3 Nuzyael 720

Kugald shakes his head. "Not well."

"Cousin, I am sorry that I couldn't tell you this before, but knowing the message we bore, I didn't want to make it any worse than I already knew it would be. The Daas has sent a letter to the Storzar saying he cannot come now and will not be ready before later in the spring. Given the imminent threat of the Ibanvaalese, that might be too late."

"I am ashamed we had to bear such a message. I fear it will only embolden our enemy, as surely they have spies among us. Never the less, it is the message we were tasked to bear."

"We are ordered to wait to see if the Valhakar has a return message. Given his mood when we left the hall, I hope we will be allowed to leave. Could you send a servant to bring our gear from the hall? We might be forced to depart quickly."

Looking around to his companions, "Well, the fat is in the fire now...nothing to do but see what happens."

TTYL

- Kerry Mould

Algared nods in agreement with Kugald, 'Indeed Cousin, the fat is in the fire and I fear we may be the fat, while we were unaware of the letters wording our uncle did suggest we should be silent, and I must admit that I also feel shamed. However, I am also intigued by the group of men who were not of the Thrangaad, did any of you get a clear look at them and notice any symbols or marks of rank?"

Sighing Algared looks to Bulsa, "Aunt while you are Daas you are also the storzar's wife, and I fear we are not in his favourso fully understand should our questions be anathema, but do you know who the other men seated in the great hall besides the Thrangaad would be?" Algared looks a moment into his aunt's eyes befopre dropping his eyes as she meet his his gaze.

Busla listens to your answers "So it would seem that you have become the fat in the fire. But remember you are the Daas' men and I am his sister."

Offering your warband a seat and some more drink Busla continues "I am sorry I do not know who these men are that you refer to, there are so many new faces in Froyaheim now, what with the refugees from Froyby, the Storzar has called up his warriors and with them encamped several miles to the north of us, they are always about preparing the army for war."

With a short pause Busla continues "It is a strange place here now, there is so much happening at a frantic pace, but everyone is rightly worried that it will be enough. Our King has said no aid will arrive and now you can bet that word is about the Daas is not coming. Morale will be very low!"

GM wrote:With a short pause Busla continues "It is a strange place here now, there is so much happening at a frantic pace, but everyone is rightly worried that it will be enough. Our King has said no aid will arrive and now you can bet that word is about the Daas is not coming. Morale will be very low!"

'That Moral will be low is the greatest concern. A smaller army can always defeat the larger if their moral is the stronger, to break an enemies moral is to win a conflict. I would wonder could Froyhiem withstand a siege and for How long? To me it seems Ibanvaal will seek to smash moral and even threaten the consequences of resistance in the hope of having an Storzar capitulate." Algared looks up, "That is what I'd be seekin to do before the final conflict where I attacking an enemy.... but then I am hardly a warrior or general and know little of war, I am but a schoalr. A scholar, and you know what is often said of scholars. We learn more and more about less and less til we know absolutetly evering about nothing.." Chuckling at his weak joke Algared looks to his companions, Anders and Busla breifly as he awaits their thoughts. Then asks "how would you fight such a conflict if you had the means direct or lead."

"I'll match you, Algared, in speaking of nothing with absolute certainty. Once the rot sets in - once the thought that victory is impossible becomes common in your ranks, it is impossible to expunge. Adding the Ygesdram men to a Froyaheim army that is already demoralized will just give a larger, still demoralized army. It's like a festering boil that fouls any medicine you apply."

"There is only one way to deal with such a boil. It has to be lanced. A fast, decisive, blow must be struck - one that completely changes the mindset of everyone at once. That's the only way to heal that kind of sore."

"Ooops. Did I say something? Sorry, Kugald."

Jurri sits nearby and listens to this. Privately, he wonders at what was expected, but he has his own thoughts as to what Daas and Storzar are actually up to. He quietly begins playing something foreboding, to suit the apparent mood. However, he will gradually shift it to something upbeat and heroic.

Hovik wrote:"There is only one way to deal with such a boil. It has to be lanced. A fast, decisive, blow must be struck - one that completely changes the mindset of everyone at once. That's the only way to heal that kind of sore."

Hovik's quick response makes Algared laugh, 'Hovik, you join me as a a hawkish soul, maybe we two should walk the thran, if we speak of victory and deeds when we are the least of warriors.. if men such as we are the essence of the Storzar and Daas then nothing could defeat us..." Algared stops letting others speak, for he is certain that even their little warband alone would have different perspectives on how to fight such a war and how to counter such moves.

