IC Scene - Smoke on the Horizon...

Rayvs stood with Boadice at his side, and bowed, a low bow, from which he did not raise his head.
He waited until the other knight had finished speaking then said,
"Your grace. My Grandmaster has sent me here with two missions; one, to help you retake your city, and two, to discover what happened to our Knight-Captain. He was last seen in the city, and nothing has been heard about him since. I fear the worst has occurred, but I assure you that this will not distract us from our main mission. Our knights are at your command, my lady, but I simply ask we be allowed to send a few of them on a search. "

Only after he had finished speaking did he raise his head.

Thane Alatin finally stepped forward and spoke saying,

"My Lady Greysword, the people of Ravenstern share your concern about the disgrace that has befallen your city. We cannot allow for this rebellious attitude to continue and spread to other cities and towns. The Order of the Dragon have come to offer their services to you M'Lady."

He bowed slightly and stepped back.

Deciding to go next, Morek stepped forwards to give his Order its due, giving the Duchess a bow.

Well met my lady. My Order and I are here not to interfere with your affairs, but merely find a member of our Order that has recently arrived in your city and ensure he makes it back to our fortress. However, now that we are here and in gratitude of being allowed into your city, we would like to volunteer our services as healers of the Radiant Cross to those that may need it.

Bowing slightly again, the priest turned knight withdrew.

Just before entering castle, Rivatha caught up with one of her gloves. "You are the representative." she said to him, and dissapeared in the crowds of the city.

Castle.One of Ebony Gloves removed his hood and bowed to duchess and said "I am Knight Ebony Gauntlet, Sir Gaspar Cavelier, leader of group which was sent here. Our mission is to investigate the situation in the city, and decide whether more knights should be brought to help pacify the situation"

City. Meanwhile Rivatha, headed to the city, she quickly avoided crowds and dangerous places with unmatched skill, Rivatha was going to one of back alleys in commoner district.She was looking for an abandoned house.

Gilaver was put in next. He gave a bow to the Duchess and plainly stated his mission.

"Your Grace. Order of the Griffon is here to put a stop to the rebellion."

Klaus spotted the city as evening was falling, the fires from several camp sites outside the walls illuminating Windholm from a distance.

"Take ten minutes break" Klaus instructed "we arrive good, and not dead by half"

The troops with Klaus flopped thankfully to the ground, most not even bothering to take packs and weapons off. One man remained standing however, looking at the distant city.

"Not tired?" Klaus asked, approaching him. Sir John shook his head, and carefully shifted his balance to take the weight off his injured foot. The Mettenheimer noticed the action, but remained silent. When the ten minutes were up, Klaus patted Sir John on the shoulder, then went to rouse the others, who came complaining to their feet.

"In Mettenheim we have another form of march, we call it 'quick time'. In this you run three foot, then walk three foot. It is calmer than running, but allows you to cover much distance and not get tired, we try this now" he stated, setting off with three quick strides, then three slower more measured ones. His companions set off doggedly after him, struggling with the odd movements, but over time becoming more accustomed to them.

It was almost dark when they arrived at the Griffon camp, and Klaus dismissed his troops with a wave, leaving them with instructions to set up their tents and to rest their feet. He himself went off in search of the Radiant Cross camp, and on spotting their white and black tunics stepped into the light of their site.

"Hello?" he said by way of announcing his arrival.

Six newcomers entered the audience hall, from a door leading further into the castle. Of the first two, one was clearly a lady who looked strangely like the Duchess, and who kept her hand on her companion's arm as if being escorted. The other was a tall man in full plate armor, save for a helmet. He wore a fine cloak of red, with red fox fur near the collar. On his chest was the painted red Lion of that Order. Those who frequent tournaments would know him as Lord Wulfred, the man who always won the melee. The other five were also wearing Lion armor, but with their helmets on and the same red cloaks.

