referee

“I'm not virtuous! I am a coward!” He shakes his head violently and hugs the sign like a toddler hugging the leg of his mother.”Why am I be judged and not you?" he cries. "You abandoned your duty! Somebody has to rule and it was me. Why am I punished for doing my duty?” His eyes are closed and there are tears running down his pale cheeks.

Sir Heldris, The Dove Knight

As he watches the man whining and clinging to the signpost, a wolfish growl rises within the Dove Knight. He grabs the nobleman by the neck and drags him towards the shore, his voice a snarl: “You profited by our misfortune, Sir Svatoslav, now face the consequences, face them as a coward if you so wish.” When they reach the shore he drags him a few paces into the water and stops, he turns the nobleman to face him and all that Sir Svatoslav can see are hound-like eyes shining red in the dark night. “Have it your way,” Heldris pushes the nobleman under the surface and struggles to keep him there. “Wrathful River,” he whispers in a growl, almost inaudible to the Salt Knight on shore, “here I pay my awful debt, and a sinful man I plunge into these waters, wet by your everflowing stream.”

A Sinful Man

Referee

Sir Svatoslav stares at you from under the water with utter terror in his eyes, bubbles streaming from his mouth in unheard screams and only the roaring of the river in your ears – eager to consume and pleased with the sacrifice - and as the drowning man's struggle weakens, you see possible futures for the river in the rising air bubbles, futures from which the Realm is spared: fishers returning with empty nets; a growing lake where the Fortress once stood; and a river, swollen and angry, sweeping away huts and cattle, and the corpses of Kozamost washed ashore in Farkash's harbour. For a moment a dark triumph washes over you. You lift your head and howl, and over the roaring of the river, you hear the beating of the bard's drum—the bard whose life you took in anger.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

A pale lantern glows in the mist as the Salt Knight watches stonily. As Sir Heldris returns to the shore, Anastaz holds out a cloth for the Dove Knight to wipe the water from his hands.  

Session 27

 Afternoon of the 2^nd Woodsday of Sprouts, Karpat Fortress

The company decides to spend the rest of the day in the Fortress. Heldris asks Sir Mateusz for boats to take them down the river and hands him the pendant of the Black Fleece. “Have banners made with our crest to strike fear in the heart of the enemy” and the old ruler accepts. Anastaz finds old maps of the Citadel and the Knights are pouring over them and discuss their battle plan until night falls.

Down the River and to the hills

Morning of the 2^nd Armsday of Sprouts

They leave the castle before dawn and descend to the lake where they are greeted by boatmen who take them and their warband down river. They pass the abandoned canal to Oakhill and reach the hills north of Urban Citadel. Zoltan and the spearmen from Kranach are already waiting for them. Heldris turns into a hawk again and flies South to scout out the defences of the castle. When he returns he picks on the tower of the map once for bowmen and twice on the courtyard for the spearmen stationed there. They approach at noon, under the cover of a light fog. Anastaz is leading the Masurian hussars to the gate, dragging the battle ram between them and they are greeted by a hail of arrows, while Zoltan leads his spearmen to the southern walls and they start climbing the siege ladders. The hussars release their javelins and many defenders are cut down and the rest flee.

Soon the gate is breached and the riders pour into the courtyard but bounce off the spearwall assembled. Heldris lands behind the soldiers and takes the momentum to crush into them. The Kranach warriors rush down the battlements and drive the Urban warriors - who are lead by Marshall Zofia - back. Faced with overwhelming force she orders her soldiers to drop their weapons … when a Barowian horn sounds from outside the walls. Reinforcements!

Anastaz leads the attack and the hussars follow him out into the battlefield, while Zoltan rallies his troops to defend the broken gate.

The Salt Knight meets Sir Vladislav, the Kings brother, and implores him to give up but the Banner Knight, old and frail that he is, still rejects the offer. Only when he arrives at the gate guarded by Kranach troops does he finally yield and is taken prisoner of war.

Sir Vladislav is taken prisoner

Session 26

Morning of the first Stillsday of Sprouts, Kranach Castle

In the courtyard Sir Heldris says farewell to the Pigeon Knight who needed no encouragement to lead his warband into battle. They agree to meet in the hills north of the Citadel to unite the troops from Kranach and Masur. He walks all morning under a grey sky, fatigued and broken, until he reaches the banks of the Ryba, swollen from thaw and rain and he keeps on walking until the river reaches to his thighs and pulls on him. “O river,” he cries in desperation “give your champion the strength to move on!” and the River answers angrily “A sinful person must be brought to me and sacrificed!” and when the Dove Knight agrees, he sees visions of those who wronged him, bloodied and taken by the waves. He comes by in a nest of woven reeds where the River had placed him, he is refreshed and the sun is setting in the west … but something is wrong: He hears the screams of frightened frogs and they flee into the water and hares and foxes follow. The sun turns black, surrounded by a golden corona and the Dove Knight leaves his nest and runs into a night that never comes.

