The Path to the Throne

[4th number]

Ethan considers this latest request of Ocelevos'. The ruination of a man, in exchange for a modest set of trinkets and a book, perhaps even two if he comes through with the Directories. And membership in a conspiracy, be that a credit or discredit.

There were possibilities inherent in taking the offer, and more possibilities in at least seeming to take it. An outright rejection would seem to be unwise-- he had avoided committing treason by only the strictest definitions. The Heads could certainly ruin him if they chose.

"You will receive word from me within days," he remarks to Ocelevos. "And I thank you for the hospitality."

He retreats briefly into his office to leave some items and take others with him, then emerges into the hallway in search of Juno.

[dantiesilva]

As I receive my answer from Delgarias I quickly head back into my own room and shut the door. Once the door is closed I grab the spellbook presented to us as well as the crystal that was left in the robe. It seems they are giving me and master quite a lot to look at, I wounder what he will choose to do. I say to myself before walking back out with both items tucked away, the ring still inside the inner pocket of my cloak now being joined with the crystal while the spellbook is merely hidden under my cloak in one of my hands. I am ready to return to my estate. I say taking a good hard look at the place so that if need be, master himself could teleport there.

[tonberryking]

Juno disappears at once, without a word, into her 'room.' Within moments she returns, the dormitory now lacking its funds, 'spellbook' and presumably the potions. At least the spell book is under her arm.

"I'm sure someone in Kubland can meet your requirements," she explains to Ocelevos in a congenial lit, though it remains unspoken that she will probably wait until Hydra keeps its side of the bargain before acting. A flashing glance to Ethan is all she needs to signify that they are to regroup back home, under much less scrutiny.

But never let it be said that Juno is utterly ungrateful. She sweeps a curtsy to Ocelevos, and Kael likewise before honey drips from her next, carefully chosen words, "Thank you; this has been the most intriguing of eves for myself, and it is my hope that we may continue to deal business amicably in the future. Until next we meet..."

[Artman77]

Lord Loss is the first to depart. Master Aaron Malthrenarthiyr begins chanting the phrases to teleport, and places his hand upon Lord Loss' shoulder. A thin black veil of smoke swirls up from the floor and surrounds them, and when it clears they are gone.

"I think I'll stay for a bit, I you don't mind Ocelevos, there are some things I would like to discuss." says Abram.
"Certainly." he replies.
"You are welcome," he says to Ethan upon hearing his thanks, "and you as well, my Lady. James will contact you to get your approval when we have come up with a plan to deal with your thief. Master Aaron will be back in a moment to see you off." He bows to each of you in turn.

Kael smiles politely, bows slightly, and his eyes linger upon Lady Juno as she bids farewell.

[dantiesilva]

As Master Aaron Malthrenarthiyr himself offers to bring him back to his manor he is honored and happily accepts the gesture. Once back he looks around to see if anyone in is in the main hall. Good no one here. I say to myself as I turn back to Aaron Malthrenarthiyr. Shall you be staying for a short time, or do you have to go back to bring the others? There is still much I would like to discuss with all of you. But I also know I need to show my loyalty to the cause. So if you will give me a few moments I can have a name for you to bring back so hydra knows who I will be striking. I say to the great wizard before me, anxious to see master downstairs.

[Artman77]

Lord Loss
"I must depart to escort the others. Do you not know the sending spell? Ocelevos himself would surely receive a message from you." The elf looks down his nose at you as you offer your reply. Whether it is because he is prideful, or merely taller than you, you cannot tell.
"Ah, I see. If you would like, I can cast the spell within the hour to receive the target's name. Will that be enough time?"
He then bids you adieu, and disappears in a puff of black smoke.

[dantiesilva]

Though I myself do not know the spell I know someone that does. I say to the man before me now knowing that though hydra knows alot about us, they do not know everything. An hour should be enough time. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to our next meeting. I say to my guest as I bow to him and wait for him to leave before going down to master.

