Turn 21

The War Council.

The door to Raigorn's office opens and a resolute Lochan steps out into the outer guard-room. As Lorrelinde and Raigorn follow, the Sergeant named Brannd follows Valdo and eight of the remaining militiamen into the inner room. Onar returns with Gwalchmai and shortly after them, the imposing figure of the Lord's remaining bodyguard - Draigen arrives, his chainmail shining once more. Raigorn moves to the rear of the room and takes the seat at the far end. Lorrelinde seats herself nearby as does Draigen and as Valdo ushers the militiamen into two lines down the walls, a new person enters the stage. A thin, tall individual with a small aquiline nose beneath a mop of curly brown locks. The man's skin is almost as pale as his baggy cloth shirt but he appears fairly young, somewhere in his late twenties. The Healer sees him and immediately starts to rise with a look of grave concern on her face but Raigorn motions for her to sit once more as the man approaches the table. He bows slightly, almost carefully, to Lorrelinde, a faint smile on his noticeably handsome lips before he nods to Raigorn and takes a welcomed seat.

"I'm glad you feel fit enough to join us here Sgilti," says Raigorn. "Your words will certainly be welcome at this council."

Arekhel, who was quietly standing next to the door, staring absently at her damaged fingernails, as if not concerned by anything, suddenly looks up when this new man enters the room. She peers over the heads of those in front to watch him, her gaze suddenly fixed and steady. She narrows her eyes, still staring at him. Her whole stance seems changed; she smiles to herself and then resumes her position leaning against the door. She is now listening intently to what is being said, however.

As the last of the men file into the room and the outsiders crowd the door, Raigorn takes a large dagger from his belt and raps it's hilt on the oak table.
"Since our Lord Mahrdhricks is gravely ill and cannot be present here today, we ask that his personal guard, Draigen will represent him in all necessary matters today." Draigen nods from his seat across from the man named Sgilti. Valdo meanwhile prefers to stand to attention by his men as Raigorn continues to speak:
"Today we have a grave matter to discuss. The rescue of those of the village folk taken by the enemy...but first we must find out how this fair village of ours survives. Captain, your report please."

Valdo stands forward to address the assembly.
"We have a total of fourteen available men out of a full complement of thirty Sir. That leaves six men too injured to fight and ten dead. We were hit badly but we shall recover."

"And the local people?"

"About three score unaccounted for Sir. Twenty seven bodies have been recovered and nearly forty more are injured but most not seriously. If we were to exhaust our reserve force completely, I could have twenty seven men ready by this evening to go after the Szreldor and the prisoners Sir. That does not of course include yourselves or any others such as the three Gargath, if they still wish to join forces with us?" He turns towards Relg who nods his approval of the plan.

"Okay. We will have to split the force in two, because the reinforcements I'm expecting from Buhr Lusraig will not arrive until sometime tomorrow afternoon if all goes well. You can pick seven of the militiamen and Gwalchmai MacGwearoth. Sgilti?"

"I..."

"He's still too ill. Your not risking him in his current state Raigorn. you will have to take Lochan instead, I'm sure he will do admirably," butts in Lorrelinde, flashing a defiant look at the Watch Commander.

"Yes, Okay Lochan. You will go as the scout on this expedition."

The Ranger bows slightly to his Commander.

"Right, to more immediate matters. We still need to find out who was able to drug the night-watchman while on duty and may I point out to you all that the only way to the tower-stairs is through that room?" (He points directly at the outer guardroom). "What I wish to know from you all is who, if anyone, was present in the guardroom at any time last night that could conceivably have drugged the watchman."

There are some soft murmurs after a moment and most of the militiamen look slightly guilty.

"What? Speak up there!" demands Raigorn getting to his feet, suddenly angry.

Eventually it is Sergeant Brannd who speaks up on behalf of the militia. "Um, no one was present last night Sir... but the last visitor I remember seeing yesterday was... uh, Lord Urmahd Sir... he came by to leave us a..."

