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 women 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 log 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

Session 22

Noon of the 1st Stillday of Bales

Milos takes Heldris to a dry hill nearby where they light candles to celebrate the holy day. Perilake wakes up, shaken and concussed, and looks around. Without hesitation he begins stripping the dead Knight off his armour that bears the crest of house Altenburg. Zoltan musters his lord doubtfully and with the help of the Salt Knight starts digging a shallow grave. They bury the man and follow the Pigeon Knight south.

When they make camp in the evening Heldris again searches for dry wood and comes upon the banks of a river where a large newt is trying to drag a body into the water. Heldris drives the beast back into the river and helps the man to his feet. He claims to be from Kozamost but doesn't recognize his surroundings. He must have travelled further from the village than he intended. At the campfire Anastaz and Heldris wonder why the river manifested before them and the Salt Knight fasts together with the fisherman.

A fetid Bog

2nd Stoneday of Bales

In the morning a constant light rain falls and Zoltan reveals that there is a small dwelling nearby where Perilake might rest and heal his wounds: A hidden vinyard to the east.When they arrive Lyschko and Magdolna, the vintners, approach nervously. Of course the wounded Knight can stay for a day but the family need to harvest and cannot serve the lords. Milos and Heldris volunteer to help them and work side by side with the vintners while Perilake is recovering in the hut under the watchful eye of the Salt Knight.

Later in the evening Magdolna invites them to the cellar where she proudly conducts a tasting of her best wines.

2nd Woodsday of Bales

When they leave in the morning dark clouds threaten to unleash the first harvest storms but Perilake is refreshed and urges the others to follow him. They travel through lush hills until at noon they reach a burned forest, charred stumps and barren branches clawing at the sky. They pass an abandoned shack with the symbol of the Child but press on. Suddenly the Pigeon Knight stops, wherever he turns his senses point to all directions at once. Milos and Perilake separately search the surroundings while Anastaz meditates to find the way forward. Perilake arrives at a copse unburnt and when he enters he finds himself back in a glade with three pliths. A black statue in armour and wielding a scythe blade asks him: “Whom shall I kill?” and without hesitation the Gilded Knight names the hated Herald of the Elf. The Black Stone Hunter vanishes.

Milos finds an ancient rowan tree carrying berries and carved into the gnarly stump a small door. He kneels and prays to his lord for guidance. “Fill your pockets with seeds so that your corpse will feed my Realm." The Fox Knight crouches down and collects the berries. Then he puts them in his pockets and looks up and the door is no longer merely a carving and a silver bell hangs above it.

Twilight of the 2nd Woodsday of Bales

Back in the camp Anastaz takes the Harvest Bow, closes his eyes and shoots an arrow into the air. The arrow whistles and disappears and with a thump it lands next to Milos and soon the company stands together before the door. Perilake turns the antlered handle and the door springs open. A cold wind blows snow into his face and he takes off his armour, binds his shield and weapons together and squeezes through the door. Heldris whispers words into Colman's ears and the old horse snorts and leads the other steeds north. Then he follows Perilake through the door.

The Door

The Thrice-Ninth Kingdom, night

Through a tunnel to the other side: A plateau in the mountains, devoid of colours, under a rock overhang barely wide enough to shield them from the winds. Snow is falling, more cotton than crystal. Heldris cuts down a small twisted tree and they huddle around the fire like lost children.

Session 21

1st Skyday of Bales

Dark clouds hang over Farkash Citadel as two riders approach. The Pigeon Knight makes camp outside the walls while the Gilded Knight rushes to Lady Inga's chambers. His wife is sitting at the window praying. When she hears that the Veiled Seers had revealed Avert's whereabouts she thanks the Mother but never gets up to meet her husband. Afterwards the company decide to aid Perilake in his quest even if it means to leave the Citadel without rulers for a long time: Nobody knows where the Thrice-Ninth Kingdom lies and only the Pigeon Knight can lead them there.

During the Council meeting Perilake impatiently listens to the numerous complaints and doesn't care about the details. "Send Arkadiusz back to Kranach", he demands "or make him apologize!" The Axebearer is non of his concern: "Let the Marshall deal with them!" When Istvan mentions that the soldiers haven't received their pay he drops his golden armour on the floor. “Sell it!”

The Bard

1st Rainsday of Bales

They leave at Dawn under constant rain. Zoltan is drawn to the South but he admits that his instinct had shown different directions before. They travel through a forest into an overgrown ravine and need to hack their way through brambles and it is dusk when they emerge on the other side to make camp near a brook. Heldris has to search for a while to find dry wood. He hears drums and hoarse singing. When he comes upon a clearing a bard in gaudy clothes is singing vile lyrics about the company. Heldris demands that he should stop but the Bard doesn't react. With a sardonic smile he questions Heldris manhood, disrespects his wife and muses that the precious stone she adores must satisfy her in a way the Dove Knight can't. But how can he know the jewel, the troubled past of the Tankard Knight, and twist it into a grotesque tale? Enraged Heldris smashes his drum and before he realizes it, he drives his sword through the unarmed man. As if in a dream he cleans the sword and returns to his friends. Milos sees that he is distraught but the others just blame his curse and how he is often troubled at night. When the Knights are asleep Sir Heldris asks Sir Milos about that night in Bohat and the presence he felt. The Fox Knight  reveals that he had dealings with the Fae before and has received a gift unaware of the consequences. Now it is Sir Heldris' turn to confess and he whispers into the Fox Knight's ear what he doesn't dare to say out loud.