"An army of knights? Truly? No doubt newly knighted cubs, the lot of them. Send them on their way, You Grace. Or let them stay, it makes no difference to me. I will end the rebellion of my mother-in-law's subjects. And I shall not delay."

With an affectionate kiss on his presumed wife's cheek, he turned to march back the way he had come with his knights. There were many rumors about Lord Wulfred, but his skill with a blade was known to be fact.

Having relations to important nobles? Check. Extremely arrogant demeanour? Check. Immediately dismissing other orders? Check. A lion-themed metaphor? Double check. Gilaver concluded that the arrivees were from Order of the Lion, also known as Order of Pompous Pricks. They had that certain charm to them... Gilaver briefly turned to look as the arriving people, but decided not to talk. He was not interested in starting an argument with one of the reds after all.

Seph bows to the Duchess.

" If you have need of me more or my men Duchess I shall be found with Lord Wulfred bringing your people to heel. "

[b]Motioning for his Knights to follow Seph marches out after Lord Wulfred to catch up with him before he heads into the city.[b]

As Lord Wulfred had marched back into the castle, rather than out the door, the castle guards stopped Seph with weapons lowered and serious looks upon their faces.

"I don't know how you do things wherever your Order is from, but in Windholm no knight marches into the Duchess's home without permission." The seeming captain gave the Knight a glare.

Looks at the guards weapons pointedly.

" It is unwise to point a weapon at me Captain, I don't take kindly to threats, now if you would be so kind as to put that away before I do it for you please send a message to Lord Wulfred and ask him to meet me at the stables so that I might discuss our co-operating to deal with this little revolt. "

The skinlike flask with ale was emptied even before Aelos had his share, but the timing couldn't be better. The captain of the guard had shown himself to open the gate, so the knight-captain quickly mounted his courser and scanned the large group of knights in search of his commander, for he had been tasked to accompany Thane Alatin at meetings with the Duchess. Something to do with the Thane and manners.

"Karstan, you have command." he said with a sure voice as he gave the courser his spurs. An impressive force was there to greet them, but Aelos couldn't but wonder why they weren't solving the conflict and stopping the fires instead of standing there with their polished plate. But who was he to think something like that? He was one of the knights, although with less shiny armor, that didn't ride to the people's militia or the honest Rolandian Archbishop to stop the conflict, but to castle for courtly meetings and explanations.
His troubles were soon forgotten when saw the Duchess Greysword for the first time and he was truly impressed, for not even his own Grandmaster showed such pride in his more troubled hours. Truth be told, Grandmaster Daram wasn't called 'the fiery' for his ability to stay calm.

When Thane Alatin opened his mouth and spoke of the disgrace her city had fallen to, however, Aelos felt a fright creeping up his neck. Unwise words to say to a prideful Kara.

Then the lions entered with the most stunning creature he had ever seen, the younger version of the Duchess was not troubled by sleepless nights and Aelos stood there motionless, unable to move while he gazed at her.

"You're also in my hall and I do not recall dismissing you, young knight," said the Duchess curtly. "It is unwise to order my men around, particularly in my presence. Captain, escort this Clarion knight from my hall, if you would."

"Yes, m'lady." The captain of the guard stepped toward Captain Seph with a pair of his men, hand on his blade, though it remained sheathed.

" Thank you Duchess. "

Wait with my men at the stables for Sir Wulfred to come for his horse.

After Captain Seph had left, the Duchess turned her attention back to the assembled knights. "Now then, where was I before that...interruption?"

She made eye contact with Sir Lucius and her eyes brightened slightly. "Ah, yes. I have no quarrel with the Dawn. You may seek out Bishop Gundar; I hope he is well. As for your hunt for the Heretic, I will not stop you. However, I would ask that you do not plunge my city into further chaos as you do so."

Turning from the Dawnites, though not dismissing them, she regarded the other orders. "As for the rest of you, your offers of aid are generous. Considering the circumstances, it would be unwise for me to turn you down."

