One Brief Shining Moment

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Etherion Fenix
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2221 Post by Etherion Fenix »

"Letting them live seems reason enough to me. Though if you believe there is to many for us to take..." He mildly shruged, turning to Brian and in whispered tones spoke. "One of the downsides of being a mercenary," leaving the boy to figure out the inference.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
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Prince_Asuryan
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2222 Post by Prince_Asuryan »

'I do not like to see Saxons live either Galan, but without knowing their exact numbers I would not want to engage with so few of us. We cannot risk one escaping and alerting others, our mission of of greater importance than Saxon raiders. The Duke will deal with them. When they have passed we will head to where they came from, to see if anything can be done.'

He looked at Brian, aware of the boys disapproval. 'Knights do not live long buy being foolish and rash. And they learn what is important and what cannot be risked.'

OOC: Anyone who really wanted to fight, don't let me get in the way of your fun. If you both PM me before Cal replies, I'm sure we can make a fight of it - I just think it's a bad idea :P
'The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.'
cidracin
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2223 Post by cidracin »

"Galan we should move on. Do not forget the fate Sir Aaron suffered last year due to getting into a fight that was not his own. His actions were heroic yes but he paid the price. We can't afford to get into a fight while we still have a higher goal to accomplish." cautioned Owen.
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Etherion Fenix
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2224 Post by Etherion Fenix »

"As I said." Twisting his hand and looking unfazed. "Let us move on then."
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
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Calarion Sapherior
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2225 Post by Calarion Sapherior »

Leaving the Saxon raiders to go unhindered on their way, the group returned to the road to find the village that had just been attacked. Brian continued to fume: in his eyes, the Saxons were the hated enemy, and the knights had just acted like cowards in avoiding the fight.

Soon the group arrived at the village. Smoke drifted from several buildings which had been set alight, while others had been damaged. Many people lay dead or wounded upon the ground, and others moved amongst them, trying to repair the damage or give aid to their fellow villagers. The situation was bad: Sir Owen could see that much of the crops of the outlying farms had been stolen or damaged, the fences shattered and livestock stolen.

"Sir knights, help!" a woman cried, rushing up to them. Sir Owen and Sir John had not seen her in many years, and had believed her dead these past three years. Lady Hannah had been shared a loveless marriage with Sir Alain, in response to that knight's impetuous actions on losing his true love Lady Adelle. Three years ago she had vanished. Sir Owen had been but a squire at the time, but Sir John had heard that she had run away from Salisbury with her lover. He remembered a grim Sir Alain setting off after his wife, and returning home with a bloody wedding ring, declaring his wife and her lover to be dead. Could it be that she had truly survived?
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.

Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
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Prince_Asuryan
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2226 Post by Prince_Asuryan »

'Sir Owen, see to the wounded as best you can'.

John turned to speak to the lady Hannah, to whom he had not seen in many years. 'Lady Hannah? What are you doing this far North? I assume this was the work if Saxons, how can we aid you?'
'The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.'
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Calarion Sapherior
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2227 Post by Calarion Sapherior »

"...Lady?" Hannah said, if indeed it was she. "You mistake me, sir Knight, I am no Lady. But indeed, it was the Saxons who have done this! My man is near death - can you help him?"

Brian sneered and spoke to Galan quietly, behind Sir John's back. "Look at her hands. She's no peasant, whatever she says," he hissed scornfully. Indeed, Hannah's hands displayed none of the worn nature of other peasants. They were no longer as delicate as a noblewoman's would normally be, with a thick layer of dirt beneath rough nails, but nor were they as heavily calloused as they ought to be.
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.

Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
cidracin
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2228 Post by cidracin »

"I may be able to do something for your man. Show me where he is." volunteered Owen, riding bag full of medicinal supplies in hand. He ignored the fact that the woman in front of him was most likely Sir Alain's ex wife. Her identity did not matter , the only thing that was important then was treating the victims of the Saxon attack.

OOC: First Aid 2
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Calarion Sapherior
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2229 Post by Calarion Sapherior »

Lady Hannah led the knights to her husband quickly. Her haste seemed justified: the man lay under the wreckage of a smoldering building, several heavy beams across his chest. His breathing was uneven, but he was still conscious. A sword lay nearby, and two dead Saxons. Clearly, he had fought the Saxons with great valour to defend his home, but had been left for dead when the hovel collapsed.

Sir John would not have recognised the man save for his suspicions of Lady Hannah's identity. It was Sir Gavigan, the young knight of Salisbury whom Lady Hannah had run away with, and whom Sir Alain had tracked down and slain in a duel, as was his legal right. Clearly, there was much more to the story than Sir Alain had told his companions.
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.

Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
cidracin
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2230 Post by cidracin »

"We need to get those beams off of him before we can do anything to help him. Come on everyone lend me some hands." said Owen to his companions, his words calm and even. Despite of what had happened Hanah seemed to be doing a good job of keeping herself togethor noted Aaron. That would makes things easier.
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Etherion Fenix
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2231 Post by Etherion Fenix »

Quietly Galan whispered back to Brian. "My time among those of higher station has taught me that lying to each other is important to save face sometimes. It doesn't matter that both parties know, just that they don't admit they know." He rolled his eyes indicating the craziness of those of the south in his eyes.
Having instructed young Brian in the ways of the world once more, he aided Sir Owen in freeing the trapped man.
Last edited by Etherion Fenix on Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:07 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Prince_Asuryan
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2232 Post by Prince_Asuryan »

Speaking to Hannah privately, John did not press her identity, feeling that she was likely afraid Sair Alain would be around.

'Your husband fought bravely. Can we assisst you any further? though i do not see how we might do so, for we cannot stay to help rebuild.'
'The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.'
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Calarion Sapherior
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2233 Post by Calarion Sapherior »

ooc: Before I press on, clearing some things up.

1) Someone has to help Sir Owen move the fallen timbers, otherwise Sir Gavigan is trapped.
2) Sir Gavigan abandoned his duty to Salisbury when he ran off with Lady Hannah. Think about all the battles Salisbury has been in; another trained knight at Magouns might have tipped the scales. They're also both adulterers. Of course, your reactions to these things are for you to decide upon.
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.

Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
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Prince_Asuryan
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2234 Post by Prince_Asuryan »

OOC: I assumed it was a given I'd help move the timbers, then have my conversation. That's what I did.

I'll sort out Gavigan soon.
'The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.'
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Calarion Sapherior
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2235 Post by Calarion Sapherior »

Between Sir John, Sir Owen, and their squires, the rubble was soon cleared away, leaving Sir Owen space to begin bandaging Sir Gavigan's wounds. They were quite severe: not just had his arm and both legs been shattered, but several of his ribs were broken. Sir Owen applied a splint for them as best he could, but knew that Sir Gavigan would require more long-term aid than he would be able to provide - and that even that might not be enough to save his life. Even if he did survive, it was doubtful that he would ever regain the full use of his body. Lady Hannah choked back tears when she saw the grievous injuries.

"Sir knights, there is little you can do," she said softly. "This land is a borderland between Logres and Malahaut. When they are at peace, both claim it for their own; now they are beset, neither protects us. The Saxons prey on us at their whim."
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.

Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
cidracin
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2236 Post by cidracin »

"Perhaps there is something we can do to help you Hannah. We are journeying north to Eburacum in the hopes of negotiating a truce between Malahaut and Lorges. If things go well we could ask the Centurion King to watch over these lands and to send patrols this way." said Owen, doing his best to comfort her and give her some hope.
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Calarion Sapherior
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2237 Post by Calarion Sapherior »

"Sir knights, do you have the authority of the Pendragon to cede this land to the Centurion King? Even if you do, it won't last. Either the Saxons will be driven back, and the Kings will forget their promises and begin fighting again, or the Saxons shall overcome them both and all promises shall be in vain," Lady Hannah mourned. "It was a mistake to come here."
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.

Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
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Prince_Asuryan
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2238 Post by Prince_Asuryan »

'We do not cede these lands Sir Owen,' said John sharply. He also noticed Hannahs words.

'A mistake to leave Sailsbury indeed, and dishonorable for your husband. Many brave knights have given their lives for Sailsbury while he hide here. Knights like Sir Alain.' He looked pointedly at Sir Gavigan. 'I hope he was worth your mistakes, though Sir Alain was never good to you.'

Sir John stood. 'There is nothing else we can do here for these people. Sir Owen, make Sir Gavigan and the rest of the injured comfortable. We leave as soon as you're done. Lady Hannah, you are not safe here. We will warn the Dukes patrols should we meet one, but you amd your husband might consider returning to Sailsbury and asking the Earls forgivness'
'The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.'
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2239 Post by cidracin »

"Yes Sir John." replied Owen quickly before setting out to see if any of the other injured villagers was in need of his skills.
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2240 Post by Calarion Sapherior »

Lady Hannah went pale at Sir John's words, for she had not realised how much the knights knew about her. "Sir Alain is dead?" she said tremulously.
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.

Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
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Prince_Asuryan
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2241 Post by Prince_Asuryan »

'Near enough,' sighed Sir John. 'He led the assault on Magouns, lost an arm and has never recovered. He sits in his manor and does nothing. His spirit has left him.'
'The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.'
Etherion Fenix
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2242 Post by Etherion Fenix »

Galan merely stood around admiring the scenery. It was one of those unfortunate things about being a mercenary, some of the situations encountered weren't in his job description, like now.
Lazily he tilted his head towards the boy to see what he was making of it all. If he wanted to become a knight, this sort of thing lay in his future.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
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Calarion Sapherior
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2243 Post by Calarion Sapherior »

Some hours later, the group rode away from the village. They had stayed to help as best they could, but the aid was truly meagre compared to the need. As for Lady Hannah and Sir Gavigan, it was impossible to tell. Sir John doubted that they would ever return to Salisbury. The biggest change had been upon Brian. The boy seemed shaken by what he had seen - both the senseless violence and the actions that the knights involved had taken, both Sir John leading the knights of Salisbury to hide from the Saxons, and Sir Gavigan having betrayed his duty and his terrible injuries. Many illusions had been shattered, and he had much to think about.
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.

Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2244 Post by cidracin »

Seeing that Brian had been shaken by what he had witnessed Owen offered the boy some advice. "The world is full of pain and troubles Brian. During the course of his life a knight will encounter many innocent people in need of aid that he cannot give them. The key to being a good knight is helping the people that you can and accepting that there will be those you cannot. A knight is supposed to be selfless yet he should not throw his life away in a meaningless battle. Attacking those Saxons earlier would not have helped that village they attacked. People would still be dead and wounded. Houses destroyed. Nor would it have kept them safe in the future, there are too many accursed Saxons on this island for the destrction of one raiding party to make any real difference. We can prevent more attacks like the one that hit that village by ensuring a peace between Malahaut and Lorges than we would by destroying one raiding party. And we would not be able to negotiate for peace if we had died fighting those Saxons."
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2245 Post by Prince_Asuryan »

John did not care what Brian thought. Long ago had John lost any romantic notions of knighthood, and he was only concerned with completing his mission and getting them all back safely. If Brain did not appreciate that, then he stood less chance of becoming a knight than was already the case.

OOC: Sorry, been out of the country.
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Calarion Sapherior
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2246 Post by Calarion Sapherior »

The group continued to follow the roads to the north. Sir John and Galan had taken these paths before, following the Battle of Lincoln, in the days when it looked as if King Uther might successfully unite all of Britain behind him against the Saxons. It was a long ride, circumnavigating the marshlands of the north. It was several days after their encounter with Hannah and Gavigan that the group arrived in Winteringham, on the banks of the River Humber. After finding a small row-boat to ferry them across the river, they continued onwards. It was about a month since they had left Salisbury that they arrived at last at the great Roman city of Eburacum, the seat of the Centurion King of Malahaut.
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.

Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2247 Post by cidracin »

Sir Owen was glad to have finally arrived in Malahaut. The journey to the city had been a long one but thankfully it they had all arrived healthy and unharmed. The young knight now looked ahead to the challenges that the group would face in the court of the Centurion King.
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2248 Post by Prince_Asuryan »

Arriving in Eburacum, John allowed himself to relax for the first time since they set out. Everyone had arrived safely, and they could begin the negotiations with the Centurion king. Expecting that he would see them and house them, John and his companions made for the Kings keeps, bearing the missive of Uther.
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Etherion Fenix
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2249 Post by Etherion Fenix »

Galan spent much of the journey north instructing Brian in the martial arts he knew, knife, sword, but particularly the great weapons. In between when the nights were cool, telling some of the tales of his people. Of the lore and legend of the people and rules they live by, at least when he was last this far north.
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Re: One Brief Shining Moment

#2250 Post by Calarion Sapherior »

Arriving in Eburacum, Sir John led the others directly to the keep of the Centurion King. Retainers were there to stable their horses, and so the six entered the hall on foot. Court was in session - the room was filled with richly dressed officials and functionaries and nobles, talking to each other in small groups. Many did not pause as a herald announced Sir John and the others as the emissaries from Logres. Moving through the throng, the Centurion King's throne could soon be seen. The King himself was a large, black-haired man, dressed in the Roman style. As they approached, Galan immediately noticed one group of courtiers who withdrew towards the wall, keenly watching the men from Logres. They were Saxons...

"Hail, Sir John Giantslayer," the Centurion King boomed. "What word from my noble cousin of Logres?"
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.

Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
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