A Grand Design 55.

Winter. The Kingdom Of Girdane.

They leave the city of Oaklynn in the middle of the night. Heading east out of the city, across the river Tambir, then south.
With the mercenary army from the lands Farque, are most of the armies from the duchies of Falosen, Girnath and Delmar. Along with the three dukes of those duchies who rebelled against the crown.
On this cold winters night, and under the cover of darkness. They enter the woods just two and half miles from the city that's the capital of the kingdom of Girdane.
Once they're in the woods, they head to a hole in the ground that's nearby, and enter it. Going underground into the tunnel beneath.
There they make their way through a portal in a gnome's tunnel. And from one moment to the next, they go from the duchy of Marsin in the east of the kingdom.
To being on the border of the duchies of Wostin and Fandell, in the central region of the kingdom, over a hundred miles from the city of Oaklynn.
They make their way up, and go through what was a lair of a white worm. And get above ground, in a completely different woods. Compared to the one they just left, over a hundred miles away.
They camp there for the rest of the night, in and around the woods, where the portal to the east of the kingdom was located.
And by early morning, they're on the move again, heading westwards as they make their way back to the very west of the kingdom.
They travel for the next four days through the central and western regions of Girdane. Spreading the word that lord Sammis is no longer the regent of Oaklynn, and that he has been executed. And that duke Furnek's oldest son Marcco is the new regent of Oaklynn.
But more importantly, they spread the word that the kingdom of Girdane has a new king, and that it is duke Tremane of Isanor.
When they get into the west of the kingdom, they're treated like heroes. Especially when they cross into the duchy of Dalmar from the duchy of Poldis.
When the locals see that their duke and his army has returned victorious. There's celebrations in villages and farming communities. Bringing the mid winter festival forward in some cases, as they celebrate the successful rebellion against the crown.
It's the same in the duchies of Girnath and Falosen when their dukes and armies split off from the others and return home.
Eventually it's only the duke of Dalmar and his army along with the mercenary army from the lands Farque who are traveling together.
And the duke's army slowly decreases in size as they cross the duchy, as the soldiers and their local lords return to their communities.
By the time they return to the town of Salme, the largest town in the duchy of Dalmar. There's just under a thousand soldiers left with their duke. Along with the mercenary army of nearly ten thousand from the lands Farque, who the dukes of Dalmar, Girnath and Falosen hired for their rebellion.
While most of the Farqian mercenary army continue westwards beyond the large town of Salme.
Some of them go into town with the duke and the remainder of his army.
An army that's greeted by the townsfolk like heroes as they make their way through the streets on a windy and chilly, though sunny winters day.
With duke Hilloc of Dalmar riding at the head of his army. While beside him rides his younger sister the lady Mera. Who has had tears of joy in her eyes ever since she first caught sight of her home town, which she has not seen in more than two years.
A little bit later in the day, in the Wayfarer Inn, some of the group after collecting what they left behind here in Salme.
Are in the back courtyard, sitting at some of the tables in the tree lined yard. Which is rather comfortable, as it isn't so windy here in the middle of town. And what wind there is, it's fairly light as the trees at the back of inn gives plenty of shelter from it.
As Dorc da Orc drinks from a barrel of ale as he sits beneath a tree, eating a leg of roast lamb. Lisell Maera the messenger asks "Where are we off to now?".
"I have no idea" replies Arvelle Ganard the plainsman who sits at the same table with the attractive young woman from the city-state of Brattonbury, here in the back courtyard of the Wayfarer Inn.
The tall plainsman with the shaved head, looks over at his fellow councillor, Mira Reinholt the mage, who is sitting at the next table along, beneath one of the trees, where he's reading a book.
The once powerful mage who heard the question from Lisell Maera, shrugs his shoulders in reply to the look from his fellow councillor, Arvelle Ganard.
Then the mage Reinholt who is sitting with Shur Kee the monk, goes back to reading his book. A book on the theories of magic, more than actual spellcraft.
"See" says the tall plainsman who is a former illegal wrecker "No idea" adds councillor Ganard. Who is infact not a plainsman from the Kaldel Plains, but is really a hordes outrider from the southern tundra by the name of Zubutai Timaginson, who happens to inhabit the body of Arvelle Ganard.
Lisell Maera or Lis as she's more commonly called by the others in the group nods her head, then she faintly smiles when Arvelle aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman dryly tells her "It would help if his royal thiefness fainted and told us if there was someone new to find".
"But apart from that" continues the former illegal wrecker from the Kaldel Plains in a more normal tone of voice, who follows that with "I assume we'll be looking for another conflict that's flared up somewhere across the Southlands".
On the wooden bench beneath the tree to the right of the table that Lis and Arvelle are sitting at. Sir Percavelle Lé Dic who is inspecting one of his swords. Grunts when he hears that. As the former earl of Lé Dic is still a little disappointed that he didn't see much in the way of action when he was with the mage Reinholt, the day the city of Oaklynn fell to their army, and the armies of the rebel dukes of Falosen, Girnath and Dalmar.
The cleric Beldane walks out from the back of the Wayfarer Inn, and joins Tovis the war engineer at another of the tables in the back courtyard, on this sunny winter's day, here in the town of Salme, in the duchy of Dalmar.
They, along with the others, with the exception of Dorc da Orc, look up to one of the trees, where Dalinvardél Tanith the elven spy says "They're coming back".
The spy originally from the elven principality of Alínlae, climbs down the tree he's been up, where he's been looking towards the duke's castle, where it sits upon a hill nearby, on the western edge of town.
And he makes his way across the back courtyard to sit at the table that Beldane the cleric and Tovis the war engineer are sitting at. "They shouldn't be long" the spy Tanith informs the others.
And a short while later, Tamric Drubine the field commander walks from the back door of the inn, followed by Helbe the elven thief, and finally lord Farque.
The three of them have been meeting with duke Hilloc of Dalmar and others up in the nearby ducal castle.
"That everything?" asks Mira Reinholt the mage as Helbe the elven thief sits down at the table he and Shur Kee the monk are sitting at.
While Tamric Drubine sits down at the table where Arvelle aka Zubutai the son of Timagin, and Lisell Maera are sitting at.
"Yes" answers lord Farque who remains standing "Where too then?" asks the spellcaster from the city-state of Vexil, his homeland that he's in exile from.
"We'll leave soon and join the rest of our army" says the undead warlord who wanders across the courtyard to stand next to where Dorc da Orc is sitting against the base of a tree.
"They'll return home for now" adds the heavily armoured deathlord who is also known by the name of Draugadrottin to the people of his lands.
"While we search for another conflict, and if there's anyone willing to hire one of our armies" continues the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, who looks over at Helbe the elven thief as he adds "That's unless something, or i should say, someone else pops up".
The young elven noble who is from the island principality of Laerel rather hopes not. As he still has no control over his power of foresight. And he hates it when it arises, and takes over, knocking him out in the process.
It hasn't happened in about nine months, when it last revealed that they were to find Beldane the cleric.
The highly talented elven magic user who is the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel, hopes it won't arise for another nine months, preferably longer, much longer.
"Got any control over that yet?" asks lord Farque in the royal elven language.
"No" sourly says Helbe the elven thief in the same language.
"You should probably work on that" dryly says the lord of the death realm.
I'd rather not, the young elven noble sourly thinks to himself.
Switching back to the common language, the undead warlord who is also known by the name of Des'tier to an older generation of elves who might know who he is, asks "Everybody got everything?".
Everyone responds in the positive, and after the deathlord of Farque nudges Dorc da Orc with a steel boot, and asks him in the ork language "You as well cunt?".
And the big, burly ork from the southern polar region of the world replies with a grunt in the positive as he gnaws on the bone of the leg of lamb he's stripped bare.
The heavily armoured deathlord says in common to the group in the back courtyard of the Wayfarer Inn "We might as well get going then".
With all of their gear and possessions, they make their way from the Wayfarer Inn, and head west through the town of Salme.
Once they're on the road that goes west out of town, the lord and ruler of the lands Farque says "The others aren't all that far ahead" followed by "Just a few miles".
The undead warlord glances at Helbe the elven thief, and the elven magic user nods his hooded head, then with Narladene the ground pixie upon his right shoulder, the elven master assassin disappears as he shifts away.
They walk along the road, making their way westwards to catch up to the rest of the army from the lands Farque. Who are heading west out of the duchy of Dalmar, and the kingdom of Girdane.
As they walk down the road on this windy, though sunny winter's day here in the very west of the kingdom of Girdane.
Tamric Drubine the young field commander in the armies of Farque looks back at the town of Salme.
And in the afternoon sunlight, he spots a few people up on the ramparts of the ducal castle. Looking in this direction, watching them leave Salme, and the duchy of Dalmar.
Duke Hilloc of Dalmar after deploying some of his soldiers who remained here in Salme while the rest of them went east to fight against the crown.
Sending them out to patrol throughout the duchy, to keep an eye out for any of the waagen who might still be about, as there's some of them still in western and central Girdane.
Makes his way up through the ducal castle. Greeting those castle servants who remained here in Salme, quietly chatting with those he knows well.
All of whom are overjoyed and frankly relieved that their duke has returned. And returned after successfully defeating the crown in the rebellion. So much so that there's both a new regent of the capital city of Oaklynn. As well as a new king of Girdane. One who has already changed the tax laws concerning the three most western duchies in the kingdom.
The duke of Dalmar, who had a joyous reunion with his wife and young children, makes his way up a winding set of stairs in one of the castle towers.
And comes up on the south facing ramparts of the outer wall of the large castle that's been his family's ancestral home for nearly four centuries.
Duke Hilloc makes his way along the top of the wall, and stops and speaks with his cousin sir Passic the swordsman, his guard captain and a couple of other officers in his army.
They're all in cheerful mood, glad to be home, and glad to have success in their rebellion against the crown.
They chuckle over a joke that sir Passic shares with them. Then after the duke of Dalmar asks his guard captain to send out regular patrols more often throughout the duchy.
The duke makes his way further along the battlements, to where he sees his younger sister, the lady Mera standing on the parapet, looking away to the south.
Not far away, beside the next tower along, the house maid Lissa stands, waiting for the lady.
"Good to be home" says duke Hilloc of Dalmar as he stops beside his younger sister.
"That it is" says the lady Mera with a smile upon her face even though it's windy along the parapet.
The young noblewoman who left the town of Salme and the duchy of Dalmar over two years ago to visit the capital city Oaklynn, where she was taken captive by lord Sammis, and forced into marriage to him, then adds "It definitely is".
The duke of Dalmar puts an arm around his younger sister, who says to him "Think we'll ever see them again?".
"Who?" asks duke Hilloc "Them" replies the lady Mera who points at those on the road heading west that she's been watching for the last little while.
"I have no idea" says the duke of Dalmar as he sees who they are "Maybe" adds the nobleman who led the rebellion against the crown.
Duke Hilloc rather hopes he doesn't ever see the mercenaries again. As they've cost him, and duke Korros of Girnath, and duke Lombasil of Falosen a rather large fortune to hire.
For all that they were the reason the rebellion against the crown was successful.
The duke of Dalmar doesn't particularly want to see them again. Because it will mean there's conflict afoot. As he figures they'll seek out conflict and war no matter where they go. Something he doesn't want to see anytime soon, or ever again.

Author's Note - Here ends "A Grand Design". The main storyline will return in "The Lost Ones".

A Grand Design 54.

Winter. Oaklynn. Girdane.

