Re: 9 Nuzyael 720

[Jurri Grebel]

"Hail Kugald!"

Jurri will wait until Kugald and Thorin are near enough for normal conversation, then continue:

"Had you but ridden away more slowly, you would have seen us surrounded by the valhakar's men. We are not welcome south of Daaslund, and though I do not think that is Hovik's fault, his mouth did not help us any with the jarl. We were released this morning, but Hovik was not returned to us. We hope to find him in Upsala."

Making sure he has eye contact with Kugald, he adds: "Do you recall our conversation by the river?"

He studies the expressions of Kugald and Thorin, "I'll wager you did not find Reike."

[Guest]

Sotto Voce to his companion, "Kugald, did we not see Hovik earlier crossing the river?"

[Kugald Daas]

The burly weaponcrafter swings down off his horse and shakes Jurri's hand in greeting.

He listens with concern to Jurri's tale.

"Ill luck indeed, and I fear I have more bad news. This morning, when we didn't find you in Burnstad, we rode back to Milnheim. As we were riding in, we saw a single fishing boat, separate from the fleet, making for Trond. When we asked one of the men at the dock, he told me that 'one of our number'...whom I now know to be Hovik...was taken by fishing boat to Trond by the valhakar."

Kugald shakes his head, "Sometimes I think a black cloud hangs over our mission."

"We should press on to Upsala. There, we can leave our horses and arrange for a boat to take us across the river. Annoying or not, I will not leave one of my men in the hands of the enemy...otherwise how can I strangle the little bugger myself!"

He walks along, giving greetings to the rest of the band. "Load your extra equipment on Gauk. I can walk too and it will make our march easier."

Kugald is quiet on their walk to Upsala. He thinks to himself, perhaps Sarajin meant for them to go to Trond all along. Yes, that must be it. Sarajin favors the brave. Soon, there is a jaunt in his step and his mood lightens noticeably. Nothing bothers him for too long.

TTYL

- Kerry

[Jurri Grebel]

Jurri holds up Hovik's pack for Kugald and Thorin to see.

"Then perhaps we should examine this before we go further."

He'll set it on the ground and carefully open it. He's not familiar with all the things Hovik might have carried, but he will remove each item in turn, examining it for any clues that might help guide our next move.

[Guest]

Jurri finds:

A tremendous variety of herbs, carefully wrapped, some in vials or pouches. Scalpel, needles, and other tools of the trade. Pen and ink. Dagger. Four pieces of silver.

Three books. Unadorned, bound simply. Dare you open them?

Carrots.

[GM]

You make your way into Upsala. There you find the Daas clanhouse after a few introductions arrangements are made for your horses to be stabled while you travel to Trond. Making your farewells from the Daas clanhouse you make your way to the dock, none of the fishing fleet are home yet and the dock has but a handful of people working here at this time of day.

Activity around the dock will increase closer to sunset when the fishing fleet returns.

As you wait for the fishing fleet to return, you spy a lone figure enter the thran from the south. He makes his way to the docks and as he approaches a battered Hovik is barely recognisable. His left eye is swollen and he bears a bruised jaw as well...

It is now mid afternoon the weather remains unchanged from earlier today...

[Guest]

Only one black eye?
Hovik must not have been his laconic self....

[Algared]

Algared hails Kulgald and Thorin upon seeing them arrive. "Well met cousin." He calls. As the warband descend the rise to Upsula Algared informs Kugald of the encounter with the Valhaker's guard and of Hovik's insult to the Valhaker in his own hall. Which angered the Valhaker who was already annoyed because we showed him no courtesy. Algared retells Hovik was lead away which was the last they had seen of the loud mouthed fool, and how he explained to the Valhaker their purpose as seeking a man accused of failing to attend a muster, but without a warrant or papers indicating the truth of his words had been locked up for the night under guard were sent back to Daaslund this morning.

Algared mentions the concerns some have indicated concerning Hovik's loyalty and purpose. Algared also outlines his belief that Gerbhert may have still been in Milnheim or possibly had already made a contact and left. But the warband had no opportunity to anything after the riders left and Hovik's constant rudeness and insults had ensured they could do little as well. Finally Algared adds that they hoped to find Hovik in Upsula.