A shallow Lake in the Fog

1st Stillday of Bales

The morning wind brings the smell of stagnant water from the south. They travel through a fetid bog under the burning Harvest sun, past ancient menhirs and plagued by mosquitoes. At noon a thick fog rises and their steeds trot through a shallow lake. From somewhere they hear calls and soon a Knight emerges from the mist. He seeks the Child. He is willing to sacrifice it so that the Demon won't tear the Realm apart: Knights, Seers and Vassals all. “You would kill a child for the Realm?” Perilake asks incredulously. “Yes!”, the rogue Seeker Knight proclaims. “Are you with me?” The Gilded Knight is not in the mood to talk about harm that comes to a child. “You are a fool and a coward!”, he spits and the Knight howls in anger: ”A fool I might be. A coward I am not!” and charges forward. Perilake smashes the Knight's shield but barely escapes his counter. Their steeds rear and they hack at each other until Perilake is hit by a terrible blow to the head and tumbles onto the ground. The Knight jumps from his horse and raises his morning star for the coup de grâce but Heldris cuts his hand off and as the night before runs his sword through an unarmed man

Zoltan cradles Perilake's head while Anastasz binds his wounds. Milos approaches Heldris carefully but has to dodge a wild swing from the Dove Knight. Only when he realizes he almost struck his brother does Heldris lower his sword.

Session 20

Between Seasons

With Perilake gone Lady Inga spends long days in her chambers alone, only tended by her maids from Svenrik. She is now always wearing white – the colour of the Church of the the Child and frequently disappears for some time to visit a humble chapel in the Western hills, much to the chagrin of the Citadel's Sheriff. 

The Salt Knight has taken Biljana and Marko, the children from Bohat, to the Citadel where they are trained as pages … but it is up to the Fox Knight to show them the warmth they both crave. Sir Milos has become friends with Vojtech the rough but charming noble from the Waldochian steppe and they both take care of the refugees from Oakfell.

Sir Heldris invites Yordanka to make use of his extensive library of songs and sheet music. He offers patronage to the theatre in exchange for a more sympathetic view on house Farkash and the Company of the Black Fleece. The playwrite from Masur accepts hesitantly.

Farkash Citadel, 3rd Silverday of of Leaves, The Tax

High up in the Citadel the Council meets to discuss the Tax. Without Ser Perilake the mood is sombre and the absence of Avert who used to play on the floor is deeply felt. Lady Jitka the Steward of Farkash reveals that the project in Oakfell to quell the underground fire has depleted all resources and that the coffers of Farkash are empty. They decide to send an envoy to Barow Castle to ask the King and the Merchant's Guild for support. But for now the excavation is stopped and the Citadel has to cope with crowded chambers and rising tensions.

Sheriff Sorinah provides an update on the Axbearer, a mysterious figure who threatens to end the reign of Knights, and who has found support among a group of young farmers to the East. The company is more than willing to finally address a conflict that might be resolved with strength rather than wits – but only after the Feast of Stars. The Knights decide to summon the Jewelled Seer to the Feast.

Marshal Istvan of Kranach complaints about the children of Oakfell disturbing his soldiers and remains unconvinced even after Sir Milos defends them. Only when Sir Heldris steps in does Istvan promise to adjust his training sessions to the presence of the refugees.

Lastly Envoy Alina announces the arrival of noble emissaries from all over the Realm: Arkadiusz, a dashing young Knight from Kranach and Princess Alaja of Barow. Sir Andrasz is happy to see his former Squire Lady Gundhilde, the Snare Knight, as an envoy from Sir Adalbert and Sir Heldris welcomes his wife Lady Hedwig who is representing house Karpat.

Farkash Citadel

1st Kinsday of Bales, The Feast of the Stars

In order to charm the disgruntled soldiers Sir Milos instructs some elderly refugees to bake sweet buns and the children of Oakfell to distribute them. Heldris learns that his daughter will serve Lady Gundhilde as a Squire, a relieve after he had already heard rumours Annegrit might join a Knight from Szalai and had feared the worst.

In the Great Hall an opulent feast is provided with food and drink under the light of a hundred candles and Sir Milos waits for his opportunity to entertain the guests with music. Suddenly a commotion draws the attention to the table of the Kranach delegation. Sir Arkadiusz rises from his feet, his face badly burned by hot tea and slaps the young woman serving him. Bartek who recognizes her as one of Inga's maids immediately steps in and confronts the officer. Before Heldris can intervene, a fight breaks out, fists are flying and plates shatter until Milos has the presence of mind to play a jaunty gig that first shocks and than shames the troublemakers. Soon the music changes to a more solemn tune and Heldris and Anastasz join the Fox Knight until at last the Great Hall is united in song. Acolytes with chimeric masks lead the congregation to the lake where barges, boats and floats are moored. A thick mist lies over the water illuminated by the moon, its light reflected a thousandfold by the gems of the Jewelled Seers. The acolytes blow their horns: A dissonant sound, low and strange and from all over the realm, from the hills and forests and across the abyss of time horns answer as if from ancient beasts calling back.

