The Heirs of Britain - Game Fifteen

The Heirs of Britain

Session 15: 485, Cornish Courtesy!

 

__________ Session 15: 485, Salisbury __________ 

The Wolves of Logres depart for Cornwall, once more passing through Sarum to deliver a gift to Earl Roderick: The collected shields, gathered from among the mistreated and miserable bodies piled grossly at the foot of the Hag’s tree. These bear, for the most part, the livery of Summerland knights, Elvorix knows.

The Earl he is sincerely appreciative, and gives an approving nods. The younger knights explain that they hope these might help with whatever diplomacy must take place between Salisbury and Summerland. Roderick is glad for the gift and the news. He wonders aloud if the Summerlanders slew the Hag, thus its absence. But Sir Vandagild is sceptical: He suggests they would have taken their own own shields, and well-treated their dead, were that the case. Besides: Sirs Arnoullant and Sigurant think the hag too wily for that, and instead fled to a rarer den.

Dismissed with gratitude and wishes of hasty travel, the knights depart promptly east, for Cornwall.

The men leave in mid-winter, and quickly remember why they prefer to stay at home.

The hard earth an unyielding bastion of ice; old ruts frozen into dangerous ridges; the frosted earth provides an ever-present risk of slipping, perhaps breaking a steed’s leg. Above, thick snow envelops the broad plains of southern Britain; whipping winds send unrelenting chills into the flesh of the stoic men. The whole scene is white, black, grey. The knight’s shields and tabards the only reliable colour on the bleak journey.

Riding carefully, the Wolves pass Jagent; the travellers are pressed by several local knights on their business; none stop the diplomatic passage.

Soon, a town looms: Exeter. An impressive city, perched charmingly on the Ex river. The western bank is dominated by a large and imposing stone castle, set heavily atop a hill - Redmount; the citadel overlooks city. Many of the knights’ fathers fought here, nigh two-score summers past. For Sir Vandagild, this castle, this battle, marked the first steps his loyal father made on British soil; a mercenary fighting for High-King Aurelius; Uther’s brother; the last High King. This field, the birthplace of his British heritage, and the beginning of his father’s bloody journey from mercenary to vassal. Scanning the lands thoughtfully, he spots, even now beneath the white of winter, the deep red earth of Redmount.

Onward they ride; days pass: To the Fort of Veregoth, then to the castle of Terrabil. Here the Wolves meet, for the first time on this journey, the men of Duke Gorlois of Cornwall; asking of their names and business, they escort the men of Salisbury onward to Tintagel.

Cornwall is hilly, rocky, made worse by the harsh cold and snow. The salt from the harsh sea air, so driven by gusty winds, gets into the air and lungs. Lips are dried and faces raw’d by the scouring weather. There is more heath and scrub here. The journey is unpleasant.

__________ Gatehouse Bar and Grill __________

Reaching Tintagel, the Salisburians see it is still a foreboding castle. The Cornish coast spreads across the north, looking far across to the Irish sea and distant Wales. Tintagel itself is almost on the cliff; the outer walls of the town and village reach out, and down into the land, overtopped by this bastion. It is a formidable, haunting visage, set against the grey, stormy sky and sea beyond.

The knights are taken into the gatehouse and asked to wait. Looking up: a large trap-door. Sir Vandagild opts to stand not beneath it; he scans it curiously, and the ground beneath: His keen eyes can spot no indication of the portal’s purpose beneath the scuffs and scrapes in this high traffic area. Thus: They wait, these Wolves. Each man shares uneasy looks about the strange arrangement, but hold their tongues.

Soon enough: A man enters; last seen by these knights five years past. Alas; he is recognised not. He is gruff, stocky. He squints at these Salisburians with undisguised scrutiny, looking each up and down.

Sir Vandagild inclines his head a little: "My Lord".

The response is gruff; “What doth ye want with the Duke!?”

The Aquitanian considers a moment; he gambles that the man is important enough, and thus worthy of some truth: “Our Earl hath sent us forth for diplomatic mission; he wishes to discuss alliance between the Duke and Salisbury.”

Sir Brastias grunts, and pressures the men in the gatehouse: He presses hard for information and generally makes them feel unwelcome. He learns of the marriage proposal – Cador to Jenna.

While the grumpy Brastias growls his inquiry, the Wolves spy a door open: In the corner of our eye, they see the scrunched face and hunched figure of Duke Gorlois.

He puts a hand on his knight; "Come Brastias, settle thyself” he chuckles.