[ooc I'm afraid you'll need to get access to the thread.. it is unfortunately rather long.]

[Algared]

As the warband wait the for the fishing fleet to return Algared draws Kuglad aside.

[Jurri Grebel]

Seeing Hovik's condition, Jurri will simply hold out the pack of medicines to him.

"You look terrible," he deadpans.

[Kugald Daas]

Algared draws Kugald aside and tells him in detail what has happened since he and Thorin left the previous day. (OOC: I have skimmed through the Scouting thread to get the basic details of what happened while the group was separated.)

As Algared tells his tale, Kugald says little, but Algared (who has known him since they were boys) can see him struggling to contain his anger.

When he finishes his tale, Kugald stretches out his hand, clasping Algared's arm, wrist to wrist. "Ill tidings indeed cousin, but you did as well as can be expected with the circumstances the Elkyri delivered you into. I wish to hear from Hovik before I decide what action to take."

Kugald sends Algared back to the group and calls out, "Hovik, I wish to talk to you, in private."

When Hovik arrives, Kugald asks him, "I have heard tell of your actions, but I wish to hear your tale before making any judgement. Tell me what has happened since we parted ways, and perhaps more importantly, tell me why you did what you did."

TTYL

- Kerry

[Guest]

"There is nothing I have to say that all shouldn't hear."

He is obviously in pain - one hand holds his ribs, and he barely moves his jaw when he speaks. But he is also fuming mad. He seems on the verge of an outburst, when he stops short. With deliberate calmness, he asks, "Perhaps I could have something to eat and drink - it has been over a day. Something . . . soft."

Assuming his request is satisfied, he will consume his repast slowly. He is much calmer when he finishes.

"Tell me, Kugald. It's good to be a Daas, isn't it? You are proud to be a Daas, aren't you? In your eyes, does any clan outshine the Daas in honor?"

He doesn't wait for the answer.

"Tell me, Kugald. You are on an important mission to capture a spy - one who may have a secret that could lose a war for the Daas. And you are detained by a bunch of local huscarls and made to wait a quarter-watch or so. Might you feel . . . impatient? Frustrated?"

"And if you were not proud and impatient - could you truly be who you say you are?"

He pauses for a moment to make sure the logic sinks in.

"When the Miln arrived, I said one sentence. I said, "If you despise a coward as much as the Daas, you will let us be on our way." "

"I fully expected a rebuke. I frankly did not expect to be escorted out of the room. I assure you that getting the shit beat out of me was not part of my plan. But I did expect that my companions would back me up. I expected that Algared would make a hasty apology, "Please don't mind Hovik - he's been a bit slow ever since a horse kicked him in the head last fall. But he speaks what is on all of our minds." I expected that my compatriots would stand up for a fellow member of their warband."

"I was wrong."

"And understand this . . . from that moment on, the warband had no chance of getting past the Miln. Once the Miln saw that he could punish one member of the warband with impunity, he knew he could push around the rest. All your words were the bleating of sheep to his ears. He saw what honor you had. He surely doubted you were even sent by the Daas. He would keep you from the mission if for no other reason than it pleased himself to spite you."

[Barak Daas]

Since Hovik chooses to speak to the group, Barak will say his piece in response.

"Yes, I am frustrated at tramping around the countryside after a very elusive fugative. And yes you might have expected more of a back-up from the group, following your unwise words. However, it was obviously a situation where we were at a disadvantage and diplomacy was required and Algarad could not be expected to jepardise the entire group. You also said more than just that one line, you told the warbands leader of your, though you claimed it was our, desire to beat-up Reike and return him to Daaslund in a sack. It is not a good idea to tell a valhakar of your disrespct for another valhakar. Given that we suspected that the Tejaals and the Gerherbts might be allies, and the warband leader would tell his master of the conversation, you statement gave the audience an ill omened start. When others were trying to clean themselves up to create a good impression, you created a bad one. I could easily believe both lines of yours were deliberate. But, regardless, you did not leave Kugald with much room to save you from your frustration."

