A new encounter

[Tatsumura Masamune]

The rider's horse is running at full speed. He had been ever since he got to the destroyed village and saw just what Fuuma-dono had seen. He noticed the white stones leading out of the village, and knew that someone else must already have been here to inspect. Now, he followed the stones, moving as fast as the horse would take him.

He crested the top of a hill, at the bottom, two riders sat there, apparently waiting on something. In the distance hills of the south, another fire roared on. The smoke was black, a signal of a recent attack. The rider made for the two quickly, noticing the cross on the chest of the "older" of the two. It was the same emblem on the fallen warrior from the woods. He approached them, holding up a hand, speaking with a heavy accent.

"Riders, do you hail from Aethenu? I am Ryoshin, I am in service to Tatsumura Masamune, he has come with soldiers to help stop the raiders. I am to find Tachibana Sanjuro as well."

Ryoshin looks up, as the smoke is now visiable over the trees.

"Appraently we are too late once again..."

Ryoshin points to the smoke.

[Suihaden]

As Suihaden came to consciousness again he heard voices, strange voices heavily accented.
Then it struck him, there was no pain, no blood and the unspeakable agony in his head had ceased.

Slowly he sat up and looked around, then asked groggily,

"Where am I?"

[Tachibana Sanjuro]

OOC: Sorry sui for cutting into your rp line, but this is the only available time I can sneak into work with a internet connection.

In story: Ryoshin, the messenger, knew the urgency that had to be conveyed, and rushed to the north into the lands of Aethenu, to deliver the need for reinforcements, and galloped post-haste.

Somewhere, in a medium sized hut near a river with a grove of trees, Sanjuro grumbled to himself at the monotony of the days; sleep, eat, make weapons, train, meditate, make weapons, sleep, repeat. So horrible it was that he started to talk to himself. Either that or since he did not hear word from his comrades in Aethenu in a long time that something was wrong. Either or, the calmness and monotony gritted in Sanjuro's mind. During his usual moment of mediataion, he heard horsetracks, just one though. Sanjuro thought he finally snapped and reached some sort on enlightenement or he was just hearing things. He stepped outside and saw that is was a visitor! "Ah!" He first thought to himself, "I'll go get some hot tea and rice for my visitor!" As the traveler got closer, Sanjuro saw, with a fading welcoming smile to a worried face, that this was not time for tea and riceballs. The rider halted and gave his message:

"Greetings, Tachibana-dono, I bring a message from Shogun Tatsumura. You must come immediately to aid the Shogunate and Mittelmarch. Vikings are marching towards Mittelmarch!"

Sanjuro knew it had to be a serious message, for the messenger didn't even attempt to dismount and bow to him. Nevertheless, he thought,... in dire situations, there is no time for pleasantries and bowing. Finally, Sanjuro's daily pattern had been broken. Sanjuro's mind raced with what to do next. He acknowledged the rider. Sanjuro rushed into his hut and packed his war gear with simple provisions. He knew that quickness was needed, so he rushed out with his archery set of a wakizashi, 12 arrows, a bow, and an archery breastplate. He stepped out of his hut with vigor. Today, he has purpose!, he thought to himself. Sanjuro rushed out, prepped his horse, and told the messenger. " I can handle it from here, go back and tell Tatsumura-dono that I will be there." The messenger stalled for a moment, and replied;

"Just you, Tachibana-dono?, Excuse my words, but...I thought you were a Daimyo. Don't you have an army or at least a regiment?"

"Eh?", Sanjuro thought, looking around him, remembering his solidarity, and that he does talk to himself. He talks to himself enough to fill the barracks of a regiment. He smiled and replied;

"Well, a Daimyo must start somewhere...For instance! I have 12 of the best warriors right here! ::points to quiver of arrows:: They are loyal, they do not daudle and get right to the point, but most importantly.....they"Don't talk back".

