7 Nuzyael 720

[GM]

The night passes quietly. By dawn the first rays of light begin to appear in the eastern sky and the day is cool with not a cloud in the sky, with a light wind blowing from the north west. You are awoken from your slumber by a member of the household and are invited to break your fast with the family in the clanhouse. Going about your morning routine you notice that a light rain has fallen during the night.

Entering the clanhouse you find it much as it was last night.

Taking a place at the table you are offered a bowl of porridge, a loaf of rye bread, dried fruit and some small ale.

The rest of the Valhakar's family sit around the table and there is a lot of talk this morning concerning the men leaving the thran for Ygesdram later this morning.

[Kugald Daas]

The sound of the door opening wakes Kugald immediately. He spots the clan member coming to wake them. The man doesn't see the dagger Kugald slips back into its sheath quietly.

He is soon fully dressed and heads over to the clan house to get some breakfast. Kugald waits for the others to take their places at the table. He leans in to speak quietly so others cannot overhear them.

"So, if I remember correctly from last night, Madrin will review the documents at the thran and suggest that their has been an error that needs to be addressed. The Valhakar will want to see his name cleared and so will rush off to Ygesdram. All good, nice and neat...but what if it doesn't happen that way? Hershold has not returned. Several days have passed. The Valhakar must be nervous now, thinking the worst. So, what if he doesn't respond to Madrin's bait? Or, what if he jackrabbits and tries to escape? What if he sees through our disguise and recognizes us as the Daas' men sent to arrest him?"

"We should have an alternate plan, right?"

"Since the Valhakar of Clan Gerherbt is not the head of the thran, that person is a Daas, I think we need to let the head of the thran know what is going to happen so he doesn't think we are brigands attacking the head of one of his households. We should also let him know that we are going to arrest the valhakar if he doesn't go to Ygesdram willingly and that he and his men should take no action. That way, we only have perhaps only Gerherbt and his two eldest sons to worry about."

"Thoughts?"

TTYL

- Kerry


OOC: What is the Valhakar's first name?

[GM]

Rieke Gerherbt

[Guest]

Thorins only concern with "THAT" plan, is if the Daas or someone in his household hears, and warns our guy....

Perhaps rather we have Algared and Hovik warn the Daas at the same time that we deliver our message to Rieke via Madrin....Kugald and I pose as Madris escort......and did you see that bonny lass in the hall last night?!

[Algared]

'I think if we seek to inform thran Valhaker following the arrangement Thorin suggests then it would be better for myself as a Daas and Madrin rather than myself and Hovik, this would also enable Madrin to check the documents as he has been instructed. However given that custom dictates that we need to pay our respects to the Thran Valhaker anyways makes me believe we are better served meeting the valhaker letting him know why we have sent and then acting upon the Madirn's plan. To me it seems best that once we have informed the Daas who holds the thran of the tasks we have been set that then putting the plan into action would seem best... of course all that assumes Jurri and hovik have not managed to get them selves in trouble or alert clan Gerbhert.' Algared pauses then adds,

'What plan do we have if things have not gone as envisaged and Jurri and hovik have managed to find themselves earning the displeasure of the thran's valhaker? Or if Gerbhert has been forewarned by their ruse and plans to come with us, only to waylay us on the road with 'brigands' and so make his escape, especially if he somehow knows the game is up? Yes I know we believe him to be a a pompus old viking who often gets himself into trouble beacuse he speaks and cant act. or yet again what if he has fled already"

[Kugald Daas]

The weaponcrafter nods his head to Algared’s concerns.

“We don’t want to waste too much time debating what might happen. I suggest we do the following:

1) Head to Rojenstad right away, to get there early.

2) Once we arrive, we present ourselves to the Daas clan leader of the thran, to let him know that Madrin is here to check the records.

3) Madrin, with Thorin and I as escorts, can go check on the records.

4) Algared and Neirin can stay behind and, in private, fill the Daas clan leader in on our mission.

