Re: 3 Nuzyael 720

[Kugald Daas]

The boy stops and turns towards Kugald. "I am Ardlin of clan Surenaal, I have no business with you or your friends but I know Hovik. He is a friend of mine! I see by your moans you are not pleased with my arrival. I know none of you, yet you seem to know me? How is that? And mores the point my arrival seems to dappen your spirits. Have you spoken of me to them Hovik?"

Ardlin looks concerned at your apparent disapproval of him.

Kugald's frown turns to a smile as he does his best to charm the young man.

"My apologies, young man. We are on a very important embassy from Clan Daas to Clan Storzar. We have an important message to take to the Daas. Time is of the essence and we can ill afford any delays. My companions' groans are not directed at you, as you say, we don't even know you, but at the possiblity of a delay."

"I am sorry to be brief, but we have no time for small talk." Turning to Hovik, Kugald thrusts his pack, shield and spear into his hands, "Load my gear on the boat." With his back to Ardlin, he winks at Hovik and hopes he goes along with the ploy to get him away from this young man as quickly as possible. Kugald deliberately does not address Hovik by name.

Looking to the 'Waverider', Kugald calls out, "Captain Sheld, we need to cast off as soon as possible."

He turns back to the young man. "Perhaps we can talk again in the future. We need to be off. In these troubled times, the Storzar's message to my Jarl waits for no man, not even a fine young man such as Ardlin of Clan Surenaal. Thank you for your understanding." Kugald smiles and offers a friendly hand to the young man.

TTYL

- Kerry Mould

OOC: Brett, I would have waited for Madrin to speak, but Ardlin's comments seemed directed at Kugald since he was the first to speak. We will see if we can brazen our way though, otherwise Madrin's fast talking will be needed.

[GM]

Ardlin takes Kugald's hand and then offers it to each of the other members of the warband, including Hovik.

Then adds "I did not mean to delay your mission" looking about the members of the warband he continues "Indeed you look to be important men, I was just trying to catch up with Hovik it has been well over a year since I have seen him, I thought him long since dead."

"It is good to see you again Hovik, I shall let your parents know you are still alive, they will not believe I have seen you." Then looking a little embarressed he add "My apologies I keep you, you must be about your task for I too am training so that I can take my place in the shieldwall when the Dagen marches."

As you board the boat Ardlin stands by the dock as the crew of the 'waverider' cast off and remains so until the boat disappears from view around the bend in the river.

[Guest]

Hovik takes Kugald's gear to the boat, playing his part as written. He does not acknowledge the lad at all, but busies himself with menial tasks. His head remains downcast for as long as the thran is in sight.

Hovik remembers him as a good and friendly boy back in Froyby, and it's regrettable that he has to treat him so. But this way he'll tell all of his clan that Hovik is Daas property now. The Surenaals will talk about how much happier Hovik was in Froyby, and how much better they treated him. They'll add their voices to the chorus of men cursing the Daas.

Once we are under sail, Hovik will start smiling again. "Kugald - next time you'll have to remember to make Jurri your thrall! Maybe you should teach him to keep his eyes on the ground and the mouth shut the next time we're in a hostile thran. Did you see Madrin's temples twitching? I wasn't sure whether he was getting ready to fast-talk the Surenaal boy or head-butt poor Jurri."

"You did good, Kugald. And Madrin had your back if your bluster wasn't enough. And we'll all forgive you, Jurri, after a few songs."

Hovik is feeling pretty good. "Maybe a little later you can join me for a walk, Kugald."

[Jurri Grebel]

And we'll all forgive you, Jurri, after a few songs."

"I shall gladly offer songs, but I do not seek forgiveness, Hovik. That was the best we could hope for once hope for once our escorts became involved. Kugald spoke well, and you played the part of the thrall. The boy was not harmed."

To Kugald (quietly, so as not to alert the crew - though he doesn't care if his companions overhear him): "If any would seek to prevent our return to Ygesdram, I believe they will act soon. I advise an extra measure of caution this night."

[Kugald Daas]

"I shall gladly offer songs, but I do not seek forgiveness, Hovik. That was the best we could hope for once hope for once our escorts became involved. Kugald spoke well, and you played the part of the thrall. The boy was not harmed."

Despite his earlier curses, Kugald is in a fine mood as the ‘Waverider’ pulls away from the dock.

