laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Once the city was secured, they found that most of the town's occupants were not only livestock but, also some who had decided not to leave the city when the Jann had taken it. Markus stood by as Michael and some of the others listened to the cleric's story.

"Oddly enough, milord, the heathen allowed us to continue on as we had under your rule," the thin priest of Arhus revealed. "Not even our Father's house was desecrated, much to my relief."

"Father Jerrod, I'm glad that you're well and that those remaining behind were not ill treated," Michael replied. "We've heard nothing but terrible stories about many of those captured being sold to Sauqiran pirates and shipped southward," his deep voice echoed within the Great Hall as several of the older women cooked a meal for their liege lord and his men.

The balding priest nodded, hands nervously wringing before him. "I've heard those things too, sir. I was quite surprised that I was allowed to remain as well but, I had to ensure the orphans were kept hidden."

Michael nodded. "Then return to your church, I'll look forward to a service this sabbath. It's been too long."

Father Jerrod smiled, bowed and turned, then walked out.

Markus plopped down onto the bench seat. "I'm even amazed the treasures within your house weren't looted when they ran."

"I know," Anthony smiled. "Not the proper villains we've made them out to be at all. How disappointing." He turned to his older brother who tiredly sat down at the long table also. "And yes, I made sure to clean up after ourselves when we left Breeanna's home."

Michael and some of the other knights chuckled. "I'm glad. Survive this war only to be beaten to death by your older sister. Not the noble end I'd want."

"Not to mention all the time lost with his wife, Lady Belinda," Sir Nicholas interjected.

Anthony smiled. "Leave her out of this, I could've left her here to deal with these Jann invaders instead. Be a bigger mess to clean up though."

Markus laughed, knowing how the smaller noblewoman's temper could flare in the right moment. Her attention to his own love life not being outside her scope of energies either as she tried continually to push him to marry.

Michael sobered as he glanced to Lucian. "We're not going to be able to enjoy this moment long, friends. The enemy is on his heels, be best to keep him that way."

"Agreed," Sir Guy moved towards the table behind Markus and set his helmet down. "Newcastle is but a few days from here and from there, we can finally help retake Kecel." A mountain retreat that none of them looked forward to sieging. The duke's great grandfather had chosen a perfect spot which commanded a rocky hill and commanded a strong position.

"Any word from the king," Sir Albert inquired. "Is he sending aid?"

Michael turned to the cousin of the baron of Newcastle. "Actually, the king's army is engaged with a larger force which has taken nearly the whole of the duchies of Polgar and Sarkad as we speak." A fact that gave them all a moment of pause and sobered their own celebration.

"By the Gods, how," Sir Edward, Baron of Newcastle asked in disbelief.

"Larger army than we're facing. I learned all this from my champion that's been keeping me abreast of the invasion." He sighed, then rose. "Men, our task is to secure the southern part of this kingdom and we will do that." He turned and grinned to Markus, then headed to the wash closet as they mused. "We'll leave tomorrow for Newcastle."