A misty Lake

1st Skyday of Bales

The next morning they summon the Jewelled Seer and ask them about the Child. It will be born this year the Seer answers in a voice as if stones are grinding against each other and it will be born from fire. When the Fox Knight offers to support the Seer, a ruby is presented to him and for a moment Sir Milos catches a glimpse of a fire burning inside.

Session 19

Evening of the 2nd Stoneday of Petals, South of Castle Farkash

They spend the night at the banks of the river in their own camp away from the chanting of the monks. Sir Milos is eager to get to know his brothers and suggests a game of compliments, where a false compliment must be paid back by stories and the other Knights accept the challenge and play so honestly that they haven't been called out for false praise until the fires have burned down.

2nd Woodsday of Petals

During the last watch heavy rain pours down and Sir Milos realizes that he is on a clearing within a forest where the river has been and no monks are in sight. Instead his eyes are drawn to three plinths, a white one – cracked - , a grey one with a dagger resting on its top and a last one that is black. The first shows an angel comforting a one-armed Knight, that Milos knows to be Sir Heldris, the Houndslayer. The second has carvings of a woman and her toothless scream. When he approaches the last dais his boots step into a pool of blood. Anastasz and Perilake tell the Fox Knight of the statue of an angel who helped Heldris and the Grey Hunter who punished Lady Lydia. Realizing the implication Perilake buries the returned dagger hilt first in the earth, and refuses any further bargains. The branches part.

A white Goat

In the afternoon they come upon a heath under a dark sky, muted colours disrupted only by a stark white goat surrounded by a splash of red. The Knights are worried about the grizzly sight as white goats are never eaten for they are believed to be the reincarnation of Seers. Worse still the goat has been disembowelled by claws, the innards laid out in a ritualistic spiral around it. They decide to burn the carcass on a pyre to cleanse the evil but the flames first turn green until the flesh is purified. 

Anastasz leads them into the mountains where they seek the sanctum of the Cured Seer. At the mouth of a cave they are met by an acolyte, an ancient woman, and led deeper into a labyrinth of caverns. Illuminated by candles, they find the Seer emaciated and encrusted in salt, surrounded by a throng of their acolytes. Boldly Perilake approaches and partakes of the sacrament but his visions are foul: A black sun, golden corona. Seers stumbling eyeless and blind. Panicked animals all around him and beyond something is writhing. A name is whispered: The Wither Within. Now it is Sir Milos' turn to take the sacrament but in his devotion he only dares to take the salt off the Seer's feet: A golden coin, minted in The City, is spinning: on one side the river smothers the fire under Oakfell on the other the dwelling is washed away, At last Anstasz tastes the cheekbone of the Seer and is returned to the fabled poppy covered hills where he defeated the Elf. There he sees the Herold of the Elf, Tizria, the Season Scout, leading a group of children, who are compelled to follow him.

A disturbing Omen

2nd Riverday of Petals

When they leave the caves they are blinded by the sun. The arc of a rainbow spans over the mountains as they spur their steeds towards Bohat.

Session 18

1st  Skyday of Petals

It is thundering in the distance as Milos, The Fox Knight, approaches Bohat and finds refuge in the inn. He is served wine and food but the mood is somber. Children have returned after they were missing but they are changed. Milos braves the elements and spurs his steed to bring news to the Brotherhood. He arrives late at night at the Citadel.

1st Rainsday of Petals

The next morning Lady Alina, a tall, severe-looking woman, brings him to the Grand Hall where Anastasz sits alone on the throne and Perilake with his family. Few candles in the alcoves illuminate the relics that adorn the hall. When they break fast Milos tells about troubles in Bohat and Sheriff Sorina about rumours in the South. A shrouded hunter had reported complaints of Vassals about foreign Knights in the company of the Jewelled Seer and their chained wolf. They welcome Eliska, a petitioner from Oakfell who pleads the lords to visit the dwelling that is plagued by smoke and hidden fires.

A herald is sent South to inform the foreigners to announce themselves as is custom for Knights. Lady Inga visits Bohat to talk with Lady Wendela and the Brotherhood leave the Citadel for Oakfell by boat. Thick smoke lies over the dwelling and Perilake orders the woodcutters to dig a hole to search for the fire but soon the heat is overwhelming. Milos plays hide and seek with Agafya, a young girl. They share her favourite hiding place, a crack in the earth. He explores deeper and deeper into a natural tunnel system where he finds the burning coal seam, but must turn back as the fumes are too much.

Sir Milos, The Fox Knight (artist impession - Znalý, the steed, is actually grey)

1st Stillday of Petals

Milos sneaks away in the morning and brings an offering at the roots of a nearby tree and receives a glimpse of the spires of The City. Back in the camp they contrive a new plan: To divert the river and quench the hidden flames. The weak and the young are sent to Farkash by boat while the company travels west to follow Lady Inga. At the foot of the mountain they come upon an orchard shielded from the winds by sheer cliffs and they hear moaning among the song of birds. In the darkness lies a Knight between the trees. Anastaz stops the bleeding and cauterizes the stump where her arm had been. She whispers of the Axbearer who struck her down but she was spared for unknown reasons. Anastaz reminds his brothers of the Myth of an axe bearer that despises the knights. Long ago they visited a ruined temple with the sigils of knights with skulls on them. They remember a message carved in stone: All Knights will feel the Axe. 