“He's does try to scare away all my visitors; see now!"

Brastias is only very slightly sheepish: “Aye, Your Grace; I do merely test if they fit thee well, sir!”

The Duke smiles, guiding him out "I know these knights; good men, are they. Roderick's men.”

Brastias protests briefly, warning the Duke: “I ought speak with thee afterward; Loose lipped. Trust them not with any secrets, Your Grace.”

Asked, Sir Vandagild once more explains the diplomatic purpose; Gorlois tells Sir Brastias that there is nothing to worry about here; certainly no information that will destroy the kingdom. Thus, Brastias is dismissed to prepare the hall.

Gorlois asks the men how fared their journey. Sir Iwan of typical simple words, tells him it was cold, but duty bade them see it through. The Duke once more tells them they are good men, and he is a good judge. He fondly recalls the scouting the Wolves completed before the Battle of Salisbury, adding that he expects the men are making strong names for themselves in battle.

By response, the striking Sir Iwan explains how he was recently promoted, leading an eschille at Parisium. For this Gorlois is glad; the King needs good men. Sighing, he adds that he hopes the young knight was handsomely rewarded after that disaster.

Following some more brief discussion, Duke Gorlois bids the knights feed and rest: “Good, good! Let us fill thee with warmth, and greasy food!”

__________ Taste of Tintagel __________

Inside: Braziers line the path to the hall; the knights approach Tintagel proper, each gaining a growing sense of the daunting, haunted nature of the great castle. Within, bright and ornate tapestries line the halls, with well-wrought carvings and other artwork embellish the woodwork. One wall is adorned its full length, ceiling to floor, with many dozens coats of arms, of many different knights. In the main hall, three large fireplaces roar, illuminating and warming the room. A long table fills dominates the space; no food yet rests upon it, but the Good Duke motions for his guests to sit. Servants work quickly in the background to serve food and drink.

Gorlois initiates casual conversation; he clearly avoids the alliance talk for now - he won't discuss the heavy details until the men are each fed and warm.

Sir Elvorix brings up the Adventure in the Forest of Gloom; each knight tells his part, bringing the long tale of adventure great camaraderie. The Duke is an impressed and gracious audience, oohing and aahing and the proper moments. At the end, he chuckles; tells he this: He has had one or two encounters with fairies; though he is not sure its fair to call them so. Nonetheless, he has met folk of a magical kind. The man looks, unfocused and longing, to nowhere. He asks the gathered knights if they have heard the tale of his fleet, which he and Aurelius landed in Britain to retake the latter’s Kingdom.

Sir Vandagild, excited, eagerly replies: He knows well the March of Aurelius; his father was a mercenary in Tolouse, and sailed with the Duke and High-King on that very campaign! That fleet, and those battles, are why he is here today!

But Gorlois speaks not of the March: Before that, a fleet was destroyed in a storm, against these very rocks that he now oversees. The Duke thought that he, and all his men, were done for. Yea, he did pray for last rites in that churning morass of salt and sea. And Lo! Awoke, he, in the morning, on a beach. And on that beach he beheld the greatest treasure he has ever known: At this, a wistful, honest smile brightens his face.

He continue: “Perhaps in thy adventures, ye might each find thee presented with similar treasure. Keep faith in thyself, and in one-another; and yea! Stay strong against such trials and tribulations as thee will doubtless face. And thee will come forth rewarded.”

He smiles again, nodding; “God will reward thee, as He has done for me.”

Here now: Delicious scents waft ever strongly into the room; the food seems ready!

Sir Vandagild laughs, jokingly referencing: “Your Grace, Forgive! For last time I did follow thy wisdom, I ended that venture senseless, and transfixed firmly ‘pon a great Saxon spear!”

Gorlois laughs in turn; “Aaaaaah! But! Look thee where thy find thyself now! For in truth, Good Earl Roderick trusts thee with such missions of import as this; and yea, I see in thy form and figure, be’est thee stronger than ever!”

__________ The Eye of the Beholder __________

As the mirthful men drink the tail of conversation to rest, a woman emerges into the hall. Regardless of preference, taste, or otherwise, this is the undoubtedly the most beautiful woman any of the men have ever laid eyes upon: There is no room nor thought of dissent. Her skin a holy cloth, spun fully of angelic hair; she is dressed in the finest clothes, a tasteful fashion; an almost inhuman aura around her. Each man present cannot help but be drawn to her. She is the finest woman each has ever seen in Logres; Britain; the world. They long to be with her; but she is the Duke's wife; they know that it cannot be so.

