At the Castle Gates

[Dream Loxley]

*Alert as always, they watched the riderless horse approach....it had obviously been galloping hard and for some distance. The Guards were sure it was no trap and were quick to open the large heavy gates to allow it entry, several men reached for the rope hanging from its neck, soothing the horse and easing it towards the waiting stable hands.

Aaron spoke first....his anguish clear as he patted the large horse, running gentle fingers along the cut to its neck. He pulled the rope clear and lifted it from the horses head, offering it to one of the Guards as he spoke.*

"This be Lady Loxley's mount Milord.........something be amiss."

[Master Sergeant Gerben]

*He saw the rope... and his chest constricted. When he had heard the report earlier of the Lady riding out he should have payed more attention. Too placant he had been but no more. With the Franks still here, they could not afford to sound the bell of alarm. It could be mistaken for new hostilities and blood might be spilled where it had not ended. But there was another possibility.*

Raise the green flag with the arrow... have the horn sounded in the forrest.... and raise the white circled flag for a gathering of the guards. Do not speak to any but those of our home. Assembly in the barracks for all who are helping. Make it an hour ago!

[Vinzelles de Sennis]

There was no need for Vinzelles to remain on the ramparts any longer to watch the picnic going on in the gardens. What he wished to see, he had, and now the one person holding his attention had departed a while ago.

For a while the Frank Councillor wandered around the castle, restless. When would the punishment of that Norse and Dark be executed? How much longer did they need to stay here? Many thoughts ran through his mind … when he noticed a group of agitated guards leading a lone horse into the courtyard. From bits of conversation, Vinzelles learned that this was Lady Loxley’s horse… that she apparently had left a while earlier, and now…

His feet led the Frank straight to the guard who seemed to be in charge, a man named Gerben, or so he assumed. Without much preamble he addressed the man who still was giving orders to his men.

“Monsieur! I couldn’t help but overhear a bit of the conversation… is it true, Lady Loxley is missing?” Vinzelles voice sounded calm even though there was a slight tremor in it. He had come to appreciate the woman who seemed to be missing a great deal, and if she was lost, he would try and do his utmost to help these men find her again. “I wish to… offer my assistance, Sir. It seems not all is well with Lady Loxley, and it would pain me a great deal to learn her situation was… grievous. …I wish to help, Monsieur!”

Lord de Sennis stood rather still before the man called Gerben, his hands resting on his back now.

[Sadhbh the Dove]

*as the ramparts were neglected by Lord De Sennis, they found a new companion. Sadhbh looked down as she held her shawl fast against the dancing winds. She looked down upon the horse that had a fine mist of sweat about her body. She seemed tired, and scared as if the beasts of hell had chased her clear across the fields and she came home to a place she knew was safe.
Sadhbh had seen this animal oft in the stables, a fine beast she was that struck her as sure footed. She would nae abandon her rider without need. This caused Sadhbh to worry for Lady Loxly had been that rider...this was her mount and so the Lady was...out there...somewhere...was she hurt?....was she ...Sadhbh shuddered at the final thought then turned to hurry toward the others and seek answers and perhaps help. She was an accomplished rider...perhaps she could look for the Lady?. As she ran Sadhbh prayed that the Lord kept the Lady safe......*

[Master Sergeant Gerben]

Master Sergeant Gerben looked up at Vinzelles. The man was a Frank yet his concern for Lady Dream seemed sincere. Yet... could they risk hwaving one not of their home in the search? What IF the Franks were behind it? What if they were not? Who could...
Aware that time was slipping through his hands, the sergeant paced the barracks, awaiting the arrival of guards and rangers.
More and more people did assemble in the barracks as the rumour of the chatelaines dissapearance grew amongst the servants. Lords and Ladies seemed to look to him for information, and all he had was a returned horse.
Where were the rangers? Had they noted anyone entering the forrest? The arrowed flag and the horns should call them yet their layer was several hours away and even he did not know where.