The River

2nd Stoneday of Petals

Odile of Czobor survives to morning. Anastasz offers her shelter at Farkash, where she might learn to fight one handed from Heldris. They learn that her attacker was tall and enraged. She fled and - worried about the safety of their holding - they ride hard for Farkash but the Citadel is undisturbed. They tell the Sheriff to spread word of the Axebearer - and of the Black Fleece’s desire to face her in battle. They travel south between the hills where all is silent and the first flowers bloom in the soggy ground. Soon they hear chanting and they reach a river where hooded figures pray. Milos approaches their leader, a woman with a haggard face but intense blue eyes. Martuska declares that she is praying to the River. Perilake remembers the symbol on her robes, the sigil that adorns Heldris' helmet. Perilake hunts a deer for the monks to sacrifice it. It is offered to the River. The monks pray to appease it, the Knights for the safety of Oakfell. Afterwards they talk and Martuska speaks of the Cult of the Mother whose prophets are the few hermits who kept their faith when others abandoned it and they preach in all the dwellings in the South. She has seen the Jewelled Seer in her travels and they told her about the Child who knows the way to the City.

Session 17

Beset by lurking horrors the Company of the Black Fleece 

visits the Entombed Seer. They are lost in the mist.

Heldris summons the Bat. They build a pyre of bones.

3rd Rainsday of Petals - Outside Barow Castle

A cold mist covers the whole of the Realm and the three Knights leave Barow Castle at dawn to find the source of the curse. Soon they meet Sir Ludmer, grizzled and haggard, and the brotherhood of the black fleece is reunited again. They travel north through the bog to seek the Entombed Seer's council. In the distance they hear shrieks and emaciated figures move just outside of view. They make camp at a lake but their sleep is disturbed by the howling of the lurking horrors.

A thick fog envelops the Realm and at dawn the campfire is dull and all sound is muted. They travel blind through a forest and into the hills, stalked by weeping and wailing things and Heldris - troubled by a sleepless night - lashes out, grabs one of the creatures and wrestles it to the ground but he is hit by a foul tail. Ser Perilake spurs Blackwyn and strikes the horror down. For a while there is silence.

The Gilded Knight and the Lurking Horror

They spot the ruined watchtower where the acolytes of the Seer live and reach his sanctum. The mist had crept into the valley and snuffed out all the sound and they wait for a long time before the white wall of the tomb until at last a hollow voice announces: The Smoke from burning Bones dispels the Mist. The ask the acolytes for a burying ground and hear about the burnt gallows to the West. They leave the sanctum in the afternoon and find a crossing over the Obra where deer graze between wild flowers. The night is filled with more horrors and even Ser Perilake's smile is gone in the morning. Bowed and almost broken Sir Heldris sings the cruel song of the Bat, that lives in the nearby mountains and soon they hear the flapping of leathery wings. It listens to the Dove Knight's plea and leads the company further west until they come upon a hill with three blackened columns connected by beams from which hang chains and dead bodies. The inscription on the base of a column reads They burned the innocent and paid for it. The Knights dig out bones from the ground and build with them a huge pyre and when night falls they set it alight. The flames leap upwards and a spire of crimson fire illuminates the faces of the Knights and where the smoke touches the mist it retreats and for the first time in months they see the sparkling stars that turn and turn in their eternal dance.  

Flames illuminate the sky

~ An Age passes  ~

Session 16

They watch the war camp of the elves from a vantage point. Under the autumn sun the hills extend to the horizon perfectly symmetrical like waves and if painted on a stage. The Knights of the Black Fleece decide to send the prisoner and are granted an audience with the Steward of Seasons. 

The Elf

As they slowly ride between the warriors shrill pipes sound and they are allowed into the tent of the Elf who is always too close to be viewed as a whole and out of focus if they try. When they speak the Knights don't remember their voice but are aware of what has been said. -What is it that they seek? Perilake suggests a duel for the future of the Realm. -Who will be the champion of the King? Who else then the champion of the Grand Harvest Tournament, Sir Anastasz The Salt Knight. - You will serve me as a Courtier, they remember the Elf saying, for I will be the Ruler of this Realm and leave forever if I lose. Time passes and they are served exotic food washed down with spiced wine.

The Knights demand a bountiful harvest if they win. Assured of their superiority the Elf agrees but lusts for The Gilded Knight's sword.

The Gilded Knight: “What do I get in return?”

- He is offered an unbreakable compass in return and it is agreed.

The Salt Knight:”What do you strive for?”

- To rule the Realm.

The Salt Knight: ”Why do you disturb the natural order of the seasons?”

- It pleases them.

Later they sleep but won't remember their dreams. Before dawn the Rune Knight carves a sigil into his body. The Dove Knight offers Anastasz his River Helm, Ser Perilake Death Head, the sword he might lose, and Sir Valamonte whispers a rune into the Salt Knight's ear.