“What is done is done. I had hoped that the guards would keep the boy back and allow us to leave without a positive confirmation of Hovik’s identity. Now that Ardlin has shaken Hovik’s hand, there can be little doubt he is alive. That being said, I think things turned out as well as we could have hoped once the boy was let past the guards.”

To Kugald (quietly, so as not to alert the crew - though he doesn't care if his companions overhear him): "If any would seek to prevent our return to Ygesdram, I believe they will act soon. I advise an extra measure of caution this night."

“Aye, I think you are right. I believe we should maintain a strong watch. We are only a day away from Ygesdram and had a good night sleep last night. I recommend that half of us stay awake at a time and that those resting sleep with their weapons close at hand.”

Hovik is feeling pretty good. "Maybe a little later you can join me for a walk, Kugald."

“Of course my friend,” throwing a massively muscled arm around the little man’s shoulders. As they move towards the bow of the boat, Kuglad says, “Well played, Hovik. Sarajin willing and Kugald to your left flank, you will be victorious!” The big man smiles broadly as they move out of earshot of the warband and the crew.

His demeanour turns serious as they reach the bow and he turns to Hovik, “So, what is it you need to tell me?”

TTYL

- Kerry

[Guest]

Hovik laughs at Kugald. "You big-shots are all the same. The farthest you ever walk is to the bow and back. I mean a real walk - on land. Tell the captain to drop us off on the far shore of the fjord. You, me, Thorin, and Neirin will walk back to Ygesdram. Madrin and the others can give our report to the Daas."

"You think your tender toes can handle ten leagues?"

[Kugald Daas]

Kugald raises an eyebrow at Hovik’s idea…

“The closest thing I have ever been to being a big shot, before you suggested I become the ’leader’, was to tell a handful of apprentices where to stack the iron ore in Jorri’s forge. Hardly a glorious record of leadership!” Kugald retorts with a heaping dose of sarcasm.

“And, for your information, I can march you into the ground, pick you up and throw you over my shoulder and march twice as far again…in full armour with a helm, shield and spear to boot!” OOC: Kugald has a stamina of 18 compared to Hovik’s pitiful 13!

“Now, I am no great strategic leader but I do know that only a fool or a genius divides his forces in the face of the enemy.” Looking over at Madrin, “I may be arrogant and impulsive at times, but even I don’t think I am a genius level strategic leader.”

Kugald strokes his goatee and ponders the idea, “Still…the idea certainly has the element of surprise.”

“Cunate advised us to follow those who know best in a given circumstance.” He looks around at his companions, “So, what does everyone else think?”

TTYL

- Kerry

[Guest]

Neirin looks confused. "I am a hunter and not a warrior like the rest of you. While I would obviously prefer to travel on the land, I do not understand how that would benefit our mission. It will only delay our arrival home." Turning to Kugald, he adds "Who are we trying to surprise?"

[Jurri Grebel]

Jurri shares Neirin's confusion. "Aye, to what purpose would we do this?"

[Kugald Daas]

Turning to Kugald, he adds "Who are we trying to surprise?"

The weaponcrafter pitches his voice lower so it doesn't carry. "Jurri, just as you yourself have suggested, if any would seek to prevent our return to Ygesdram, they will act soon, probably tonight. If we were to split up, there would be double the chance of the message getting through to Ygesdram, but river or by road," Kugald eyes the captain and crew to see if anyone is paying attention or obviously listening in.

"Not that I am saying that this is the best plan, only one plan."

TTYL

- Kerry

[Guest]

Hovik responds brightly. "I hadn't thought of that. Good thinking, Kugald. I just thought Neirin was looking a little pale."

[Jurri Grebel]

Jurri nods and speaks quietly to avoid being overheard by the crew.

"I do not so much fear we are being followed, Kugald." He makes the barest head motion to indicate the crew. "If the enemy has need to carry messages from spies in Ygesdram, this vessel would be a fine way to do it."

"However, if the enemy plans to ambush us, it makes sense they would have set any trap downriver. If they have a boat - or several - it would not take them long to get ahead of any who go on foot. As well, it may be enough that the Ibanvaalers merely discover the messages we carry, not that they stop us from delivering them."

He pauses to allow others to offer their advice.

