Petitioning the king

[Remard]

For a third time he had come to Windstorm to see whether he could find one of the Lords in authority around who could help him with his man Darek. It had been close to two weeks now that Darek was held in the dungeon, for nothing! Remard became very, very irritated at the prospect of having to spend yet another day or even week in this blasted harbour. But he couldn’t move on without his man.

Last night he had tried again and was met by a horde of very uncheerful womenfolk. How they had stared at him, as if he’s had two heads or were the devil. unkind women, all of them, no wonder Darek had taken it to his heart to “educate” that one he was in trouble in over. if ladies of a court already showed as little respect and hospitality, what could be expected of the whores of this kingdom?

Be that as it may, one of them at last made a reasonable suggestion and had brought pen and parchment for Remard to write down a letter to the King, explaining his plight. Yes, he would do that, and then see his man. Also last night, he had finally met one of the Lords… a nasty fellow, sharp, cautious. Apparently he was the Captain of the guards here, and when Remard had asked for permission to see Darek, that man had stood in his way, asking … no, demanding Remard to leave his weapons with him. As if he took him for some riff raff who’d try to spring his man from the dungeon. Remard had given up his sword, dagger and two additional knives . He had another one he was hiding along his thigh… that one the man didn’t even suspect, and Remard laughed inwardly. It wasn’t so much the idea that he could somehow arm Darek – that would be foolish – but the satisfaction that even this cautious man hadn’t disarmed him entirely.

But first, before he would go to see Darek in the morning, Remard set down pen to parchment and began to formulate his letter to the king of this realm:


Your majesty,

My name is Remard and I am the captain of the bark Forell, laying in the harbour of Sommersville. One of my men by the name of Darek has been apprehended by one of your men, a Viking by the name of Sinold Bragasson. That man has treated mine with the utmost disrespect, almost beating the man to death. I do not see why such is permissible in your realm which, I am sure, prouds itself on its just causes and fair treatment of its population and visitors alike.

My man has a streak of a bad temper and in such, it appears, has taken to one of the local pleasure girls a bit roughly. Ye cannot expect perfect manners with that kind of woman, Milord, and I am sure you will forgive and understand my man’s motives for educating that girl as to the ways to respect a man properly.

Darek is a valuable man to me, in fact he is my best navigator and without him I fear I shall be hard pressed to leave your kind hospitality. I hope to see Darek soon and take him back, any recompense for your inconveniences will be paid of course.

I ask you will look into this matter as quickly as you may be able!

Your humble servant


Remard de Sennis
Captain of the Forell

[Dorian Hawkmoon]

For many years.....more than could be conveniently counted...he had honed His skills regarding reading a person's expressions...the pitch amd timbre of voice....unconscious gestures....even the body's automatic reactions....until He was quite good at discerning whether or not He was being lied to....and this Captain Remard....was a liar of the first order. Oh, He had put on a cooperative mask, to be certain....but He didn't believe for one moment the Man had given over all His weapons....no....He was far to quick to divest Himself of sword, dagger....and two additional knives....NOT to have been secreting at least one other weapon on His person...perhaps even more. Shaking His head...no....this was not a Man to be trusted...and trust Him He didn't.

He had assigned Guards to "accompany" the Man wherever He went....but what He DIDN'T know....and at this thought, His lips curved into a wicked smile...was that He was ALSO watched by no less than two other pairs of well hidden eyes at all times. As He'd told the arrogant, oily Captain....He was no fool...and though born on a day, 'twas certainly not yesterday. He knew the mind of this Man too well.....had seen like minds a thousand times before. He was certain He would go after the Norseman...most likely the woman He'd brought to the Castle as well. It was common knowledge He didn't care much for the Viking.....He was crude...barbaric...had unwholesome opinions concerning the honour and virtue of a Lady...and completely lacking in tact...but still....He was a member of this Castle...and as such, He was honour and duty bound to protect Him to the best of His abilities. He cursed silently, wishing Sinold hadn't beaten the idiot in the dungeon so badly before bringing him here...but what was done, was done....no sense worrying over melted ice. The task at hand was to keep the brash Norseman from having a dagger caress His liver.....or worse....and to also protect the woman He seemed to have taken under His wing.

Having summoned both Lan and Gerben, they now stood before Him in His office...watching their Captain as He paced in thought....brow furrowed as He decided what needed to be done.