The unbreakable compass

The Champion of the Realm steps into the square formed by elven warriors. There stands the Steward of Seasons. As soon as the dissonant pipes sound The Elf attacks with a flurry of blows, faster than any human. Anastasz holds his ground, bashes the golden falx to the side and strikes. Back and forth they move until at last Death Head eagerly digs into the Elf's chest, who kneels holding their bleeding chest.

They stand between three hills covered in blood red flowers under a misty spring sky. The Elf is gone and with them their army and only a single tent remains. It holds the unbreakable compass watched by the longly viper: ”Salt Knight!” it hisses, “Henceforth you will be know as Elfbain” and then it slithers away.

Session 15

 2^nd Woodsday of Petals

Valamonte, The Rune Knight approaches the cave on his warhorse, his body inscribed with stories and sigils and carrying a pillar of stone. He is sent by the Drowned Seer to aid the Company of the Black Fleece. Sir Davith and Sir Anastaz inform their fellow Knight about their plans. Mist rises from the nearby lake as they ride south. At noon they arrive at a strange forest, past crumbling pillars and broken statues.

2^nd Armsday of Petals

The Rune Knight rises before dawn and hides behind a statue to carve a figure onto his body when the statue suddenly moves. The Grey Stone Hunter asks Sir Anastaz: “Who shall I punish?” but the Salt Knight remains silent. Should a Knight use foul magic to enact his revenge? Finally he says: “Lady Lydia of Szalai.” The Hunter answers: ”She shall be punished!” and disappears.

"Who shall I punish?"

They press on through a dark forest of twisted trunks and watched by silent toads until they reach a spiral of natural steps and find at its bottom a dried well that displays the story of the Feaster, a golden giant emerging from the sun to come down onto the Realm. He feasts on many before three brave Knights slay the giant.

They decide to turn east to finally conquer the mountain that had denied them, hoping to find the Elf. Instead they are approached by one of his heralds with cold eyes and strawlike hair. He carries a bow and presents it to Anastaz as a gift from his master. Reluctantly the Salt Knight takes it and holds it in his hands: An ornate bow, twisted like braided reeds with symbols of flowers and grain. “Bring news to your lord, that I will challenge him to a duel.” The scout agrees and turns around. At the summit the Knights rest.

More signs of harvest arriving early

2^nd Riverday of Petals

They lead their horses down the mountain through ferns that grew to unusual height and observe from a vantage point the lands to the south: rolling hills covered in a sea of glowing poppies but when they pass through the field of flowers and under the glaring sun they cast no shadow. They see another herald carrying a snake and covering a distance with each step for which humans would need many more. The viper will bring a message to the King, they hear, and no one else. Sir Davith confronts the season scout and charges forward. He breaks his foot with a forceful blow. The scout is bound and pressured until he finally agrees to bring them to the Steward of Seasons. The viper eyes The Salt Knight and doubts his wisdom but Anastaz doesn't trust the symbol of treachery. From a blood red hill they see a large camp of tents and in between a warband each of scouts with swift bows and destroyers wielding golden falxes. 

Session 14

1st Rainday of Sprouts

A rider approaches the cave at dawn: Sir Davith, The Tome Knight, short and stout and dressed in bright colours of esoteric design. He has been sent by another manifestation of the Tangled Seer to aid the company. Sir Davith consults the movement of birds and they decide to travel North through a dense forest in order to find an inspiring sight that might lift Sir Heldris' spirit. But they are turned back by spiky roots obstructing their path. When night falls they come upon a quiet glade within which stands a White Stone Hunter. She asks Sir Perilake gravelly:”Who shall I aid?” and without hesitation he firmly calls the name of The Dove Knight. Colmán, his sure footed steed, carries the broken man before the statue who embraces him and whispers: “Be still young Knight but be aware: Amid the stillen halt and hush, a poison blooms in grove alush”. Puzzled by the revelation but unburdened by doubt, hope returns to Sir Heldris.

The White Stone Hunter

1st Stillday of Sprouts

Under the canopy no breeze comforts the Knights. They pass trees with dead vines and a lake deep in the forest with ducks drowsy and placid from the strange warmth, until they reach the foothill of mountains where they can breath again. As they turn South they try to cross mounting dunes with treacherous ground, hooves trying to find purchase and failing. Heldris recalls the map he received on silken cloth and they ride West when Sir Davith perceives a figure striding forward confidently but with unnatural speed. The Knights spur their horses and intercept the straw haired herald. When confronted the elf declares impatiently: “ This rod I carry is a present for the Veiled Seer. Who dares to disturb my mission?” Sir Perilake announces himself and they weigh their options: To slay the elf or escort her to the Seer - but their curiosity overcomes their thirst for blood. They travel through darkness guided by their outlandish scout. Near the banks of the river she steps towards a solid rock wall that causes ripples as she passes through. The Knights follow her into a cave illuminated by a luminous pond and there, next to their bearded acolyte, sits The Veiled Seer, folds of flesh and horse-like hair where their face should be. They receive the Rod of Summer and say only one word to the Season Scout: ”Go!” The Company of the Black Fleece spend the night outside the cave knowing that the Seer will not speak again.

