"...and now, let me show your majesty." Virgil ignored the old mans words as they were drowned out by the clank of the guards armour walking behind them and the echo that filled the hall as they walked through at a brisk pace. He was still young, busy chasing women, writing poetry and playing with swords, his fathers death was an most unexpected event. "Your majesty." the kind old man said trying to get the boys fleeting attention, he turned around raising an eyebrow "You've seemed...to have forgotten where the throne room is?" he asked ever so softly. Virgil has been away from the capital for many years enjoying time in the Marshes and hasn't seen his father during that time, now it was too late. "This way your majesty" as he bowed, fearing he has angered the young king.

He sat on the throne, it was uncomfortable, hard and unforgiving on any kings buttocks. The only thing keeping him awake was the fairly attractive servant just across the room, she notices it and flicks her hair. "Wine!" as he raised his hands, bluntly interrupting the old mans detailing of the coronation ceremony. "His late majesty's coronation was a spectacle, hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets...the Red Guard convoy.....it would be most wise to make it happen again your majesty, why? you may ask to, capture the hearts of the people and of your vassals."Virgil placed the goblet down, taking a breath. "Yes...yes, go organise that." The old man scribbled onto the scroll. "I nearly forgot among this excitement, your majesty, the invitations."
"Then, send them out?" the mans enthusiasm was too much for Virgil to bear. "Lord Hightower, Lord Sundregn, Lord Stormkeer, Lord Rondalion, seems to be in good order your majesty, i will send them out at once."
"Dismissed." Now he was alone the stone throne pressing even harder against his backside. He reminisced of the days gone by.

Maul Theongor looked up when he heard the shrill whistle above the lazy breeze. A distant figure was fast approaching on horseback. Maul was busy training with his men on the mountain slopes a few miles outside Arv Stormkeer. He loved the fresh morning best, and his men quickly realized that the new Lord Warden of the Highlands was a very fit man who also expected them to be fit. Every knight that now ate at Maul's table can outrun a horse on the mountains around Arv Stormkeer. This could not have been said when Isu, Maul's father, was Lord Warden. Maul was proud of the progress he and they have made.

"My liege, Jode Blandnor sent me, with this..." the young squire bowed humbly before Maul with a square leather pouch in his hands. Jode was an old friend of the house of Theongor and also Bailiff at Arv Stormkeer castle. Maul opened the pouch and squinted as the morning sun struck the paper inside, temporarily blinding him a little.

"...the king dead..." the Maul read with shock. King Eamon Madriach was dead! "...The funeral has been organized and will be held..." well that was three days ago, Maul thought. This will mean a new king, travelling to the Lowlands and Langsmerth to partake in the coronation, and to swear loyalty to a new liege. Most of all it means Penumbria have lost a great king, a wise leader, and a close friend of the house of Theongor.

The sun shone through the small window hole, lighting up the dim room. Last night was a typical night, drinking til he couldn't even open his eyes, bedding every good looking servant there was, fondling with lordly daughter, what can they do? He is King. Virgil got out of bed, albeit with some difficulty, hangovers always suck. There was a knock on the door "Your Majesty, Lord Eddermarch comes!" Virgil frantically looked around to find his robe in order to cover up his manhood.

Qunten Eddermarch was his fathers most trusted (and true) man, rewarded the most fertile and richest Bannship in the Lowlands. The man was not the same since the last time they met a decade ago, his hair grizzled, skin wrinkly, time taking its toll. There was a moment of awkwardness as they both tried to find words. Qunten's eyes gave it all away, he was surprised at the same time with sorrow. It seemed like they both knew what each other were thinking, nostalgia of the old days. Qunten was like a uncle to Virgil sometimes more loving and caring than his own father. At the age of 7, Virgil was sent to the Eddermarch Household to train to become a Knight as it is customary for all able boys of high nobles to become knights. Frankly, Virgil was no knight, always counting and digging into books preferring rather to read about swords than use them. Though that did not bother Qunten who never beat him or treated him harshly, a very kind and understanding man he was. Wine pored.

"Rough night?" his voice was weak not booming as he remembered. Virgil took some time to think still dizzy from the wine. "Aye...so good sir what brings you here?" Qunten sipped some wine to wet his throat "I just wanted to see if everything was alright here, bloody rotting to death and to make matters worse I'm sitting all day in my castle, gotta get some fresh air." Something must of happened to him, i no longer see that signature grin nor the relaxed face only lines upon lines. "Eh, you ain't no boy anymore, i was like you" he pointed to the fair maiden standing shyly in the corner "chasing women, drinking my heart out, but then duty called i settled down, made three strong sons and a beautiful daughter." his tone grew more harsh "Tales of your great adventures are spread far and wide" he said mockingly "You are a man, your father did not raise you to become a whore pusher, maker be damned." Uncle Qunten is known for his directness, no one could steer his words, never softening or twisting them, Qunten the Honest they called him and maybe the very few who truly deserve such title. Virgil sat there, silent there was nothing to say nothing to refute the mans words "Clean your act up, boy." Qunten stood up and left and there he sat as King.