The builders and masons who have been doing the repair work on the front of the main building of the palace of the king.
Have also been busy building something else this morning. A gallows that they complete in the middle of the afternoon.
And when the session of court is over. Those in attendance make their way from around the side of the palace to the front where the gallows is located.
A large crowd of a couple of thousand has gathered in the marshalling yard infront of the palace.
As town criers have been out in the city, declaring that a public execution will take place.
The palace gates were opened for the public, and they've come in to see who it is that will be executed this chilly winters day.
As those who attended court today stand off to one side. The four prisoners are escorted by their black clad guards to around to the back of the gallows.
Upon which duke Furnek of Marsin has climbed, along with his oldest son, Marcco the new regent of Oaklynn.
As well as duke Tremane of Isanor who has been named the new king of Girdane.
The gathered crowd falls silent as the duke of Marsin calls out the names of those who are to be publicly executed this afternoon.
A murmur starts to spread through the gathered crowd as each name is called out. Until shouting and yelling can be heard after duke Furnek calls out the last name, the name of lord Sammis the now former regent of the city of Oaklynn.
The duke of Marsin holds up his hands for silence, and eventually the gathered crowd starts to quiet down.
Then duke Furnek calls out the crimes those who have been named have committed.
There's an uproar from those in the marshalling yard when they hear these. First with the former regent of Oaklynn getting the three most western duchies in the kingdom to rebel against the crown by nefarious means.
But most notably when the duke of Marsin calls out that lord Sammis had his cousin, king Jarnard the Second of his name murdered, along with the rest of the extended royal family.
As he listens to what the duke of Marsin calls out. Lord Sammis as he stands behind the gallows with his cohorts and their guards.
Can't help but sourly smile as he hears the gathered crowd baying for his blood.
The former regent of the capital city knows that most of these people were on his side, and supported his war against the rebel dukes of Dalmar, Girnath and Falosen.
But now, they want him dead for the way in which he went about with his designs and plans to take the throne and be the king of Girdane.
Lord Sammis sourly smiles even more when the duke of Marsin declares that the court of the king has named his oldest son as the new regent of Oaklynn.
And if there's surprise from the public in the marshalling yard when they hear that.
They're absolutely flabbergasted when duke Furnek calls out that duke Tremane of Isanor has ascended the throne, and is the new king of Girdane.
One look at the nearby nobles and others who have come from court. Is a clear sign to the gathered crowd that this is true.
As cheers and applause come from those who attended court during the day.
There's a momentary pause from the gathered crowd in the marshalling yard, then they too burst out into cheering.
The former regent of Oaklynn, lord Sammis grimaces as he hears the public chanting the name of Tremane, first of his name, king of Girdane.
The nobleman who had designs on being the new king of Girdane, can't help but wonder where things went wrong for him.
He glances to his right at his cohorts, and figures that they're probably feeling the same thing as he is. How everything has gone wrong.
Then up on the gallows, duke Furnek has a quiet word with the new king of Girdane.
Then Tremane, first of his name, king of Girdane nods, and calls out in a loud clear voice "Proceed!".
The duke of Marsin looks to behind the gallows, and nods. Then the prisoners hears someone call out an order in the elven language.
It's a captain in the mercenary army from the lands Farque. And a moment later, black clad mercenaries climb the steps onto the gallows.
As the black clad soldiers for hire tie ropes into nooses, the former regent of Oaklynn looks to his right, where captain Kilmane says to him "It's been an honour serving you my lord".
"It's been an honour knowing you Kilmane" replies lord Sammis, who then adds "And you too Sarmac".
"Thank you my lord" says Sarmac the keeper, as the three of them ignore the fourth of their number. The wizard Haric who stands there in a daze, unaware of what's going on around him.
Then as more of the black clad mercenaries carry stools up onto the gallows as the gathered crowd in the marshalling yard, and those who attended court wait in anticipation.
The former regent of Oaklynn suddenly hears a voice behind him, he isn't all that surprised that it's duke Hilloc of Dalmar.
"I thought there's something you should know Sammis" quietly says duke Hilloc of Dalmar, who momentarily pauses before he explains something to the nobleman who is the last surviving member of the family that led the kingdom of Girdane for nearly two centuries.
Lord Sammis goes to spin around when hears what the duke of Dalmar has to say. But the pair of black clad guards holding his arm, keep him still, and facing the front towards the gallows.
"How does it feel knowing that it was never your wives, but it was always you who was always the problem?" quietly asks duke Hilloc who was told some interesting information about the former regent by Helbe the elven thief.
"How they could never fall pregnant because of your, shall we say lacking seed?" adds the duke of Dalmar.
Then the nobleman, one of the three dukes from the very west of the kingdom of Girdane, who rebelled against the crown says "No progeny to follow after you because you could never get it done, no matter what you made those three women suffer".
The former regent of the capital city stands there seething in the grip of his guards, as he had always wanted a son to follow after him and be the king of Girdane as well.
Now those designs are lost to him forever, and he can't help be angry as he hears the tone of satisfaction in the voice of duke Hilloc who tells him "Since what you subjected my sister to, I'm the one who gets to do the deed".
Then once the stools are placed beneath each of the nooses. A command is called out in the elven language.
And the four prisoners, lord Sammis, captain Kilmane, Sarmac the keeper, and Haric the wizard are marched up the steps onto the gallows.
And with the gathered crowd in the marshalling yard getting their first look at the condemned, the jeering and booing starts. Mainly directed at the nobleman who is the former regent of the city of Oaklynn.
As he stands there with his hands bound behind his back, lord Sammis looks around.
And can't help but sneer in disgust at those who have come to witness his execution.
Then he looks over at the duke of Isanor, Tremane the first of his name, king of Girdane, who waits for a lull in the booing and jeering from the gathered crowd, then calmly calls out "Execute them!".
A massive roar goes up from those in the marshalling yard. And from a fair few of those who attended court on this chilly winters day here in the city of Oaklynn, the capital of Girdane.
Then the condemned are lifted up by the black clad mercenaries who wait for a command in elven. The prisoners are stood on the stools beneath each noose.
Lord Sammis who doesn't even know how the noose is put around his neck and throat, then tightened.
Is on the left end of the gallows. With capital Kilmane to his right, and the keeper Sarmac to the right of the captain. While the dazed looking wizard Haric is on the right end of the gallows.
The new king of Girdane waits until a silence settles upon the gathered crowd, then he slightly nods. It's followed by a quiet order in elven by the captain in the Farqian mercenary army who stands at the back of the gallows.
There's not even a pause, as one of the black clad soldiers in the army from the lands Farque kicks the stool out from beneath the feet of Haric the wizard.
The confused look in the eyes of the wizard in the former regent of Oaklynn's army disappears, as Helbe the elven thief drops the sustained dazed spell he's cast upon Haric.
And in the last moment of his life, the wizard who helped to bring the plans and designs of lord Sammis into action, realises what's happening to him.
The portly wizard in the rumpled, ruby red robes drops. And his weight for once is an advantage, as his neck is snapped by the noose that's around his neck and throat. Killing him instantly as the public in the marshalling yard cheer his demise.
Next it's the keeper Sarmac. And when the stool is kicked out from under his feet, he's not so lucky.
He's not heavy enough for his neck to break. Instead he's strangled to death by the noose that's around his neck.
His legs kick about, and his body spasms as he's hung by the rope that he's at the end of. Eventually he goes still, which illicits a cheer from the gathered crowd.
Next is captain Kilmane, who takes a deep breath just before the stool is kicked out from beneath his feet.
Which is rather unfortunate. As he doesn't die instantly either. And takes even longer to die than Sarmac the keeper.
The captain who was the most trusted officer of the former regent, and who came up with a lot of the plans for lord Sammis to become the new king of Girdane.
Takes quite awhile to die as his legs kick about, and his body thrashes around as the noose around his throat and neck slowly strangles him.
Captain Kilmane's face turns purple, then blue as he's strangled as he swings about at the end of the rope.
Eventually he too stops thrashing around, and slowly swings from side to side, dead at the end of the rope that's killed him. As the public who have to come into the palace grounds to witness the executions, let out a cheer at his demise.
Next it's the former regent of Oaklynn's turn. Lord Sammis who has turned his head slightly, and seen the deaths of his cohorts.
He hears duke Hilloc of Dalmar say from behind him "To your left" followed by "She's watching you".
The former regent turns his head the other way, and at one end of those who attended court. He sees his wife the lady Mera, who wasn't at court earlier.
Standing there calmly watching proceedings. With her ever present house maid at her side.
Then lord Sammis looks her straight in the eye, then the former regent of Oaklynn hears duke Hilloc say "For my sister". The stool beneath his feet is kicked out from beneath him by the duke of Dalmar.
Like the keeper Sarmac and captain Kilmane. The former regent of the capital city neck doesn't snap. And is strangled to death by the noose that's around his throat and neck.
It gets tighter and tighter as he hangs there at the end of the rope. While his body and legs jerk and spasm about, as he's unable to breathe, with his last thoughts being of how everything went wrong for him, when it looked like he was just about to be the new king of Girdane.
The gathered crowd in the marshalling yard, and those who attended court are silent as they watch the former regent of Oaklynn being hanged to death.
Then once his body goes still, and it just swings from side to side. A massive cheer goes up from the public, and quite a few of the nobility and the others who attended court earlier today.
As the four bodies swing there at the end of the ropes on the gallows. Duke Hilloc of Dalmar looks away to the left to where those who were at court are standing.
At one end of them, he sees his younger sister Mera looking at her now dead husband, the former regent of Oaklynn, lord Sammis.
And as the gathered crowd continue to cheer the demise of those who have just been executed.
The lady Mera sees her brother Hilloc looking her way. She slightly smiles at him, then nods in satisfaction at what's just taken place.
The duke of Dalmar nods in return to his sister, then duke Hilloc looks at the body of lord Sammis as it hangs there on the end of a rope "Good riddance you fuck" murmurs the duke of Dalmar in satisfaction . . . . . .

A Grand Design 53.

Winter. The City Of Oaklynn. The Capital Of The Kingdom Of Girdane.

