Late afternoon of the 2nd Kinsday of Petals - The Standing Stones
Heldris The Dove Knight
The warmth of the
sunlight casts away the clouds from the Dove Knight's heart. “Never
a knight's duty was supposed to be easy. Now I know my heart is
just.” Heldris wipes away the tears, strengthens his shoulders, and
looks back towards the castle. He makes his way back through the main
gate, looking for Timea, thinking she might have some remedy for the
wings of the poor creature, or be willing to help him in some other
way.
Referee
You find Timea in the
Great Hall in conversation with a lean older woman whose sickly pale
face stands in stark contrast with her bright red tunic. " …
I'm afraid that won't likely be acceptable to my liege." The
woman follows Timea's gaze who smiles brightly as she notices you. "…
but maybe this isn't the right moment. I will of course inform Sir
Adalbert about your request but …" Timea helps the woman to
her feet and bows slightly. "Please, Lady Selina, tell your lord
that my offer is the best I can do and that the King shares my
concerns in case negotiations come unstuck." As soon as the
woman is out of earshot she takes your good hand and gently pulls you
onto the chair next to her. "I recognize that expression of a
man in need." She laughs, "How can I help you, Dove
Knight?"
Heldris
The Dove Knight
Heldris eyes are still
red and his voice still trembling. “Dear Timea, I'm an open book
for you clear eye. I'm sorry to interrupt your negotiations, the help
I need is a matter of heart and a matter of trust, but I understand
if you wouldn't mix with my mission.” Heldris' hands close on
Timea's. “I need to undo an injustice. I need some kind of medicine
that could heal the poor creature's wings, for it shall be freed
tonight.” He holds Timea's hands close to his chest, and let the
spirit in his eye speak for itself. “Please, help me if you can,
and a Knight shall be in your debt."
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| The Sunlit Seer |
Referee
Timeas smile falters.
“The poor creatures wings?“ She puts a hand over her mouth. ”I
was mistaken. Before me is a desperate man hell bend on destroying
his reputation. Why would you …?” She sighs, “ … well, to be
frank, I don't want to know! But … you have sacrificed much to
protect the Realm, to protect the Guild and I am in your debt. I will
get you the poultices you need, delivered to your room within the
hour and anything else you desire.” She rises looking around to see
if anyone might be able to overhear her words. The tables had been
put back and there is a ruckus coming from the hunters, drinking wine
and eagerly anticipating the execution. She leans forward. “If you
are caught I will not help you and I can't be associated with any of
this.”
Heldris The Dove Knight
Timea’s sensible
words bring Heldris partially back to his senses. “My reputation is
just a means to an end, it is my oath that matters. But I’ll do my
best to avoid destroying my reputation, and I swear I'll be the sole
responsible for whatever happens next.” Heldris smiles warmly. “I
know it is much to ask, and as I said it is I that will be in your
debt.” He holds Timea's hand for a little longer. “Thank you,
dear Timea.” He lets go of her hands, and warmly encouraged by the
promised help he walks away. Now with a clearer mind, he wonders what
has been of Sir Perilake, and if he might be of help.
Referee
Sir Anastaz, there is a
knock on the door. Sir Ulrich stands in the corridor and bows
formally. “I am here in my capacity as Lady Bianca's second to
impart her requests for the duel.” His fine clothes are rumpled and
there are leaves clinging to his tunic. He looks over your shoulder
into the room. “May I come in? ... I need a drink!”
Anastaz The Salt Knight
The Salt Knight does
not look much more dignified than Sir Ulrich: his hair is messy and
he is in his bedclothes. "Please," he says, opening the
door wide and gesturing inside. He pours Ulrich some wine.
Referee
Ulrich slums into the
chair and takes a deep drink from the cup. "I talked to your
second … and … " He wipes his mouth and
sets the cup heavily back on the table. "... this is ridiculous! I talked to Zoltan
about the Iron Knight's request. What is he supposed to do? Argue with
his father?” Ulrich stands up again and walks over to the hearth.
It is late afternoon and the room is cold and lays in shadows. He
places logs into the hearth. With his back to you he says “She
demands that you fight with 'open ventail' - no helmets and no
armour. You can use the shield with the King's crest because 'that
will implicate the King'." He wiggles his head as he mockingly
imitates her voice. “ He turns around. "Will you accept?“
Anastaz The Salt Knight
"Hm." He
turns back toward his armor and weapons, neatly stacked by Gundhilde.