Once in the celer I begin to unlock the traps my master has in place protecting his lair. Knowing they will only stay unlocked for a short time. Once finished I step inside to his lair and go before him and kneel. Master Arytekothar I have much to tell you. I say to my master as I pull out the spellbook and lay it before him. First off this is the book they gave to me. they also have a room in their headquarters it seems for each member they have. What is most interesting though is who they have as a house wizard, Aaron Malthrenarthiyr. They served us the six headed stag and the golden apple to prove our loyalty. And I did not want to disappoint you and make it seem like we were outright refusing them so I ate from the stag. There were also six people there I recognized, including the smallwing family and the Getar family. I say to my master letting him absorb all of this in. There was also a knight there and a wizard in what looked like that of those of the royal army. Lastly the baroness of kreywood, Juno, and lord Ethar were there. They have asked us to prove our loyalty to them by targeting one of our neighbors that is not of noble blood and calling them a member of the black circle. They say they want to see how many of the group are left. I then pull out the ring of Hydra and place it on top of the spellbook. They also gave us all a ring like this. Sadly I did not have time to identify it as most of the area was under the effects of an anti magic field.

[tonberryking]

Well.

Once she touches back down in her chambers, Juno slumps. And prays.

Realizing that the sconces in her room need re-fueling, she sighs, and in waning light she carefully arranges the book, purse, and potions into a drawer of the wardrobe...and she carelessly throws her wimple to the floor, letting her spritely blond hair frizz out from behind her ears. Damn thing itches terribly when she's forced to improvise on the playing field of politics, seldom else.

Not removing her sword, nor her overcoat, she stomps out from her chambers calling for attendants; it's well past supper, but not too late to give orders. And to check on that dullard father of hers... The last is handled by a discreet and observant serving woman who nods down at Juno and hurries off. Juno reminds herself to give the woman extra time off later.

Other servants are dispatched to bring her uncles to the study. An inquiry to Bernadette and her new shoes is made to her stablemaster; even the castle's game warden (who is still at times surprised he even has a job) is given the hour of an impromptu appointment with his Baroness. By the time all the orders are carried out, Juno can be found sitting in the castle study, writing a very politely worded message to Lord Adar

One by one she questions her uncles on several matters, largely about what they know of Kael, Qavan, and if any matters concerning neighbors other than the Adars have committed any assinine affronts to the Woodblades while she was... sequestered. You just never know with these things.

With the letter to Adar stamped and sealed, she orders the castle messenger be dispatched at first light before meeting with her head forester.

"I need you to alert all of our woodsmen in the surrounding area, all the guards and troops-- personally-- that within the next few weeks any man or woman, she leaves out child, That is found poaching she uses this term, but what she really means is "over-harvesting the animals" all her men have had this thoroughly explained, "or stealing lumber from Woodblade lands is to be captured, beaten, and brought to me at once."

Finally, she allows herself to speculate, waiting for any other news to be brought to her attention... Sitting at a huge desk, dwarfed by her chair, and letting the size of the study remind her just how physically small her body is, Juno contemplates. Mostly, she ponders and thinks: at this time of the year, where would I easiest find other members of my Druid circle...

[Artman77]