Kugald listens to his companion's council.

"Busla, I don't think you have meet Hovik yet, he is usually so quiet..." Kugald looks over at him and frowns slightly, but it doesn't last. The little man is right. "He is correct, poor moral will sap the strength of an army like a blood draining from a wound. However, given the Ibanvaalese strength in numbers, I think a strong defence might be better. The walls of Froyaheim are strong. An army could last for months, long enough for help to come from Ygesdram."

Kugald strokes his beard, deep in thought. "Still Hovik's suggestion of a swift, decisive strike also has merit. We would need to know the Ibanvaalese strength and position. Has the Storzar sent scouts or spies to ferret out their plans? There are plenty of narrow spots between Froyby and Froyaheim where an army could lay an ambush if their enemies' plans were known."

The weaponcrafter pours himself another mead and considers the options.

TTYL

- Kerry Mould

OOC:Well played Martin. I didn't mean for Hovik to miss out on playing.

Algared wrote:

Hovik wrote:"There is only one way to deal with such a boil. It has to be lanced. A fast, decisive, blow must be struck - one that completely changes the mindset of everyone at once. That's the only way to heal that kind of sore."

Hovik's quick response makes Algared laugh, 'Hovik, you join me as a a hawkish soul, maybe we two should walk the thran, if we speak of victory and deeds when we are the least of warriors.. if men such as we are the essence of the Storzar and Daas then nothing could defeat us..." Algared stops letting others speak, for he is certain that even their little warband alone would have different perspectives on how to fight such a war and how to counter such moves.

"What are you talking about, Algared? I'm no hawk. I'm no Storzar or Daas, either. I'm just a poor physicker with two things going for me. I don't eat much, and I'm an expert on rashes and sores. Which is why Kugald takes me everywhere he goes." Hovik figures a little teasing might lighten things up in here. Getting Kugald to blush in front of his aunt and cousin would be amusing.

Hovik wrote:"What are you talking about, Algared? I'm no hawk. I'm no Storzar or Daas, either. I'm just a poor physicker with two things going for me. I don't eat much, and I'm an expert on rashes and sores. Which is why Kugald takes me everywhere he goes."

Algared smiles, "Ahh much like the way he prefers to have me for I can at least boil water without burning it."

kugald wrote:"Still Hovik's suggestion of a swift, decisive strike also has merit. We would need to know the Ibanvaalese strength and position. Has the Storzar sent scouts or spies to ferret out their plans? There are plenty of narrow spots between Froyby and Froyaheim where an army could lay an ambush if their enemies' plans were known."

Algared looks at his cousin as he joins the discussion, "Why an army at a bottle neck Kugald, the winter was harsh and ibanvaal's army will need foods, Froyby will not have the resopurces to supply the whole army, they will need to bring more supplies overland.. a hungry army becomes equally low on moral. An army may not manage it, but a band of raiders, with a native guide may well be able to cut the artery feeding this Ibanvaal plauge, deprive this foe of food and his army will melt away qucker than the ice in a flame. It is no wonder they skirmished all winter, I imagine their comander desired to keep them busy, take their minds off their worries about lower lowering supplies.... much like jurri has been doing with his music since we returned."

With everyone discussing tactics and strategies the door to the clanhouse opens, Erling Storzar and Ingolf enter the clanhouse while four or so others remain outside.

"Ah Busla, it is always good to see you, how are you this day?" Erling says as he approaches his wife and gently kisses her, a kiss which she returns as they both hug each other. "I am well, Erling, but enough, we have guests." Busla says.

"Is it just us here?" Erlings says. "Yes, none are expected till later today" answers Busla.

With a nod Erling turns his attentions to your warband "My apologies for the outburst in the greathall. But it was done for a reason, knowing that you gave Ingolf the real message last night which he has passed on to me."

"There was need for deception, both the Daas and I fear spies in our midst and we needed to take great care about our communications. We have been trying to weed out these spies and so I have shown everyone in the hall this message and to all assembled the Daas has forsaken us."

Moving towards the table he says "Now lets see what the Daas really has planned." Erling says taking the parchment from his tunic, he moves towards a candle upon the table and looks to set it alight, but as the parchment nears the flame, brownish runic symbols begin to appear.

"A little thing the Daas and I used to do as children."

