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

Once reaching the mouth of the Linder, they finally spied a welcome sight, the Valga Sea now stretched out before them. To the starboard side, the rich trade city of Doische rested, it's port fat with large caravels and other vessels. Jilahd knew that they had to press on or this city would never be the same again and he didn't want to have to return to this port and have to fight his way through to get back north again. Only the captain's of each ship would go into town for food and supplies, then come right back to their crewmen and anchor outside the fortified jetty.
Jilahd glanced to Haakon and his men as they rowed closer to the busy dock. They wouldn't let him go in alone, nor could he risk his captain going in alone. Green eyes glanced to the slip cleared for each of the longships that took turns mooring, then departing soon after, he noticed a group of paladin eyeing the command ship as it approached.

"Sire, I can go. I have enough gold for supplies, though it isn't our way to be buying..."

"I'll go. I need to find out more about what's going on down south anyway."

Haakon reluctantly nodded. "As you wish." As lines went out, two of his guard jumped onto the extended dock and tied the ship to the raised posts, then pulled it in closer as Jilahd moved up on the rail, then jumped onto the wooden planks himself and strode towards the knights in black and gold tabards. The Order of the Golden Scepter was always well informed.

"Good day," he greeted as they eyed his men warily. "I was hoping to gain some information on the fighting to the south."

The middle aged paladin nodded his head in respect. "Kevelaer has conducted a campaign against the Promised. Unfortunately, they've killed thousands of our people while doing it. Mellerud and Onebro were long known to support the heathen, but the other three towns burned out, we're not so sure."

Things became a bit clearer now. "I see. Then the fight is over?"

"Our armies are poised near their border but, I've heard through my prayers this morning that the fighting has stopped, yes. I believe the Empress has sent an envoy to declare terms. Arhus will settle this affront to his people but, we should know shortly."

"Hmm." He didn't bother asking why the elves would hate the underground movement so. And he didn't want to hear any more religious dogma right now, especially from someone this zealous. He respected their beliefs, and that was enough.

"What brings you to our city?"

"Just buying supplies, then we're on our way."

He nodded. "Then I'll not keep you any longer."

"He's disrespected you, Sire," Haakon spat in Varangian. "Allow me to remove his head."

"No. Buy what we need and let us leave this place," he commanded, then turned and headed back to the ship and waited for Haakon's return.

* * *

After another week at sea, they finally saw the coastline stretch out before them and recognized the heraldry of Davos on two ships heading east and away from them. No doubt there would be more inquiries as to the presence of such a large fleet but, he had other things to tend to. As they neared the shoreline, he leaped into the water and helped pull the vessel onshore and up the beach. The men unloaded their horses and gear, then began mustering to march. Jilahd headed southward as his men gathered behind and around him until he found his sons as well as the dukes from both De Haan and Chatelet that were with him.

"We're going to be heading into the Black Mountains from here. I know an old pathway that will keep any unwanted attention from us and hopefully help avoid climbing the higher peaks. We'll camp near Sucaeva once we reach the ruins and go from there."

"We're ready, Sire," Sir Bithik, his nephew from the barony of Koski replied.

Jilahd smiled and clamped a large hand on the warrior's shoulder. "It's finally a worthy task set before us. And we're very near our goal." He looked through the myriad of bearded faces looking back at him and was amazed at how many of them were direct family.
The army formed up and now mounted, rode from their ships to the south. Gerlach and Amund to either side of him within the long column.

"Have the Aesir given you any more visions, father," Amund asked.

"They showed me the town that was sacked some weeks ago. Yes." His mind returned to the scene of carnage which renewed his rage.

"Is it anyone that we know," Gerlach inquired.

"No." He shook his head. "You never met them, but I've spoken of them before. Friends of long ago."

"I'm glad we'll be able to be there to put them to rest, finally," Gerlach replied.

"I as well."