6 Nuzyael 720

As you enter the great hall you see Cunate Daas seated at the table nearest the door he is facing the door, seated to his left is Thaldirs the huscarl commander also present is Madrin Trilsten.

Cuante motions for you to join them at the table "Come sit" he orders.

You notice several parchments which are quickly covered as you approach, taking a seat at the table you settle in and are offered a tankard of ale to quench your thirst.

"Let us not slap our oar in the water, first, I want you to escort Madrin to Rojenstad, while you are there you are to bring back under escort the Valhakar of clan Gerherbt" Cunate pauses to let these instructions sink in.

"I believe he has conspired against me and I want him brought back here to answer a few questions."

Nodding his head towards Madrin, Cunate continues "Madrin will be going through their clan records to ensure they have made tribute that which is due."

"Now I should not expect Gerherbt to offer any resistance, he does not suspect you are coming, but should anything happen then you have my authority to bring him back in irons if necessary!"

Then placing his hands on the table in front of him he adds "Any questions?"

Hovik almost starts to say something. It would have been, "I'm a doctor, not Jarlak the Regurgitator." But he immediately realizes that it would be pointless. For better or worse, Hovik is trapped by circumstances beyond his control, and he has no choice but to serve the Daas in whatever capacity Cunate wishes.

As he ponders he realizes the irony of the situation. If any in Ygesdram should be suspected of being a spy, it is Hovik - the newcomer from Froyby. How easy it would have been for the Dagenson to send Hovik to Ygesdram while holding his family hostage. What a fine spy Hovik would have made, as well. Literate, a good draftsman, an outgoing personality - and people tend to trust doctors. But instead of clapping Hovik in irons on mere suspicion, the Daas is sending him on a mission to arrest a real spy.

Hovik is fascinated by this little mystery. Why did Cunate trust Hovik with his most important secret on the previous trip? The only explanation that Hovik can come up with is that Cunate follows his hunches. Maybe he studies the omens, or looks to the stars, or just trusts his gut, but whatever the source of the hunch he follows it to the fullest conclusion. Such men usually make strong, decisive leaders, but when they are wrong it is usually disastrous. Hovik could be a spy. Or tomorrow he might receive a note: "Send us the war plans or your family dies. D".

For several minutes, Hovik will appear bored and distracted as the wheels in his brain grind furiously. Hopefully no one will talk about anything too important during that time.

Rather than asking a question, Neirin simply states an opinion. "Gerherbt will object to my presence. It may lead to difficulties. You know there is bad blood between us."

"My Jarl, the Valkahar is not stupid. His nephew has not returned. He must suspect you have him and because of that, he may resist as you have suggested. If he confronts us with arms, do you want us to take extra-effort to take him alive? What about his sons and followers, what if they resist us? We will do our best to make this peaceful, but if conflict ensues, I want to know your mind so the wrong person doesn't end up dead."

TTYL

- Kerry

Neirin wrote:Rather than asking a question, Neirin simply states an opinion. "Gerherbt will object to my presence. It may lead to difficulties. You know there is bad blood between us."

Jurri muses thoughtfully, "That may be turned to our advantage."

Jurri Grebel wrote:

Neirin wrote:Rather than asking a question, Neirin simply states an opinion. "Gerherbt will object to my presence. It may lead to difficulties. You know there is bad blood between us."

Jurri muses thoughtfully, "That may be turned to our advantage."

Hovik emerges from his reverie. This idea is worth his attention. "Sure. Let Gerherbt hear that Neirin has been adopted by the Daas, and his nephew is in chains after an argument with Neirin ended badly. Wouldn't he feel the need to go to Ygesdram immediately to defend the honor of his nephew and challenge the position of the outlander?"

"It's an easy gambit to attempt - and it has the benefit of almost being true. Jurri just needs to pay a visit and sing the right song. There's no risk. If Gerhebt fails to take the bait, then we just send in Thorin to pound their heads a bit."

Hovik wrote:
"It's an easy gambit to attempt - and it has the benefit of almost being true. Jurri just needs to pay a visit and sing the right song. There's no risk. If Gerhebt fails to take the bait, then we just send in Thorin to pound their heads a bit."

