"Let's hobble ourselves back to Norham. Didn't take long to get here from there, a couple hours tops, plus it's downhill. The people should be warned of what we saw and we can rest there. Just be prepared for the people to blame us for the disturbance. But if that thing can get out of the fence..."
Famh nods in acceptance at the Capellar's command and falls in line in her customary place, She leans on her stick heavily for the first few steps, but is soon able to ease into a more natural long-march pace that only differs from the pace she set coming here in that her stick touches the ground more often and supports slightly more of her weight.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Almeric begins to regain his full composure once outside of Hobs Dell. His tactical training kicks in to re-evaluate the situation he is in. Almeric replays in his minds eye the conversation with Beorn and the man's total arrogance and disregard for others. Beorn could not care less for poor Harold, the people ir their taxes. Only the prize sword was important to Beorn. This was a fools errand indeep.
Almeric has no intention of waiting till Norham to rest and will inform the group of such. Any fool would do that. Better be prepared for what you don't know, what you can't see. Almeric will request all of Tana to keep a weather eye out for a copse or stand of trees to take their ease at. Get off the road, into cover and lick their wounds for an hour, before returning to Norham.
Almeric draws the prize sword and feels the weight and balance. The balance is off, the weight is light. A ceremonial item, not designed for combat? For what purpose would Beorn need such a thing? What an expence to waste on frippery! Almeric will check the quality and for a makers mark as the walk.
Thatch moves back along the trail at the front of the party, hand pressed to his side and wincing with every other step. “Old Gardner Jack is not one to be trifled with..I imagine the villagers know this more than anyone.” He follows Sir Almeric’s direction and looks for a place to rest before they arrive back at the village.
Tuannon stalks the fenceline, following the group for as far as he is able until the fence barred further movement and as they move further away two massive coarsing hounds composed of shadow dogged their steps but Famh reassured the others that the creatures had no substance and posed no danger.....as they moved further from the Dell the dogs faded away to nothing.
Thatch was able to locate a small copse of hazel trees and the group was able to shelter beneath their boughs for a time.
Almeric follows Thatch into the copse and gives the order to fall under the hazel trees for a well earned (short) rest. Almeric is increadibly pleased and proud of the Dayne Household Companions. He takes a moment to encourage his small group.
" We will rest here a while, for we certainly deserve it! We have Harold and the prize, completing our primary mission and we will return to Norham refreshed, as befits the heroes we are.
In my life I has been to elite knight school, taken part in some risking missions and been to some dangerous places across Legend, but NEVER have I encountered the like of Tuannon Dur . NEVER before have I seen such discipline, communication, teamwork and execution of tasks as performed by you all today. This is a tale to tell your children and grandchildren into your dotage! I am filled with confidence and excitement for our adventures ahead.
Now take your ease."
During the rest, Almeric will full examine the prize sword for makers mark, balance, steel quality and decorations. INVESTIGATION = 18
Fergus sits on the ground and starts clenching and opening his fist to try and levitate the familiar pain. Closing his eyes he takes a deep breath to quell the anger within him and allow the pain from his wounds ebb away. He rolls his forked tongue in his mouth, its alien feel always off putting, as it starts to itch while stitching itself back together.
After taking the few moments to compose himself, he thanks the others "Thank you friends. I have never faced a danger like that before and I would not have survived were it not for your actions." He nods to Tana in particular.
Tana leans against a hazel tree, huffing out a breath of relief at the presumption of safety. Blinking her gaze open once more, she opts to spend this brief moment of rest to collect some of the surrounding herbs – her stock having been nearly run dry following their near-disastrous fight with the thralls.
Tana leans against a hazel tree, huffing out a breath of relief at the presumption of safety. Blinking her gaze open once more, she opts to spend this brief moment of rest to collect some of the surrounding herbs – her stock having been nearly run dry following their near-disastrous fight with the thralls.
(Medicine: 15)
Tana nods back to Fergus before she begins her collection, moving slowly as she does.
