The Heirs of Britain
Session 7: 482; The Summerland Swamps
Once more the young knights ride to Sarum; Easter Feast has been announced there, and Roderick’s knights attend. We arrive and find the castle quieted much from last year; Ulfius and his entourage, searching for marriages, are not present this Spring. The Duke’s absence is somewhat offset by the presence of Prince Madoc and his own courtiers. Loach in cold green sauce is served.
Sir Vandagild takes opportunity to beg some of the Earl's time to go hunting and falconing. The Earl appreciates the request and Vandagild's enthusiasm; alas he has too much to attend to this season and will likely be unable. They both look forward to the next opportunity.
Sir Elvorix, not in good graces with the Earl, attempts in his way to win money from gaming. The Roman engages in courtly intrigue, and finds a mark in Sir Rhodri: An older knight, portly, known for constant indebtitude, though seemingly capable of paying. Elvorix propositions the chap for a game and a wager! The jovial gent accepts eagerly, his bag of pieces quick to hand; This is a mistake. Sir Elvorix trounces him, winning in a few short moves after catching his foe in a cunning gambit. The man shakes his head in disbelief; the game is over, and the monies overhanded.
Sir Iwan, modest as ever, is content with his lot, feeling fortunate and well care for. He asks little of his lord, instead focusing on the welfare of his family. His humility inspires!
During the feast, our Good Earl Roderick has an announcement! There will be another campaign! Off the victory of Bedegraine, King Uther is invigorated to put down another recalcitrant lord, one who also refuses to pay his dues; Cadwy the King of Summerland! A joyous roar fills the hall! The latter is known to be formidable and wise, a foe not to be taken lightly. We learn Salisbury’s muster will be split; half with Uther to Summerland, and half with Roderick to besiege some contested holdings in Salisbury. Salisbury is Roderick's ancestral home, and he has intent to secure it properly!
Sir Godifer approaches during the joyous response: He tells us that Summerland is known for Strange Happenings, and it should be a memorable campaign. The forest to Northwest goes by many names, and the charming man shivers when he describes the tales that come from that place. He tempers himself: Most of the tales are probably just told to keep peasants afraid, he explains; some children go missing, another returns with a weird scar, peasant nonsense of the like. He means not to spook us, just sharing some interesting trivia.
Changing topic, he identifies Vandagild and Iwan and... not Elvorix. He recalls our time at Wynchbank, and bids us accompany him on a similar quest to the Saxon Shore. We shall visit Sir Ederyn’s Castle Vigor and his daughter Lady Llylla, who Roderick may court. Sir Vandagild references the misbehaviour of the men of Saxon Shore in London; Elvorix still bears the scars of his duel. The Aquitanian suggests that there may be yet more inhospitality when we arrive!
Nonetheless, those invited accept the task; over many days we travel through Levcomagusm, Silchester, Londinium, Camulodunum and, finally, to Castle Vigor in the east.
__________ A Vigorous Scathing __________
The Castle Vigor, of Sir Ederyn, is more fortified, more utilitarian, though perhaps a little less wealthy though than that of Wynchbank. We are greeted with a respectful entourage, who aid us to tour the grounds and keep us entertained.
During the day the hunter, Sir Vandagild, takes opportunity to stalk the woods with the lord of these eastern lands. The day is long: Ederyn appears not the greatest hunter, nor trailsman, and his lengthy stories are drawn, staling quickly. This frustrates some. Men wonder in whispers and looks if this hunt will ever end. Sir Vandagild wishes not to overstep his mark, but necessity forces him to action. While Sir Jarren is telling some story to the gathered men, the long-haired Aquitanian espies a doe! Representing his Lord Roderick, and wishing to impress the man, he dismounts softly, drawing a few glances. In a smooth motion he pulls his bow, nocks, draws and looses; he starts afoot before the arrow lands. And it does, deep and true: Low in the ribs, just behind the foreleg, cutting the creature’s heart so. It is felled immediately. A few steps hence, he quietly declares: I have found our dinner. The hunting party are impressed by the skill and confidence of this display! Despite being a foreigner, and a knight of Salisbury, Vandagild’s efforts draw looks of thanks and admiration from the Saxon Shore hunters.