Sir Iwan looks at this lady: Her beauty is truly something to behold. In deep corners of his mind, questions arise: Perhaps he was wrong to fall for Lady Eleri? Is that feeling even real? Here, now, is a woman worth loving. This thought nibbles at the back of his mind... He is drawn to the intensity of her eyes as she calmly, carefully surveys the room and guests. Each beauteous orb is piercing and blue, so distinct and almost glowing; Every other eye in the room seeks keenly to share a moment enmeshed with them…

To Sir Vandagild, she has an enduring, classic look; beautiful but modest. She expresses the finest and most becoming trends of Christianity; yea, she resembles deeply Mary herself! Her purity is compelling, such grace, composure, and womanly strength in so perfect a form…

The Roman, Sir Elvorix, is drawn to her highborn look; her perfect etiquette and cultured ways; her noble and lofty posture. Each motion, gesture, and smile is perfectly executed: Indicative of great bearing and noble blood.

Duke Gorlois turns to see the woman; “Aaaaha! There she is; my Love!”

He stands and embraces her, sharing a heartfelt kiss; true, loving and reciprocal. Here Duke Gorlois: Scruffy, bedraggled and bent, blunt and grey, ill refined. Here, The Lady: Perfect, beauteous, refined, straight and gentle. The sight is memorable. She is obviously, and similarly happy in his embrace; true love, perhaps? She smiles brightly, infectiously.

By introduction, she perfectly performs all requisite courtesy, and more besides; some of which of a like the Salisburians have not seen. It is particularly impressive to the young knights, and only serves to make her more beautiful.

The interior of the castle, it is clear now, is this woman's work: Her refined and tasteful touch is on every article.

Is she passes nearer the table, her perfume touches each man: Like Sir Arnoullant, one cannot ignore the wonderful scent. But hers is entrancing, intoxicating, pulling heads along behind her. The fragrance is mesmerising.

She introduces herself as Lady Ygraine.

So faced with such a hopelessly wonderful woman, each man shows something of himself:

Sir Elvorix does his best to be simply polite; he has no intention of seducing the wife of this Duke; for he quite likes the man, and wants to maintain the relationship.

Sir Vandagild sinks into a soft, serene sadness. This true love before him, warm and deep, reminds him of his own lost love: The Lady Catrin, who was taken from him so recently. He is wistful, and his thoughts wander to her own enticing scent and Pictish charm. He sighs lightly to himself.

Sir Iwan is far too timid to interact with this lady for any extended period; lacking familiarity with Lady Ygraine, he shies away from significant interaction with her. Only his familiarity with Lady Eleri, and the other women in his life, facilitates his comfortable interaction with them.

Nonetheless the conversation continues, though for his own reasons each man is somewhat more subdued than earlier. Duke Gorlois, of course, continues conversation easily.

__________ Diligent Diplomacy __________

Food consumed, Duke Gorlois cheerily slaps the table, and thus breaches the topic. Sir Vandagild once more explains the alliance proposal and betrothal; he offers these factors in support of the plan: The convenience of their geographic locations provide for effective military support; the quality of Earl Roderick’s character; their mutual lack of stern supporters among the other Barons of Logres.

Gorlois listens carefully, responding thus: “It was a mistake to send thee, if Roderick thinks he can just call on Cornwall’s knights as he pleases! Uther... well... Aurelius did charge me with defending this peninsula against the Irish! And, well, now Idris besides. Whatever the other lords of Logres may think of me, I intend to hold that charge!”

Sir Elvorix adds: “This is absolutely thy decisions, Sir! We are but messengers of the proposal. Note thee, I pray, that England's many foes are preparing, and yea, they come forth with more and more troops each day. Find thyself, ye soon will, outnumbered by the Irish, and you will want for help. Let Salisbury be that help. Yea, in the same way Logres will be overtaken by Saxons, should they keep coming ashore!”

Sir Iwan, knowing keenly the Duke’s Loyalty to the late High-King Aurelius, attempts to appease the Duke; for the handsome Cymric knight is also an intensely loyal man, dedicated to his own Earl Roderick. “Your Grace; High-King Aurelius hath charged thee to defend these lands; and admit thee truly that few of the lords of Logres support thee. When times of trouble come forth, and with blood are thee forced to fulfil thy oath of loyalty, support will be welcome. Thy promise to Aurelius falls in the absence of that support. It does thee no boon to be cut off. Consider this: Mutual support against the Saxons and Irish secures both our lands.”