They come and take away Sarmac the keeper first. Marching him out of his cell, and out the corridor in this part of the dungeons beneath the palace of the king.
Next the black clad mercenaries come for Haric the wizard. Picking up the portly unconscious spellcaster, and carrying him away.
Lord Sammis the regent of Oaklynn, and his most trusted officer, captain Kilmane. Look across at each other. No saying anything, as they have a fair idea what's going on.
A little bit later, and they return for the captain in the regent's army. Who calmly walks from his cell after the door is opened.
And before he goes out of sight as he walks between some of the black clad mercenaries. He nods his head to his lord and regent as he's led away.
Lord Sammis, the regent of Oaklynn, and the last surviving member of the royal family. Is the only one left in the cells in this part of the dungeons.
He suspects he's going to his death, or at least a trial of some kind. But when eventually the black clad mercenaries return for him.
And taking assurance from the way Kilmane acted, he calmly walks from his cell.
He really has no idea where they're taking him. As he follows a pair of the black clad soldiers for hire, while two others follow right behind him.
It's not until he's led up a set of steps he recognises. As he's never been down in the dungeons, before he woke up in them.
Does he know where he's going, as they turn into a hallway, and he realises they're heading to one of the back entrances to the massive chamber in the middle of the main building of the palace, where court is held.
The regent of Oaklynn, who has absolutely no thoughts of escape. As the hallway is lined with more of the black clad mercenaries on either side.
Slightly frowns as he wonders why he's being taken to court. He suspects the rebel dukes have put one of themselves forward as either king, or at least regent.
He'll have something to say about that. As he's still regent, no matter what he's done.
Lord Sammis sneers as he's led to a pair of doors, which are opened as they approach them. And as he enters the massive chamber. The regent of Oaklynn suddenly comes to a stop as he sees who is actually in it.
It's near a complete session of court, with all the eastern dukes, and the lords and ladies of the eastern duchies. Along with most of the central dukes, as well as the lords and ladies from that part of the kingdom.
There's even some of the western dukes, lords and ladies in attendance too. Those who kept out of the rebellion of the three dukes from the very west of the kingdom, who of course are in attendance.
There's also advisors and officers from duchies right across the kingdom of Girdane in attendance.
Everyone in the massive chamber turn to look at who has just entered. And stare at the regent of Oaklynn. Who looks around, bewildered that court is actually in session.
Lord Sammis looks quickly towards the throne, and sees no one upon it. He also sees no one sitting on his chair, which as regent and the representative at court of the city council. Is down from the throne, and to the right of where it's sits upon a raised dias.
He sees that most of the ducal seats are occupied, or have a duke standing infront of it, or next to it. As they all look towards where he's standing. Even the trio of rebel dukes are at their seats, watching him like everyone else is.
The nobleman, who is the last surviving member of the royal family. Sees that just about everyone else is standing which is tradition. Lords and ladies, advisors, and army officers are on their feet watching him.
While he spots a number of people on some of the side benches in the massive chamber.
The regent of Oaklynn sees the three who were taken prisoner with him. Captain Kilmane, Sarmac the keeper, and Haric the wizard are on one bench. With the portly spellcaster in the ruby red robes, looking a little dazed as he looks around wondering what's going on.
They're guarded by some of the black clad mercenaries. As are those on the bench next to the one Kilmane, Sarmac and Haric are sitting on.
Sir Welson the advisor to the regent of Oaklynn is on that bench. Along with Jaqor Kaim, the former mercenary who commands the regent's army. With them is a few others in the senior staff of lord Sammis.
All of whom are looking at their lord. Wondering what they've heard so far here at court is true or not. It seems to be, and they're all in some form of denial, as they can't actually believe it's true.
The regent of Oaklynn is wondering what he'll say, most likely in his defence. As there's more than a few unfriendly looks from those here at court, directed at him.
Where he's nudged in the back, a sure signal for him to head to the middle of the chamber with his guards.
The nobleman whose family's lands are further to the north here in the duchy of Marsin.
Looks to the side, and spots on some of the benches by one of the side entrances to the massive chamber.
A number of people, including those mercenaries he spoke with down in the dungeons earlier this morning.
They're not in the public galleries, which the regent of Oaklynn, thankfully sees are empty with the exception of some of the palace officials. Nobles for the most part. Too minor to stand upon the floor with the rest of the nobility.
As he stands in the middle of the floor, lord Sammis wonders who'll speak. And figures it will be one of the rebel dukes. Presumably duke Hilloc of Dalmar, who sits upon his ducal seat, glaring at the nobleman who forced his younger sister, the lady Mera into marriage.
So it's a bit of a surprise to the regent of Oaklynn, when it's duke Furnek of Marsin who takes a step forward from where he's standing infront of his seat, and begins to speak.
"Lord Sammis" says duke Furnek of Marsin who doesn't greet the regent of Oaklynn at all.
"You've been accused of a number of heinous things" continues the duke of Marsin, who until earlier this morning, was still one of the staunchest allies of the regent of Oaklynn.
"It's no use trying to prove you're innocent" adds the nobleman whose duchy the city of Oaklynn lies in "Your cohorts have already confirmed to us what has taken place" says duke Furnek who gestures over to where captain Kilmane, the keeper Sarmac, and Haric the wizard are sitting.
Then the duke of Marsin beckons over someone from amongst those who are standing on the floor.
It's an officer in his own army, and duke Furnek tells him "Go ahead".
"Yes my lord' says the officer, who also happens to be sorcerer. Who then looks at the regent of Oaklynn and casts a spell.
After a few moments, the officer in the army of the duke of Marsin, looks at his lord, and nods yes.
"All of it?" asks duke Furnek "Yes my lord', all of it" is the reply from the officer in the dukes army, who briefly pauses, before adding "And some others".
"Like what?" asks the duke of Marsin with a slight frown upon his face.
The sorcerer takes a quick glance at regent Sammis. Then after he looks around, he approaches his lord, duke Furnek of Marsin, and has a quiet conversation with him.
As the officer speaks, the duke of Marsin watches lord Sammis, until he takes a quick look at duke Hilloc of Dalmar, and winces after his officer quietly tells him something.
The duke of Marsin then nods to his officer, and the sorcerer moves back to stand amongst the others who are standing out on the floor, here at court in the palace of the king of Girdane.
"Your crimes are too many to list Sammis" says duke Furnek, which causes the regent of Oaklynn to scowl. Not because of accusations of so called crimes he's committed. But because the way in which the duke of Marsin addressed him.
Calling him by his name, and not his title of regent, or even referring to him as a lord.
"But chief amongst them is inciting a rebellion through disease, in this case a plague" continues duke Furnek, who follows that up with "As well as attacks upon the people in the far west of the kingdom, by creatures of your creation"
The duke of Marsin briefly pauses, before he continues on with "The same creatures you used to commit the most heinous of your crimes, the murder of our king, king Jarnard the Second, and the rest of the royal family, all of whom are relations of yours".
Duke Furnek of Marsin, who the rebel dukes of Dalmar, Girnath and Falosen, put forth to take over proceedings here at court today, then says "What say you Sammis?" the duke of Marsin follows that with "Going to try and deny it?".
"Why bother?" says lord Sammis the regent of Oaklynn, who continues with "You've already found me guilty without even giving me a fair hearing".
"We didn't have to" says duke Furnek, who follows that with "You proved your own guilt" adds the duke of Marsin, who gestures to the officer in his army, who came forward a little earlier, and says "He just read your mind, and everything i said you did" he briefly pauses before saying "You did".
The regent of Oaklynn scowls again, as spellcasters, who aren't part of the king's guards, or regent's guards like Haric the wizard is. Aren't allowed to cast at court.
Infact, most nobles who have practitioners of magic within their routine. Tend to not bring them to court at all.
"Spellcasters at court" angrily says lord Sammis who continues with "That's a violation of the laws of the kingdom".
"So is killing our king, but you did that anyway" says duke Hilloc of Dalmar in a cool tone of voice as he speaks up from where he sits "Even though he was your very own cousin" adds the duke of Dalmar.
Court falls silent, the murmurs of those in attendance cease, as everyone looks at the regent of Oaklynn.
Lord Sammis seeing an opportunity, snorts in disdain, then says "That's rich coming from you Hilloc, considering you went to war against my cousin Jarnard, and would of killed him if you had half the chance".
"In battle perhaps" says duke Hilloc as duke Furnek looks on, a little annoyed that he's lost control of proceedings for the moment.
"Not murder him as he slept like you did" says the duke of Dalmar, who is on his ducal seat, one of a number, that's in a crescent formation, out to either side of the dais the throne is on.
"You seem to forget, we rebelled against the crown to dethrone the king" adds duke Hilloc, who continues on with "Not murder him and his family in their beds".
"And me?" asks the regent of the capital city.
"Well, that's another matter entirely different" says the duke of one of the three western duchies that rebelled against the crown.
"I would've gladly murdered you in your sleep" admits duke Hilloc who ignores the gasps from some of those in attendance at court.
"Figured as much" mutters lord Sammis, who has known that the duke of Dalmar has never really liked him. And has hated him, even since the regent forced the lady Mera into marriage.
"And why's that?" asks lord Sammis the regent of Oaklynn.
"You fucking know exactly why!" shouts duke Hilloc of Dalmar, who nearly rushes from his ducal seat. And doesn't, only when duke Korros of Girnath puts a restraining hand on his left arm, and quietly says to him "Easy Hilloc" followed by "He'll get what he deserves".
"Order!" calls out duke Furnek of Marsin as people react to the unseemly outburst from the duke of Dalmar. Eventually order is restored, and people settle down.
And the duke of Marsin looks at the nobleman who until this morning, was one of his closest allies, and tells him "Your punishment has already been decided".
Duke Furnek, follows that with "All we needed was confirmation of guilt" then he quickly says "For your schemes and designs that started a rebellion, and had you kill the king and the rest of the royal family, you and your three main cohorts are to be executed" the duke of Marsin momentarily pauses before he adds "Publicly".
The regent of Oaklynn winces when he hears that. And we he looks over at captain Kilmane, the keeper Sarmac, and Haric the wizard.
He sees that they're not surprised in the least. And the regent realises that they must of been told their fate already. Before he was brought up from the dungeons.
The duke of Marsin is just about to say something, when duke Korros of Girnath speaks up, and says "There's one other thing that needs to be decided".
The duke of Girnath, a fairly short fellow, in a suit of heavy iron plate armour, indicates his fellow rebel dukes, Hilloc and Lombasil sitting to either side of him, and says "We've decided that someone needs to sit upon the throne of Girdane".
The entire chamber falls silent, and duke Furnek blinks in surprise, as this wasn't discussed earlier before court was convened.
Looking straight at lord Sammis, duke Hilloc of Dalmar adds "And a new regent of Oaklynn too".
Both the dukes of Girnath and Falosen nod in agreement.
With a look of disgust upon his face, the regent of Oaklynn says "As if the three of you can decide that".
"Well, we do hold the capital city" says duke Lombasil of Falosen, who then adds "So we can pretty much do as we like".
"And i suppose one of you will be king?" demands lord Sammis, who quickly adds "And another regent". As figures Hilloc will put himself on the throne and be king. While Korros will be regent.
Before those here at court can protest, as this was definitely not discussed with them.
Duke Hilloc of Dalmar grins, and says "We could" he follows that with "But we won't".
Before the protests begin, they fall silent. As the nobility and others at court look at the trio of rebellious dukes.
Then the duke of Dalmar looks at duke Furnek of Marsin, and says to him "We thought your oldest son Marcco should be the regent. He's already a fine administrator for your duchy. We're sure he would to a similar job for the capital".
The duke of Marsin blinks in surprise, as he definitely wasn't expecting that. All he does is nod yes in reply to duke Hilloc asking him "Will he accept?".
Seeing the look of anger upon the face of lord Sammis, duke Hilloc of Dalmar can't help but grin.
Then he says "As for who shall take the throne" before he turns his head, and looks at the nobleman sitting on the ducal throne to his immediate left.
"We thought you should be the next king of Girdane" says duke Hilloc of Dalmar as he looks at duke Tremane of Isanor. Who looks absolutely flabbergasted at the suggestion. While there's absolute silence in the massive chamber.
Silence that's broken by lord Sammis, the now former regent of Oaklynn shouting "You can't do that!".
"Oh, but we can" says duke Hilloc, duke Korros and duke Lombasil nod in agreement with him, as the duke of Dalmar adds "We just did" . . . . . .

A Grand Design 52.

Winter. In And Around The City Of Oaklynn. The Kingdom Of Girdane.