"Yes? Leave what, soldier?"

"Ah, he said he was on his way south and... thought that we... could use something to keep out the cold. He left a bottle of grog for us to use and seeing as it was really frigid last night, we thought that a little couldn't possibly hurt since nothing..." He trails off finally, clearly embarrassed and looks furtively around.

Valdo picks up from where the man finished, clearly furious at the lack of self control displayed by the men in his charge. "So you thought, why not? We'll just help ourselves. Since the Guard Captain is away, he can't mind of what he is unaware of..." He glares at the Sergeant, who quickly tries to redeem himself by adding:
"But by no means are we incriminating the good Lord Urmahd Sir. Far from it. It was a gift, that's all."

"And where is this bottle now, soldier?" demands Raigorn.

"Uh, upstairs probably Sir."

"Probably is not good enough soldier! Jump to it and find it and when you have, bring it here immediately. Lorrelinde, I wish you to check it for signs of a sleeping draught." He returns to glare at the remaining militiamen. "So you all took some of this 'grog' then I suppose? And I suppose you all slept superbly well, no?" An overtone of sarcasm is clearly present in his words as the Watch Commander angrily decides whether to continue or to abolish the council meeting immediately and continue to berate his garrison in private. As both men are currently speechless, Lorrelinde takes the opportunity to add her own questions in a quiet but clear voice.

"You realise, all of you that your foolish actions may have indirectly caused the deaths of many of the people in this village. But before you think on that too heavily, please use your knowledge to advantage and try to remember if anyone else could have had access to the barracks and your drinking water yesterday."

None of the militiamen care to speak any further so Lorrelinde raises her eyes towards the strangers crowded in the doorway.

Raigorn begins to speak once more:
It appears that we indeed have or had, a traitor in our midst that was working with the Szreldor to make sure that the village would be open to them when they attacked. We can thank the lady Meraina for this information but I would personally like her to explain how she came across it. Meraina?"

Meraina steps forward, appearing uncomfortable under the scrutiny of so many.

"It seems that I should share all I know with you to try and solve this problem," she says quietly. She shifts on her feet, pausing before telling her tale.

"The night before the attack I was out getting some air when I spotted what appeared to be a man of slight build wearing a dark cloak. He hid a large object, which turned out to be a metal box, behind a loose stone in the outer embankment wall. The next morning I went and retrieved it. Inside was some coinage, the note, this ring and a key." (Meraina removes a gold signet ring from her finger and tosses it onto the table. Before it has settled she also puts a thick iron key next to it.)

"I know that this is evidence, but by the custom of my people, ownership should revert back to me when you are finished with it," she quickly adds and stares defiantly at the Guard Captain. With competent grace she melts back into the crowd near the doorway.

Valdo picks up the key from off the table and inspects it carefully.

"Well, you certainly have rather different customs in your land Lady but I understand your reasoning," says the Watch Commander. "If indeed, as it seems to be the case, Lord Urmahd is the traitor then certainly these items owned by him will be confiscated and some reward should be presented to the finder. But what of this coinage that you speak? How much is the cost of so many lives in this village?" He waits for Meraina to present the money.

Before anyone can answer however, Relg steps forward, speaking to Meraina:
"It is our law too, that everything found belongs to the finder as long as no obvious owner claims his rights. Of course we will respect your ownership, but you are not in your home country and you must follow the law as it is spoken here."
Then he takes the ring and examines it carefully. He moves closer to one of the windows in order to have better light. Froin goes with him and the Gargath passes the ring to him. Pulling out a small magnifying glass, the Dwarf squints at the ring in the light from outside.

Gwalchmai turns to the Dwarf and asks:
"So Froin, what do you make of its workmanship?"