Jurri nods, "If what I've heard of Gerherbt is true, I don't think it would take much to manipulate his emotions; his wits wouldn't fill a spoon."

Cunate looks directly at Kuglad "I want you to take whatever measures you need to take to bring the Valhakar here"

He listens to the chat between the warband and a smile begins to creep across his face 'This is why you were choosen for the task, you are not so likely to be a storm at sea like certain of my huscarls" with that comment Thaldirs nods and smiles in agreement.

Algared listens, and is pleased to be sent on another task by Cunate and so be able strengthen their relationship. The young Shek P'var however is also aware that this task could potentially be more dangerous than their previous task. He merely says "It is as always an honour to help in whatever way we are able." As the other's speak Algared considers their thoughts, but remains silent as Kugald asks Cunate to flesh out the rules of engagement.

Algared is also aware that although it is only a short distance to Rojanstad, being about 2.5 leagues should take them only a 1/2 day to reach, giving couple of days for Madrin to carry out his task and another half day's march to return, he imagines at worst a five days maximum. As such he will need coin he imagines and Algared aware his has little hard currency decides he will probably have to sell his old half-helm.

GM wrote:
Cunate looks directly at Kuglad "I want you to take whatever measures you need to take to bring the Valhakar here"

Kugald smiles wolfishly. "As always, my sword arm is at your command, cousin." He listens to the others talk. "I think my friends have some more creative ways to make him want to come to Ygesdram and their ideas have considerable merit. However," he grabs his sword hilt tightly, "it is always a good idea to have a back up plan."

The weaponcrafter listens to the others talk. Their ideas are certainly more creative, and much more likely to get the Valhakar stirred up and cause him to storm up to Ygesdram in a fury. What better way to get him here, and off his guard at the same time?

As he sits and listens, he realizes that he has some smart friends and that perhaps his first instinct...

Storm in, clap the Valhakar in chains in his own hall, fight their way out through his sons and clansman and then fight a running battle all the way home

...while glorious, is perhaps not the smartest option. He sighs quietly to himself. Oh well, there will be other opportunities for glory in the coming battles ahead and it would be a tragedy if he got wounded and couldn't participate. Best to avoid combat until it really matters. Kugald decides to go along with the more complicated and crafty plan, but be ready to provide the muscle if things go awry.

"I agree, sending Jurri in to wind up the Valhakar with a song is a good plan. Perhaps one other can go into the thran with him, perhaps Hovik. He would not raise suspicions. Myself, Algared, Thorin and Neirin could hide nearby, close enough to enforce the Daas' will if necessary, but out of sight so we don't tip him off. If we do go into the thran and stay at the clan house, I think it might be wise for Thorin, Algared and I to arrive separately, from a different direction, as if we were returning to Ygesdram from an errand. Neirin should hide in the woods...unless, you think his presence would be useful to inflame the Valhakar."

TTYL

- Kerry

"I care not how you get the Valhakar here, or in what condition, but get him here alive!"

Hovik nods. He's figured out that the easiest way to get Kugald to do something is to let him think it was his idea all along. "Brilliant, Kugald! I'm with you all the way!"

Later Hovik will point out, "If the first plan doesn't work and you have to arrest him, I think having Neirin with you would be advisable. There is a chance Gerherbt might still think that it's all about Neirin and Hershold's argument, rather than suspicion of spying, and he'll be easier to subdue. And you might just need the muscle."

"We still have the matter of Hovik's situation Cousin, and while going as two seperate groups may seem beneficial, it could lead to complications. Besides although we would want to encourage him to want to come with us.. We are also tasked with escorting Madrin so he can do what he does best." Algared doesn't wish to speak down the inventiveness of the other's wiley plans, but still wishes to ensure they don't run into problems that may be avoided.

Hovik seems perplexed. "My situation? I have no situation. Any in Rojanstad who know me know me only as Hervold's lackey. So imagine me just a wandering peddler, trading my herbal remedies for a meal, a coin, and some warmth by the hearth. I just happen to be on the same path as Jurri - who is also simply practicing his chosen profession. And besides, there are some herbs in the hills south of Rojanstad that don't grow near Ygesdram - or so I'll tell any who ask."

