As Verraine takes her father's chair, Khom-bei stands and addresses the room. "Now to the business of Dhor-Shai. Will someone tell me what has happened my brothers from the plains?"
Borien doesn't rise. He gestures to Khom-Bei. "Your question will be answered, my Northerling friend, after your report on what happened in Camars. Verraine has told us some but not all of the tale. It is vital to our intelligence that we know more."
Khom-Bei bows slightly to Borien. "I shall leave the telling of that tale to Kane, it is his to tell." He returns to his seat with a nod to Kane.
Mattias slouches back in his chair. Bale. at his side, pours Mattias a goblet of wine and slides it to him.
Verraine says to Kane, "I shall tell the first of it again, Kane."
Kane says, "Please do."
Verraine rises and begins, "The Vorghol Lorn, a clever man in life, served Lord Valkris eagerly. Through diligent study, he was able to crack the code that we have used to pass secret messages back and forth for some time. He used his knowledge to trap Gwent, a Hunter of my father's band, and then Gwent was able to ambush my father and mother, killing them both and taking me captive. It was his plan, I think, to present me to Lord Valkris and torment more secrets from me."
Borien says, "We all knew Gwent, and admired him. We pray for his soul."
Khom-Bei bows his head momentarily and mutters a prayer for Gwent to the Great Father.
Verraine gives a slight bow. "Kane, Thragga and Khom-Bei had been summoned by my father so he could warn them of recent stirrings in the land, and Lord Valkris' plan to become the King's Claw. However, Gwent was able to slay my father before he could tell them." She suppresses a tear at the thought of her parent's torments. "However, they did manage to rescue me after pursuing me to the far side of the Ghostwood."
Thragga adds, "And cut down that bastard Lorn, isn't that right?" he demands of Khom-Bei and Kane.
Khom-Bei smiles and nods agreement at the Urags outburst. Silently, Kane nods.
Verraine shushes Thragga with a gesture. "We sought refuge in Camars, among our allies, whose names you need not know for their protection. Lord Valkris, in a bid to trap any Hunters in the city, tried to lure us out by baiting a trap with innocents. I will allow Kane to continue here, for it was his plan that rescued the innocents."
Gorgac grins toothily and claps Kane on the back in comradely support.
Kane stands, and says "I am a man of few words. We saved a tavern keeper and his children from a wrongful death at the hands of the enemy. Then, we spirited them out to the woods outside of Camars."
Mattias probes, "And left them there?"
Kane continues with "They pursued us due to the great embarrassment we caused them, and thanks to Khom-Bei's great skills we were able to defeat the Sathanids."
Lady Arcamyr studies Kane with her clear blue eyes.
Borien says, "Rumor had come to us that daylight touched the stones of Camars."
Kane looks at Borien, "This is so, thanks to Khom-Bei. We waited for Verraine to then rejoin us but when she didn't we re-entered the city to see if she were in trouble."
Borien says, with some reproach, "This was hastily done. Sunlight has not touched Camars in a hundred years. This was bound to stir the hornet's nest."
Khom-Bei smiles briefly before regaining his composure; "The Great Father will not be ignored, even in that place of greatest evil."
Kane says, "Back in the city we learned that Verraine was in the custody of Varun, who most of you, I'm sure, have heard of."
There is general agreement.
"Varun the Shadow." Mattias says with disgust. "The bloated one."
Kane says, "So to make a long story short, we were compelled to make a deal with the devil, and inorder to secure the lady's release, Khom-Bei and I had to enter Valkris' castle and dispatch a little mercy." He sits down.
Mattias says, "I find it hard to conceive that you allied with this...creature. A Patriarch of the Vorghol?"
Bale smiles coldly at Mattias' words.
Kane inclines his head and says, "So do I, but there you have it."
At your table, Gorgac stiffens, slicking back his lips from his fangs.
Khom-Bei says, "The enemy of mine enemy is my friend. Even you must know of this saying, Mattias."
