Message for the King

[Midnight]

((Definatly ~WEG~ I am such a bad kitty would have to figure out how to work her in))

[LucienMoonmist]

((*grin* Well, if you'd like presents, there's a whole collection of little lost/wounded Franks to the North, and the same down south. Mind you, the ones to the south are still being pesty. Just give us a few more posts.... heh. Hmmm.. maybe we should throw rabbits at them, speaking of Monty Python... Oh well, at least their fighting in the shade *wink*))

[Skane Runestone A Messenger]

ANOTHER MESSAGE FOR KING AGUSTIN.

Following close on the heels of, Ragnar, Thorgrimm’s personal messenger, Skane Runestone’s horse clattered to a standstill in the Windstorm courtyard. Quieting his heavily breathing steed, Skane took a water bucket from a groom and held it for the horse to drink.
As the animal drank greedily, Skane asked about King Agustin’s whereabouts, he was given directions to the King’s chambers.
Leaving his mount in the care of the stablehands, Skane made his way through the Castle’s vast halls and corridors, one hand tightly clasping his leather message satchel out of sight beneath his cloak, the other resting on the hilt of his sword.
Within that satchel was a message from Thorgrimm Halfdane which read –

Your Majesty,
The bearer of this note is one of my most trusted men, he bears important news.
The battle in Windstorm Harbour is over and we are victorious.
The Frankish ships “Forell’ and “Goelette” are now under Captain Elsana Firelock’s control.
Two other Frankish vessels have been scuttled by their crews in the Harbour entrance and are presently blocking the channel. A small party of survivors from those ships is thought to be headed south.
There is a rumour the Captain Tyrun has been found and is now at the Castle but there is no sign of the Frank, De Vannes, although he is thought to have perished.
The arrival of the Spanish ships was opportune but one of the Frankish vessels, the “Hippocampe” still lies off the coast, a watch is being kept lest she try more mischief.
The captain of the “Forell”, Remard De Sennis, has been captured and he has revealed some information that you will find very useful.
I am coming to the Castle and will be bringing the Frank with me.
Would tell your guards of our arrival lest they mistake us for the enemy.

The letter was sealed with Thorgrimm’s personal rune.

On reaching the entrance to the King’s chambers. Skane approached the guards on duty outside the doors and explained his mission to them.
He straightened his clothing and to be admitted to the King’s presence.

[Skane Runestone]

SKANE RUNESTONE.

The quiet of the small room outside the King’s chambers was broken only by the sentries’ footsteps as they patrolled the corridor outside.
Within Skane Runestone sat and waited for King Agustin to return. Ragnar Olafson had just left after delivering Thorgrimm’s new instructions and Skane was reviewing what he was to tell the King.
Rather than risk discovery, Thorgrimm and his party had returned to the harbour.
Skane sat back in his chair, took up a mug from the table beside him and took a sip of water. He gazed around to small room, admiring the fine furniture, the weapons on the walls and the richness of the trappings.
It was a grand room, he decided, but not one in which he could find comfort. He was more used to the easy company of the dragonships or to the warmth of his parents’ Longhouse in Ravensgard.
“’Tis a nice place to visit.” He thought.
He wondered how long the King would be away, the guards had not been sure. They had questioned him about his mission and asked for news of the fighting at the harbour. Skane was wise enough not to divulge anything of Thorgrimm’s message and only to give the bare facts, as he knew them, about the recent battle. It had been enough to satisfy the guards’ curiosity.
They had made sure he had food and drink and then had left him alone.
Although young, Skane Runestone was a seasoned veteran and he knew to refuse the offer of ale or mead, asking instead for a pitcher of water. He would not allow his wits to become addled by strong drink. He stretched his legs out and eased back into the chair, it was good to be warm and able to rest in a quiet place for a time.
With the skill that spoke of many long years of practice, Skane closed his eyes. To the unknowing, it was as if he was fast asleep but even as he rested, he was alert for any sign of danger.
In the corridor outside, the sentries continued their watch.

[Millie and Mollie]

*They shuffled and pushed at one another as they tried to get a better look at him. The Guards frowned and shook their heads as the two leered at the young man. Mollie just gave him a look of disdain and screwed up her nose, pulling a face. As they leaned out from behind the wall they were near to falling over giggling as always.

Mollie nudged her twin and whispered about him sleeping like a babe, while Millie stared at him, entranced by his blond locks. She nodded enthusiastically and said he was the most handsome Viking she had ever laid eyes upon. Mollie just rolled her eyes and pushed Millie further out into the corridor as she stated quite matter of factly that they had only ever seen one other.....or mayhaps two iffn they counted Captain Tyrun.

Poor Millie was now in full view of him and sighed whistfully....so glad he was sleeping and could not see how her cheeks were blushing. Mollie took her by the arm in an effort to pull her back behind the wall......groaning under her breath about duties and cook being on the war path again.*

"Come on now Mills....yers ken dream about 'im later.....but only after we's finished our chores or cook 'all 'ave ours guts fer 'is garters."

[Skane Runestone]

SECRET ADMIRERS

They had thought him asleep but Skane Runestone was very much aware of the two young Castle servants as they peeked in from the doorway.
He had heard them as they had come sneaking down the corridor and now, under the frowning stares of the guards, they were giggling enough to wake the dead.
Hidden by his bushy eyebrow, he slowly opened one eye slightly and watched as the two young girls whispered and giggled. Still keeping his sleeping pose, Skane listened with amusement to their hushed observations and comments, it was all he could do to keep from laughing and jumping up and shouting “Boo!”
One of the girls, they both looked so alike, stood looking at him in full view at the doorway and through his veiled eye, Skane could see the colour rising in her cheeks. Then the other pulled her away, saying something about the need to get on with their chores and that she could dream later.
The two young servants hurried off, their laughter fading away, Skane opened his eyes, stretched and grinned, then resettled himself and returned to his rest.

[Skane Runestone]

THE MESSENGER AWAITS.

Skane Runestone stirred in his chair; he blinked and looked around the room.
Slowly standing up, he stretched to ease the tightness in his muscles and to get the blood flowing through his limbs.
The young Viking walked out into the corridor and approached one of the sentries who were on duty outside King Agustin’s quarters. He enquired as to the King’s whereabouts but the guard knew nothing except that there was a rumour that King Agustin was somewhere about the Castle.
Skane thanked the sentry and returned to his chair in the anteroom outside the King’s Study where he settled himself down to resume his waiting. Thorgrimm had charged him to deliver his message and Skane Runestone was not one to shirk his duty.