Birthright Tuornen Chapter Four

[ewancummins]

THE MANOR, cont.


Ranald summons Gunnar to his private office at the manor house.
The small, wood-panneled room smells strongly of pine-resin. Sunlight leaks through half-closed shutters; the candle on the desk remains unlit.
Ranald, snuggled into his bearskin coat, uncorks a bottle of brandy and pours a little in a pewter cup, one of a matched set.

"Want some? I'm keeping the best of my cellars away from the peasants. But only the best for you, my friend!"

[Lord Skybolt]

"Yes thank you, My lord . "Gunnars says with small smile . Gunnar thinks to himself:Try to accept your commanders hospitality when possible so as to not offend him .

[ewancummins]

Ranald inquires about the training of the men, approves the report with modest words of praise, and then sets the cup down and leans forward.

"Good, good. I have another question for you. This beast-man that Cormac and his gang pulled out of the goblins' clutches-- what do you know about him?"

[VAN]

Filbert has never seen the fire demon because was at his mission at the Shadow Realm when the gate was attacked by fire. So when the news of its reappearance crash the meeting he asks:

"How have you turned it away the last time? Do we have a chance to capture or kill it in order to prevent more attacks at the gate? If we defeat it we have a very good chance to finally win this war, the situation of our enemies is getting worse day by day. Some of them look sick, coughing and spitting a lot. Lot of grumbling. The strange thing is that the Alamiens have arrested a dwarf and were marching him to a boat. Do you think he has something to do with this attack? Dwarves are crafty and know a lot about minerals."

[Brock Marsh Runoff]

Renn quirks an eyebrow at Filbert's mention of the dwarf. "I don't know if it's related, but it's worth checking. But we've got to keep that damned elemental away first!"

"Where is Rhobher? And Fhylie? I've not battled a flame creature before, but surely their spells will destroy the beast faster than our blades can, if our blades can even hurt it at all."

[JMaytr]

Devlin turns to one of his four bodyguards.

"Quickly, summon Arch Prelate Nichilair!"

Devlin addresses Renn.

"Fhylie and Braedonnal have gone north to join your father in Hildon after they rendevous with Fhylie's temple there. This demon is an elemental, called forth from the divinity of blood. There is a good chance that dwarf you saw marched by Alam's troops does have something to do with this."

Devlin takes Filbert aside. out of earshot.

"I know I said I'd never ask you to go back into the world of shadow, but a 'stitch in time saves nine' as I've heard the old wives speak. If we can rescue that dwarf, or if he's an enemy agent, terminate him, we might strike a blow against Alam. Though I have asked the high priest of the Western Imperial Temple to assist us if that creature appeared again."

Devlin's voice takes on a more seroius tone.

"That's right my dearest friend, I said we. I am going with you. Alam may have tipped his hand. Let's slap it shall we?"

Unlike other times, when Devlin makes an order, it is clear to Filbert that he is discussing the plan, looking for insight and/or advice.

[ewancummins]

Devlin's knight, Joram, hurries off to find the Archprelate.

[VAN]

Filbert looks at the Duke directly in the eyes and says:

"Your Grace, if you think that save or terminate this dwarf will help save Haes then I will be glad to enter again the Shadow Realm and try reach this dwarf and find out if he is responsible for the elemental. But you will not come with me, last time I was there I survived just because I was lucky and I don't want you to risk your life in such place. Also, just last night was an ambush where you were recognized, now I will infiltrate the Alamn camp looking for the dwarf do you know what will happen if they recognize you again? I never question your orders or your plans Your Grace but this is a really risky one and Haes need its Duke. I can go with Renn or someone else you trust or even alone, I'm not afraid risking my life for you and Haes."

[Adam]

Cormac makes a point of ignoring Gunnar for most of the time since his return from the keep, focusing instead on keeping up the spirits of the men who are in the keep. He's gracious to those who apologize and basically seems embarrassed and unwilling to accept any kind of credit for the raid. Most of Cormac's men also make a point of this, though on more than one occasion Gunnar hears someone mutter "Baaa" at him as he walks through the manor grounds for training exercises.

Some time later, seeing Gunnar meeting with Ranald, he follows behind with his three men in tow. He stops at the door to Ranald's office and speaks to the guard, wishing to be granted admittance to the lord's offices to speak with he and Gunnar.

