Birthright: Tuornen, Chapter Two

[Brock Marsh Runoff]

--Watchtowers, Haes--

Rennault climbs atop one of the towers, above the men who file across the wall in a loop. He takes out a spyglass and gazes out toward the raiders, trying to get a better sense of what stands against him.

Every so often, he calls down orders to units that don't exist, hoping the enemy would catch scraps of his lies on the wind. "Fifteenth, at the double quick! The Iron Fifteenth always drives them back!"

[Varrus the Ethical]

Roald leers at Dominca as she undresses. "Hrmm, yes, definitely better than the halfling. Though I recommend that she not dress in motley, or much of anything else for that matter." Roald leans towards the Castellen and whispers, "Is she for hire, by the way? I think I know what I'd like to spend my coin on first."

[ewancummins]

--Watchtowers, Haes--

Rennault climbs atop one of the towers, above the men who file across the wall in a loop. He takes out a spyglass and gazes out toward the raiders, trying to get a better sense of what stands against him.

Every so often, he calls down orders to units that don't exist, hoping the enemy would catch scraps of his lies on the wind. "Fifteenth, at the double quick! The Iron Fifteenth always drives them back!"

If his lies are heard, he can't tell. The clumps of brigands and river pirates below this section of wall are singing a song about a river of whiskey. They haven't made more than desultory attacks- just enough to keep men busy pushing back ladders and hurling rocks in this section.

Renn hears a thunderous boom from the north. Turning to look across the rooftops he sees the fish market outlined in flame and the River Gate blown wide open! Even at two arrow flights' distance he can hear the shrill screams of burning horses and men. A slight tremor passes through the stones beneath his feet.

Horns blare. A great clamor from the north, as of hundreds of men shouting at once...

[ewancummins]

Roald leers at Dominca as she undresses. "Hrmm, yes, definitely better than the halfling. Though I recommend that she not dress in motley, or much of anything else for that matter." Roald leans towards the Castellen and whispers, "Is she for hire, by the way? I think I know what I'd like to spend my coin on first."

The Castellan pulls Roald further from the room, onto the balcony.

"My patience and time are limited. This is important. Answer my questions if you want the job."

[steveflam]

And if any of you men think this funny, I'll castrate each and every one of you in your sleep. Understood?"

Roald laughs, deep, loud, and hearty. "The Duke should hire her as a jester. She's much funnier than the halfling!"

Dominica looks at Roald and says something in a strange tongue *Gnomish- Any time you wish to see how much of a Jester you'd be after I'm done with you, let me know. I still have a dagger on me to show you.*

The men lusting after her "Have a good look, boys. You'll never have anything as fine as this. Ever." Looking back she smiles as only a woman can. "You don't measure up to the Duke, by the way." She follows her guards to her room.

[Varrus the Ethical]

Roald leers at Dominca as she undresses. "Hrmm, yes, definitely better than the halfling. Though I recommend that she not dress in motley, or much of anything else for that matter." Roald leans towards the Castellen and whispers, "Is she for hire, by the way? I think I know what I'd like to spend my coin on first."

The Castellan pulls Roald further from the room, onto the blacony.

"My patience and time are limited. This is important. Answer my questions if you want the job."

"I'd like to know what the job is first, my Lord Casttelan. I've been a sellsword long enough never to agree to something until I know what it is."

[ewancummins]

Roald leers at Dominca as she undresses. "Hrmm, yes, definitely better than the halfling. Though I recommend that she not dress in motley, or much of anything else for that matter." Roald leans towards the Castellen and whispers, "Is she for hire, by the way? I think I know what I'd like to spend my coin on first."

The Castellan pulls Roald further from the room, onto the blacony.

"My patience and time are limited. This is important. Answer my questions if you want the job."

"I'd like to know what the job is first, my Lord Casttelan. I've been a sellsword long enough never to agree to something until I know what it is."

"You will help protect the women and their honor. Someone has to do it,and His Grace will doubtless want his guards with him in the fighting."

[Varrus the Ethical]

Roald smiles, showing a row of white teeth, "I'd be happy to do the job."

[JMaytr]

As soon as Filbert is shown into the Duke's main chamber Devlin closes the door behind the halfling.

"Filbert, with the city under attack, I need your help. Remember when I was younger, and we accidently traveled into the world of Shadow? I have read in my histories that Michael Roele once took a whole army into the Shadowworld so that they might move the men seemingly instantly. I know it is a risk, but I need you to travel into through that realm as quickly as posible to Ghonalison. I need you to contact the army there. Take this note," Devlin hands the halfling a scroll sealed with wax showing the device of the Ducal house. "Deliver it to the Lord of house Ghonallison,"

Devlin puts his hands on Filberts shoulders.

"I know this is a dangerous task, but Tuornen's survival depends upon it. May Haelyn guide you."

[ewancummins]

Devlin-


No sooner has the young duke given Filbert a new mission than the door opens and a messnger enters. The man kneels, his armored graves thunking against the floor.

"Your Grace!The River Gate burns. Hotspur needs more men. It's getting bad.."

[JMaytr]

Devlin makes way for the rivergate.

[ewancummins]

AT THE RIVER GATE-
Devlin finds the wooden doors of gate blown to burning pieces and flames lashing from the windows of the gatehouse. Men shout-
"The Duke is here!" His knights rally as he comes among them, and form a line of heavy horse four ranks deep in the fish market before the breached gate.

Horns blare and pike men march through the gap. No river rats, these, but professional soldiers with the lion banner of Alamie flying overhead.

By firelight, the duke sees a large force moving to back the oncoming pikes- archers and further back, heavy horse.

Looking up, he sees a scanty defense of watchmen and civilians on the walls, hurling stones down at foes hidden from his sight by the wall.

[JMaytr]

"Men, whats the situation? How did the gate fall?" Devlin dismounts his horse and draws his rapier and main gauche

[ewancummins]

"Men, whats the situation? How did the gate fall?" Devlin dismounts his horse and draws his rapier and main gauche

A knight pulls off his helm, coughing explosively.The man wipes grimy sweat and soot from his mouth before answering in a parched voice.
"He called it an elemental, Your Grace. 'Twas a giant all made of fire. And they used hellpowder, I think. Smelt like that devilish stuff. Hotspur--he's dead, my duke."

[ewancummins]

Caer Haes


Roald and the ladies of the court, along with some of the female servants, have been placed in a suite overlooking the courtyard. One household guard remains on duty in the room.

Anyone looking out the windows sees torches set in the ground and a large body of servants and civilians being issued spades and pickaxes.