Sunday, October 4, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Green Asp strikes
Khel grabbed the arse of the young serving wench that kept sidling past him on every occasion, accidentally brushing up her ample bosom across the back of the young Nobles head. The young girl turned her young face, framed by a mane of wild blonde hair and smiled at Khel continuing on her way to the next table. It had been a week of travel and separation from his squire anDrok but he could still hear the impertinent youth speaking his mind and reminding his Lord not to trust women. Khel smiled, not for the young woman or her wanton wares, but for the embarassement that he could cause his squire if he were here. He would have set upon reminding the young anDrok that despite his protestations of not trusting women he was less immune to their loins than his Lord once they had set their claws into him. Khel took perverse pleasure in knowing he could have likely influenced the young girl into fawning over his squire as he left the Inn just outside of the Vladryan Bridge.
Khel ran his hands along the ancient stone lamenting that he was leaving his homeland. The Dwarven hewn stone had seen many great leaders and battles. To Khel the Vladryan Bridge was known for a great battle in 924FE that saw the new Prince Dekran of Iluria turn after crossing the grand bridge to face thousands of Drakine warriors with but a few hundred knights and warriors of his own. That single momentous battle was a turning point giving Dekran time to escape, make his way to Cyradon and be crowned emperor.
The road wound easily but steadily upward towards The Stone Tree which marked the western edge of Fellburg. Khel had been near here once before but had never visited the most holy of Druid’s sites in all the world. Approaching closer Khel dismounted from his horse whose hooves seemed inordinately loud on the cobblestone road. The Druids of the Stone Tree as they were called encircled the great tree protectively as the young noble and Ulronai approached, themselves feeling the awe and reverence that the tree commanded. The Stone Tree was a living, growing tree similar to an ancient oak but made of stone. The trunk and branches were grey, granite-like stone with leaves, known as leafstone that were highly sought after. The Leafstone while green in the summer would deepen to a red, yellow, or gold in autumn before falling. Many Druids and followers had been gifted the special talismans of protection and luck that were coveted by all.
It would be a few days yet but the small group could see the castle that was the capital of Fellburg. Fellburg, or High Fellburg had once been an independent grand duchy but had been beholden now to Thurgandia for nearly 1,500 years. The House of Mandelhar, the dukes of Fellburg no longer were much concerned however content to rule their farmers, hunters, and sheperds from Gothar Grenn and collect tax revenues to fill their coffers. The current liege-lord, Duke Lambrett, was more concerned with collecting beautiful paintings than concern himself with the art of war, often hiring adventuring groups to bring him long-lost paintings or books. So much was his disdain for the military that he had asked his fiery spirited daughter, Vanda to take over the paltry forces that he had let deteriorate.
Khel noted the guards that snapped to attention as he and Dror neared the castle proper as the last foray here the young noble could have easily gone straight through to the doors of the castle without having been challenged. Stating his name and purpose Khel yet again had to vouch for the Ulronai and be responsible for his actions.
It had been weeks now and Khel continued to ride out with Vanda’s guards in the morning, practising his swordsmanship, riding and long bow skills now that he had the time. He knew that establishing connections in Gothar Grenn was taking time away from the travel he knew they must eventually undertake into the mountains to the North but they still were beholden to the Elf for his guidance in leading them to the Rod.
Chopping violently at the oak practise post Vanda’s Master of Arms, Telren, approached with two wooden swords. His smile was unmistakable despite the violent scar that ran from his right eye through to his chin, plainly visible through his coarse salt and pepper beard that refused to grow where the skin still bulged angrily. “Hah, Despite your best efforts I think the post wins yet my Lord”.
Grunting as he worked his sword free of his latest chop that had embedded itself deeply into the grain of the wood Khel replied, “Damn thing. No matter how many times I scorn it this post just won’t yield It’s just like that damnable Lord Victor Villar.”
“Ah yes, my Lord. You then aware that he is in Gothar Grenn to visit yet again are you not?”
“Damn you man, say again. Victor Villar is Here?”
“Yes, my Lord and quite taken with riding with my Lady Vanda if I hear tell correctly. They’ll both be at dinner at the Dukes table tomorrow evening. As it so happens I believe Count Villar and Lady Vanda expect you as a Rhennigar noble to attend as well.”