Vaino was overseeing the training of new recruits at a training camp about twenty miles from Sundregn. He was standing beside Captain Glennir and his steward Yilviir in the command tent casually speaking when suddenly a messenger popped in to hand the lord a message. "It looks like King Eamon Madriach finally croaked. Good news indeed." He laughed to his captain as he handed a crown to the messenger. It was true that the King had poor health so it came to no surprise that he died. Now the new King wanted him to swear loyalty. He had actually been increasing his military reserve just in case a civil war occurred.

After the messenger left he looked back to Glennir. "So how many soldiers can we create and maintain?" He asked the captain. "Right now we could raise an army of about fifteen thousand though it would take a massive amount of funding. If the situation were to become dire then we could create twenty thousand conscription soldiers but that would require many cuts and perhaps funding from the King as well." Glennir replied. The soldiers were fairly cheaper than other armies since not all of them wore entirely iron or steel. In fact Vaino had replaced the cavalry with smaller faster horses for cavalry archers.

"Yilviir. Gather the a dozen of the elite guard and provisions for my departure." The steward quickly scurried out to do what his lord commanded. "Glennir. Keep training the recruits but do so swiftly. Also I want you send my message to all of the other commanders as well. Tell them to prepare the conscription as quickly as possible. If I come back and a civil war has been declared I would like to have ten thousand ready for me." He told the captain. Vaino then left the tent to his stage coach to ride back home. He needed to prepare for his departure.

Today was court where the King himself hears the problems of the locals and pleads from the lords of the realm, the least glamorous part of being King. Thieves being sentenced, debts being repaid all of that bored him. "Ah...ah your majesty, two days ago my son was beaten by this man and stole our salt bag...please be just." The lady's son was badly bruised, eyes swollen. "Your name thief." Virgil pointed at him, signally to stand up. "Your majesty, i am no thief my name is Theo."
"Then please explain why the boy is so bruised?"
"Maybe he had a great fall, your majesty?" he said smirking.
"No! liar! that is our salt bag!" the woman shouted.
"Silence." Virgil boomed, everyone froze.
"Theo i wish to ask one question, is this really your bag?"
"Of course your majesty, i would never lie in front of you."
The woman then started crying "My poor son..." Virgil was unsure of what to do, he sat there looking at the bunch.
"Your majesty?"
"A slight moment please Deaglan."
Suddenly Virgil stood up and drew his sword waving it around. "Milord??" the woman said. "I have decided to split the bag into two...that solves everything right? Give me the bag." The woman then cried out "My son! Justice your majesty" He then told her to stand up. "Theo what is this bag used for?"
"Coins and trinkets your majesty."
Virgil then cut it in half "Deaglan, lick it." the squire stood there puzzled "I said, lick it" the squire took the piece and licked it with a sour face "Salty, very salty." Theo began to turn red, eyes darting around. "Well..." then he was interrupted by Theo "Your majesty! MERCY!" he knelled and cried "Hundred crowns for compensation, a month in the mines, take him guards."

It was night a meeting between local lords was being held at the keep. "My lords and ladies if i could have a word..." Ostel stood up, he started to circle the table "Rumors flow through my ears all the time but I've heard the most foul one yet." He paused as if he was performing in a play to engage the audience. "Your majesty, I've heard from the merchants in town...Lord Hightower has doubled his fleet, a indication of war." The table began to shake as they discussed "That dirty pirate bastard is always up to something!" one person shouted, half the table nodded and seconded "Aye, your majesty, 1000 crowns to the man that gets rid of him!" Virgil raised his hand "We will know for sure when he comes for the coronation..."
"He ain't gonna come!"
"Yeah!"
"Do something about it!"
At this point the meeting was getting out of hand, people cursing at each other, hands on scabbard. "Silence!" boomed Qunten no voice was more true. Virgil nodded at Qunten saying thanks. What did he hate the most? Rowdy people with power. "The invitations that were sent out to all vassals of the realm should by now reached every single one of them, now it is their choice to come or not, i estimate their arrivals will be within three to six days."

"Well my Lord, it appears that the boy will be crowned King of Penumbria...which might not go down very well with many Banns. It could very likely lead to war if the situation escalates and the young King cannot build confidence among the Banns." a very worried Jode Blandor stated.

They were in the castle library. The Highlands have been under the Wardenship of the house of Theongor for over two centuries now, so the Theongors manage the region almost like a family estate. With a few large logs in the fireplace, the library was Maul's favourite place to end the day, with a report and advice from Jode. Jode wasn't sure if the twenty-eight year old loner would be able to fill the role of Lord Warden seven months ago. He has been pleasantly surprised, especially with the way in which the soldiers looked up to Maul and willed themselves to be pushed further in order to gain his recognition. They have realized that Maul fights alongside them. Even more surprising, the other Highland Banns have accepted Maul after a little nervousness at first. It has always been Maul's older brother who was getting primed to fill Isu's shoes as Warden, it had taken a lot of convincing from Jode and Bann Liutus to give the young Maul a chance to prove himself. Now they really liked him.

