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Sir Gerard d'Montfort - In his own words (a tale of Anka Seth)- Updated Nov 11th
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<blockquote data-quote="Haraash Saan" data-source="post: 4556119" data-attributes="member: 46615"><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">It was mid-morning three days later as we approached the sprawling city of Halfast when Zhontell noticed smoke coming from a large copse of trees a few miles off the road. Whilst no one else thought it important he was curious enough to decide to investigate and told us that he would meet us that evening at the Inn at the End of the Road. </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The dwarfs too finally took their leave of us. They wished not to be noticed, as dwarfs always do in the cities of men, and chose to skirt the city before continuing on their own journey. </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">It was good to be back in civilisation, even if it was the pit of Halfast and not the cultured halls of Thessingcourt. Excitement radiated throughout the populace. Every person within the city was keen to see the Games. Who would win? Who would be killed? What amazing magics would be seen? All these questions and a thousand more were on everybody’s lips. The Inn at the End of the Road was no different.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">A typical assortment of patrons occupied the common room, but there were several that I noted. A large man sat perspiring in one corner counting a pile of coins. A mug of beer rested untouched in front of him. He snorted so violently that the fat that kept him warm in the winter jiggled uncontrollably. A thin and scrawny old merchant sat at a table in the middle of the room. Upon the table lay a ledger, a pot of ink and a fine quill. A small locked chest sat beside the ledger, and every now and again a patron would approach the table, have a quick word and then pass him some coin. At the end of the transaction he fished an iron key from within his robes, unlocked the chest and deposit the coin within and then once again locked the chest. As the merchant took another wager the process was repeated. However he was at no risk of it being removed for it was under the watchful eye of giant of a man who stood behind him. No less than six and a half feet tall and all of three hundred pounds. The man was a mountain! His small beady eyes stayed focused on a point not quite at the bar but not quite on anything in between either. A large bludgeon hung loosely from his rope belt. It somehow seemed an appropriate weapon for the shaven headed giant.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">There was a wizened priest of Todesmagie sitting thoughtfully near the door but more importantly a very attractive wisp of a girl sitting with a heavy set woman who was armed to the teeth. The girl was certainly one to draw attention to herself, not only pretty but an albino as well. Her white hair fell across her face and covered one eye only adding to her mystique. </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Morgan was quick to make her acquaintance. Mortec spotted his brethren and, after a grabbing a mug of ale, made his was to the priest. The others ordered likewise and sat themselves at a vacant table. For my part I simply asked for the best room and for a hot bath.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">It was a few hours before I rejoined my merry comrades. Many empty tankards sat on their table. I went to the bar to order my companions another round when I saw a bottle of Montfort’s finest, Astrid’s Marvelous Mead on a shelf behind the bar. No wine for me, no indeed! </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">A delightful creature served me. Mousey hair framed an angelic face. All my thoughts of the wispy girl vanished when the angel smiled. I introduced myself and asked for her name. </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">“Melinda my lord.” She replied bashfully, her big blue eyes fluttered as they looked away from me.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">To say it was a wonderful night would be understating it. Not only was I back in the civilised world but I had managed to savour the delicious mead of my home and also shared my bed with a beautiful and energetic girl. </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The next day I discovered the Zhontell had returned after I had turned in for the evening. He had found a clearing with no less than seven corpses. They had once represented a team that had previously competed in the Games and was expected to do well this year. One, a sentry, had had his throat slit, the others had been poisoned. </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Zhontell also found their assassin hiding in the brush. At least he died knowing his killer. The murderer wore a small badge that a lucid Moxadder confirmed to be the emblem of the Silent Way, the local guild of thieves and cutthroats.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Days earlier when Zhontell had spotted the watcher on the road just before we arrived at Thornswood we had disregarded any threat to us, but his latest news had us all on edge. Obviously someone would go to any lengths to have their potential opponents eliminated before the Games.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">So impressed with his tale my drunken friends offered him a place on the Hydra. At least they added the provision that he must pay his own way as there was no way we could raise the five thousand sickle entry fee for him. And so it was that we found an eighth head for the Hydra. I hoped that we would not regret it. We were yet to see him fight, only hear his own tale of his victory over the assassin.