"Mmmm, the Daas plans to send 300 warriors to protect the south bank of the Froya River to protect Ygesdram while keeping another 200 warriors in Ygesdram as a reserve the rest he plans to take through a pass through the Kejelrian Mountains. He plans to fall upon the rear of the Ibanvaal army to give me time to shore up my defences."

"It is a bold plan." Turning away from the candle he turns to everyone assembled and says "I do not need to ask that nothing of this plan leave this room."

"I think it best that you board your boat and return to Ygesdram as soon as possible, you will pass on my displeasure to your Jarl at this message, let's see, AH yes tell him I said he is nought but a cur and a leech on the rear end of the Storzar. But when you get the chance please inform him that I agree with his plan and will do what I can to draw his army as far north as possible."

"So if you can gather your gear from the greathall, I shall provide Ingolf and these other men to escort you to the docks."

Erling bids his wife goodbye and leaves the clanhouse. Busla and Anders both add that if you could pass on their greetings to Cunate as well as the letters you hold.

Ingolf then holding out his arm indicates that the warband leave the clanhouse and get their gear....

GM wrote:

"Mmmm, the Daas plans to send 300 warriors to protect the south bank of the Froya River to protect Ygesdram while keeping another 200 warriors in Ygesdram as a reserve the rest he plans to take through a pass through the Kejelrian Mountains. He plans to fall upon the rear of the Ibanvaal army to give me time to shore up my defences."

"It is a bold plan."

Hovik: <cough> <rolls eyes>

GM wrote:
With everyone discussing tactics and strategies the door to the clanhouse opens, Erling Storzar and Ingolf enter the clanhouse while four or so others remain outside.

Kugald stands quickly and nods his head in greeting.

GM wrote:
With a nod Erling turns his attentions to your warband "My apologies for the outburst in the greathall. But it was done for a reason, knowing that you gave Ingolf the real message last night which he has passed on to me."

"There was need for deception, both the Daas and I fear spies in our midst and we needed to take great care about our communications. We have been trying to weed out these spies and so I have shown everyone in the hall this message and to all assembled the Daas has forsaken us."

"Understood sir. We expected such a response and recognise the need for secrecy."

GM wrote:
"Mmmm, the Daas plans to send 300 warriors to protect the south bank of the Froya River to protect Ygesdram while keeping another 200 warriors in Ygesdram as a reserve the rest he plans to take through a pass through the Kejelrian Mountains. He plans to fall upon the rear of the Ibanvaal army to give me time to shore up my defences."

"It is a bold plan." Turning away from the candle he turns to everyone assembled and says "I do not need to ask that nothing of this plan leave this room."

Kugald nods his head in acknowledgement of the valhakar's request for secrecy.

Assuming the Daas summons all his available warriors, leaving 300 for the south bank and 200 in Ygesdram, that will leave him around 1000 warriors to attack the Ibanvaalese from behind. It is a bold plan, risky but potentially devastatingly effective if it succeeds.

Kugald gives his thanks to the Jarl. He gives Busla and Anders quick hugs and goodbyes. He promises to pass their news and greetings to the family back in Ygesdram. Then, he turns and follows the others out to pick up their gear and head down to the boat.

He says little, preferring to wait until they are safely away from Froyaheim and its spies.

TTYL

- Kerry

Neirin seems very keen to look upon the letter, and is quite excited by the 'magical' letter hidden within. He tries his best not to seem rude as he peers over shoulders to see.

When the excitement fades, the hunter shakes his head and speaks to no one in particular. "So that is it then? Messages hidden within messages ... bringing this here was a very simple task for such a group. Is this really all we're expected to do?"

Neirin wrote:Neirin seems very keen to look upon the letter, and is quite excited by the 'magical' letter hidden within. He tries his best not to seem rude as he peers over shoulders to see.

When the excitement fades, the hunter shakes his head and speaks to no one in particular. "So that is it then? Messages hidden within messages ... bringing this here was a very simple task for such a group. Is this really all we're expected to do?"

Algared smiles, Neirin seem entranced by the hidden message and also dismayed b the simple task that used so many in the tiny warband. 'No my friend , we have a message to take back and with both trips the verbal message we carried was the important one. To ensure it reaches the intended delivery we are a large group able to protect each other should spies try to disrupt our passage. One or two men are easy killed or waylayed but a party such as our would require greater effort." Algared pauses, 'We tried to mask the scent in order to catch larger prey." Algared hopes his analogy is correct and at least reassures the hunter of the tasks importance.