"So we should be getting an invitation anytime?" a pensive Maul asked.
"Yes my Lord, it has certainly been sent, it does take a while to get all the way to Arv Stormkeer, and with the weather we have been having I do not wish to be the messenger! I have a message here from Qunten Eddermarch, we received a pigeon from him this afternoon."
Maul unrolled the two small pieces of paper and quickly read the message. It was addressed to Jode. The message mentioned that invitations have been sent out to all Wardens. It further explained that the situation appears to be very fragile, with rumours that Vaino Sivareth is recruiting as many living men who can fight as possible. There is also an unconfirmed rumour that the pirate Warden of Hightower has doubled his fleet. Qunten doubts this to be possible. He pleads for calm heads and sound advice for Maul from Jode.
"This does not sound good, I am glad that Qunten is there to help the new King. We are ready for war if it comes, I personally ordered that the emergency food reserves be doubled in all the border fortresses. I gave the Banns a little of an incentive, for every bag of grain they stocked in the reserve, they received eight tenths off on that bag's price in taxes."
"I heard, quite clever, your father would have been proud!" Jode grinned. "My Lord, we are the roof of Penumbria, an attack against us would require more than a simple siege, I think for now we must focus on how we can defuse the rising tensions by way of supporting the young prince."
"Tell me about his past, what is it about him being of tainted blood..."

In a hut near The Tears.

"Sire...i am afraid she will not make it, she has been in labour for atleast fifteen hours now." said the physician. Eamon discarded his cloak and wiped the flooding sweat off his brows and said without distress "What can we do?" the physician shook his head and took out his tools "Your mistress cannot be saved, only the child..." Eamon turned to Qunten he nodded. Both of them have been through hell and through but this was the hardest moment to face. There was a moment of silence the only sound being the groans of a mother giving birth soon it was too much to bare. Qunten put his hand over Eamon's shoulder and whispered "Put, her to sleep." A tear ran down Eamon's face, he swallowed. "Peace be with her." The physician took out a poison vital and gave her the whole dose, seconds later she did not move or make a sound any longer. (Caesarian)

Night came the three men still standing tall. "It is a boy your majesty." Eamon could not help the feeling of delight but the death of his mistress overcame it. "I will name him after the hero prince Virgilius, Virgil he will be called." The men moved outside. "Burn the place down..." Eamon said to Qunten. They both watched the flame engulf the small wooden hut. The flames died down after an hour. "Get some sticks near by and erect a marker." Eamon said. The two men stood looking out towards the lake. "She is in the Maker's hand now."

Maul's legs were on fire and his breath was coming in shallow gasps. He could feel the eyes of the wolf on his back. His tired legs tripped over a rock and he crashed against a boulder. "I must get up on the ledge!" Scrambling with all his remaining strength Maul reached the ledge and started pulling himself up. If only his arms were not so weak! He felt totally drained. A few pebbles fell to the ground behind him. The wolf was getting closer. He must get on the ledge. Maul saw the eyes of the beast first. They were cold and bored into him. The wolf was huge. It bore a light grey coat which gradually darkened at its tail. As the beast approached Maul noticed several deep scars on its face. He could smell the wolf's breath, it reeked of rotten flesh. "Phup...Phup" two arrows quickly embedded themselves in the animal's side!

Maul woke with a start! It's been a while since he last had this particular nightmare. It brought back memories of the actual event. It was about eighteen years ago, and he was nine. Maul had recklessly followed his father and the other Banns into Sundara Gorge, where they were involved in the annual Highland Hunt. It was always a week long festival, where the Banns of Highland and other invited guests camped out next to Sundara Gorge. The event culminated in the Hunt, where the men went to kill wild boar and bear. The warrior who brought back the largest boar would be crowned victor of the Highland Hunt, and allowed to take half of the bear skins hunted that day as bounty. It was great honour and also a very valuable reward, as the bear skins sold for quite a sum in Langsmerth. Maul had secretly followed the men into the hunt and gotten lost. He soon discovered that a wolf was on his trail, and in desperation he ran himself to exhaustion. Qunten Edddermarch was was the hunter who saved Maul at the last moment. His father remained forever thankful to Qunten for saving the young boy.

Maul got of his bed and walked to the window. It was still dark outside but the sun was approaching. It will be dawn soon. He grabbed a fur coat and and some leather sandals and made his rounds to inspect his castle. It was something his men are accustomed to by now. They rarely fall asleep on duty! In the parlour a messenger was waiting for him with a young squire. He handed Maul a letter bearing the royal seal. It was an invitation to attend the royal coronation of the new king.

Vaino had taken his finest guards with him on the journey to Langsmerth. After two hours of the warden returning to Sundregn they departed. They all traveled by horseback so that they could arrive as fast as possible. They all had studded armor, equipped with recurve bows, and the barding on the horses were also only leather so that the horses would not be burdened by the weight. They were to travel based on outlying settlements where they could rest.