The Veiled Seer (sans the horns)

2nd Stonesday of Petals

In the morning the acolyte calls Sir Anastaz to come forth and speak to the Seer. “How can we stop the Elf to advance the seasons before their due time ”? And the Seer says:”Duel!” The Tome Knight observes the movement of fish to recall the location of the Dried Well where they expect the Elf to reside. Three times he asks and three times a carp swims to the surface and mouths its answer. They ride South.

Session 13

 Night of the 1^st Kinsday of Sprouts

A unnaturally warm wind plays with the campfire on a hill overgrown with brambles. Heldris and Anastasz join the Hooded Knight and hear the Jewelled Seer's question:”Have you seen The Child?" The Knights admit that they haven't seen it. They learn that the Seeker Knights search for the Child who holds the key to The City and are handed jewels that will allow the Seer to see through them. The next morning they leave westwards and at noon they reach the foot of the mountains. They search the area for a path that would lead them across when they notice smoke coming from a forge and see two gaunt figures in ornate bark armour emerging from a cave, dragging a struggling man between them. “Your blood will bring about the next season”, they declare with cold eyes and alien faces. The Hooded Knight slides into the shadows while Anastasz and Heldris draw their weapons and demand the release of the prisoner. The elves announce their names: Kilunar and Tasiviza and meet the Knights with their golden falxes. 

Kilunar

Kilunar inflicts a deep wound and breaks Heldris' spirit by matching every blow with one of their own until Lady Dragana skewers them with her glaive. The Salt Knight exchanges wild attacks with Tasiviza and the elf is finally struck down. The Knights ask the dying Season Destroyers for their goal but they only laugh. “Blood has been spilled, it is time for the tide of the seasons to rise.” Lady Dragana deals the final blow. The smith invites the Knights into his forge where he treats Heldris' wounds. He wears a wooden symbol around his neck, two crosses connected by a line (x-x) that symbolizes a cradle and he tells them about his faith: The Mother who will birth The Child. He promises to lead them over the mountains to the dried well that marks the place where the Feaster was slain.

Tasiviza

They follow the mountain path under a sky drained of all colours. When they reach the peak they see for a moment the beauty of the realm: a still lake to the west, ancient forests to the south and the fertile Ryba valley when suddenly a cold mist rises around them until all is hidden under a blanket of fog. They press on but soon get lost and if not for the Hooded Knight's foresight (to have Heldris mark their path with his glowing herbs smeared on the rock) they wouldn't have found their way back to a small copse of fir trees where they make camp for the night. Defeated by the mountain they return to the forge.

Mist covers the Realm

Session 12

 1st Silverday of Sprouts

The Salt Knight rejoins the company at the entrance to the mound that is marked by standing stones carved with the symbol of the sun. He steps into a narrow corridor that leads to a small tomb with a broken stone slab bones shining through the cracked stone. The skeleton inside holds a bronze chalice, verdigris partly covering the symbol of a strange wheel and when Anastasz pulls it from the dead man's grasp the bones turn to dust. Sir Heldris peers into the darkness of the only other exit, a sharp, alien smell wafting from the corridor. Lady Dragana inspects a cocoon dangling from the ceiling and finds behind it a cracked fresco depicting scenes of harvest. She perceives a faint draft from the cracks and Sir Heldris breaks the clay to reveal a hidden crawl space. The Dove Knight crashes his glowing herbs and prepares the tip of his spear with it before squeezing into the tunnel.

The Spider Mother

When he emerges through another clay fresco he recognises the chamber where Perilake had found the sword Rzeźnik. Before the company can move deeper into the barrow they hear the clicking of chitinous claws approaching. They kill the two wolfspiders emerging from the corridor and when they pass through, they finally meet the Spider Mother, a massive shape hiding in the shadows and crawling with spiderlings. Anastasz steps into the room and is ensnared in sticky webbing on the floor, while Dragana manages to throw her axe at the monster. Sir Heldris is dismayed when he hears the sound of another wolfspider approaching from behind. He drops his spear, meets the beast with his sword, driving it back with terrible blows. He dodges a spray of webbing and kills the creature. On the other side of the corridor the two Knights evade the Spider Mother's venomous fangs and skewer her with sword and glaive. They burn her nest and leave the mound. The poisonous fumes are dispersed by the wind.

Location of the Wolfspider Mound

They spend the night in the village. A banquet is held in their honour but they leave early in the morning while the villagers sleep off their hangover. Soon they cross the river and stand before the white castle of Kranach, where they are greeted by Lady Inga the Envoy, who manages to hide her disappointment that Sir Perilake is not present. After they had a chance to freshen up in luxurious rooms they are brought before Lady Zdenka to inquire about the Elf. She mentions that a herald with a foreign face and straw-like hair has been spotted in the mountains to the west. The Tangled Seer told the Knights that the Elf would be found “West of Swanstone [the old name for Kranach Castle] and South of the Needle Seer's relic.” Heldris recalls that the relic was rumoured to be near the place where The Feaster had been slain and asks her about the Legend of the Sun that never set. “There is a dried up well in the shadow of the mountains with rich carvings. They show a golden giant climbing out of the Sun. Legends say it marks the place where brave Knights had killed the Feaster.”

