Birthright Chapter Six

[ewancummins]

Talienire 1st
Croaker Norge
After his meeting with Maeve, Devlin remains at the farmhouse in Croaker Norge, swamped with requests for audience, petitions from nobles and commoners alike, and conflicting reports about the course of the war.

This bright and windy morning Devlin has time to read over the latest dispatches, sitting by the open window in the humble parlor of the house:

• All of the new units Devlin had ordered mustered at the beginning of his reign are now ready for action.
• The duke’s treasurer reports that the realm’s vaults of gold and silver are being depleted by all the musters and marches, and he questions whether the realm can afford to invade Alamien territory in force.
• Yesterday, Count Robin and Hotspur met the goblins in battle near Fox Run and drove them back into the town.
• Multiple reports from sheriffs, bailiffs, the gentry, parish priests, and so on tell that the goblins have taken many captives, most of them women and children, and begun to march them north in chains.
• The Tuor Force in Hildon has apparently been routed and nearly destroyed; the beaten and soot-covered survivors straggling back into Monsedge all morning have spoken of ‘the great fire-demon’ and reported seeing Duke Carilon on the field of battle, albeit at a distance. This report just arrived by a courier on an exhuasted steed, minutes ago.

Filbert has heard grumbling among the men when the Duke is out of hearing; they are impatient for action and wish to strike a blow against the Goblins or the Alamiens. But does he share this with his master?

Renn has just ridden into the outskirts of the town. Soldiers recognize him and direct him to a large farmhouse where the Duke has set up headquarters.


Gunnar’s war-band in southern Ghonallison
The little band has tramped through the backwoods looking for signs of the mysterious wagons and Men for the better part of the cool and breezy morning. Finding a corduroy road with old mossy logs crumbled under the weight of riders, wagons, and booted marchers, the war-band follows the trail to a little vale dotted with humped old charcoal pits. A camp sits in the middle of the little valley. Moving up a high, thickly wooded ridge, Gunnar and his companions may look down into the valley without being observed by the men in the camp below.

Gunnar counts a dozen canvas tents and a big makeshift corral for mules and horses. No banner flies over any of the tents, but some of the men moving about appear to wear badges of some kind on their gray or dun tabards. To identify the heraldry, Gunnar would have to get Ranald close to the camp, which would surely risk discovery. Indeed, even to get this close the warband has had to move with caution; enemy pickets haven’t climbed the high ridge, but now and then Gunnar or one of the others spies men moving about closer to the base of the ridge, and at other points along the wooded edges of the valley.



Cormac’s war-band in northern Ghonallison
No one in the monastery has seen hide nor hair of the Goblins or Wargs since the monsters were defeated and driven from the grounds.

Of all the liberated prisoners, only Brother Aelfred and one other are monks. The rest are common folk taken from farms and villages across Ghonallison and force-marched north by the Goblins. Some of them want to stay in the monastery for safety, and others wish to leave and try to find their friends and families to the south, even if it means risking recapture by the Goblin invaders.

Everyone looks to the war band leader Cormac and to his ally Foerde for advice, a decision, some sign of what to do next….



Roald’s outfit, Deserain

The boats brought Roald and his team over to the Alamien bank of the river in the wee hours of the morning. After Renn’s message arrived by courier, there wasn’t much time to spend with lengthy preparations, not if the men want to catch the wagon carrying the payroll north.
All Roald’s men are mounted; but the mule tasked with carrying Torthur looks unhappy, kicking at the dirt and braying loudly whenever the heavy dwarf shifts in the saddle.
Clyde rambles along the riverbank, sniffing in the rushes and playfully splashing the water with his paws.

If Renn’s information proved correct, a quick jaunt inland and nor’east will bring the raiders onto the road where the treasure- wagon and its escort will pass before noontide. The route should take them through densely settled farm country and past a couple of hamlets.

