ARGENT
§
§
After the excursion to Meadowlark Argent, Florie, and Ser Toby returned to Blackbane Hall with the two ringleaders who had initiated the uprising. Zel had found them on their way back, and decided to accompany them. Upon arriving, Argent began to give a report to Lord Garon, but they were interrupted by the Hall steward, Nisra Greyfell. She needed to speak with Lord Garon privately so he ordered Ser Toby and Zel to escort the newly acquired prisoners to the jails, but asked that Florie and Argent stay. Ser Toby looked momentarily crestfallen, but nonetheless he followed orders and with Zel led the ringleaders out of the Hall. Once they had gone, Nisra explained that she was reviewing the reports from Silver Hill, the town in charge of the Felswards' silver mine, and she noticed that the incomes from the town were steadily dropping. A total of six out of eight months showed a decline, including the last three consecutive months.
Lord Garon remained quiet for a minute, and then after some thought, he put Argent in charge of finding out what the problem was in Silver Hill. He, himself, had much to see to around Blackbane Hall especially with Lady Vallya and Jonys recovering, and obvious Jonys could not look into it because he could hardly walk. Argent felt more than a little perterbed at being assigned so much responsibility - he had rather important plans to grab Ser Toby and immediately head to the tavern. He was secretly hoping that Jonys was in fact well enough to make the expedition himself, and that his father was just worrying too much. So after excusing themselves, he and Florie made their way to visit their brother and mother. Jonys was in fact not doing very well. True he had stopped bleeding through his skin, but he was still very weak and upon trying to stand he nearly fell over. He was most definitely not healthy enough for the long ride to Silver Hill. Lady Vallya was in similar a similar condition, only she was sleeping when they checked in on her. Reluctantly, Argent had to admit to himself that he was most able to run the errand, though he refused to go alone. He decided to appoint Ser Toby to be his guard and enforcer for the trip, and even Florie expressed an interest in travelling to Silver Hill with him. Perhaps she disliked the idea of being left alone with their father, who seemed rather short with her recently, Jonys, who was crabby for being stricken with illness, and their mother, who was unconscious when she wasn't busy murdering children.
They would have to discuss the possibility later as it would require convincing Lord Garon to allow both children to leave once again, and Argent was eager to find Ser Toby and secure him for the trip. They ran around Blackbane Hall checking every nook and cranny, but Ser Toby and Zel seemed to have evaporated. They were not at the stables, the armory, Ser Toby's room, the kennels, the kitchens, or anywhere outside. Florie posited that Ser Toby had gone to the Drunken Knave, but Argent found it hard to believe that the knight had left without him. So, the two of them mounted up and rode into the town. When they flung the doors open, Ser Toby and Zel were happily drinking together, and Zel was being taught the words to "Wenches, whores, and Septas." Argent was irked by this.
"I can't believe I found a drinking buddy at Blackbane Hall!" Zel giggled while rocking in his chair.
"Oh, Zel, he's not your drinking buddy," Argent said with a dangerous smile as he walked up to their table. No longer having the desire to knock back a few pints, Argent quickly explained the situation to Ser Toby and settled the tab. It also seemed that Zel was available to accompany them, and while Argent was not particularly thrilled that Zel was trying to steal his best friend, he just made a note in the back of his mind to stick the highwayman at the back of their tiny procession.
Preparations were made back at Blackbane Hall that included gathering supplies for a camp, saddling the horses, and convincing a dubious Lord Felsward that Florie's administrative skills were a valuable asset, and she should be included in the task. After some fast talking, their father consented and the four of them were off. The ride to Silver Hill was sure to be arduous, and it was about six hours into their ride that Florie complained of being sore and demanded they stop to set up camp. Argent knew that the next town was only a couple more hours' ride, and that setting up a camp was unnecessary; however, when Florie persisted with her desire to stop for the night, Ser Toby dismounted and began to set up camp despite Argent's wishes. Already irritated, Argent used the next few days to order Ser Toby to perform every menial task he could think of every time he felt that the knight was undermining him. Eventually the two of them were at such odds they had to have it out, and stepped away from the others to bicker. Argent was angry that Ser Toby had seemingly replaced him with Zel and was constantly ignoring Argent's decisions; Ser Toby was upset for always being treated like a servant, not only by Argent but also by Lord Felsward, despite having been a faithful ward of the House his entire life.
After venting their frustrations and remembering their long history together, the two of them agreed that they were much more effective when they worked with each other and not against each other. Having settled their differences Argent was able to return to their journey with a more positive outlook.