Fergus steps away from the fence and offers Cainneach his quarterstaff as a crutch to support his weight. "You look hurt and I would offer my shoulder but it would not be a strong as this." Fergus waits to take up the rear with energy bristling on his palm ready to fire if needed, though he longs to leave quickly.
Cainneach looks at Fergus, gives a grim smile and shakes his head. Cainneach has his own quarterstaff, but mostly he doesn't want to show any further weakness or appear a liability to the group. He'd grown very independent during his time in the woods, with Dru venturing off on her own for stretches of time, and didn't like the feeling of having to rely on anyone else. "I appreciate the gesture, but I'm fine, truly."
He does, however, avail himself of the short rest among the shade trees to tend to his wounds and recover some strength for the rest of their trip to Norham.
Now that the rush died down enough to justify taking a rest, Ori will take the time to untie his rope and as carefully as he can. As carefully as he can, Ori will remove the spike from Harold. To fill in the time while "resting", he cleans his spikes and axe. He also tries to clean up Harold a bit. Ori knows nomatter what, the corpse is going to look horrific, but doesn't mean Ori can't try to lessen the gory nature of it.
"We ...," Famh pauses, savoring the word, "we certainly did do well. I just hope the one who sent us will see that." She turns towards Cainneach and Ori. looking concerned; but when she sees her fellow travelers on our brief journey to the edge of the aferlife are either doing well or would be too hurt in their dignity if she were to show concern, she settles herself comfortably under the nearest elm tree to eat lightly before taking a quick sleep.
===========
Hit die Dice rolls not yet available for this section.
as i said, Hit die 8
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
As the group rests and recuperates Almeric studies the sword, jewel encrusted and gilded it is a fine looking weapon but yes the balance is terrible....why? He grips the hilt and turns the sword about grasping the crosspiece to try and find its centre but it slips and he manages to catch it by the pommel which.....twists slightly...intrigued he continues twisting and finds within a narrow piece of parchment.
Upon it written in Classic and expressed in plain Elleslandic are the words, " Alcuin—The old wolf’s days are numbered! Grisaille and Montombre are with us. I shall be visiting Ulric. Ensure the castle is guarded by our own men on the day of the hunt. Your brother, Beorn.”
As the group rests and recuperates Almeric studies the sword, jewel encrusted and gilded it is a fine looking weapon but yes the balance is terrible....why? He grips the hilt and turns the sword about grasping the crosspiece to try and find its centre but it slips and he manages to catch it by the pommel which.....twists slightly...intrigued he continues twisting and finds within a narrow piece of parchment.
Upon it written in Classic and expressed in plain Elleslandic are the words, " Alcuin—The old wolf’s days are numbered! Grisaille and Montombre are with us. I shall be visiting Ulric. Ensure the castle is guarded by our own men on the day of the hunt. Your brother, Beorn.”
Almeric reads the words with a grim expression. Treachery and deceit at the heart of the Northern Nobles? Suddenly fighting evil Revenants seemed child's play. Almeric breaks out some rations and water and calls Fergus over to share in the repast. Once Fergus is close, Almeric will give him the note to read.
"Can you copy this? Do you have parchment and ink to make a reasonable duplicate? If you can, please do so at once and keep this between us. Knowledge of this is deadly!"
Almeric leaves the note and the task with Fergus and addresses the whole group, in the most nonchalant way possible.
"I hope you are feeling better, after a short repast. Our task is not yet done and my mind wanders to our Sponsor, Sir Beorn. If any of you know of him, by way of reputation or deeds beyond our initial encounter, please feel free to share it openly. I would be most grateful of your advice." Everyone will remember the rude, arrogant and thoroughly unpleasant Beorn at their first meeting, but was he part of a revolt in the north?