The party traveled rather quickly as they reached the first town, Brookins, where they saddled the horses in the local stable and went straight to the inn. Upon entering Vaino approached the inn keeper with a small bag of Royals. "We left our horses in your stable so take care of them. Also I would like to purchase one pound of mango, a pound of rice, and..." He lowered his voice a whisper. "several vials of Vex poison." The inn keeper nodded as he scurried to grab the supplies. Vex poison was a mix of various venom and plants that numbed the nerves and contained anticoagulant. Placing the bag on the table he spoke one last time. "Also we need a room upstairs, two of your biggest ones."

The coronation nears. Virgil could hardly sleep, not due to excitement but day in day out servants and officials scurried around like rats setting up the throne room, he has never had to answer that many questions "Over here?" "Like this?" "This colour?" Someone save me he thought.

"Deaglan get me my arms and armour, lets head to the courtyard." The courtyard was empty Where is everyone? Deaglan assisted Virgil to slip on his mail. "Strap on the plates now, thank you." he said after some time adjusting the mail. "Lend me my arms." Virgil grabbed his warhammer firmly and took a light swing, he couldn't remember the last time he was in actual combat most of his experience comes from tournament participation. Then he grasped the shield, Heavier than last time? having a go at his fitness. Deaglan the squire was always donned in full armour with his longsword ready to fly out of its holding. "On your guard Deaglan." The squire took stance sword held high. Virgil held his shield and hammer like a boxers 'peak a boo' always having his upper body covered at all times. "When you are ready sire." Virgil stepped forward and swung, Deaglan effortlessly stepped to the side and pushed him back. He swung again instead with an overhead which Deaglan parry-ripost. Virgil who was almost of guard caught the attack before it landed onto his brestplate, adrenaline started to come in. Virgil's movements were stiff his swings clumsy and unbalanced. They sparred for an hour, Virgil only managing to hit Deaglan once with a glancing blow. They spent the rest of the day discussing tactics and improvements. Night came.

Typhon got the letter from his “king” to come to the coronation and had got an appropriate gift for him blueprints of his ship weapons not that they were useful on land unless you saw the attack. He took his flag ship the Aspidochelone, with his personal squad when he had to go on land. But he sent out some ships to officially check around the rest of the land while flying a flag that sent an order for the bandit groups he supplied with weapons that had been lost on the way from Arv Stormkeep to Langsmerth to launch an attack on the lowland city of Arv Rondalion. He also sent one of his three personal courier ships to the pirate city of Pelegosto, the secret base of the bandit lord, Fort Velathri, and to the thieves’ guild island hideout to listen for the war that would come. Days later his ship arrived at Langsmerth and took a smaller ship with twelve of his closest men and his ship out in the open water because his ship was too big for port. As his men rowed in he smiled the dangerous smile and said “let’s see how the whelp, controls the beasts he has on his leash. Because this beast is hungry for power and this whelp looks tasty.”

Virgil walked onto the balcony looking out at port. "Lord Hightower is in town." Ostel muttered with a hint of resentment while continuing on with his rant. "This bodes ill, who would of thought the most infamous pirates in Penumbrian history shows up first at the Kings coronation, the maker is screwing around with us." The sun was too strong for Virgil's eyes, he shaded it from the sun with his hand trying to get a clearer glimpse of the huge vessel a few kilometers off shore. "That is the Aspi..." Ostel cut in "Aspidochelone, the largest warship in current existence, and it ain't that slow either your majesty." Suddenly a guardsman came in " Your majesty there's this very large bearded man causing some trouble in old town, a brawl just broke out like ten minutes ago." Virgil shook his head "As they say, where ever Typhon goes trouble follows very quickly behind." Virgil returned to his seat ordering servants to get him wine. "Perhaps his intentions are not malevolent, maybe he is genuine." Virgil suggested only to be criticised by Ostel "Argh, a thousand pardons your majesty. Typhon is one crafty bastard, he didn't become Warden of Hightower through right of law or succession, you know the whole story. It could be that his early arrival is part of his scheme. Right now he can't do anything to you right now but wait he will do something after he leaves." Virgil couldn't help but to take his word. "Still i am surprised, wouldn't he be risking his head." to which Ostel scornfully replied "Those savages are a strange bunch, I'd keep a good distance if i was you your majesty." Qunten stood silently across the room, eyes unaware of the world Virgil couldn't help but notice. "Whatcha lookin at boy?" Virgil straightened himself up "You look lonely over there." Qunten smirked "I can't help but think, your father had a much easier time when he started out, all the Wardens were tame like dogs, Hightower was not run by a bloodthirsty pirate. Now it's most unfortunate that you had to deal with their overly ambitious children eh?" Ostel was clearly irritated by the mans casualness towards the King never bowing or respectful gestures, it felt like an insult but dared not say to him. "I know, the Maker knows there will be a conflict, the problem who will start it first..." Qunten's words were cold but true they struck Virgil hard, as a person who has never held any more responsibility than knowing when to wake up and count money it was hard to comprehend.