Traveling with the nobles was a bit more tedious than Zel had expected, because they kept wanting to stop and rest. At first it was just Florie, but soon enough Argent was also complaining of soreness and needing a rest. Zel was more accustomed to riding all day and long into the night if she needed to, and so she found things to amuse herself while on the ride. She tended to patrol the areas where they set up camp, and did a little bit of the hunting for their dinner. It was while on patrol one day that Zel heard a strange scraping noise nearby, so she stealthily crept into some nearby foliage to spy on whatever was making the strange noise. What she saw was an older man sitting against the trunk of a tree fast asleep, and next to him was a young boy, around ten years old or so, attempting to dig a hole with a rusty helmet.
The sight was strange and amusing, and Zel was curious to find out what was going on so near to their camp. She stepped out from the bushes that she had been hiding behind, and called to the boy. He had apparently been totally oblivious to the group of people that had come to rest nearby, and jumped from fright when Zel appeared. He reached down to the old man's belt, clumsily drew the sword (which was entirely too big for him), and pointed it at Zel with shaking arms. This boy was no match for Zel, and she had no desire to harm him so she introduced herself as the highwayman Zel Flowers. The boy still seemed ill at ease, but after a bit of talking Zel was able to glean from him that he wanted a shovel. She bargained that she would get him a shovel if he explained who he was and what he was doing; thus, she learned that the boy was a squire by the name of Corwin and he needed a shovel to bury his master, Ser Kennan the Bold. Wanting to make sure there was nothing foul afoot, Zel touched the skin of the man against the tree. He was ice cold and very dead. Satisfied with this, Zel brought the boy back to the camp where he explaine dhimself to the others.
Ser Tobias and Zel both volunteered to help Corwin with his task, and with the three of them working it took no time at all to dig a suitable grave. After taking all of Ser Kennan's useable equipment, they gently placed him in the grave and covered it with heavy stones so as not to be disturbed by passing scavengers.
"Do you have words to say over him?" Ser Tobias asked Corwin. Corwin took a deep breath, and furrowed his brow.
"He was never a wealthy knight. He fought in over a hundred battles, but never sold his sword. He was going to make me a knight..." the boy looked truly disappointed, "Bless him in the name of the Stranger, I guess."
Once their makeshift ceremony for the hedge knight was concluded they invited Corwin to stay with them that night. While talking around the campfire, they learned that Corwin was from the Marches and that Ser Kennan the Bold was the only family he had. He also made Ser Tobias feel a bit self-conscious by asking if he had a squire, and why not, and would he like one because Corwin could polish boots incredibly well. Ser Tobias brushed him off at that point and began to have a quiet discussion with Argent. Zel decided that was an opportune time to take her shift at watch and then go to bed. Hopefully they could make it farther the next day.
When she awoke the following morning, Corwin was there and shoved a piping hot bowl of breakfast with fresh berries in her face - not a bad way to start the morning at all. And while they were packing up camp Zel saw that Ser Tobias' boots shone as if they had been recently cleaned. The kid must have gotten up very early this morning. Once everything was packed the group managed to actually get in a hard day's ride, and arrived at the town of Walker's Wayn by nightfall. It had a tavern called the Hog & Sow where everyone could get a good meal and a bed that was not the ground. During dinner they were all served a neverending supply of glorious cuts of meat, and they all revelled in the fact that they had not had to catch and cook their own dinner. It started to become strange however, when each successive plate of food that was brought out held only more meat and no other types of food. Finally, Ser Tobias spoke up and asked for some bread at least, but the mildly surly tavernkeeper only said that there was no bread to be had.
When pressed for more details the tavernkeeper said that there were no grains, and so they could not make the bread. There were no grains, because the river had dried up from Walker's Wayn all the way up to Tynker's Tower, and so they had no water to grow anything else. Because this area was within the Felswards' holdings, Argent and Florie decided it would be best to investigate the drought and take a detour to Tynker's Tower. Florie sent a raven to her father, explaining the new problem and assuring him they were attending to it, and the following day the party set out in the direction of the Tower.
The riverbed they rode through was completely parched, and it looked as if water had not run through in many days. Argent and Florie seemd confident that Lord Tynker would aid them in solving the water problems the area was experiencing, and they were discussing the possible causes when the horses came to a slow stop. All conversation trailed off, and Zel found herself looking up at a large wall directly in their path. The riverbed was leading them through a valley, and on either side of them sheer walls of mountainous rock rose high into the sky. The wall blocked their way.