[Guest]

Hovik points out something to Jurri. "I'd love to see a pack of Ibanvaalers try to ambush Neirin in his own mountains! Kugald is right. No matter how you look at it, splitting up gives us the best chance of getting our message through. "

"But that's not why I suggest the walk. The road past Abdenheim is little used by men who can afford ships like this one. I'll wager that I'm the only one, save Neirin, in this boat who has walked it. And I seriously doubt Cunate Daas has ever walked it. I thought that the Daas could use an up-to-date report on that road - which, after all, is going to play an important role in the upcoming campaign."

"And besides, if there are any spies in Ygesdram making their way to Froyby, they would take that road. Maybe we will get lucky and catch one!"

[Guest]

"However, if the enemy plans to ambush us, it makes sense they would have set any trap downriver. If they have a boat - or several - it would not take them long to get ahead of any who go on foot. As well, it may be enough that the Ibanvaalers merely discover the messages we carry, not that they stop us from delivering them."

Looking askance at Kugald and the others Madrin looks around and lowers his voice to make sure he is not overheard. "So what you are suggesting, is that if there IS a trap downriver, you take all the warriors with you and leave a wyrdsman, a skald and a scholar to fend for themselves? Very sound strategy. Sacrifice the weak so the strong can survive? Do what you wish Kugald, but I still say it is foolish."

Continuing with his rant "Furthermore, why would we be ambushed? We have 'delivered' a message stating no help is forthcoming. The Storzars were 'furious'. We are supposedly delivering a message back that our Jarl is a cur. Im not sure that anyone would want to stop us. But even if that is so, why not have all of us dropped off? It is not so far on foot if we are dropped half way down river, and then we tell the captain to wait for several hours before he sets off again. By that time we would, Sarajin willing, arrive home before the 'Waverider'. Having seen us board, they would not expect us to disembark and make our way home by foot."

Madrin looks at Kugald "Bah, forgive my quick temper and hasty tongue Kugald, but I do not believe that separation is the answer. Remember the old saying "Divide and Conquer". We would be doing half their work for them."

[GM]

With the afternoon passing the wind from the south west makes your journey swift. You sail past the Leim river and Froya river junction. It is not long before last light when the boats captain approaches, "It will not be long now before we look for a place to shelter for the night"

The afternoon is cooling down with the wind remaining from the south west. Sheld looking towards the south west says "If the wind continues from this direction in the morning we may be going nowhere. As you know I cannot sail into the wind."

[Jurri Grebel]

As you know I cannot sail into the wind."

(OOC: Aren't we on a river? Can't we just 'go with the flow'?)

[Jurri Grebel]

"But that's not why I suggest the walk. The road past Abdenheim is little used by men who can afford ships like this one. I'll wager that I'm the only one, save Neirin, in this boat who has walked it. And I seriously doubt Cunate Daas has ever walked it. I thought that the Daas could use an up-to-date report on that road - which, after all, is going to play an important role in the upcoming campaign."

Jurri briefly gives Hovik an incredulous look. "You would lose that wager. I've traveled it many times. It runs mostly along the river, as I recall."

[Guest]

"But that's not why I suggest the walk. The road past Abdenheim is little used by men who can afford ships like this one. I'll wager that I'm the only one, save Neirin, in this boat who has walked it. And I seriously doubt Cunate Daas has ever walked it. I thought that the Daas could use an up-to-date report on that road - which, after all, is going to play an important role in the upcoming campaign."

Jurri briefly gives Hovik an incredulous look. "You would lose that wager. I've traveled it many times. It runs mostly along the river, as I recall."

OOC - Kerry posted an excellent scan of the Menglana map, and there is a discussion in the Meadhall. The road does leave the river and heads through 5-10 miles of hills.

Hovik responds, "Well, if you've been on it more than once, you've seen how the winter floods and heaves remake it every spring. What last fall was an easily forded stream might be a challenging ravine after the spring floods. How many days do the Abdenheimers and Bergastaders spend repairing it each year? Whatever road you walked last year, it's a different road today."

"And it seems the safety of Ygesdram shall depend on the ability of the Daas to defend that road. Anything we can do to aid that defense seems an imperative."

[Kugald Daas]

OOC: Although our characters would not know this much detail, I think it is important to post this info here so that everyone is talking from the same reference point.