Mattias shakes his head. "Have you considered yourself a pawn in his larger game?"
Khom-Bei says, "Of course, but Varun means nothing in the larger scheme of the Vorghol court, and he gave us access to those much closer to Malivare."
Kane jumps to his feet. "I will not sugar coat what we did. We made a deal with Varun, got Verraine free, and freed the soul of two Vorghol and a Sethanid."
Mattias rises. "Did you kill Valkris? Did you plunge a knife into Varun's fat still heart? Did you even try? I see you're still carrying that dragonfire sword, Kane. Does it still work?"
Kane looks at Mattias gravely, "Do you challenge what we did was right? Do you feel you could have done better?"
Khom-Bei stands and places a hand on Kane's shoulder. "Easy, friend. He was not there, it was not his choice to make."
Gorgac growls. Thragga snaps the goblet he is holding in two.
Kane says, "No, I did not kill Varun or Valkris, though I would have if the chance had come up. And if you would like to continue this in your current tone I suggest we step outside." He has had enough of Mattias and his followers and will put up wth no more of it.
Khom-Bei says, "It is an easy thing to kill a Vorghol, Mattias. But Kane embarassed Valkris and killed the Dark Queen's Lady in Waiting at the foot of his own feast table. Is it not enough to spread fear through the court of Malivare?"
Mattias smirks. "As a matter of fact--"
Borien interrupts, "This rancor of yours for Kane is a comfort to the Vorghol, Mattias!"
Lady Arcamyr says, "There is no profit in argument. What is done, is done. I for one am glad Verraine still walks among us and not as one of Varun's shadows. Valkris is disgraced, no fit candidate for King's Claw. And the court is in a furore. For mine own part, well done, Kane."
Khom-Bei pushes ahead of Kane, his face tight. "Perhaps you would have killed more and died in the process, Mattias? Perhaps the innocent children that the Dark Ones were to feed on, would have died in your rush for glory? Perhaps you would like us to escort you to Camars so that you can see for yourself what we faced? Perhaps you would like to see the grave of the little one I buried with my own hands?"
Mattias raises his hands. Without a word, he sits, sulkily.
Gorgac hisses, "Let me break the little bastard in half. He has it coming..."
Kane puts a hand on Khom-Bei's shoulder and sits down compelling him to join him. Kane says, "Sit my friend, Borien is right. We waste our anger on each other when it is better spent on the Vorghol."
Khom-bei's shoulders slump and he sighs: "Forgive me, Mattias, I know that your ways are different. We did what we judged best with little time for consideration. Forgive me, all of you, it has been.....tiring, these last days." He sits and pours himself a goblet of wine.
Mattias, impressed by Khom-Bei's generosity of spirit, pauses, then raises a goblet to the Northerling. "I salute you for your courage, all of you."
Khom-Bei returns Mattias' toast and drinks deeply.
Kane raise his goblet and says, "To the day sun shines again in Tol Nedra, and the dead stay in the ground where they belong!"
Among the Hunters, a hearty agreement is drunk to Kane's toast. "Here, here!"
Borien says, "No doubt this action was valuable, but its consequences remain to be seen. My foresight can give no indication of those. But my sense is that there is something coming, whose shape we do not yet understand. Vast forces are moving in the land, and reaching out to other lands. Anghara was touched earlier this year. Tol Nedra stirs itself, to what end we know not. "
Verraine says, "What of Khom-Bei's question? Where is Dhor-Shai?"
Borien says, "To the west of here, as you all know, stands the Westwall, a line of fortresses that keep those of our land out of Ress and the lands beyond. But the line only extends so far north. Northerly still are the wastes we call Howling Lands, the prairies and wilderness that is home to Khom-Bei's people."
Gorgac shouts. "And ours too!"
A servant hangs on the wall a lambskin map of the Seven Kingdoms, intricately painted and lettered.
