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

After three weeks of riding, the large entourage of the High King continued over the long bridge that joined the king's palace with the large and impressive city of Chatelet. He had sent a large contingent of dukes and their men ahead to begin the purge of enemy sorcerers from their cities and bring those criminals to justice. Once that was done, muster their men for a voyage to meet in the port city of Vaggeryd in three weeks. That should give them just enough time to reach Brynmar in Vyg Bay and his army.
As the clop of horses hooves echoed in the gatehouse, they emerged in the bailey and Jilahd noticed Kavan standing with a fair sized group before the steps of his new palace.

"Chatelet greets our High King," the booming voice greeted as Kavan bowed respectfully along with his nobles and family.

"Thank you," Jilahd replied with renewed enthusiasm as he dismounted and handed off his reins to Haakon and approached. "It's good to see you well."

Nodding, Kavan's jet black hair had greyed considerably since Jilahd had seen him last, but two years could do that sometimes. "Thank you for your recommendation to the throne, Sire. It was unexpected, to say the least."

"I couldn't think of anyone better to help return this kingdom to it's glory again. I'm sorry you had to see it's decline." He turned his attention to the other nobles beyond the new king and realized that most were distant relatives of Kavan's and it didn't take long to determine why. He had suffered more than was previously thought. "If you need anything while I'm here, you have but to ask, my friend."

"Much appreciated, but I think the magistrates and local lords are more than up to the task. Priests and the oracles are also ensuring that we find all of them. It shouldn't take long." He turned and motioned towards the front doors. "Won't you come inside? Wilhem, see to the King's men."

"Yes, sir."

They talked politics for some time as dinner was prepared and finally walked to the Great Hall whose columns were also carved in the Varangian tradition of stylized horses heads supporting capitals which in turn strengthened the large oak beam ceiling high above. Lit by a multitude of glowing lights uniformly posted around a dual wheel suspended from two central beams, the long tables and bench seats were also warmed by the immense hearth that commanded the left wall.

Once seated, Jilahd leaned over to his new counterpart. "I'm going to be calling on your nobles for an expedition soon."

"I know, Sire. Chatelet is more than ready for a chance to gain glory," Kavan raised his pewter tankard in salute, then drank. "I was informed by my cousin when they arrived and he's seeing to the supplies and ships as we speak."

After a long drought from the large mug, adorned with embossed scenes of battle, Jilahd smiled. "I look forward to this mission. It's been too long."

In the traditions of their people, Jilahd enjoyed the revelry with his extended family well into the night. Dancing, story telling as well as feasting filled his belly while his huscarl kept close watch on everyone that neared their charge until he stumbled up to his room and collapsed into the large, feather bed and fell asleep. Music and laughter of the multitude of female companions echoed in his mind long after his eyes closed.

The next two weeks were full of overseeing the arrests and executions of several high ranking nobles who had found a way to infiltrate the monarchy. Most younger and full of fire until the end, they met their demise the same way that Harald had that fateful day. With screaming and the horrid chill in the air as black winged females in dark armor claimed another soul whom they dragged into the unknown and disappeared.

As the days for their departure neared, he found a quiet desk in the study and penned a letter.

"My Dearest Anna. I long to be in your arms again but, destiny has again guided me on another journey to which I'm anxious to discover. I'm still unsure of my ultimate destination but, know that my heart and thoughts are ever with you. This new position that I've been given also brings you new prestige as well. Something I know you don't eagerly seek out, but know that I'll still need your continuing needling and wisdom before bad decisions, instead of in our chambers afterwards. Give our children my love and tell them that no matter where the Aesir lead, they are still our descendents and members of a proud family line that goes back generations. I expect them to keep that in mind. I hope to see you again soon. Yours always, Jilahd."

He reread it a few times before folding it up, then laying melted wax over it and sealing it with his ring. Once done, large hands carefully shoved it within a round, leather case and then capped it and handed it to his royal messenger, Gireg, who took it and quickly departed the room. As he rested within the quiet room, staring out to the high, book filled shelves of dark wood, he wondered again who had been lost. Word had reached him of Duke Lericanin and his wife as well as Sir Allaster and Lina. Surely the king of Davos would've responded to the loss of Zariva or Carbost, so who else could've been dispatched so easily?
He sighed. No sense in wracking his brain over it now, time would tell him soon enough.

Footsteps echoed on the stone floor and approached the doorway as Jilahd turned to recognize Haakon. "Sire, they're ready to depart."

"Very well," he nodded and pushed himself up, then joined his captain as they walked out into the daylight where armored men scrambled in every direction as the army of Chatelet prepared to march with their new High King.