"And it seems the safety of Ygesdram shall depend on the ability of the Daas to defend that road. Anything we can do to aid that defense seems an imperative."

Kugald shakes his head. "You are looking at the wrong battle. If the 300 men defending the south bank of the Leim River engage the enemy, the war is lost."

"The real battle will be far to the south on the banks of the Froya River. The Ibanvaalese have come over the passes and captured Froyby. Most of their men are on foot, but they must have captured some Clan Surenaal ships, otherwise why would they be building a line of pilings across the river at Froyaheim. Some of the attacking Ibanvaalese will come down the river to Froyaheim, but most will have to march. I expect that Storzar will move his men south to the vicinity of Davun and try and stop the main Ibanvaalese force where the road from Froyby to Froyaheim narrows to a trail (OOC: the area I have circled in pink). The main force of Clan Daas will make a long forced march around, through the secret mountain pass at come at Froyby from behind."

"Clan Daas has about 1400 troops (assuming 10% don't show up). I would assume that the Daas will leave the old men and young boys in Ygesdram and to defend the south bank of the river. I expect he will take his 900 best, fittest most experienced troops to attack the Ibanvaalese. Clan Storzor has about 3000 troops (assuming 10% don't show up). I expect him to leave the old men and boys to defend Froyaheim and will take his 2000 best to stop the Ibanvaalese around Davun. This will mean that coordinating the attack of the Storzar and Daas is the critical requirement."

"What happens to Froyaheim and Ygesdram will be a footnote to the real battle."

TTYL

- Kerry

[Guest]

"But Kugald, if the pilings are being built at Froyaheim, they don't prevent Ibanvaal's boats from allowing a crossing anywhere upstream. The Ibanvaalers can simply cross to Tronad, walk to Stronvik or Ljungby, and cross again. There is no choke point at Davun."

"Or even simpler, the Ibanvaalers may simply attack first and reach Davun before the Storzar can get there. The attackers have the first move in this game."

"But the pilings, and the presence of the Storzar fleet, prevent any crossing below Froyaheim. That's why this road is a choke point. The Daas understands this. He knows his few men would not change the outcome in a battle at Davum. The Daas believes the Storzar is making his stand at Froyaheim, and needs only to ensure that the Ibanvaalers don't bottle up Froyaheim with a portion of their force, and then attack Ygesdram with their main force."

"The Daas is setting a trap, Kugald. Let the Ibanvaalers reach Froyaheim. Then take Froyby and cut them off from supplies and the possibility of retreat. The Ibanvaalers would be pinched between two armies who have the advantage of fortification. The 300 are posted on that road to end any hope of a breakout towards Ygesdram."

[Kugald Daas]

The Daas understands this. He knows his few men would not change the outcome in a battle at Davum. The Daas believes the Storzar is making his stand at Froyaheim, and needs only to ensure that the Ibanvaalers don't bottle up Froyaheim with a portion of their force, and then attack Ygesdram with their main force."

"The Daas is setting a trap, Kugald.

Kugald shakes his head and laughs. “It seems the Jarl has taken you deep in his confidence, little man.” His tone drips with sarcasm.

Let the Ibanvaalers reach Froyaheim. Then take Froyby and cut them off from supplies and the possibility of retreat. The Ibanvaalers would be pinched between two armies who have the advantage of fortification. The 300 are posted on that road to end any hope of a breakout towards Ygesdram."

“Nice thought, but unworkable.”

“One, getting a large army across at Tronad is harder than you propose. The Ibanvaalese came over the mountains, so they didn’t bring any boats with them. They may have some boats captured at Froyby, but it takes a lot of boats to cross a sizeable force quickly or a lot of time to get a sizeable force across the river with only a few boats. Once they cross, getting back across at Stronvik or Ljungby is not easy as easy as you propose. The Froya River is a glacier fed river over 200 ft wide and deep enough to take large sailing vessels. I am sure Storzar has scouts watching the river for just such an attempt. Any army surprised while crossing the river could be decimated by a force half their size.”

“Two, besieging Froyaheim would take a very large force, especially if Storzar can muster 3000 troops for its defence. The Ibanvaalese would need to leave two or three times as many troops to hem them in. I don’t know their exact strength, but I can’t imagine that would leave them many troops to push on to Ygesdram. In any event, an attack on Ygesdram without securing their supply lines would leave them dangerously extended and vulnerable to being cut off and destroyed.”