Later, the handsome Sir Iwan navigates the courtly courtesy well, speaking gently but pointedly with some of the Saxon Shore knights. He makes a good impression with one Sir Mellon; a quiet knight, of a kind with Sir Iwan, who confides much in the Salisbury man. The Castellan Sir Ederyn is apparently one for stories, though not in a way that all find favourable; Vandagild has learned this first hand. Lady Llyla, for her part, is quite a, uh, presence, though not a storyteller. Mellon politely says no more on that curious matter. Iwan notes this, and they return to less delicate matters, talking of state and knightlihood.
The day comes to a close, and the time to feast approaches. Lady Llylla has been nowhere in sight through the day; but she is presented at the feast that evening. A woman of 18 summers in a beautiful lavender dress, she is stunning. Her introduction is impressive. As the feast progresses she speaks little; many Salisbury knights whisper of her beauty and charm: What a boon to Roderick! Meanwhile, Sir Myles approaches Iwan and speaks bluntly to he; Myles needs advice. Lady Trenia and he have had some rather excellent times, and he visited her family in London as we passed through recently. It seems her family may own around half of London, perhaps with some exaggeration. The striking knight laments that he has need to prove himself worthy of her hand, and to be worthy of joining their family. He is struck, it is clear.
Overhearing the difficult problem, Sir Vandagild mirthfully suggests that he could slay a Dragon? He hears from his wife they live in the Pictish Mountains; it might make a fine adventure! Or, mayhap, hire a good craftsman with tight lips, to render a false head of such a beast and convince them of the slaying thusly. This draws laughter; alas Sir Myles has little faith in these plans, though he enjoys the joke.
Sir Iwan more seriously suggests slaying a mighty Saxon hero or warlord, perhaps lay claim to a banner of that foul folk? And then he may lay it on her table before her kin, to show his valour as a warrior. Or, if we produce a report of quality for the Earl Roderick we can offer the credit to Sir Myles, increasing his standing with the Earl and thus his standing elsewhere? Myles nodes thoughfully…
We are interrupted: Lady Llyla shrieks! Her voice pierces the dull rumble of knightly conversation and draws men to their feet. All turn: Her beautiful dress now has a burgundy blotch on it, spreading rapidly; the lady is enraged! She screams at a servant, spitting vile, uncomely words and scathing him harsh. She declares to all: The cost of the dress will come from their wages, and they will be thrown from the castle! Eyebrows are raised; it appears wine was spilled. The tirade continues for some time.
Sir Vandagild makes a whispered note to his friend Iwan, with a sweeping gesture: I offer you, The Saxon Shore!
Soon the feast ends; many are uncomfortable. We depart the next day.
In Sarum once more, the Earl Roderick asks once more the opinion of the two young knights. He is excited; he hears word that she is quite a sight. Sir Iwan, in careful phrases offers: She is easy on the eyes, my Lord, but cruel to the servants, and her father is... long of tale. When pressed, Iwan explains the cruel behaviour regarding the spoiled dress. Vandagild confirms the tale. Roderick is disappointed; he was hoping for better news. The feasts are important for morale, he utters, and the men would be discouraged if such cruelty and misbehaviour was suffered under his hospitality. With thanks, he dismisses the men.
Later that Spring, more glorious news for the family of Sir Vandagild. His brother, Sir Vanduva, has reached his twenty first year; he is knighted!
__________ Summer in Summerland! Summer, 482
__________
Though we are keen to fight with Earl Roderick, the young knights are each sent to join Uther in the invasion of Summerland. Recalling Godifer’s rumouring, Sir Vandagild asks his wife the Lady Catrin, and a priest of the Arian Christian Faith, to bless him as protection from the demons of the forest. They do; he kisses his wife and children hefts his armaments, and rides North, Uvan in tow.
We muster and arrive at camp near the Summerland border. We find the Salisbury men, who keep a keen eye on their surroundings, and join the other Lords and Knights of Summerland under Uther. It is noted by many that once more Duke Gorlois of Cornwall is absent, as is the Duke of The March. Nonetheless, we march forth into the forests, marshes, bogs and woodlands of Summerland, unto the castles of this cursed land!