The sun turns black

Afternoon of the first Stillsday of Sprouts, south of Masur Keep

Perilake and Anastaz cross the fort and the lake district beyond until they reach a rocky landscape where steam erupts and geysers shower them with hot water and when they make camp they too see the sun turn black and the soldiers scream and prey to the Seers. When they finally find sleep they dream: Perilake sees the Veiled Seer stumbling from their cave and they only say one word: Blind! And Anastaz dreams of the echoing caves where ancient acolytes flee in terror, their leathery faces distorted. The Cured Seer sits in a pool of brine his eyes white and unseeing.

Morning of the 2^nd Stoneday of Sprouts

They wake up, disturbed by these uneasy dreams and leave the warband behind while a storm is brewing and they gallop under darkening clouds. They follow a forest path and at noon they come upon a monolith covered in spiderwebs and a warm wind brings the smell of spices and an onslaught of dust and they cannot travel further for the rest of the day.

The East

In the hills near Bohat

At dawn the cursed sun is replaced by a new dawn and in the hills The Dove Knight sees a group of nuns removing pins from the clothes line while the fabric billows in the wind. Sir Heldris stumbles between them and falls to his knees: “I have been cursed, sisters, ever since I've been a young Knight” and the sisters help him up and surround him with love and mercy. In the chapel nuns sing hymns to the Child to expel the nightmares of the night before and he is brought before mother Inga who sits in her cell in the twilight of a candle, an old woman with cold compresses around her head that smell of vinegar. When Sir Heldris tells her that her son returned she thanks the Mother on her knees and doesn't listen when he petitions her to send the Seeker Knights to the Company's aid and later he turns into a hawk again and flies north.

Morning of the 2^nd Woodsday of Sprouts, near Karpat Fortress

The two Knights gallop east and cross the ornate bridge over a gorge and arrive at the fortress in the mountains where they are lead to the chambers which seem to remember them and display icons of their Seers on the walls: Cloaked in golden robes the one who knighted Anastaz and a heap of flesh and bone and metal who dubbed the Gilded Knight.

They are summoned to the lord of the fortress, a frail man bowed under an iron crown. They are greeted coolly. Karpat will not send troops to aid them: “We feed our Vassals first and then our soldiers” and they are reminded of the Queen who said the reverse. The Salt Knight makes a plea and is rejected. Only siege ladders can be spared and they take what they can.

Later that day they stand on the balcony of a tower in the shadow of the mountains and a hawk approaches on tired wings and turns into the Dove Knight who leans against the balustrade and tells them of his trials and tribulations. But a warband from Kranach will meet them he adds unable to muster a smile, and we will march together to take back the Citadel!

Session 25

 Afternoon of the first Rainsday of Sprouts

A hawk flies south high above the clouds and guided by the sun and when he lands for the night he turns into the Dove Knight again and makes camp in a forest. Before him is a huge blackened tree and between its roots are stairs covered in brambles and leading down into the earth but Sir Heldris, weakened by the transformation, decides to sleep and return to this place when he has recovered his strength.

Morning of the first Stillsday of Sprouts

He dons the falconers glove and takes flight and crosses the lake and finds the island shrouded in mist. He approaches the domed gazebo and invocates the Seer and a tangled mass of appendices some with mask-like faces appear, twisting in and out of existence. “Oh Seer” the Knight cries and offers the lock of Annegrit's hair, “My daughter desires to be a Knight.” and many voices answer. ”She will be knighted” says one and “She will die” another and a chorus declares that the Conclave of Seers will decide her fate at Eldermass and before the strange apparition disappears the chorus sings “Bring peace to the Realm” and the Dove Knight takes flight to beg Ladu Zdenka for a warband.