Looking south, the raiders can easily make out the white walls of Lofton atop the high river-bluff, several miles distant.

[RocEter]

Talienire 1st

Cormac’s war-band in northern Ghonallison
No one in the monastery has seen hide nor hair of the Goblins or Wargs since the monsters were defeated and driven from the grounds.

Of all the liberated prisoners, only Brother Aelfred and one other are monks. The rest are common folk taken from farms and villages across Ghonallison and force-marched north by the Goblins. Some of them want to stay in the monastery for safety, and others wish to leave and try to find their friends and families to the south, even if it means risking recapture by the Goblin invaders.

Everyone looks to the war band leader Cormac and to his ally Foerde for advice, a decision, some sign of what to do next….

"I understand that you wish to leave, to return to your families and friends, that isn't possible at this moment. For now we must rest, tend to our wounded and gather what supplies we can. In a couple of days Cormac and I will readdress this issue and inform of our plan." Foerde says addressing those who wish to leave. "Please in the mean time assist where needed." He says.

Without saying another word Foerde heads over where Deitric is resting and kneels next to the wounded man. Laying his hands on him Foerde begins to pray..

[Varrus the Ethical]

BUSHWACKERS

Roald’s outfit, Deserain

The boats brought Roald and his team over to the Alamien bank of the river in the wee hours of the morning. After Renn’s message arrived by courier, there wasn’t much time to spend with lengthy preparations, not if the men want to catch the wagon carrying the payroll north.
All Roald’s men are mounted; but the mule tasked with carrying Torthur looks unhappy, kicking at the dirt and braying loudly whenever the heavy dwarf shifts in the saddle.
Clyde rambles along the riverbank, sniffing in the rushes and playfully splashing the water with his paws.

If Renn’s information proved correct, a quick jaunt inland and nor’east will bring the raiders onto the road where the treasure- wagon and its escort will pass before noontide. The route should take them through densely settled farm country and past a couple of hamlets.

Looking south, the raiders can easily make out the white walls of Lofton atop the high river-bluff, several miles distant.

Roald leads is party directly for the expected location of the pay wagon, making a note to himself to come back the way he came and burn every farm and hamlet he sees after the wagon is dealt with.

Riding up beside Torthur's mule, Roald says, "Torthur, my friend, I don't suppose you'd be able to scout out a good location for us to setup an ambush?"

[steveflam]

Torthur grins. "Why, I be thinkin it be a good idea, that. Lemme go on a foot an keep ter tha shadows. Be right back. Me ride gonner be happy I be offa him." The dwarf hops down and scouts ahead.

[Varrus the Ethical]

BUSHWACKERS

Torthur grins. "Why, I be thinkin it be a good idea, that. Lemme go on a foot an keep ter tha shadows. Be right back. Me ride gonner be happy I be offa him." The dwarf hops down and scouts ahead.

Roald nods. "We'll find a secluded spot to wait for you nearby while you do your work, then." Roald leans closer and lowers his voice. "I have no reason not to trust Captain Ghollison, but I also have no reason to trust wherever he got his information. There's a chance this pay wagon could be bait for a trap. So be careful."

[steveflam]

Torthur lowers his voice. "If I don't know ya, I trust ya bout as far as I kin toss ya. Don't worry, If I find trouble I'll just eat the varmints." His stomach growls as he moves off.

[Brock Marsh Runoff]

CROAKER NORGE

Rennault raises his broadsword in salute as he rides up to meet the pickets, and quickly prepares to find The Duke at his headquarters. Count Montros' words are in the Watch Commander's ears. You must e a friend to Devlin, he reminds himself. Even if he is reckless. Perhaps especially if he is reckless.

He finds the farmhouse with little trouble, and steps inside to seek out the duke. "Your Grace," he explains with a bow when he finds Devlin, "The Lord Mayor advised that me and my men may be of assistance to you here. May I introduce Watchmen Sevet and Gatt," he says, gesturing to his companions. Able hands, skilled at mountaineering and hunting."