Two days later, and representatives of the crown's army and the eastern dukes. Approach the city of Oaklynn under a flag of truce.
With them are a few of the dukes from the central region of the kingdom, and the western region. Like the dukes of Poldis, Isanor and Wostin. Who weren't involved in the war between the rebel dukes and the crown.
They've all stopped about a mile to the west of the city of Oaklynn, the capital of Girdane.
On what's a sunny, though chilly winter's morning, here in the duchy of Marsin.
Facing them on the road, are representatives of the rebel dukes who have taken the city of Oaklynn. Who have also taken a number of important individuals as prisoners. When the capital city fell to them at the start of the week.
"That's commander Kaim third from the end on the right" quietly says Helbe the elven thief as he sits upon a horse, next to one that Tamric Drubine the field commander is on.
"He knows basically nothing of what the regent was up to" adds the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, who has just read the mind of the former mercenary, who is the commander of the regent's army.
"Just like his advisor sir Welsan?" quietly asks Tamric Drubine the field commander, referring to the regent of Oaklynn's advisor, who was taken prisoner when the city of Oaklynn fell to the rebel dukes, and the mercenary army from the lands Farque who they've hired.
The highly talented elven magic user nods his hooded head in reply to that, then the elven masterthief who happens to be the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel quietly says "Pretty much".
Then the elven master assassin who is a member of the personal council to lord Farque, and the nobleborn teenager who hails from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin fall silent.
And the two of them look over to their left, to where sir Passic, the older cousin of duke Hilloc of Dalmar is on a horse.
The young field commander in the armies of Farque nods to the nobleman from the western duchy of Dalmar.
Who nods in return, then he along with Tamric Drubine and Helbe the elven thief ride forward down the road.
While a trio of the enemy riders make their way forward from the others who are with them.
The two small groups stop just ten yards from each other. Where they look at one another. Before finally someone speaks up.
"Well, we're here" says duke Furnek of Marsin, whose duchy they're in at the moment.
"What do you want?" continues the duke of Marsin, who has rode forward with Jaqor Kaim the commander of the regent's army. And duke Tremane, the duke of Isanor. One of the so called neutral duchies during the rebellion.
"And good morning to you" is the reply of sir Passic the swordsman, who glances over at Helbe the elven thief, who slightly nods his hooded head, indicating that he'll take over proceedings.
"As what was sent in the message" says the grandson of Prince Raendril of Laerel, who continues on with "Court is to be convened, so that you all may bare witness to what's really happened" he then adds "Not just to do with the rebellion of the dukes from the very west of the kingdom. But other events too, both recent and older".
"How do we know riding into the city isn't a trap?" asks the duke of Marsin, who then adds "And what's to stop us from taking the city back?".
Duke Furnek briefly pauses, before he continues on with "And for that matter, who the hell are you two?" as he gestures at the young elven noble from the principality of Laerel, and the nobleborn teenager from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin.
"It isn't a trap" says prince Helbenthril Raendril, who continues with "Nothing's stopping you" before he adds "And the two of us are part of the mercenary army that the dukes of Dalmar, Girnath and Falosen have hired".
The elf who is a member of the personal council to the lord and ruler of the lands Farque briefly pauses, before he continues on with "The same mercenary army that's defeated you lot in every battle we've come up against you" followed by "The same mercenary army that defeated the regent's army here in Oaklynn, and took the city in a morning".
The highly talented elven magic user then falls silent, to let that sink in. As the duke of Marsin sourly smiles, as does commander Kaim.
While duke Tremane of Isanor, is more circumspect, and has a more composed countenance as he watches on as the two small groups of riders face one another, here on the road, just to the west of the city of Oaklynn.
It's duke Tremane of Isanor who finally speaks up, when he asks "Why exactly do you want court to be convened?" followed by "To bare witness to what, and to whom?".
Sir Passic and Tamric Drubine both glance at the elven master assassin, as it was a possibility that this would be brought up. And they hadn't decided how they'd answer it.
The highly talented elven magic user who could easily use spellcraft to get the enemy to do what he and the others want. Has decided not to, and instead pretty much tells the enemy the truth, though to a point.
"Well" says prince Helbenthril Raendril who continues with "You'd say treason, and over a number of years too" followed by "Which has seen disease spread through the very west of the kingdom, creatures unleashed in the remote areas out west, causing an uprising and a rebellion".
The elven master archer briefly pauses before he adds "Treason that's also seen your king murdered, and near the entire royal family wiped out".
As duke Furnek of Marsin frowns, as does commander Kaim. Duke Tremane of Isanor slightly nods, then he says "That's why" followed by "And who shall we bare witness to?".
"Well, isn't it obvious?" says Helbe the elven thief, who first looks at Jaqor Kaim then he looks back at the city of Oaklynn.
The elf who is a member of the personal council to the lord and ruler of the lands Farque looks at the trio on their mounts, and tells them "The only living member of the royal family left alive".
The young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel continues with "Among others" followed by "But him chief amongst them".
As commander Kaim scowls in anger, and duke Tremane of Isanor slightly nods, duke Furnek of Marsin whose duchy the city of Oaklynn lies in, frowns, then says "You speak of the most important man in the kingdom" followed by "How do we know what's said at court is the truth?".
"You are permitted to bring spellcasters to court to verify that the truth is being said" says sir Passic the swordsman, the older cousin of the duke of Dalmar continues with "You know this is not normally permitted, and only spellcasters in the king's guard, and those nobles with magical abilities are actually allowed at court, but not to cast" he then adds "This will be the one time there's an exception".
The trio from the enemy army that's camped about five miles to the west of the city of Oaklynn, are silent for some time, then they all look at one another.
And finally duke Tremane of Isanor says "We will need a little bit of time to discuss this in private".
"Of course" says the elven princeling from Laerel, who along with field commander Drubine, and sir Passic, turn their mounts, and ride back along the road towards the city of Oaklynn, stopping about a hundred yards away.
"Looks like they're in a heated discussion" says the older cousin of duke Hilloc of Dalmar "That they are" says Tamric Drubine or Tam as he's more commonly called by those who know him well.
The son and former heir of a previous knight of castle Drubine, which is located in the forested north of the kingdom of Sarcrin, looks at the elven spellcaster and asks him "What are they saying?".
"They're arguing over to accept our offer or not" replies the elven masterthief who is the grandson of Prince Raendril of Laerel.
"The commander is dead against it, and doesn't believe the regent is guilty of anything" says the elven magic user, who continues with "The duke of Marsin is undecided at what to do, while the duke of Isanor wants to find out the truth, and to know if the regent is guilty of what we've claimed".
"You using a spell to find this out?" asks sir Passic as he looks sideways at the young elven noble on the horse beside him.
"Hardly" dryly says the elven master assassin, who continues with "I can hear them from here".
A short while later, and field commander Drubine says "They've decided" as they see duke Furnek of Marsin wave to them to ride forward.
As the three of them head down the road, sir Passic quietly asks the elven master archer "They'll come to court?".
"They will" replies prince Helbenthril Raendril of Laerel as they ride forward.
And once they're before the trio of riders representing the enemy army, duke Furnek of Marsin says, though a little grudgingly "We will attend court".
Nodding his hooded head, Helbe the elven thief "You will have safe passage into the city" followed by "The dukes, lords and ladies may bring their routine and personal guards too".
The dukes of Marsin and Isanor, as well as commander Kaim all look at sir Passic, who nods and says "You may" followed by "The rest of the army is to remain camped where they are".
After a brief pause, duke Tremane of Isanor says "Very well" then after he looks at his fellow duke, and the commander of the regent's army, he asks "When?".
"Now if you'd like" says the elven princeling who is a member of the personal council to lord Farque, who then adds "Or as soon as possible".
The duke of Isanor nods, and so does commander Kaim, though reluctantly, then the duke of Marsin finally nods, then he says "Soon then".
He nods to the trio who have come forth from the city, and then he turns his mount, and heads back along the road, followed by duke Tremane of Isanor and Jaqor Kaim the commander of the regent's army.
As they watch the three of them ride away, field commander Drubine says "I notice you didn't mention that the discussion on who'll take the throne will also take place".
"Must of slipped my mind" says the elven spellcaster with a grin upon his youthful looking face.
"I bet" dryly says the nobleborn teenager from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, while sir Passic chuckles.
Then councillor Reinholt looks at the nobleman from the duchy of Dalmar, and asks him "Think he'll make a good king?".
"Furnek?" says the older cousin of duke Hilloc of Dalmar "Hell no" adds sir Passic who continues with "That'll be almost as bad as having the regent on the throne".
"I meant the duke of Isanor" says Helbe the elven thief. "Tremane?" says sir Passic, who pauses for a moment or two as he thinks about it, then he continues with "Maybe" followed by "You could do a hell of a lot worse, that's for sure".
"Well it's your guys decision" says the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel, who then nods back to where the others are waiting, and adds "Might as well head back to the city and wait for their arrival".
It's late in the morning, near midday when the nobility of the eastern duchies, and those from the central duchies, and out west. Ride into the city of Oaklynn with their personal routines. They're escorted by black clad cavalry soldiers in the army of Farque, who head towards the center of the city, where the palace of the king of Girdane is located.
As they ride through the capital city, they see very little evidence of a recent battle. Infact they see no damage at all. It's only when they get to the long street in the center of the city, do they see any damage.
Where both the city council building and the palace itself has been damaged, and even then, repair work is well and truly underway on both buildings.
And as they ride through the streets of the city, they see that life is back to normal. With people going about their daily lives. Businesses and shops busy doing trade on this chilly winter's day.
With airships coming and going from the airdocks that lie to the north of the city.
And as they ride through the palace gates, it's as though there wasn't a battle for the city just over four days ago.
Lord Farque nods his full helmed head when Helbe the elven thief and Tamric Drubine the field commander tells him, who's who amongst those who have just entered the palace grounds.
Next to the undead lord, the tall plainsman with the shaved head, Arvelle Ganard quietly asks in the elven language "Think they'll believe it?".
"They bloody better" mutters Mira Reinholt the mage in the same language as he stands on the otherside of the heavily armoured deathlord.
They're behind the dukes of Dalmar, Girnath and Falosen, and the rebel dukes senior staff and advisors. Infront of the side entrance to the main building of the palace, as they wait for the enemy.
The front of the main building is being worked on, after the mage Reinholt basically destroyed the entire facade with a mageglobe he created.
"They will" quietly says lord Farque in elven, the undead being whose nation lies faraway to the south, continues with "The regent is as guilty as fuck as you'll ever likely to find".
"And the other matter?" quietly asks the once powerful mage "That" says the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, who after a slight pause, continues with "Will come as a bit of a fucking shock I'm sure".
The lord of the death realm, looks at the others, and nods his full helmed head at them to go back inside with him. With the exception of Helbe the elven thief, and Tamric Drubine the field commander who remain outside with the rebel dukes and their senior staff.
Stepping forward to stand beside the dukes of the three most western duchies in the kingdom of Girdane, the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel quietly tells the dukes of Falosen, Girnath and Dalmar "Careful with what you say".
The elven masterthief who is a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque then adds "Don't want to start an incident that both sides will regret".
"We'll be careful" says duke Lombasil of Falosen "Let's just bloody hope they do" adds duke Korros of Girnath in a mutter.
The third of the rebel dukes from the very west of the kingdom, duke Hilloc of Dalmar nods in agreement.
Then duke Hilloc steps forward from the group infront of the side entrance of the main building of the palace, as the riders rein up.
And after the dukes, lords and ladies, and their personal routines dismount, and take a step forward as grooms and stablehands take away their horses.
Duke Hilloc of Dalmar bids them welcome as he says "Welcome to the palace of the king" he follows that with "We have much to discuss at court" as he gestures for the new arrivals to enter side by side with him and the others who have waited for them . . . . . .

A Grand Design 51

Winter. The Kingdom Of Girdane. The City Of Oaklynn.