Confused at the presence of Count Victor Villar, the young Noble considered the reasons why the Count and Vanda would actually want to see him. Surely, Victor knew that he had captured his charge Verak and was seething to exact his revenge on the Duke. It made no sense.
Count Victor Villar stroked his grande moustaches as he saw the young Rhennigar Noble enter the room. He had been trying to convince the Lady Vanda to enjoy the sweet music from the exquisite musicians in her father’s permanent employ and dance with her among the many paintings and finery. Fully expecting Khel to come straight over and confront him the Count smiled knowingly as the young noble let himself be led astray by many of the young women looking to sink their barbs into young Noble flesh such as his. No doubt Khel was looking to sink his barb into their young flesh as well, if only for an evening or so. Walking over the Count placed his hand gently on the shoulder of Torodec Rhennigar’s son Khel, “Well, why don’t we give the beautiful young lady a rest my friend, shall we. I believe we have some things you wished to discuss.” Admonishing himself guiltily Khel turned to the Count with murder in his eyes.
Khel ground his hands together in frustration as his head felt ready to explode for the pressure. Not only was he not going to be able to exact his revenge, he had now put anDrok directly on the path to destruction. It had taken only a few moments to realize that the story that the Count now had the opportunity to relate to Khel was true. Verak had left the services and protection of the Count to take up a position with Lord Halvorn. An unusual move but one that Khel now understood fully. His enemy was, and always had been the Lord Halvorn.
It was over the course of the next month that Count Victor Villar began to see the man behind the Noble in Khel Rhennigar and decided to share his secret. The Asps would count the Rhennigar’s as a friendly family given Khel’s beliefs and while it had taken the month to convince him of his intentions the leader of the Green Asps, Count Victor Villar had convinced the young noble that his crusade to recover the Rod of Rulership would serve both the Rhennigar family purpose and that of the Asps. The Asps believed that an Emperor was needed as well but to send Khel back to try and redeem his name and lands in front of the King in Cyradon would be a fools errand at best and suicide at worst. It would allow some seeds that were recently sown with the Lady Darlene to grow as well which would certainly work to the Counts advantage in manipulating the young Rhennigar to the Asps bidding.
Khel looked over at the Count and Vanda as they spoke of some of the other items concerning the Asps. The green ring he now wore would indicate he was a member of the secret society along with the Green Asps unspoken motto but he had yet to learn beyond a few hooded individuals who the “friendly families” were. Knowing that he was not to be party to the discussion Khel turned his mind towards the trip he would be taking North in pursuit of the Artifact. It had been a long time since the Ulronai had shown his ugly face around, claiming everything from a sore back to working as excuses but it would be time to leave soon with or without his squire or the Elf. Some information first on the lands to the North however would certainly help him. He wondered if there were any beautiful women in the scollarly ranks that Duke Lambrett had on hand. If there were.... he was sure to find them.
Khel ran his hands along the ancient stone lamenting that he was leaving his homeland. The Dwarven hewn stone had seen many great leaders and battles. To Khel the Vladryan Bridge was known for a great battle in 924FE that saw the new Prince Dekran of Iluria turn after crossing the grand bridge to face thousands of Drakine warriors with but a few hundred knights and warriors of his own. That single momentous battle was a turning point giving Dekran time to escape, make his way to Cyradon and be crowned emperor.
The road wound easily but steadily upward towards The Stone Tree which marked the western edge of Fellburg. Khel had been near here once before but had never visited the most holy of Druid’s sites in all the world. Approaching closer Khel dismounted from his horse whose hooves seemed inordinately loud on the cobblestone road. The Druids of the Stone Tree as they were called encircled the great tree protectively as the young noble and Ulronai approached, themselves feeling the awe and reverence that the tree commanded. The Stone Tree was a living, growing tree similar to an ancient oak but made of stone. The trunk and branches were grey, granite-like stone with leaves, known as leafstone that were highly sought after. The Leafstone while green in the summer would deepen to a red, yellow, or gold in autumn before falling. Many Druids and followers had been gifted the special talismans of protection and luck that were coveted by all.