5) Once Algared and Neirin inform the clan leader, they can seek out Jorri and Hovik and find out what happened last night.

6) If Rieke doesn’t take the bait and rush off to Ygesdram, then we can make a decision as to how we are going to capture him.

7) If he has run off already, we can amend our plan then.”

“There are many ‘what ifs’. I think it is better to go to Rojenstad and amend our plan on the fly.”

TTYL

- Kerry

[Algared]

“There are many ‘what ifs’. I think it is better to go to Rojenstad and amend our plan on the fly.”

"Well said Cousin, My concern was seemed to be thinking that everything would work out as we planned, and there were too many facotrs we couldn't be certain of. It seemed better to at least be aware of those factors and and possible resulting situations. And I think you plan of action enables us to employ Madrin's plan whilst also letting us ensure we offer no insult to our kinsman. it also ensures we link up with jurri and Hovik and find out how they fared." Algared sppons the last of his porridge into his mouth. and drinks about half his small beer before taking a hand full of dried fruits and nuts which he nibbles on as they talk and finish their meal.

[GM]

Finishing your meal, you gather together your belongings, bid your host thanks for his hospitality and make your farewells you head out of the thran and along the road towards Rojanstad.

The road is easy to follow and the walking is easy. You push on with all haste following the trail.

You arrive in Rojanstad nearly 1/4 watch later.

Being able to spy the walled thran as you enter the thran you make your way directly there. As you arrive the gatehouse stands open and unguarded but through it you can see Jurri and a male in his mid twenties sitting near a well in conversation....

[Kugald Daas]

Kugald thanks the kind people of Upsala for their hospitality and heads off to Rojanstad with the group. On arrival in Rojanstad, he seeks out the stables and leaves his horse. Gauk is hardly even warmed up after such a short walk, "Please feed him a little hay, but keep him saddled, I am not sure how long we will be."

He walks to the great hall along with the others. Kugald notices Jurri, but says nothing...for now.

Entering the great hall, the weaponcrafter looks around for the leader of the clan, or failing that, the most well dressed, important looking person, male or female, and introduces himself. "Hello, I am Kugald Daas from Ygesdram. My friends and I are here to see the leader of the thran. Could you please direct us to him. Thank you."

TTYL

- Kerry

[Jurri Grebel]

As soon as Jurri notices Kugald, he will wave him over and introduce the man he was speaking with.

"Kugald Daas, this is Thurgell (Daas?). His uncle has marched with the muster to Ygesdram, leaving the care of the thran to him. He has just been telling me of recent events here." (insert mundane report about the state of the thran's goats and chickens)

Jurri will pause long enough for Kugald and Thurgell to exchange greetings, but will fix Kugald with a serious look and make a slight motion of his head to indicate that they must speak in private.

As soon as that comes to pass, he reports:

"Our ruse was apparently too successful. We arrived last night and enjoyed the hospitality of Rieke Gerherbt. He was indeed agitated by the news of his clansman Hershold being detained and swore to go to speak on his behalf this very morning. I was concerned that he might try to slip away, and he did. In the dark of night, he bid his wife, Berriel, farewell and left, saying he could not wait to answer for Hershold. Neither Hovik nor I were aware until the dawn, and we came immediately to find you. We thought you would be in position to apprehend him right away. Alas, you had not arrived, so time has truly become our enemy."

"If Gerherbt did as he said, he is likely most of the way to Ygesdram by now. Hovik has run ahead in hopes of finding him. However, Hovik fears that he is still hiding here, and I wonder if he had another destination in mind. I do not know if Neirin can track which way he went, but not many have been on the roads so far today; if he can tell, it is best that he try soon. If he hides here, armed men can search and find him; we have seen naught for warriors here. If he did go toward Ygesdram, you must ride ahead with all haste to find Hovik and catch Gerherbt."