Shur Kee the monk, sir Percavelle Lé Dic, Lisell Maera the messenger, and Dalinvardél Tanith the elven spy are the last to enter the room. One of the antechambers off to the side of where court is held here in the palace of the king of Girdane.
They enter as the conversation is already underway. With Helbe the elven thief, along with Tamric Drubine the field commander and Arvelle Ganard the plainsman talking with the dukes of Dalmar, Girnath and Falosen. While some of the rebel dukes officers are off to one side.
Opposite to where lord Farque is sitting with Mira Reinholt the mage, and Dorc da Orc who is on the floor next to the undead warlord and the once powerful mage.
And as the four of them, Shur Kee, Percy, Lis and Dalin join them over on the otherside of the antechamber.
They hear that it isn't really a conversation as such, it's more of a rant from duke Hilloc of Dalmar. As it seems to be he's the one doing all the talking.
"He cannot go unpunished" says duke Hilloc of Dalmar, who continues on with "If i have to strangle him to death myself, then I'll do so".
"If you want, then you can" says Helbe the elven thief, who finally gets a word in, which stops the duke of Dalmar in the middle of his rant.
The young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel looks at duke Hilloc and tells him "No one's stopping you".
The highly talented elven magic user looks at the two other rebel dukes from the very west of the kingdom, and asks them "That's if you all agree to it of course".
Both duke Korros of Girnath, and duke Lombasil of Falosen frown. While the duke of Dalmar briefly scowls.
The elven masterthief who is a member of the personal council to the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
Who spoke to duke Hilloc a little earlier this morning, after the duke of Dalmar found out from his younger sister, the lady Mera. What she had endured in her forced marriage with lord Sammis, the regent of Oaklynn.
Then says to the trio of rebel dukes from the very west of the kingdom "We're not going to tell you what to do with your prisoners".
The young elven noble who is the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel, continues on with "Just that if you kill him, before at least part of the court can be convened, then how will the kingdom know what he's actually done?".
The trio of dukes remain silent as the elven master assassin, who is the envoy for the mercenary army from the lands Farque, who speaks for them, when they deal with those who have hired them, tells the dukes of Falosen, Girnath and Dalmar "You've got the enemy army heading back to the capital".
The elven princeling follows that with "If you want some sort of peace, or a semblance of order, you might want to explain what he did" the elven master archer continues with "Like manipulating the tension between the crown and your duchies, which led to the rebellion he wanted".
Helbe the elven thief briefly pauses, before he says "Spreading the plague in your duchies, having waagen attack people at random, then killing his own cousin the king, and the rest of the royal family, so that he could take the throne for himself".
The elven spellcaster from the island principality of Laerel continues on with "I'd think those of the crown's army, and the eastern dukes and lords heading back this way, will want to know that".
Both duke Lombasil of Falosen, and duke Korros of Girnath nod in agreement to that.
Then after a few moments, duke Hilloc of Dalmar, after he clenches his right hand into a fist, then relaxes that hand. He too nods in agreement, though he lets out a pent up breath.
"So, we're in agreement with that?" asks Tamric Drubine the field commander, who follows on from that with "Because if not, your war will continue, and you'll have to fight that lot coming back east".
The nobleborn teenager who hails from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, continues with "And there's no way we can hold the city" he then adds "We'll have to leave, most likely back through the portal, and to attack them from behind again".
Tamric Drubine or Tam as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, briefly pauses before he continues with "And with all the eastern lords fighting alongside the crown's forces, it'll be a war of attrition throughout the rest of the winter most likely".
He looks at the three dukes from the very west of the kingdom, and asks them "Do any of you want that?".
Duke Lombasil slightly shakes his head no, as does duke Korros. And after duke Hilloc briefly winces, he shakes his head no too.
After glancing at the young field commander, then at his fellow councillor, Arvelle Ganard the plainsman.
Helbe the elven thief says to the trio of rebellious dukes "So, we'll see if we can reconvene the court in someway?" he follows that with "So the regent can be brought forth, where his crimes can be laid bare, before he's executed?".
"Sounds fair to me" says duke Korros of Girnath, duke Lombasil of Falosen nods in agreement, then after a moment, duke Hilloc of Dalmar nods too.
After a few moments of silence, the elven magic user asks the rebel dukes "Have you sorted out the other matter?".
"No" replies the duke of Dalmar, which is echoed by the other two dukes from the very west of the kingdom.
"Maybe one of you?" says Arvelle Ganard the plainsman as he speaks up for the first time.
"No!" is the reply in unison from the dukes of Falosen, Girnath and Dalmar.
Then after they sheepishly look at one another, duke Lombasil says "It will be someone else".
"Definitely not one of us" adds duke Korros, who gets a nod of agreement from his fellow dukes.
"Well, it's up to you" says prince Helbenthril Raendril, the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel then adds "We definitely don't want to help you pick your new king".
Down in the dungeons beneath the palace of the king of Girdane. Lord Sammis the regent of Oaklynn, wakes up after having a midmorning nap.
The nobleman, who until two days ago, was the most important person in the kingdom of Girdane.
Who if his rather grand scheme had come to plan, would probably be the king of Girdane today.
But now he's languishing in the dank and gloomy dungeons beneath the palace of the king.
Lord Sammis, who still holds the office of the regent of Oaklynn, he's yet to be officially stripped of it.
Gets up off the pallet like bed he's been given to use. And he makes his way over to the front of his cell, which is barred, as is the cell door.
He looks across the way, to the cell opposite his. In that one, stands captain Kilmane. Who stands there watching the nobleman on the otherside of the torch lit corridor.
"How is he?" asks lord Sammis the regent of Oaklynn.
"Still not moving by the looks of it" is the reply of captain Kilmane, who sticks his head forward as possible, and says "What say you Sarmac?".
"He's still out" is the reply of the keeper Sarmac who is in the cell to the left of the one the captain is in.
"Hell, that's two whole days now" says the nobleman who is the only living member of the royal family that's ruled the kingdom of Girdane for a number of generations.
"A spell most likely" adds the regent of Oaklynn, who like the others down here in the dungeons beneath the palace. Have been taken prisoner by the enemy. The rebels from the three most western duchies in the kingdom.
Both captain Kilmane and the keeper Sarmac nod in agreement. For lying on the pallet like bed in the cell opposite to the one Sarmac is in.
The same cell, that's to the right of the one lord Sammis is in.
Lies the wizard Haric, who has not woken at all since they first woke after being captured two mornings ago.
"He's not dead is he?" asks the nobleman who is from further north here in the duchy of Marsin. It's a question he's asked a number of times since they woke up here in the dungeons beneath the palace of the king.
"No" says the former gamekeeper Sarmac, who has the best view of the portly wizard, who is fast asleep in his cell.
"I can see his chest rising and falling" adds the keeper Sarmac as he watches the sleeping spellcaster across the corridor from him.
"Damn" mutters regent Sammis under his breath, as he was hoping the wizard would of woken by now. And with him awake, they would find away to escape the dungeons beneath the palace of the king, here in the center of the capital city of the kingdom of Girdane.
But the fairly powerful spellcaster has been unconscious since they were taken prisoner two mornings ago.
Lord Sammis looks across the corridor to captain Kilmane, who just shrugs his shoulders when he sees the regent of Oaklynn look his way again.
"We're never getting out" states the captain who is the regent's most trusted officers "They won't let us slip through their fingers" adds captain Kilmane.
Who just over two days ago, just before dawn that particularly cold winter's morning.
Never would of thought he'd been in the dungeons beneath the palace of the king later that morning.
Where he and the others taken prisoner with him, have been held for the last two days.
Both the captain and the regent are about to say something else. When they, along with the keeper Sarmac hear the main door to section of the dungeon they're in, open up.
"Visitors" quietly says captain Kilmane, the regent Sammis nods in agreement, then they along with Sarmac step back from the front of their cells.
They hear people approaching, and in the torch lit corridor their cells are in. A trio walk into view. One looks to be an elf in a white hooded cloak. Another is a young man in half plate armour, which has a black surcoat over the breastplate. And the third is a tall plainsman with a shaved head. Who has a black tabbard on over his leather armoured jacket.
The three of them look at the four prisoners for a few moments, with the elf paying attention to the unconscious wizard Haric.
Then it's the young man in the half plate armour, a teenager really, who speaks as he stands between the cells of captain Kilmane and lord Sammis the regent of Oaklynn.
"Introductions aren't necessary" says Tamric Drubine the field commander as he looks at lord Sammis "What i will say, is that we're part of the mercenary army that the dukes of Dalmar, Girnath and Falosen hired to fight against you" adds the nobleborn teenager originally from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin.
After checking that his sustained sleep spell is still working on the wizard Haric, Helbe the elven thief steps forward next to field commander Drubine, and says "You're prisoners of the dukes Lombasil, Korros and Hilloc".
The young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel looks at lord Sammis when he says that last name.
"Who have decided to keep you all alive for a while longer" continues the highly talented elven magic user, who follows that with "Until court is conveyed, and you divulge your crimes to the lords and ladies, and dukes of the kingdom".
Seeing an opportunity, lord Sammis the regent of Oaklynn speaks up and says "That's hardly likely to happen" he continues with "The eastern dukes and lords, and a few of the central ones are at war with those western rebels" he then adds "And i doubt they and the rest of the crown's forces have been defeated in battle".
"Who said we had to defeat them?" asks the elven masterthief, who after a brief pause, continues with "I'm pretty sure wwe'll come to an arrangement with them" followed by "I know you're thinking that's pretty unlikely, but it isn't as unlikely as say, Oaklynn falling to us in a morning when you thought we were over a hundred miles away to west".
Both lord Sammis and captain Kilmane wince at that reminder, while the keeper Sarmac sourly smiles at hearing it.
The regent of Oaklynn who has no intention of going before court and admitting to the nobility of the kingdom what he's done, says "And if we refuse?".
After slightly snorting in derision, Arvelle Ganard the plainsman says "You won't" followed by "You'll admit to everything you've planned over the last handful of years" he then adds "Besides a lot of it's already public knowledge here in the city, as over the last couple of days, we've spread the information of what you've done".
Lord Sammis grimaces when he hears that. Then in the cell across from him, captain Kilmane asks their captors "And what will happen to us then?".
"Well that's pretty obvious" replies Tamric Drubine the field commander, next to him, Helbe the elven thief nods his hooded head, and he looks at the regent of Oaklynn as he says "The dukes of Falosen, Girnath and Dalmar will have you executed".
The young elven noble who is the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel, then adds after a brief pause "Though that's after they decide who'll be the new king of Girdane, they're still working on that".
Lord Sammis the regent of Oaklynn bitterly smiles when he hears that, as it finally sinks in that his grand design of the last few years has failed . . . . . .

A Grand Design 50.

Winter. The City Of Oaklynn. The Capital Of The Kingdom Of Girdane.