"Well let's see here" Ori looks over to Famh, trying to recall if he had heard the name ever mentioned while he was in town or back at the old farm. "What was his name again?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Thatch settles down among the trees and tightens his bandages, picking a place where he can still keep an eye on the trail. He searches his memory as Sir Almeric asks about Sir Beorn. He may be just a simple stableboy, but he had been in the Dayne family service for some time and noble households were usually full of stories, be they fact or rumors. "He was the sour faced one who sent us on this errand." Thatch replies to Ori. "At least I think that was him."
Upon hearing Sir Almeric's words, Famh begins sifting through the memories of her more recent wanderings that brought her over the border from the southern Thulish marches to this part of north Ellesland. But she can't keep her eyebrows from occasionally flicking upward for a moment as they always do when something is puzzling her ... sometimes the left eyebrow, sometimes the right, but seldom both together. At least as of yet, and they don't this time. But she is puzzled. Why was the Capellar asking everyone about the laird who had sent them? Didn't he have a far better chance of knowing the fellow than she, a simple wandering Thulish shepherd girl, would have? But she'd sworn service to him, so that made him the closest thing she'd had to a clan chieftain since she was a small girl. What he asked, she would do her best to answer.
"Sir Beorn? Beyond the fact he's well named I'm not sure. I never did see such a surly bear in all my wanderings as him. But more than that ... ach, let me see now ... "
=======================
Insight 15
(OOC: Insight or Perception would be the abilities I'd guess first as being appropriate; and since in Famh's case they're exactly the same ... )
(edit to remove duplicate text)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
"Well let's see here" Ori looks over to Famh, trying to recall if he had heard the name ever mentioned while he was in town or back at the old farm. "What was his name again?"
All Ori is able to recall is that he was the Sheriff for Baron Aldred and not particularly liked by the common folk.
Thatch settles down among the trees and tightens his bandages, picking a place where he can still keep an eye on the trail. He searches his memory as Sir Almeric asks about Sir Beorn. He may be just a simple stableboy, but he had been in the Dayne family service for some time and noble households were usually full of stories, be they fact or rumors. "He was the sour faced one who sent us on this errand." Thatch replies to Ori. "At least I think that was him."
Hit Die: 6.
History: 11.
Try as he might Thatch can recall little about the Barons Sheriff other than he was surly and unpopular with the commoners.
Upon hearing Sir Almeric's words, Famh begins sifting through the memories of her more recent wanderings that brought her over the border from the southern Thulish marches to this part of north Ellesland. But she can't keep her eyebrows from occasionally flicking upward for a moment as they always do when something is puzzling her ... sometimes the left eyebrow, sometimes the right, but seldom both together. At least as of yet, and they don't this time. But she is puzzled. Why was the Capellar asking everyone about the laird who had sent them? Didn't he have a far better chance of knowing the fellow than she, a simple wandering Thulish shepherd girl, would have? But she'd sworn service to him, so that made him the closest thing she'd had to a clan chieftain since she was a small girl. What he asked, she would do her best to answer.
"Sir Beorn? Beyond the fact he's well named I'm not sure. I never did see such a surly bear in all my wanderings as him. But more than that ... ach, let me see now ... "
=======================
Insight 15
(OOC: Insight or Perception would be the abilities I'd guess first as being appropriate; and since in Famh's case they're exactly the same ... )
(edit to remove duplicate text)
Coming recently from the north Famh had never heard of Sir Beorn before the previous day, all that she truly recalled was that seemed more concerned about the sword than the taxman or the taxes.
As the rest comes to and end, Almeric gathers the companions together under the hazel trees. He face bears a grim and resolute expression.
"Friends, I have discovered why the Prize Sword is so valuable to Sir Beorn and it is not because of the jewelled hilt with silver filigree."Almeric's sighs with heavy heart.
"It contains a secret message, concealed within the hilt. To know this secret meant death for Harold the Tax Collector. He discovered it and ran, chased by the bearded horseman. He fled to Hobs Dell, knowing they would be too scared not follow. Sadly Tuannon Dur got Harold instead."