Lord Garon remained quiet for a minute, and then after some thought, he put Argent in charge of finding out what the problem was in Silver Hill. He, himself, had much to see to around Blackbane Hall especially with Lady Vallya and Jonys recovering, and obvious Jonys could not look into it because he could hardly walk. Argent felt more than a little perterbed at being assigned so much responsibility - he had rather important plans to grab Ser Toby and immediately head to the tavern. He was secretly hoping that Jonys was in fact well enough to make the expedition himself, and that his father was just worrying too much. So after excusing themselves, he and Florie made their way to visit their brother and mother. Jonys was in fact not doing very well. True he had stopped bleeding through his skin, but he was still very weak and upon trying to stand he nearly fell over. He was most definitely not healthy enough for the long ride to Silver Hill. Lady Vallya was in similar a similar condition, only she was sleeping when they checked in on her. Reluctantly, Argent had to admit to himself that he was most able to run the errand, though he refused to go alone. He decided to appoint Ser Toby to be his guard and enforcer for the trip, and even Florie expressed an interest in travelling to Silver Hill with him. Perhaps she disliked the idea of being left alone with their father, who seemed rather short with her recently, Jonys, who was crabby for being stricken with illness, and their mother, who was unconscious when she wasn't busy murdering children.
They would have to discuss the possibility later as it would require convincing Lord Garon to allow both children to leave once again, and Argent was eager to find Ser Toby and secure him for the trip. They ran around Blackbane Hall checking every nook and cranny, but Ser Toby and Zel seemed to have evaporated. They were not at the stables, the armory, Ser Toby's room, the kennels, the kitchens, or anywhere outside. Florie posited that Ser Toby had gone to the Drunken Knave, but Argent found it hard to believe that the knight had left without him. So, the two of them mounted up and rode into the town. When they flung the doors open, Ser Toby and Zel were happily drinking together, and Zel was being taught the words to "Wenches, whores, and Septas." Argent was irked by this.
"I can't believe I found a drinking buddy at Blackbane Hall!" Zel giggled while rocking in his chair.
"Oh, Zel, he's not your drinking buddy," Argent said with a dangerous smile as he walked up to their table. No longer having the desire to knock back a few pints, Argent quickly explained the situation to Ser Toby and settled the tab. It also seemed that Zel was available to accompany them, and while Argent was not particularly thrilled that Zel was trying to steal his best friend, he just made a note in the back of his mind to stick the highwayman at the back of their tiny procession.
Preparations were made back at Blackbane Hall that included gathering supplies for a camp, saddling the horses, and convincing a dubious Lord Felsward that Florie's administrative skills were a valuable asset, and she should be included in the task. After some fast talking, their father consented and the four of them were off. The ride to Silver Hill was sure to be arduous, and it was about six hours into their ride that Florie complained of being sore and demanded they stop to set up camp. Argent knew that the next town was only a couple more hours' ride, and that setting up a camp was unnecessary; however, when Florie persisted with her desire to stop for the night, Ser Toby dismounted and began to set up camp despite Argent's wishes. Already irritated, Argent used the next few days to order Ser Toby to perform every menial task he could think of every time he felt that the knight was undermining him. Eventually the two of them were at such odds they had to have it out, and stepped away from the others to bicker. Argent was angry that Ser Toby had seemingly replaced him with Zel and was constantly ignoring Argent's decisions; Ser Toby was upset for always being treated like a servant, not only by Argent but also by Lord Felsward, despite having been a faithful ward of the House his entire life.
After venting their frustrations and remembering their long history together, the two of them agreed that they were much more effective when they worked with each other and not against each other. Having settled their differences Argent was able to return to their journey with a more positive outlook.
DREZIELLE
§
§
Traveling with the nobles was a bit more tedious than Zel had expected, because they kept wanting to stop and rest. At first it was just Florie, but soon enough Argent was also complaining of soreness and needing a rest. Zel was more accustomed to riding all day and long into the night if she needed to, and so she found things to amuse herself while on the ride. She tended to patrol the areas where they set up camp, and did a little bit of the hunting for their dinner. It was while on patrol one day that Zel heard a strange scraping noise nearby, so she stealthily crept into some nearby foliage to spy on whatever was making the strange noise. What she saw was an older man sitting against the trunk of a tree fast asleep, and next to him was a young boy, around ten years old or so, attempting to dig a hole with a rusty helmet.
The sight was strange and amusing, and Zel was curious to find out what was going on so near to their camp. She stepped out from the bushes that she had been hiding behind, and called to the boy. He had apparently been totally oblivious to the group of people that had come to rest nearby, and jumped from fright when Zel appeared. He reached down to the old man's belt, clumsily drew the sword (which was entirely too big for him), and pointed it at Zel with shaking arms. This boy was no match for Zel, and she had no desire to harm him so she introduced herself as the highwayman Zel Flowers. The boy still seemed ill at ease, but after a bit of talking Zel was able to glean from him that he wanted a shovel. She bargained that she would get him a shovel if he explained who he was and what he was doing; thus, she learned that the boy was a squire by the name of Corwin and he needed a shovel to bury his master, Ser Kennan the Bold. Wanting to make sure there was nothing foul afoot, Zel touched the skin of the man against the tree. He was ice cold and very dead. Satisfied with this, Zel brought the boy back to the camp where he explaine dhimself to the others.