"Well, they've paid us for another week" says Mira Reinholt the mage with a shrug of his shoulders, who then adds "So staying here is no problem".
Arvelle Ganard the plainsman, who is standing beside the once powerful mage, nods his head in agreement as the two of them stand upon the roof of the palace of the king.
It's two days since the city of Oaklynn fell to the rebel dukes from the three most western duchies in the kingdom of Girdane, the duchies of Dalmar, Girnath and Falosen.
"Should probably expect an answer sometime today" adds the spellcaster who is originally from the city-state of Vexil.
"That's if they believe what's happened" says Arvelle Ganard the plainsman, who is rather glad this morning is much more warmer than it has been over the last couple of days here in the city of Oaklynn, the capital of the kingdom of Girdane.
"I think they will" says the mage Reinholt, who like the tall plainsman with the shaved head, is a member of the personal council to the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
Early yesterday, a wyvern and it's rider in the crown's army was intercepted by Helbe the elven thief as they were returning to the city of Oaklynn.
After they were given a message by the young elven noble. And seeing that the regent's army no longer controlled the city of Oaklynn.
They headed back west, to return to the crown's army. To deliver the message that the elven magic user gave to them.
The spellcaster who was once the most powerful mage of his generation to be found anywhere in the Southlands.
Who lost his vast amounts of power when he went offworld after accidentally casting a rift/void spell.
Along with the tall plainsman with the shaved head, who happens to a former illegal wrecker, who plied his trade up on the Kaldel Plains.
Walk along the rooftop, looking westwards. While repair work has already begun along the front side of the main building of the palace. Which was badly damaged by the mage Reinholt.
While similar repair work is being done on the city council building, which is at the other end of the long street here in the center of the city, that's the capital of the kingdom of Girdane.
"Have they made a decision?" asks councillor Ganard, who though he appears to be a plainsman from the Kaldel Plains. Is actually a hordes outrider from the southern tundra by the name of Zubutai Timaginson, who just happens to inhabit the body of the former illegal wrecker.
"About what?" asks the spellcaster who also happens to be a highly skilled swordmaster.
"The regent?" adds the mage who is in exile from his homeland of Vexil.
"Or who'll be king?" continues the once powerful mage.
"Well, both really" says Arvelle aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman.
"Well we know they're going to execute him for what he's done" says the mage Reinholt, who follows that with "Now it's just, when and where" he briefly pauses before adding "Or how".
The swordmaster Reinholt then says "As for who'll be king" the councillor tells his fellow council member "Who the fuck knows there" he then adds "Could be the duke of Poldis, though he's a bit too close, location wise speaking to the rebel dukes".
The exiled Vexilian mage continues on with "Or the dukes of lsanor or Wostin".
"Hmmmm" murmurs councillor Ganard as he rubs his chin with his gloved right hand as he contemplates who might be the next king of Girdane.
The two of them stop at the edge of the roof, and look down to the courtyard three storeys below.
Where they see Dorc da Orc, who is sitting on the ground, this chilly winter's morning. Watching the teams of horses, hauling the wagons in, with the supplies and equipment for the repair work upon the front of the main building of the palace.
"We'll find out soon enough i suppose" says Arvelle Ganard, his fellow councillor, Mira Reinholt nods his hooded head in agreement.
"Any more pockets of resistance?" asks Tamric Drubine the field commander "They've either gone to ground or surrendered" replies sir Kamson the avenger, who continues with "The scouts are still searching the city for those who have gone into hiding".
The young field commander nods his head as they discuss what's left of the regent's army here in the city of Oaklynn.
The two of them, the nobleborn teenager originally from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin. And the former member of the order of the Knights of the Dark.
Are making their way around the main building of the palace of the king. Followed by a pair of black clad Farqian soldiers.
The field commander and the heavily armoured avenger who is his second in command, are conversing in the elven language as they head through the palace grounds, on this chilly morning, which isn't anywhere as cold as it's been over the last couple of days here in the city of Oaklynn.
"Well, since they paid us again yesterday, i guess the least we can do is help them tidy up" says the avenger, who is nearly a dozen years older than his commander.
"Winning their war will probably be the easy bit" quietly says Tamric Drubine, who is more commonly called Tam by the others in the group.
"What they're doing now is the more difficult thing" quietly adds the son and former heir of a previous knight of castle Drubine, which is located in the forested north of the kingdom of Sarcrin.
The avenger in the dark armour, who is carrying his full helm tucked under his right arm, nods in agreement with the young field commander.
The two of them round the corner, where they see Dorc da Orc watching the wagons bringing in the supplies and equipment to help rebuild the damaged part of the main building of the palace.
Field commander Drubine wryly smiles as he sees the ork warleader is eyeing up the horses hauling the wagons.
"Dorc!" calls out Tam, who nods his head for the large ork to follow them, as they enter the main building of the palace of the king.
After a few more moments of eyeing up some of the passing horses. The big, burly ork from the southern polar region of the world gets up, and follows the young field commander and the heavily armoured avenger inside.
Walking into the room in the palace that lord Farque is in, Helbe the elven thief quietly tells him in the royal language "She told him".
The young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, briefly pauses then says "Basically everything".
As the elven master assassin walks over and sits on the bench next to the one the undead warlord is sitting on, lord Farque asks him "How did he take it?".
"As you can imagine, not well" is the reply of the highly talented elven magic user, who also happens to be a masterthief.
"He wanted to rush over here and kill him" adds the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel.
"I talked him out of it, and told him to take into consideration the thoughts of his fellow dukes" continues the young elven noble who is a member of the personal council to the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
"Told him to take his time, then come over here with Lombasil and Korros when he's ready" says Helbe the elven thief.
The lord of the death realm nods his full helmed head, then says "Probably for the best" followed by "Considering they haven't decided in how they're going to deal with the regent".
The heavily armoured deathlord continues with "Either privately or by public execution".
Nodding his hooded head, the grandson of Prince Raendril of Laerel says "I know Hilloc wants to kill him with his own hands now, and the sooner the better as far as he's concerned" he then adds "But it'd be probably be best if it was a public execution".
The lord and ruler of the lands Farque is in agreement with that, then he slightly shrugs his broad, heavily armoured shoulders, and he says "Whatever they do, it's up to them to decide".
Lord Farque, or Draugadrottin as he's also known by to the people of his lands, continues with "I'm just glad they decided to pay us to stick around for another week" he then adds "That's not exactly common after you've won them their war".
"Who was that?" asks Lisell Maera the messenger as they exit the taverna, and turn left, and head along the side street, towards the long street that runs through the center of the city of Oaklynn.
"A court official by the name of Larn" replies Dalinvardél Tanith the elven spy, who continues on in a slightly dry tone of voice with "He's a bit of a drunk".
"So i saw" dryly says the attractive young woman originally from the city-state of Brattonbury as the two of them speak in elven.
"Not even midmorning, and he was already hammered" adds the messenger in the mercenary army from the lands Farque.
"He gets like that most days" dryly murmurs the spy Tanith as they turn onto the long street, heading left, or north along it, to the other end where the palace of the king is located.
The two of them, the spy from the elven principality of Alínlae, and the attractive young woman from coastal city-state of Brattonbury.
Walk fairly briskly this chilly morning, which thankfully in the opinion of the two of them, is no where near as cold as it was yesterday or the day before.
As they head towards the palace, the two of them chat about some fairly mundane things, like the dukes of Dalmar, Girnath and Falosen. Continuing to pay the mercenary army from the lands Farque for another week.
"Speaking of the dukes" says Lisell Maera or Lis as she's more commonly called by those who know her well, as she looks back along the street. And sees a number of riders heading this way from the city council building.
It's the dukes of Falosen, Girnath and Dalmar, and a number of others from their duchies.
The messenger Maera and the spy Tanith cross the street, to the side the palace is on.
And a few moments later, the trio of rebel dukes and those with them ride by.
Lis and Dalinvardél Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, share a look.
After seeing the look upon the face of duke Hilloc of Dalmar.
"He definitely doesn't look pleased" quietly says the elven spy who hails from the principality of Laerel.
The attractive young woman originally from the city-state of Brattonbury is definitely in agreement with that.
"I do say, I'm sorely disappointed with the lack of action i faced, wot" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic in his overly boisterous voice as he and Shur Kee the monk make their way back to the palace of the king.
"That damn mage insisted i went with him, and lo and behold, whence we did see the enemy, the rotten bugger did dispose of them with his evil spellcraft" says the heavily armoured knight with a disappointed shake of his head "Wot" sourly adds the nobleborn knight from the kingdom of Druvic.
They turn onto one of the side streets that leads to the long street in the center of the city of Oaklynn.
And the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar-che, who is still bitter two days later that he didn't actually kill anyone on the day the city fell to them and the rebel dukes.
Is about to continue his tirade that he's subjected the short, statured monk to for most of the morning.
When Shur Kee the monk says to him "Maybe the enemy army out west will return here to the capital and continue to fight".
The physical adept who is from beyond the Southlands, to be exact the far east coast of the continent, where his homeland, the kingdom of Wah Lee lies, continues on with "You will get your opportunity then i am sure".
The former earl of Lé Dic, which is his family's fief located in the east of the kingdom of Druvic, brightens at the prospect of that.
"Yes indeed my funny hat wearing fellow" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic, or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group.
"Hopefully that comes about, wot" adds the former knight of the first class, who grins at the idea of the rebellion continuing, even though the capital city Oaklynn has fallen.
As they near the long street that runs through the center of the city, Percy loudly murmurs "Hmmm, what seems to be going on here?" followed by a "Wot".
As they see the dukes of Dalmar, Girnath and Falosen ride by with a number of others out on the long street up ahead.
And when the two of them, the large heavily armoured knight, and the short, statured monk wearing an odd conical shaped hat, turn onto the long street.
They see the rebel dukes and those with them, entering the palace grounds through the gates.
Shur Kee and Percy share a look, as they both saw the face of duke Hilloc of Dalmar when he rode by. And saw the clear look of anger upon his face.
"Something is amiss" quietly says the physical adept, the nobleborn knight nods in agreement.
Then they cross the street, when they see Lisell Maera and Dalinvardél Tanith on the otherside.
They join them, and soon the four of them enter the grounds of the palace of the king.
Up on the roof of the main building of the king of Girdane, Mira Reinholt the mage and Arvelle Ganard the plainsman glance at one another.
They've just seen the trio of rebel dukes and a few others from the three most western duchies in the kingdom of Girdane. Ride up, then dismount infront of the main building of the palace.
They both saw the look upon the face of duke Hilloc of Dalmar, who got off his horse first, and rushed inside before the others had even dismounted.
"I guess he knows then" says Arvelle Ganard the plainsman "I guess so" says Mira Reinholt the mage, who after a final look away to the west, adds "Come on, let's see what happens".
The once powerful mage then teleports himself and the tall plainsman with the shaved head to the ground, and they enter the main building of the palace of the king of Girdane . . . . . .

A Grand Design 49.

Winter. The City Of Oaklynn. The Kingdom Of Girdane.