"I accept, so long as I can use this," he says, unsheathing
Zuraw.
Referee
Sir Ulrich eyes flash
for a brief second as you unsheathe the sword that belonged to his
father and that was stolen and brought to Castle Barow as spoils of
war. He turns to kindle the flame in the hearth. “She will very
much want you to.“
Anastaz The Salt Knight
"I wouldn't want
to disappoint her... You know, I made Zoltan my successor, not just
my second. If I die tomorrow, he will inherit this." He lays the
sword on the table between them. "If I live, I will give it to
him when he comes of age. I harbor no ill will towards Kranach, only
treasonous knights who forsake their vows."
Referee
“You still don't
understand, do you? She cannot lose. Either she brings back Zuraw as
a hero, her reputation restored.” He drops the log he held and
leans heavily against the hearth. “Or she dies, killed by a
henchman of the King with the sword of house Kranach that was stolen
during the war. Do I have to spell out what the consequences are?”
Anastaz The Salt Knight
Anastaz stares into the
flames. "A strange land this is, where it is shameful to obey
the King. I do not know what the outcome of this duel will be, but I
have tried to act honorably, and in concord with my vows. I dislike
bloodshed, but Bianca and I have made our bed, and now we must lie in
it."
Referee
Sir Ulrich rises, turns
and bows. He looks like a broken man. ”I will tell the Iron Knight
of your decision. We will meet again at the hedge before dawn. Good
luck.” He leaves.
Anastaz The Salt Knight
Anastaz watches him
leave, takes a sip of wine, and slides his hand across Zuraw, the
Crane, before sheathing it and returning to bed.
Referee
Ser Perilake, while you were talking
to Sir Ulrich a strange ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds.
Within the circle of stones stood the Dove Knight bathing in the
light. As you take your leave from the Envoy, Heldris is already
halfway to the castle like a man possessed. Once you reach the
courtyard yourself you see Heldris leaving the Great Hall, red eyed
but with fierce determination.
Ser Perilake The Gilded
Knight
Perilake closes quickly
with the Dove Knight. "What business are you about brother?"
He mutters softly. They start making plans.
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| The Dungeon |
Ser Perilake The Gilded Knight
Perilake heads into the
room, carrying three large jugs. One of strong wine, one containing
Timea's secrets, and another of watered wine for the Gilded Knight's
own. "Ah, the brave souls who protect us from this dread beast!
Just the men I have been looking to see." He sets the jugs down
on the floor, and uncorks the first before taking a long swig and
proferring it to them. "Sceptremass is so dour. But it promises
to be livelier in the morning, aye? A fire to warm our souls and the
realm to be finally rid of a monster such as this." He proffers
the jug to the guards "Though of course, that hunter Ratlev will
get all the credit. I heard the King say he would knight him if such
a thing was not the purview of the seers. But what of the men who
stand guard over such a creature? Who keep the King safe from its
ravages? I say they deserve a reward!"
Referee
The guards get on their
feet, one knocking off a chair another trying frantically to hide the
dice they were gambling with. When they hear your praise and see the
wine they relax and offer you a chair. The captain of the guards
refuses the wine at first but doesn't dare to order his soldiers to
do the same. He thirstily eyes the jug and when you mention a reward
he finally gives in to the temptation.
Heldris The Dove Knight
Waiting in his chamber at the light of a candle, Heldris hears some footsteps outside and a heavy object being placed on the floor behind the door. Once the footsteps are gone, Heldris opens the door to find a small but heavy coffer, containing poultices, herbs and bandages, as well as rare incense and a pouch of sweet dates. He snuffs the candle out and, making sure no one’s around, he sneaks out in the courtyard towards the old Gaming Hall. Once inside, he lifts the slab once again and lowers into the dark corridor. With only the dim candlelight to guide him, the Dove Knight gains the trapdoor and in the dark he whispers: “Here I am again, Creature, this time to make things right by my oaths as knight.” As he hears The Gilded Knight’s voice greeting the guards, he opens the trap door and lowers himself down in the cell. “We needed help from some friends, and we’ve found it. I’ll heal your wings, while my fellow knight will keep the guards busy. We shall be quiet and patient.” He adds, taking out a sweet date from the pouch.