Lord Loss
You wait patiently at the dark entrance to your master's lair. It is a long time before he comes out to greet you, perhaps half an hour, maybe more. He doesn't usually make you wait this long, and when he does, there is always a good reason for it.
Finally he comes out, the heavy footsteps of his dragon form echoing through the cavern. You smell faint traces of smoke and see that it billows from his nostrils as he steps into the light. He does not look happy.
"Tell me what you have learned of these...heads of hydra!" His voice booms across the cave which now feels quite small now that an ancient wrym stands in it.
"Most interesting indeed," he says, slowly shrinking and transforming into his human self. "Malthrenarthiyr the Black, the Smallwings and the Woodblades. It would seem they are somewhat intimidated by me and are attempting to send me some sort of message. Very interesting. You did well to eat the stag my son, we want them to assume our full cooperation." He smiles wickedly.
He looks down at the ring and spell book before him.
"I will examine the book and the ring, but not within my lair. Leave them at my desk in the study, I will see to them later tonight.
As to the accusations; I know the peasants of Falst are chafing under the authority of your family. The Hellbreathers have also taken up residence there and have opened up a new chapter for their little cult. It seems to me that more than one arrest could be made, and the arrests would serve more than one purpose."
He turns to go back into the depths of his domain, but then pauses a moment.
"Oh, and whatever they request of us, if it is within our power to achieve, we shall do for them. For now..."
And in a second he disappears into the blackness.

Lady Juno
Your prayer is not quite the same as it usually is--you get the feeling of another presence in the room.

Your maidservant and stable master quickly carry out your commands.

Your uncles Louis and Galain arrive within the hour; uncle Yates is indisposed enforcing the law and laboring with the townsfolk, as he is wont to do.
They inform you that the Smallwing family are newcomers to the court; they are dangerous, unpredictable, and power hungry. According to legend they have dragon blood in their veins, and rumor has it the "Lady of Flames" has wed Telmeth Coldheart, esteemed warlord, and Prince of Ish.
Neither of them have heard of Kael or the Vorten family, but they tell you the Mythos province is new and on the fringes of the empire; there may be a great deal of things going on there that no one knows about.
No poachers or thieves have been caught or seen on the property since you left.

Just then uncle Isteven bursts in, the door slamming against the stone wall as he flings it open.
"Where have you been??" he demands, spit flying from his mouth. He is the second oldest of your uncles, but is only 'part of your family' because he married your aunt. His long black and grey beard is disheveled; he must have been pulling at it. "Your father has done it this time!"
What follows is a very heated but short-lived argument which ends abruptly when you bring up one of Isteven's past sins. Ah, you think, He didn't know I knew about that... He calms himself and tells you the same as your other two uncles: No new trespassers or thieves, nothing new about the Nobles in question.
He does however, change the subject.
"I have secured a deal to re-acquire the emerald mine... I humbly request the deeds to the equine farm on the little river and the adjacent property where your grandfathers winter cottage used to be..." A proud grin does nothing to soften his smug expression: He knows that mine was the most profitable of any your family ever owned, and it brought your family to its lowest point when it was seized to pay off your father's debts.

[dantiesilva]

@Artman only

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As Master Arytekothar tells him on how well he has done and that it seems they are trying to build up enough power to hold him in check I remember that Malthrenarthiyr the Black had the power to cast spells in his own field where no magic could work. Master, Malthrenarthiyr seems to also be able to cast spells inside an area that no one else magic is able to work in. He said it was a skill they learned in his years of study. I say to him making sure he knows what they can do. Quavin Smallwing, Nathar Prodius, Abram Getar, Kael Vorten, Ethan Adar, and Juno Woodblade were the ones I knew that were their. It seems the only ones that are in an alliance together are Ethar Adar and Juno Woodblade. I tried worming my way in with Juno but it seems she has her mind set on Ethar. Quavin Smallwing was at best as jumpy as I. And Kael Vorten almost got himself killed once the stag was brought out. All of them took small pieces while I my lord not only took a large piece, but also its heart. Taking its power within me. Juno ate the golden apple, not giving anyone any time to get to it. I say to my master letting him know about the people I knew were there. There was also the one who called himself the head of this district of Hydra, Ocelevos he calls himself. Though I suspect that it is a ruse and that Malthrenarthiyr is the real head and not the house wizard. I finish informing him of all I knew thus far. I believe given time we could get Quavin to join us in an alliance if it was needed. Juno and Ethar seem like a lost cause though at this time. Perhaps after digging in long enough we may be able to get somewhere but it would be very time consuming.