Duke Gorlois listens carefully, nodding his head in agreement, and chewing thoughtfully. He says that he is very committed to fulfilling his duty to Aurelius, even after death.

Sir Vandagild takes his moment: “Sir; know thee well the valour and skill of Roderick in battle. A more valiant and reliable ally thee could not wish for! I recall thy words, Your Grace: We are tough, brave, reliable warriors; thus harken thee: All men of Salisbury are inspired by the Earl’s intrepid leadership. Yea; he will not shy from battle should thee call!”

“Indeed; look thee here:” Sir Vandagild lifts his tunic, and gestures across his form; “I have already taken sorely a Saxon spear for thee, Your Grace. And I will take for thee another. On Brave Roderick’s behalf, I promise thee this.”

The Duke nods sharply: “Yea: I have seen Roderick, and thee, each, fight in battle. Spake thee no lie: Salisbury men are good fighters. Not like those of the Vale…”

The Aquitanian nods in gratitude, continuing: “Moreover, for such a terrible for the Earl doth present for his foes, the Earl is a kind and good man. Indeed, I see thee too as a compassionate and merciful man, in want of a neighbour of similar quality. Despite each of our great strengths, there will be, we both no doubt lament, times of relative weakness. Beset, are we, by Saxons and Irish at once. And indeed, perhaps soon by war, Fae horrors, and other things not yet met. We cannot turn from one another in difficult times; we must show care and kindness for the good men and women who stand beside us.

Once more, the Duke nods: “Yea. Right, are thee. Leaving thy Earl to the wolves is in the best-interest of nought but scoundrels and Saxons. I have sympathy for thee and thine, all, and the predicament that thee suffer now.”

With this, the Duke turns to Lady Ygraine: She believes the alliance would be good for their realm. The Earl is a strong and brave leader, she says; he has proved capable, and he seems the only one willing to stand up to the other Lords in Logres.

These words from his Love seem enough to bring Gorlois to agree.

He turns back to the Knights of Roderick: “Very well, knights of Salisbury! You may tell thy Earl that my son and I will be there, come Easter; and yea, we will discuss whatever peculiarities arise. I tell thee, of course: Do not take this as a formal agreement yet; but glad am I that this visit, and the hope of mine to Sarum, has been not a complete waste of my time. The three of you have proven that much.”

The Duke kindly offers to send a messenger and have us stay in Tintagel for the winter.

The knights are gracious, and politely spend a few more days in the Duke’s generous hospitality. For Sir Vandagild: Though his love for Ygraine draws him to stay, he has matters to attend at home; and the love for his own late wife, Lady Catrin, proves the stronger. Alas, the Aquitanian’s keen eye notes that Sir Elvorix spends too much time with Ygraine; indeed, he makes any excuse to be in her presence. The Aquitanian quietly bids the Roman join him, aside in a quiet room; he reminds Elvorix that has a wife, and Ygraine a husband; a husband whose hospitality he currently enjoys. We wish not to sink this alliance before it begins. The Roman, a Just man himself, sees the value of these words: He hath been lost in the beauty of that lady, but sees now his error. Thus, the Knights of Salisbury soon depart in gratitude and Honor, into the winter cold and east to Salisbury.

__________ Spring in Sarum __________

Winter breaks; the first drops of icy water leap from frosted boughs and onto the eager brow of Sir Vandagild. Atop his steed, he scans the road for a visitor: He hath donated great stores of fish and grain to the church, and he waits now for the generosity of the Church to bless his door. Soon, he smiles in hope, for he sees the humble man approaching: Father Perticus, that stalwart priest who did exorcise the Hag’s den in the Forest of Gloom! The man arrives at Winterbourne Gunner in early spring. He conducts another Exorcism: The power of God, brought forth by the practiced hand of Perticus, rids the Aquitanian of the Fae Curse that Sir Golistan did find in him. And yea, he cleans the lands and blood of his family, ridding them for once of the foul Fae trickery that had snuck into his life. Vandagild tells the father he is welcome to stay and enjoy his humble lands; the latter spends some time before obligation sends him homeward.