They entered a little earlier, and though both the lady Mera and her house maid, Lissa were scared at first.
They were put at ease when one of them, an officer. A female elf of all people, asked them who they were.
And when the young noblewoman and the house maid responded.
The elven officer told them to remain in the suite, and that someone will come for them soon.
So the wife of lord Sammis the regent of Oaklynn, and her closest confidant the house maid have waited.
The lady Mera once opened the door to the suite, and found a trio of black clad soldiers out in the hallway, obviously guarding the suite.
And when one politely asked the young noblewoman if she needed anything. A drink, or perhaps a meal.
And the wife of lord Sammis declined.
They just looked at her, until she finally closed the door after stepping back inside the suite. More out of embarrassment than anything else.
The lady Mera, along with Lissa then spent quite a bit of time looking out of the drawing room windows.
Which gives them a pretty good view across the side courtyard to the city council building next door.
There they see a number of the black clad soldiers, as well as others entering and exiting the slightly damaged building next door.
The young noblewoman who was forced into marrying a man more than twenty years older than she is.
Isn't sure if some of the others who they've seen entering and leaving the city council building are from the three far western duchies of the kingdom or not.
Both she and Lissa are unable to get a good view of their tabbards. As everyone is wrapped up in their cloaks. As the morning outside looks to be exceptionally cold. Even for wintertime here in the city of Oaklynn, the capital of the kingdom of Girdane.
Nor do they see anyone they recognise. As they were hoping to see a soldier or an officer in the army of the duchy of Dalmar, where they're both from.
It's sometime around midmorning, when they're back in the main room of the suite.
Where the lady Mera is sitting on a divan, while the house maid Lissa is tending to the fire in the fireplace.
When they hear a commotion from out in the hallway, it sounds like someone running. Followed by shouting.
The noblewoman from the duchy of Dalmar, who is the wife of lord Sammis gets up from the divan, frowning as she does so. As she's sure she hears her name being called out.
The lady Mera looks over at Lissa, and sees the slight look of confusion on her face, as she tries to figure out what's going on out in the hallway.
Then as the wife of the regent of Oaklynn continues to frown, and she unwittingly takes a few steps towards the main door that opens out into the hallway.
She is certain she hears her name again. And for a moment she thinks she knows who it is that's calling out her name.
The next moment the door to the suite bangs open. And the lady Mera sees her brother Hilloc, the duke of Dalmar standing there.
She blinks in surprise at suddenly seeing him for the first time in nearly two years.
Then all of sudden he rushes into the main room of the suite, and she's suddenly in his arms as he hugs her to him.
The young noblewoman from the very west of the kingdom, bursts into tears as her older brother hugs her.
Then suddenly she sees her older cousin, sir Passic. Who hugs her and her brother, the duke of Dalmar.
Who like his little sister, is in tears.
As she's held by her older brother Hilloc. The lady Mera who is overjoyed to be with him again. Wonders how she's going to tell him what's happened to her since she was forced into marrying lord Sammis. And some of the things that the regent of Oaklynn has subjected her to in that time.
The young noblewoman from the duchy of Dalmar is definitely not looking forward to that.
So for the moment she forgets about it. And revels at being reunited with her older brother Hilloc, and being safe in his arms.
"Should we tell him?" asks Helbe the elven thief, who after a brief pause, slightly shrugs his shoulders, then adds "Who knows?" followed by "She might tell him, herself".
The young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, who is a member of the personal council to the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, continues with "Then again, people in her situation, don't exactly want to talk about it".
As he says that, the highly talented elven magic user looks through the open door into the other room, where he sees Lisell Maera the messenger, chatting with Mira Reinholt the mage, Dalinvardél Tanith the elven spy, and Shur Kee the monk.
Who have been here in the city of Oaklynn, while the rest of the group have been elsewhere in the kingdom of Girdane, predominantly out in the very west of the kingdom.
"Who knows?" says lord Farque, as the two of them converse in the royal elven language, he follows that with "But you're probably right, we might have to tell him".
The undead warlord then says "He has a right to know i guess" the lord of the death realm then adds "Considering whatever it is that he and the other dukes have planned for the regent".
The elven masterthief who happens to be the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel, nods his hooded head in agreement with the heavily armoured deathlord, whose personal council, he is a member of.
They're in the city council building, for the simple fact it's smaller and easier to get around in compared to the palace of the king, which is at the other end of the long street here in the center of the city of Oaklynn.
Not to mention the city council building, which does have a hole in it's roof. The building is still stable.
Unlike the palace, the front of which is still highly unstable. Due to a mageglobe belonging to Mira Reinholt the mage.
The lord of the death realm, and the elven master assassin look to the outer room, where they see Tamric Drubine enter.
The young field commander in the armies of Farque makes his way through the room the others are in, and enters the inner room that the undead warlord and the elven councillor are in.
After Tamric Drubine or Tam as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, takes a quick look at the unconscious prisoners lying next to a wall.
The lord and ruler of the lands Farque who is also known to an older generation of elven kind as Des'tier, asks him in the regular elven language "How's it going out there?".
"There's still pockets of fighting throughout the city" is the reply from Tamric Drubine the field commander.
"Sir Kamson is leading those who are dealing with it" adds the nobleborn teenager who is originally from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin.
Lord Farque slightly nods his full helmed head, then he asks "And up at the airdocks?" followed by "And down in their main barracks, south of the city?".
"The airdocks are secured and under our control" says the son and former heir of a previous knight of castle Drubine, which is located in the forested north of the kingdom of Sarcrin.
"We've started letting the trading vessels from elsewhere to fly away" adds Tam who continues with "No use keeping them here if they don't want to be" followed by "And the fact they'll quickly spread the word beyond the kingdom that the rebel dukes have been successful, and deposed the crown and taken the city".
Both lord Farque and Helbe the elven thief nod in agreement to that, then the young field commander in the mercenary army from the lands Farque says "Haven't heard back from the barracks down south yet" he continues with "I've sent scouts down there, to see how things fare".
Then field commander Drubine points at the unconscious prisoners lying on the floor, up against one of the walls, and he asks "What about them?".
"It's up to the dukes to decide" replies Draugadrottin "They should be here fairly soon" adds the undead being, whose lands are the largest nation in all the Southlands, though it has one of the smallest populations of any nation in the Southlands.
"I saw them outside" says the nobleborn teenager from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, who continues on with "They seemed pretty pleased with the way things have gone this morning".
"I can imagine" dryly says the grandson of Prince Raendril of Laerel "We've given them the city" adds the elven magic user, who points at the unconscious prisoners as he continues with "And their enemies" he follows that with "No wonder they're pleased with things".
The undead being slightly smiles behind the visor of his full helm, then he says "The interesting thing is what they'll fucking do afterwards" Des'tier continues with "Not that it really matters to us, as they haven't hired us for that".
The three of them are silent for a little while, then Tamric Drubine breaks the silence when he says "You think they'll end up fighting amongst themselves over the throne?".
"No" says the elven princeling from Laerel, who continues with "None of them want to be king" followed by "Somebody else will have to take the throne" he then adds "They just want their duchies to be treated fairly".
The elven masterthief briefly pauses before he quietly continues with "And duke Hilloc wanted his sister back".
"Well, he's certainly got that" quietly says field commander Drubine as once again he looks over at the unconscious prisoners lying on the floor.
It's not too long before the rebel dukes of Falosen, Girnath and Dalmar, along with some of the officers turn up.
And Helbe the elven thief goes into the other room to greet them, then brings the trio of dukes into the inner room, where Mira Reinholt the mage and Arvelle Ganard the plainsman has joined lord Farque and Tamric Drubine the field commander.
"Gentlemen, the city of Oaklynn is yours" says Tamric Drubine after they've greeted the three noblemen from the far west duchies of the kingdom of Girdane.
"More or less" adds the nobleborn teenager who hails from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin.
The three dukes all nod in satisfaction at that, even though they're continually glance at the unconscious figures upon the floor. Who are wrapped up in cloaks, with their faces to the wall, so they can't be identified.
"I hope your sister is well?" asks field commander Drubine to the duke of Dalmar.
"She is" replies duke Hilloc of Dalmar, who can't help but grin to know that his sister is safe and well.
Though he did notice she had that look in her eyes that he recognises. That she wants to tell him something, but is unable to.
He knows she'll eventually tell him, as his younger sister and he are close. And in the past she has confided in him, all manner of things.
"That's good to hear" says Tam who glances at Helbe the elven thief and lord Farque.
After the undead warlord slightly nods his full helmed head, the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel takes over the conversation.
"I'm guessing you're wondering who they are?" says prince Helbenthril Raendril as he points at the unconscious figures on the floor, wrapped in cloaks, with their heads turned to the wall.
"That we are" says duke Korros of Girnath, the youngest of the trio of dukes who rebelled against the king and crown.
Both the dukes of Falosen and Dalmar nod in agreement with the short duke wearing the heavy iron plate armour, who definitely felt the cold this morning.
The elven master assassin slightly nods his hooded head. Then he and his fellow councillor, the mage Reinholt make their way over to the unconscious prisoners.
"This rather fat fellow" says the highly talented elven magic user, who then adds "Is a wizard by the name of Haric, who is an officer in the regent's army".
The once powerful mage has bent down and rolled the largest of the unconscious prisoners this way, and pulled down the cloak where it covers his head and face.
The trio of noblemen from the three most western duchies in the kingdom of Girdane nod, and duke Hilloc says "We've heard of him".
"This next chap" says the elven masterthief as his fellow spellcaster rolls over the next unconscious prisoner, and uncovers his head and face.
"Is a former gamekeeper from here in the duchy of Marsin by the name of Sarmac" says the elven princeling who continues with "From up in the regent's ancestral lands to be exact" he then adds "He has no formal rank, but he's a person of importance in the army of the regent".
The dukes of Falosen, Girnath and Dalmar nod, and though they've never heard of the gamekeeper named Sarmac. They take the elven master archer's word that he's a person of significance in the regent's army.
"This next fellow is" says Helbe the elven thief as the mage Reinholt rolls over the next unconscious prisoner, and pulls down the cloak covering his head and face.
"We know who he is" says duke Lombasil of Falosen when they see who it is.
"Captain Kilmane" adds duke Hilloc of Dalmar, who feels like spitting in disgust. As he knows that it was the captain who detained his younger sister Mera after she arrived here in the city of Oaklynn nearly two years ago.
The three dukes all look at the captain in the regent's army, who if the rumours are true. Is the actual leader of the regent's army, not commander Jaqor Kaim. As the captain comes up with a lot of the tactics and ideas for the regent's army.
Which the former mercenary who commands the regent's army, then puts into action.
The elven princeling nods, then he says "And this is" then he falls silent.
As councillor Reinholt rolls over the fourth and final unconscious prisoner, and pulls down the cloak covering his head and face, to reveal who he is.
The dukes Lombasil, Korros and Hilloc are all silent as they look at the fourth of the unconscious figures upon the floor.
Then eventually the duke of Dalmar lets out a slow breath as he grips the hilt of his sword and quietly says "Sammis".
His fellow dukes, Korros and Lombasil grip the hilts of their own weapons as they all look at lord Sammis, the regent of Oaklynn.
The man by all accounts, is their enemy. The reason why they revolted against king Jarnard the Second of his name, and the crown of Girdane.
After a few moments of silence, lord Farque speaks up, and says to the dukes of the three most western duchies in the kingdom "Before you go ahead and kill him".
The undead warlord briefly pauses before he continues on with "There's some things you'll be wanting to know".
Draugadrottin points at the unconscious regent of Oaklynn as he adds "From him" followed by "And what he's done".
The trio of dukes are still silent, then after the three of them all look at one another, duke Hilloc nods, then says "We'll hear what he has to say for himself".
The duke of Dalmar pauses, then he adds "But after that". Leaving it unsaid what he and his fellow rebel dukes intend to do to their enemy, lord Sammis the regent of Oaklynn . . . . . .

A Grand Design 48.

Winter. Oaklynn. Girdane.