As I hear Master inform me that he will be looking over the spellbook and the ring in his study I nod in understanding. Would you like your normal meal brought to you, or perhaps something special for the occasion? I ask him to make sure he was comfortable in his study. I had made it clear a long time ago that no one were to enter it without his permission reducing the chances of a spy getting away with any useful information. As I am told by him that the peasants in Falst are not happy with my family's rule at this moment and that the Hellbreathers have taken up residence in the area I see exactly what my master is talking about. So take a townsfolk hostage, have him say that the Hellbreathers are in fact the black order under a different name and arrest them under that pretense. Very good master. I shall have it done and will get on my way now. I said to him hoping we had followed the same line of thinking.

Once master retreats into the darkness I return upstairs and leave the book and ring inside his study before heading to the stables telling them to get ready for a trip to Falst in the morning. And with that I go back to town to see how many loyal soldiers I have at my command.

[tonberryking]

Juno cuts off her uncle Isteven explaining which horse farm he means...

"Hold. Without even going into that matter yet, what has Father done now? Istevan, you cannot just change subjects as you would change your grip on that beard of yours. Where I go to sup is not your concern...and for that matter, why did you not inform me before that you were in talks to require our gemstone hoard? That is precisely something I should have been alerted to before you even started.

Juno steeples her hands under her chin, not giving Istevan an inch as she lashes out questions and directions.

[Artman77]

Lord Loss

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"Excellent." Says your master upon hearing what you have to say. "Be wary of this Kael person. He may get himself killed, and you as well, if you are not careful. Invite Qavin to our home at the first reasonable opportunity so that your family and his may become better acquainted." He pauses for a moment to think on what he would like to eat.
"I will have my usual meal; double the meat. I have worked up an appetite this day. You are dismissed." He gives a curt nod, as if irritated, and then turns quickly and strides back into the depths of his lair.

The stable master tells you all will be ready before the sun rises. You butler prepares your things that night and says that your squire, Gwain, is already packed and ready to go with you; you need only to say the word.

Almost all of the soldiers and city guard of Highmount have been drafted and sent to north to defend the empire's borders. Your family's personal guard is busy guarding the manor, since recent events have put the household on lockdown. Between the extra city guard not currently on patrol, your personal bodyguards, and your family's weapons master and his students, you can muster up 30 men.

(OOC: Falst is under the Von Cleft's jurisdiction; the city guard there will obey your commands unless it is in direct violation of Imperial Law...)

[dantiesilva]

As Master expresses many of the concerns I myself had about Sir Kael I believe my judgement is sound in not forming an alliance with him. At least not yet. Though I also would not act against him. Instead I would wait like the spider and see what my prey can do. Ah yes Quavin Smallwing. I shall have a message sent to his estate as soon as possible to have him join us in say a week from now, perhaps 2. That way we can settle things in Falst and then continue with infiltrating this organization. I say to my master with a smile. And I will have it done for you as well. I say addressing his feeding for the day.

As I go to the stable and inform them of what I plan on doing I make them well aware I will not be leaving until later in the night. Saying I had a few unfinished things to accomplish before leaving. As I walked to my my study I began counting how many soldiers I could muster to go with me to Falst. 30 would be to many for something that would need finesse. And with the town guard there I could easily incorporate them into my own forces while there. With that in mind I decided to take my squire along with two of my best men. Thinking I would need more protection from ranged opponents then close combat I also decide to bring 4 archers with me. Bringing the total up to 9 with my knights squires. Lastly I try to think of a good thief and cutthroat in the city that is trustworthy enough and if possible well known with my family to make sure I can get all the information I can.

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(1d20+7)[10] Local knowledge of Highmount to see if I know any such person that is trustworthy in the terms that he will not break his contract.

Coming to the final conclusion I make the last few steps to my study in silence and begin writing my letter to Lord Quavin.