Ser Tobias and Zel both volunteered to help Corwin with his task, and with the three of them working it took no time at all to dig a suitable grave. After taking all of Ser Kennan's useable equipment, they gently placed him in the grave and covered it with heavy stones so as not to be disturbed by passing scavengers.
"Do you have words to say over him?" Ser Tobias asked Corwin. Corwin took a deep breath, and furrowed his brow.
"He was never a wealthy knight. He fought in over a hundred battles, but never sold his sword. He was going to make me a knight..." the boy looked truly disappointed, "Bless him in the name of the Stranger, I guess."
Once their makeshift ceremony for the hedge knight was concluded they invited Corwin to stay with them that night. While talking around the campfire, they learned that Corwin was from the Marches and that Ser Kennan the Bold was the only family he had. He also made Ser Tobias feel a bit self-conscious by asking if he had a squire, and why not, and would he like one because Corwin could polish boots incredibly well. Ser Tobias brushed him off at that point and began to have a quiet discussion with Argent. Zel decided that was an opportune time to take her shift at watch and then go to bed. Hopefully they could make it farther the next day.
When she awoke the following morning, Corwin was there and shoved a piping hot bowl of breakfast with fresh berries in her face - not a bad way to start the morning at all. And while they were packing up camp Zel saw that Ser Tobias' boots shone as if they had been recently cleaned. The kid must have gotten up very early this morning. Once everything was packed the group managed to actually get in a hard day's ride, and arrived at the town of Walker's Wayn by nightfall. It had a tavern called the Hog & Sow where everyone could get a good meal and a bed that was not the ground. During dinner they were all served a neverending supply of glorious cuts of meat, and they all revelled in the fact that they had not had to catch and cook their own dinner. It started to become strange however, when each successive plate of food that was brought out held only more meat and no other types of food. Finally, Ser Tobias spoke up and asked for some bread at least, but the mildly surly tavernkeeper only said that there was no bread to be had.
When pressed for more details the tavernkeeper said that there were no grains, and so they could not make the bread. There were no grains, because the river had dried up from Walker's Wayn all the way up to Tynker's Tower, and so they had no water to grow anything else. Because this area was within the Felswards' holdings, Argent and Florie decided it would be best to investigate the drought and take a detour to Tynker's Tower. Florie sent a raven to her father, explaining the new problem and assuring him they were attending to it, and the following day the party set out in the direction of the Tower.
The riverbed they rode through was completely parched, and it looked as if water had not run through in many days. Argent and Florie seemd confident that Lord Tynker would aid them in solving the water problems the area was experiencing, and they were discussing the possible causes when the horses came to a slow stop. All conversation trailed off, and Zel found herself looking up at a large wall directly in their path. The riverbed was leading them through a valley, and on either side of them sheer walls of mountainous rock rose high into the sky. The wall blocked their way.
FLORIE
§
§
It was such a strange thing to be riding much of the day through a dry river, and even stranger still to be confronted with a huge wall that barred their path. As Florie was looking at the wall, she thought the wood used to construct it was looking unnaturally damp for some reason, but any further investigation was cut short by a guard from the top of the wall hailing them. Argent announced their party, and after a short while a noble woman appeared at the top of the wall and introduced herself as Lady Elza Tynker. It became apparent to them that Tynker Tower was just behind the wall, and so they requested entrance into Lady Tynker's house. A narrow ladder made of rope was dropped to them, and they were invited up; unfortunately, there were no stairs.
Ser Tobias ordered Corwin to remain at the base of the wall and attend the horses. If they did not return by morning, he should take the fastest mount and ride as hard as he could for Blackbane Hall. Sensible directions, Florie thought. They carefully made their way up the rope ladder, which very occaisionally swayed when someone shifted weight, and once they all stood at the top of the wall they could see Tynker Tower. Well, most of it. What was in front of them was a large man-made lake harvested from the waters of the river. The wall itself was not simply a wall, but a dam constructed to keep the water from leaving the Tower. The water level was so high that Tynker Tower was submerged to the second story, and the group of them needed to use a boat to traverse the tiny lake. All of them were exchanging worried looks, but Lady Tynker was smiling and chatting as if nothing in the world was amiss - even when she hoisted herself up through a window into a second story room.
After hoisting herself through the same window, Florie could see that the floors of the second story were moist with water, and Lady Elza's skirts were drenched at the hem. She seemed very excited to be hosting guests, because no one came to visit her anymore. Florie couldn't help but wonder why. She, Argent, and Lady Tynker seated themselves in some soft, comfortable chairs while Ser Tobias and Zel restlessly walked around the small room. Argent and Florie were very interested to hear why a dam had been constructed to block the river, where Lord Tynker was, and didn't Lady Tynker know the drought was causing starvation within their lands? Lady Tynker was initially hesitant to convey that information, but with minimal plying she eagerly told her story.
