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<blockquote data-quote="Greenfield" data-source="post: 5934173" data-attributes="member: 6669384"><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">***</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Despite the less than warm welcome outside, servants appeared almost as soon as they arrived with warm cider in hand, ready to unburden the newcomers of their sodden outer wraps. They were escorted directly to the King's audience chamber.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">First and Stonehoof elected to attend, while the rest of the Centaurs were offered food and drink.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Your Majesty!", called Angus as they entered, raising his hand in salute. "We have brought the company you requested, and a troupe of possible new allies as well."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The king peered across the torch lit room, harsh judgment in his stare. He waved the companions forward, while a stewart brought warm blankets for the Centaurs.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"My son says that you are a capable group, trusted by Caesar himself.", he began, though his tone carried little of praise. Seeburn was present, but stood far behind his father, eyes downcast.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"I have a problem, an enemy, a snake whose troops coil along my northern border, but whose head is on the green isle. The solution, as with any snake, is to take its head off. I need you to kill the leader of the Red Masque."</span> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">***</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The old stone chamber echoed with the silence that followed the King's offer. Even Penn was at a loss for words.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The companions shuffled their feet uncomfortably for a long moment, then Penn stepped forward.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Begging your majesty's pardon, but I'd like to ask a few questions. What is the specific threat they pose?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The King growled as he hunched forward in his throne, eying the colorful Bard. "Their forces to the north have cut off our trade. They've raided our villages and farm steads, slaughtered our flocks and burned our crops. When I sent troops to deal with them, they were ready and waiting, and we rode into their trap. I lost half of that force."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">He rose and paced angrily as he continued. "I'm at war with the Bretons to the south, as well as the Picts. I'm stretched as thin as a drumhead, and I can't fight a third front. That old bastard wants my lands, and I want his head. Simple enough?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Penn considered carefully. "Before we give you any reply to your offer, let's consider all the alternatives." He eyed the King, a Half Elf of unusual size, broadly built and muscular. His ruddy face seemed an extension of his rust-red hair, and heavily lined with worry and a rage that boiled just below the surface.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Whatever plans we make, we shouldn't make them here.", Penn said. "If your enemies are the Red Masque, and if the enemy was ready and waiting for your troops, then it's a fair bet that they have spies within these walls. So before any decisions are made, let us consider the best response, and the best way to deliver it."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The King looked up in surprise, the habitual fury fading for a moment. "You and yours should talk, I agree. We'll speak more after supper." He half turned towards his son. "Seeburn, show our guests to their rooms."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Yes father.", the warriors replied, oddly subdued. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The party left as the King began to speak to the Centaurs.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">***</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Seeburn's footsteps rang softly off the stones as they climbed the cold, winding stair. No one had much to say.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Seeburn", said Penn, looking up at his friend. "I can't really see from here unless I hoist that kilt of yours, but you seem to be missing something. Did your father cut them off?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Surprisingly, Seeburn didn't rise to the bait. "My father isn't happy with me. I've been studying magic, and he doesn't approve."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Your sister bore the holly sign, the mark of the Druids. Is he angry with her?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"She has taken after our mother, and learned nature's way. I'm expected to be a man, to swing a sword."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Little more could be said, so they said nothing more on the subject.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Simple question, are we mercenaries? Assassins?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The question need hardly have been asked, but it was best that such matters be made clear. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"So, all we need to worry about now is how to tell him that, and live through it."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The torch lit hall was festooned with banners and battle flags where the evening meal was being laid out. Outside the walls the winter winds moaned, but in here was warm and bright, if not merry.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The stout oak tables were laid out in a huge "U" shape, that the various parties could face each other, while servants or performers could work in the clear area. At the head table, the King sat with his daughter on his right hand, his wife on his left, and Seeburn to his mother's left. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"So, you have considered the job before you.", said the King, more a statement than a question.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Yes, your majesty we have.", replied Penn. Looking to his friends, he asked, "May I speak for the group?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Seeing their nods of assent, he turned once more to the King. "Your majesty, we're more than happy to lend you our aid, but if someone has told you that we're hired assassins or mercenaries, they were mistaken."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The king looked scornfully at his son, who wilted before his glare. "Seeburn said you were capable folk, and that you'd faced down the Masque before."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Penn considered the best way to approach this. "Your Majesty, you look like a man who enjoys a good hunt. Am I right?" Seeing the King's agreement, he pressed on. "When you hunt, do you say, 'I'm hunting for grouse today', or "quail would make a fine supper'? Of course not. When you want meat for the pot, you hunt for whatever game presents itself. If you go looking for only one thing, you come home hungry more often than not. So it is with us. We will hunt for a solution to your problem. If that ends with the death of the Grandfather of Thieves, so be it. If it ends with us sharing a round with him and buying him dinner, that's just as well. We'll bring home whatever meat we can find, and whatever it is, we won't leave you hungry. We'll be happy to meet with you, in private, to discuss arrangements and particulars, but some things are best spoken of behind closed doors."