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.

The Thrice-Ninth Kingdom XV

Dawn of the 13th day, Castle Frost

Sir Heldris the Dove Knight

The falcon bows his head to the falconer, and suddenly before her eyes a knight stands. “I am Heldris the Dove Knight, I come with a message for your King.”

Referee

Your slur your words and sway and your body feels alien with a dead limb hanging from your side. The Rusalki drops her knife and steadies you and calls for servants who lead you down the winding stairs and through endless marble halls, austere and cold, and lined with statues who watch you with their dead eyes. The throne room is a freezing tomb and on his throne of ice sits the King, large as a whale. “WE HAVEN'T MET IN YOUR DREAMS, DOVE KNIGHT” he roars “BUT YOU ARE WELL LOVED BY THOSE WHOSE DREAMS I VISITED.” His face is all white beard and shines like the moon and his small eyes sparkle ”HOW WILL YOU SERVE ME AGAINST THE USURPER?”

Sir Heldris the Dove Knight

The Dove Knight bows respectfully. “I thank you for your kind words, my lord.” He stands tall, shivering in the freezing air of the throne room. “I bring news of a weakness in the usurper's defences, and of sedition among their ranks.” He pauses, weighing his next words. “Your Majesty's been kind to us, and we have been their watchful eyes. We ask for one last thing: to access the southern gate to our land. Ashling and Osier will cross the threshold with us, and that'll leave the usurper even weaker. And if a way is known to you to break the spell that bound Osier to this world, that'll be a mighty blow to Coredis’ pride for sure.” The Dove Knight bows, and proceeds to relate about the northern tower of the Halls of Desire, and the way it can be accessed from outside.

Referee

The Winter King looks down at his Marshall who wears an eclectic armour that bears trophies of many battles. Her white hair partly obscures her face but you see a jagged scar running down to her jaw line. She has tilted her head to the side, frowning and has urged you to speak up more than once. “I will prepare the troops, my lord!” she exclaims almost as loud as the king. Her cane strikes the marble floor and the sound echoes through the halls as she leaves. “ONE OF MY SERVANTS RIDES WITH YOU. HE AGREED TO THE PRICE WHEN HE ENTERED. NOW HE HAS TO PAY WHAT HE OWS. ONLY THEN WILL I ALLOW YOU TO LEAVE THROUGH THE SOUTHERN HILLS.

Castle Frost

Sir Heldris the Dove Knight

“What is the price that you asked?” Asks Heldris, raising his voice like the Marshall did.

Referee

The Winter King shifts on his throne, a single block of glacial ice, and his colossal presence seems to fill the hall as he roars. “MY SERVANT OWES ME HIS LIFE AND I WILL COME TO CLAIM IT.”

Sir Heldris the Dove Knight

Heldris turns pale and stares at the imposing figure, at loss for words. He mutters something, then gets hold of himself and raises his voice: “I’m sure Your Majesty will see how the service we’ve done can pay your.. servant’s price more than enough.” He gestures to the freezing hall around him. “With our help, and that of your servant most of all, you’ll have the usurper’s head and shall rule your rightful kingdom once again.”

Referee

A deafening silence fills the hall and you stand forlorn under a chandelier of stars. You hear footsteps and a young Rusalki in an ancient tunic of white silk bows to you and whispers: “The King wishes to rest and you must be tired as well. We will ride for the Usurper's palace as soon as the war machines are ready to be deployed.” She puts her small cold hand on yours and you see blue veins under her almost translucent skin. “I can take you to your quarters if you wish to rest and ride with us at noon or saddle a steed if you prefer to leave now.”

Sir Heldris the Dove Knight

Heldris shivers at the touch of her cold hand. “Please, I need one further word with the King.” He steps forward, declaiming as loud as he can: “I will join your host, you’ll have my knowledge of their defences, the cunning of my race, and the swiftness of my sword that slew one of theirs only a few hours ago. All that will make sure you are no match for the usurper. On one condition, consider my service to repay at least a portion of what the Fox Knight owes you.” The Dove Knight bows low, and falls silent

Referee

You hear the young Rusalki inhale sharply and she tries to pull you away but you refuse to move. Behind you the doors to the hall open and you hear wheels grinding over the marble floor. “YOUR KIND IS EAGER TO STRIKE A BARGAIN BUT UNWILLING TO FACE THE CONSEQUENCES” The King rises slowly and towers over you.”MY SERVANT HAS PLEDGED HIS LIFE TO BE CONSUMED, WILLINGLY AND WITH A CLEAR MIND” He lowers himself into the wheeled palanquin, massive like a battle ram and pulled by a dozen slaves. He grunts when he comes to rest on hides and furs and closes his eyes. ”HIS SACRIFICE WILL STRENGHTEN THE REALM” he sighs and the slaves start pulling him away.