"However..." All heads turned to the source of the voice. An old man was walking out of a room adjacent to the entry hall. His form was stooped and he braced himself with a cane, but his eyes were clear and focused despite his age. He continued as he stopped next to the Duchess, "...there is a matter of these foreign knights in our city."

"This is Lord Chamberlain Harold," said Lady Greysword. Unlike some of the others, including Lord Wulfred, she seemed unfazed by the old man's intrusion. "He is very capable at managing the castle's, and sometimes even the city's, affairs. You may continue."

"As I listened to your requests," he resumed, "I could not help but notice that the Eventide and Radiant Cross knights mentioned that members of their orders were in this city. I must ask: whatever for? Windholm is far from Singal and Ethos. Surely your affairs have nothing to do with us in this small corner of Pendor. Which makes me wonder why they are here." Attentive onlookers might have noticed a slight smile on his face.
______

Meanwhile, out in the city, Rivatha Thunion managed to avoid notice from Lady Greysword's men as she slipped away from the group. The streets were already growing considerably darker in the evening light, boosted by the smoke above. As she passed through the artisan district on her path west, she noticed the streets were nearly empty. The conflict had cleared out what were surely busy streets normally.

"Hey! What are you doing there?!" A group of crudely armed men began running at her from down a side-street.
______

In the camps outside, watched closely by the archers on the walls, Sir Vinson was finally approached by his scout. "Sir Vinson! I managed to reach a rise near the walls. The church is close to the castle. However, it is clear that the rebels have control of the area. I could not tell from my vantage if they had accosted the church, though Astraea help them if they have...."

Motion for my men to mount up and make ready to ride.

Wait for Sir Wulfred and his men to come for their horses then ask Wulfred if I can talk with him.

Sir Vinson accepted the scout's report and nodded for him to rejoin his men. "We will prepare to secure the church then. Astraea will protect them. I do not believe the rebels would draw the ire of both the nobility and the Church."

He awaited Sir Lucius impatiently.

Morek stepped forwards again to take up the challenge of the Chamberlain, meeting the old mans eyes.

Lord Chamberlain, our Order has most of its members and resources in Amala across the sea to the South. The member which we seek was travelling back to Pendor via a ship, which was bound for Windholm. I doubt that it is odd for a city that is renowned for its sea trading and travel to have ships come into port with a few passengers every now and then.

We are hardly confined to Ethos as well sir, there are many types of herbs with medicinal purposes that grow in places besides the old Empire.

The Duchess's greeting was a pleasant surprise, but Sir Lucius was glad that he didn't have to smile in return beneath his helmet. "As you wish, my lady," he firmly stated when she finished speaking to the Dawnite.

The Knight of the Dawn remained there, realizing that he had not been dismissed yet, but when the old man appeared, Lucius was quite glad that he had not left the main hall. He couldn't help but grin as Lord Harold pointed out the unnecessary arrival of the various foreign Orders.

Lucius started to speak, but stopped when Knight Morek spoke. When the man finished, the Dawnite decided to interrupt. "Forgive me for this intrusion, my lord," he began, gazing over at the old man, "But it is well known that the Radiant Cross sees Pendor as nothing more than a resource for Amala. That's why they are here. To say anything less is a deception."

He paused to take a breath. "Even worse things could be said for the so-called Order of the Eventide, but you and the Duchess are well aware of such things."

Ignorance does not become the Knights of the goddess Astrea Dawnite. We are healers as much as warriors and go where we are needed. As such in Windholm, as a member of our Order needs us, as do injured that would accept our aid. Though I cannot speak for the Eventide. Morek nodded at Varys.


*Outside the city at the Radiant Cross camp*

Several Knights of the Radiant Cross were clustered around a small cook fire, waiting for what looked like a stew to finish cooking. A pair of Barclay Conquistadors in their distinctive armor had joined them as a group of plaguewardens sat at their own fire a dozen feet away. The Knights and Barlcayans looked up at Klaus's approach.