“I think you are obsessing too much about the road.”

“Our task is to return to Ygesdram and let our Jarl know that his message has been received and the Storzar knows his plan.”

“It is up to Jarl to make the plan and for us to follow it,” Kugald pounds his heavy fist on his sea chest. “We are not the thraangard. You are not the Jarl. And we,” gesturing around at the group, “cannot turn the tide of an Ibanvaalese invasion, just the seven of us.”

“Let us complete our mission and see what the Jarl has in mind for us.”

TTYL

- Kerry Mould

[Guest]

The Daas understands this. He knows his few men would not change the outcome in a battle at Davum. The Daas believes the Storzar is making his stand at Froyaheim, and needs only to ensure that the Ibanvaalers don't bottle up Froyaheim with a portion of their force, and then attack Ygesdram with their main force."

"The Daas is setting a trap, Kugald.

Kugald shakes his head and laughs. “It seems the Jarl has taken you deep in his confidence, little man.” His tone drips with sarcasm.

Hovik lowers his voice. "Why would he send 300? Why not three? It would have as much impact on the battle you foresee. You just look at the game board - you have to look at the players, too! See what moves they make - and then ask yourself why they make them."

Then he waves his hands in a dismissive gesture. "But I can see I won't convince you. And it's not my war. I'm neither Storzar nor Daas, and I owe nothing to either. Cunate Daas won't wonder why Hovik the Thrall sat on his ass in a becalmed boat when he could have been doing something useful."

"I'm perfectly happy to sit on this boat and wait for the wind to change."

Hovik sits down on the chest he was given and turns his attention to the scenery. He considers the conversation ended. And though he's unhappy with the result, he isn't surprised. Indeed, he contemplates the irony that of all the members of this expedition, it is the thrall that seems to be the most free. After a few minutes of contemplation, he is back to his sunny self. He becomes fascinated with the shape of a bird's wings, and starts making a few sketches.

[GM]

With the river now beginning to take a more south westerly course, Sheld decides that with what daylight remains a camp should be established on the southern bank.

He is reluctant to sail the boat any further today because firstly the winds do not favour such a course and secondly with the fading light it is clearly apparent that you will not be reaching Ygesdram before last light and he is not prepared to sail the boat during the hours of darkness.

"Let us see where the wind blows from on the morrow!" he says.

A suitable site is found along the river bank and the 'waverider' is beached on the southern bank and the crew go about establishing a campsite with the routine of a well practiced crew.

Before long 2 fires are lit and pots of stew are brewing, a keg of ale is brought ashore and a watch is posted both ashore and aboard the boat.

In the growing darkness you all sit around the campfires, Sheld, Jurgaan and your warband sit around one fire while those of the crew not on watch sit around the other. One man stands aboard the 'waverider' while another stands between the two fires while a third wanders between the other two guards.

With tankards of ale each you spend the early part of the night feasting, drinking and chatting....

[Guest]

Hovik seems to be paying little attention to the conversation. In a rather absent voice he asks Sheld, "Can this boat get us to Lokis?"

[Kugald Daas]

Kugald takes it very easy on the ale. He has something to eat and sets up his sleeping area. "Thorin, dice you for who leads the first watch." The two men have a quick game of dice. Kugald is infernally lucky and wins. "I'll take the first watch." Looking around at the others, who wants to join me on first watch?" Kugald puts on his half helm and picks up his spear and shield. His sword and dagger are already on his baldric and belt. He buttons up his warm quilt jacket and walks out to the edge of the firelight to allow his eyes to adjust to the darkness.

He hears Hovik's query. Lokis? He has hardly heard anything about this tiny kingdom on the far west coast of Ivinia, west of Menglana. He thinks to himself, that man doesn't have much faith in our chances, does he? Kugald says nothing, as he peers out into the darkness. Despite his own preference to travel by ship, they might be forced to walk the rest of the way home if the wind remains against them. Kugald doesn't mind, the walk won't be that far, nothing compared to the distance and terrain they will have to cover if they go with the Daas over the mountain to Froyby.

There will be glory to be had there, surprising the Ibanvaalese invaders from behind. He smiles wolfishly as he stares into the darkness and thinks of the future.

TTYL

- Kerry

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