[Artman77]

Lady Juno
After your lengthy meeting with your Uncles is concluded, you recline in your chair to ponder where you might find a druid's circle. They have been quite reclusive as of late. However, the spring thaw is on, so they could be by the winding river, or perhaps one of the nearby ponds.

Just then your accountant walks in, bowing briefly before setting a stack of books and papers on your desk.
"His Majesty's taxes are almost due, and we have not enough gold in the coffers to pay them and our own woodsmen." he says anxiously as he spreads out the papers before you.

His statement comes as a painful reminder that the woodsmen have yet to be paid. You look at the papers looking for some sort of relief, but they offer none. The numbers offer no relief. Your lands yielded less crops last year than they did the year before, and the storehouses are all but empty. You thank the gods that winter is over and spring is speedily on it's way and pray that a late frost doesn't kill your crops as it did last year. Production of lumber and bricks are down, and other minor exports haven't grown enough to make much profit...

You have enough money to pay the Emperor's taxes, but not much more. You begin to think of what you will say to Eric, your head woodsmen. He is a good and honest man, and has gotten the woodsmen under him to work for lower wages as a favor to you. That was two years ago. He seems to have lost weight since the last shipment of lumber was sent down river. You suspect it is because he is eating less so there is more for his wife and son.

While the accountant yet waits for your answer, a young servant boy comes barging in! He stops abruptly to compose himself, and bows low.
"Master Eric has caught some of the thieves hiding in the woods, Milady!"

Lord Loss
After sending for your weapons master and bowmen, you spend a few moments pondering the cutthroats you have heard mention of, wondering which of them would be trustworthy: None. Perhaps with the exception of Durgadden, but he hasn't been seen since he left for Souel over a year ago. Perhaps he is dead. The only thing to be done is gather up your troops and go looking for one. Fortunately, you know of some places in town where one might be found.

No sooner do your troops arrive to do your bidding than you hear a stern voice in your head:
"It has been an hour, Ocelevos would like to know the name of your target."

[dantiesilva]

As if on cue I hear the voice of the black wizard come into my head and with a smile I say plain and simply My target's are the Hell breathers. They have set up shop in one of my cities and I shall be eliminating them. At this very moment I am already mobilizing. As he says this to the black wizard he looks to his men. It is time to move out and get us someone who knows what the worth of gold is. And with that I, along with my troops head to town.

[tonberryking]

Interrupted, thankfully and wordlessly excusing herself from the accountant, Juno hastily gathers herself up and with her hood tugged over her forehead, she cordially greets Master Eric, asking after him as if there was not a more pressing matter at hand.

"Good Sir Eric, it's been too long. Your vigilance this day shall not go unrewarded; I'll see to it personally." she gives the accountant a meaningful look before instructing other guardsmen to prepare to move "the other prisoners" at her command...

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OOC, what's the total that she owes the woodsmen in GP?

[Artman77]

Lord Ethan
Just as one wakes from a strange dream, the black haze of teleportation fades away, and you are back home in your manor. Malthrenarthiyr the Black was skilled enough to teleport you to the room of your choosing, to avoid the meddlesome questioning by certain family members your sudden and strange reappearance would solicit.

Once your newly acquired 'gifts' are taken care of, you return to your office and call for Gawain, your most trusted knight, Feldarin, captian of the guard, as well as your tailor and librarian. It is time for some answers.

Lord Loss
Peasants bow before you and your men as you ride through the city streets, your maroon banners flapping in the wind. The sunlight glints off of your steed's silver barding, belying the cold temperature of the air. Though spring is fast approaching, it has not yet reached the large mountain city of Highmount.

After greeting some of your subjects and purchasing some silvered weapons from a local blacksmith, you visit the Duelist's Club, at which you are well known. Conversations here are light and superficial; lesser nobles posture, glad-hand, and jockey for position. Gathering what information you can, you take your leave of the place and head back home.