Borien indicates a place on the map north of the Westwall. "East of the Howling Lands is the Barony of Northspike, ruled by Thumgath, called the Beast. A vile Vorghol Lord whose end should have come long past." You all know that name. He is reputed as a fearsome and terrifyingly savage Vorghol.
"News has come to us of recent activity in the region. Of new armies under Thumgath's banner, troubling the Urag and Northerling tribes. Dhor-Shai went to investigate, and his messages told us the entire tribe of Brightmoon had vanished from the Howling Lands, with none to tell us where they went. Then, we heard no more from our old friend."
Brightmoon is a small nomadic northerling tribe, and Khom-Bei knows them well as distant cousins.
Arcamyr sighs. "Of course, we fear the worst."
Khom-Bei sits up straight in his seat. "As well we should where Thumgath the Beast is involved."
Kane says, "This is grave and troubling news."
Khom-Bei says, "None of Dhor-shai's men have returned?"
Borien shakes his head. "In our searches, we found but one man. His body was covered with wounds too terrible to relate, and he was gibbering mad with pain and terror. It was if he had been tortured into madness. Even Ardis could not heal him."
Gorgac mutters, "Sounds like Yarga."
Khom-Bei says, "It is a grim day, indeed, if Yarga is in league with Thumgath."
Borien says, "Poor man, he died before he could relate what he'd seen. But we thought of Yarga as well. The terrible outlaw Urag of the far north."
Kane says, "If he has allied himself with Thumgath, this is indeed terrible news."
Borien says, "We do not know. The Oathkeepers who dared to ride that far north could tell us little. The campgrounds of the Brightmoons were empty and long-abandoned. We simply do not know..."
Kane says, "What do we know of Thumgath's loyalties to Malivere?"
Gorgac rises and rumbles. "Yarga hates the Vorghol. He'd never work for that pigfucker Thumgath."
Arcamyr tells Kane, "He is quite loyal. Malivare relies on him to deliver the Northerling levies."
Khom-Bei says, "Is it possible that Yarga marches his armies against Thumgath?"
Borien nods. "The situation may be complex." he allows.
Brion speaks up, telling Verraine, "Sounds like just the job for me, gorgeous. I mean, Captain Gorgeous."
Khom-Bei stands; "If Verraine will allow it, I would volunteer to travel north and see what information I can discover."
Verraine shakes her head. "Not alone, you won't."
Kane says, "Before we lay plans for the North, there is still much to speak about, of Thragga and my journeys in Anghara, and our dealings with King Henrick."
Thragga pipes up, "Does this mean we're going with him, Kane?"
Kane says, "Perhaps."
Thragga says, eyeing Khom-Bei, "Come on, he'd be lost without us."
Kane says, "We will not send our friends out alone in this, in any course. It may be, however,we have other work to do that is more important." Kane looks to Verraine then a bit embarrassed for his assuming leadership, "But we will let our Captain be the judge of that."
Khom-Bei bows slightly to Kane: "I apologize for interrupting, Kane, you have important news to share with the Council." He sits and smiles at Thragga, muttering, "Lost without you, you great oaf?"
Verraine says, "Speak of the new King of Anghara, Kane."
Kane again stands and gives an accounting of his and Thragga's travels in Anghara. He explains that that King Henrick is sympathetic to their cause and that he has already granted men and resources to the refortifying of the border between Anghara and Tol Nedra.
The Council listens, attentively and respectfully. They know little of the lands to the south.
Kane says, "I believe it is time to make ourselves known to King Henrick and enlist him in our fight to free Tol Nedra. I believe we should send to to him and seek alliance."
Finally, Mattias asks, "A man of war, this Henrick?"
Kane says, "A man of war when it is needed and a man of peace when it is possible."
Lady Arcamyr asks, "Make ourselves known to a foreign King? This is unheard of!"
Mattias and his followers nod. Borien's group listens for Kane's reply.