Virgil opened up the old door, it was the abandoned room where two decades ago he lived. It was located away from most of the high activity areas, away from the gossip and the glamour, this area was where servants and the executioner lived. For much of his life he lived among the ordinary people and grew accustomed, sometimes he preferred the company of the poor than of the rich. Even though every single human is capable of betrayal, I'd rather have a poor fellow stab me in back, at least he'll do it himself. he thought as he looked around the moss covered walls. Virgil walked out and a large man gave him a good fright. "Your majesty it is most unwise for a person such as yourself to roam the castle without proper security." His voice was deep but strangely gentle he was bold and stood atleast 2 meters, perhaps the tallest man he has met in person, he wore black robes with its hood off. "Sorry good sir you gave me a slight fright." The man bowed "My humble apologies, i am one of the several executioners that reside here." Executioners were well paid individuals but were shunned by society and was unable to live with the common populace spending most of their day sharpening their tools and reading books. The most intimidating feature was the sword that hanged on his back, it had no sheathe, there were large letters that bore the phrase "I Spare No-one" with a detailed etching of the makers hand symbolising justice. "I kindly ask if i could accompany you back to the main quarters." How could he protest? "Of course, maybe stay for some wine while you're at it." The executioner bowed his head "You are most kind but i must get back to my duties once you get there, please my apologies your majesty." His name is Klaus the Executioner.

“Your Ladyship.” Bowed Murdock, a red haired Knight of the Rondalion Order and an Under Vassal of the Warden of the Lowlands.

With him he brought a dozen filth covered commoners, all linked to one another by chained hands and feet.

“Bow! You putrid fiends!” He barked at the prisoners, not waiting for them to reply as he smacked the flat on his sword hard against back of two prisoners knee's causing the whole line of them to fall to the ground on their hands and knees.

“Sir Murdock.” Isodell FitzWarren inclined her head in greeting as she lounged in her velvet and fur lined throne. “What gift's do you bring me?”

“Pirates, Your Wardenship.”

“Ah! And we all know who controls them do we not?” She smiled wickedly.

The day the news arrived of the King's death and the coronation of his successors, Isodell had sent out men to guard and and watch over the Northern coastline. Not a spot was left unmanned. She was no fool. The whole of Penumbria new of the Warden Hightowers dislike for the current Monarchy.

Being the coward she knew Sturmaz to be, he had waited for the old King to die and let his untested heir sit on the throne before he laid claim to power. Pirates. Thieves. Murderers. All cowards in her eyes, those who struck for behind rather then face their foes head on in a fair fight. And what was Typhon Sturmaz? Little more then the King of Criminals.

Alas, what did it matter to her. She cared little for what he did as long as he kept Arv Rondalion and the Lowlands out of the fray. But, if dared attack her Keep he would rue the day he made an enemy out of her.

“Which one of you is the Leader?” She addressed the bunch.

“T'would be I.” Sneered the one at the fore of the line; all still on their hands a knees.

“Tell me then, who sends you and for what purpose?” Isodell questioned causally, already knowing half the answer.

“T'will be a cold day in hell before I answer to a woman.” He spat with a sickly smile, his comrades sniggering at his daring in agreement.

“Quite!” Murdock commanded, whipping them into shouts of pain and then into silence with a Cat o' nine tail. “How dare you speak to the Warden in such a manner?! You won't have any skin left if you don't answer to what her Ladyship questions.”

“Well?” Isdoell asked waiting for a reply.

When none was forth coming from any of men, sighing over dramatically, Isodell raised from her seat on her comfortable throne and casually strolled down from the dais, hands clasped behind her back, she walked down the line of men, examining each one. Her cold, relentless stare forcing them to look down.

Stopping in front of the Leader.

“You refuse to answer then?”

“Aye.” He smirked, the rotten teeth in his mouth showing.

“Well, I suppose then we have no choice then do we Sir Murdock?” Turning her eyes to her Vassal.

“Aye My Lady. Tis the Crank for them then isn't it?” Murdock grinned widely, looking devilishly handsome.

“How well you know me brave Knight.” She smiled sweetly.

“The Crank!” All the prisoners heads shot up at the mention of the torture device that would spill their guts out while they were chained to a rack. “But we haven't done anything!”

“Ye cannot do that!”

“Please your Wardenship!” A young man who could be no more then seventeen at the most began to cry. “I ain't done nothing wrong.”

“Shut your whining you little snivelling wretch!” Growled the leader, frightening the boy further.

“Tis out of my hands child. Your Leader refuses to answer my simple questions.” Isodell explained calmly moving to stand in front of the boy.

“I'll do anything p-please. I never wanted to some here anyway.” The young lad sobbed, tears streaking down his mud covered cheeks.

Isodell watched him for a few discerning seconds. She could tell he was the weak link. The others may still cower under their Leasers command, even in the face of torture and certain death, but this boy was still very green.