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The King looked as if he wanted more, but thought better of it.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The conversations then turned to discussions of the spring campaign against the Breton, and of talks with the Picts.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Penn hefted the slightly battered pewter goblet that held his ale, examining it carefully, and began to quietly hum a tune.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Seriously, I've been practicing magic.", Seeburn insisted. "See?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">He moved his hand through a complex gesture, which produced a small puff of smoke and nothing more, save curses from him and stifled laughter from his friends.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Hush now, I'm listening.", Penn cautioned, as he activated his spell.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"What are you listening to?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"The clatter of crockery, for the most part.", the Bard joked. "I placed a spy charm on my drinking goblet. I suspected that there were spies in the hall, and servants are always excellent gossips, so I thought I'd see what they were saying."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">He was treated to ear wrenching sounds as pewter goblets and tankards were dropped into the boiling kettle, followed by the clatter of crockery being scraped clean and immersed as well. He'd made certain to leave half of his drink behind, knowing that servants often held such things aside to be consumed later.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Finally the din faded, and he was able to make out voices.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Are they gone? We're alone?", came a man's voice.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Aye, but let me be certain.", replied another, a deeper, richer voice. Words followed in an arcane tongue before the conversation continued."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"I have news.", said the first voice. "The newcomers have refused the King's orders. They won't hunt the Grandfather."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Well done, Copernicus. Did you dissuade them?", asked the second man.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Nay, it was their own doing. They spoke of hunts and sharing drinks with the Grandfather, but nothing specific."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Good. Then they get to live, at least for the moment.”</span> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">*******</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The King stood to greet Stonehoof, giving First a less warm welcome.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"My people tell me that you've brought a small army into my city.", he began, cutting directly to the point. "To what purpose?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Stonehoof looked at First, lost for a moment, but it was clear that the King was a warrior, and presumed that the warrior was the Centaur leader as well.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"We are no army.", he began, "And this is no invasion. We are freeborn people of the south, driven out by the predation of the Bretons. Seeing as they are no friends of yours either, we come seeking little more than a place to live, lands to farm and hunt, where our families can live in peace."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The King pondered this for a moment. "What you ask, I cannot give, for I have no lands to grant and no peace to share. You and yours are certainly welcome here, and if you give fealty to me I will offer you the protection of my lands. And any enemy of the Breton will find friends here."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Protection, but no place to live. A gracious offer, but one that leaves us with a problem. Is there no place for my people?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"I dinna say there was no place to live, simply that I can't give lands away.", the King explained. "I'm in a war over land now, and have promised or given outright land grants to my allies. I've no more to give right now. If we are successful, there will be lands to own and claim. In the mean time there are forests and hills, some mine directly, others belonging to the Lairds who owe me fealty. And since you come as friends, I'll ask no tax nor rents 'til second quarter day, which is half a year from now. We will find a place for you, never you fear. I'm told there are over a score of you in the castle now. How many more are in need of lodging?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"We are but two dozen here at the moment.", Stonehood explained. "The rest will join us in the spring, when the snows have begun to melt and the way is clearer."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"I'll have one of the barracks cleared and made ready, so you and yours will know warmth until you can make other arrangements. I'll have my factor go over the lay of the land with you, that you may find a place to build your own."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"You spoke of tax and rent.", put in First. "What will be due, and how is it to be paid?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The king smiled, knowing now that these people were no fools.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"The tax is three copper on the gold for any trade, and rents will depend on how much land you covet. Either may be paid in coin or in kind."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"In kind? Goods or service?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Craft or trade is all well enou'. But I'm at war.", the King said bluntly. "I'll force no man to fight or die for me, but those willing to take up arms in my cause will serve their own as well.", the King said. "Any rents due can be taken from the soldier's wage, and its honorable work. Ye'd be defending your own as well as mine."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">First and Stonehoof exchanged a look that was lost on the King, but significant none the less.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"We'll accept your offer of hospitality, if we may, and discuss the rest.", explained First. "But you need clear no barracks for us. We'll fit in where we can, for as you are being a generous host, so we should be considerate guests. We can pay our bills in town, if nothing else, for we didn't come as penniless paupers."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Stonehoof smirked, then retrieved a bulky sack from the entry hall.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Has a King at war any use for such as these?", he asked with a smile, emptying his burden onto a long table.