But ho! Soon hence, we see the Duke Gorlois already at work, besieging the southern forts of Summerland; and yonder, the Duke of The March besieges forts in the North! Glory to King Uther! We march onward, deep into the territory of the foe… And yet Uther finds trouble pinning down the forces of Summerland. They muster not before us, and have chosen no battlefield to face us. We are instead impaired by fallen trees, hidden bogs, and persistent assailment by arrows and javelins... This treacherous warfare reaps a modest toll, but frustrates greatly! Many knights decry the dishonorable tactics, and pray rightly for open battle! King Uther, not a merciful man, once more reverts to a tried tactic: Raid Summerland, he calls, and force them to respond! Sir Vandagild, not near Elvorix and driven by his vengefulness for these traitorous folk and their deceptive warfare eagerly spurs his mount!
Sir Elvorix opts not to anger his lord further, choosing to raid an undefended manor and yet harming no peasants. Sir Iwan rides with Sir Elvorix, in case some defending knights emerge and his friend needs a blade beside him.
We raid for several days among the marshy, boggy lands. We take treasure from our targets, under constant harassment from the slings and arrows of dishonest folk. Bugs and midges infest and bite; the very forest seems to reach out and entangle our arms and steeds; rest is hard to find, and chaos reigns; it is an awful campaign. Sir Vandagild is enraged; filled with vengeance but unable to find a home for it. He tightens his jaw, and makes effort to keep his shield high; the arrows of his wretched foe come at unexpected junctures. He rides with a more aggressive cohort, seeking vengeance for these slights! His vigilance and endurance pay dividends; an arrow thuds into his shield as they ride to plunder! He roars, eyes darting; he hunts the man, spurring his mount in the direction of the arrow, finding tracks and, soon, the man himself! He flees before the knight, darting between the trees and moss… Alas, Vandagild is alone in the difficult terrain! Troubled by the risk of ambush, he finds solace in his Grandfather’s medallion rattles against his chest: Men lured from formation into ambushes of pouncing, violent Huns… The Aquitanian, frustrated, finds the prudence to reign his mount, and wheel back to his party.
Sirs Elvorix and Iwan try raiding the more distant manors to evade arboreal assassins, and loot gently to avoid encumbrance and conflict. Alas! The Roman, while riding a manor, is forced to dodge a missile, ducking swiftly behind a low wall in a manor. He peeks atop it, but he cannot find his assailant. This slows them, and soon they withdraw to friendlier roads.
After days of this, we gather at the war camp; several men are wounded, and many arrows have found a home in Salisbury maille. We learn that King Uther has called for parley with King Cadwy; the latter will leave his court to meet our King on a riverbank. Elvorix makes note to his friends, for King Cadwy, sometimes called the Hermit King, is renowned for never leaving his court. Headway!
__________ Cadwy’s Conference __________
The toll of our campaign soon becomes apparent: Many of the men of Logres are sick, laying in tents, not in shape to fight or raid. Other men are nauseous and full of malaise; the number is significant. By grace of God and constitution, this sickness does not strike our protagonists. The Cymric men of Logres are broadly known for their resilience, and yet many are still unwell. This impact on our forces bodes poorly for a battle should it come to pass. Alas, something vile has surely happened: And it is blamed equally on the weird magics of the forest, as on the poisoning of our men by Summerland knaves!
Sir Elvorix feels the plagues are a punishment from God for our raiding. Sir Iwan, shakes his head, believing his knowledge of the lore of the Fae is protecting him; he has begun minor rituals, and now he spends yet more effort on these idiosyncratic spells and tricks. Unusually full of confidence, he offers advice on how to conduct these protective rituals to the other knights. Vandagild worries little for the cause, instead feeling gratitude for his wife and God; his preparations have clearly kept him safe.
Prince Madoc soon arrives, striding proudly through the ranks, but worried openly about the illness. He finds the three young knights well, and looks relieved; perhaps our old mentor, Sir Elad, has trained us all for fortitude, he offers! Madoc looks forward to seeing Cadwy up close, he tells, and laments not managing to lay his blade on an enemy. Vandagild agrees, and tells of his prudent withdrawal from his woodland foe; he relates his Grandfather’s wisdom to the Prince. Madoc nods sagely, and wonders if the young knight might make a good Battalion commander one day; he laughs, though Vandagild is unsure if he is joking. The three young knights are well and healthy; more than he can say for most others. The Prince offers us the chance to ride with the King to parley with Cadwy; our vigour will show him strength - we eagerly accept!
The King's entourage numbers around two dozen knights; we approach a dock by a river's edge near Cadwy's castle. A barge emerges from the mist before us; on it a bright green tent, with only four knights outside. The men of Logres are keen to see the end of this nightmarish campaign; Madoc declares his excitement to see his father deal with this so-called King. Uther's hand doesn't leave his pommel, and Sir Vandagild follows suit.