Jurri looks carefully at Kugald (and the others, if they are visible) before adding, "What delayed you? Did you find more enemies?"

[Kugald Daas]

When Jurri waves him over, Kugald heads right to him. After the introduction, he shakes Thurgell's hand and then steps aside, out of earshot, to listen to Jurri's news.

Kugald informs him, "We stayed at Upsala last night, so as not to appear to be travelling with you. Curses. Our plan was too clever by half. We should have struck directly. No point in dwelling on it, it is water under the bridge, the question is, what do we do now?"

Kugald calls over the other party members so they hear the news as well.

"Neirin has the best chance of tracking him. I suggest he look east toward Asarna, in case Reike tries to head over the mountains to the Ibanvaalese in Froyby."

"Thorin and I have the best chance to chase him down, since we have horses. Should we head north, for Ygesdram? Does anyone really think he would go there? He must know the game is up and Canute suspects him. I think he has rabbited and made a run for safety."

"Thoughts, suggestions? We didn't see him on the road to Upsala this morning, so I don't think he went west to the river. He may have gone south, but that is mostly Daaslund, no easy escape there."

"He could be hiding here in the thran. Should we search first? We need to act quickly before he gets too great a lead on us."

TTYL

- Kerry

[Algared]

Algared listens to the news and feels like telling them all he told them so but knows that will only cause dissention. Though he wonders why Jurri and Hovik didn't try keep a better eye on him and curses the fact that they had left in such haste before being aware of their own plans as they followed. Or was it they believed they could relax since they had won the game of fox and geese. None the less Madrin still has a task to perform and the party needs to try determine which way Gerbert has gone or where he hides. "Madrin is still charged with checking the Thran's rcords to check on Gerbhert", Algared says when when they are speaking privately before continuing his questions and thoughts coming in jumble as he tries to see the various senarios. "Do we know if Gerbhert's sons went with him given he left in the night seems to suggest he knew the game was up if he his sons went also that may be a further indication? Similarly, what equipment did he take with him and did he travel on foot or horse? Lastly does he have clansmen nearby whom he could have impossed upon or be hiding with also.. if he flees are we following one man or a band?" Turning to Neirin Algared asks "Do you think you would be able to find his path and determine which way he gone for certain?"

Algared pauses knowing he is throwing up too many what ifs and also that his flurry of words may seem as criticism of Jurri and Hovik, then continues in a more thoughtful tone, "Of course he may have have headed direct to Ygesdram but Hoviks thoughts are as to his location are e indeed possible,was there a guard on the gates who can confirm he left via the gate? that may be an indication of whether he truely left or knew the game was up. Neirnin would also be the best for trying to search the thran or nearby dwellings of his clansmen for a sign of him before setting off to find his trail out side." having spoken Algared stops letting others speak before waiting for Kugalds decision. as to the best course of action based upon the thoughts and ideas of his companions.

[Guest]

I agree, says Thorin, we should check the records immediately, and try to determine where he went....

Neirin should be able to track him, and Kugald and I should be able to out ride him.....

Lets ask around and see if any of the stable hands, or serving girls heard where he was headed......You men talk with the former, Ill handle the latter..... as he smiles laughing inwardly at his own jest.......wondering if the others are quick enough to spot his wit.

Lighten up, Algared....this is the "fun" part!

[Jurri Grebel]

Jurri listens to the others, then replies to Kugald.

"I recommend we search the Gerherbt clanhouse first while Neirin looks for his tracks. Once we eliminate that he is hiding within, we may know which way he went. We can make the other decisions at that point."

Answering Algared, he clarifies: "He left on foot, or at least his wife said so. I believe her since I think we would have been alerted to a horse moving so close by. There are no warriors here that we have seen. No watchmen. Just women, children, and elders. Farmers, all of them. It remains possible that Gerherbt did just as he said; his reputation suggests he does not have the wits for a very intricate ruse. Let us eliminate the simplest possibilities before we entangle ourselves with the less-likely."