Her husband, Lord Tynker, ruled from the Tower and all the people, herself included, loved him dearly. They had tried to conceive a child together, but the baby died during childbirth. Shortly after, Lord Tynker was called away to war by their father, Lord Felsward. Lady Elza prayed daily that he would return to her, and he eventually did. Despite the injuries Lord Tynker had gained from his battles, they still attempted to have a child. Just before Lady Tynker went into labor, her husband was called away again to fight for Lord Felsward. This time the child survived the birth... only to die three days later. Then after that, Lady Elza received a raven informing her of her husband's death in battle. She was devastated and heartbroken, but one night while she slept she had a wondrous dream.
In it, she had built a dam that caused the water from the river to completely submerge Tynker Tower. Then, she ran out on the roof and discovered her Lord sailing to her across the lake she had made on a boat. He extended his hand to her as she stepped onto the vessel, and the two of them were reunited once again to sail off together. So, clearly she had had a vision, and had built the dam so her Lord would return to her.
Florie was scrambling for some form of response that did not involve outright calling her mad and ordering her to tear down the dam. She was saved by Ser Tobias breaking the silence and asking to speak with the head knight of Tynker Tower. Lady Elza informed him that Ser Orvus was upstairs with other guardsmen, and with a curt nod Ser Tobias left the room. Florie and Argent made idle chit-chat with the Lady until Ser Tobias returned and they could confab about their next move. Just then, a loud crash of thunder sounded all around them, and they heard the pitter-patter of rain as it landed in the lake.
"How wonderful! I prayed for rain this morning to fill up my dam, and now my prayers have been answered!" Lady Tynker exclaimed.
They made the excuse that they would have to discuss if they were going to stay the night (due to unforseen weather) and moved to a more private area while Lady Tynker sat by the window and fawned over the recent downpour. In reality they needed to bring the wall down and end the drought, but Zel pointed out that if the dam was opened all at once the ensuing water would not only come down and crush their horses and Corwin, but also Walker's Wayn. The wall had to be carefully deconstructed, but without incurring the wrath of the obviously mad Lady Tynker.
Ser Tobias believed the easiest way to solve the problem was to force her, but Argent proposed that they give her another "vision" in which she was instructed to tear the wall down herself. Because the first floor was completely underwater, the entire staff and guard were living from the second floor up, and so getting Lady Tynker alone would be difficult. Florie decided that she could have tea with her, ladies only, and then drug her with just enough milk of the poppy to make her delirious. Then, Argent would come into the room disguised as a son of hers, either one that had been lost or one yet to be born, and tell her to tear down the dam. Ser Tobias even came up with a particularly poignant line Argent would say about "if the water is raised for the lord, then the son shall be washed away." With the details squared away, they set the plan into motion by requesting to stay for the night.
Florie then begged for some privacy away from all of the rough men, and proposed the two ladies sit and have tea together. Lady Elza escorted Florie to her own chambers and the two of them brewed the tea. Florie volunteered to pour it, and when she was sure Lady Tynker was not looking she pulled the vial of milk of the poppy from her trunk. Just as she poured in a few drops, Lady Tynker interrupted her.
"What is that?" she asked. Florie had been caught.
"Oh, what?" she looked at the bottle and feigned shock, "Oh, I seemed to have grabbed the wrong bottle. I meant to snag this one. It contains honey harvested from our orchards, and has the faintest hint of apples."
"Why that sounds lovely!" Lady Tynker had been fooled by Florie's quick thinking, but now Florie had to give her a fresh cup with the apple honey. They gossiped through the first cup, and Florie rose to pour the second. This time, she concealed the milk of the poppy within her sleeve and poured it the same time she poured the honey.
"What, what is that? What are you doing?" came Lady Tynker's shrill voice. Darn if that crazy woman wasn't perceptive. Florie began to come up with an excuse about being for her own tea to calm her nerves, but Lady Tynker would not believe her after catching her attempt twice.
"You! You didn't come to visit at all! You're just like everyone else. You came to destroy my happiness...my wall...my Lord!" she cried out. "I will have you arrested! Ser Orvus! Come and subdue this... this poisoner!"
Florie tried to calm Lady Tynker, but to no avail. When Ser Orvus came rushing into the room, and Lady Tynker pointed at her and screamed "Poisoner!", Florie inhaled deeply and shouted with all the power in her tiny frame.
"TOBIAS!"