"Ordinarily, I would not tell you this, giving you plausible deniability of the secret. Sadly. we are now all bound together in blood, honour, friendship and duty and are fates are joined." Almeric reads the note aloud and lets the weight of the message drop on them all.
"Beorn is conspiring to destabilise the region, incite revolt and grab power for himself by murdering Baron Aldred - The Old Wolf. This could cause civil war across Albion, making us vulnerable to foreign powers. The only thorn in his plan is us! I am certain Beorn will be waiting for us at Norham. If we give him the sword and he thinks we are ignorant, he might let us live, but then his treachery will likely succeed. If he suspects we know the secret, him and the 10 Men-at-Arms we say earlier will murder us there and then.
"As a mark of my respect and admiration for you all, I am giving you all a choice. You can leave now and never look back, never speak of this and go with my blessing. I will stay and do my best to thwart this plot, but do not have a plan yet. I'm surely smarter than Beorn and will think of one pretty quickly. Thoughts, Questions?"
Fergus set about duplicating the note as best he can. He finishes just as Sir Almeric confides in the group. He frowns slightly, trying to piece it together before piping up.
"Sir Almeric, what makes you believe that the tax man discovered the secret? To me, it would appear as though he was a willing or unwilling messenger for Sir Beorn and was attacked for the gold. I believe our mission was to recover the sword was so that this secret was not exposed and that poor Harald here fled into the Dell unknowingly to escape his attackers.
Either way, it may be safe to say that Sir Beorn believes us expendable should we return with the sword in the event we have discovered the message, as we have.
I will follow you, Sir Almeric. I do not wish for civil war on our lands. May I suggest a course of action? What if we swapped the note for one of our own creation and delivered it to Sir Beorn's brother, Alcuin, directly? We can say it was part of the service and we could influence the course of actions in our favour.
Also, do we know who Grisaille and Montombre are? The names are familiar but I am unsure. Should we also assume the prisoner Le Coch is in league with Sir Beorn?"
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"Let's hobble ourselves back to Norham. Didn't take long to get here from there, a couple hours tops, plus it's downhill. The people should be warned of what we saw and we can rest there. Just be prepared for the people to blame us for the disturbance. But if that thing can get out of the fence..."
Famh nods in acceptance at the Capellar's command and falls in line in her customary place, She leans on her stick heavily for the first few steps, but is soon able to ease into a more natural long-march pace that only differs from the pace she set coming here in that her stick touches the ground more often and supports slightly more of her weight.
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Almeric begins to regain his full composure once outside of Hobs Dell. His tactical training kicks in to re-evaluate the situation he is in. Almeric replays in his minds eye the conversation with Beorn and the man's total arrogance and disregard for others. Beorn could not care less for poor Harold, the people ir their taxes. Only the prize sword was important to Beorn. This was a fools errand indeep.
Almeric has no intention of waiting till Norham to rest and will inform the group of such. Any fool would do that. Better be prepared for what you don't know, what you can't see. Almeric will request all of Tana to keep a weather eye out for a copse or stand of trees to take their ease at. Get off the road, into cover and lick their wounds for an hour, before returning to Norham.
Almeric draws the prize sword and feels the weight and balance. The balance is off, the weight is light. A ceremonial item, not designed for combat? For what purpose would Beorn need such a thing? What an expence to waste on frippery! Almeric will check the quality and for a makers mark as the walk.
INVESTIGATION 8.
Thatch moves back along the trail at the front of the party, hand pressed to his side and wincing with every other step. “Old Gardner Jack is not one to be trifled with..I imagine the villagers know this more than anyone.” He follows Sir Almeric’s direction and looks for a place to rest before they arrive back at the village.
Tuannon stalks the fenceline, following the group for as far as he is able until the fence barred further movement and as they move further away two massive coarsing hounds composed of shadow dogged their steps but Famh reassured the others that the creatures had no substance and posed no danger.....as they moved further from the Dell the dogs faded away to nothing.