[Kugald Daas]

Kugald acknowledges Algared and Jurri's ideas.

"Thorin and Algared, check with the stable boys and serving girls to see if anyone knows where and when he want. Also, check and see if he took a horse."

"Madrin, check with Thurgell, see if there is anywhere he would have gone..Friends, family that might hide him."

"Jurri and I will speak to his wife and family members, see if we can get any information from them."

"Neirin, come with us, we will start at the Gerherbt townhouse and see if you can pick up any trail."

"We meet back here in an eighth of a watch (1/2 hour) to decide where we will go."

If everyone agrees, they split up.

Kugald, Jurri and Neirin head for the Gerherbt clan house. Kugald gestures for Neirin to check the perimeter. Then, he knocks on the door.

If someone answers, Kugald asks, "I understand Reike left in the night. Where did he go? Don't tell me Ygesdram...no one leaves for Ygesdram in the middle of the night." The weaponcrafter leans in over the person who answers the door. "We are here on behalf of the Daas himself. We don't have time for games."

TTYL

- Kerry

[Guest]

Thorin slaps Algared on the back, spins him around toward the stables and marches with him, arm draped around his shoulder...Algared casts a worried look back towards Kugald.

Thorin says "Algared, you mind the boys, Ill handle the womenfolk...."

[Jurri Grebel]

Jurri watches as Neirin begins checking for signs of Reike's passage, then focuses on backing up Kugald. He imagines the occupants haven't changed much since this morning; the door will likely be answered by a child or the wife. Kugald will likely be intimidating; Jurri decides to play the foil to him. (OOC: Good cop, bad cop.)

If the wife is present, Jurri will shoot her a look of (sympathetic) warning, as if to say "Don't cross him. You won't like it!", but will otherwise follow Kugald's lead, trying to look like he'd much rather be somewhere else.

On the other hand, if Reike is here and we've surprised him, Jurri will be ready to back Kugald up in a more direct fashion. He's got his hunting horn tucked into his belt if it is needed.

[GM]

Madrin nods his head, turns and leaves the group heading straight towards Thurgell.

He is last seen leading the man away towards the clanhouse.

Thorin and Algared press others around the thran for any information. Algared questioning the men, Thorin 'questioning' the women. In passing through the thran you notice a lack of men around the thran. There are perhaps no more than 15 men capable of taking up arms should the need arise. While it looks like Thurgell may be in charge you find a man in his early thirties, with several scars on his arms and the hint of grey in his hair that tell you the thran is not undefended.

For all your efforts you are unable to find out any information regarding the Valhakar or his whereabouts.

[GM]

If someone answers, Kugald asks, "I understand Reike left in the night. Where did he go? Don't tell me Ygesdram...no one leaves for Ygesdram in the middle of the night." The weaponcrafter leans in over the person who answers the door. "We are here on behalf of the Daas himself. We don't have time for games."

A young lad answers the door in his mid teens, Jurri recognises him as the Valhakar's son. The is a smile on his face as he recognises Jurri. The young lad is barely able to get out a greeting when Kugald fires off his first question.

The young lad stammers and the only words his is able to get out are "Muther, a man with Jurri says Paa did not go to Ygesdram like he said he would"

An older woman appears at the door a questioning look on her face - a brief smile flashes when she sees Jurri Jurri recognises her as Berriel, but then looking at Kugald she says "What are you talking about?"

The woman looks quite distressed and adds "I can only tell you what he told me - that he was going to Ygesdram to set things straight with the Jarl regarding Hershold"

The woman does not appear intimidated by your threat of representing the Daas, she takes a step back as you approach closer before saying "I have no idea what game it is you are playing young man, but do not come to my clanhouse and threaten me. I have told you where my husband said he was going!"

Behind the woman you can see various members of the clan beginning to gather closer to the door. Among them you can see several women one in her late thirties, another in her mid thirties, another in her mid twenties and the other three in their mid to young teens.