After a moment, the Dwarf places the item back on the table. Froin tells what little he knows of the item:
"It is a plain gold signet ring with a ruby at its center. It's good workmanship but nothing special. There are no marks to suggest it is of Dwarven make, but there has to be similar craftsmanship to achieve this quality. There are no hidden markings and it's hard to tell the age. I would guess that these rings were a standard design used as expensive trade items by the Dwarves. The diameter could only fit a slim human finger - perhaps a woman such as Meraina."

Relg nods to Froin before speaking once more, not addressing any specific person:
"So who is this Lord Urmahd? To me it sounds very much like Darmuht but it might be just a similarity of the Eastern tongue."

<Arekhel leans forward as the items found by the southern woman are passed around, but when Heladil and Relg start talking, her interest soon shifts and she doesn't seem to listen to them. Instead she looks in another direction entirely, staring at someone or something across the room, it is hard to say...>

After Relg's question, Heladil steps forward. "Pardon my ignorance, but as Relg says - who is this Lord? I too thought that Urmahd sounds like Darmuht when said backwards. Now I might just be suspicious but it is something to ponder until the bottle of "grog", or it's remains, is found. Perhaps then we can allay our thoughts on this matter."

Riagorn answers both men:
"It does indeed seem that we have proof of Urmahd's duplicity right here, which I have to admit with heavy heart. There must be more to this raid than at first appears. In answer to your question, Lord Urmahd was, up until now, one of our wealthiest and most influential local men. Although he hails from Buhr Copar, his recently deceased uncle - Kedrrun Dwarvenfriend, maintained one of the old houses here and regularly had dealings with Lord Mahrdhricks. I know that Urmahd seems to be Kedrrun's heir and that Urmahd has promised continual trading support for Buhr Criocha from the family coffers. Thus, as I say it comes as a great shock to have Lord Urmahd's name associated with this foul deed. Clear evidence will be needed to persuade Mahrdhricks that Lord Urmahd is the cause of this raid."

He stops and looks towards the stairs as Sergeant Brannd appears carrying a large glass wine flask held within a straw bag. Embarrassed once more, he passes it to the outstretched hand of the Healer. She sniffs, then nods. "It is hard to tell through the smell of spirit but there could be something else added to the contents. I can try to analyse it if you wish Watch Commander?"

"Yes, by all means Lorrelinde..." He pauses to watch as Froin comes forward to study the old iron key and spots a Dwarven-like symbol on its handle. He inspects the item and shortly announces:
"This key has a word-icon, or Rune as you Northmen would call it. It has the literal Dwarven meaning of 'West' and therefore would indeed be the key for the west postern door. Both key and door must have been built at the time the Dwarves occupied this settlement. Whoever stole this key must at least be conversant with the Dwarven language to be able to choose the correct key from the two." He passes it to Valdo who takes another closer look at the symbol on the handle.

Raigorn thanks the Dwarf before speaking once more to his Captain. "Well, Valdo?"

"Indeed Sir. It is the missing key. The Dwarven rune is identical to that on the other key Sir. I think we have found our traitor. I shall send armed men directly to Lord Urmahd's house Sir...but wait! It was Lord Urmahd that was supposed to be meeting myself at his house yesterday to oversee the removal of his uncle's coffin! I remember now that he did not appear but left a note detailing where it was to be sent - and now the coffin has been taken by those infernal Greenskins! Damn!"
Valdo angrily slams his fist on the hilt of his sheathed sword before continuing:
"He may well have fled town before the time of the meeting then. I shall send out a search party immediately Sir and inquire if any of the locals have seen him." Valdo salutes to his Commander and details four of the militiamen nearby to go with Brannd to search the village. Grateful to be away, Brannd and his men soon leave the building at a run.

Heladil finds the moment to speak once more, looking towards the militiamen and at Raigorn and Lorrelinde:
"I am a fair woodsman and would go with the party hunting these Szreldor and their captives down. After the attack, Sealvach and I went and found Valdo and Lochan and told them of the situation here. At that time we saw the Szreldor as they were splitting up. The main group with the prisoners headed east from where we last saw them, but a group of riders also headed south. Why the division I know not, but I think that those burdened with the prisoners should be slowed down enough for us to track them and catch up with them."