Sir Heldris the Dove Knight

Impatience surpasses its limit, and the Dove Knight scowls. “What good do my human words do when I only have a wall to talk to?” he mumbles, too quiet to be heard. He dons the glove again and turns into a falcon, there in the throne room. A flutter of wings, in the reflection of the many candles, and he flies back the way he came. In the falconry, he lands on a perch and looks at the falconer with that enigmatic look that pertains to birds. He then turns to his kin and addresses their bunch: “Fly with me to the south, out of this land of cold. Scatter and look for help: from the lesser birds, from the cunning fox, the angry bear and the lonesome wolf. And I promise you a safer home and never a day of hunger.” He cries and flaps his great wings, and flies off to find his brothers.

Referee

You take flight from the wooden plank and one after the other the falcons follow. The earth falls away and your feathered brothers compete with you to be the first above the clouds and then you fly south towards the sun as one. At noon they cry “Where will we meet again?”

Sir Heldris the Dove Knight

As Heldris spots the Knights and the Wild Hunt in pursuit, he cries to the falcons to signal a change of plan: "Too late, stay close to me, we'll distract the hunters" The birds regroup close to great falcon and flies towards the hunt, distracting their hounds and horses with their loud cries.

Referee

You see torches below you, and in its light Milos surrounded by the wild Fae. The falcons smell the sweat of the hunters and panic and beg you to flee.

Morning of the 13th day, near Olwen's Bridge

You ride south under a grey sky and it is very cold. At noon you cross a wild brook that feeds the foaming river and you hear the sound of hooves on snow and when you look over your shoulder you see a warband of Fae warriors in full gallop approaching. The Wild Hunt is upon you.

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake grabs the reins, and calls to his brothers. "They are upon us! We must ride, and pray for opportunity ahead." Behind him, he feels his son lean forward. "Father, let me take care of them. I will dazzle their senses, lame their horses, turn the very elements against them!" Perilake's blood freezes. "No, Avert!" He snaps, and feels the boy's scowl in the sudden tension. "Your power has a price, and it may well be one we must pay. But only when we must!" He steers the horse forward, and the brothers flee.

Referee

You flee over the frozen marshland and the steeds foam at their mouths and you feel their heart beat and their sweat on your legs. Whenever you look over your shoulder the Hunt seems closer, a cloud of snow around them and they don't relent. You pass a forest while the hidden sun sets and you reach the foothills of the mountains and the Hunt follows. Between the naked trees on the hills it is already night and you pass a mound rising from a pond and you see the dancing torches of the Fae below you

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

Milos reigns in his horse and stares down the slope at the multitude of torches. "We cannot evade them" he declares in a hurried whisper. "I will attempt to misdirect them with an illusion and buy you time. Ride hard for the gate and I will catch up as I can." Not waiting for objections, he turns his horse to prepare to ride north along the ridge.

Referee

Perilake's steed rears up and in a swift motion Osier glides off the saddle. His face is flushed with excitement as he tries to get hold of your reins: "Your illusion is weak and they will be upon you in the blink of an eye." he whispers urgently. “Let me show you sorcery that will help them escape, spells that my father can be proud of.” He looks into your eyes from below and he never looked more Fae. “If you are willing to give me some of your spirit, I can help you weave a strong glamour"

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

The Fox Knight hesitates. A sudden gust of wind carries the frenzied voices of the Wild Hunt to all their ears and he looks to Perilake with a pained expression. "I promise to protect him with my life."

Ser Perilake, The Gilded Knight

Perilake looks pale and deathly unhappy, and grips his son's arm. "Come back to me Avert, please. I am proud of you, I am proud of your bravery. In your sacrifice here, whether you see it. Come back to me."

Referee

Osier shakes Perilake's hand off, mounts the steed and settles smoothly onto the blanket behind Milos. “Flee west, father” His voice is barely more than a whisper. ”Your squire will find the portal in the southern hills even without me. We will follow as soon as we can but if you don't move now even the strongest glamour won't be able to trick Stribog.”

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

Milos and Osier find an outcropping of rock a short distance to the north behind which they dismount silently. Crouching in the darkness together, Milos whispers "With your help, I will attempt the sending from here. Take what you need from me to give it force and reach, but not so much that I am too addled to orchestrate the ruse and make our escape afterwards." He offers his hand palm up to the boy.

Referee

Osier places the briar into Milos palm. For a moment he looks like a boy tasked with threading the needle or another mundane problem, frowning and with his tongue between his teeth but then he puts his fist around your hand and the thorns pierce your skin. A shot of pleasure runs up your arm as if your blood turned to gold, warm and bright and with it comes a wild triumph and you feel your lips stretching into an inhuman grin and Osier bares his teeth: “Yes, Milos, this is how it feels. Now show Stribog how well humans can play their game”.

You know that you are up on the rock with Osier but now you step out between trees and stand before the Hunt. Stribog raises a torch above his wolf's head to get a better look at you with his yellowed eyes. “Has Perilake sent his young cub to be slaughtered?” He throws his head back and howls with laughter.