Hearing the voices several other men begin to appear from around the various storage sheds and out buildings around the yard a man perhaps in his thirties, appears, with a boy in his late teens. Another male in his early twenties shows himself from the stables where from his dress he has been tending animals.

Neirin returns to Kugald and Jurri and shakes his head indicating that he was unable to find any sign of the Valhakar... he could find no sign of any horses leaving the thran but he could see no horses kept in the stable either. The ground is to hard for there to be any decent trail in the yard and without any idea of what to look for tracking him will be hard.

[Kugald Daas]

The woman looks quite distressed and adds "I can only tell you what he told me - that he was going to Ygesdram to set things straight with the Jarl regarding Hershold"

The woman does not appear intimidated by your threat of representing the Daas, she takes a step back as you approach closer before saying "I have no idea what game it is you are playing young man, but do not come to my clanhouse and threaten me. I have told you where my husband said he was going!"

"Playing? There is no playing here," Kugald says in a firm, but unflinching tone. "I am Kugald Daas, cousin of the Daas and his sworn retainer. I have been sent to find Reike Gerherbt and bring him to see the Daas on important business. Clan Daas business. Young or not, my task is urgent. If my tone was abrupt, I apologize, but I am pressed for time. I do not threaten, but I expect the truth and I have little time to mince words. The Daas wishes to see your husband immediately. I arrived this morning seeking him, only to be told that he left for Ygesdram in the middle of the night. Is that correct? If so, why would he do such a thing and by what road did he travel?"

"We wish no trouble," the comment seems a bit out of place coming from the mouth of a heavily armed and armored mountain of a man. "But I have my orders. With your permission, I would like to check your clanhouse to see with my own eyes that he has left. If we can do that at your invitation, we will be quick and respectful. If he is gone as you have said, we will trouble you no further and be on our way. Otherwise, I have to ask myself, what are you trying to hide....?" Kugald leans on his spear and looks at the men who came out of the buildings and says in a calm but hard edged tone that offers little room for discussion, "Unless you have news of the whereabouts of Reike Gerherbt, go back to your work." One by one, he makes direct eye contact with the two men and teenage boy. His gaze is hard and determined. His tone leaves little room for discussion.

Kugald has no intentions of hurting the women and children, or the men, but the situation is urgent and there is little time for diplomacy. If he is going to catch Reike, he must leave soon and go in the right direction. While abrupt and direct, he will be respectful, after all, until found guilty, he is still a member of the thrangaad and an important man. Besides, he would never manhandle a man's family, no matter the charge he faced, it would be dishonorable.

TTYL

- Kerry

[GM]

The men hold their ground, Berriel says "Your apology is accepted. Come, look, I have nothing to hide from you!" there is a hint of poison in her words. The older of the men raises his voice and says "Do not invite them in Berriel, if they were truely serious about this the Jarl would have sent one of his huscarls not some tinsmith!" But Berriel holds the door open and allows you to search the clanhouse. You do not find any sign of the Valhakar nor any of his more personal belongings. "He left by the road that leads to Ygesdram I suspect, it was dark when he left and he bade me not bid him farewell at the door"

A look of fear is on the younger of the men as he takes a slight pace to the rear, the others hold their ground, except the older one who takes several steps towards the clanhouse and says "Do not tell me what I can and cannot say, you whelp, I do not care whose business you are on you are on our land! Unless you want to be returned to the Jarl with a tanned arse mind your mouth!"

[Kugald Daas]

But Berriel holds the door open and allows you to search the clanhouse. You do not find any sign of the Valhakar nor any of his more personal belongings. "He left by the road that leads to Ygesdram I suspect, it was dark when he left and he bade me not bid him farewell at the door"

Kugald does a swift search of the clanhouse and pokes his head in the outlying sheds. "Thank you, milady. Again, I apologize for the intrusion, but I must do as my Jarl commands." He bows slightly to her as he turns to leave.