[ewancummins]

Cormac makes a point of ignoring Gunnar for most of the time since his return from the keep, focusing instead on keeping up the spirits of the men who are in the keep. He's gracious to those who apologize and basically seems embarrassed and unwilling to accept any kind of credit for the raid. Most of Cormac's men also make a point of this, though on more than one occasion Gunnar hears someone mutter "Baaa" at him as he walks through the manor grounds for training exercises.

Some time later, seeing Gunnar meeting with Ranald, he follows behind with his three men in tow. He stops at the door to Ranald's office and speaks to the guard, wishing to be granted admittance to the lord's offices to speak with he and Gunnar.

The severe old man at the door, one of the esquire's proper retainers and not a man pressed into service, glowers at Cormac a moment before rapping on the down.

''Squire, t'other Northman would like to see you."


A muffled response from within, but the servant seems to understand. He opens the door.

''Just you. Not them fellows.'

The old man fixes his eyes on Dietric, who has stuck close to Cormac in recent days.
The ex-bandit steps to the side, mouthing 'Gunnar' so that Cormac sees and the servant does not. The two hatchet-faced poachers loaf against the opposite wall, one munching on a parsnip.

Within the small office Gunnar sits across the desk from Ranald. The esquire wears a russet coat of bear fur which with his thick sideburns gives him the look of some shaggy beast. Note a bear. Maybe a wolf or an overgrown fox?
“Cormac, come in. There’s a chair against the back wall, if you can squeeze past Gunnar.”
The huge warrior blocks the way with his seat, but Cormac could probably squeeze past. Or maybe Gunnar will just move for him.

[Adam]

"Tha's fine," Cormac replies, "I can stand. I imagine you fellows have important..." he looks at the brandy the two are sharing and can't avoid a smirk appearing on his face, "...plannin' to do. Jes thought I'd speak my piece while the two of yeh are here an' away from the folk."

He spreads his hands. "I ain' no fool. I know these people in this keep are up against it, an' you're the best shot they got at survivin', Ranald. Bad blood between me an' Gunnar ain't good fer nobody. I can even unnerstan' not agreein' wi' my plan to save the folks from town, I suppose. What I don' unnerstan', is why a big ole' monster like this needs to go sneakin' aroun' the keep behind my back, scarin' folk when they're already plenty scared already, an' trynna stop me from gettin' the men I need to lead a good raid. Ta' be honest, we got damn lucky the gobs were as unorganized as they were, or we would'nae had the manpower tae get the job done an' that woman's son woulda been cooked right next to tha' Forde fellow. If I had'nae seen 'im fightin' a' the Auld Oak, I may have been tempted to think he was a coward. As it is, I'm afraid it was some kinda political back-bitin', an' I've got no time fer tha' stupidity."

"So, why I'm here, is this. My men an' I are good fighters, but we ain' much use fer standin' around in a keep on walls. An', to be honest, most of 'em are bristlin' fer a fight with that'n." He nods his head towards Gunnar. "So let me throw this idea out fer yeh. We're all woodsmen. The men know the land an' I'm learnin' about it. So, let us roam outside the walls an' maraud the goblins. Nothin' as big as the town raid, mind yeh, but small targets o' opportunity. We'll give 'em a taste o' what they're servin' to us, do some hit an' runs, and generally spread mayhem. We won' lead 'em back here, since we'll probably only need to come back here fer supplies or emergencies, an' it'll whet my boys taste fer goblin blood. I'll take tha' Forde fella along if he wants to come as well, since it don' seem like most folks are comfortable wi' his type wanderin' aroun' inside here."

He flounders a bit, obviously out of things to say. "Well, what do ye think?"

[ewancummins]

Ranald frowns.

"When I thought the goblins were only a small force on a pillaging expedition, well, that was different. I was all for riding 'em down. We face an army--that much is plain. To be honest, I think it is unwise to provoke the goblins. Now they bide in town, save for small gathering parties. If they are struck, they will search for the source of the blow. This valley is neatly tucked away, yes, but we are still close to the town. We cannot even risk cook fires. Thus we eat cold gruel and salt pork. The men cannot go far into the hills to hunt, lest they run into goblin foragers or scouts. Of course it's our duty as Tuors to fight. It is also our duty to protect the women and the children. And we cannot do that if we leave the manor. When the count returns with his armies, then we can sally forth and strike a blow against the invaders. Now...I think it unwise."

He pours a dribble of bandy into his cup and sips it, the rosiness spreading over his face.

"But I would know my lieutenant's mind. What say you, Gunnar?"