“Of course, if anyone else wishes to answer my questions then I would be honour bound to see no harm come to you.” She stated taking a step back to address the whole line.

“I'll tell you anything you want!” The boy replied desperately. “Just please, I don't want to die Yer Wardenship.”

Isodell inclined her head in agreement and waited a moment to see if anyone else was brave enough or desperate enough to take her up on her offer.

“Will Ye really see no harm come to us, if we answer yer questions Mi Lady?” Another voice squeaked.

“Don't ye dare open yer mouth!” Shouted the Leader.

“Silence!” Murdock commanded whipping the Leader into pained silence once more.

“Of course.” Isodell replied. “You have by word upon it as protector of the Realm. Now tell me who sent you all?”

“Aye then I shall answer.” The second man spoke. “T'was Lord Hightower Mi Lady.”

Isodell's eyes glazed over gray in cold furry. Fool! The fool wanted to start a war! But that matter less to her, she wanted to know why he had sent these men to Arv Rondalion. With practised patience, she pushed her rising ire down, presenting a calm and unaffected demeanour.

“And why is it that Warden Hightower sent you all the way to Arv Rondalion? Did he wish you to plunder our prosperous land to take back to the Isle?”

The crying lad and his partner in confession shared a regretful looks with each other before the young lad finally spoke.

“W-we do not know the full of it Mi Lady b-but 'is Lordship wished for us to launch an attack on yer great city.”

“Son of bitch!” Sir Murdock spat.

Precisely. Thought Isodell, resisting to swear out loud herself. Her suspicions had been assuaged, she had been more then right to protect Arv Rondalion as soon as she received news from Langsmerth.

“Only problem being, yer Landship,” The boy continued. “yer coastline was very well guarded. Yer men took out almost our whole fleet of a few many ships and over a few hundred men in the blink of an eye. I ne'er seen anything like it in mi whole entire life!”

“Aye.” Nodded the second man fervently in agreement. “I only thanked God that he was gracious enough to keep me alive . . . That was until we few surviving we caught.”

He had the sense to look shameful with cast down eyes.

“Tis war his Lordship wants. Nay, not war to be truthful but the throne.” He added.

The Throne! She almost chocked on her mirthless laughter. Hightower wanted the Throne? The only Throne he would get would be the one in Hell if he ever tried to attack Arv Rondalion ever again!

“And where is Warden Hightower now? Is he still on his Isle awaiting news and your return?” Isodell enquired.

“Nay, yer Ladyship. His Lordship is most probably at Langsmerth by now for the Kings coronation.”

“Is he indeed?” Isodell raised an eyebrow in question.

Of course, he was there. To smile to the new Kings face while he stabbed him in the back.

“Well, I thank you both for your forthrightness. It is much appreciated.”

“Yer Ladship.” Both men answered knowing now when to bow.

“Aye! Well there ye have it!” The Leader grumbled, speaking at last. “Ye got the information ye were after.” He said grudgingly. “So now ye can let us go like you said.”

Isodell turned sharply to glower at the man.

“I said nothing of the sort!” She declared, her voice echoing through the spacious room, losing what little patience she had. “What I did say was that all those who answer my questions would come to no harm. You, I remember were specifically being disagreeing to a fault . . . And now you shall pray the price.”

The man stared at her, gaping mouthed. Isodell smiled back coldly.

“Murdock,” She said turning to face her Knight. “See to it that these two boys are not harmed down in the dungeons where they will stay until I decide what to do with them and make sure they are fed well.”

Murdock nodded in agreement.

“T-thank ye verra much yer Ladyship.”

“Aye, thank ye.” The second man seconded.

“Tis naught.” Isodell replied offhandedly with a flicker of her wrist. “As for the rest of them the Crank will do just fine. A few less Pirates in Penumbria will only aid to the good and reducing crime.”

“No! Please, no!”

The cries began again from the other men.

“Ye cannot do this ye witch! Ye cold harpy.”

“Quiet!” Murdock's voice boomed, as three other Knights came to lead the villain away.

“Oh and Murdock,” Isodell said sweetly, addressing her Knight while all the while her eyes held the Leader of the Pirate crew. “See to it that the Leader of the pack here is the last to be put on the crank . . .” Her smile deadly. “And that he watch all his men die a slow, painful and gruesome death.”

The line of men was yanked forward before the man in charge of the crew could register Isodell's harsh words and the reality he faced.

“It will be done My Lady.” Murdock declared bowing in reverence. “Will there be anything else Your Wardenship?”

“Yes Murdock, please find and send my dear uncle to me. I must have an update on how preparations for our journey to Langsmerth is coming along and other dire discussions, you understand we must have . . .”

“I understand . . .”