It would be a few days yet but the small group could see the castle that was the capital of Fellburg. Fellburg, or High Fellburg had once been an independent grand duchy but had been beholden now to Thurgandia for nearly 1,500 years. The House of Mandelhar, the dukes of Fellburg no longer were much concerned however content to rule their farmers, hunters, and sheperds from Gothar Grenn and collect tax revenues to fill their coffers. The current liege-lord, Duke Lambrett, was more concerned with collecting beautiful paintings than concern himself with the art of war, often hiring adventuring groups to bring him long-lost paintings or books. So much was his disdain for the military that he had asked his fiery spirited daughter, Vanda to take over the paltry forces that he had let deteriorate.
Khel noted the guards that snapped to attention as he and Dror neared the castle proper as the last foray here the young noble could have easily gone straight through to the doors of the castle without having been challenged. Stating his name and purpose Khel yet again had to vouch for the Ulronai and be responsible for his actions.
It had been weeks now and Khel continued to ride out with Vanda’s guards in the morning, practising his swordsmanship, riding and long bow skills now that he had the time. He knew that establishing connections in Gothar Grenn was taking time away from the travel he knew they must eventually undertake into the mountains to the North but they still were beholden to the Elf for his guidance in leading them to the Rod.
Chopping violently at the oak practise post Vanda’s Master of Arms, Telren, approached with two wooden swords. His smile was unmistakable despite the violent scar that ran from his right eye through to his chin, plainly visible through his coarse salt and pepper beard that refused to grow where the skin still bulged angrily. “Hah, Despite your best efforts I think the post wins yet my Lord”.
Grunting as he worked his sword free of his latest chop that had embedded itself deeply into the grain of the wood Khel replied, “Damn thing. No matter how many times I scorn it this post just won’t yield It’s just like that damnable Lord Victor Villar.”
“Ah yes, my Lord. You then aware that he is in Gothar Grenn to visit yet again are you not?”
“Damn you man, say again. Victor Villar is Here?”
“Yes, my Lord and quite taken with riding with my Lady Vanda if I hear tell correctly. They’ll both be at dinner at the Dukes table tomorrow evening. As it so happens I believe Count Villar and Lady Vanda expect you as a Rhennigar noble to attend as well.”
Confused at the presence of Count Victor Villar, the young Noble considered the reasons why the Count and Vanda would actually want to see him. Surely, Victor knew that he had captured his charge Verak and was seething to exact his revenge on the Duke. It made no sense.
Count Victor Villar stroked his grande moustaches as he saw the young Rhennigar Noble enter the room. He had been trying to convince the Lady Vanda to enjoy the sweet music from the exquisite musicians in her father’s permanent employ and dance with her among the many paintings and finery. Fully expecting Khel to come straight over and confront him the Count smiled knowingly as the young noble let himself be led astray by many of the young women looking to sink their barbs into young Noble flesh such as his. No doubt Khel was looking to sink his barb into their young flesh as well, if only for an evening or so. Walking over the Count placed his hand gently on the shoulder of Torodec Rhennigar’s son Khel, “Well, why don’t we give the beautiful young lady a rest my friend, shall we. I believe we have some things you wished to discuss.” Admonishing himself guiltily Khel turned to the Count with murder in his eyes.
Khel ground his hands together in frustration as his head felt ready to explode for the pressure. Not only was he not going to be able to exact his revenge, he had now put anDrok directly on the path to destruction. It had taken only a few moments to realize that the story that the Count now had the opportunity to relate to Khel was true. Verak had left the services and protection of the Count to take up a position with Lord Halvorn. An unusual move but one that Khel now understood fully. His enemy was, and always had been the Lord Halvorn.
It was over the course of the next month that Count Victor Villar began to see the man behind the Noble in Khel Rhennigar and decided to share his secret. The Asps would count the Rhennigar’s as a friendly family given Khel’s beliefs and while it had taken the month to convince him of his intentions the leader of the Green Asps, Count Victor Villar had convinced the young noble that his crusade to recover the Rod of Rulership would serve both the Rhennigar family purpose and that of the Asps. The Asps believed that an Emperor was needed as well but to send Khel back to try and redeem his name and lands in front of the King in Cyradon would be a fools errand at best and suicide at worst. It would allow some seeds that were recently sown with the Lady Darlene to grow as well which would certainly work to the Counts advantage in manipulating the young Rhennigar to the Asps bidding.