Ser Tobias ordered Corwin to remain at the base of the wall and attend the horses. If they did not return by morning, he should take the fastest mount and ride as hard as he could for Blackbane Hall. Sensible directions, Florie thought. They carefully made their way up the rope ladder, which very occaisionally swayed when someone shifted weight, and once they all stood at the top of the wall they could see Tynker Tower. Well, most of it. What was in front of them was a large man-made lake harvested from the waters of the river. The wall itself was not simply a wall, but a dam constructed to keep the water from leaving the Tower. The water level was so high that Tynker Tower was submerged to the second story, and the group of them needed to use a boat to traverse the tiny lake. All of them were exchanging worried looks, but Lady Tynker was smiling and chatting as if nothing in the world was amiss - even when she hoisted herself up through a window into a second story room.
After hoisting herself through the same window, Florie could see that the floors of the second story were moist with water, and Lady Elza's skirts were drenched at the hem. She seemed very excited to be hosting guests, because no one came to visit her anymore. Florie couldn't help but wonder why. She, Argent, and Lady Tynker seated themselves in some soft, comfortable chairs while Ser Tobias and Zel restlessly walked around the small room. Argent and Florie were very interested to hear why a dam had been constructed to block the river, where Lord Tynker was, and didn't Lady Tynker know the drought was causing starvation within their lands? Lady Tynker was initially hesitant to convey that information, but with minimal plying she eagerly told her story.
Her husband, Lord Tynker, ruled from the Tower and all the people, herself included, loved him dearly. They had tried to conceive a child together, but the baby died during childbirth. Shortly after, Lord Tynker was called away to war by their father, Lord Felsward. Lady Elza prayed daily that he would return to her, and he eventually did. Despite the injuries Lord Tynker had gained from his battles, they still attempted to have a child. Just before Lady Tynker went into labor, her husband was called away again to fight for Lord Felsward. This time the child survived the birth... only to die three days later. Then after that, Lady Elza received a raven informing her of her husband's death in battle. She was devastated and heartbroken, but one night while she slept she had a wondrous dream.
In it, she had built a dam that caused the water from the river to completely submerge Tynker Tower. Then, she ran out on the roof and discovered her Lord sailing to her across the lake she had made on a boat. He extended his hand to her as she stepped onto the vessel, and the two of them were reunited once again to sail off together. So, clearly she had had a vision, and had built the dam so her Lord would return to her.
Florie was scrambling for some form of response that did not involve outright calling her mad and ordering her to tear down the dam. She was saved by Ser Tobias breaking the silence and asking to speak with the head knight of Tynker Tower. Lady Elza informed him that Ser Orvus was upstairs with other guardsmen, and with a curt nod Ser Tobias left the room. Florie and Argent made idle chit-chat with the Lady until Ser Tobias returned and they could confab about their next move. Just then, a loud crash of thunder sounded all around them, and they heard the pitter-patter of rain as it landed in the lake.
"How wonderful! I prayed for rain this morning to fill up my dam, and now my prayers have been answered!" Lady Tynker exclaimed.
They made the excuse that they would have to discuss if they were going to stay the night (due to unforseen weather) and moved to a more private area while Lady Tynker sat by the window and fawned over the recent downpour. In reality they needed to bring the wall down and end the drought, but Zel pointed out that if the dam was opened all at once the ensuing water would not only come down and crush their horses and Corwin, but also Walker's Wayn. The wall had to be carefully deconstructed, but without incurring the wrath of the obviously mad Lady Tynker.
Ser Tobias believed the easiest way to solve the problem was to force her, but Argent proposed that they give her another "vision" in which she was instructed to tear the wall down herself. Because the first floor was completely underwater, the entire staff and guard were living from the second floor up, and so getting Lady Tynker alone would be difficult. Florie decided that she could have tea with her, ladies only, and then drug her with just enough milk of the poppy to make her delirious. Then, Argent would come into the room disguised as a son of hers, either one that had been lost or one yet to be born, and tell her to tear down the dam. Ser Tobias even came up with a particularly poignant line Argent would say about "if the water is raised for the lord, then the son shall be washed away." With the details squared away, they set the plan into motion by requesting to stay for the night.
Florie then begged for some privacy away from all of the rough men, and proposed the two ladies sit and have tea together. Lady Elza escorted Florie to her own chambers and the two of them brewed the tea. Florie volunteered to pour it, and when she was sure Lady Tynker was not looking she pulled the vial of milk of the poppy from her trunk. Just as she poured in a few drops, Lady Tynker interrupted her.
"What is that?" she asked. Florie had been caught.
"Oh, what?" she looked at the bottle and feigned shock, "Oh, I seemed to have grabbed the wrong bottle. I meant to snag this one. It contains honey harvested from our orchards, and has the faintest hint of apples."
"Why that sounds lovely!" Lady Tynker had been fooled by Florie's quick thinking, but now Florie had to give her a fresh cup with the apple honey. They gossiped through the first cup, and Florie rose to pour the second. This time, she concealed the milk of the poppy within her sleeve and poured it the same time she poured the honey.