Virgil sat in his study anxious for the ceremony which was only a few days away. "Deaglan go and fetch Tigernan for me, thank you."
"With haste your majesty." he said as he bowed. Tigernan was the most knowledgeable man when it came to noble houses and the Wardens, he was very old aged no less than 80. "I am here as you summoned, majesty..." Virgil pulled out a seat for him inviting him to take a seat. "I find myself dumbstruck when it came to knowing my own vassals, please enlighten me a good king should know his own people well."
"Who'd you like to start with?" the old man scratched his head and opened up a large book that detailed all the worthy houses of the realm since a hundred years ago.
"Lord Sundregn, Vaino Sivareth son of Gale, please." Tigernan flicked through a dozen or so pages then he examined the page. "House Sivareth is a fairly young but the most competent rulers of the Marshes in history, i dare you to find any mentionable wrongdoings and pin it on Sivareth. As for Vaino himself he is aged 32, described as relatively fit, brown hair and hazel eyes. Marshmen couldn't have a more better leader they are all content and of general knowledge the Marshes is the most safest place in the whole isle. I could go on but that would take a whole day." Virgil nodded Well this is a person i actually look forward to meet. he thought "Interesting, I'd like to hear about Lord Stormkeer, if i am correct Maul Theongor?" jk
"Indeed, Maul was the second son to Isu Theongor, in his fathers eyes and most of the highlands he would not rule, ever in his life time. Unfortunately or fortunately for some, Isu's eldest died then Isu died without another heir but Maul. There's not much written about him but he has only recently been on his wardenship a similar situation as yours."
"Enlighten me about this 'Ice Queen'"
"Many lowlanders cringe when that name is spoken a staple in children's folktales. Much of her past is shrouded in mystery and controversy, according to her birthdate she is no more than a year older than you. Don't let her age and beauty fool you, i say without doubt that she can give all the wardens a run for their money."
"Hard to believe, the only women i met were those ones that were good in bed." Virgil chuckled "I beg you not think that...she is devious, a devil." he warned Virgil sternly. There was no more to say Virgil led Tigernan out personally walking him back to his quarters.

Typhon dragged his man who has started a fight to the city center where nobles and commoners were running about their daily lives. When he got onto the stage where executions and announcements were done from, he took the hand of the crew man and yelled “you have dishonored me and embarrassed me, this is not a bar room and you have been to other cities before. The guards were called and I had to pay your dues, now it’s time for your dues to me” bringing down his mace he pulverized the sailors hand, then sent him and another to a doctors to get it fixed or replaced. Before entering the palace he ripped a branch off a tree, and carried it with him inside. Leaving the most of his men at an inn in town, he entered the palace with his three most trusted men and gave the guards their weapons but he kept the branch. He entered a meeting room asking for food and water for him and his men while waiting for the king and whoever he brought with him.

The party arrived at the capitol a few days after staying at Brookin. He and his guards dismounted at the stables at the gate before continueing. The people of Langsmerth seemed to be worried and after passing through the western gate he learned that Lord Hightower had brought his navy to the city's port. It sounded troubling indeed, an invasion though would be a poor strategical move to start a war so the city was in no actual danger. He asked a local guard where the slums were for he intended to pass through there on his way to the castle.

Slums were a part of every city though they varied in poverty. In Sundregn, Vaino attacked unemployment with his mission to increase production. He had ordered his guards to, his a hand on their sabers as well, to give five crowns to each beggar, prostitute, and orphan they found while repeating the same message. "If you would like to start anew, use this to travel to Sundregn. Good luck to you." Between the party they party they had one thousand crowns. Most likely the people who recieved the crowns would tell others and even if many who recieved the crowns would not leave, those who heard about these incidents would try to travel to Sundregn. His guards gathered to him an hour after arriving at the slums and they continued to walk to the castle.

Upon entering the doors of the royal palace he and his gaurds disarmed themselves and only three of his twelve entered with him. Those three were the most skilled of the already skilled unit. They could easily disarm and kill guards with out a weapon. He entered the meeting room to see a giant of a man in poor attire. Vaino approached the giant with his guards behind him. "What is this? Mercenaries to see the new king. I believe it is a bit haste since a war has not been officially declared." He smirked extending his hand for a shake. "Vaino Sivareth." He told the giant, expecting a name in return.

Maul dragged his tired body up the steps of Boison House, the large stone fortress on the outskirts of Langsmerth that has been part of the family for more than a century. "If there is one thing I hate, it is long rides on horseback!"
Bann Liutus grinned that sly grin of his and opened the door for Maul. "I arranged that you see the Lady White Whisper, she has important information to share with you my Lord."
"Excellent, I always enjoyed her company while I stayed here, if only she wasn't so damn secretive and elusive! Can you also inform Declan that I want him to report either tonight, or tomorrow morning first thing, so I can inspect the ledger with all the names and their locations.
"As you wish my Lord"

