Alliance in Arms

[King Redgar Karligar]

Redgar and Mina arrived in Mardok just as the day was over. They traveled up the eastern road, up a slope towards the ancient castle on the hill backed by the river as a natural rear moat. There was a huge building in the town, bigger than all of the other buildings. The road itself was partially paved, some of the stones were still there, others were covered by centuries of dirt.

Atop their mounts they appeared absolutely regal. It was obvious that they were going to the castle, which was currently under renovations from what Redgar could tell. That was something Redgar wanted to do for himself. The castle he lived in was practically a ruin now after the siege. A shame really, the ancient castles were glorious.

The pair would arrive at the castle shortly after arriving in town. Hopefully to be greeted by someone.

[Tyr]

After receiving the letter from Katrina Tyr posted watchers on the town walls. The rider bearing said letter only arrived two days prior, with the five day trip just barely beating the week suggested by the letter's contents. When Mina and Redgar showed at the open gates signal torches were lit and the manor house was rapidly prepared. Tyr would be waiting out front, his family and some house staff arranged ceremoniously behind him. The two attendants that would normally try and help the pair from their horses had absolutely no idea what to do with wolves. They stood awkwardly to the side, staring at each other with pointedly helpless glances. Seeing this happen Tyr took it upon himself to smooth things out.

"Duke Redgar and lady Mina, how wonderful to see you both again. I must say, your horses are looking quite furry these days." He approached slowly with his arms raised in a gesture of welcome, wide smile on his face. Once the two reached the flagstone paved ground he'd move to help Mina from her wolf, making sure Redgar was of course free to do things himself as he seemed to wish. "Welcome to my lands, my home and staff are at your disposal. Please, make yourselves comfortable. After some time to relax after your travels we'll have a brief tour of the area, then on to dinner and business." Both Redgar and Mina had rooms prepared for them individually, with baths and refreshments ready. There were some comfortable clothes in colors close to their own if they needed them, and the house staff was ready to serve.

[King Redgar Karligar]

"Good to see you again, Duke Mardok! So far I have found your duchy welcoming. Please, don't mind the wolves. They are tame enough, treat them as you would horses with the exception of feeding them. They're carnivores obviously."

Redgar smiled, flexing his vocabulary with the word "Carnivores" felt good. He was sure he got the usage right, he had gone over in his mind about how he would talk about the beasts. They were wolves obviously, they ate meat. But it wouldn't do to just have them be with the hounds. They were much more regal than that. Mina climbed down with Tyr's help, and Redgar managed to dismount on his own. Despite their navigational failures, they had made good time. They were guided to their rooms where they bathed, changed, and lounged for a few minutes before returning to Tyr for their tour of the town. Mina and Redgar were curious about the large building in the town. It was out of the ordinary.

"We saw a large structure from the road in your town. What is that?"

Redgar and Mina were much more comfortable now that they had changed out of their travel wear and into more comfortable clothes. Clothes more befitting their social stature.

[Tyr]

The pair of attendants nodded at Duke Redgar's instructions and moved to bring the wolves to the stables, holding the reins just a bit farther away than they would normally lead a horse by. There they would see to some food and water for the wolves, plus maybe a brushing if either man finally got courageous enough. They'd be brought back out after everyone was refreshed, along with a horse for Tyr. A lazy tour around town was in order, and it would be a good opportunity to show off. Plus how else would he show Redgar the things that could be built in the Karligar lands per their little agreement? Leading the way, Tyr started off towards the subject of their question while explaining a little.

"That is my Artificery, a place for creation. It houses a forge and laboratory, and is open to the use of those able. I'm quite proud of its construction, and it has been the source of most of my land's significant creations." All the tools his people used had their roots in the Artificery. Tyr had hammered them out there, got a pattern set, and had other craftspeople cut their teeth replicating them. A useful practice that continued to this day, and a great way to develop the future workers of his duchy.

As the ride continued Tyr pointed out the other important structures, the farm, lumber mill, fishery, and regular mill. In the mine's case he pointed out the path and gave a rough idea of what it looked like, a ride there and back would take quite a while and it was already the evening. The tour wouldn't go through the entire town, just the high points before turning around. Dinner would be cooking while they were out and Tyr was trying to ride that sweet line to them getting back right around the time it finished.

[King Redgar Karligar]

Redgar and Mina were both impressed with what Tyr had accomplished with his duchy. The town was like a little city. It all centered around the Artificery. Redgar wasn't very interested in any of the other structures other than the mere fact that they were intact and working. It looked to him like Tyr could uphold his end of the bargain, all Redgar had to do was uphold his own. That would be fun. He enjoyed the little tour, but wasn't keen on seeing everything.

Mina enjoyed the tour as well, it was fascinating to her to see a new place. A place she didn't quite want to burn down. There wasn't a lot of wastefulness from what she could tell. That was indicative of their leader, she thought. The Duke Mardok, in her mind, must have been a person that prized efficiency. How interesting.

"You have made quite a little city for yourself!"

Redgard would say as they'd arrive back at the castle. Evening was getting on, he was expecting that dinner would be served soon. Discussions about business were usually best over dinner.