He stops and turns to face His men, addressing Lan first...to him falls the duty of protecting the woman...what was her name?......ahhh, yes....Bethy. He is to make sure she is watched 'round the clock....no one....and He means NO one not of the Castle proper...is to be with her unchaperoned. For now, He Himself will take on the duty of Lady Edfeil's escort, should She require one. The wolfishly intent Lan nods but once..his brief touch of hand to sword hilt his trademark "salute"....done even as he turns to fulfill his task.

Next, He turns to Gerben...the grizzled veteran much respected and trusted in His eyes....to him falls the task of locating the Norseman....and bringing Him to to speak with Gerben's Commander. He fixes His Captain with a somewhat stunned look....knowing too well how the two Men feel about each other. He places a hand to Gerben's shoulder....giving it a light squeeze....one of friendship and trust. He assures him He only wishes to speak with the Viking....not use Him as catapult ammunition. He knows the Norseman may be.....unwilling....to comply....so He tells him quite bluntly to thump Him over the head with a sword hilt and truss Him up, if needs be...so long as he brings Him back. He may not care much for the Barbarian, but He has no wish to see Him dead.....

[Admin]

~takes a quill in hand and begins my reply to the Captain of the ship in the harbour.

" M'lord. I do appologise for the lateness of me missive to thee, but problems that have needed my attention have kept me quite busy. To the matter at hand, ye crewman that be in me dungeon. I am afraid that the man is to be our guest for a bit longer. The man has been charged with the attempted murder of a young lass he had been spending time with. Aye she be a mere whore, but she be a subject under me rule and I shall nae have anyone beating anyone half to death. This streak of meaness that thee say thee crewman has, well iffn this be the ways of thee ship. I fear I must say iffn thee tend to continue sailing into our harbour for trade and such, that I may have to place a law that thee may nae step off thee boat unless under guard from one of me men. I will nae tolerate lawbreakers or people who do nae have respect for my laws and ways. Thee may pick thee crewman up in one years time from this date.



Agustin Stormblade

King of Windstorm Castle.

Ponders for a moment and then gets dressed into some old ragged clothes and such to hand deliver this misive...to see..what this captain shall do when faced with such news......

[Remard de Sennis]

„A YEAR???“

Having just finished reading the letter from the king, brought to him by one of his servants dressed in some very shabby clothes, Remard had burst out in a loud shout of anger and dismay.

“WHO is that bastard thinking he IS? The king of WHAT? A small insignificant little fiefdom who thinks he can hold my man without due process for a whole YEAR? No… nonono, he will not. You there… *Remard pointed to the man who had brought him the letter, wait here… there will be a response for your “king”.” He almost spat the title from his mouth, sitting down at the small table of his room and again taking pen and ink to formulate his response. This time the quill was flying over the parchment, as Remard was composing his rebuttal. Oh no, this Agustin would not get away with this, not for nothing the name De Sennis was a well received one at the French court.


Milord,

Your terms are unacceptable to me, and to my man. Any man who calls himself the king of a land should know that a free man, as Darek is, has the right to due process in front of a court of judges and Lords. I have not been able to speak with him yet, but I will point out to thee that my man surely did not seek to kill that woman. Something that cannot be said of the Viking you house in yer own castle, an enemy of any civilized land. MY man was almost killed by YOUR Viking friend and for such I demand compensation!
I demand a court trial, and compensation for any time spend idle in yer harbour for we cannae leave without our navigator.
Know that my demands are not made idly. Certain high personages would be most displeased if they knew how one they hold in high esteem is being treated by you and your Lords. As much as I respect the laws of yer land, Milord, I do expect justice for Darek and any of my crew, or I fear this little affair will have unfortunate and wide-reaching consequences!

A talk eye to eye surely will be best to discuss this matter further. in the meantime I request to see my man in your dungeon!

Remard de Sennis
Captain of the Forell


Hastily Remard rolled up the parchment and shoved it into the hand of the man standing in his door. “Here, bring that back to yer king, and be quick. I will be on my ship… this news is bad news and I will make certain they know what to do.”

Remard grabbed his cloak and made to walk out the door, almost running into the man still standing there. “What are ye still standing there? get lost, bring my missive to the king, fool!”

