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Crowns of Ice - A Tale of Blood and Betrayal - III
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<blockquote data-quote="Neurotic" data-source="post: 7045584" data-attributes="member: 24380"><p><span style="color: #800080">"My Jarl! Lord Einar!"</span> port guard barges into the Einars longhouse and stops in place as heavy cane comes up in front of his face, dangerously quickly.</p><p></p><p>Blond man holding it smiles thinly. <span style="color: #008080">"You do <u>not</u> run to the Jarl, Ongar, even if I know you. He is in his room, what is it?"</span> Looking at the hard breathing man, Arvid realised that this must be serious if the news couldn't wait enough for the guard to walk uphill.</p><p><span style="color: #008080">"Speak, man!"</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #800080">"It is...it is the bride!"</span></p><p><em><span style="color: #008080">"She's already here!? Impossible!"</span></em> thinks Arvid as the soldier continues <span style="color: #800080">"She's been kidnapped, longship from MacTiers just arrived with her dress. The demand is 2 chests of silver and 1 of gold for her release!"</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">"Calm down, Ongar! Who brought the message? Where is he? Who took her? Do you know anything else?"</span> As the guard shakes his head, Arvid lowers his cane and hobbles toward Einars room. <span style="color: #008080">"I'll tell the lord! You make sure messenger from Jarl MacTier comes here as soon as possible."</span> On the way back he orders house keepers <span style="color: #008080">"Insilvis, Yarmouth, prepare a raven, we will send a response immediately."</span></p><p></p><p>He knocks at the door of Jarl-to-be. </p><p><span style="color: #008080">"Lord Einar, grave news. Lady Astrid has been taken! Already, the pirates are asking for ransom of three treasure chests. The messenger from Jarl Alec is on the way."</span></p><p>Two men in the room raise their heads at the intrusion. Imposing and groomed, good looking Jarling and his new adviser, shrewd dark haired man who moves with deceptive slowness. Einar stands up to his full height towering of his tutor while dark man narrows his eyes.</p><p><span style="color: #DAA520">"How do you know about it than, half-man?"</span></p><p></p><p>Arvid ignores the barb with the ease of absolute self-confidence and waits for Einar to speak.</p><p>Einars face is dark <span style="color: #DDA0DD">"Astrid taken! It seems I should have sent you to defend her after all. I want to speak with the messenger!"</span> he hurries by Arvid, closely followed by the dark man. <span style="color: #DDA0DD">"After all this time and she gets taken! Gods must..." </span> Arvid hears murmuring as he moves aside losing the end in the distance, hobbling after the retreating lord.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #DAA520">"Einar! Stop and think!"</span> the hiss of the dark man is loud enough that Arvid just catches it. The tone is forceful as if talking to an equal, not as an adviser to his lord. At least as Arvid sees things. And that only reinforces his own feeling of deadly confrontation that will occur the moment old Jarl breathes his last. But for the moment, his sister needs him to return and for that, he needs resources. And that means finding his way out of this mess.</p><p></p><p>Abandoning the two to their discussion, Arvid takes his report to the real Jarl, Volund. He gives the report, but except for general riling against pirates, ages past and regret he cannot help MacTier himself, there is nothing Jarl Volund can do. Arvid listens until he can respectfully retreat and prepares the longhall for guests. Food, mead, and ravens await the arrival of MacTiers delegation. </p><p></p><p>Einar nods at the preparation, his teacher, adviser and co-conspirator in youngling escapades is capable diplomat even if he cannot fight anymore. From the discussion that follows Arvid gathers what exactly happened. A surprising fact that everyone was alive and even women weren't taken suggest something more than pirates. Once the facts were clear, Einar sent the messenger away and cleared the room.</p><p><span style="color: #DDA0DD">"I am going after her! And woes to the pirates who took her!"</span> roars Einar, his warrior spirit overriding the caution he lived in last several years.</p><p><span style="color: #008080"><em>"Strong reaction"</em></span> thinks Arvid <em><span style="color: #008080">"Is it possible that he really loves her? It couldn't be just for show!"</span></em> he remains near the door, immovable, silent, hoping to hear more.</p><p><span style="color: #DAA520">"You cannot go, Einar. You would give even better target for the pirates. You cannot trust them. Pay and be done with it. Send someone you can trust, but expendable. One of your older guards perhaps."</span> speaks the dark haired man.</p><p></p><p><em><span style="color: #008080">"This is my chance! If things turn sour I can even take the gold and finally return to my land!"