[RocEter]

For the past two days Foerde, while he has been healing, has been trying to assure the people that in time all will be well. He also tells them because of Cormac and crew's good graces and Cuiraecen's will he is here to assist both in battle and as a spiritual adviser. He knows full well that most, if not all, the people in Ghonnalison worship Cuiraecen and as a priest of Cuiraecen his duty is to protect them to the best of his ability...

He also spends time meditating, and in prayer, on advice given to him by Cormac. Which injustice is greater, the treachery within or the defilement his God's temple and slaughter of his brothers? Usually he acts on his gut feeling and what 'feels right' but this no time for brash decisions. For answer he seeks out, through prayer, a higher wisdom than his own..

Either through his own wisdom or divine providence Foerde has found the answer he sought. Standing he dawns the long hunting knife he is borrowing and his new holy symbol he crafted. In his tattered priestly vestments he leaves his room, or where he has been allowed to sleep and heads out to where the men are training to observe their training.

[JMaytr]

Devlin's voice goes low.

"Filbert, you are my closest friend in the world, and I trust you with my life. But ten years ago I lost my mother, and last month I lost my father. Both, most like, to Alam assassins. Losing you as well would be devestating. Yes, this is a risky jaunt, our trek through that dark realm, but our path is short, a mere mile, compared to your trip to Ghonallison. we could make that time in minutes. We were discovered due to a spy in the enemy's employ when we attempted our night raid. This time, no one knows our plan, surely no shade on the other side...

"When I was young, a boy, I was traveling east, to Danigau, to learn training in bookkeeping. My guard, a native, taught me to wield my blades as I do. Never made it past Riverport Marsh. On this trip, my guards were slain, and I was taken captive by goblins. Nasty ones too. But, and I know you will think this next part fancy, but the viglilante of legend, The Huntsman, he himself saved me. He took a spoiled boy and instilled in me the seed of heroism, silly as that may sound. Who doesn't aspire to be a great hero, like Andurius and Haelyn? These are tests from the gods, trials to see if I am cut from the cloth of true kings. The Huntsman taught me that nobility, and mercy for the weak were the true strengths of rulers. My people suffer, and need protecting from that murderous monster perched upon his barge in the middle of the Tuor.

"But I do understand your concern for my welfare. This is an awful risk I'm taking. We shall invite Captain Ghonallison to go with us then? For added strength and saftey?"

[Lord Skybolt]

Ranald frowns.

"When I thought the goblins were only a small force on a pillaging expedition, well, that was different. I was all for riding 'em down. We face an army--that much is plain. To be honest, I think it is unwise to provoke the goblins. Now they bide in town, save for small gathering parties. If they are struck, they will search for the source of the blow. This valley is neatly tucked away, yes, but we are still close to the town. We cannot even risk cook fires. Thus we eat cold gruel and salt pork. The men cannot go far into the hills to hunt, lest they run into goblin foragers or scouts. Of course it's our duty as Tuors to fight. It is also our duty to protect the women and the children. And we cannot do that if we leave the manor. When the count returns with his armies, then we can sally forth and strike a blow against the invaders. Now...I think it unwise."

He pours a dribble of bandy into his cup and sips it, the rosiness spreading over his face.

"But I would know my lieutenant's mind. What say you, Gunnar?"

Gunnar moves to allow Cormac into the room more easily and then says to Ranald directly what he thinks they should do about the goblin threat:
"My Lord, I think we need to bleed the goblin army of wargs with hit and run tactics first . After there mobility is reduced in such a way . Then slowly over time kill any and all scouts and patrols at the same time . At different places away from the manor . My plans call for us to never lead by sign or otherwise trails back to the manor using various methods to do so . I personally think we need to burn it into the goblin mind set that coming into Tuoren will always be a nightmare even if no army units are present in any province close to there boarders from the people themselves . This will only be possible if we attack them and kill every goblin in every attack we launch on scouting and patrol groups . I have been training the men for such an eventuality . Over the last 2 days, I have send out the most stealthy men I could find looking for ambush sites that we can escape from if we bite off more than we can chew considering how few fighting men we have here, any loss of men will hurt us way more than the goblins . Just sitting here waiting for an army to save us is waste time that we could be better put to use killing goblins . We have no idea when said army will show up so in any case and a lucky goblin scout could find the manner while we wait . While if we hunt patrols and scouting goblins we can try to make sure that never happens . For one thing we can lead scouts and patrols away from the manor into ambushes . And if the goblins ever find the manor, I for one want some men who have already seen some fighting if that happens by my side . And not some untested lumberjacks or townsfolk if there is any major attack of goblins on the manor ."