Lady Sadhb entered the barracks ((assuming, please tell me if I misread)) and proposed to aide in a search. He closed his eyes and shook his head* Nae unless ye get yer brothers permission, m'lady...

*He turned to the rest and layed out a map of Windstorm, praying the Captain came soon to take this over from him. He did not have his superiors tactical genius. Only common sense*

Right... we'll divide a search party in groups of 6 each. Heavily armed, we do not know what's going on. No more than half a mile apart. As soon as the rangers are here, I want their best tracker...


(sorry to make this rather choppy, but wanted everyone to be able to go ahead while I was at school )

[Dorian Hawkmoon]

It had not taken long for the message to reach Him in the pits...today He taught the more advanced of the Guards....those He was grooming for the Elite....the finer points of unarmed combat. Clad only in breeches and boots, His tunic discarded, the muscles beneath His scarred flesh bunched and rippled with His exertions as He faced the young man with the sword. His eyes were centered squarely on the young man's chest as He moved almost as lithely as Midnight. As He closed, His right hand flickered a lightning fast jab...right side presented to the Guard. Seeing what He thought was a mistake by His Captain, He lunged...the point heading unerringly towards His ribcage. Fast as a viper, He pivoted...His left hand clamping like a vise on the man's wrist as the swordpoint narrowly missed Him..allowing the man's momentum to carry him forward...His right arm acted as a bar across the Guards throat, hand resting lightly on the far shoulder until he was in the position desired...then His right hand clamped dowm on the upper arm as His knee drove upwards...colliding with the forearm. The sword dropped from numb fingers, and as He prepared the finishing move, another of the Guards arrived and breathlessy announced to Him that He was sought by Sgt. Gerben. He nodded and released the young Guard, with an admonishement to better watch His opponent. And with that, He gathered His tunic, wiping His brow with it....and set off with the Guard to find Gerben.

It was scant moments later that He found the wily old veteran and as He heard Gerbens voice issuing orders, He tensed....for He knew that tone all to well. Quietly, He approached the man He thought more of as friend than a subordinate and laid a hand upon his shoulder. Gerben whirled, and He could see the anger...and the worry....that lived within his eyes.

"Cap'n....'tis Lady Loxley's mount...he has returned riderless...Thy Guards have been alerted and mobilised...and await Thy command..."

His lips thinned and countenance hardened as the words were digested...Lady Loxley...missing...for the Lords knew how long. He remained silent and nodded only as Gerben reported what he had done...the very same measures He would have taken.

"Ye did well, M'friend...send the searchers forth, but wait whilst I ready....send for Lan and three others and await Me here." As Gerben signalled his compliance, He turned to one of the waiting Guards....."Ye there....find one of the Rangers as fast as ye may...He will know how and where t'find Sir Robin...advise him as t'what has happened and that His Wife be missing....and also assure Him that She WILL be found..."

The Guard had saluted swiftly and fairly ran to accomplish his task. He departed hardly less swiftly, and in moments had returned....fully armoured and armed. Stepper awaited, saddled and tossing his head, as if he too sensed the urgency. He swung Himself into the saddle as Gerben, Lan, and three Guards awaited. He looked each one directly in the eyes and spoke softly...

"We nae return Home.....until Lady Loxley is found...."

[Vinzelles de Sennis]

He could feel their distrust, their suspicion … even, from some of them, their hatred and outrage at his offer. What was he doing interfering in something that only concerned one of them? Had he and his men onto done enough harm already? Likely it had been his men who had done away with the missing Lady!

When the sergeant spread the map out to orientate the men around him, Lord de Sennis took a step back, watching for a short moment. Emotions and sentimental memories had led him here. But this was not his place – he had no weapons safe for his dagger, no horse, he didn’t know the area. And joining a group of men who saw him as the enemy…

He shook his head slightly, there were enough men here to find the lady. “I wish you luck, sergeant, Bring Lady Loxley home, safe and unharmed. She does not deserve any other fate!”