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Morgan’s evening had not been fruitless either. He had befriended the albino, who went by the curious name Ship’s Cat, and her companion, a woodswoman by the name of Delpheen, self proclaimed ‘Ranger of the Dawn’ and another competitor at the Games. Morgan’s initial plan had taken an interesting turn when he had left with Delpheen and not Ship’s Cat as he had originally intended.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">My first task was to find my brother Absquith. A simple task it proved to be. I quickly discovered that he was staying at rooms nearby to the Inn at the End of the Road of which he was a regular patron.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">I quickly located his lodging and pounded upon its solid oak door. “Absquith!” I bellowed, “It is Gerard come back from Yorath. Open up!” </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">In only a moment the door swung open quickly to reveal a beaming Absquith.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">“Ha ha! You’re back at last! I was beginning to think that you had become lost!” he said jovially as he pulled me into a strong embrace.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Lost? Unlikely dear brother. You know that I would never miss the games!” I responded. “How good it is to see you! How have you fared and what news of the family?"</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">“The family is hale, though your twin makes herself more and more absent from Mowbray. Isabella has secreted herself away near her dismal trading post, and spends much time with some odd woman from Montfort who sails up the river to visit her. In the last month I passed though Montfort to check on the mead brews, they look to be good for the next few years, and to check on her. She misses you as dearly. You would do well to write to her.” He said.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">“Yes indeed. I must write her. I have not had a chance to write since succeeding in the Baron’s tasks. And so much has happened since then!” I said.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Absquith keenly listened to the tales of myself and my companions. He was most impressed with my adventures with the pirate lord Rumscully Jack and our unexpected exploration of the Gerechian Temple.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">“I can hardly believe my own little brother capturing Rumscully Jack! Or even more surprisingly venturing into the dark and dirty depths on an ancient temple! Ha ha, magnificent!” he laughed as he slapped his knee, “Father would be most impressed I am sure! You must look forward to being knighted? I'd say a couple of victories at the Games may well be enough to satisfy Mendus!”</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Baron Mendus was the lord of our family lands and the man whom I would serve when I was knighted.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">“But of course dear brother. A couple of victories should be no hard task!” I bragged, “I am certainly a changed man since I left Halfast. I have learnt so much and cannot wait to test myself in the arena!”</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">We spoke until the shadows of the sunset descended upon the city. Absquith told me that when he was not training he had been courting the Countess Bontein. It would be a fine match for Absquith. He was after all a knight and she a Countess of the Fastness! Whilst he did not feel confident he hoped to impress her with his performance in the Games. </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">He told me of various rumours and court whispers that he had heard and also of the growing ill health of the King and how the kingdom prepared for his passing.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">It was sad news. Thurlland II was a good King that had done much for the unity of Guerney and the prosperity of its people. </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">“So Absquith what chance are you in the Games? Will you win a bout?” I asked with smirk trying to goad him.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">“Win? Of course, I may even win a few bouts depending on my opposition. But alas it would take a good draw and some luck for me to be victorious in the Journeyman division.” He said. </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">“But I do know that I’ll do better than you little brother!” he added with a chuckle. “You’ll not win one match methinks. I’ve even wagered against you!”</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">“Against me?” I was momentarily aghast before I realised it was he that had goaded me, “Well I will take your gold big brother. I will win my first tourney!” I said with confidence. </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Of course I would win! How could I lose? I was like a serpent with my blade, striking before an opponent knew that I was there.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">He accepted my wager and I bid him good evening, I wanted to catch up with my comrades and more importantly Melinda.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">“One last thing Gerard. Isabella sends you this.” said Absquith as he handed me a red scarf.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">“It came with this note.” He added as he passed a rolled parchment with the seal of Treville on it.</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">I thanked him and went on my way wondering what Izy had written in the note.