At Kranach Castle he turns into a man and is brought to the Lady who sleeps on her throne with Zoltan guarding over her. The Dove Knight explains the wish of the Company to rule over the Realm and that the marriage with Queen Anastasia is arranged. “Will you help us take back the Citadel?” Heldris asks. The Council is summoned and argues for and against. The Lady is unimpressed and holds Zoltan's hand. “Only my dear Zoltan can be the rightful ruler" but the Dove Knight insists: “We will rule but for a while. Zoltan will be declared King Anastaz' successor" and after some thought the Lady accedes to the proposal. A warband of mercenaries and a battling ram is given to the company and the support for the future King.

The Sanctum of the Tangled Seer

Morning of the first Stillsday of Sprouts, Masur Keep

Anastaz and Perilake lead the Hussars of Masur east through a dense forest until they reach a wide river where no river should be and birthed from the lake to the north. They hear chanting and see three sister of the Ryba with their faces painted red and a blue line smeared across. They demand “You will not cross the river until you bring a sacrifice: An innocent animal or a sinful person.” The nuns eye the horned steeds but the Knights decide to offer the mules that carry the warband's provisions instead. “How will I feed my men?” the short Captain exclaims. But the Knights just shrug. “You will find a way.” and the mules are brought to the river and slaughtered and their blood calms the river and the Knights and their warband cross over the ford that hasn't been there before.

The River is calmed ... for now

Session 24

 Afternoon of the 1^st Skyday of Sprouts, Kozamost

Mira, the ancient mayor of the dwelling, talks about harsh years of famine and war, how Masur took Szalai Keep and taxed the villagers to pay for her wars, how the Militia of the Axe – rebellious peasants to the East – refuse to pay the Tithe: The woman in the pillory is one of them. She explains how the village survived through the winter on salted fish. They decide to visit the Temple of the River nearby. When they approach the smell of barley wafts over and they see novices and lay sisters carry heavy wooden buckets from the rushing, snow-melted river to the longhouse where smoke pours from a chimney. On the riverbank sisters scrub giant oak barrels using the flowing water and sand to sanitize them for spring vintages. Sister Martuschka remembers the Knights and kneels before Sir Heldris who carries the ornate River Helmet. She leads him through a narrow tunnel to the inner sanctum where a mosaic of shells shows how the river gives floods and fertile land and takes a life when necessary. Heldris eyes fall on the depiction of a man between cloaked figures, blood dripping from opened veins and he understand that the river will demand from him a sacrifice and he agrees. Water rushes into the sanctum like a blessing of the Dove Knight and when he returns to his brothers determination glints in his eyes.

The Inner Sanctum of the River Temple

In the night Anastaz dreams of Tizra's Halls and he hears himself giving the promise to Saša that he will return. “But you didn't, did you?” Adler smiles, his face so close as if to smell the Salt Knight's despair.

Morning of the first Rainsday of Sprouts

The next morning they say farewell to Mira and take the boat North and see from afar the keep and the stone bridge now guarded by a tower and a toll house for boats and riders. Guards take them to the throne room where Sir Ludomir of Kranach, the Envoy of House Masur accompanies them while they wait for the Council to receive them. Lady Gundhilde, the Sheriff, gasps when she sees the Knight she served as a squire and Annegrit her Retainer runs over to the Dove Knight, the father she hasn't seen in an age and believed to be lost forever. Annegrit and Heldris retreat to the antechamber and cry over the stolen years. His daughter is now a Courtier but never lost her dream of becoming a Knight and Heldris promises her to visit the Seers to ask for her to be knighted. Meanwhile the Queen surrounded by her Council demands a pledge of loyalty from the company. Perilake wants to know what will happen to her enemies under her rule. “I will be Queen for the whole Realm, law and order will govern Masuria, the land will prosper and plays will return to the Gamehall of Lodestone!” “Why are the people of Kozamost starving?” the once Gilded Knight asks. “Because we have to feed our soldiers first” she replies. Perilake and Anastaz withdraw from the Throne Room to deliberate with Heldris who suggests that neither King Andrasz nor Queen Anastasia are fit to rule and that the heroes of the Realm should govern. He suggests that the Salt Knight might marry the Queen and it is decided. When he proposes to the Queen she looks worriedly at Sir Ludomir who buries his face in his hands but Lady Lydia already makes plans. The wedding will be held at Sceptremass, and all the rulers will be invited. The Queen hesitates: “A gift to seal the union and to show the Realm that the rule of King Anastaz and Queen Anastasia is legitimate: Bring me the Needle Seers reliquary, long sought by both Barow and Kranach .... I will give you a warband of my best soldiers to take back Farkash Citadel.”