[Tyr]

"Indeed I have, and with some more time and effort mayhaps it will one day be a city to rival Kel'Alee!" That was a grand dream wasn't it? It would be generations before the population grew enough to rival such a place, but at least he could lay the groundwork for it in his lifetime.

As the trio walked up into the castle Tyr led them towards the dining room. In it sat a dark oak banquet table, comfortably seating at least forty people but set for three right in the middle. Tyr on one side, Redgar opposite him with Mina beside. The table was one of Tyr's early creations, and although it wasn't elegantly carved like the rest of the furniture it was smooth, stable, and had a certain comfort to it. Otherwise the room was only decorated in minor fashion. A tapestry here, a painting there, a decent chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

"Please excuse the inelegant state of the place. The castle's original dining hall is one of the rooms still in need of major repair, so we have made do with this room instead." In truth that was only part of the reason, it was also because he rarely ever entertained guests so there was no need to have it done up. Dinner was served shortly, in a series of courses as usual. They started with a salamander stew served inside a bowl of bread, followed by baked fish from the local fishery. Salads came after, then an individual sized fruit cobbler for each of them. Not the biggest of meals, but more than enough to satisfy.

[King Redgar Karligar]

Regardless Redgar was impressed by the offering of shared meal that the Mardoks had prepared for him. The hospitality was welcome, and he ate well to show that he appreciated the gesture. Mina did eat, but she stayed away from the meats, preferring the greens. The Duke began to discuss business over the end of the meal. It felt like an appropriate time.

"You said in your letter you wanted some military assistance, Tyr. Bandits heckling your borders? Or do you have a larger campaign in mind?"

He leaned back in his chair. Mina continued to graze on her salad, remaining without an opinion.

[Tyr]

"A combination of both I suppose. There are lands bordering my own currently occupied by those called 'The Lost Battalion'. They have no historical claim to the land, and are more than willing to use the people as shields to maintain their position of power." Yes, he had aggressed into their lands. No, he didn't care. Not anymore at least, not after they had threatened to kill everyone. His mention of the historical claim was a calculated one, he figured Redgar would care about that quite a bit. Random commoners claiming to own the land of a noble family, could there be a better motivation to spur Karligar into action?

"Lacking a better option for the moment I see it as my duty to claim that land once again under a noble banner, that the people may benefit from the improvements I can provide." He was walking a thin line with how he spoke, trying to entice Redgar into helping him without straying too far from his actual beliefs. The right of nobility to rule wasn't something that mattered to Tyr, but he knew he could improve the lives of those people beyond that which the 'Central Command' Ralon had mentioned could provide.

"My skills, however, are not based around that of warfare. I could lead my troops to victory of course, but it would not be as easy, nor as efficient, as it would with the aid of a proven general, such as yourself."

[King Redgar Karligar]

Redgar listened while Tyr laid the situation before him. A force of bandits had taken control of the lands adjacent to Mardok. It was as if those lands had descended into madness and chaos. Especially since this force had no historical right or noble claim to the land. It was outrageous. He became visibly furious. He stood up when Tyr was finished speaking, sending the chair to the floor, and he began to pace back and forth. Exerting the energy he gained from the fury gave him a point of focus.

"This... this is outrageous. Bandits and cretins occupying noble lands? And using civilians as shields? They're honorless dogs. Little better than monsters themselves. I am of the same mind you are on this, it is our duty to right this atrocity. I will help you. These lowborn mongrels have no right to rule. I can't imagine how offended you are by their hautiness and daring. We will teach them to fear the noble banners of Mardok and Karligar. We must prepare for the campaign at once."

"Redgar, sit down."

"Oh! What happened to this chair? Haha! It must be as offended as we are by this travesty to so fall over at the news."

Mira stifled her urge to put her palm to her face, or shake her head. Redgar had lost himself in the moment, and behaved according to his idiom. If it weren't for normal decorum, he would have preferred to gear up and march out immediately, dinner or sleep be damned.

[Tyr]

Tyr smiled a bit at Redgar's enthusiasm. His help in this campaign would be invaluable, and likely lead to a swifter victory than Tyr could have secured on his own. Tyr whistled briefly and a serving lad brought in some rolled up parchments. Maps were spread out on the table, and a document of force structure was given to Redgar for inspection. Not knowing Redgar couldn't read, Tyr went over it out loud anyway.

"As you can see I have a little over five thousand standing troops. One thousand horses, two thousand infantry, two thousand archers, plus some change here and there. While some will have to stay behind in defense of the various counties the rest are at our disposal for the fighting. They are all heavily armed, and decently trained." He was proud of his army, and their various successes so far. Ralon would probably describe things differently, but then the man was busy keeping the troops drilled on a regular basis and had little time for the political matters involved.

"My thought was to take three thousand of my men and march west into the closest county, move with all haste to dispatch the bandits, leave a complement of troops behind to establish order, then head south to strike again before they have a chance to organize a defense." Two quick strikes in rapid succession, then secure the borders from counterattacks. It seemed simple to him, but then he wasn't well versed in war tactics. Thus Redgar's whole purpose here. "But my knowledge of war tactics is the lesser of ours. What thoughts do you have on the matter?"