Shrugging off his heavy fur coat Maul dropped onto a large chair in the solar. It had been a long day filled with bad weather and even worse roads! He made a mental note to do something about the state of Highland roads. Maul's eyes caught the huge tapestry that decorated one side of the large room. The history of the Theongor's unfolded on the beautifully embroidered cloth starting with Cortuan the Great about two hundred years ago. Cortuan Theongor led the Highland Banns in a revolt against the Martican seafarers who were extracting tribute from Penumbria. They had invaded and set up fortresses along the coast, the largest being Arv Stormkeer, from which they contolled most of Penumbria. Cortuan's attack on Arv Stormkeer was the catalyst which ignited the whole of Penumbria into revolt and enabled them to drive the Marticans away. The Marticans fled to Hightower Island and it took many months to finally get rid of them which required a concerted effort of the Highlanders, Lowlanders, and Marsh people. It brought the people together and strengthened the crown in Langsmerth including the house of De Hugh, to the dismay of Cortuan. He wanted the Highlanders to become independent from the monarchy. "I don't look anything like him!" Maul thought.

A figure appeared in front of the fireplace and pulled Maul from his reverie. A nice figure. Always dressed in a way to show off her figure the Lady White Whisper sat down in the chair opposite Maul. "How nice to see that the boy has become a man! We shall have to wait for the hourglass to pass before a judgement can be made on his worth."
"My Lady, it is a pleasure. Please enlighten me, what information do you bring?"
"Silly boy!! All hasty and to the point. Please, indulge me, how is the Kingdom of the Clouds? Where have you led the realm? To strength, or to weakness? Oh, and how was your journey? Full of sweetness, or bitter as the poison from the marshes? Did you skirt the ocean on your way, and see its creatures have their say?"
"Please, I have no time or strength for your games and riddles! What have you to share? Speak plainly so a man can understand"
The woman removed her veil to reveal her astounding beauty. Eyes in shades of brown so pure and deep a man cannot help but drown in them. A perfect face crowned with rich black hair that flowed over her exquisite shoulders and beautiful arms. Maul was speechless, and she knew it. "My Lord, the throne is in jeopardy, the Hightower Pirate has a fleet ready to fight and an ambition to match. Some of my clients inform me that he has stationed armed men along the coast, but some have been intercepted by the Ice Queen. But, more disconcerting, Lord Sundregn is building an army at an alarming rate. It appears they both have war in mind."
"This is the information you have for me? I knew before I left home!"
"My Lord is perceptive, but still needs to learn discretion and patience...I fear both of those threats are containable in comparison to the Ice Queen. The pirate can never rule Penumbria, the people will never stand for it. We all tolerate his outrageous behaviour so long as it stays in Hightower, that is as far as it goes. Lord Sundregn might be building a larger and in the process weaker army, but he can never sustain one for a long enough time to tame Penumbria into submission. The Ice Queen is in command of the best equipped forces and rules over most of the food produced in the Isles. She has direct access to the young King, and can easily remove him from power. She has an extensive spy network with tentacles in almost every Bannship, including yours. Her family history enables her to step into the role of Queen of Penumbria without causing any scandal or calls of illegitimacy.
I wish to caution you my Lord, do not trust her. In the next few days we shall know what plans the Pirate and Lord Sundregn have, if possible we should not alienate them. Do not commit yourself to any cause yet. In the meantime, support the young King, maybe he can surprise us all."

Several servants scurried around to set up drinks and seats for the tired men. "His majesty shall be here shortly, please enjoy the finest wines in the world from the Marshes which i believe his Lordship tastes very frequently." the servant bowed to Vaino but gave no heed to Typhon. An old man stormed in donned in full plate and hair well groomed. It was Qunten. "Greetings your lordships, excuse his majesty for being late..." he sat down with both of men and smiled. "I trust that you bear worthy gifts for his most gracious majesty?" Qunten leaned in a bit more "The gifts you have hopefully will please his majesty and put yourselves in good light." he mockingly implied rebellion but doubted they picked up on it. The drinks came...

---

Virgil walked in with a dozen guardsmen. He was dressed with bright red velvet jacket and loose fitting black pants with the royal crown. It was really casual for a king. "Lord Sundregn and Lord Hightower, finally we all get to know each other." Virgil pulled out a seat and sat between Qunten and Typhon. "Good lords we are still waiting on Lady Rondalion and Lord Stormkeer, shortly you will be shown your quarters, respecting your privacy you will be able to station your own men in your respective quarters."
"For now let us drink and know each other well."

Vaino turned to the man who spoke. The new king, Virgil, who of which he bowed to. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you Prince Virgil. I am sorry about your father, his death was ill timed. Now...as I walked through the streets I heard about some ships that were outiside the city. I trust that nothing is out of order? He asked the Virgil. The boy was only a prince since he had not officially been crowned as the king. He pulled out a seat and sat across from the prince. He was a bit tired from the journey.

He glanced at the giant who was Lord Hightower. The man had been increasing is navy significantly lately. Vaino, of course, kept tabs on all of his neihbors, especially Hightower. After all Hightower had a larger navy than anyone else so raids were a threat. It was a good thing Vaino had a garrison at God's Reach to keep an eye out on the coast or else Hightower would be able to raid coastal villages freely.