Sir Ludomir of Kranach is sceptical about the proposed wedding 

In the afternoon Gundhilde and Annegrit visit the Knights and tell them about the spies who reveal military secrets to House Barow and Heldris asks his daughter for a lock of her hair. “I will make amends for the lost years, Annegrit. I will visit the Tangled Seer!” he declares and turns into a hawk and flies away.

Session 23

Morning of the 1^st Kinsday of Sprouts

The Knights follow the trail between the Southern Hills into a thick fog. It feels like Spring although they left Barowia in Harvest and they suspect Ashling or the Steward of the Seasons to be responsible. They lay out their crumbling map of the Realm, recognize the hills where Anastaz duelled the Elf many many years ago and decide to travel East to visit Swanstone, the holding of House Kranach. In the afternoon they are dazzled by a golden haze that blinds them and they hold on to their horned steeds and trust the Pigeon Knight's instincts. When night falls they make camp, and hunt rabbits while father and son talk about Avert's future. During the night they spot a large bonfire to the South and wild singing and the beating of a drum. The fire spreads and is only extinguished by a steady rainfall at dawn and they find masked cultists dancing and behind the mask a woman with bloody teeth mocking the Seers. Disgusted they leave and at noon they arrive at Kranach Castle - but the place has changed: New battlements and towers have been built, a vast construction that would have needed years to complete. The bridge around the moat is drawn and when the Knights announce themselves, they hear that Perilake has died a long time ago in a foreign land in the search for the City. Only when a grey bearded guard recognizes Zoltan, the heir of Kranach, are they let in and brought before the throne. 

Swanstone

Lady Zdenka, once tall and imposing, has changed as well: She is an old woman now, sleeping most of the time and slow to answer their questions. An Age passed while they were away and Barowia is in a state of chaos: The Queen of Masur has taken Szalai Keep and its former ruler had fled to the Seat of Power to become King Andrasz' Steward. But many whisper that Adalbert is a fool and that a stranger has the King's ear, who calls himself Aslan of Waldoch and Perilake believes it must be the sorcerer Ashling. Heldris hears about the passing of his wife and that his daughter, now a grown woman, serves in Queen Anastasia's court. They learn that Farkash Citadel is ruled by House Urban and that the Church of the Child is recognized by the King. A monastery has been built in the mountains east of Bohat where the Order of the Seekers serve Mother Inga. She still waits for the return of her son and the birth of the Child.

They spend the night in Zoltan's chambers and leave at dawn to visit the Queen.

1^st Skyday of Sprouts

A boat takes them north. When the rowers take a short break under a withered tree, a heap of misshapen bones sprouts from the ground and when Anastaz breaks them with his Goldfalx, warm puss seeps into the ground. They arrive at Kozamost after noon and visit mayor Mira, an ancient woman with shaking hands. She is shocked at first but soon delighted to see Heldris and the Company of the Black Fleece return to Barowia after famine and war has ravaged the Realm.

The Realm has changed

The Thrice-Ninth Kingdom XVI - Finale

Dawn of the 14th day, the Southern Hills

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Once more, Heldris is changed, Perilake thinks. Once more my brother's nature is twisted towards the beast. How much will remain, this time? Will Annegrit recognise her father when he returns, or will all that emerges from the Kingdom be twisted shadows of the souls that passed? His eyes are drawn to the narrowed face of his son and his heart is heavy as he contemplates what awaits, even in seeming victory. Will Inga.... he thinks, and he must trust that she will. She will. But heavier still it grows as Heldris reveals the price that must be paid for the portal to open; the life of the Fox Knight. "Sir Milos..." Perilake murmurs. "I.... I did not know. This Winter King's bargains are bitter." He shakes his head. Zoltan spits. "We act as his eyes, and he claims his prize twofold." He mutters angrily. "A kingdom and a brother's life delivered for less aid than the peasants of Bohat. "Aye. A miserly ally, and a greedy one." Perilake laughs despairingly.

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

Milos stands in silence for a moment, taking in the concerned and confused faces of his comrades. He opens his hands in a gesture of apology "We needed a way into this realm. I was... already compromised. It made sense to make the bargain." A bitterly cold wind swirls the snow around his feet as if in response to his words. He sighs and looks steadily into the eyes of his fellow knights. "Dear friends, I am on a path with the White King that started long before this journey to free Avert and will continue after it. I will do what I must to liberate you all. You cannot jeopardize yourselves on my account." He turns to Ashling and beckons him aside from the others. We walk a short distance away to stand beside a leafless tree. "So here we are. As we approach the gate, the White King will manifest to claim his prize before opening the way. It is time to realize our exchange. The name, for passage back to Barowia."