The barge docks, and Uther strides furiously into the tent. The two parties watch each other cautiously. The vermin of the swamp sing their strange and beautiful songs. Ripples in the water, shudders in the trees. Odd chirps and haunting cries in the mist.
Sir Iwan, mistrustful of the fae, dips his hand into the nearby water, smearing some swamp water under his eyes; he explains to Prince Madoc that this will help him see through Glamours, for Cadwy is an evil magician and he has a great Suspicion of these Summerlanders. Prince Madoc believes not such tales; Cadwy is just a man, and the King Uther is more than that; this will suffice. Sir Elvorix is amused by the situation at large; Vandagild whispers prayers to God.
Some time later, Uther leaves the tent and returns to his men. He tells us to return to camp. He no longer has his hand on his sword.
Sir Vandagild whisperingly questions Madoc, asking if we won; apparently we did, and there will be a great feast tomorrow. Sir Vandagild thanks God, but voices concern about the death of the last High Kingm Aurelius, some say from poison as much as battle. Given the deception of the Summerlanders, best not we guard sharply this feast? Prince Madoc worries little; while Cadwy is "unique" he does not believe him to be so dishonorable as that.
__________ A Feast in the Fen __________
The next day, the camp is expanded. More men and women have been brought up to fill out what was previously a war camp, including the King’s entourage and concubines. The sick are taken away to recuperate. A great tent is erected for a feast, and furnished as best manageable in this cruel swamp. Cadwy and Uther sit at the High Table; Cadwy has a strangely large entourage of men who look much like him, albeit younger. Sir Iwan calmly, warily informs us they are dopplegangers. Vandagild and Elvorix recognise one of these young men as Sir Melwas, the Sword of Summerland, and son of King Cadwy; he rides an Emerald Green Horse! Vandagild tells his friends he wishes to visit the horse in the stables... Sir Iwan states clearly that he will never go near the horse; he is convinced it will kill him.
Also present: Prince Madoc, of course; Duke Eldol of Glevum; Duke Cornius "The Hammer" of Lindsey, who wields a weapon of his namesake; Duke Ulfius; and the rest of Uther's court. Also present: The nefarious coward Sir Blains; Vandagild spits as he spies him on a distant table. We are seated, appropriately, below the salt. Sir Elvorix's appearance this feast leaves something to be desired; his finest clothes are not here, and his clothing is stained from the swamp.
We take our positions, and soon the King calls attention. In a glorious ceremony, King Cadwy kneels before Uther, who names him Count of Summerland and grants him new lands! Cadwy is allowed to keep his nominal title "King of Summerland” but remains under Logres.
At once, Uther stands again, his booming voice declaring a dance! Vandagild, not known for his courtly footwork, leaves off the opportunity. Sirs Iwan and Elvorix dance well, though Iwan impresses! He is known for his dancing and draws many fond looks. Indeed, King Uther, visiting the knights after a dance, comes to commend Iwan for his dexterity and skill at dance; but asks Iwan what passion inspires his footwork, so expressive it is? Iwan replies that he wishes to put his best foot forward before his Lord, Earl Roderick. The King commends the Salisbury man: Roderick is lucky to have such a graceful and talented knight at his court; Uther wishes to see such grace on the battlefield! When asked, Iwan explains that Roderick’s Generosity to him and his wife has earned his undying loyalty. Satisfied, Uther leaves with some parting comments.
Shortly later Sir Iwan, returning from business, finds in the damp flooring a jewelled armband, obviously valuable. His honesty prevailing, he searches for the owner, soon finding it a home among the Silchester Knights. The band belongs to none other than Sir Blains; Iwan's eye twitches when told thus. Nonetheless, he persists, and finds the wretched knight carousing; he taps his shoulder and asks his attention loudly. Sir Blains turns, scowling, and demands the purpose. Iwan explains it coldly and offers him the band. Blains is confused, squinting, but is soon enough appropriately grateful. He is taken aback. The Silchester Knight asks for Iwan's name and thanks him. Learning of Iwan's Salisbury lands, he pauses, stunned, and then bids him a good evening. Iwan leaves.
Vandagild, for his part, helps his colleagues to more drink, trusting Madoc’s talk of Cadwy’s honor to keep them safe from poison.