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Haraash Saan, post: 4556119, member: 46615"] [FONT=Arial]It was mid-morning three days later as we approached the sprawling city of Halfast when Zhontell noticed smoke coming from a large copse of trees a few miles off the road. Whilst no one else thought it important he was curious enough to decide to investigate and told us that he would meet us that evening at the Inn at the End of the Road. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]The dwarfs too finally took their leave of us. They wished not to be noticed, as dwarfs always do in the cities of men, and chose to skirt the city before continuing on their own journey. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]It was good to be back in civilisation, even if it was the pit of Halfast and not the cultured halls of Thessingcourt. Excitement radiated throughout the populace. Every person within the city was keen to see the Games. Who would win? Who would be killed? What amazing magics would be seen? All these questions and a thousand more were on everybody’s lips. The Inn at the End of the Road was no different.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]A typical assortment of patrons occupied the common room, but there were several that I noted. A large man sat perspiring in one corner counting a pile of coins. A mug of beer rested untouched in front of him. He snorted so violently that the fat that kept him warm in the winter jiggled uncontrollably. A thin and scrawny old merchant sat at a table in the middle of the room. Upon the table lay a ledger, a pot of ink and a fine quill. A small locked chest sat beside the ledger, and every now and again a patron would approach the table, have a quick word and then pass him some coin. At the end of the transaction he fished an iron key from within his robes, unlocked the chest and deposit the coin within and then once again locked the chest. As the merchant took another wager the process was repeated. However he was at no risk of it being removed for it was under the watchful eye of giant of a man who stood behind him. No less than six and a half feet tall and all of three hundred pounds. The man was a mountain! His small beady eyes stayed focused on a point not quite at the bar but not quite on anything in between either. A large bludgeon hung loosely from his rope belt. It somehow seemed an appropriate weapon for the shaven headed giant.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]There was a wizened priest of Todesmagie sitting thoughtfully near the door but more importantly a very attractive wisp of a girl sitting with a heavy set woman who was armed to the teeth. The girl was certainly one to draw attention to herself, not only pretty but an albino as well. Her white hair fell across her face and covered one eye only adding to her mystique. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Morgan was quick to make her acquaintance. Mortec spotted his brethren and, after a grabbing a mug of ale, made his was to the priest. The others ordered likewise and sat themselves at a vacant table. For my part I simply asked for the best room and for a hot bath.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]It was a few hours before I rejoined my merry comrades. Many empty tankards sat on their table. I went to the bar to order my companions another round when I saw a bottle of Montfort’s finest, Astrid’s Marvelous Mead on a shelf behind the bar. No wine for me, no indeed! [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]A delightful creature served me. Mousey hair framed an angelic face. All my thoughts of the wispy girl vanished when the angel smiled. I introduced myself and asked for her name. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]“Melinda my lord.” She replied bashfully, her big blue eyes fluttered as they looked away from me.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]To say it was a wonderful night would be understating it. Not only was I back in the civilised world but I had managed to savour the delicious mead of my home and also shared my bed with a beautiful and energetic girl. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]The next day I discovered the Zhontell had returned after I had turned in for the evening. He had found a clearing with no less than seven corpses. They had once represented a team that had previously competed in the Games and was expected to do well this year. One, a sentry, had had his throat slit, the others had been poisoned. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Zhontell also found their assassin hiding in the brush. At least he died knowing his killer. The murderer wore a small badge that a lucid Moxadder confirmed to be the emblem of the Silent Way, the local guild of thieves and cutthroats.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Days earlier when Zhontell had spotted the watcher on the road just before we arrived at Thornswood we had disregarded any threat to us, but his latest news had us all on edge. Obviously someone would go to any lengths to have their potential opponents eliminated before the Games.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]So impressed with his tale my drunken friends offered him a place on the Hydra. At least they added the provision that he must pay his own way as there was no way we could raise the five thousand sickle entry fee for him. And so it was that we found an eighth head for the Hydra. I hoped that we would not regret it. We were yet to see him fight, only hear his own tale of his victory over the assassin.