Referee
The cell is
damp and smells of mould. The creature is lying on wet straw hidden
within its broken wings. As soon as you take out the date you hear a
soft squeaking noise and its snout appears tasting the air. A long
tongue grabs the sweet fruit. You hear a sigh and moan from the Bat
and the crooked wings unfold painfully. “Shhweeeet oooh shooo
shweeeet!“
Ser Perilake The Gilded
Knight
Perilake drinks with
them, and when their bottle runs dry he uncorks Timea's vintage and
hands it over, smiling as the captain takes a long pull even as he
loses a few coin on the dice game. Drinking only from his own jug, he
waits for it to have its effect.
Referee
Soon they start to slur
their words and their movements become slow and sluggish. First one of
the guards rests his head on his folded arms on the table, another
leaning back in the chair with closed eyes. Only the captain who
tried to restrain himself is awake. He looks around with heavy lidded
eyes. ”Friends … we …. should be more vig- hic vigilant ….”
Ser Perilake The Gilded
Knight
Feigning intoxication,
Perilake leans in across to the captain. "The beast... the
beast.... is behind a bolted door, its wings broken. The key to its
cell hidden... What...what is there to fear.... unless it can turn
into water... or - or - wine!" he laughs
Heldris The Dove Knight
While the creature is
feeding on the sweet dates, the Dove Knight sets up and lights the
incense that will lull the bat and calm it down. In the meantime he
mixes the sour herbs and starts applying the poultices on the
creature’s wounds. All the while he hums the song of the great
winged one in a gentle soothing tone. Finally, he covers the wounds
with white linen bandages and as the bat curls up to sleep and
recover, he hums a song from home, about a small grey dove that frees
itself from a golden cage. He waits patiently on the creature's side,
listening to the muffled banter coming from the closed door at the
end of the corridor, keeping an eye on the healing wounds and
changing the bandages when needed.
Referee
“Waddaya mean...
hidden?“ He vaguely gestures at the shadowy wall but abandons his
movement as the arm grows too heavy. “They're right there.”
Ser Perilake The Gilded
Knight
"And this - this
is right here!" Perilake snorts and pushes the last of Timea's
wine to the captain, before letting out a great and entirely feigned
yawn himself.
Referee
It is before midnight
when the captain passes out and through the door you can hear Heldris
softly humming to the Bat.
Ser Perilake The Gilded
Knight
Perilake stands, and
quickly sets about his business. He unbolts the door, retrieves the
key - making careful note of how it was originally placed - and opens
the door. Silently, he nods at Heldris and the creature and raises a
finger to his lips. He comes to the cell and seeing the straw laid
around the creature, he uses a forgotten pail of water to wash out
the jugs, tipping their dregs into the creature's bedding. No trace
of Timea's brew or his own watery vintage remains. Perhaps the
creature turned to water, or indeed wine, after all.... "The
guards are asleep Heldris." He whispers. "We will secure
everything as it was once the creature is gone, and I will position
things so as to sell the best story; that our friend here has
powerful magic that can defeat any cell or binding if needed. Whether
the captain believes that or not, I will make sure he understands it
is a better story for the King than their drunken thirst - and they
will never know for sure."
Heldris The Dove Knight
Heldris nods and looks
at the creature. “It should be up and ready before dawn. Let's hope
it can fly away unnoticed and get as far away as possible.” He
holds Perilake's hand, “Thank you my friend, we couldn't have made
it without your help and your wit.“
Referee
You stay with the Bat
performing the ritual of healing with herbs and song until before
dawn it starts to stir. Slowly its mended wings unfold and the Bat
towers over you its eyes flashing and its body trembling out of sheer
power. It looks down at you. “Firthhht huuu chgave mee hope. Now
huuu chgive me freedom.” It takes a cautious step forward, ducks to
pass through the cell door and listens, its head turning from side to
side. It looks back at you: “Chwenever huu need mee: shing my
shong. Thank huu Chnight!“ ...
The Bat
... and it starts running with a strange waddle up the stairs and through the doors and
you hear guards shouting and screams of fear as it spreads its wings and
takes flight
and from the top of the stairs you see it circling
once over the
castle in a last farewell
and then it disappears into
the greying
dawn.
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