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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ingolf" data-source="post: 86702" data-attributes="member: 1783">More to come soon, just a quick in-betweener to fill the gap:The group considered, briefly, the dead form of the druidess before a new host of problems asserted themselves.“What,” Ingolf began, “should we tell the assembled bannermen of the late king?”“I’d prefer that we not tell them the exacting particulars of what just transpired” Theodorus replied. “Feel free to diminish my role in the slaying of the king, I am no glory-seeker.”Bodolf seemed confused by this. “But it was a mighty spell of yours that felled the mad king! How could you not claim such a deed?” “He fears retribution, I am sure” said Nicasia. “The Dumbrani may not take kindly to a human interloper having a hand in these events, should they learn his true identity. We are not unknown to these folk.”“Perhaps,” Ingolf offered, “the truth might best be bent a little here? Supposing Emrys had a last minute change of heart, and died trying to save his son’s life? Certainly Moireach will not be able to tell the tale any differently.” He gestured towards the dead druidess.Bodolf pondered this for a moment. “It would not do to gloss over Emrys’ evil acts. No, I think his legacy must be one of folly, and I will not let his name be remembered as that of a true King and noble heart.” Ingolf rolled his eyes at the fianna’s sense of propriety. “It hardly seems important to me how he is remembered” Ingolf said. “I am more concerned that his Kingdom not fall apart in the wake of his death. How is Brice doing?”Martaine was, at that moment, tending to the unconscious prince. “He will be fine, I think. My guess is that he was drugged, but in due course he should come around.”Bodolf turned to the assembled group. “I have decided what is to be done” he began. “Emrys vanity and evil acts must not go unpunished by history. There will be no embellishment of his demise in song or story.” He glared briefly at Ingolf. “But I do see your point as well, wizard. You fought bravely and should be proud, yet there is some danger. Hence, I have decided to make you all honorary members of my warband.”Aoelif was apparently too shocked by this to do much more than gawk at her captain. “As temporary members of the fianna, you are beyond the reach of any revenge these folk might claim.” Bodolf went on. “I have found you brave and true defenders of faerie in these events, even if your motives for doing so were not my own. I take you all into my band and under my protection until such time as you have returned to your homes, whereafter you are free to do as you please.”Ingolf, on seeing the look on Aoelif’s face, was forced to stifle a laugh. He considered that perhaps Bodolf might not appreciate the humor of the situation. He turned towards the elf swordswoman.“I think my brother would approve, me joining the fianna and all. Don’t you?” Aoelif shot him a glance that left no room for doubt about what she thought. “Oh, come on now Aoelif, it isn’t so terrible. Look at it this way – you outrank all of us if nothing else.”Epilog:Wraith-like fingers of smoke curled lazily from a smoldering brazier, brightly lit by stabbing beams of sunlight peaking through the shutters at a room high atop the College of Wizardry in Tavia. Two men sat facing each other across a table oddly vacant of the usual clutter and detritus of a Wizard’s study. Instead the both gazed at a small sphere of pristine crystal, no bigger than a man’s fist, or heart. The younger of the two men spoke first.“She will challenge the young prince on the spot, I think. She has the fiery temperment for it.”“What of this fianna? Will he allow it?”“I think he must. From what my nephew has told me, they are sworn not to interfere in such matters unless it represents a threat to faerie itself. The prince seems weak to me. I doubt he will prevail against such as she.”The older man considered this. “So none of the others may involve themselves either? Your nephew might turn the tables on her with a single spell.”The younger man smiled at his companion. “Let us see what happens.”The two bent closer to the crystal sphere and watched as a distant conflict unfolded. Flashes of light lit their faces from time to time, speaking of deeds of magic being done as they watched. Suddenly both men winced at the same time. “She will surely finish him now. I cannot believe we went to such pains, only to have it all wasted like this.”The younger man seemed not to hear. His lips were moving as he chanted something quietly to himself. Suddenly his face was lit one final time by a harsh, actinic glare. Then the sphere went dark.“You interfered, my friend. You distracted her just as the blow was about to fall, did you not?” There was a tone of respect in the older man’s voice.“He would never have finished that spell in time otherwise. Quite a rousing finale to the whole affair, don’t you think? Prince Brice blasting his would-be usurper to flinders just when all seemed lost?”“And none the wiser.”“And none the wiser. Save perhaps my nephew. He may have noticed the scry.”“Theodorus shows much promise, your excellency. Much potential.” The old man leaned back in his chair, a huge metal construct not much smaller than a throne. “But not much else, yet. He lacks subtlety.”John Dukas Aprenos laughed aloud at this. “Lectures on subtlety from a man who travels about in a chair borne by a fifteen foot metallic monstrosity tend to be lost in the excitement, Master.” The old man smiled back at his young friend.“Indeed. Perhaps you should speak with him.”“I already have. I hope when next I am in Tavia, it will be to congratulate him on his most recent promotion.”“We will see. I take my leave of you for the moment – make free with the amenities as you like. There is a fine Thracian sherry in the cabinet if you fancy a celebratory nip. I must speak with the other faction involved in this affair and give them the happy news.”</blockquote>

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