As we converse, we notice a lady, Uther apparently in tow, striding confidently to our table. She stops a little short as the King steps forward; he introduces the Lady Diane to Sir Elvorix, though at first he thinks Vandagild is the latter. King Uther promptly leaves; and the real Sir Elvorix invites the lady to sit with us. She has been in Uther's court for four years, she tells, after her father died. She inquires to Elvorix's station and his land in Salisbury, and turns talk to his efforts in Bedegraine. Sir Vandagild, famous for his stories and the recent telling of The Ballad of Britain, weaves a spectacular tale of Elvorix's prowess and skill in battle. He tells stirringly of Elvorix decapitating the last valiant defender, who himself was a bastion of resilience for the Bedegraine defenders. The table laugh and enjoy. After some more conversation, Lady Diane produces a note for the Roman, bidding him to meet her later, before taking her leave. Sir Elvorix, of old stock, knows the written word well. Before him is an instruction, though it is written imprecisely in strained letters: Meet me behind the King's stables.
Sir Vandagild, for his part, helps his colleagues to yet more drink. Sir Iwan and Sir Vandagild, at this point, are drunk. Sir Elvorix, at this point, is a mess. They enjoy more cups, but Elvorix is keen to away. He stands, salutes clumsily, and heads for the King's Stables! Elvorix slurringly bids us farewell, a full, sloshing jug of ale in hand. Vandagild wishes him luck!
__________ Soused Subterfuge __________
The Roman reaches the place, somehow, finding a guard outside. "Well now”, he begins, “ye should not be out here by thyself, have this!"
The guard happily acquiesces, though he questions why the young knight is out here. “King Uther bequeathed me!... err.. indirectly. See!”, sayeth he. The paper is handed; the guard can read. Apparently, the clumsy handwriting was requesting him to wear red, not only to attend this place. The guard laughs, pointing to the error, and tells Elvorix he isn't even following the instructions right. Nonetheless, he permits entrance; she is waiting for him.
Confused, Elvorix enters, unadorned in red: "I
could not read thy off words, lady! How expect thee for a change to red attire,
for we are in a siege; truly my clothes are elsewhere!"
The Lady is disappointed, she tells; she expects better resourcefulness from a knight. If she were asked to wear red, indeed she may even cut her palm and smear her lifeblood thusly!
Sir Elvorix, raging drunk, immediately does so; the wound is deep, but effective! He is clad in red. The lady Diane laughs and praises his capacity to follow instruction. Flirting occurs, boldly and clumsily on Elvorix's part. The lady enjoys this, but steers the conversation: She enjoyed the part where he refused Roderick in Bedegraine, but asks why the change in Summerland? Elvorix defends his decision: Summerland was raiding lordly manors, not peasantry; it was innocent folk he protected in Bedegraine. They continue apace: It soon becomes clear; the woman is ambitious and of want for a knight who is willing to achieve fame and wealth through ignoble means. The conversation spins nefarious particulars, and Elvorix drunkenly assents. Soon enough, she leaves, promising to arrange the details of marriage later in the year. Once she is gone, Elvorix slumps heavily into the mud and straw, and he sleeps. The horses chew quietly nearby.
__________ Drink and Demons __________
Inside, Iwan and Vandagild observe someone furtively espying them from across the room. The man appears hard lucked; his attire, formerly quite glorious, has fallen in quality and is in need of repair or replacement. We stare back and he soon approaches; he knows us, he tells, and introduces himself as Sir Cadel - he asks, sheepishly, if we recognise that. We don't. He explains that he is from Imber, and speaks of the Bear. Sir Vandagild shows the trinket he had made, and points to the similar one on Iwan’s neck; this excites Sir Cadel. He wishes our help again, for another monster has encroached and his peasants are once more frightened. He calls attention to his dilapidated clothing; times have been hard. He continues: A wolf, a demon, or a cursed serpent; they are not sure. But it is real, and he knows us capable of finding and slaying it. The knights expect they will be released from muster soon and, despite the unusual nature of this request, the opportunity thrills. Sir Vandagild is taken by Valor, Generosity and his Energetic spirit; Iwan too wishes to give aid to the beleaguered man. And have both enjoyed wine. The Quest is accepted; the young knights ask only to have our families care for should we be eaten by demons. Sir Cadel assents, and gives us instructions for the morning, and we agree to set off as soon as able.
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