"Besides, all Jurri and I are doing is planting an idea in the man's head. At the worst he calls Jurri a liar and throws us out."

"As for Madrin. If we succeed then Madrin simply arrives arrives after he leaves. If we fail, he comes with the second group. It doesn't really matter."

The Daas halts your conversation "Enough, I have other pressing matter to which I must attend, you can continue your conversations somewhere else, unless there is something else you need to ask"

With a pause the Daas adds "I would prefer you leave soonest, arrange with Madrin on the details"

Madrin is also dismissed from the conversation and leaves the hall even if you stay. As he gathers his papers and makes to leave he says "I shall be in meadhall when I have packed my belongings, you can meet me there"

Hovik says hopefully, "Let's get started. If we leave promptly, Jurri and I will arrive in the late afternoon. That gives us time to get ourselves invited into the household. The rest of you can follow at your leisure. We'll know by the next morning whether our plan worked, and if it didn't, you all can come crashing in."

When Cunate dismisses them, Kugald stands and bows slightly, “We will deliver him to you, my Jarl.”

He looks at the rest of the band, “Let’s finish this conversation outside.”

In front of the hall, the group gathers in a small circle out of earshot of anyone else.

“I agree with Hovik. He and Jurri should leave immediately, heading south from Ygesdram to Namjen and Dalasjo, then by track direct to Rojanstad. That will get them there by late afternoon, arriving from the north. Under the cover of a wandering skald and his friend, Jurri can perform a few songs tonight to warm things up.”

“The rest of us, including Madrin, should head out an hour or two later. We should follow them to Dalasjo, but then continue on the main road to Upsala. We can stay overnight there and then make the short march from Upsala to Rojanstad first thing tomorrow morning, arriving from the west. Our cover will be exactly what we are…Madrin will be there to inspect the records of tribute, and we will be there to escort him.”

“I will fetch my horse. We can use it as a pack animal on the way there. If Gerherbt makes a run for it, it will let me chase him down. If he puts up a fight and ends up in chains, we can throw him over the horse.”

“Thorin, I think it might be wise for you to get some chains from Thaldir, just in case.”

“So, Hovik, this is your plan, did I get it right, or do you…or anyone else…have any changes to the plan to make it work better? Algared, I recognise the risk of splitting into two teams, but it will only be for one night. I think the risk is low, but I welcome your input.”

TTYL

- Kerry

Kugald Daas wrote:
“So, Hovik, this is your plan, did I get it right, or do you…or anyone else…have any changes to the plan to make it work better? Algared, I recognise the risk of splitting into two teams, but it will only be for one night. I think the risk is low, but I welcome your input.”

"Actually, it was Jurri's idea, except for the parts you added."

"It won't take me but a moment to tell Hervold I'm leaving. I'll meet you at the edge of the village, Jurri."

'My input cousin is simply I do not think it wise to split the warband. Maybe I worry overly much, but when we camped on on the banks of the river we did but camp for one night. If jurri and Hovik are to appear separate from us, then they will need enough coin to pay upkeep for they will not be able to claim the hospitality of the Thran. And our arrival to check the documents of the thran regarding the Gerherbt payment of dues needs to also ensure we do not offer insult to our kin, I cannot say I recall who hold's the thran for Cunate even if he is a kinsmen. Also what if our companions manage to alert Gerbhert that the game is up and he chooses to flee before we arrive. I see the merit of the apporach but I also see the danger of making our tasks harder." Algared pauses, either way cousin, I think I will need to sell my half-helm to ensure I have some coin before we leave. So I'll likely need to visit the the smithy and speak with your master"

"I am in agreement with Algared. There is no need for the hunters to separate until the quarry is within view, or we might become hunted ourselves. We have been attacked already while traveling between villages, and our enemies have many spies. Let us travel together for as much of the road as we can, then split up once we near Rojanstad."