With those words, Vinzelles turned on his heels, only barely noticing a man he assumed to be the leader of the guards. Already the man named Gerben was deep in conversation with the man… they would find Lady Dream, he would only hinder their effort. With slow, yet deliberate steps, the Frank councillor back-tracked his own footsteps back to the castle

[Lady Beren]

*having seen the lonely arrival of Biscuit , I hasten down and onto the courtyard to find out the news. Already , there be an organised chaos of guards and I hear Master Sergeant Gerben giving his orders.

Me first impulse be to run to the stables, saddle Bayard and ride out to look for me beloved sister and friend. Seeing the grim faces of the Sergeant and his men, I realise quickly that they would see me as a burden, rather than a help .

Lingering some more, I hear the offer of Lord de Sennis... thoughtfully, I watch him stroll off again ...believing by instinct he has nae a thing to do with this...'t would endanger the truce and though he be a cunning man, and I still fear him for his sharpness of mind and his ambition, he would nae touch Lady Dream ...

I stay close to the gates, watching everything , hoping for a word or sign that would help us all to know more...*

[Jonathon Swift Kent Ranger]

*his body ached again this morning, the morning mist was no good for his bones* I am gettting too old for this *he muttered to himseld as he rose and prepared to follow what tracks the horse had made.

He looked ahead, frowned, soldiers had walked and trodden on the trail so much that it made it difficult for him to see. Jonathon took a stab. He went some paces ahead and swept his eyes across the grass. In time the old Ranger made an arc till he was satisfied that this indeed was the place where the horse had come from. Taking his mount he began to slow steady pace along hoping that the horse had not walked often through water. It would perhaps be a good way to hide ones track yet to a man who was searching it made his work almost impossible.

Jonathon felt the cold nip at him, it bit like a dog these days, not simply at his heels but also his hands. Those hands he thought which once fought off 10 men without much trouble now felt the age upon them. Jonathon knew that his old friend Charles would laugh at him. Even now the old Ranger was stubborn in giving up his ways. Some had told him that he should live well in the last days of his life yet the old Ranger knew no other life and could not simply slip into a life of ease. You could not teach an old dog new tricks he often said and Swift stuck to it.

Swift looked down. He paused a moment and got off of his mount with a low groan. His eyes ran over the broken twig and a satisfied smile came*

you're not dead yet Swift, you hav'nt lost it!

*he looked ahead then to the meadows ahead. Surely the horse stopped a moment to catch some breath. Was'nt there a river nearby?. He rubbed his chin then prepared to make his way toward it. Maybe he would be lucky maybe not, it all depended on whether the divil would be dancing on his back or not. A low whisper echoed as he made for the river*

hang on lass!

[sadhbh]

*Sadhbh frowned, worry was clear on her face as she looked toward the Master Seargeant Gerban. She knew that he did not want a second Lady lost yet she had to do something. Clutching her shawl she nodded hearing his words*

I shall ask Sir, thank ye...

*Sadhbh looked toward Lady Beren, she approached her and watched her a moment then ran an arm about her*

tae Lord will watch out for her I be sure. Mayhap she nae be far, mayhap Biscuit got a fright and she be walking home as we speak.

*Sadhbh hoped, indeed she prayed that her words were true....Looking ahead beyond the gates she gave a silent prayer up to the Lord and bade that Lady Loxley be safe*

[Master Sergeant Gerben]

*He looked up to see De Sennis pace. A man not known to do nothing. Even if he was a courtier instead of a soldier, it seemed to the Sergeant that for now at least... he was sincere. Gerben had no liking of the Franks. No liking at all. But something prompted him indeed to say.*

My Lord, I do thank you for your offer. However, your men do not know the roads or the fields. THere is something you can do though. Keep the rumours from spreading, and keeping those of your men that regain their health from anger when the whispers rise up, and they will, that this is your doing. After what happened, people will gladly believe all.