Aye Griffon, we see you. What do you want with us? Our leaders are in the city already if that is who you are looking for. If not, you're welcome to sit by the fire for a time.

Rayvs bowed his head to Harold.

"Lord Chamberlain sir, my Knight-Captain entered the city through rather unfortunate circumstances. He sent us a raven right before he entered the city, telling us of where he was and what harried him into Windholm. He was traveling here with something to speak of to the Duchess from our Grandmaster. I am a simply knight; I do not know what it was. Our Grandmaster, likes his secrets, as he reminded me when I asked him."

There was a slight hint of bitterness in Rayvs voice at that, but it quickly faded to a more respectful tone.

"However, he also said that he was being tailed by someone. He was certain he was being followed. He mentioned that he was unable to see who it was, but they were dogging him like no ordinary bandits. I have his letter here, if you wish to see it."

Rayvs took out a piece of worn parchment, and offered it forward.


"I do not know what happened to him after that, because as I have told you, we lost all contact with him once this calamity broke out. Our messenger ravens do not return, and I fear the worst."

After being interrupted by the Dawn knight, Rayvs eyes lit with anger.

"I recognize that voice, Dawnite. The one who burned down a tent full of civilians and canceled the Festival of the Burning fields? It's quite a surprise to see you here!"

Returning to his stately tone, he shook his head.

"No matter. Personal feuds have no business here, when aid is necessary to save lives and stop chaos."

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The letter read, "Hail Grandmaster. The mission is progressing fine. Windholm is in sight, and it is almost dusk. I'll ask to meet the Duchess tomorrow. I have to hide my armor and my horse's armor somewhere close though. Some bandits or maruaders are chasing me, and they're catching up. They're close enough, and still on a hard ride. It's strange. They've been chasing down a lone target, me, for a few days. I don't think they're just bandits. Anyways, all is going as planned. For troop orders, I think sending the third patrol south is a bad idea. There are too many marauders there, and we have to give them some more men before we can try to push our way through. The Band of the Sun has been giving us some problems, but eventually, we'll kill those bandit scum. I have to finish writing. They're getting closer, and I don't have much time to lose. I'll try to distract them with a fake campsite. Hopefully I'll get my armor back. Something is definitely strange about these 'bandits' though...I'll send another raven tomorrow after my meeting with the Duchess."

Alatin interrupted the bickering saying,

"M'lady time waits on no one, if we have yer blessing, we will be reporting to the front lines."

The large man's impatience was obvious, he was not one for cheap talk that did not concern him. Action could be taken right now to solve the problem, he was ready to act.

"As for these other orders, it is none of our concern. However I would exercise caution in placing contradictory orders together"

He looked accusingly at Rayvs, Lucius, and Morek

Lucius desperately want to respond to the Knight of the Radiant Cross with all of his usual fury, but he had enough tact to know that displaying such passion would only endanger the true mission of the Order of the Dawn. It took a great deal of effort but he managed to suppress the urge.

However, he could not let Sir Rayvs mislead others. "And how do we know that the Order of Eventide is not here to support the Heretic and his efforts to stir up the rebels, in the hopes that they may establish a foothold in the Fierdsvain? You are rivals of the Dawn, as any ally of ours, such as the Duchess, knows."

"But the Knight is correct—" he took a breath and looked at Alatin "—it is time for us to act."

Rayvs cocked his head, and raised one eyebrow, dumbfounded by the knight's accusations.

"How do we know we aren't supporting heretics?...because we're offering command of our troops to the Duchess...who would command our troops...who then couldn't support your imaginary 'heretic'..... All we're asking for is search party that could be overseen by city troops if her grace so wishes."

Rayvs huffed, then turned his attention away from the Dawnite.

"At least we can agree on one thing, and that is acting."