You invite your men to sup with you, the meal is good and hearty. Your servants pack your bags and prepare your mounts for the journey ahead. A light snow falls from the sky and blankets the ground, which turns from a glistening white to a pale blue as the sun finally sinks behind the western ridge.

Lady Juno
By the time the conversation with your uncles is over and the accountant is excused, Burnadette has been shod. The ride to the lumberyard is the smoothest it's ever been. Bernadette seems as if she is running on air.
As you thunder through the woods you notice patches of dead grass and an odd black growth creeping up the sides of the trees.

Eric wastes no time leading you to where the guardsmen stand in a semicircle around the prisoners bound and waiting. Their faces are covered with bruises and fresh blood.
The thieves are a pair of middle aged men and a half-orc. They are scruffy, dirty, and stink to the heavens. Their gear and weapons are common and show heavy use and they wear nondescript clothing.

No sooner do you see them, and they you, than the smallest of the three begins begging for mercy.
"It's not my fault! I didn't want to, they forced me! You have to let me go! Please!" As he speaks, you see anger begin to rise in the other man, his face turning red.
"You have to help me, they are going to kill my son, MY SON! I swear to you! Please! Please!! Sir Bra--"
"SHUT UP!" the other man bellows, spit flying from his lips. The veins throb in his forehead. "Shut up! Your snot-nosed-boy is already dead, the only reason we aren't also is because we have information they want! Keep your mouth shut!" He glares at you and clenches his jaw, preparing for whatever might come next.
The half-orc remains silent and stares at the ground.

[dantiesilva]

Knowing full well what the next day brings after super I retire to my room and go to sleep for the night, for in the morning we rode, with or without an agent we would find out all the information we needed to once we arrived inside the city. All Falsts secrets being revealed in time.

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Artman I am going to let the others catch up so that we are all at least on the same day of the week.

[dantiesilva]

As Lord loss sleeps dreams of conquest and riches on told fill his mind. Images of vast armies for him to command, all mighty and powerful wizards. And lastly the image of a dragon and a creature known for its arcane might and refusal to go into the void great him. Looking down once more away from the dragon and creature riding atop of it he looks at the castle like structure built into the very tallest mountains in his part of the empire, where the temperature was never higher then 0 degrees. The arcane power that radiated off of this structure was great, but was even more grand was his families seal on the large steel doors that were shut.

And as his dreams went deeper a smile came across his human like face as he slept as he saw what he believed to be a prophecy of the future. If only he played his cards right all would fear Lord Loss and his master who ruled the frozen tundras to the North.

When Lord loss awoke the next morning it was a nice cold day. The snow had fallen and its bitter grasp had not elft the lands yet. Getting up quickly he went to his master to make sure all things would be taken care of while he was gone, and once finished with that task went down to the main hall and sent a maid to go gather the others who he had requested to join him on his trip to Falst. Once all were before him he made his way to the stables.

It is time to go and crush all those who would disobey the orders of our king. Those who we are going to hunt down are former members of the black circle. I ask that each of you be very careful and if at all possible to not let them even speak for their very words could take control of your minds and turn you against the king. At this time we are thee to see if they have control of the town and if so to free it from their grasp. Is this understood? I ask my men from atop Snow who has been prepared for the many day travels well will be about to be traveling in frigid weather. Once all are ready I begin to lead my men towards Falst. The royal seal of my family flapping behind my noble mare as we go, my two bowmen are to the left and right side of me, while my weapons master is behind with a lance in hand, and a shield strapped to his back. All of us are ready for battle as we know the tundra between here and Falst though safe, still holds its own dangers from bandits and creatures alike. Epically the accursed snow people who seemed to come out of nowhere and attack unaware caravans and disappear just as quickly.

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Sorry Artman got sick of waiting...After all its been what 2 weeks since the last post. Hope you enjoy and don't mind I put a little backstory into the ecology of the roads and some of the dangers we could face on the open road.