[Admin]

*standing there in what I belive to be a great costume to hid me identity, I listen the the absolute babbling of an idiot. I think to me self and recall why I am nae just slitting his throat and sending his ship to the bottom of the harbour and all his man back off to France or what ever bloody place they come from. Alas, but I sit and try me dammist to keep a straight face, nodding when I should and adding a crisp "right away M'lord, I was mearly taken for a moment by the aura of power and leadership that ye have. I find meself nae worthy to be in thee presence. "

With that I turn and head back towards the castle, laughing as I crumple up the missive and toss it into the nearest fire I can find. Upon return to the castle, I take quill to hand once again and pen in return.

M'lord.

First of all,
I do nae care iffn thee be the son of the Pope, do nae try and bully me with name dropping or I shall drop thee off a verra high cliff.


This is nae your lands or country. This is my land, my kingdom. These lands are ruled by "MONARCHY", which means ONE RULER.

My laws are set up as I and my council see fit. Certain laws have preset punishments attached to them. Attempted Murder is automaticly one year in the dungeons. Even if I so wished to charge him with a lesser crime, such as assault, that carries an automatic punishment of ninty days in jail, and a public flogging. You decide which should take place.

As for the norse that live in me home. He has shown more honor and dignity then either thee crewman, or any of thee crew. He was defending a weak and helpless soul that could nae defend herself, nor able to let the autorities know of such a crime taking place.

As king, I am the one whom decides if any compasation is to be paid out towards ye or thee crew. Ye choose to stay in me harbour. I do nae force thee to stay, nor have I forced thee to stay in anyway. I may nae be a sailor, but I know enough to know that no captain worth his grain of salt would dare set sail without another navigator, or know how to navigate himself. As for the Norse making resitutions with thee crewman, that is for him to decide.

Ye may have one last visit with thee crewman, under guard by me own Captain of the Guards. Thee will be checked for any weapons and such before thee enter and once again when thee leave.


*dispatches the missive along with three of me guards*

[Sinold Bragasson]

(OOC: 3 guards now? Soon Remard have his own little private army about him!!! ;D)

[Remard de Sennis]

The message form the king had come swiftly, a bit too swiftly for Remard’s taste. And it was as negative in its contents as Remard had feared. Running his hands trough his hair, thinking of a new response. The prospects of getting Darek out of the dungeon were dwiddling… he just knew one thing – he wouldn’t… couldn’t leave with his man! For Darek was much more to Remard than merely his best navigator. Indeed, he had other men who would be able to steer the ship rather safely. Not with the finess nor the almost uncanny instinct that darek could, but they would manage.

Yet… how could he leave him behind? Family ties were thicker than water they said, and Remard regarded family highly. No, he could not leave Darek here, and would try anything to get him out in the shortest time possible. This king was not to be trifled with, it seemed. Stubborn as a mule, unrefined maybe by Remard’s standards, but undeniably in power here.

90 days and a public flogging – he could live with that, and so would Darek be able to. At first Remard thought of sitting down to write yet another missive, but soon set aside the quill he held in his hands. He wanted, needed to talk to the king personally. 90 days… he wanted to see darek more often than that once. He owned him that much. Darek had always been loyal, a bit too temperamental but then, many of his family were. As could Remard be at times…

Dressing in a new shirt, fixing his dark blue modest cloak about him – as only adornment it bore a border around the hem in black and green, the device colors of the de Sennis – Remard made his way to the King’s chambers, now in the company of three guards. He scoffed at the excessive need to look after him. This King had no class, not much honor, when he didn’t even think it necessary to treat a visiting noble with even a shred of respect. Sure, he had tried to force the man’s hand, but that still was no reason to be so… unreasonable!

When he finally was granted entrance to the king’s chambers, he found the man sitting in his chair, still dressed in that shabby cloak that had fooled Remard in thinking him a servant. For a long moment, the Burgundian Captain stood still, realizing the mistake he had made earölier when he had spoken to the man in a manner not befitting his station. But what had been done couldn’t be undone… he simply needed to forge ahead.

“Milord! I… I need to speak with you… in private,” Remard was eyeing his two companions, the third guard having stayed outside guarding the door, “I will… accept the terms of a lesser charge of assault for my man, and the resulting punishment of 90 days in the dungeon and a public flogging. However, I… *ask* that I be the one who… will punish Darek. He is my man, and I am his Captain, and thus it is my right to punish him… Milord!”

he then looked down at the tip of his boots, feeling drained all of a sudden. The prospect of having to flog his own son, or standing by helplessly watching others apply the punishemnt, was making his heart want to scream!