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Iron and bronze rang aloud as the collection of blades and hammers taken from the hunters spilled across the oaken expanse.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"I think we have the basis for a discussion, we do all right.", responded the King with a broad grin.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greenfield, post: 5934173, member: 6669384"] [FONT=Arial]*** Despite the less than warm welcome outside, servants appeared almost as soon as they arrived with warm cider in hand, ready to unburden the newcomers of their sodden outer wraps. They were escorted directly to the King's audience chamber. First and Stonehoof elected to attend, while the rest of the Centaurs were offered food and drink.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Your Majesty!", called Angus as they entered, raising his hand in salute. "We have brought the company you requested, and a troupe of possible new allies as well."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The king peered across the torch lit room, harsh judgment in his stare. He waved the companions forward, while a stewart brought warm blankets for the Centaurs.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "My son says that you are a capable group, trusted by Caesar himself.", he began, though his tone carried little of praise. Seeburn was present, but stood far behind his father, eyes downcast.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "I have a problem, an enemy, a snake whose troops coil along my northern border, but whose head is on the green isle. The solution, as with any snake, is to take its head off. I need you to kill the leader of the Red Masque."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial]*** The old stone chamber echoed with the silence that followed the King's offer. Even Penn was at a loss for words. The companions shuffled their feet uncomfortably for a long moment, then Penn stepped forward.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Begging your majesty's pardon, but I'd like to ask a few questions. What is the specific threat they pose?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The King growled as he hunched forward in his throne, eying the colorful Bard. "Their forces to the north have cut off our trade. They've raided our villages and farm steads, slaughtered our flocks and burned our crops. When I sent troops to deal with them, they were ready and waiting, and we rode into their trap. I lost half of that force."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] He rose and paced angrily as he continued. "I'm at war with the Bretons to the south, as well as the Picts. I'm stretched as thin as a drumhead, and I can't fight a third front. That old bastard wants my lands, and I want his head. Simple enough?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Penn considered carefully. "Before we give you any reply to your offer, let's consider all the alternatives." He eyed the King, a Half Elf of unusual size, broadly built and muscular. His ruddy face seemed an extension of his rust-red hair, and heavily lined with worry and a rage that boiled just below the surface.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Whatever plans we make, we shouldn't make them here.", Penn said. "If your enemies are the Red Masque, and if the enemy was ready and waiting for your troops, then it's a fair bet that they have spies within these walls. So before any decisions are made, let us consider the best response, and the best way to deliver it."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The King looked up in surprise, the habitual fury fading for a moment. "You and yours should talk, I agree. We'll speak more after supper." He half turned towards his son. "Seeburn, show our guests to their rooms."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Yes father.", the warriors replied, oddly subdued. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The party left as the King began to speak to the Centaurs.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] *** Seeburn's footsteps rang softly off the stones as they climbed the cold, winding stair. No one had much to say. "Seeburn", said Penn, looking up at his friend. "I can't really see from here unless I hoist that kilt of yours, but you seem to be missing something. Did your father cut them off?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Surprisingly, Seeburn didn't rise to the bait. "My father isn't happy with me. I've been studying magic, and he doesn't approve."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Your sister bore the holly sign, the mark of the Druids. Is he angry with her?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "She has taken after our mother, and learned nature's way. I'm expected to be a man, to swing a sword."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Little more could be said, so they said nothing more on the subject.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] *** "Simple question, are we mercenaries? Assassins?" The question need hardly have been asked, but it was best that such matters be made clear. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "So, all we need to worry about now is how to tell him that, and live through it."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] *** The torch lit hall was festooned with banners and battle flags where the evening meal was being laid out. Outside the walls the winter winds moaned, but in here was warm and bright, if not merry. The stout oak tables were laid out in a huge "U" shape, that the various parties could face each other, while servants or performers could work in the clear area. At the head table, the King sat with his daughter on his right hand, his wife on his left, and Seeburn to his mother's left. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "So, you have considered the job before you.", said the King, more a statement than a question.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Yes, your majesty we have.", replied Penn. Looking to his friends, he asked, "May I speak for the group?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Seeing their nods of assent, he turned once more to the King. "Your majesty, we're more than happy to lend you our aid, but if someone has told you that we're hired assassins or mercenaries, they were mistaken."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The king looked scornfully at his son, who wilted before his glare. "Seeburn said you were capable folk, and that you'd faced down the Masque before."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Penn considered the best way to approach this. "Your Majesty, you look like a man who enjoys a good hunt. Am I right?" Seeing the King's agreement, he pressed on. "When you hunt, do you say, 'I'm hunting for grouse today', or "quail would make a fine supper'? Of course not. When you want meat for the pot, you hunt for whatever game presents itself. If you go looking for only one thing, you come home hungry more often than not. So it is with us. We will hunt for a solution to your problem. If that ends with the death of the Grandfather of Thieves, so be it. If it ends with us sharing a round with him and buying him dinner, that's just as well. We'll bring home whatever meat we can find, and whatever it is, we won't leave you hungry. We'll be happy to meet with you, in private, to discuss arrangements and particulars, but some things are best spoken of behind closed doors."