A look of fear is on the younger of the men as he takes a slight pace to the rear, the others hold their ground, except the older one who takes several steps towards the clanhouse and says "Do not tell me what I can and cannot say, you whelp, I do not care whose business you are on you are on our land! Unless you want to be returned to the Jarl with a tanned arse mind your mouth!"

The weaponcrafter looks the older man up and down, calmly and without emotion. He flexes his muscles menacingly and transfers his spear to a two handed grasp. Then, without warning, he springs swinging the butt of the spear low behind the man's left knee, the man steps deftly to the right with a speed belying his age. The man cocks his head towards you and says "Put the spear down and walk away, you have had your fun now leave before you draw your Jarl into a another fight."

TTYL

- Kerry

[Algared]

Meanwhile eslewhere in the Rojenstad.

Algared and Thorin continue to question the other inhabitants. As they walk to begin the questioning Algared looks around noticing that most of the men are missing and that there are numerous women folk around. "I think you'll been to share the ladies Thorin," he says with a smile before they part to ensure they can speak to all withing the time frame available.

As they Question them Algared begins to feel that it appears that none know where Reike is and didn't even realise he had left.

[Kugald Daas]

Then, without warning, he springs swinging the butt of the spear low behind the man's left knee, the man steps deftly to the right with a speed belying his age. The man cocks his head towards you and says "Put the spear down and walk away, you have had your fun now leave before you draw your Jarl into a another fight."

Kugald looks at the man with some surprise. "You are fast, for an old man. I am impressed. Fine. Today, I will leave. My mission is to find your valhakar, not duel with you. But, you are an old fool if you think I am leaving my spear behind."

The weaponcrafter assumes a defensive stance, ready to slash or stab the old man if he makes a move [OOC: total defensive posture]. He steps back slowly, keeping his eyes on the older man and those around him. He calls out, "Neirin, Jurri, we are leaving."

"Another time." He eyes the man intently, burning his image into his memory. "But, before I go...I have given my name...allow me to know yours, so I may remember it well."

Assuming Kugald and the others are able to leave without a fight, Kugald backs out of clan compound and makes his way back to the great hall with the others. His mood is dark, but still, they found out what they needed to know. When he reconvenes with the others, he is serious but focused on their mission. He makes no mention of the fight to the others, but instead starts right in.

"Madrin, any word on relatives or possible refuges he might head for?"

"Thorin, Algared, any rumors from the serving girls and stable boys?"

"Jurri, Neirin and I have checked, he is not at the clan house any I don't think they know where he has really gone."

"So, we must decide which way to go. He probably didn't travel west or we would have encountered him or heard of someone arriving in the night in Upsala. South leads only to Nupon and the wilderness, a possibility... If he went north to Ygesdram, then Hovik will reach the Daas shortly after he does and we need not worry."

"He told his wife not to watch him go, likely so she could not be made to tell where he went."

"If he headed cross-country, where would he go?"

"In my opinion, I think he headed east. The trail leads to Asarna and Deje. But there is a trail from Deje up to the copper mine. I traveled with my master there on several occasions to buy copper. Perhaps, he is hoping to loose himself in the mountains. Once the hue and cry goes out, Sarajin knows that Daaslund won't be safe for the likes of him...or his kin," Kugald adds softly.

"Well, any ideas or options?"

When there is a moment, Kugald seeks out Thurgell and asks him what he knows of the man the weaponcrafter just confronted. Who he is and what are his skills?

TTYL

- Kerry

[Jurri Grebel]

"Perhaps he means to make contact with the enemy in the mountains? If so, we should pursue, but I advise first sending a rider (Kugald, Thorin, or both) to Ygesdram. If he truly went there, we should know before we lose ourselves looking for him in the mountains. Either way, a rider could return here quickly and we would know whether to pursue further or return to Ygesdram at once. At the least, we should collect Hovik before we leave."

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