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

The Salt Knight grows solemn as the minutes pass since Heldris's return. The goldfalx acquired in this realm is plunged into the earth, and he leans slightly against it. "I fear the hermit may not arrive before the Hunt.

Referee

Ashling has folded his arms tightly against his chest while snow is falling slowly all around you, leaving crystals in his hair. His lips are dark red from the wine you drank together and they are parched and taut. He looks at you warily with tired eyes. “How can I trust you to keep your promise?” he croaks. “You are willing to betray your master, who is to say you won't betray your enemy?”

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

The Fox Knight opens his hands before him. “We may not be friends, but I would hope that you are not my enemy, Ashling.” He ponders the ivory ring, still on his finger, and rubs it with his thumb. “And if the King is my master, it is not a matter of oath or fealty, but one of brute domination. Whatever our link was before, he has reduced it to only that now. If I set aside my yoke, that is no betrayal in my mind.” A shadow of grief passes over Milos’ features briefly before he composes himself again. “A bargain is always a gamble and you must choose whether to enter this one. Without the name in hand, I cannot fulfill my part. Even with it, I may fall, but my comrades are sworn to take you through to the other world if the gate opens. I think a knight’s oath still carries some weight in this realm.” Milos pauses a moment and cocks his head to one side. “But before you make your choice, I have a question for you: if you have the King’s true name, why have you never used this knowledge to aid your Lord in his war against Winter?

The Southern Hills

Referee

The sorcerer looks around as if to confirm that nobody listens but in truth he searches to find a bolder to sit on. He brushes away the snow, slumps down and looks up at you, exhausted and haggard. “I trust the word of a knight even one that is so well versed in deceit.” He lets out a mirthless laugh. “And now it seems too late to doubt you … A true name is valuable only to those who know how to use it or who are desperate enough to wield its power anyway. Coredis wears his name proudly because he fears no one, the King however … “ he looks down at his hands grabbing one with the other to stop them from shaking. “... is old and weak. When I was learning my trade from Perunja … when I found his name in her scrolls ... I learned that you need to play your cards at the right moment. She knows his name and never used it, because she waits for an opportunity, … to aid the Elf or ... .” He is quiet for a while. “I am not from Barowia, I believe” he finally says ”I remember ... I remember” He closes his eyes and there is wistful smile “ an endless steppe and ...” he shakes his head and looks up again into your mismatched eyes. “And I will be free to go where I please, yes?”

Heldris, Osier picks up the falconer's glove that slipped from your arm. “It must be so beautiful to fly. Are you not afraid to become a falcon in the end?” He hands it back to you and whispers ”Or do you long for it?”  

Sir Heldris the Dove Knight

The Dove Knight tilts his head to look at the young man. “A wolf, a dove, a falcon. I'll be what I need to be, in order to protect my friends.”

Referee

Osier nods and whispers “I'm the same Dove Knight, I am willing to lose a little to win a lot.” He looks over to his father who is standing with his old squire and he adds quietly. “If it come to a confrontation with the King, I won't hold back!”

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

Milos drops to one knee in the snow to face the wizard. "I think you are remembering the steppes of Waldochia, a land not far from our own. If we make it through, you will be free to return there."

Referee

When you mention the Realm of the nomads to the east Ashling stares dead ahead and there is no recognition in his eyes. Then he leans forward and writes a name in the snow and when he is sure you have read it erases it with his boot. Etzel

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

"I fear you are right." Perilake thinks of the old hermit, and looks to Avert, talking with Heldris. He thinks of his promise to Inga, and feels the familiar pain of duty divided. He draws Reznik, and sights down the keen edge of the blade, and stills his thoughts. Lowering the blade, he nods and speaks quietly to Salt and Dove - and to his son. "We made a promise. We will keep it."

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

Milos stares at the name written in the snow and speaks it carefully into the silence of his mind. A veil lifts and where there was confusion and uncertainty, sudden clarity blooms. A multitude of images of Etzel coalesce like brilliant facets of a larger geometry, the sun shining through an intricate snowflake, revealing a seemingly endless multiplicity within a greater order. The Fox Knight’s breath catches as his mind attempts to expand to take in the grandeur of what is revealed. The march of countless ages. After what seems like an eternity, Ashling’s boot wipes the name from the snow and Milos finally exhales. His hand reaches out to steady himself against the nearby tree. And when he looks up again, his red eye has transformed yet again, now a brilliant silvery grey. “I see” he says in a hoarse whisper.