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Morgan’s evening had not been fruitless either. He had befriended the albino, who went by the curious name Ship’s Cat, and her companion, a woodswoman by the name of Delpheen, self proclaimed ‘Ranger of the Dawn’ and another competitor at the Games. Morgan’s initial plan had taken an interesting turn when he had left with Delpheen and not Ship’s Cat as he had originally intended.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]My first task was to find my brother Absquith. A simple task it proved to be. I quickly discovered that he was staying at rooms nearby to the Inn at the End of the Road of which he was a regular patron.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]I quickly located his lodging and pounded upon its solid oak door. “Absquith!” I bellowed, “It is Gerard come back from Yorath. Open up!” [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]In only a moment the door swung open quickly to reveal a beaming Absquith.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]“Ha ha! You’re back at last! I was beginning to think that you had become lost!” he said jovially as he pulled me into a strong embrace.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]"Lost? Unlikely dear brother. You know that I would never miss the games!” I responded. “How good it is to see you! How have you fared and what news of the family?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]“The family is hale, though your twin makes herself more and more absent from Mowbray. Isabella has secreted herself away near her dismal trading post, and spends much time with some odd woman from Montfort who sails up the river to visit her. In the last month I passed though Montfort to check on the mead brews, they look to be good for the next few years, and to check on her. She misses you as dearly. You would do well to write to her.” He said.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]“Yes indeed. I must write her. I have not had a chance to write since succeeding in the Baron’s tasks. And so much has happened since then!” I said.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Absquith keenly listened to the tales of myself and my companions. He was most impressed with my adventures with the pirate lord Rumscully Jack and our unexpected exploration of the Gerechian Temple.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]“I can hardly believe my own little brother capturing Rumscully Jack! Or even more surprisingly venturing into the dark and dirty depths on an ancient temple! Ha ha, magnificent!” he laughed as he slapped his knee, “Father would be most impressed I am sure! You must look forward to being knighted? I'd say a couple of victories at the Games may well be enough to satisfy Mendus!”[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Baron Mendus was the lord of our family lands and the man whom I would serve when I was knighted.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]“But of course dear brother. A couple of victories should be no hard task!” I bragged, “I am certainly a changed man since I left Halfast. I have learnt so much and cannot wait to test myself in the arena!”[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]We spoke until the shadows of the sunset descended upon the city. Absquith told me that when he was not training he had been courting the Countess Bontein. It would be a fine match for Absquith. He was after all a knight and she a Countess of the Fastness! Whilst he did not feel confident he hoped to impress her with his performance in the Games. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]He told me of various rumours and court whispers that he had heard and also of the growing ill health of the King and how the kingdom prepared for his passing.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]It was sad news. Thurlland II was a good King that had done much for the unity of Guerney and the prosperity of its people. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]“So Absquith what chance are you in the Games? Will you win a bout?” I asked with smirk trying to goad him.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]“Win? Of course, I may even win a few bouts depending on my opposition. But alas it would take a good draw and some luck for me to be victorious in the Journeyman division.” He said. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]“But I do know that I’ll do better than you little brother!” he added with a chuckle. “You’ll not win one match methinks. I’ve even wagered against you!”[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]“Against me?” I was momentarily aghast before I realised it was he that had goaded me, “Well I will take your gold big brother. I will win my first tourney!” I said with confidence. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Of course I would win! How could I lose? I was like a serpent with my blade, striking before an opponent knew that I was there.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]He accepted my wager and I bid him good evening, I wanted to catch up with my comrades and more importantly Melinda.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]“One last thing Gerard. Isabella sends you this.” said Absquith as he handed me a red scarf.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]“It came with this note.” He added as he passed a rolled parchment with the seal of Treville on it.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]I thanked him and went on my way wondering what Izy had written in the note.[/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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Sir Gerard d'Montfort - In his own words (a tale of Anka Seth)- Updated Nov 11th
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