Year 487 Summer Campaign

[Arne]

Arne rose and gave the earl a bow of respect.  "And may the fates smile upon you and King Uther Pendragon, Lord Roderick."

[Geoffrey]

He knew the decision was likely final but Rodric still felt the need to see if he could change the minds of the others.

"Cedwyn, are you certain of that course of action?  Being with the King for so long may make us privy to information above our current stations.  And if we perform our duties well enough, perhaps even provide an opportunity to gain his favor.

Arne, Valka, it is unlikely you will have another opportunity such as this.  To have the King's ear directly so that you make speak of the plight of your people.  It is a chance to not only improve your fortunes here, but a chance to prove to the King directly that your people are both loyal and honorable."

[GM Craig]

The Earl raises an eyebrow, but seems content to let you open the discussion again.

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn paused. Was he letting his disgust and hatred at what he'd seen done to his people and Arne and Valka's drive bloodlust? It could be. Where could he best serve? He was a good knight and battle, to an extent, was his calling, but he was also the King's knight...and the Earl's tenant...

And there were political advantages...

"My Lord. Forgive me. I think I may have let what I've seen get the better of me," he spoke directly to the Earl, "My desire to avenge the evil done to us and others," he gave Arne and Valka a glance, "drove me to a more rash decision."

"Sir Rodric is right. Somehow, God has chosen us for something. We are your knights and tenants. It would be my honor to serve you and the King in an embassy."

[GM Craig]

the Earl glances at Valka and Arne. "And what do the two of you say?"

[Valka]

Valka had yet to decide as she wanted to listen to the wisdom of the knights first.

"Sir Rodric is wise indeed and makes a compelling argument," she said, and turned to Rodric. "The idea that you would put the long march with the King above filling your treasury is significantly great."

Then she turned to Arne. "He has taken the whole of us onto his hands and lands. We should follow him."

[Arne]

Arne looked at Valka for a few moments, lost in thought.  His gaze then shifted to the two knights, then Earl Roderick, then back to Valka again.  It was not what he wanted, but he had agreed to go along with the majority decision.  "Very well, then.  The King's escort we shall be.  And my apology to you, Earl Roderick, for any rudeness we may have done."  Arne was clearly referring to them resuming the discussion after they'd been dismissed.

[GM Craig]

Earl Roderick nods, and takes a moment to look pointedly at Sir Rodric for a moment, though the look is inscrutable.

"So be it. Return to your troops and prepare them to be placed under the command of Sir Lycus as security for the County. We will depart for Lincoln in three days time. The king wishes to place as small a burden on Lindsey as possible. You may each bring a squire, but no extended entourages. We will travel light and fast light. There are Saxons raiding in the north, so there is some risk to Uther. Speed and mobility will be our plan to avoid conflict and ambush. Go now and make your preparations."

[Arne]

OOC:  Arne and Valka should probably speak to their troops before they leave.  Forewarn them of the general attitude toward mercenaries, and that they should be on their best behavior - even if some knotheads try to goad them.

[GM Craig]

[OOC: Go ahead and post that in your personal threads. It's a narrative, do what you like with it.]

[Arne]

OOC:  Michelle, whaddya think?  Should we address them together, or separately?

[Valka]

Ooc: Arne and Valka together you mean? Sure.

[Cedwyn]

[ooc: Craig...still trying to figure out my base cohort and how many I'd need to hire for the season. I'd like to honor the Earl's request as much as possible without beggaring myself]

[Geoffrey]

OOC: I don't have anything further to add and am ready to move forward.

[GM Craig]

Three days later, your forces are handed over, and you set out. The King has professed a desire to keep the entourage small, but he is a king, and a lot of people travel where he goes.

At length you arrive in Lindsey without incident. Most of the interaction happens well ahead of you, but rumour reaches you that the Duke is not at home. The Steward puts everyone up, and manages to find a room for everyone.

Days pass. The Duke's staff are polite but cool. The Steward is appropriately welcoming, but certainly not overly so.

[OOC: Can I get Intrigue rolls from anyone who engages with the gossips?]

To help pass the time, the Steward eventually organizes a hunt.

[I need one Hunting roll from everyone who is participating.]