Upon hearing this, Relg forgets about his present company and demands: "WHAT? Again they split their forces? Tell me, Heladil. Did you see a horseman upon a dark steed with dark armour, bringing them some news or directing them?" The Gargath leader is clearly impatient for answers and waits as Lochan takes up the tale.

"No, there was no dark Rider, Relg. The Szreldor with the prisoners turned upon an eastern path, one that would lead them through the 'Haunted Ravine' Sir." He begins to speak once more towards his Watch Commander. "Perhaps if we hurried we could catch them there, but without knowing their speed..." His sentence trails off as the young Ranger weighs up the possibilities. He raises his head once more to ask:
"But the smaller force did turn south and head towards Dail. What was their purpose? They couldn't be planning to attack Diona Dail could they? But why do you ask about this dark stranger anyway, Relg?"

"Maybe it is necessary that I explain what I and my men have experienced during the last few moons," says the Gargath leader. "Based on our observations together with what I have heard here this day, it is clear to me that the Szreldor are not following their own purpose, but are guided and commanded by someone else. The way they attacked this village is very un-typical and if they were any other but the Szreldor, I would be ashamed that I could be mistaken for them. This cowardly attack is... (in his rage, Relg obviously tries to find words to fit his current opinion of the enemy but in the end fails...) Well, before They attacked Buhr Criocha, this Szreldor warband met a horseman dressed in dark and strange armour. We could not track him down although we tried hard, for his trail vanished somewhere in the East. But just after that meeting, the band turned towards Buhr Criocha, I assume in order to attack. I wonder, what it really was, they were looking for? Was it just prisoners? I doubt it."

After a second, Relg continues:
"Anyway, we need to make plans."
Looking at the group standing around him, he adds:
"After the fights last night, it might not be a good idea to leave the village right now. Many of us are in need of a rest or healing. But we should start tomorrow, very early."

"We will see, Relg of the Fist," Is all that the Watch Commander gives at this stage.

Turning to Raigorn, Relg suggests:
"As you said, it would be very unwise to have the village unprotected. So some people need to stay back. But maybe you can spare a couple of scouts following the tracks of the Szreldor, who went to the South, as Heladil here mentioned. I think, they hold the key to future actions. I would rather follow them, but I can understand that your plans are to free the prisoners. And since we should not divide our forces yet..." He trails off with too many questions left un-answered.

Gwalchmai is guessing but speaks up anyway about an earlier subject:
"I suppose those coins that Meraina spoke of may be the traitor's fee. I am not used to this Dwarven currency. Could somebody tell me what is the value of those coins?"

"Perhaps its better for us all to see just how much you have found Meraina," says Raigorn, waiting for the woman to respond. She reluctantly reaches inside her clothing and produces a large cloth pouch, heavy with coin. She throws it forward to 'chink' heavily onto the oaken table. "There must be a sizeable amount there but I haven't properly counted it - since it is traitor's money!" She says angrily.

Froin moves forward to see if he can tell where the coins were cast. The symbols stamped on the sides of the numerous denominations - (a stylised Dwarf king facing with a rocky peak and winding stream on the reverse) clearly indicate they were minted at Luspardanrod. "Well well," says Froin straightening. "What would the Szreldor be doing with so much Dwarven coinage, paying off a Mannish traitor? We never deal with the Szreldor!" he claims, scratching his head.

Sergeant Brannd finally catches the eye of the Watch Commander.
"Anyway, Yes? you have something to say Sergeant Brannd?"

"Uh, yes Sir. It's just that when you mentioned the key being found missing from your office Sir, it struck me that just this morning, the Gambler forced his way into the office and helped himself to a key from the peg. I was about to stop him but after he explained that he was only after his longbow from the armoury, I let him retrieve it, while I remained nearby to...oversee Sir. I am not saying that Sealvach has anything to do with the traitor or the Szreldor, only that...well, other people besides the militia know about those keys in the office Sir."