</span></em> Arvid steps back into the room</p><p><span style="color: #008080">"I will go, Einar. You shouldn't expose yourself to such danger. Raids are one thing, pirates especially brazen like these, these are dogs, unworthy of your attention. Show them your scorn by sending me, warrior wounded in a hunt not in real combat. And show Lady Astrid respect by the same measure, I'm still Jarl Volunds adviser. And your friend. I will see her returned. If possible, I'll identify some of the pirates and we can hunt them down later."</span></p><p></p><p>Einar looks at both his old and new adviser somewhat calmed down. If these two agree on something it must be correct. He finally takes time to think this through.</p><p><em><span style="color: #DDA0DD">"I should keep both to check one against the other. Except Arvid would never go against old mores. No use, we have to forward or Gataberg will spread eventually. Or Demiurgist will. Peace! Bah! Weakling drivel!"</span></em></p><p></p><p>He looks up first at one then another.</p><p><span style="color: #DDA0DD">"You're going Arvid. Meet with Alec on the way. I will pay the gold. If there was more time, I would pay all, apologize to my future father. Describe it as you see fit, you're good at that."</span></p><p><span style="color: #DAA520">"But..."</span> dark man tries to interrupt</p><p><span style="color: #DDA0DD">"I decided, Gunne. He goes. Thank you, Arvid. Get her back."</span> Einar voice becomes steel</p><p><span style="color: #DDA0DD">"Find who they are! And kill them! Kill them all!"</span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Later that evening, a shadow moves over the rooftops and through conveniently placed roof window into nondescript house among the karls houses.</p><p><span style="color: #008080">"Ulm. Ulm! Wake up!"</span></p><p><span style="color: #800080">"I'm awake, youngling. With the noise you make, I was awake while you were three houses down."</span> comes amused voice from behind him.</p><p></p><p>This time Arvid doesn't play their usual game. He quickly removes the mask from his face. <span style="color: #008080">"Finally, I have a chance! Either I succeed and get back into Einars good graces. Or I fail, but get the gold. At worst, I'll take the ship and get back to Gataberg! I'm sick and tired waiting for something to happen while my sister languishes in the middle of Loki knows how many intrigues. The time is now!"</span></p><p></p><p>Ulm holds up his hands.</p><p><span style="color: #800080">"Easy, boy. What is happening?"</span></p><p></p><p>Several minutes of explanations later:</p><p>Ulm looks the young warrior over and decides that he really cannot wait anymore. Something needs to happen and quickly.</p><p><span style="color: #800080">"I'm too old to go, if you succeed, call me and I'll come. But I cannot go traipsing on the ships now. I will prepare everything for your return. Be careful, you cannot change on the ship or even at the island, you would be made immediately."</span></p><p></p><p>After some more planning, Garmmörk takes his leave and Arvid returns to Einars halls to await the fateful meeting.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Neurotic, post: 7045584, member: 24380"] [COLOR="#800080"]"My Jarl! Lord Einar!"[/COLOR] port guard barges into the Einars longhouse and stops in place as heavy cane comes up in front of his face, dangerously quickly. Blond man holding it smiles thinly. [COLOR="#008080"]"You do [U]not[/U] run to the Jarl, Ongar, even if I know you. He is in his room, what is it?"[/COLOR] Looking at the hard breathing man, Arvid realised that this must be serious if the news couldn't wait enough for the guard to walk uphill. [COLOR="#008080"]"Speak, man!"[/COLOR] [COLOR="#800080"]"It is...it is the bride!"[/COLOR] [I][COLOR="#008080"]"She's already here!? Impossible!"[/COLOR][/I] thinks Arvid as the soldier continues [COLOR="#800080"]"She's been kidnapped, longship from MacTiers just arrived with her dress. The demand is 2 chests of silver and 1 of gold for her release!"[/COLOR] [COLOR="#008080"]"Calm down, Ongar! Who brought the message? Where is he? Who took her? Do you know anything else?"[/COLOR] As the guard shakes his head, Arvid lowers his cane and hobbles toward Einars room. [COLOR="#008080"]"I'll tell the lord! You make sure messenger from Jarl MacTier comes here as soon as possible."[/COLOR] On the way back he orders house keepers [COLOR="#008080"]"Insilvis, Yarmouth, prepare a raven, we will send a response immediately."[/COLOR] He knocks at the door of Jarl-to-be. [COLOR="#008080"]"Lord Einar, grave news. Lady Astrid has been taken! Already, the pirates are asking for ransom of three treasure chests. The messenger from Jarl Alec is on the way."[/COLOR] Two men in the room raise their heads at the intrusion. Imposing and groomed, good looking Jarling and his new adviser, shrewd dark haired man who moves with deceptive slowness. Einar stands up to his full height towering of his tutor while dark man narrows his eyes. [COLOR="#DAA520"]"How do you know about it than, half-man?"[/COLOR] Arvid ignores the barb with the ease of absolute self-confidence and waits for Einar to speak. Einars face is dark [COLOR="#DDA0DD"]"Astrid taken! It seems I should have sent you to defend her after all. I want to speak with the messenger!"