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The King looked as if he wanted more, but thought better of it.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The conversations then turned to discussions of the spring campaign against the Breton, and of talks with the Picts.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Penn hefted the slightly battered pewter goblet that held his ale, examining it carefully, and began to quietly hum a tune.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] *** "Seriously, I've been practicing magic.", Seeburn insisted. "See?" He moved his hand through a complex gesture, which produced a small puff of smoke and nothing more, save curses from him and stifled laughter from his friends.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Hush now, I'm listening.", Penn cautioned, as he activated his spell.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "What are you listening to?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "The clatter of crockery, for the most part.", the Bard joked. "I placed a spy charm on my drinking goblet. I suspected that there were spies in the hall, and servants are always excellent gossips, so I thought I'd see what they were saying."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] He was treated to ear wrenching sounds as pewter goblets and tankards were dropped into the boiling kettle, followed by the clatter of crockery being scraped clean and immersed as well. He'd made certain to leave half of his drink behind, knowing that servants often held such things aside to be consumed later.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Finally the din faded, and he was able to make out voices.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Are they gone? We're alone?", came a man's voice.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Aye, but let me be certain.", replied another, a deeper, richer voice. Words followed in an arcane tongue before the conversation continued."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "I have news.", said the first voice. "The newcomers have refused the King's orders. They won't hunt the Grandfather."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Well done, Copernicus. Did you dissuade them?", asked the second man.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Nay, it was their own doing. They spoke of hunts and sharing drinks with the Grandfather, but nothing specific."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Good. Then they get to live, at least for the moment.”[/FONT] [FONT=Arial]******* The King stood to greet Stonehoof, giving First a less warm welcome. "My people tell me that you've brought a small army into my city.", he began, cutting directly to the point. "To what purpose?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Stonehoof looked at First, lost for a moment, but it was clear that the King was a warrior, and presumed that the warrior was the Centaur leader as well.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "We are no army.", he began, "And this is no invasion. We are freeborn people of the south, driven out by the predation of the Bretons. Seeing as they are no friends of yours either, we come seeking little more than a place to live, lands to farm and hunt, where our families can live in peace."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The King pondered this for a moment. "What you ask, I cannot give, for I have no lands to grant and no peace to share. You and yours are certainly welcome here, and if you give fealty to me I will offer you the protection of my lands. And any enemy of the Breton will find friends here."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Protection, but no place to live. A gracious offer, but one that leaves us with a problem. Is there no place for my people?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "I dinna say there was no place to live, simply that I can't give lands away.", the King explained. "I'm in a war over land now, and have promised or given outright land grants to my allies. I've no more to give right now. If we are successful, there will be lands to own and claim. In the mean time there are forests and hills, some mine directly, others belonging to the Lairds who owe me fealty. And since you come as friends, I'll ask no tax nor rents 'til second quarter day, which is half a year from now. We will find a place for you, never you fear. I'm told there are over a score of you in the castle now. How many more are in need of lodging?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "We are but two dozen here at the moment.", Stonehood explained. "The rest will join us in the spring, when the snows have begun to melt and the way is clearer."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "I'll have one of the barracks cleared and made ready, so you and yours will know warmth until you can make other arrangements. I'll have my factor go over the lay of the land with you, that you may find a place to build your own."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "You spoke of tax and rent.", put in First. "What will be due, and how is it to be paid?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The king smiled, knowing now that these people were no fools.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "The tax is three copper on the gold for any trade, and rents will depend on how much land you covet. Either may be paid in coin or in kind."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "In kind? Goods or service?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Craft or trade is all well enou'. But I'm at war.", the King said bluntly. "I'll force no man to fight or die for me, but those willing to take up arms in my cause will serve their own as well.", the King said. "Any rents due can be taken from the soldier's wage, and its honorable work. Ye'd be defending your own as well as mine."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] First and Stonehoof exchanged a look that was lost on the King, but significant none the less.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "We'll accept your offer of hospitality, if we may, and discuss the rest.", explained First. "But you need clear no barracks for us. We'll fit in where we can, for as you are being a generous host, so we should be considerate guests. We can pay our bills in town, if nothing else, for we didn't come as penniless paupers."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Stonehoof smirked, then retrieved a bulky sack from the entry hall.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Has a King at war any use for such as these?", he asked with a smile, emptying his burden onto a long table.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Iron and bronze rang aloud as the collection of blades and hammers taken from the hunters spilled across the oaken expanse.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "I think we have the basis for a discussion, we do all right.", responded the King with a broad grin.[/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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Curse of Darkness VII - Britania
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