Thatch was able to locate a small copse of hazel trees and the group was able to shelter beneath their boughs for a time.
Almeric follows Thatch into the copse and gives the order to fall under the hazel trees for a well earned (short) rest. Almeric is increadibly pleased and proud of the Dayne Household Companions. He takes a moment to encourage his small group.
" We will rest here a while, for we certainly deserve it! We have Harold and the prize, completing our primary mission and we will return to Norham refreshed, as befits the heroes we are.
In my life I has been to elite knight school, taken part in some risking missions and been to some dangerous places across Legend, but NEVER have I encountered the like of Tuannon Dur . NEVER before have I seen such discipline, communication, teamwork and execution of tasks as performed by you all today. This is a tale to tell your children and grandchildren into your dotage! I am filled with confidence and excitement for our adventures ahead.
Now take your ease."
During the rest, Almeric will full examine the prize sword for makers mark, balance, steel quality and decorations. INVESTIGATION = 18
Hit Die roll = 12. Yippee FULL hits.
Fergus sits on the ground and starts clenching and opening his fist to try and levitate the familiar pain. Closing his eyes he takes a deep breath to quell the anger within him and allow the pain from his wounds ebb away. He rolls his forked tongue in his mouth, its alien feel always off putting, as it starts to itch while stitching itself back together.
After taking the few moments to compose himself, he thanks the others "Thank you friends. I have never faced a danger like that before and I would not have survived were it not for your actions." He nods to Tana in particular.
(Hit Die: 8)
Tana leans against a hazel tree, huffing out a breath of relief at the presumption of safety. Blinking her gaze open once more, she opts to spend this brief moment of rest to collect some of the surrounding herbs – her stock having been nearly run dry following their near-disastrous fight with the thralls.
(Medicine: 15)
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
Tana nods back to Fergus before she begins her collection, moving slowly as she does.
(Hit Die: 6)
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
Cainneach looks at Fergus, gives a grim smile and shakes his head. Cainneach has his own quarterstaff, but mostly he doesn't want to show any further weakness or appear a liability to the group. He'd grown very independent during his time in the woods, with Dru venturing off on her own for stretches of time, and didn't like the feeling of having to rely on anyone else. "I appreciate the gesture, but I'm fine, truly."
He does, however, avail himself of the short rest among the shade trees to tend to his wounds and recover some strength for the rest of their trip to Norham.
1 Hit Die 4
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
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Now that the rush died down enough to justify taking a rest, Ori will take the time to untie his rope and as carefully as he can. As carefully as he can, Ori will remove the spike from Harold. To fill in the time while "resting", he cleans his spikes and axe. He also tries to clean up Harold a bit. Ori knows nomatter what, the corpse is going to look horrific, but doesn't mean Ori can't try to lessen the gory nature of it.
Hit die: 9
as i said, Hit die 8
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
As the group rests and recuperates Almeric studies the sword, jewel encrusted and gilded it is a fine looking weapon but yes the balance is terrible....why? He grips the hilt and turns the sword about grasping the crosspiece to try and find its centre but it slips and he manages to catch it by the pommel which.....twists slightly...intrigued he continues twisting and finds within a narrow piece of parchment.
Upon it written in Classic and expressed in plain Elleslandic are the words, " Alcuin—The old wolf’s days are numbered! Grisaille and Montombre are with us. I shall be visiting Ulric. Ensure the castle is guarded by our own men on the day of the hunt. Your brother, Beorn.”
Almeric reads the words with a grim expression. Treachery and deceit at the heart of the Northern Nobles? Suddenly fighting evil Revenants seemed child's play. Almeric breaks out some rations and water and calls Fergus over to share in the repast. Once Fergus is close, Almeric will give him the note to read.
"Can you copy this? Do you have parchment and ink to make a reasonable duplicate? If you can, please do so at once and keep this between us. Knowledge of this is deadly!"