Kane says, "This is war, plain and simple. We can not fight from the shadows forever. Henrick will help us in this battle, for it is a battle not just for Tol Nedra but for all Seven Kingdoms."
Khom-Bei says, "I agree with Kane. If Thumgath gathers his forces, we must seek allies wherever we can."
Borien considers. "Our Council is a closely guarded secret. "
Kane says, "How much longer can we hide? We must learn to trust some outside of our circle, for our numbers are too small to ever triumph."
"And smaller all the time," the Tobon says. He indicates the empty seats of Dhor-Shai and his band.
Kane says, "I trust King Henrick, I for one would show no hesitation in bringing him into our confidences."
Khom-Bei leans over to Thragga and whispers, "Do you support Kane in this?"
Thragga says, "I've spilled blood for KIng Henrick before and would do it again. Do you know, if it wasn't for me, he wouldn't even be King?"
Khom-Bei nods, impressed by the Urag' s revelation; "Then you should stand with Kane and tell the Council."
As Thragga is about to rise, Borien says, "This matter is to be put to a vote before the Captains in private council. Are there any other matters before us?" None seem to be. A new code distributed by Verraine before you arrived, a report on Camars, news from the north, and now, this new possible ally. A full meet this has been. "Very well, leave us now so we may seek the Captains counsel."
Khom-Bei stands and walks from the meeting room.
Kane nods to Verainne, then Borien, then the other Captains present, then takes his leave.
The doors of the council chamber are closed behind you and you're free to relax in the chambers of the old winery outside.
There is food and fires burning in the twin hearths. A crisp autumn chill bites into the night air.
Thragga says, "Anghara. It would be good to see Rooker again. If he's still alive."
As the door to the Council chamber is barred behind them, Khom-bei turns to Kane; "Kane, I understand if you must travel south to secure an alliance with King Henrick, but I feel that I must go north. There are many that I can turn to for information about Dhor-shai."
Kane says, "You have hope that they still live?"
Thragga says, "The Howling Lands. It would be good to see Dhor-Shai again. If he's still alive."
Brion strums his lute softly, tuning it up.
Khom-Bei says, "I have learned to keep hope at arm's length, Kane, but I do still hope."
Kane says, "Let us see what the council decides and what our Captain has to say, then we can decide where our efforts can best be applied."
Khom-Bei nods, pensive.
Thragga passes Khom-Bei a full goblet. "Kane and I are constables of Anghara, Khom-Bei. We could come back with an army of Angharan lancers!"
Khom-Bei sips the wine and nods, barely listening to Thragga.
Gorgac says, "And they'd bring horses! Tasty horses!"
Khom-Bei mutters to himself: "I should seek out Jenn-dai. She will know what is in Thumgaths mind."
Thragga is about to reply heatedly when a servant emerges from the council chamber. "The Captains summon you within."
Kane rises and says, "Well let's go see what they want."
Khom-Bei turns and quickly enters the chamber, anxious to hear the Councils decision.
Kane follws behind with Thragga.
Borien is standing as the Hunters re-enter. You seat yourselves near Verraine.
The old Tobon speaks: "The Captains have given counsel on this matter. We have chosen to not seek alliance with Henrick at this time. The time is not yet right to make ourselves known to this new King. He is still an unknown quantity, and more information must be sought on him. Kings of Anghara are known well to seek after glory on the battlefield." He looks to the empty table where Dhor-Shai would sit. "We must steward the resources we have."
Kane say, "If I may?" He stands not waiting for assent.
Mattias says, "We've already decided, Kane."
Borien says, "Speak, Kane, you've earned the right."
Kane says, "I view this as a a grave mistake, but will abide by your wish, and stay hidden. As for my own part, however, I cannot ignore the helping hand Anghara has offered."
Thragga urges, "Tell them about the lancers, Kane."