[King Redgar Karligar]

Redgar was familiar with reading maps. He understood the little symbols that designated forests and mountains, rivers and towns. Glancing at it he could tell there were only three enemy held territories of concern. That fallen duchy's main stronghold was already under Mardok control. That was good. It kept things simple.

"That may be prudent, but the longer the campaign goes on the more likely these spineless cowards will flee into the mountains, then you'll be fighting them for years. There is a time for prudent campaigning and a time for striking as lightning. Do we know where their leadership is? If we march your infantry and archers to do battle in the next territory in chaos, I can lead the cavalry to the enemy's leader. We may be able to take two territories at once and come down on the third hard as a whole force. If their leadership is destroyed at that point, it will be all too easy, and casualties should be minimal."

[Tyr]

Tyr nodded at the suggestion. It was basically what he had meant by 'then head south to strike again', but Redgar phrased it better and had better ideas to go along with it. If Redgar could take his cavalry to seek out the Lost Battalion's leadership while Tyr fought in the other county then the whole campaign would be wrapped up in very short order. The only thing was, Redgar thought there were three counties. He could see where the confusion might be, the road splitting one of them could very well be a border.

"A solid plan if I've heard one. Their leadership tends to fortify themselves around a village, so I imagine you'll find them there. I'll march my troops west into the neighboring county," Tyr stated while gesturing with his hand. He was careful to motion beyond the road line in demonstration that it was one place. "While you turn south with the cavalry. While I fight their main force there you can rout whatever forces they have and we can end their menace once and for all."

It was a good little speech. Hopefully things would actually go that smoothly.

[King Redgar Karligar]

"Haha! Just so! I see now that there are only two. This shall be easier than inticipated."

"Anticipated."

"Right. That's what I said. I suggest we mobilize soon. Their blood shall fertilize the land. Upon cavalry it shall not take me long to get into position and attack. When will your troops be ready?"

Redgar was obviously anxious to get the campaign underway. He was looking forward to the experience and imparting it upon his own men. Having two campaigns under his belt would make him quite the fearsome commander. All he would need to carve out his own kingdom in everything but name was more land.

Mina, though excited by the progress of the meeting was not too thrilled by her lack of inclusion in the affair. And she did not like the idea of Redgar being alone with Tyr's men. It could easily be a trap.

"My lord, Duke Mardok. Other than your assistance in getting our duchy's infrastructure in order do you have other incentives to enter into an alliance with you? It seems my cousin is risking a lot for you and yours."

[Tyr]

"If I give the order, they can be ready in an hour's time. We can either strike tonight, or rest well and strike in the morning at first light." Either would be fine with him, he'd been taking most of the days easy up to Redgar's arrival. Didn't want to be covered in sweat when he arrived, it might not go over so well. They'd been traveling for quite a while though, jumping right into battle may or may not be easy for them.

Mina's question caught him off guard though. Redgar was in fact risking more than intended, Tyr had only hoped for an advisory role but here Duke Karligar was opting to ride out into battle by his own choice. What other incentive might he be able to provide for such a thing? Tyr thought back to their previous meetings, going over in his head what might interest the pair.

"I seem to recall long ago you longed for a bow to go hunting once more. I recently developed a new weapon, one that will change archery for generations to come. If you will aid me in this conquest, I will share it with you." His crossbow design could use some refinement, but it would still be a worthy prize. To his knowledge nothing like it existed, and once word got out he was likely to be flooded with requests for them.

[King Redgar Karligar]

"Oh? That sounds quite interesting! I can only imagine what you have come up with! That is quite agreeable to me. Isnt that agreeable, Mina?"

Obviously Mina's demand had caught redgar offguard. He wanted nothing more than the opportunity to taste battle. The new bow weapon was actually a bonus now that it had entered the conversation. He was looking forward to testing it later. Of course he felt he needed to earn the weapon first.

The mage did not seem wholly pleased. She looked uncomfortable in fact.

"Redgar. I'm sorry, I should have told you when we were on the road. Katrina told.me that there was something else."

"She has no claim on anything Duke Mardok has. This is a meeting between Dukes. She's out of place."

"Yes, I know. But she told me to ask you to seek an Avenue for a more Permanent alliance with the Mardoks."

"What like a contract?"

"Uhm... no my lord... not like a paper alliance."

"A handshake will do! We are peers, Duke Mardok and I. And Noble lords of this country. Our word is our bond."

"I see you're missing the point. Duke Mardok, you are understanding the point?"

Mina looked extremely uncomfortable. Fidgeting in her chair. Shifting her eyes around. Trying to get out that Katrina wanted Tyr to marry off his sister to Redgar and that that suitible deal was on the table concerning Mina. Katrina had no real authority on the matter. But she was the most dangerous Karligar and she scared Mina enough to broach the subject, blindsiding Redgar and risking his wrath. Katrina scared Mina more than Redgar's potential wrath did.

Redgar appeared to be more confused than ever.

"What the screaming hells is Katrina's point?"