"But to be fair to Hovik, this much I will allow, I do not understand the valhakar's actions. He over reacted and acted very strangely. I believe there was much more to the whole thing than just anger over an insult. Though I know others don't agree with me."

"Also, what else were we to do. When we met their warband we were out numbered, in terms of men with weapons, four to one. They also had armour and we did not. I don't consider myself a coward but to die uselessly is no better. When we were in the audience with the valhakar we had even less opportunity, we had no weapons, and our guards had both weapons and armour."

"I also believe that we should not anger the Tejaals. Everyone knows that the Tejaals smart at Clan Daas conquoring part of their lands and creating Daaslund. They don't need a big excuse to march on Daaslund, and if we give them that excuse by injuring or killing their men then I don't think it will take them long to march of Ygesdram. It will be even quicker if they know the Daas muster is elsewhere."

"Since we have been thrown out of Tejaalund and told not to chase Reike, and that will have been releyed to the Jarl in Trond, then I am afraid I disagree with you Kugald, about being so quick to return to Tejaalund. If we risk starting a war, then I believe our Jarl's should be aware of an approve of our actions. If nothing else we need some form of arrest papers."

"Lastly, seeing the state that Hovik is in, perhaps I was wrong about Hovik." Turning to Hovik, Barak says to him "Yes, it was I who questioned whether you have been delibrately slowing down our pursuit of Reike."

[Algared]

Hovik speaks to the group and Algared's eyes widen in disbelief, "Hovik had I not already warned you to watch your words, lest you find yourself less free? You are quick to insult, and cannot even see when you do."

The Daas would have acted no different if a band of strangers were tramping around his Thran and unsettling his people. The Daas would have had his huscarls do the same, and would surely had them beaten had one of his "Guests" spoken to him as you did. Learn your place or you will not live. For all you learning you are a best a fool." Algared turns away and sighs, frustrated and angered by Hovik's response. It is clear Algared either wishes to say more or give Hovik a backhand.

Looking at Kugald Algared says, "I am sorry Cousin for my outburst, how can you question him, when I speak over you. Forgive me and my anger."

[Guest]

Hovik speaks to the group and Algared's eyes widen in disbelief, "Hovik had I not already warned you to watch your words, lest you find yourself less free? You are quick to insult, and cannot even see when you do."

From Hovik's expression, you might surmise that he sees perfectly well . . .

[Kugald Daas]

"There is nothing I have to say that all shouldn't hear."

Kugald nods for Hovik to proceed in front of the whole group.

He listens to Hovik. He does not interrupt him, nor question him, Algared, and to a lesser extent Barak, note that this is very out of character for Kugald. His eyes narrow as Hovik speaks.

When Hovik finishes, Barak speaks up. Kugald takes the time to listen to him as well.

After they both finish, he addresses the entire group.

"First, I must admit my fault. In my eagerness to pursue Reike, I forgot my manners and politeness. I should have gone to see the Valhakar of Milnheim immediately upon our arrival to introduce myself and our party and state our purpose and request permission to search for Reike in Tejaalund. Because of my lapse, you were detained unnecessarily."

"Second, to answer your point Barak, I have no intent of re-entering Tejaalund now. The only reason for doing so would have been to save Hovik. Since he has been released there is no reason to do so."

"Now, Hovik, since you prefer to do this in front of the others, so be it."

"If I am to understand your story correctly…" he speaks very slowly and in discrete sentences as if talking to a small child.

"When you were stopped at the edge of the village, you took it upon yourself to speak for the group after I distinctly named Algared to lead in my place?"

"You referred to one of the Valhakars of Daaslund...one of the Daas', sworn retainers...and someone who we suspect might be in league with the Tejaal...as a criminal and a coward in public and to outsiders?"

"You threatened to 'catch him quickly and drag him back to Ygesdram in a sack'?"

"When the lawfully appointed huscarl of Milnheim ordered you to turn over your weapons, you sought to 'negotiate' with him on behalf of the party?"

"When you…a thrall…were taken to the great hall of Milnheim, under guard, and a well dressed nobleman entered and took a seat in the chair of the Jarl you were slow to rise, did not give him the respect of a bow, and then had the audacity to speak?"