[/COLOR] he hurries by Arvid, closely followed by the dark man. [COLOR="#DDA0DD"]"After all this time and she gets taken! Gods must..." [/COLOR] Arvid hears murmuring as he moves aside losing the end in the distance, hobbling after the retreating lord. [COLOR="#DAA520"]"Einar! Stop and think!"[/COLOR] the hiss of the dark man is loud enough that Arvid just catches it. The tone is forceful as if talking to an equal, not as an adviser to his lord. At least as Arvid sees things. And that only reinforces his own feeling of deadly confrontation that will occur the moment old Jarl breathes his last. But for the moment, his sister needs him to return and for that, he needs resources. And that means finding his way out of this mess. Abandoning the two to their discussion, Arvid takes his report to the real Jarl, Volund. He gives the report, but except for general riling against pirates, ages past and regret he cannot help MacTier himself, there is nothing Jarl Volund can do. Arvid listens until he can respectfully retreat and prepares the longhall for guests. Food, mead, and ravens await the arrival of MacTiers delegation. Einar nods at the preparation, his teacher, adviser and co-conspirator in youngling escapades is capable diplomat even if he cannot fight anymore. From the discussion that follows Arvid gathers what exactly happened. A surprising fact that everyone was alive and even women weren't taken suggest something more than pirates. Once the facts were clear, Einar sent the messenger away and cleared the room. [COLOR="#DDA0DD"]"I am going after her! And woes to the pirates who took her!"[/COLOR] roars Einar, his warrior spirit overriding the caution he lived in last several years. [COLOR="#008080"][I]"Strong reaction"[/I][/COLOR] thinks Arvid [I][COLOR="#008080"]"Is it possible that he really loves her? It couldn't be just for show!"[/COLOR][/I] he remains near the door, immovable, silent, hoping to hear more. [COLOR="#DAA520"]"You cannot go, Einar. You would give even better target for the pirates. You cannot trust them. Pay and be done with it. Send someone you can trust, but expendable. One of your older guards perhaps."[/COLOR] speaks the dark haired man. [I][COLOR="#008080"]"This is my chance! If things turn sour I can even take the gold and finally return to my land!"[/COLOR][/I] Arvid steps back into the room [COLOR="#008080"]"I will go, Einar. You shouldn't expose yourself to such danger. Raids are one thing, pirates especially brazen like these, these are dogs, unworthy of your attention. Show them your scorn by sending me, warrior wounded in a hunt not in real combat. And show Lady Astrid respect by the same measure, I'm still Jarl Volunds adviser. And your friend. I will see her returned. If possible, I'll identify some of the pirates and we can hunt them down later."[/COLOR] Einar looks at both his old and new adviser somewhat calmed down. If these two agree on something it must be correct. He finally takes time to think this through. [I][COLOR="#DDA0DD"]"I should keep both to check one against the other. Except Arvid would never go against old mores. No use, we have to forward or Gataberg will spread eventually. Or Demiurgist will. Peace! Bah! Weakling drivel!"[/COLOR][/I] He looks up first at one then another. [COLOR="#DDA0DD"]"You're going Arvid. Meet with Alec on the way. I will pay the gold. If there was more time, I would pay all, apologize to my future father. Describe it as you see fit, you're good at that."[/COLOR] [COLOR="#DAA520"]"But..."[/COLOR] dark man tries to interrupt [COLOR="#DDA0DD"]"I decided, Gunne. He goes. Thank you, Arvid. Get her back."[/COLOR] Einar voice becomes steel [COLOR="#DDA0DD"]"Find who they are! And kill them! Kill them all!"[/COLOR] Later that evening, a shadow moves over the rooftops and through conveniently placed roof window into nondescript house among the karls houses. [COLOR="#008080"]"Ulm. Ulm! Wake up!"[/COLOR] [COLOR="#800080"]"I'm awake, youngling. With the noise you make, I was awake while you were three houses down."[/COLOR] comes amused voice from behind him. This time Arvid doesn't play their usual game. He quickly removes the mask from his face. [COLOR="#008080"]"Finally, I have a chance! Either I succeed and get back into Einars good graces. Or I fail, but get the gold. At worst, I'll take the ship and get back to Gataberg! I'm sick and tired waiting for something to happen while my sister languishes in the middle of Loki knows how many intrigues. The time is now!"[/COLOR] Ulm holds up his hands. [COLOR="#800080"]"Easy, boy. What is happening?"[/color] Several minutes of explanations later: Ulm looks the young warrior over and decides that he really cannot wait anymore. Something needs to happen and quickly. [COLOR="#800080"]"I'm too old to go, if you succeed, call me and I'll come. But I cannot go traipsing on the ships now. I will prepare everything for your return. Be careful, you cannot change on the ship or even at the island, you would be made immediately."[/COLOR] After some more planning, Garmmörk takes his leave and Arvid returns to Einars halls to await the fateful meeting. [/QUOTE]
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