He then turns kissing his Aunt Busla farewell and clapping the young Anders upon the back. "Til we meet again cousin and may Sarajin guide and keep you strong and hale." noticing that the jarl has left already Algared turns to Busla give our fairwells to our uncle as well, we will see this task through." Algared turns and looks at kugald smiling as kugald looks at him blankely.

'Why Kugald did you forget when our aunt Busla married the Storzar he also became our uncle." Then falling in beside his cousin Algared follows heads outside to to warm reception he excepts they will recieve from the locals as they gather there gear and are then marched to the docks."

You are lead to the greathall by Ingolf, ten other warriors follow, you recieve naught by cold stares from each of them. Gathering your belongings from the greathall, you are lead through the thran, past the gatehouse and out towards the dock.

It is now mid afternoon, the sky remains bleak and grey, the clouds have thinned a little with a few patches of sky showing through, the light winds have swung around to the south west and the day seems warmer now. Looking to the sky you get the feeling that it will rain again soon.

You do not see to many of the locals as you make your way to the boat, nearing the boat a voice from behind calls out "HOVIK IS THAT YOU!!!!"

As you turn to see who has called Hovik's name you notice a lad several years your junior with blonde hair and average build and size waving and running towards your warband. You also see that the 'waverider' is stilled tied up as you approach. The crew see your approach and summon the captain. From under the tentage erected amidships the captain of the 'waverider' emerges.

Curses. Too many witnesses.

Hovik will be scrupulously obedient to Kugald. He keeps his eyes on the ground and says nothing. He continues to shuffle towards the boat. Not until the boy is right in his face and cannot be ignored will he acknowledge him.

His response will depend on who this lad is.

As the young lad runs towards you your escort also stop and turn and then when he gets to within about 30 paces, three of your escort turn close up, lock shields and level spears at him....

Unless the lad is obviously armed and dangerous, Jurri will hold up a hand to the escorts, motioning them to lower their spears.

"We are not all strangers to this place," he says. "Let him approach if he means no mischief."

Hovik will quietly say, "Some of us would prefer to remain a stranger, Jurri." And he will keep his eyes on the ground as he shuffles off to the boat.

Madrin groans, knowing full well what will come of this. Quickly rifling through his vocabulary, Madrin hopes to put together a fast talking answer/ultimatum to whomever comes for their companion.

The escort lower their spears and allow this young man to complete the rest of his journey. He looks sheepishly at each of you until he arrives in front of Hovik.

"It is you, well met, Hovik. How have you been?"

Mutters a curse seemingly at the delay, and silently curses Jurri, what in blazes is he thinking, catching Madrins groan and Hoviks murmured response Algared feels he shares both Hoviks pain and how Madrin's unease.

Jurri Grebel wrote:
Unless the lad is obviously armed and dangerous, Jurri will hold up a hand to the escorts, motioning them to lower their spears. "We are not all strangers to this place," he says. "Let him approach if he means no mischief."

Kugald curses silently to himself, was Jurri asleep all through their discussion about Hovik being a runaway thrall? He shakes his head, and we were so close to getting out of Froyaheim.

The weaponcrafter is pleased that Hovik is sticking with the plan: keep your eyes down, talk to no one, get on the boat and get the hell out of here.

GM wrote:
The escort lower their spears and allow this young man to complete the rest of his journey. He looks sheepishly at each of you until he arrives in front of Hovik. "It is you, well met, Hovik. How have you been?"

Kugald steps up next to Hovik, ready to intimidate and bully the young man so the party can depart. He glances over to Madrin, hoping he can come up with some fast talking to diffuse the situation.

In a gruff, clipped tone, Kugald asks, “Who are you? What business do you have with us?”

The weaponcrafter's instinct is to brush the boy off, tell him he is mistaken and get on the boat before anything else can happen, but he is afraid that the boy is Hovik's owner's son and will make a scene.

TTYL

- Kerry

The boy stops and turns towards Kugald. "I am Ardlin of clan Surenaal, I have no business with you or your friends but I know Hovik. He is a friend of mine! I see by your moans you are not pleased with my arrival. I know none of you, yet you seem to know me? How is that? And mores the point my arrival seems to dappen your spirits. Have you spoken of me to them Hovik?"

Ardlin looks concerned at your apparent disapproval of him.