"Setting aside the audacity of you opening your mouth, that your first words to the lord of the land you stood on were to insult him and imply that he…a Jarl of Menglana…should allow you…a thrall…to do what YOU wanted on his land?"

"Only after you insulted him, did you bother to ask who he was?"

"Am I correct in the summary of events that lead to your beating and appearance before me today?"

Kugald stands up and moves to stand in front of Hovik.

"Well?"

TTYL

- Kerry

[Guest]

Hovik looks Kugald in the eyes and does not flinch.

"When Cunate Daas appointed me to this warband, what words did he use that set me apart from the rest of you? I was paying close attention, and 'thrall' was never said."

You can tell he's on the verge of saying a lot more, but instead he takes several deep breaths.

"Yes, you did appoint Algared leader, but there was no opportunity to consult and conspire. Had we time to talk amongst ourselves, I would have proposed my ideas to the warband and accepted the decision of the group. That was not possible. I had to act on my own judgment. I have already explained why I took the pose that I did. It seemed wise to show the urgency of our mission and our commitment to it. I still believe that was true."

"Now, we can argue all night about whether my judgment was sound. But does anyone here truly believe that had I not acted that the result would have been any different? Maybe if you had been there, Kugald. You might have been able to show the right amount of swagger. But the Miln wasn't going to be swayed by sweet blandishments. The Miln greatly enjoyed this chance to tweak the Daas."

"I saw one path that had a chance of leading us to our goal. I took my best shot at it. And I paid the price."

He pauses for a long moment. But then his voice starts to rise, and he's nearly crying in anger.

"Now, would you like to rebuke me some more? Throw that damnable word around a few more times so all in the Daaslund can hear it?" He pounds the table, coughs, then suddenly sits back down clutching his ribs in pain. For several seconds he closes his eyes and clenches his teeth.

"I have more to say."

[Algared]

"Throw the blasted word around a few more times! You self righteous ass!" Algared explodes, "You are the fool who has thrown it around more than anyone. Since you have been so eager to announce your standing, do not now come the high and mighty. You told the Ibanvaal prisoners the same, you introduce yourself to Barak, Borryg and and Edrick as a thrall. By Sarajin's axe I've a mind to gut you, and would if I thought you were anything but a fool."

"You took your best shot? you have paid the the price? And very near had us all pay the price as well. You see youself a great hand at fox and geese and try to be too clever, be thankful I wasn't the jarl you would have no tongue left." Algared raises his hand as if to strike, then turns away. "You aren't worth the effort, you'd probably take pride in the fact I struck you."

Algared mumbles and curses as he storms away. He walks a short distance to the waters edge and draws some water, he returns clearly annoyed and angry he sits placing a bowl of water before himself and stares into it as if debating or trying to become calm and and gain control of his anger.

[Kugald Daas]

"When Cunate Daas appointed me to this warband, what words did he use that set me apart from the rest of you? I was paying close attention, and 'thrall' was never said."

"Considering you lied and never told anyone, including the Daas, that you were a thrall until we were half way to Froyaheim, it is not surprising it wasn't mentioned."

"Yes, you did appoint Algared leader, but there was no opportunity to consult and conspire. Had we time to talk amongst ourselves, I would have proposed my ideas to the warband and accepted the decision of the group. That was not possible."

"What part of leader don't you understand? Algared was in charge. He doesn't have to ask you. He doesn't have to discuss anything. You don't have to choose to accept anything. The leader leads, the follower follows."

"Several things have become clear."

"One, now I know why Froyby fell. If the freemen, huscarls, thrangaads and valhakar of Clan Surenaal inspired as little respect from their thralls such as Hovik, they must have been weak indeed."

"Two, when Hovik as who was his leader, just nine short days ago, he was actually asking who would be his master. As yesterday's events have shown, a thrall can no more become a freeman as a pig can play Jurri's harp. They are uncouth, ignorant, and have no true concept of honor."

He looks at Hovik, "You babble on about honor, yet you have none yourself. You have no discipline. You talk a lot, you have grand ideas, but they are not backed up with actions."