Referee

Then the snowflakes freeze where they are, puffy cotton balls that you could pluck from the air and Ashling stares unblinkingly and doesn't move. The wind brings a smell of rain and musky earth and a whispered promise of intimacy. There is a path between the hills, free of snow and strewn with yellowed leaves. Trees line the path, leaning inward and their entangled branches form a roof of red and gold first and in the grove a dome. You hear leaves crunching under your boots as you approach. The light filters through the canopy and throws long shadows over the imposing figure sitting on a throne of roots. You remember seeing the sacred red ribbons that adorn the oak for the first time and the wonder you felt then. Your lord gestures with his many ringed hand at a fur coat that he has spread on the foliage before his feet. “Please, Milos, sit down.” His voice is deep and warm and there is a playfulness you haven't heard from him in a long while. There are new streaks of grey in his beard but his hair is still dark and straight and he wears a crown of blackened iron that twists into thorned branches around his brow.  

The Hidden Grove

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

The Fox Knight approaches the throne in silence and settles down cross-legged onto the furs. He looks up into the canopy of red and gold, and a soft sigh comes from his lips. “So we have come full circle then, to the place we first met. The memory of it is bittersweet.” Then he lets his gaze fall upon the Lord of the Hidden Grove and his grey eye perceives hidden depths within the folds of his robes. “In the past, I have only known your masks and your titles and your dreams. Now I see you more clearly than ever before, and you are indeed a marvel, my Lord.” A soft breeze stirs the Fox's once-again coppery hair. It blows through the leaves of the oak and a single golden leaf drifts slowly down to land in Milos’ outstretched hand. “What do you see when you look at me, I wonder?”

Referee

You feel his gaze upon you and over the wind you hear his calm breathing that stretches the regal kaftan over his chest. It is the colour of moss and pleasure and intricate geometric patterns are stitched along the lapels and cuffs, weathered and fraying slightly. In his belt is a sharp dagger, forged from bog iron and made to open veins. “My lover, my slave … “ he murmurs as if in regret. “You lost your innocence, Milos, and there is a new cunning look in your eyes. I don't see the same young man that came to me before. Instead I see a fox ready to play ... “ he hesitates “... but not willing to serve.” He offers his hand and among amber and emerald there is an ivory ring and he is turning his wrist until the ring faces upward. ”And yet, serve you must!”

You see Ashling emerging from the hills and staggering towards you. He slumps down at the campfire that struggles against the intensifying snowfall “The King took Milos!” he croaks “I don't think we can help … but we can look out for a path that opens to the human Realm” Osier is rummaging through his knapsack. “What if it won't? Do you think we can … force it open?”

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz regards Ashling with a hard stare. "Show me where he was taken."

Referee

“Ah I see, the legendary Elfbane ...” Ashling sneers “ … trying to solve problems by hitting people with his mace again.” He rubs his eyes in exasperation and murmurs to himself “I have only myself to blame … and now I am stuck with these … “He gestures at the direction he came from. “It is called the Hidden Grove for a reason, you know? Do you think the King will allow you to just bumble in? “ Osier is sitting next to the sorcerer, chewing on a piece of bread. “They can't find the grove." He breaks the bread and hands a piece to Ashling. "But you and me: We could maybe force our way in … if we combine our powers.” He gives his father a cautious glance.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake looks at Avert, pride and sorrow and fear mingling in his features. "They say the more you use these powers, the more you will forget. Your mother waits for you. I... fear you will forget her love. You will not feel it." He sighs, and draws Reznik once more. "But though the power we wield may differ greatly, there is always a price for it. I am not the boy I was before I killed a man who tried to steal from Sir Cyrion, and he was not the last." "We wield our strength where we must, to honour what matters. To protect. And we take the scars, the pain, and we forget when the world was simpler...." He looks down at the sword, then back at Avert, smiling. "I am proud you would do so, to save Sir Milos." "And I would be pleased at a chance to address the King and his poor service to our bargain, indeed." His eyes narrow at Ashling. "Yet Milos told us this one knows the King's true name, and he promised it to Milos. Did you give it to him? Will that not let him break his own chains? Does it not give you some power here, oh mighty wizard?"