Having divided the last of the guards into search parties, messages dispatched to all of the rangers he stood and awaited his Captain, speaking to the Ladies Beren and Sadhb who had appeared and wished to help.*
We ride swift but heavily armoured. I'm not taking any risks. Keep... the rumours amongs the servants down while we are gone. If this is anyone with evil intent, the lack of rumours may confuse them.

*And then the Captain mounted his horse signaling the beginning of the chase, as search parties went out in each direction.*




((those of you playing or NPC'ing in a search party, please write at the beginning of each post where your party is and in what direction you're heading. Perhaps it may be a good idea to also add each time who is in which party. Example.
Party one. Border of the woods, walking north. Cook, Severin, three other npc's.
POST))

[Dream Loxley]

(( Gosh....I am quite suprised and indeed honoured to read such interest in this situation. I had no idea what would happen...only that I needed to get Dream away from the Castle whilst I myself was away and also busy with r/t a while. Thankyou.....all of you.....I am sure I shall enjoy this very much. You know me and a challenge ))

[Jonathon Swift Kent Ranger]

(Searching by the river, Lone Ranger, Horse named Nightshade not Trigger *L*)

*his horse was old, a noble animal that he did not like to give up*

aye we have been through a lot old friend

*he patted Nightshades neck lovingly and gave him
some time to graze on the grass by the stream. The river was heading south for now but there was never any telling which way it meandered.
Jonathon sat on a lone rock and bit into some old Kent bread, it was not so savoury yet it gave his stomach something else to complain about other than his hunger. It was quite out here, almost too quite as if the animals had been frightened off by a grumpy old beast.
Jonathon laughed to himself, those old stories about dragons and damsels in distress ran through his mind. He remembered telling Ciaron those stories on the few visits he had with the wifes family. How old would he be now?....certainly never to big to put over the old mans knee and yet?. Ah the years came too fast for Swift, much too fast.
Jonathon rose with a groan and wiped down the seat of his pants.*

come on lad, lets be off

*he took Nightshades reign and began again to follow the river. He had hoped that somehow he would meet with biscuits tracks once again. He did not believe in his own luck too much, you made your own luck he always said yet if the Lady was lucky ye would not know.*

[Jonathon Swift Kent Ranger]

*his old friend scar cried out from above. Jonathon looked up and chuckled to himseld*
ah, I see that you have been dancing with the mice you old rogue.
*grinning he lifted his leather clad hand out and watched as his friend came to him. It was as if they knew what each other were talking about. Swift offered Scar some dry meat*
well old friend, we have not found her yet but I am not about to give up. If the lass be as wise as they say she is she will look for water or a road. I'm betting on the water but who knows.
*urging Nighshade onward Jonathon looked up to the night.*
aye its a fine night to be sure, tis well for me that I have your eyes and ears, maybe together we'll find this lass eh?.
*Scar was off again, he had spent the day hunting and now had his fill. For now he kept watch over his friend and master and his master kept watch over him.

Jonathons horse, surefooted even in its old age pressed onward through the thin range of gorse, its slow plod echoed in the darkness.....*

[Robert Allen Windstorm Guard]

((carried on from here.... windstormcastle.proboards23.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=1090069279&start=45))

-As Allen rode down hill, mounted, heavily armored riders came out of the gates, separating into groups as they would for a search party after having crossed the drawbridge. As he rode up to the nearest group he called out to the Sgt that led it. "What ho??" To which the Sgt told him, "Lady Loxley's Biscuit returned riderless. We go in search of her." Again he questioned,"Sgt, where be the Captain?" The Sgt pointed back towards the Castle. "He be gettin' ready to ride out himself." Upon hearing this the Corporal turned his mount toward the gates calling out to the Sgt."My thanks Sgt!!" and began to ride towards the gates when again they opened and another group of six riders came out. This time at the head of the column he could see the familiar black clad figure of Lord Hawkmoon. Cpl Allen slowed his mount as the group rode out towards him. He didn't relish what He was going to have to say.-