The lady Mera and the house maid Lissa look at one another when they hear another explosion.
This one much closer, from the sounds of it, over in the city council building, which is just next door.
The two of them hurry through the suite, into the drawing room. Where one has a good view of the council building next door.
"By the gods and all that's mighty" gasps the house maid Lissa as they look out the window, and see across the side courtyard to the city council building on the otherside of the fence.
There's a cloud of dust and debris coming from a hole in the roof of the building that's next door, where the regret of Oaklynn and the city council usually conduct business.
"Whatever is going on?" murmurs the lady Mera, who though hates her husband for what he does to her.
She can't help but feel worried for what's going on this morning in the capital.
"I'm not sure my lady" replies Lissa, who after a moments pause continues with "I'm sure your husband the regent is fine at the palace" the house maid then silently adds in a sour tone, unfortunately.
"That first explosion did sound like it came from up at the palace" muses the noblewoman who is from the duchy of Dalmar, where her older brought Hilloc is the duke.
Hopefully the regent got blown up there, Lissa thinks to herself, the house maid, who like her lady, is originally from the far west duchy of Dalmar, then says "Maybe i should go and find out what's happening?".
Though she doesn't particularly want to, as it's extremely cold this morning. And without a doubt even colder outside. Besides, she doesn't want to be out there if another explosion occurs.
It turns out the house maid doesn't have to go out and find what's happening. As they hear shouting from out in the hallway.
It's one of the housekeepers, who is calling for the lady of the house.
The young noblewoman who is the wife of lord Sammis the regent of Oaklynn, and the house maid share a look. Then they hurry through the suite, to the door to the hallway.
Which Lissa opens, and one of the housekeepers who has been knocking on the door. Stands there, looking half frightened to death.
"What is it Marg?" asks lady Mera "Oh my lady" gulps the housekeeper, who is younger than both the noblewoman, and the house maid.
"There be fighting out on the streets my lady" says the housekeeper, who continues with "The guards" meaning the regent's soldiers "Are fighting against invaders who have poured into the city" adds the young housekeeper.
"Invaders?" says the lady Mera in alarm.
"The rebels my lady" says the housekeeper Marg, who follows that with "The ones from out west" she continues in despair with "They're in the city".
How the hell did they get here? is the noblewoman's first thought, quickly followed by thoughts of her brother Hilloc, the duke of Dalmar.
Mera knows that her brother Hilloc rebelled against the king and crown for the betterment of his people in the duchy of Dalmar. And the two other far west duchies in the kingdom of Girdane, the duchies of Girnath and Falosen.
But she also knows deep down in her heart, that her older brother rebelled for her.
For it's fairly common knowledge throughout much of the kingdom, that lord Sammis the regent of Oaklynn forced the lady Mera into marriage.
And that the recently departed king of Girdane, king Jarnard the Second of his name.
Was complicit in the forced marriage of the lady Mera of Dalmar, to his cousin the regent of Oaklynn.
And that duke Hilloc of Dalmar, along with most likely his cousin sir Passic, who was like another older brother to Mera. Want revenge for what was done to her.
As the frightened housekeeper looks down the hallway, the lady Mera quickly glances at the house maid Lissa and grins.
The house maid is grinning too, a grin which she wipes from her face when the housekeeper looks back at them. "Best you go and check on the others Marg" says the lady Mera who continues with "Make sure everyone is okay".
The housekeeper gulps, then nods, and hurries away. As she goes one way along the hallway.
The lady Mera and the house maid Lissa after a quick look at one another, hurry the other way. Heading towards the front of the mansion, that's the regent of Oaklynn's residence here in the city, that's the capital of the kingdom of Girdane.
Here on the third floor of the mansion, in her husband's study, lady Mera along with the house maid Lissa, open the curtains and look through the glass windows.
Where across the front courtyard, they can see onto the long street that runs through this part of the city of Oaklynn.
"They don't look like soldiers from out home way" murmurs the lady Mera, who will always think of the very west of the kingdom, especially the duchy of Dalmar, as home.
"That they don't my lady" quietly says Lissa, who after a pause, continues on with "Wasn't there something about your lord brother and the other western dukes hiring a mercenary army?".
The young noblewoman who was forced into a marriage with lord Sammis, a man over twenty years older than her. Who had been married twice previously. Whose first two wives died in rather suspicious circumstances.
Slightly nods her head, then says "They did". As she overheard her husband a number of times over the last couple of weeks, complaining about a mercenary army that the three rebellious dukes had hired.
"That could be them" says Lissa the housekeeper, as they watch the black clad soldiers, most, if not all on horseback.
Fighting against her the regent's soldiers out on the long street that goes through the middle of the city that's the capital of the kingdom of Girdane.
"I do hope they are" quietly says the lady Mera as they watch a number of the black clad horse soldiers, ride in through the open gates of the regent's residence. After cutting down the small squad of the regent's soldiers who were on gate duty.
The noblewoman who is the younger sister of the duke of Dalmar, along with the house maid, who is her closet friend.
Can't help but feel a little worried as they watch the mounted soldiers all in black, ride across the courtyard to the mansion that's the residence of the regent of Oaklynn.
"Shit, did you see that?" asks captain Kilmane as they run through the park like grounds in the center of the city, between the palace of the king, and the mansion that's the residence of the regent of the capital city of the kingdom of Girdane.
"What?" asks lord Sammis the regent of Oaklynn, who is struggling to keep up with the younger captain, and the keeper Sarmac. Who might be around the same age as the regent, but is far more physically fit than he is.
Only the wizard Haric, who is following behind them, is struggling more than the nobleman who is the regent of Oaklynn.
And that's because the spellcaster, is fat. And is almost tripping up on the hem of his rumpled ruby coloured robes with every step he takes. As he runs while holding up the bottom of his robes.
"Riders in your residence" says the captain in the regent's army "Those mercenaries the rebel dukes have hired" adds captain Kilmane.
The keeper Sarmac nods his head in agreement, as he saw them too.
While the regent Sammis, who is near enough to being the defacto king of Girdane at the moment. Who was looking forward to today as his name was about to be put forth as the new king of Girdane.
Mutters "Shit, shit, shit" when he finds out who is in the grounds of his residence. A place that he and the other three are fleeing towards.
Seeing the look of concern upon the face of the regent of Oaklynn, the captain in the regent's army says "We should still be fine" Captain Kilmane continues with "We'll just go around the back, and get in that way".
The regent, the last living member of the royal family that's led the kingdom for the last one hundred and twenty years.
Nods his head when he hears that reassurance from the officer in his army that he trusts the most.
As they intend to get into his mansion, and enter the tunnels beneath it. Specifically the tunnel that connects his residence, with the city council building next door.
As beneath that building, is the start of a myriad of tunnels that go out beneath the city of Oaklynn.
"Through here" says captain Kilmane gesturing ahead to some row of trees, through which goes a path.
The captain in the regent's army looks back, and calls out "Keep up Haric!". For though captain Kilmane doesn't particularly care for the portly wizard.
He will admit, the spellcaster is there best chance of escaping with their lives.
That's if Haric even casts again. As he's too scared to do so. Fearing he might alert a mage who is nearby, who attacked the palace of the king, just a short while ago.
After going another seventy yards through the park, captain Kilmane brings them to a stop when they get to the fence on the northeast corner of the regent's mansion.
The captain who has ducked down behind some rocks, and a tree a few yards back from the fence.
Can see some of the mercenaries hired by the enemy, on the north side of the large mansion.
Just milling around the doors, holding the reins of their mounts, while others by the looks of it, have gone inside.
The captain in the regent's army looks back and sees Haric the wizard still coming this way.
The fairly powerful spellcaster is breathing heavily, and his face is bright red this particularly cold winter's morning here in the city of Oaklynn.
Captain Kilmane points away to their left, and quietly says "There, it's the hidden gate".
The keeper Sarmac nods, as he has used that gate a number of times over the years.
While lord Sammis, who has heard of it, has never actually seen it, let alone used it since he's taken up residence in the regent of Oaklynn's abode.
"We'll have to be careful going through, and crossing over to the mansion itself" quietly says captain Kilmane.
Pointing at the stables, and the building attached to it where the regent's covered coaches are stored, the keeper Sarmac says "We might want to use them as cover".
Nodding in agreement, captain Kilmane says "We will". Then all three of them turn their heads to the right, when the wizard Haric finally joins them, and drops down to the ground next to them.
As he sits there, half leaning against the rocks they're behind, Haric the wizard as he breathes heavily, gasps "Best we hurry" he follows that with "I think we're being followed".
After quickly looking back in the direction they've come from, and not seeing anyone, captain Kilmane takes the wizard's word for fact, and says "Come on then, let's go".
He stands up, followed by the regent Sammis, and the keeper Sarmac, who helps the heavily breathing wizard to stand.
The captain in the regent's army works his way around to the left, then he hurries forward to the fence of wrought iron.
And he grabs a hold of two of the bars, which has another two between them.
He runs his right gloved hand down one, until he feels the slight indentation, which he twists. He hears a slight click, and the captain pulls on the hidden gate that looks like the rest of the fence, which swings open.
Kilmane hurries through, and hurries towards the back of the stables, followed by the regent of Oaklynn, lord Sammis.
Then the wizard Haric goes through the gate, and the keeper Sarmac, who closes the hidden gate behind him.
Followed by the others, captain Kilmane makes his way, around to the south side of the stables.
"Shit" mutters the regent of Oaklynn's most trusted officer when he sees across to the city council building that's next door, and sees the damage that's been done by an explosion there.
Lord Sammis looks around the captain, and winces when he too spots the damaged city council building.
"Think they know about the hidden tunnels?" quietly asks the regent of Oaklynn, who was hoping to be the king of Girdane by the end of the day.
"I hope not" is the quiet reply of captain Kilmane, who after a quick look back at the others, says "Lets go".
The captain in the regent's army leads the way, and goes around the south side of the stables, and across the back courtyard, which is thankfully empty.
As he's behind captain Kilmane, lord Sammis sees the younger man stagger when they near one of the doors on the backside of the mansion.
Then his most trusted officer sprawls forward on the ground, just before the door. Completely immobile, and unconscious by the looks of it.
The regent of Oaklynn spins around, and sees Sarmac the keeper drop to the ground too.
While the wizard Haric briefly stands there, shaking his head as if he's trying to clear it, before he drops to the ground as well.
As he stands there in the early morning sunshine on what's an exceptionally cold day here in the city of Oaklynn, the regent of the capital city mutters "What the fuck?" as he wonders what's going on.
Then lord Sammis feels himself blacking out, and he drops to the ground as well.
The nobleman who is the last living member of the royal family, as he lies there on his side, inwardly rages at what's happened this morning before he falls into unconsciousness.
Lord Farque slows to a walk and sourly smiles as he senses what's happened nearby in the mansion of the regent of Oaklynn.
The undead warlord looks back, and waits for Dorc da Orc to catch up, once the ork warleader does.
They walk the rest of the way to the fence that surrounds the mansion of the regent of Oaklynn.
The heavily armoured deathlord grabs the ork weaponsmith, then leaps over the twelve foot tall wrought iron fence.
The lord and ruler of the lands Farque nods his full helmed head in greeting to some of his soldiers, who greet him when they spot him and the ork general.
Draugadrottin as he's also known by to the people of his lands, makes his way around to the back of the mansion with the big, burly ork who is from the southern polar region of the world.
There, just infront of one of the doors. They find the regent of Oaklynn, lying unconscious. Along with three others. A captain in his army, another soldier. And a wizard.
Standing over them, is the hooded figure of Helbe the elven thief.
As Narladene the ground pixie lands upon the right shoulder of the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel who she's attached to. Lord Farque dryly says "I see you got them".
"Of course" says Helbe the elven thief, who before dawn this morning, was over a hundred miles away to the west, in the central region of the kingdom of Girdane.
"Someone has to take care of things" adds the highly talented elven magic user who is a member of the personal council to the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
The lord of the death realm doesn't respond to that, instead he looks at the four on the ground, unconscious thanks to a spell from the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel.
And as Dorkindle starts to drool as he eyes the rather fat wizard in the ruby red robes.
Lord Farque looks at the elven princeling, who points at the unconscious regent of Oaklynn, and says "You won't believe what he's been up to" as he's already read the mind of the regent.
The elven masterthief then explains to the undead warlord what lord Sammis, the regent of Oaklynn has done . . . . . .