"You talk of spies, yet you freely admit you come from Froyby, that your family is still there, thralls to the Ibanvaalese. Everywhere you go, chaos reigns. You insisted on rushing off to Rojanstad before our plan was made, and Reike slipped away. We finally catch wind of him in Milnheim and because of your insults the band is taken prisoner and then ordered out of Tejaalund."

"You expect people to 'back you up' when you get into trouble of your own making. If you want back-up, you better start following orders, stop talking back and try earning the friendship and loyalty of those you treat so contemptuously. You do nothing but bait Algared. Despite that, when you insulted the Jarl, Algared pleaded out your case. To be honest, if it had been me, one word from you and I would have beaten you to a pulp and saved the Tejaalese the trouble."

"Fine. I will make this clear for you. You are my thrall. I am not your leader. I am not your friend. I am certainly not your equal. I am your master, you little runt. I need no bill of sale or legal opinion," as he pats his sword. "I take you by the might of my sword arm. If you run, I will have Barak, Edrick and Neirin hunt you down like a boar and then I will skewer you like a wild animal."

"I have more to say."

"No thrall, you don't. I was going to teach you a lesson, give you another black eye to match the first, but I have decided against it. You will simply SHUT YOUR MOUTH. You will answer when spoken to, do your job and that is it. If you can't manage that on your own, I will cut out your tongue."

"You could have started a war yesterday. Or perhaps that was your intent."

"Thorin, he is your responsibility. He is never to be left alone. He stands no watches."

Kugald's voice gets very low. He moves right in, six inches from Hovik's face. He stares him right in the eyes. His eyes are colder than a glacier.

"And, if he gets out of line one more time....kill him." Kugald's intent is clear. This is no idle threat.

"I would be more than happy to send his head in a basket back to the Tejaalese."

Kugald looks around at the others.

"Barak, Borygg, see of the clanhouse has something we can eat for lunch...and some ales too."

"The rest of you, tend to your gear. We march for Rojanstad in an hour."

Kugald walks over to Algared, draping his arm around his shoulder and sitting down beside him. He looks over at Algared.

"Cousin, don't let him bother you. I have a nice horse whip you can borrow if it will make you feel better. If he does it again, you have my permission to beat him within an inch of of his life. I have had quite enough of his endless prattling on and self-righteous nature. He is just a thrall, no one will miss him."

TTYL

- Kerry

OOC: I have already spoken to Martin and pre-warned him of how Kugald would react. I just don't see how else a viking warrior would react to a thrall acting in such a way. It is not my intent to create divisions in the group, but the in-fighting and inappropriate actions are getting out of hand. I know as an officer in the military, if one of my men acted the way Hovik did, I would have had him court-martialled.

[Guest]

Hovik pulls out a rolled up parchment and throws it on the table. It bears the seal of the Tejaal.

"Are you sure you don't want to hear the rest of my story?"

[Algared]

Algared smiles and looks at his cousin, then motions the bowl of water, before speaking quietly with him.

[Borygg Raal]

Impressed with Kugald's forcefulness, Borygg hops up and walks over to the clanhouse to enquire about getting some food and drink for the group.

[Jurri Grebel]

Jurri quietly picks up the parchment and closely examines the seal.

[Kugald Daas]

After speaking with Algared, Kugald returns to the group.

Hovik is still nursing his wounds.

Barak and Borygg return with food and ale. The group settles down on some logs around a cold firepit.

Hovik pulls out a rolled up parchment and throws it on the table. It bears the seal of the Tejaal.

"Are you sure you don't want to hear the rest of my story?"

Kugald restrains himself from slapping the physician silly.

"Before wasting our time with all this talking, you might have told us you bear a scroll from Tejaal," Kugald grouses.

"Go on then. Tell us your tale, but keep a civil tongue in your mouth and a respectful tone in your voice. I am in no mood."

TTYL

- Kerry

[Algared]

[ooc: assuming Kugald doesn't stay Algared's hand as he rises]

Algared rises, removes his gambeson and and other encumbering items aside. He then pick up the bowl and approaches the battered healer. Telling Hovik to sit still he bathes Hovik's eye he makes hand gestures and cants with normal voice then attempts to cast Azure hand.

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