Sir Geoffry, new lord of Falt, and Sir Cedwyn make their way to winter court, with the unusually animated Lady Ysbail along. Sir Cedwyn has amassed something of an entourage, including the Squire Haydn, the Irish Knight Artaigne, and several other servants, including a priest and a scribe. Ysbail also brings her lady-in-waiting, and a half dozen servants to see to her needs.
The Northmen, effectively being mercenaries, are not included in the invitations to Winter Court.
Court is in Winchester this year, not too far from Sarum. When you arrive, the city has the appearance of a kicked anthill. Being a King's Knight, Sir Cedwyn is afforded accommodations within the city. Sir Geoffrey, however, does not have the renown of Sir Cedwyn, and must be content to camp on the fields before the city. He is in good company - many others have set their banners there as well.
As always happens at court, gossip flows easier than wine. It seems, along with Prince Maddoc, there is a special gust this year. Praetor Syagrius - officially the last Praetor of the Western Roman Empire, had been ruler in Frankland until he had been forced out two years ago. His presence here starts the rumour mills working overtime, with theories from the mundane to the outlandish. The general consensus however is that the Praetor is here to enlist the aid of King Uther in freeing Frankland from Frankish control.
A sample conversation:
“But I must say, it worries me! Attacking the Franks! Don’t you think it is foolish, I say, and terribly dangerous?! King Claudas has never lost a battle! What if the Franks start invading us too, like the Saxons?”
“Wonderful, I say, to help Praetor Syagrius! And by God, the cause is so just! Good for him.”
“The king is attacking the Franks! Well, I’ll say I guess we will see some plunder next year! I hope my husband brings me some of that French ribbon!”
“That’s what it looks like, but can the king be attacking Cornwall! That duke has insulted him by ignoring the summons too often. There can’t be that many Irish raiding his coast!”
“Listen, darlings, the king is just training the new knights with this attack, because there is a new Saxon army pillaging up north. He’ll need veterans next year.”
Days of feasts and festivities are interspersed with meetings and speeches. At one point, Sir Cedwyn is in a room with Prince Maddoc and other King's Knights, and Sir Brastias.
“The king has ordered the army to muster. One half of all knights and one half of all foot troops are to assemble at the ports of Hantonne and Chichester with provisions for a 40-day campaign. They will accompany me to France. King Uther, with pressing business of the realm here, will keep the other half of the army in Britain.”
After a hunt, early one evening, Sir Rodric calls together all the knights of Salisbury. Sir Geoffrey and Sir Cedwyn are among them.
"My knights. As you have undoubtedly heard, the King plans to send half the army to Frankland under Prince Maddoc to aid Praetor Syagrius, while the other half will remain here and see to urgent matters of the realm. King Uther has graciously offered me the choice of travelling to the continent with the prince, or remaining in Britain. I would hear your counsel before giving the King my answer."
In order of rank, knights speak. Some wish to deal with threats at home before opening another way on the continent. Others, hungry for glory and plunder, advocate for joining the Prince. At one point, Earl Roderick turns you Sir Cedwyn and Sir Geoffrey. "And what of Falt and Winterbourne Stoke? As the newest members of my court, what would you choose? The continent or Britain?"
[Your words may have an impact beyond yourselves. If you wish to try an Orate roll, you may sway other knights to your way of thinking. Either way, voice your thoughts and advise the Earl.]