Almeric leaves the note and the task with Fergus and addresses the whole group, in the most nonchalant way possible.
"I hope you are feeling better, after a short repast. Our task is not yet done and my mind wanders to our Sponsor, Sir Beorn. If any of you know of him, by way of reputation or deeds beyond our initial encounter, please feel free to share it openly. I would be most grateful of your advice." Everyone will remember the rude, arrogant and thoroughly unpleasant Beorn at their first meeting, but was he part of a revolt in the north?
"Well let's see here" Ori looks over to Famh, trying to recall if he had heard the name ever mentioned while he was in town or back at the old farm. "What was his name again?"
Thatch settles down among the trees and tightens his bandages, picking a place where he can still keep an eye on the trail. He searches his memory as Sir Almeric asks about Sir Beorn. He may be just a simple stableboy, but he had been in the Dayne family service for some time and noble households were usually full of stories, be they fact or rumors. "He was the sour faced one who sent us on this errand." Thatch replies to Ori. "At least I think that was him."
Hit Die: 10.
History: 9.
(edit to remove duplicate text)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
All Ori is able to recall is that he was the Sheriff for Baron Aldred and not particularly liked by the common folk.
Try as he might Thatch can recall little about the Barons Sheriff other than he was surly and unpopular with the commoners.
Coming recently from the north Famh had never heard of Sir Beorn before the previous day, all that she truly recalled was that seemed more concerned about the sword than the taxman or the taxes.
As the rest comes to and end, Almeric gathers the companions together under the hazel trees. He face bears a grim and resolute expression.
"Friends, I have discovered why the Prize Sword is so valuable to Sir Beorn and it is not because of the jewelled hilt with silver filigree." Almeric's sighs with heavy heart.
"It contains a secret message, concealed within the hilt. To know this secret meant death for Harold the Tax Collector. He discovered it and ran, chased by the bearded horseman. He fled to Hobs Dell, knowing they would be too scared not follow. Sadly Tuannon Dur got Harold instead."
"Ordinarily, I would not tell you this, giving you plausible deniability of the secret. Sadly. we are now all bound together in blood, honour, friendship and duty and are fates are joined." Almeric reads the note aloud and lets the weight of the message drop on them all.
"Beorn is conspiring to destabilise the region, incite revolt and grab power for himself by murdering Baron Aldred - The Old Wolf. This could cause civil war across Albion, making us vulnerable to foreign powers. The only thorn in his plan is us! I am certain Beorn will be waiting for us at Norham. If we give him the sword and he thinks we are ignorant, he might let us live, but then his treachery will likely succeed. If he suspects we know the secret, him and the 10 Men-at-Arms we say earlier will murder us there and then.
"As a mark of my respect and admiration for you all, I am giving you all a choice. You can leave now and never look back, never speak of this and go with my blessing. I will stay and do my best to thwart this plot, but do not have a plan yet. I'm surely smarter than Beorn and will think of one pretty quickly. Thoughts, Questions?"
Fergus set about duplicating the note as best he can. He finishes just as Sir Almeric confides in the group. He frowns slightly, trying to piece it together before piping up.
"Sir Almeric, what makes you believe that the tax man discovered the secret? To me, it would appear as though he was a willing or unwilling messenger for Sir Beorn and was attacked for the gold. I believe our mission was to recover the sword was so that this secret was not exposed and that poor Harald here fled into the Dell unknowingly to escape his attackers.
Either way, it may be safe to say that Sir Beorn believes us expendable should we return with the sword in the event we have discovered the message, as we have.
I will follow you, Sir Almeric. I do not wish for civil war on our lands. May I suggest a course of action? What if we swapped the note for one of our own creation and delivered it to Sir Beorn's brother, Alcuin, directly? We can say it was part of the service and we could influence the course of actions in our favour.
Also, do we know who Grisaille and Montombre are? The names are familiar but I am unsure. Should we also assume the prisoner Le Coch is in league with Sir Beorn?"