"Very good Sergeant. Point taken. We have always to watch that Gambler."

The newcomer - Sgilti, takes the opportunity to summarise the situation:
"So, from what I can gather, the Lord Urmahd, has made friends recently with members of our militia and sometime yesterday brought them a gift of some spirits. Somehow he had taken possession of the key after receiving the message from this Ohmarr about the raid. Knowing that time was short, he unlocked the postern door, then hid the key, along with the note, the money and a ring for some reason in the wall, hoping obviously to return and retrieve it later. Most likely he fled the village before the Szreldor attacked and is waiting somewhere in the wilds or another town until the danger has died down and he can return as if nothing has happened. Do I understand correctly?"

Raigorn and Draigen nod vaguely as they too summarise the recent events. Draigen is the first to speak afterwards:
"But it still does not explain what motive the Szreldor have for half-heartedly burning the village, also for the danger of attacking Lord Mahrdhricks and what motive Urmahd can have for turning against his own people. Do we have any clues?" He looks around.

"Well, We must devote ourselves to finding both Urmahd's motives and the man himself. If we find the latter, we can get the former. In the meantime, we must all get some rest, for tomorrow... we go after the prisoners. There shall be a muster of all able-bodied men - and women - tomorrow at sun up in the main square outside where everyone shall be briefed and riding animals provided if necessary. Till then, each to his assigned tasks." Raigorn stands up and nods to Valdo, Draigen and the others. It seems the War Council is over.

Relg turns and surveys his nearby companions:
"Let's celebrate this evening. War is at hand and battles are awaiting us. Glory will await us." He claps Maleg on the shoulder but the others just stare back at the warseeker, blankly. Relg shakes his head, saying something to himself which can not be understood, then leaves the room, waving for his men to follow him. He heads towards the inn in order to celebrate his apparent recent victory.

There is a great noise in the street as the Gargath leave the building. A large crowd of locals wielding torches are just now entering the square when their leaders spy the Easterlings. "There they are. Get them!"
The cry is taken up as the throng surges forward towards the surprised group of outsiders with shouts of "Burn Them! String em up! Traitors!"

"Valdo, Lochan, Lorrelinde? Please stay a moment," asks the Watch Commander. "Sgilti, your strength will be needed 'ere long so get some rest and Draigen, please keep me informed of the Lords recovery. I may well call on your aid before the day is out. Now..." He pauses while those called gather around him and the others leave, "Lorrelinde, your skills have much aided young Lochan here but will his endurance stand the coming tests?"

"His will to succeed and to prove your choice wrong will keep him going far more than anything I can give, Watch Commander. Lochan will do fine but Valdo will need my skills before he can be ready to the task."

"OK, Captain. I want you to let Lorrelinde heal those wounds as only she can, before you head after that southern group of Szreldor. We must also try to recover Kedrrun's coffin from the Goblin's for losing that could potentially do far more damage to our credibility with the other settlements than you could imagine. If you loose the Szreldor, send one of your men as courier to Dail to warn them of the news and go after the coffin. A large force might well cause the cowards to drop their booty and flee, thus giving you time to go after the prisoners. I aim to have aid here soon and maybe a further force can be sent to rendezvous with you before the Szreldor reach their destination. If Relg of the Gargath is right, the Szreldor will head directly for Szrel Arkasa and that is many days ride from here. If we react quickly, we may well catch them.

"Sir?" says Lochan. "I am ready for the task but may I point out that Targon remains still with the Homesteaders but will not be welcome their after sundown tonight. With Greenskin activity in the area, he may not survive out in the open."

Valdo answers him. "You are right, Lochan. We cannot let him fend for himself in that condition. I will send a messenger to the Homesteaders with coin in exchange for Targon's wellbeing. He might be able to join us when we head south."

"We shall see," says Raigorn, nodding. "Now what is all that noise coming from outside?" he asks.

End of Turn 21.