The messenger got the undertone of his words, and blushed in shame. Sanjuro jumped onto his horse and said "Enough talk, we move!" and both rushed off towards the south.

OOC: I'm so rusty when it comes to RPing.....::slouches back to maiking arrows in his hut, I mean......pole barn.:: if any inconsistencies, call me on it, I'm half-asleep at work typing this.

[greybeardabbot]

The rising smoke caught greybeard's attention with greater force than the sudden appearance of Ryoshin. The arrival of Ryoshin was good news. The smoke weighed him down with oppression. For a long time greybeard was not dispossed to anwer this news.
He was dimly aware that Fuey and Taos were talking loudly with Ryoshin, but no acctual words penetrated Greybeard's mind.
He was thinking hard of the options... Ride to the town... persue the vikings... The village my have servivors in need... the vikings need to pay for thier transgressions...
"I hate choices like this." Greybeards said through gritted teeth, not really careing if anyone heard him. "The devils choices... all of them bad... No... Clearly there is a right choice... go to the village give support and aid.... It will just delay you, what's the point. They would all be dead wouldn't they?...

Furey: "Greybeard?.... Greybeard?..... I said... GREYBEARD!... What do you think?"

Greybeard: "I think?.... I think.... Aye! We should ride to the village... see what we can or can not do... We should not delay too long... but on the other hand... we have 15 knights attempting to catch-up with us. It might prove wise to give them a chance, either to catch-up or to close the gap... But my hand is eager to grip this sword in anger. I would not have us tarry over long... What say you three?

[Kotaro]

Kotaro walked alongside the robed monk as he led the shinobi unit to the site of the Mao -- monastery was a bit too generous a word. Campsite was more appropriate. However, he was not there to remark upon the standings of the monk's dwellings. His purpose was clear. He was to help the monks settle into their new home, and to ensure that they did not fall victim to the marauding Vikings.

At last he came to a monk whose robes were more elaborate than the other monks'. He knew this to be Mao Hiroto. The monk stood watching his pupils go about their business, his naginata clutched in his hand.

"Mao Hiroto, I presume?" Kotaro asked, more of a courtesy than a question. He knew full well who the man was. "My name is Fuuma Kotaro, a daimyo in the service of Shogun Tatsumura Masamune. I've come to lend my assistance in your order's settlement and fortification," he continued, bowing politely.

[Taos]

Greybeard: "What say you three?"

With Greybeard's question, Taos and Ryoshin ceased their discussion, with the elf giving the others a regal look.

Taos: "Ryoshin, ride on to Aethenu as your master wills. Spread word of the Viking's location to those you see on your way. I will ride ahead and scout the Viking's location. If they have moved on from the village there may be survivors as well."

Greybeard: "Aye, best we have a shadow on their movements. When Sargent returns, I will send him ahead so we may communicate. Be sure you are not caught."

Taos laughed: "Have no fear, Greybeard. They will know they have a watcher, but there is little chance their horses can compare with mine. I only regret having no bow, or I would harry them like the centaurs of the Northern Steppes."

The three riders exchanged the farewell of their brotherhood, and Taos rode off at a gallop, towards the pillar of smoke in the distance, leaving Greybeard and Furey to wait in the gathering dusk for the approaching monks.

[Tatsumura Masamune]

Ryoshin bowed to the Greybread and Furey as the Taos rides off.

"I will find Tachibana-dono, and return with Tatsumura-dono and our forces."

With that, Ryoshin rides hard back north, moving as fast as the horse can run.

(Insert Sanjuro's meeting)

____________________________________________________

*At the Shogunate camp*

The words rang out from Suihaden.

"Where am I?"

Several bushi standing there turned to look at him. The shujenga kneeled next to him and began to inspect for any further wounds. The nerveousness on his face was clear as day. Then a voice rang out from behind the bushi.

"You are among friends Suihaden-san."

The bushi parted as Masamune walked forward to see the recovered warrior.