At Easter, Duke Gorlois is at Sarum with his son; as promised. His entourage is much smaller than that of Duke Ulfius from previous years. As expected, the Earl Roderick is often in his chambers with the Duke Gorlois. In the main hall the festivities build, the men of Cornwall and Salisbury each pleased by the others’ company. Sir Vandagild, wishing not to embarrass the Earl, takes the opportunity of his absence to sing a song, recently finished, that he has been composing for some time. Keenly he felt the vile propaganda of the Coward Sir Blains against the noble Roderick. He sends forth this song into the world, to halt the spread of that vicious and dishonest mockery:

__________ Red-Blooded Roderick! __________

A Leader of men, loved by his Knights,

And when Britain she calls he’s a man who wins fights,

The finest commander at any King’s Call,

Never once lost a battle, never once did he fall,

Red-Blooded Roderick, 

O! Resolute, Rough n’ Ready, Relentless, O!

Red-Blooded Roderick!

Blundering Blains, steals sheep from his friends,

For his foes are too frightening for all of his men,

When the enemy ride to defence of their fields,

Blains turns tail, yea hi spins on his heel!

Blundering Blains,

O! Back-running, Bleating, Bothersome Blains, O!

Blundering Blains!

 

When that finest of women, Lady Ellen of age,

The fairest and kindest, her taste all the rage

Went a’looking for he who was worthy of hand,

Looked no further when Salisbury’s soil did she land,

For Roderick, finest of men in the world,

Is well known to be fertile and mighty and bold,

And indeed, now that wedding and wooing are done

Good Earl Roderick gave her a child in round one!

Red-Blooded Roderick, 

O! Rousing, Romantic, Ravishing, O!

Red-Blooded Roderick!

 

Yet O, who is this? A man disliked by all,

Unable to please even those he paid for,

He begged and he bought and he borrow’d and steal’d,

And yet still Ellen saw what a wretch he concealed!

Blundering Blains,

O! Beastly, Boresome, Back-Alley Blains, O!

Blundering Blains!

 

Indeed, when the King had a muster to call,

For the horrible Saxons did knock on friends’ doors,

Sir Blains did so quickly as does only he,

Inhibiting men who would ride to the King!

Heedless of whether we win in our war,

Blains places petty childish things before all,

Or yet, was it bribe’ry; he likes good Saxon gold?

And was given a handful to stifle the call?

Blundering Blains,

O! Basest, Bastardly, Back-Biting Blains, O!

Blundering Blains!

 

And Lo! If if it’s wisdom and grit that ye seek,

Seek not for Sir Blains, weak, forgetful and meek!

Give the man a full pint of a watered down ale,

He’ll stumble and fall and forget and be ailed.

 

And last, let it known the man fears a straight fight,

Hiring beggars and common folk to left and to right,

For when Roderick brings trains of gifts for the King,

Sir Blains summons cretins to do the man in!

But fair; it is true Blains would never triumph

Should he raise his blade truly to Roderick, Harumph!

Blundering Blains,

O! Brainless, Bothersome, Beggarly Blains, O!

Blundering Blains!

 

So men, when a strong, loyal knight did ye need

It is Roderick to call, and Roderick to heed.

Reliable, generous, deadly and wise,

Is that Good Earl Roderick upon who we rely! 

Takes from King’s foes, and gives to the King,

And gives back to Britain, with each battle he wins!

Red-Blooded Roderick, 

O! Robust, Relentless, Respectable, O!

Red-Blooded Roderick!

 

Red-Blooded Roderick, 

O! Robust, Relentless, Respectable, O!

Red-Blooded Roderick!

Red-Blooded Roderick!

Red-Blooded Roderick!

__________

By the final chorus, those present have the simple words to heart; many mighty voices bring impassioned weight to that final coda! The unified voices of Salisbury and Cornwall resound throughout the mighty hall of Sarum!

Cheers for Roderick! Cheers for Vandagild! Red-Blooded calls of “Fuck Sir Blains!”

The song is positively received; Sir Vandagild's inspired performance brings all to their feet and fills the hall with glorious harmony and powerful voices!

__________ Envoys of Salisbury __________

Otherwise: Easter feast is fairly typical. After several days of feasting and such, the Wolves of Logres are called forth to the Earl by page. So attending, the knights find their Lord in his quarters with Duke Gorlois.

Earl Roderick motions the men inside: Gorlois sits deep and comfortable in his seat; Roderick sits more upright.

Gorlois: “Well met, sir Knights!”; a greeting returned.

Roderick explains: The negotiations have gone well; Gorlois has agreed to the betrothal. Moreover: In light of the new relations between the Duchy of Cornwall and the County of Salisbury, the Earl needs some people to act as envoys.