The Wild Hunt is upon them

Sir Anastaz, The Salt Knight

Zoltan leads the fractured party to the portal, their steeds pounding against the ground, trampling low shrubs as they race toward their goal. If the other knights could see Anastaz's face clearly, they would see his bloodshot eyes and blue veins snaking through his face, pale and tight from the cold and lack of sleep. At one point, the Salt Knight's steed shrieks as it cracks through a thin ice sheet and is doused with frigid water. But as the soft light of dawn begins to stain the once-night sky, the knights see songbirds wake up and begin their calls. And like that, the landscape is transformed with the threatening suggestion of spring.

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

The Wolf’s laughter dies down awkwardly into an eerie silence as Milos slowly saunters out into the center of the clearing where the Rusalki are gathered. His left eye burns with lively fire as he surveys the host arrayed against him. The torches crackle as all await his response to Stribog’s jibe. But the Fox only turns his attention to the Wolf after an interminably elongated moment. “You teeter on a precipice. There are many in this very company that would rejoice to see you fail in this Hunt. They long for a fierce and cunning leader who can finally bring the spring. And she awaits in the wings, ready to pounce, when you falter.” He laughs now himself, showing strangely sharp teeth. “So tell me mighty Stribog, if I am such a lowly opponent, it should be no effort to vanquish me yourself. Thus I challenge you here to a duel to first blood.” He tilts his head playfully, daring him to accept.

Referee

The Wolf snarls and jumps of his three legged steed: “You are not the first to challenge me, Fox, and you won't be the last. If you win … “ he cackles at the absurdity of his words ” ...you'll be the lord of the western Rusalki. But if you lose … ” He draws a serrated blade and with it he turns slowly around, pointing at every single one of the Fae “... you will be consumed by them!” You can't see them clearly in the torchlight but you feel the bloodlust of the Hunt, twisted shapes in the shadows - half fae, half beast and the hounds run between them and bark and sniff the air.

Sir Heldris the Dove Knight

Heldris musters the falcons with a loud cry. He advises them not to fly too close, just enough to upset the horses and distract the hounds. “When you have their attention, fly away but let them follow for a while.” He then descends over the scene, taking advantage of the tension between Sir Milos and Striborg, and leads the falcons in a graceful but dangerous flight over the tired beasts.

Referee

The falcon's follow, hesitantly at first and then spurred on by Heldris battle cry, diving and swooping in, dodging Vesper's arrows and flying javelins, rising and diving again. Stribog howls in anger, unable just yet to fully engage with the Fox Knight's mirror image. From nearby branches the white ravens croak and take flight.

Milos, you maintain the glamour as long as you can but you feel the gold in your veins turn to poison and finally Stribog strikes and your cunning ploy is exposed. Osier has watched you all the while like a cat watching a mouse and when the weakness grips you he pulls you up onto the horse and he takes the reins and you flee through the night. “You got a taste of true sorcery. Tell me Fox: How did it feel?”

Sir Heldris the Dove Knight

The falcons follow Heldris, gliding aggressively over the horses. A furious barking follows their flight as arrows hiss past them. One of the falcons flies too close and struggles to manoeuvrer between the low branches, a javelin finds its way to it. Another is shot down by a silver arrow from a jet black bow. The two remaining manage the spread some confusion among the beasts, and are called back by Heldris to follow Osier's call.

Sir Milos, the Fox Knight

Milos wraps his arms tightly across Osier’s chest. The blood from his hand seeps into the boy’s tunic, just above his heart. “It was never power that tempted me, Avert.” The mad gallop of the grey mare suddenly slows preternaturally, its four hooves gracefully suspended above the snow covered plain. And a torrent of memories rushes through the open channel between the two riders. Delight and wonder at a first meeting in a grove of red and gold leaves. An encouraging hand on his shoulder. An intimate voice speaking softly into his ear. A multitude of moments of kindness, of support, of love, perhaps. A gentle kiss on the mouth, met with a soft “yes” in response. Then a disorienting shift as if the world were turning upside down. On his knees now, an icy hand grips his throat, hungry eyes look down upon him. “You will be mine now.” Milos pours all his emotions through the sympathetic bond he shares with Avert. Let’s the boy feel the cresting waves of stinging betrayal, of bitter helplessness, of sweet dreams turned to nightmares. “Do not make the mistakes I have made, Avert.” he says finally in a ragged whisper. And time resumes its normal pace, the four hooves striking the frozen ground in rapid unison.

Referee

Osier mumbles something and the shadow of a hawk rises from his silhouette and disappears into the night and then he is quiet for a long time while you ride over a mountain path with your arms around his chest. It is almost dawn when he finally speaks. “Maybe in time I can teach you the ways of the Fae, lest you be tricked by them again” Then he puts his hand over yours and squeezes them briefly. ” … and maybe you can teach me how to be human again.” But when you ride on he gently removes your hands. In the first light of the day you see three Knights at a small campfire resting between hills and three falcons circling overhead. Next to them a figure stands alone, wrapped in a winter coat, doubtfully observing his unlikely allies. The hills are covered in snow, cold and puffy like cotton and they extend to the horizon as if painted on the backcloth of a stage. There are signs of other seasons: tulips and poppies and marigold piercing the blanket of snow, red and bright, and with leaves of felt.