Hovik is bemused. "By the Elkyries, are we too cowardly to walk a couple leagues on an open road in the middle of Daaslund? You insult our skald, who is expected to earn his bread doing exactly this - walking from village to village, trading a song for a meal. As for me, a mere peddler of herbs, to be seen in such exalted company as yours would simply excite suspicion."

"Just because men like Jurri and I don't swing axes bigger than plowshares doesn't mean we live in fear of anything. Our wits, skills, and winning nature (show us that toothy smile, Jurri) give us more protection than your steel."

"We can travel together as far as Dalasjo. I am sure Jurri and Hovik will be safe for the final half league. Everyone should go grab their equipment and meet Madrin at the meadhall. We leave as soon as everyone is ready."

"Algared, we don't have time for you to sell your half-helm, neither should you have too. I will speak to the Jarl about funds for our task."

Kugald goes back into the hall to speak to Cunate (or the person responsible for the clan funds, equivalent of the chamberlain). "Sir, we should only be gone a couple of days and will be staying at the clanhouse in Rojanstad, but I would like a reserve of coin to deal with unexpected expenses for the group."

Once he has secure funds (or not), Kugald heads first to the forge to pick up his newly resized mail byrnie and then to his clan house to pick up his gear. Once he has it all gathered up he strides purposefully down to the Kjelland farm to get his horse Gauk. He saddles him up and loads his belongings into the saddle bags and straps his blanket and other items to the saddle before leading him back to the meadhall.

TTYL

- Kerry

Kugald Daas wrote:"We can travel together as far as Dalasjo. I am sure Jurri and Hovik will be safe for the final half league.

Hovik doesn't take the insult well. "We'd be safer the entire trip if we were on our own, rather than being escorted by a bunch of warriors that think the only source of safety is swinging a damn axe. You four can follow Jurri and me if you want - and if you are quick - but don't think you are protecting *us*."

A little later, when the group has dispersed, he says directly to Kugald. "It's nothing to me, really. But by the Elkyries, show some respect for Jurri. He has walked that path countless times, and to imply he needs protection is insulting. It's not just warriors that have pride. Make up any excuse you want for joining us, but a skald's skill is all the protection he needs to walk right into the jaws of hell."

To Hovik: "As you wish. I have confidence in your ability to take care of yourself. Leave when you are ready. I will talk to Algared."

To Algared: "Cousin, they want to go ahead on their own, so be it. We are friends, not bodyguards. Jurri and Hovik are survivors, they know how to take care of themselves. We will meet up with them tomorrow morning. We can't be there all the time. Besides, we are in the middle of Daasland...what could [heavy sarcasm] possibly go wrong!"

TTYL

- Kerry

OOC: Splitting up the party has always worked out so well for me in past games!

When Kugald speaks to Algared, he responds, to him "It is alright Kugald, I do not feel slighted nor insulted, the plan merit, though i wonder if we are not trying to be too devious, but as you say what could possibly go wrong in the middle of Daaslund... In the middle of Daaslund? Isn't that where we were attacked already." Algared smiles wryly playing up to Kugald's sarcasm then continues in a slightly more serious tone.

"If Hovik is thin skinned enough to take insult at wisdom, he is a fool even for all his knowledge in healing. It is not cowardly, merely caution as was Cunate's caution as we entered the greathall. In the middle of his own thran and greathall when it was only our party approaching he covered the maps as we arrived, not out of spite but out of caution. If we see not what he plans then we cannot let it slip. It is caution cousin is not cowardness, but then Hovik seems to see wisdom only in his own actions taking. None the less it you have decided having heard the thoughts of us all, and I pray that they encounter no troubles along the way."

Algared smiles once more, "I had best go gather my gear, as to my half-helm I still see no need to keep it I have a 3/4 helm now,Cunate did bid us to leave as soon as we could so it is true we have not time to haggle a price." Algared then laughs, as he pats his hands about his body before saying between chuckles 'Nope, I dont have a second head big enough for a second helm, i know you think i'm strange at times but two heads." he laughs heartily and is still chuckling as he parts, heading to his clan house to collect his belongings.