“Because of thy admirable performance, and yea, the Duke's fondness of the three of thee, I wish for thee to be these envoys.”

The Wolves enthusiastically accept. Roderick nods; Good. He claps onces, and motions to a table with three chairs.

“If envoys are thee, it is of importance that thee are abreast of our future plans; I wish not for thee to muck things up.”

He outlines three major issues:

One: Summerland - stabilising and retaking his lands is of upmost importance to the Earl. Losing Deviziers was humiliating and will take significant force to retake. Alas, it is unclear if he has the strength to do so with other threats present. Gorlois’s forces are also harrassed by Summerland on the lands that he took along the eastern border near Jagent; though not his lands per se, he likes not the instability on his border. The Hermit King persists, and thus quelling the Summerlanders also important to him; but evidently not as important as to Salisbury.

Two: Sir Blains – Roderick is furious about the insult and general mockery; a matter of personal Honor of him. Strategically, however, this is the smallest issue, and it risks Ulfius’ intervention. Duke Gorlois is less interested in Blains, but is worried about Ulfius' growing strength. Cornwall seems amenable to providing troops should Salisbury come to blows with Duke Ulfius. This is, of course, tentative, depending on:

Three: The Saxons and Irish - Scores of Saxons ships landed at Kent last autumn, and more have come this spring. There is little doubt that King Uther will call a muster to defend against this. Gorlois says the Saxons, Irish, and Picts have all heard of Logres’ weakness following Malahaut; Logres will face many threats, and he worries about his own borders. The Irish attacks over the past years have been relentless, and he worries about more to come. Moreover, he worries about the Kingdom of Cornwall (c.f. his own Logresian Duchy of Cornwall) on his border. A muster this year would significantly hamper his ability to act on these other fronts. Neither baron says outright, but there is a brief inclination that skipping their muster to the King could be a way of pursuing their other aims.

Roderick notes, however, that presenting a strong muster could earn the King's favour, and thus some assistance and blessing in solving these issues.

The Wolves, now Envoys of Salisbury, listen carefully. Sir Vandagild speaks first, asking how Duke Ulfius gained such favour with the King. Gorlois tells him: Ulfius was always Uther’s favourite, even when he was but a Prince. Ulfius used to be much less influential, but Uther’s rise in power brings similar benefits with his friends and sycophants. Ulfius is an opportunist, Gorlois explains, but he knows who holds the power in the kingdom.

“He does well to respect that, but I cannot say I always agree with it.” Finishes Gorlois.

More discussion: It is no secret that Duke Gorlois is unliked by the King, however. This alliance may therefore hinder Uther’s impression of Roderick. There are balances to be found between: Improving Salisbury’s position; losing land; the embarrassment of Sir Blains. The discussion continues for some time, with ideas presented and tested by the gathered men.

The Aquitanian suggests we might ride to the other manors of Salisbury, and ask the other vassals to raise more mercenaries. Sir Elvorix is firmly against this idea: He worries about this being seen as an insult and tax by the other Knights, and breaches the nature of the oath of Lord and Vassal. Roderick agrees with Elvorix, but appreciates the expression of loyalty and generosity from of the Aquitanian.

Sir Iwan listens quietly to these ideas, mulling over the ideas carefully before speaking. Meanwhile, Gorlois offers this: Spending extra funds to appeal to Uther is a bold choice; there is nothing saying he won't use thy troops today and forget about thee tomorrow. Why not use them to fight the Summerlanders, or raid Sir Blains?

Sir Elvorix hates the Saxons, and if resources are being spent he would rather it be for their demise. The Aquitanian, too, hates those invaders, but he also thinks the Summerlanders are evil Fae, or at least in the sway of them. Elvorix shrugs; at least the Summerlanders can be reasoned with…

The conclusion is thus: Sirs Elvorix and Iwan both firmly agree to go hard against the Saxons. Sir Vandagild prefers slaying the twisted Fae of Summerland, but is plenty pleased with the prospect of bringing battle to the Saxons once more. Earl Roderick assents. Thus: Salisbury will hire mercenaries, ideally from Cornwall, and muster large for the battles to come.

Duke Gorlois agrees with the plan: “Well decided, then. When next we do meet, knights, ‘t’will be on the battlefield! Death to the Saxons!”

__________

Image: Tintagel Castle, Karine Villette, https://www.artstation.com/artwork/QzPQV3

King Arthur Pendragon 5.2