Referee

“I did and it might give the Fox Knight a way … “He shakes his head in disbelief. “I have bet my life on it. “Ashling stares back at you with his cold elfin eyes. “And for what? I could have stayed in the Halls of the Elf, being served the finest delicacies, surrounded by slaves willing to … And yet, here I am, sitting in the snow and chewing dry bread like a peasant … .” “Hate me all you want Knight, I pray as much as you that Milos will find a way to open the portal … one way or the other.” Osier gets up an eager glint in his eyes and he says something in an elfin tongue to Ashling and the sorcerer shrugs. “I have already forgotten all, I have nothing to lose …” Ashling gets up and leads you to the bolder he sat on and you find some leaves in the snow and no path. Osier draws his thorned wand.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

As the others talk, the Salt Knight paces, clutching and unclutching the grip of his sword.

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight
In one fluid movement, Milos rises to stand and faces his Lord squarely. “Yes, I am no longer a naive young man, nor you my magnanimous patron. And I am also not a cunning trickster trying to outmaneuver a callous tyrant. Nor would I be a slave, and to be my slave keeper is far beneath your dignity. Enough of these charades Etzel!” His voice rings out clearly through the grove and the oaks hush in response. All is perfect stillness for a moment. “True names are not stumbled upon or bargained for, they find their own way to moments that will realize their nature.” The Fox Knight looks at the Fae Lord and gestures broadly around him. “Open your eyes and behold the truth before you, see the true state of your realm. The humans are nearly eradicated. Memory has become repetition. Winter has become stasis. Every turning of this endless cycle of war with Coredis leaves this world one step closer to death and ruin, hollowed out of all soul.” He drops his hands in surrender and despair. “My Lord, you have forgotten why you chose me. Why you invited me into your most sacred of sanctums. Why you brought a human heart to the center of winter. Part of you remembers a time when human and fae prospered together. It can be again as it was then.” Milos approaches the throne and with tenderness says: “You do not seek my death, but my life.” His hands dig into his pockets and toss out a shower of rowan berries to the left and right of the rooted throne. The berries spring to life as they hit the ground and rowan saplings begin to reach for the sky all around, growing with unnatural vigor.
“Something long awaited can come to pass. We can bring fertility back to a land where humans no longer grow.” He dares to take the Lord’s still outstretched hand and the ivory rings touch. “I would stay with you, willingly. I would serve, not from compulsion or fear, but from love.
Our union could truly renew the land. Remember what is possible! Remember yourself, Etzel.”

Referee

The King lets you touch him and he doesn't move while a strange spring grows around him and he doesn't speak when you kiss him and only later when you lie on the fur he draws his dagger and he cuts you both and red ribbons fall from the branches like streams of blood and he says: “You condemn me to death, Milos, to become mortal ... but I am willing to live another life and to grow old for the last time. The Kingdom will heal and the seasons return to the eternal wheel and humans might come to the Realm again freely. But I foresee a time of great unrest and a schism between the Rusalki. I am tired of their intrigue and I will not allow them to revel in wickedness … and yet, I cannot command their hearts.” “Come let us say farewell to your brothers.”

Snowfall turns to rain and the hills extend to the horizon in perfectly symmetrical waves and covered in flowers, red and implausibly bright. The lord and his prince step before you like actors emerging from the backcloth of a stage and now there is a path to another Realm winding between the hills. On the horizon you see the warriors of the hunt rein in their horses and some kneel and others follow Stribog back to his brugh. A single rider on an old mare aproaches slowly.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz stops pacing as the Winter King returns. He regards the vulpine prince curiously, like a stranger. As Batu approaches, he steps out in full view of the Hunt and offers his hand to help the old man down. "Come, grandfather. Let's get you home."

Referee

The blind man steadies himself against the Salt Knight but turns around when he hears Sivka collapsing onto the ground foaming at her mouth and covered in sweat. He turns around shakily and with the help of Anastaz puts his arms around the mare and whispers into her ear.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake kneels beside Sivka and Batu, and places his hand upon her heaving chest. "You have done all that was asked. A finer gift was never given than an honest friend." He whispers. "Thank you."

Referee

Batu strokes her mane with his callous hands and Sivka whinnies softly in response but fails to raise her head and then her breathing slows and stops and the old hermit buries his face into her neck.

Osier is eyeing the King with awe who is kneeling before his legendary warhorse placing his massive palm on her back. Gentle rain is falling on all, lord and hermit and knights while in the background Ashling is slinking away on the path to Barowia.