"What, what is that? What are you doing?" came Lady Tynker's shrill voice. Darn if that crazy woman wasn't perceptive. Florie began to come up with an excuse about being for her own tea to calm her nerves, but Lady Tynker would not believe her after catching her attempt twice.
"You! You didn't come to visit at all! You're just like everyone else. You came to destroy my happiness...my wall...my Lord!" she cried out. "I will have you arrested! Ser Orvus! Come and subdue this... this poisoner!"
Florie tried to calm Lady Tynker, but to no avail. When Ser Orvus came rushing into the room, and Lady Tynker pointed at her and screamed "Poisoner!", Florie inhaled deeply and shouted with all the power in her tiny frame.
"TOBIAS!"
TOBIAS
§
Ser Tobias took the stairs three at a time and burst into Lady Tynker's chambers, sword drawn. The intractably loyal Ser Orvus was there already casting suspicious eyes on Florie. The man had been completely unyielding in his devotion to Lady Tynker when they had spoken earlier, and Ser Tobias knew he would not hesitate to do her bidding whether he thought she was mad or not. Ser Orvus gruffly asked why Florie would attempt such foul trickery just as Zel and Argent were running into the room.
"Because she's CRAZY!" Ser Tobias yelled before he could stop himself. Lady Tynker speared him with her gaze, her eyes were wide.
"I shall arrest you all! And put you on trial. Trial by combat!" Ser Tobias could see too much of the whites of her eyes as she shouted at them. Florie readily accepted, and named him as her champion. As expected Ser Orvus was to fight for Lady Tynker. Then she decided that the roof of Tynker Tower would serve as the combat arena, and it was Ser Tobias who led the march upstairs. As they walked up, floor after floor, the staff and servants caught wind of what was about to happen and so they too proceeded to watch the duel.
Night had already fallen by the time they assembled on the roof, the rain was pouring down in sheets, and lightning crackled in the distance. The onlookers formed a circle around the two knights, and Florie and Lady Elza stood at opposite edges. They began to circle each other slowly, and their drawn swords glistened with each lightning strike. Ser Orvus lunged first, and despite being much older than Ser Tobias, he was still quick to strike. When he got close enough he swung much too fast to block, and when he connected Ser Tobis felt a searing pain shoot through his shoulder. But he was also fast, and used the close combat to return the same blow to Ser Orvus' shoulder. His strike was true, and at the next flash of lightning he could see the blood seeping through Ser Orvus' mail.
This did nothing to slow the older knight's momentum, and when he next struck, he brought the hilt of his sword to crunch down on Ser Tobias' collarbone. With Ser Orvus still close, Ser Tobias ignored the numb sensation that was spreading through his chest, and noticed that there was a tiny slit in the top of Ser Orvus' armor that exposed his neck just slightly. He pulled a dagger from his belt into his offhand and then sent it straight into the chink, hoping to gouge Ser Orvus. As it turned out, the slit was not wide enough to slide a dagger through, but the force of the blow was enough to send the other knight stumbling back and out of close range. Ser Orvus recovered quickly and swung an overhead strike meant to cleave Tobias in half. The rain was a merciful ally, and Ser Tobias used the slick stones of the roof to slide under the blow and past Ser Orvus. Now behind his opponent, Ser Tobias viciously sliced at his exposed back causing the mail and flesh to split open under the left shoulder. Ser Orvus recoiled, and when he turned to face Ser Tobias, his left arm hung limp and useless at his side.
Using his remaining good arm to hold his blade, Ser Orvus lunged forward with a gutteral yell but slipped on the same slick roof that had aided Tobias earlier. Ser Tobias sidestepped the attack, and allowed Ser Orvus to almost carry himself over the edge of the roof. The old knight managed to stop himself, and when he turned to face Ser Tobias once again Ser Tobias called to him to submit. Ser Orvus seemed to scrutinize the younger knight for a moment and then take stock of his own inner reserves. The crowd that had gathered began to shout out "Submit!", "Don't fight any longer, Ser Orvus!", "The match is done!" Finally, Ser Orvus bowed his head in defeat, and said, "I submit."
Ser Tobias could not really explain what happened next. Perhaps realizing she no longer had the support of her people, or else unable to cope with Ser Orvus' loss, Lady Tynker gave a loud shriek.
"I see my Lord!" she cried out joyfully, ran to the edge, and flung herself off the roof to the dark waters below. The drop was a good thirty or forty feet, and as he looked over the edge Ser Tobias felt that it took an awfully long time for Lady Tynker's limp form to bob to the surface again.
The next few hours were something of a blur. Servants rushing down to retrieve their Lady, or rather her corpse, healers being summoned for the two knights, and Argent and Florie reclaiming authority over Tynker Tower. He also learned that during the bout, Zel had artfully snuck away and made his way across the little lake to the dam. With Corwin's help, the two of them had carefully knocked holes in the wall that would drain the water at a reasonable rate without causing a devastating deluge. The Tynkers' coffers were discovered, and a large sum of gold dragons was recovered and promptly sent to Blackbane Hall to further justify their detour. Even though they still needed to travel to Silver Hill, Ser Tobias had earned himself a good night's rest to heal his injured body.