The Feaster

The Knights of the Black Fleece leave the castle at noon and ride westwards, through a dense forest of vine choked trees until in the evening they spot the smoke of a campfire on a hill and an ornate cart with horses and beasts of burden below it. The Hooded Knight approaches the campfire and is greeted by three Knights who belong to the Order of the Seekers. There is a heap of jewels next to them and a wolf gnawing on bones is chained to a tree. A grating voice from the heap, that sounds as if a diamond is slowly drawn over glass, asks. ”Have you seen The Child”?

Session 11

1st Riverday of Sprouts.

Perilake and Heldris meet at the ruin of the Eye: An elder tree growing out of a strangely spherical bolder. They meet Lady Dragana, the hooded Knight, who had been sent by the Endless Seer to assist the Company of the Black Fleece. They journey to Lake Ryba, north of Kranach, to seek out the Entangled Seer for guidance. At the shore of the lake they spot tall sunflowers, signs of summer in early spring and in the distance an island shrouded in mist. They meet a young acolyte, Marika, who offers to take them to the island on her boat. Her cruel smile made the knights cautious and they decide to leave Zoltan with her in the boat. They moor the boat next to a flat rock crawling with white crabs and carefully move around them into a dense forest, past a strange menhir with a star carved into the rock, until they reach the sanctum: A domed gazebo within which a mass of faces and appendices are writhing. They ask the Tangled Seer: “What is the biggest threat to the Realm?” and many voices answer: “If you fear for the Knights: The Axe will chop them down! If you fear for the King, the Elf will take his place.”

The sacntum of the Tangled Seer

And when asked about the Elf the many voices sing: “A steward of seasons, nature’s power bestowed - Our land bends to their whimsy, our lives no mercy showed” And when they ask where to find the steward of seasons the voices answer: “West of Swanstone, south of the reliquary of the Needle Seer, you’ll find the Elf. “

Making their way back to the rock they find Marika and Zoltan and return to the southern shore of the lake, where they find their horses and spur them on towards Bohat. They arrive in the evening and are greeted by Lady Wendela who invites them into her home. They learn that the creatures of the barrow continue to prey on the village’s cattle even after Ser Perilake slew the eight legged monstrocity. Perilake swears to end this forever. Asked about the Needle Seer's reliquary she informs them that both King Andrasz and Lady Zdenka wish to retrieve it. Sir Heldris remembers a conversation with his friend Lady Hedwig who believed the relic to be just east of lake Obra and he recalls the legend of the Feaster, born of the Sun, who was rumoured to be slain South of the lake and that the ruin of that Myth can still be found there. Wendela shares with the Knights her worries about a cult that is gaining followers; The Church of the Child. They believe that the birth of the Child will bring eternal peace and bountiful harvest for ever.

The Wolfspider Mound

In the morning, they depart for the Barrow. The well that Perilake had used to infiltrate the mound has been sealed by soldiers of Kranach as promised and filled with rocks. The entrance is marked by standing stones carved with the symbol of the sun. The Knights enter a narrow corridor leading inside.

Session 9

Afternoon of the 3^rd Riverday of Bales

East of Karpat Fortress

The three Knights are lying flat on their stomachs watching guards gamble at the entrance to the cave. They are high up a steep forest path looking down on the clearing and the wide mouth of the cave doesn't reveal what hides inside. The Knights are quietly approached by Cadwyn the Mule Knight. She had been sent by the Green Seer to aid the Company of the Black Fleece. She suggests to distract the guards with her glamour that makes her appear as a humble peasant. While she prepares her entrance Heldris sneaks behind a tree near the guards and Anastaz and the Gilded Knight take positions above the cave mouth. While Cadwyn presents her self prepared rations to a many ringed mercenary Heldris rushes in from the right and Perilake and Salt Knight jump down on the unsuspecting guards who are quickly taken out. Lobosch, a soldier, begs the Knights to care for the wounded and is heard. Perilake returns to Mateusz, Zoltan and the spearmen and sends them down the hollow way, while the Gilded Knight return to the clearing the way he came.

The Cave entrance

Heldris carefully checks the cave entrance: Reflected light from deeper within the cave illuminate a forge and a carpentry workshop, a freshly built catapult and the construction of another siege weapon in progress. The sun is about to set as Perilake returns. Lobosch volunteers to act as a messenger but the Knights need guaranties and they bind his hands and follow him into the cave with Zoltan pointing a spear at his back.

They hear singing and talking and laughing as they follow a tunnel that broadens into a large cave where Sandor in his grey cloak sits on a diwan of wood and furs. Braziers illuminate dozens of soldiers and mercenaries sitting on rugs, furs and arrases cover the walls. Lobosch enters the cave with his bound hands raised. “Parley!”he shouts.

Sandor waves the Knights closer and they parley. The Knights tell him about Mateusz and that the Sheriff knows about their hideout. They urge him to flee but he just laughs it off. “I have a reputation to maintain. If you pay me well, I remain loyal until the end.” He won't disband his warband and he won't leave. They suggest a trial by combat, Cadwyn the Mule Knigh against Sandor the Hawk. They will fight until one of them yields. If Cadwyn wins the mercenaries will leave the Realm. If Sandor wins that Knights will leave him in peace.