[Admin]

(( ooc here... good responce, I can not wait to respond, but alas, I have had a horrable day at work and am dead tired....so I am goin gto bed. I will respond tomorrow. Tues at the latest when I get home from work. ))

[Admin]

* sitting at me desk when the knock comes upon me door.

" Come In!" I bellow, still dressed in a foul smelling cloak and leggings. Slowly I turn around to see whom be at me door. As I see whom it be... I stay seated, but with me one hand verra close to the hilt of me one dagger on me hip.

"Well well well. Captain Remard, welcome to me home I guess is in order. I do appologise for nae being "dressed" for such a meeting." *chuckles softly as I settle me cold stare upon this man.

I sit and listen to this ... person, being verra calm and nae calling him by what I believe he be..... Then I respond in kind.


" M'lord.

It seems to me, that thee have much more of an interest in this man, then a mere Captain and navigator. Even iffn the man could see in the dark. However, I shall agree to drop the charges to a lesser charge. I shall even accept the offer of being the one to administer the punishment of the public flogging. However, I shall add one more thing, and that is that thee take thee man afterwards, and sail out of me waters as fast as thee can and never return again. Now, just in case ye think of just hanging around off shore and waiting for some sort of retaliation, I shall be informing the good Captain Tyrun of our meeting, and I am sure he shall be quite ...ah..* taps me chin with a finger for a second before continuing *... interested to hear of thee sailing out of me waters. I do hope thee have a verra fast ship.

*stands up from me chair, nodding to the two guards to leave and waits for them to close the door. Slowly I walk towards the captain, with me hands hanging down at me sides...fingers twitching slightly as nerve endings come alive with adrenaline.

" Ye tell whom ever will listen, that iffn anyone from thee lands comes and disrespects me or me lands or any person within my boarders. That I shall come calling meself, and god knows I will nae be so bloody nice next time. Now get out of me study before I throw ye out. I shall send for thee when the flogging shall be set for.

*stands there almost toe to toe, ice blue eyes locked with his in a look that would make most start thinking they are about to personally meet their god of choice... *

[Remard]

Remard lowered his head, seemingly in supplication as he murmurs “I understand, Sire!” Ye may have won this battle, but not this war, by far not! He adds silently and then meets the king’s gaze, not withering under the man’s icy stare.

“I shall await the time of Darek’s punishment… 90 days hence you say? It is most gracious of you to allow me to… punish him meself.” A definite ring of bitter sadness could be heard in the man’s voice. “As for leaving yer waters thereafter… you have just indicated that once we will leave, a ship shall await mine? A ship full of … Vikings?” Remard spits out the name of this accursed people. “You, a Christian king by your title, would allow another one of your brethren to threatened by those infidels? You would throw us, your fellow Christian men, to the mercy of our common enemy? Have your shores not been raided by the Norse? Have you not lost valiant, good men when they came to raid your lands, as they have come to raid ours?” Remard did take a step back, looking Agustin up and down with an as cold gaze. “I know you have and yet… you house them, in your harbour, even under your own roof! As if… No! I can’t believe this! You are sheltering them for yer own purposes?”

An almost shocked expression comes over Remard’s face “heathens are closer to yer heart than your own fellow men in faith?” His impulse shouts at him to call the man standing so close a traitor. A bloody fool, and conspirator to butchery of innocent men, woman and children. But something stays his tongue – one false word now and Remard knows he’ll be sharing the dungeon cell with his son. Therefore, he simply takes another step back, fighting for composure and calm. It takes him a long time but finally he wills his mind to speak the words he needs to say, to safe his own life and that of his crew.

“You will have… your reasons. No doubt…” Money, most likely. Sharing in the Viking’s loot, enjoying with them the fruits of their plunder. “I had hoped for trade with your kingdom. Timbers are always useful. But as the situation stands… Milord, I need assurances that my ship may sail unmolested from your waters. I … ask that Captain be kept at bay, or by God we will fight… and take a lot of his men with us!”