[VAN]

CROAKER NORGE

Filbert tries to explain to the soldiers that the Duke is doing his best to make the best strategy and soon they will move to strike. The halfling avoids to define the target since he doesn't know if the Devlin will choose to go after the goblins or Alamiens. Later that night when the Devlin finally has some free time Filbert refers him what he heard.

Next day in order to improve the soldiers morale Filbert sets a little show where he impersonates the Duke and how the strong army of Haes lead the goblins back to their holes freeing the prisoners. Next day he repeats his show only this time the target are the Alamiens, Filbert asks couple of Duke soldiers to help him and together they represent a hypothetical encounter among the two armies and how Dukes soldiers win the battle and come back victorious.

When Renn arrives Filbert gets in the Farmhouse and attends the meeting. Once Renn presents Watchmen Sevet and Gat he introduces himself:

"Welcome to Croager Norge, I'm Filbert. Your help is very much appreciated."

[ewancummins]

BUSHWHACKERS


Torthur jogs through fallow fields and green pastures, clambers over low stone fences, and skirts along dense green hedgerows till he reaches the road and locates a hiding spot under a thick hedge. Looking about the old stone thoroughfare, he finds no sign of armed forces, but he does notice a goose girl driving her birds down the way, moving past the hedge where Torthur lurks. Further out in the eastern fields he spies a dozen of more farmers at work with hand tools or driving plow horses.
The geese honk raucously and flap their wings as they waddle past the hedgerow, while the golden-haired maiden hums a pleasant tune as she tramps along behind the birds, swinging her goose-stick to keep them from leaving the path.


CROAKER NORGE

Sevet and Gat repsond to Filbert's welcome with freindly pats on the shoulder and questions about the nearest alehouse.

Through the window, Filbert catches a quick glimpse of the farmer's wife, outlined in the morning sunlight as she carries a smallish pig in her thick arms.
The beasts' squeals reach Filbert over the neighing of horses and the sudden burst of several voices from without the house.

[Adam]

Cormac's night is filled with dreams of the hunt. He runs with a pack, stalking prey and slaying them. He exults in his victory, dashing through mountainous woodland, sprinting over the rocks and rubble where Aeric had unleashed his wrath upon the fleeing goblins. The pack is leading him somewhere, he knows, and he burns with curiosity as to where and why. Finally, he receives his answer, as the pack leads him into a wooded glade, showing him a place in the forest where the trees have grown into a perfect ring. As Cormac watches, he sees the runes and symbols of his church carve their way into the bark of those trees. He sees domiciles and the outline of a church. He sees the future.

And then he awakes. Every muscle in his body screams in protest from the previous day's exertion, but despite this he feels more refreshed than perhaps any other morning of his life. He can feel the clarion purpose in his blood, and as he kneels to give his thanks to Aeric for this boon, he feels something else new, a calling in his mind that will allow him to channel one of the might servants of the woodland to his aid.

He stands, dressing hastily and seeing to his gear. He hustles through the fort, collecting his horse and Dietric's before finding the hired man, looking in satisfaction at the man's injuries. "Yer God does a fine job o' healin'," Cormac says to Foerde. "Ye have my thanks. Dietric an' I need to ride out for the mornin' to see to some business. Keep things under control here til I get back."

With that he mounts up and rides with Dietric into the woods, never erring in his path until finally, mid-morning, he reaches the ring of trees from his dream. He nods in satisfaction.

"Here, lad," Cormac says, gravely, "Here is where we'll build our church."

[VAN]

CROAKER NORGE

Filbert raises an eyebrow at the voices and goes to check what is going on?

[ewancummins]

CROAKER NORGE

Filbert raises an eyebrow at the voices and goes to check what is going on?