The Bandit's Hideout (minus the bandits)

The fighters circle each other: Cadwin in flowing motions, Sandor in a deadly dance around her. Finally Sandor strikes, a vicious blow that Cadwyn barley parries. But Sandor is relentless and strikes Cadwyn down. “Do you yield?” he bellows. She surreptitiously takes something from her pouch and extends her hands and he grabs them ready to help her up. She pulls herself up and closer to him whispering:” I never yield!”exposing her hellfire chestnuts to his skin. The explosion tears them both apart. Ears ringing and nobody hears the screaming from the mercenaries who flee in great numbers. Finally Lobosch approaches. Although technically a tie he agrees to honour the agreement.”You bought yourself a winter of peace. We will leave the Realm … for now!”

Session 8

 Night of the 3^rd Armsday of Bales, Eldermass

Karpat Fortress

The Knights are taken to their quarters, narrow rooms with high ceilings and strange angles. Their arrival may have been foretold - or maybe the rooms know which Knights they will accommodate – as traditional pagan icons (or small paintings) of their respective Seers hang on the wall. Sir Andrasz peruses a strangely spiky iron bookcase of spiritual texts and sheet music, while Perilake's room is dominated by a rusty suit of armour with a notable hole at the back of the ancient helmet. Heldris marvels at the misty abyss outside the arrow slit windows.

After they are refreshed they are taken by servants to the Great Hall where the court of Lady Lamberta of Karpat is sitting at a long banquet table. The room is filled with candlelight. Hushed conversations and a lone eerie flute playing sacred music are the only sounds. The Lady, a short woman with greying hair under a simple iron crown, sits next to her equally unassuming husband. She laments the lack of spirituality in the realm that is exemplified by the rise of heretic cults and she congratulates the Knights for making an end to sect of the Eye. She warns them about another cult, the followers of the Child who are gaining popularity among her vassals. Nothing else of importance is said as soon the Lady invites the Knights to a meeting of her Council where such matters belong.

The Grand Hall (shown here before the banquet)

Lamberta bows to the altar of the throne room and gestures the Knights of the Council and her guests to take a seat at the round table. Tonda kneels next to her with a bucket of leeches in order to conduct a blood letting of the ailing ruler. In the case of the bandits it is decided that the Sheriff will aid the Knights to get rid of the threat to the law. Soon after Lamberta excuses herself due to deteriorating health. She waves with her ringed hand – the one placed upon her under oath to not remove it by King Andrasz the Ring Knight – and the Knights of the Brotherhood conclude that matters are discussed that the King shouldn't hear.

Indeed it is explained that Mateusz will only be accompanied by a few spearmen as the warband is needed to be ready to protect Karpat's claim over the peat bog when the tax collectors arrive for the Tithe. Tonda returns and exchanges nervous glances with the Envoy, Adalgunde of Kranach as Perilake demurs that the decision of the King should be respected but the Steward, Dorota of Masur, an older haggard looking woman, sharply disagrees.

After the meeting Anastasz takes Tonda aside to a small turret where they sit in the cushioned window sill. He mentions the Beekeepers and shows her the letter they found on Sir Grigori's body. Tonda turns pale before she composes herself. Her flirty demeanour is gone and she leans in to say. ”If such a group exists what would you want to tell them?” She talks about certain opportunities that would arise from a change of leadership, maybe a Holding for those who aid the new ruler. Anastasz suggests a meeting and Tonda promises an answer within a couple of days never confirming that the Beekeepers even exist or that she might be associated with them in any way.

It is midnight when the Knights return to their rooms. Heldris finds two chestnuts, one dead and crumbling, one containing no fruit but an entangled ball of string. Many theories are suggested: A message from the Seers on such a holy day perhaps? Zoltan who had been on watch at the stable arrives and reports that a masked figure has left the castle at midnight and the Knights suspect them to be Tonda. And indeed when they break into her room it is empty and nobody had slept in her bed.

Mateusz alarmed by the noise confronts the Knights, but Perilake assures him that their fear for the safety of the Leech is justified: Maybe the bandits have taken her prisoner. Mateusz and his men search the castle. Long after midnight the noise of the search subsides and the Knights finally find some sleep.

A mountain cave

Morning of the 3^rd Riverday of Bales

The leave at dawn with Mateusz and his men and ride down the mountain pass until at noon they arrive at a hollow way in a mountainous forest. Above them on a plateau they see the walls of a hexagonal building. They leave the horses with Mateusz and his men and climb up the cliff where they enter the ruined temple. Seven stone seats are the only furnishings left. Each has a skull placed on it, the crest of a Knight roughly scratched into each seat. A flame weasel gnaws the skull that is placed on the seat that bears Perilake's crest. Perilake feeds it and is bitten playfully by the strange creature. A rush of clarity and purpose pulses through the Gilded Knight's body. They search the plateau and find some footprints, a path leading north and behind some shrubs the entrance to a cave that they follow for a long time until it ends in a fortified door that is barred from the other side. They return and follow the path to a clearing where four soldiers guard the entrance to another cave. They climb above them and prepare to attack.