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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sir Kendrik" data-source="post: 152777" data-attributes="member: 123">Here is the next chapter in this saga When we left the story last time, the wedding feast of Lord Kendrik and Lady Elanor had been interrupted by one of the King’s Rangers, Forestmaster Jenkins with some dire news. 19 Storing 1353 “I must admit Forestmaster, your timing could have been much better, but this indeed is dire news,” Said Sir Kendrik. “Meet me in the manor in a few minutes and we will discuss this with the others.” Sir Kendrik directed with a hand movement for Laren to escort Jenkins to the manor. “My Lady, I will make sure that this doesn’t take long.” Kendrik said, taking his wife’s hands in his. “I understand My Lord. It comes with the duties of being Lord.” Replied Lady Elanor “I know, I just wish it hadn’t have happened today” added Sir Kendrik before his wife placed her finger on his lips. Sir Kendrik had learnt that was his wife’s way of telling him he was talking too much and motioned to the rest of the heroes to join him in the manor, collecting Sir Brand as well, believing that the Baron’s Champion needed to be informed so he could forward the news to Baron Aldred. After settling around the fire in the great hall, Sir Kendrik turned to Jenkins. “So Forestmaster, tell me all that you can on this matter?” The knight asked. “My Lord, several days ago three rangers spotted three heavily cloaked figures, escorted by six gnolls travelling the road between Igham and Axbridge. The rangers followed discreetly behind them. After some time they parted from the road and travelled cross country in the direction of the colourfully named Caves of Chaos,” Jenkins reported “The Rangers stopped following them when they entered the valley that led to the caves. They reported what they knew to me and I got here as soon as I could” “Thank you and your men for your good work,” replied Sir Kendrik “It looks as though we will have to go and investigate” The heroes discussed what to do with this news and it was decided that they would head off the next morning to the Caves of Chaos. That decided the heroes rose from their seats and returned to the wedding festivities. The party had continued as if the interruption had never occurred, the sounds of music and dancing rang out from the village green as did the sound of laughter. Sir Kendrik rejoined his wife and scanned the gathering to see who was there, in particular to see if his father, Lars, and his Grandfather, Keenan, were getting on. The coldness the two elders cast towards each other was obvious to the young lord, however he was pleased that they hadn’t come to blows, as there was quite some history of animosity between the two. Another person Sir Kendrik was looking out for was his missing friend, the wizard Serena. Sir Kendrik had asked Serena’s foster mother Goodwife Roslyn that if she was in contact with her daughter, to mention that Kendrik was getting married and that he would like to see her there. Sir Kendrik could very easily have married Serena but for the fateful day that he saw Lady Elanor for the first time. Serena, one day about 9 months ago, just disappeared leaving a note at the keep for Sir Kendrik saying that something had come up, and she would meet the party at their intended destination. She never arrived and has not been seen since. Her non-appearance at the wedding was a slight down note for the young lord. Br Arton had returned to where Fr Bretwald was sitting, the old priest watching proceedings, “Father” said Br Arton “I must confess, I do have another reason to have returned to Axbridge.” “Oh,” Replied Fr Bretwald. “Yes,” Continued Br Arton, “I realize that this is rather rushed, but it would be great honour if you could ordain me tomorrow? I have special dispensation from the Holy Patriarch.” “Why brother, the honour would be mine,” replied Fr Bretwald with a tear in his eye. “I will make all the preparations and the ceremony can be performed at sunrise on the morrow. Brother, return to my chambers and there you will find a chest. In the bottom of the chest you will find my ordination vestment. It is old, but I would be very pleased if you wore it in the ceremony. But,” Continued the father “If you will excuse me, I am getting tired and tomorrow will be a big day” The young rogue Callin, stepped forward and pulled Fr Bretwald aside to speak to him “Father, I was wondering if you could hear my concession” asked Callin “Certainly my son” Father Bretwald replied “Come see me tomorrow and I will be glad to hear it” Fr Bretwald and Brothers Arton and Otto left for St Cuthbert’s church. Br Arton then spent the night in pray and preparation, getting himself spiritually and mentally prepared for the ceremony ahead. Br Arton, aware that he would tire later in the day while en route to the caves, asked Pelor for the boon of endurance to help him do his creator’s good work. The newly weds eventually left the party and this signalled an end to the biggest and most enjoyable day in the history of the Village of Axbridge. Sir Kendrik and his bride retired to the guests quarters as they had offered the lord’s chamber to Lady Elanor’s father. Once alone, Sir Kendrik took his beloved’s hands, stood in the middle of the room for a moment before pulling her gently and held her close before sharing a long passionate kiss, the young knight holding his lady in his strong arms. After a while the couple squeezed into the small guest bed, Lady Elanor eventually fell asleep in her brave husband’s arms. 20 Storing 1353 The morning broke chilly and overcast in Axbridge. The church, as usual, was quite full but many of the congregation knew little of the auspicious occasion they were about to witness. Boosting the numbers were the visiting nobles who sat at the front of the church. Br Arton came out in a simple and very old looking white vestment and Fr Bretwald went through the solemn ceremony of Holy Ordainment. When the service was over, Fr Arton was congratulated by all of his friends on his ordination. Soon after, the heroes made preparations for their departure to the caves. “My Lady” said Sir Kendrik to his beautiful wife. “I wish that I didn’t have to leave so soon after our wedding day. I promise you I will return to you as soon as possible” “My Lord, I too wish it had not happened so soon,” answered Lady Elanor. “But I understand the duties you must complete in your role as Lord. Just promise me you will not make me a widow too soon” “My Lady, that I promise you. I will return to you soon,” Replied Sir Kendrik “I have come to understand my duties well and gladly accept them.” The young lord kissed his wife goodbye. Lady Elanor turned to Fr Arton “Father, I truly hope that you will return to Axbridge and stay as a guest of my husband and I,” the young lady said. “Certainly, My Lady. It would truly be an honour to do so.” Said Fr Arton politely. Sir Kendrik then went to each of the visiting nobles and thanked them for witnessing his wedding, and apologising for not being able to see them off on the morrow. The nobles understood and wished the young lord well on his quest. “Gerath! Laren!” Sir Kendrik spoke to his soldiers with some command in his voice “Make sure that Lady Elanor his kept safe while I am gone” “Yes My Lord” said the soldiers in unison. TO BE CONTINUED...................................</blockquote>

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