Stepping outside, Filbert sees a ragged line of a score or more soot-smeared soldiers, shaking with exhaustion as they reel into the yard and collapse on the grass. One of the men stretches out his blistered hands towards the Halfling and cries pitifully for water.

The farmer’s stout wife, also standing in the yard, sets down the squealing swine and turns to Filbert.
“I’ll fetch some water. Help the poor fellows if you may, I pray you!”
She rushes off towards the well around the shadowed west side of the farmhouse.

The fat little pig runs off to root in the sunny eastern gardens.

[ewancummins]

THE GROVE

Cormac's night is filled with dreams of the hunt. He runs with a pack, stalking prey and slaying them. He exults in his victory, dashing through mountainous woodland, sprinting over the rocks and rubble where Aeric had unleashed his wrath upon the fleeing goblins. The pack is leading him somewhere, he knows, and he burns with curiosity as to where and why. Finally, he receives his answer, as the pack leads him into a wooded glade, showing him a place in the forest where the trees have grown into a perfect ring. As Cormac watches, he sees the runes and symbols of his church carve their way into the bark of those trees. He sees domiciles and the outline of a church. He sees the future.

And then he awakes. Every muscle in his body screams in protest from the previous day's exertion, but despite this he feels more refreshed than perhaps any other morning of his life. He can feel the clarion purpose in his blood, and as he kneels to give his thanks to Aeric for this boon, he feels something else new, a calling in his mind that will allow him to channel one of the might servants of the woodland to his aid.

He stands, dressing hastily and seeing to his gear. He hustles through the fort, collecting his horse and Dietric's before finding the hired man, looking in satisfaction at the man's injuries. "Yer God does a fine job o' healin'," Cormac says to Foerde. "Ye have my thanks. Dietric an' I need to ride out for the mornin' to see to some business. Keep things under control here til I get back."

With that he mounts up and rides with Dietric into the woods, never erring in his path until finally, mid-morning, he reaches the ring of trees from his dream. He nods in satisfaction.

"Here, lad," Cormac says, gravely, "Here is where we'll build our church."

Dietric looks around the unusually even circle of trees, presses a boot heel into the level earth matted with grass but free of other undergrowth, and nods.

“Good place to build, Boss.”

Dietric’s hard, prematurely lined face relaxes and softens as he breathes in the clean, pine-scented air. He brushes his open right hands across the rough bark of the nearest tall pine.
”It’s peaceful here, and pretty too.”
For a few minutes, Dietric stands in silence.

Something of the brigand’s former flinty aspect returns as he looks back down the highland forest trail that the two men had taken to reach this secluded place, his eyes narrowed and jaw set in a shrewd, calculating look.
“Building a proper church this high up, and so far from towns, might be expensive. The thunder-monks must have had money…”

[Adam]

"Aye," Cormac nods, "Money that probably went riding back toward goblin lands in carts."

He strokes his beard thoughtfully. "I wonder how Foerde would feel abou' trackin' some o' them goblins down, seein' if we can save any more o' their folks an' also some o' that bounty. Maybe a half 'n half split for their church an' ours to compensate fer the risks we've taken. We can leave the young lads here an' get 'em started choppin' wood fer our construction."

[ewancummins]

"Aye," Cormac nods, "Money that probably went riding back toward goblin lands in carts."

He strokes his beard thoughtfully. "I wonder how Foerde would feel abou' trackin' some o' them goblins down, seein' if we can save any more o' their folks an' also some o' that bounty. Maybe a half 'n half split for their church an' ours to compensate fer the risks we've taken. We can leave the young lads here an' get 'em started choppin' wood fer our construction."

"Might be he'd go for that offer, Boss. Appeal to his yearning to be seen as a hero; I think that could work."
Dietric scratches the back of his neck.
"Shouldn't be hard to track such a big gang back to its lair. We might get good pickings if we play it right. And if that isn't enough..."
He shakes his head.
“Nevermind; I had a crazy notion, but we’d better stick to Goblins.”