§
Ser Tobias took the stairs three at a time and burst into Lady Tynker's chambers, sword drawn. The intractably loyal Ser Orvus was there already casting suspicious eyes on Florie. The man had been completely unyielding in his devotion to Lady Tynker when they had spoken earlier, and Ser Tobias knew he would not hesitate to do her bidding whether he thought she was mad or not. Ser Orvus gruffly asked why Florie would attempt such foul trickery just as Zel and Argent were running into the room.
"Because she's CRAZY!" Ser Tobias yelled before he could stop himself. Lady Tynker speared him with her gaze, her eyes were wide.
"I shall arrest you all! And put you on trial. Trial by combat!" Ser Tobias could see too much of the whites of her eyes as she shouted at them. Florie readily accepted, and named him as her champion. As expected Ser Orvus was to fight for Lady Tynker. Then she decided that the roof of Tynker Tower would serve as the combat arena, and it was Ser Tobias who led the march upstairs. As they walked up, floor after floor, the staff and servants caught wind of what was about to happen and so they too proceeded to watch the duel.
Night had already fallen by the time they assembled on the roof, the rain was pouring down in sheets, and lightning crackled in the distance. The onlookers formed a circle around the two knights, and Florie and Lady Elza stood at opposite edges. They began to circle each other slowly, and their drawn swords glistened with each lightning strike. Ser Orvus lunged first, and despite being much older than Ser Tobias, he was still quick to strike. When he got close enough he swung much too fast to block, and when he connected Ser Tobis felt a searing pain shoot through his shoulder. But he was also fast, and used the close combat to return the same blow to Ser Orvus' shoulder. His strike was true, and at the next flash of lightning he could see the blood seeping through Ser Orvus' mail.
This did nothing to slow the older knight's momentum, and when he next struck, he brought the hilt of his sword to crunch down on Ser Tobias' collarbone. With Ser Orvus still close, Ser Tobias ignored the numb sensation that was spreading through his chest, and noticed that there was a tiny slit in the top of Ser Orvus' armor that exposed his neck just slightly. He pulled a dagger from his belt into his offhand and then sent it straight into the chink, hoping to gouge Ser Orvus. As it turned out, the slit was not wide enough to slide a dagger through, but the force of the blow was enough to send the other knight stumbling back and out of close range. Ser Orvus recovered quickly and swung an overhead strike meant to cleave Tobias in half. The rain was a merciful ally, and Ser Tobias used the slick stones of the roof to slide under the blow and past Ser Orvus. Now behind his opponent, Ser Tobias viciously sliced at his exposed back causing the mail and flesh to split open under the left shoulder. Ser Orvus recoiled, and when he turned to face Ser Tobias, his left arm hung limp and useless at his side.
Using his remaining good arm to hold his blade, Ser Orvus lunged forward with a gutteral yell but slipped on the same slick roof that had aided Tobias earlier. Ser Tobias sidestepped the attack, and allowed Ser Orvus to almost carry himself over the edge of the roof. The old knight managed to stop himself, and when he turned to face Ser Tobias once again Ser Tobias called to him to submit. Ser Orvus seemed to scrutinize the younger knight for a moment and then take stock of his own inner reserves. The crowd that had gathered began to shout out "Submit!", "Don't fight any longer, Ser Orvus!", "The match is done!" Finally, Ser Orvus bowed his head in defeat, and said, "I submit."
Ser Tobias could not really explain what happened next. Perhaps realizing she no longer had the support of her people, or else unable to cope with Ser Orvus' loss, Lady Tynker gave a loud shriek.
"I see my Lord!" she cried out joyfully, ran to the edge, and flung herself off the roof to the dark waters below. The drop was a good thirty or forty feet, and as he looked over the edge Ser Tobias felt that it took an awfully long time for Lady Tynker's limp form to bob to the surface again.
The next few hours were something of a blur. Servants rushing down to retrieve their Lady, or rather her corpse, healers being summoned for the two knights, and Argent and Florie reclaiming authority over Tynker Tower. He also learned that during the bout, Zel had artfully snuck away and made his way across the little lake to the dam. With Corwin's help, the two of them had carefully knocked holes in the wall that would drain the water at a reasonable rate without causing a devastating deluge. The Tynkers' coffers were discovered, and a large sum of gold dragons was recovered and promptly sent to Blackbane Hall to further justify their detour. Even though they still needed to travel to Silver Hill, Ser Tobias had earned himself a good night's rest to heal his injured body.
No comments:
Post a Comment