Kane says, "I plan to eventually to return to Anghara and start to train Henrick's men in the killing of Vorghol and if he will allow it I will drive whatever forces he alots me against Malivare and his minions."
Borien says, "We swore to fight the secret struggle, Kane."
Kane says, "But we did not swear to keep this battle secret for all times. It is time that light shone on Tol Nedra. I am not content to see another generation of our people enthralled to the Vorghol."
Mattias snaps, "You'd refight the Crusades? Those wars were battled twice, and ended in disaster!"
Kane says, "When last I visited the Refuge, its ranks had swelled unbelieveably. By now it is probably tenfold that. Our people suffer! We need to bring this dark rule to an end."
Khom-Bei stands and moves to Kane's side. "What good is it to fight in secret if we all die in secret?"
Kane says, "I will gladly die that our children may walk in the sunshine. No one that gives their life in the our cause should be deemed a waste."
Mattias says, "Stop looking to other Kingdoms for help. There is no aid they can give us. The Crusades proved that!"
Kane says, "You fail to see that this is not a Tol Nedran problem. I have been taught to believe that it will take the strength of all the Reith Kingdoms to win this war. I say we show those bloodsuckers what they are up against, now, not someday that will never come!"
Verraine says, "Kane...If I may..."
Kane bows to Verraine and resumes his seat.
Khom-Bei opens his mouth to speak and closes it again, waiting for Verraine.
Verraine explains. "Borien did not say we would never ally with Henrick. He is merely an unknown to us. We need more information before we commit to him. Thirty years ago a King of another land promised help and died at Valkris' hand. The phantom army you met in the Ghostwood. We would not see that happen again."
Kane says, "What do you suggest then?"
Mattias says disdainfully, "We don't suggest. We already decided. Listen to your Captain, Kane."
Bale taunts, "Maybe they chose the wrong Captain..."
Kane ignores Mattias, and turns to Verraine and says, "What do you suggest Verraine? How can this council know Henrick when it is hidden so tidily away?" He then turns to the Tobon leader, "Borien, what would convince you of Henrick's worth and sincerity?"
Verraine says, "We will send an agent to investigate Henrick, and see if he is as you claim. Then, we will decide whether or not to approach him. Hunters must show caution." Perhaps this caution comes from the Selandri who trained the Hunters long ago.
Khom-Bei says, "And what about Dhor-shai?"
Mattias says, "I will not see the Hunters become allies to such as Varun nor the Angharans. We are no one's pawn, and he who thinks so is a fool!"
Borien loses his temper. He flushes red and snaps at Mattias, "Be silent!" He takes a deep breath; such rage is foreign to his nature and he calms himself.
Kane turns again to Verraine and bows, "My Captain, I will submit to your will until that time."
Verraine nods and says gently, "Seek him out, Khom-Bei. Find the Brightmoon tribesmen as well. Learn what you can of Thumgath. And beware of Yarga." You can see much of her father in her. She has the ease of command he did, the calm charisma and intelligence. Such grace runs in her blood, daughter of a long line of Palladian knights.
Kane says, "If it be your will, my lady, I will join Khom-Bei, and hopefully by our return you will have learned all you need to about Henrick and his motives."
Verraine nods to Kane. "Such is my will, Kane. " She tells Brion: "Your journey is to As Sedrai. We will talk more in the morrow on this, after Khom-Bei, Kane and Thragga are safely on their way north."
Khom-Bei nods to Verraine. "If Kane and Thragga are ready, I will leave immediately. But know this..." Khom-bei turns to face the Council, "...when we return, I will follow him to Anghara, be it the will of the Council or not."
Thragga rises as well. "I stand with Kane and Khom-Bei in all matters."
Kane bows to Verraine and Borien, obviously ignoring Mattias then departs from the room.
With a sharp nod to Verraine, Khom-bei turns on his heel and follows Kane.
Without a last look around, Thragga follows along behind his two companions.
Borien bids them: "Safe journey!"