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

Milos turns to see Ashling starting down the road and he whispers "Wizard!" Somehow the wind carries his voice to the old man's ears and he turns with eyes wide. "Remember, what has happened here..." Milos makes a sweeping gesture with his hand "...can happen there as well." and he points to Ashling's chest.

Then he squeezes Etzel’s hand and releases it slowly, their fingers lingering briefly together. Then he steps across the damp grass toward his comrades. There is a new ease in his gait as if some burden long carried has been lifted. In his footsteps, tiny red flowers bloom. “Dear brothers, I am… changed.” But for the mismatched eyes, he seems the same Fox they all knew with his cooper hair shining in the sun of the Thrice Ninth Kingdom for the first time. And yet. “I cannot return with you all to Barowia.” He glances at the Salt Knight and tears spring to his eyes. He takes a breath and steadies himself. “I have willingly tied my fate to this realm and will abide here from now on. A long-awaited healing is possible and the land quickens in response.” He looks down at Sivka’s corpse, already surrounded by tall grass and red blooms. “The way is open and will remain so for those with eyes to see it. In time, the realm will yearn for the return of humanity and there will be those who hear its call.” He steps forward with an outstretched hand to the Gilded Knight. “It has been an honor to serve at your side, noble Perilake. May the reunion of your family be a joyful one.”

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake clasps the outstretched hand. "You walk a strange path Milos. But you walk it well, and I am proud to have ridden alongside you... and my family will forever be in your debt." His eyes are full of love, though they show just a glimmer of the worry inside as he thinks of Inga. He steps back, and his former squire steps forward. Zoltan searches the fox knights face with a look of awe and no small amount of sorrow, before gruffly extending his own hand and mumbling a goodbye and an oath that he will return to the thrice ninth kingdom if its new prince needs aid.

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

A mischievous sparkle lights Milos' eyes and he winks at Zoltan. "Stay warm, Pigeon Knight!"

Sir Heldris the Dove Knight

The Dove Knight wings quiver nervously as he raises his hands in reply, but the words die on his lips, as he realises this isn't a discussion, but a farewell. “Sir Milos…” Heldris' eyes recover their human quality as they wet themselves with tears, and he takes a step forward. “Will you remember our bond? If you won't find happiness in this realm reborn, I'll know it, and the King will have to answer to me!” He hugs the Fox Knight tightly, and leans to his ear, “Be kind with our brother…” he whispers, “he's going to miss you more than he dares to admit, it's not going to be easy...” he frees his friend from the hug, and looks at him one last time wiping the tears from his eyes, but rejoicing for the Spring he brings to his new kingdom.

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

Milos looks into his brother's eyes. "Our bond cannot be broken and I will cherish it always." Then he digs his hands into his pockets and pulls out the last three rowan berries that remain there. He presses them into Heldris' palm. "If you ever feel you have lost your way to the beast, may this token of my love help you return to yourself." Tears run down his cheeks as he turns to face the most difficult farewell of all.

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

The Salt Knight kneels at Milos's feet and kisses his ivory ring. "My Prince...," his voice falters.

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

As the kiss ends, Milos turns his hand to cup Anastaz’s face, and he sinks to his knees as well. “I would not be your Prince. I would have wanted so much more. But our time was too short.” His hand begins to shake as his body is racked with quiet sobs. He leans his head forward to rest on the Salt Knight’s shoulder and the sobs gradually slow. “I love you Anastaz. Leaving you is the cruelest part of this strange fate I have been given.”

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Anastaz embraces the other Knight. "You have accepted a burden greater than I could have shouldered, and done more for the Realm than I could have imagined. I'm proud of you." And in a whisper only Milos can hear, he says, "My heart will be with you always." After some time spent entangled, he rises to his feet, looking stoic as always. But Milos feels a wetness in the hair by his ear.

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

Milos rises as well, takes a deep breath, and returns to Etzel's side. They take one another's hands again as the gentle rain continues falling across the now verdant hills.

The Southern Hills

Referee

The knights offer Batu a hand but he shakes his head. “I had been scared when I decided to flee but I cannot betray my kin.” He looks up in the direction of the lord that he can't see and his voice is thin and brittle.” There are many human slaves in your palace, my King” says the hermit still kneeling beside Sivka” … in the Brughs and in the Halls of Desire. When they are freed, they need to unlearn their chains, they need to heal for the realm to heal. They will need the guidance of the hawk.” 

And when the knights say their farewell and follow the path between the symmetric hills Batu stays behind in The Thrice-Ninth Kingdom.