By now Remard had difficulties keeping the agitation out of his voice. His hands were shaking, although he tried to still them by having them folded in front of him. His eyes would tell this traitor nothing. As agitated as he was, he now knew he was fighting not only for Darek’s but for all of their lives. Once home, the king of the franks would love to hear this story. Recently he had been snubbed by one of the ladies from Windstorm’s court. Nothing to go to war over, but this new revelation – a Christain King in alliance with the scourge of Christianity, the Vikings – that would warrant war!

“During those 90 days of his imprisonment, I ask to be allowed to remain here in this castle. Consider me a hostage, if you so desire?” He pursed his lips. “Under guard, if that is what ye seem necessary. I still will need to talk with my s..” Almost! He almost misspoke, “my navigator today, if you will allow.”

Taking another two steps away from Agustin, Remard remained standing, feeling the man’s eyes boring into him still. He was about to ask to be dismissed when the door burst open, and one of the guards stormed inside quite unceremoniously.

“Milord! In the harbour… a battle, between some sailors. The Forell and the Zephyre. One of our men is seriously wounded. Master Sergeant Gerben has all under control, but asked me to tell you right away! SIR!”

Remard looked form the king to the guard, and back again to Agustin… instinctively taking yet another step away from the irate ruler.

[Admin]

*standing there..toe to toe with this french bastard. His words just sending me into more and more of a pissed off mood... Just as I am going to reach out and grab this bugger bythe neck and slam his head into the back wall... the door to me study bursts open and the guard tells me of the blowing of the horns and the fray in the harbour.

growling I snap to the Captain of the Forell...." I assume this is something to do with ye bloody crew and ye hatred of the Norse. I will tell thee something ye bloody french bastard. Those norse that sail into me harbour, sail into it cause they are honest Honorable men, unlike yeself. I would rather have them beside me in a war, then against me. As for thee... Get the hell out of me sight before I kill thee where thee stand. As of this moment. Ye and thee entire crew excluding Derek shall nae set foot off thee ship. If so, thee will join Derek in the dungeons, and it will be for alot longer then ninty days. "

Turning to the guard as I grab me sword that is nested in a rack close by. Send men to round up the ones involved and have them all placed in a secure building. I shall be there momentarly to speak to each and everyone and find out whom started what. When I do... they will rule the day that they started a fight. And take this one with ye..*hooks a thumb at the Captain as I walk out the door and down the stairs to fetch me steed.

[Remard de Sennis]

Remard didn’t say any more before Agustin rushed out of his study to take a look at the situation. No doubt a few of the good Captain’s men had acted in his last missive to them.. trying to take the Norse to the shop and use him to bargain for Darek’s freedom. Apparently, their strike had gone terribly wrong. How many men would have Valmere taken with him? Certainly he hadn’t gone alone… maybe had taken Rigunth and Amaric with him. And still he had failed?

The matter had become more complicated than he had ever anticipated. Curse Darek, that temper of his kept getting the man into endless trouble and caused more problems than he was worth. And yet…

Remard’s instinct was to stay, risking imprisonment, but to be able to see Darek. But doing so right now would be more than foolish. No. For the time being eh would return to his ship. He hoped Valmere, his right hand, was there so they could coordinate their next move. But if not… he would have to do some serious thinking, and thinking was best done when being a free man. He needed to notify the French court of this situation. It would not go over well with that man. Already someone from Windstorm had displeased the king and this would just add fuel to his ire. After he had send his message, he would return here… even at the risk of joining his son in his cell. He had been given the promise that he would be able to see Darek!

To the guard he said: “I came here in peace, with no intend to stir up trouble but only to see justice done. And this is how I am answered?… I came here with weapons, which, I was told, would be returned upon my leaving.” He held out a hand. “May I have them back?”

Remard knew what he had to do next… even though the outcome of his doing would be less than certain.

[Admin]

(( ooc here.. dont know whom is playing this Captain charr...but if Agustin said weapons whould be returned, they would be. Also, if was said he could visit Derek, he could. just not now with this happening...so relax))

[Dorian Hawkmoon]

((OOC reply to Agustin))

It was an in room play....Dorian had confiscated the Captain's weapons and had told Him He would be allowed to visit Darek under guard....also assuring Him His weapons would be returned upon His departure....of course, as ruling Monarch, Agustin carries the final word and may or may not change those conditions at His discretion....just a quickie to keep Our Liege up to date....

[Remard OOC]

(OOC: Oh I know what Dorian and the king said. However, Remard has no faith in the words of men who conspire with vikings, that's all )