Khel looked over at the Count and Vanda as they spoke of some of the other items concerning the Asps. The green ring he now wore would indicate he was a member of the secret society along with the Green Asps unspoken motto but he had yet to learn beyond a few hooded individuals who the “friendly families” were. Knowing that he was not to be party to the discussion Khel turned his mind towards the trip he would be taking North in pursuit of the Artifact. It had been a long time since the Ulronai had shown his ugly face around, claiming everything from a sore back to working as excuses but it would be time to leave soon with or without his squire or the Elf. Some information first on the lands to the North however would certainly help him. He wondered if there were any beautiful women in the scollarly ranks that Duke Lambrett had on hand. If there were.... he was sure to find them.
Monday, September 28, 2009
The trouble with money
While in town, Dror was determined to try to repay Umak the money his father owed to him. He quickly found a job with a caravan and with Lord Khel's permission he left for a time travelling with a caravan. The trip was uneventful and after 30 days Dror was able to return to town with 5 Gold Crowns to his name. Still not enough to pay Umak, but a start.
He considered going to Umak immediately with the partial payment but decided that it would be best to come to him with the full 20 Gold pieces in payment. Discussing his situation with Lord Khel on his return, the good lord offered his services to Dror to help him with doubling his money.
"It will be easy Dror. I know a good gambling hall. You can have your money multiplied several times if you are lucky. Maybe even have some left over for yourself when you are done. I've done this before and I'll help you pick a good sucker that we can ply with liquor. Once he's good and drunk, it will be easy to take, er win his money fair and square."
It sounded like a good idea and so inspite of his better judgement, Dror soon found himself in the gambling hall and shortly therafter leaving with his entire 5 gold crowns gone.
"By the God's!" said Khel as they left. "I've never seen a man drink so much. It was like he got more sober as he drank. Sorry Dror, I tried. Hey let me buy you a drink........."
Dror took on a job in town hauling bricks at a construction site. After a week, he threw his back out after he tried carrying too big a load. He now had only one gold crown to his name and was laid up in a bed (if you could call it that) for a while at a rat infested inn near the docks.
One night as he lay sleeping the city guard entered the inn looking for "That dirty Ulronai" and found him lying in his cot. "The Duke has instituted a tax on all Ulronai in the city. It's your duty to pay our lord his fair due."
Dror considered the situation carefully. Four city guards vs. him with a bad back and only his hunting knife handy. His sword under his bed would be of no help. He could probably take one or two of them down but the room was too small to manuever in and his back was a liablity. He handed them his last gold crown and rolled over.
Broke again.
He considered going to Umak immediately with the partial payment but decided that it would be best to come to him with the full 20 Gold pieces in payment. Discussing his situation with Lord Khel on his return, the good lord offered his services to Dror to help him with doubling his money.
"It will be easy Dror. I know a good gambling hall. You can have your money multiplied several times if you are lucky. Maybe even have some left over for yourself when you are done. I've done this before and I'll help you pick a good sucker that we can ply with liquor. Once he's good and drunk, it will be easy to take, er win his money fair and square."
It sounded like a good idea and so inspite of his better judgement, Dror soon found himself in the gambling hall and shortly therafter leaving with his entire 5 gold crowns gone.
"By the God's!" said Khel as they left. "I've never seen a man drink so much. It was like he got more sober as he drank. Sorry Dror, I tried. Hey let me buy you a drink........."
Dror took on a job in town hauling bricks at a construction site. After a week, he threw his back out after he tried carrying too big a load. He now had only one gold crown to his name and was laid up in a bed (if you could call it that) for a while at a rat infested inn near the docks.
One night as he lay sleeping the city guard entered the inn looking for "That dirty Ulronai" and found him lying in his cot. "The Duke has instituted a tax on all Ulronai in the city. It's your duty to pay our lord his fair due."
Dror considered the situation carefully. Four city guards vs. him with a bad back and only his hunting knife handy. His sword under his bed would be of no help. He could probably take one or two of them down but the room was too small to manuever in and his back was a liablity. He handed them his last gold crown and rolled over.
Broke again.
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