"We are camped here for the moment, waiting for our rider to return with Sanjuro-san. We couldn't risk leaving you out in the field."

Masamune kneels down before Suihaden.

"Tell me, what happened to you?"

As he says that, the sound of two horses can be heard, and Ryoshin and Sanjuro arrive. Ryoshin dismounts, and bows to Masamune.

"Dono, we have a problem, another village has been sacked."

[Sir Nichtmar]

Nichtmar, Gravien, Cathan and 40 Mittelmarch Soldiers have been riding for nearly a day now. They've come upon a village that had been ravaged by the Warband. Nichtmar noticed a familiar figure helping an injured man. He wears the white cross of the Hospitallers and his name is Greybeard. Nichtmar dismounts and approaches. As he gets closer he can see the pain on Greybeard's face, it's not his own pain though, it is of those dead and suffering.

Greybeard walks toward Nichtmar, "Unfortunately you are too late, my friend."

They grab each others forearm and pull in and pat each other on the back and release.

"Another village...it's difficult to determine where they'll strike next."

Nichtmar turns toward Cathan, "Take Gravien, see if you two can track down where they are or where they are headed. Don't be heroes just come back when you find them."

Nichtmar turns back to Greybeard.

[greybeardabbot]

LOng have been the days since I had news of you... I wait on 15 of my order, knights of St. John. They ride mules, since they are infantry and only use them to ride to the battlefield.
8 are pikemen, 5 are heavy infantry... well armored... sword and board... Nie fearless.
The other 2... I can't be certain... I'm not sure who comes. But my quess and my prayer is that brother Millard and brother Maynard ride with them... both archers par 'exelant. I expect they arrive by nightfall... By my odds, they outnumber us 2 to 1, if we have the brothers with us...
What news from Mittlemarch? Do they know? What force might they add to this repelling force?

My hands are anxious to deal revenge.

[Suihaden]

Suihaden rose and bowed to Tatsumura,

"I thank you for your help Milord, I was riding through these woods when I rode into the Norsemen. I fought and was vanquished."

He looks around then asks,

"I seek Greybeard, can you tell me where he is?"

[Tatsumura Masamune]

Masamune turns as Sanjuro and Ryoshin arrive. Ryoshin answers the question presented by Suihaden.

"He is south of us. I believe that he was heading to the recentlly attacked village."

"Verywell, then that is where we shall head."

With that, all of the bushi and shugenja mounted their horses. Masamune turns to face the young warrior.

"Suihaden-san. You can ride with us, You can make any further decisions that you must with your sensei."

With that, the group rides hard south. It takes only 45 mintues to arrive at the destroyed town. Masamune approaches Greybread and Nichtmar.

"Greybread-sama, Nichtmar-dono, I hope you don't mind a few extra blades."

Masamune dismounts his horse, bowing before the two.

"I have brought Sanjuro-san, and 16 other bushi, along with 5 shugenja. I also managed to find a stragler in my trip here."

[Sir Nichtmar]

"Mittelmarch knows of the Warband, we also have the Jovians to worry about as well, but there's no need in setting up a defense here in this town. They've taken what they wanted, they will hit another town, but we have to figure out which one it will be. They move swift, but we do know where there ship is. Off the coastal side of the Thunder Mountains. They must be sending some of their men back and forth to drop off their loot or perhaps they all go back to the ship. I'm not sure..."

[Mao Hiroto]

The inside of the rather large tent was draped with tapestries bearing religious imagery of Shinto Kami, various incarnations of the Buddha, and tribal deities of the mountain tribes of the Far East. Oil lamps gave the quarters a warm glow as they flickered. The ground was rocky, yet fairly smooth beneath the carpets which lined the floor of the tent. Along the easternmost wall of the tent stood a small shrine, contaniing statuary and various reliquaries of the Yamabushi Mao.

Seated upon round cushions scattered about a small table, upon which rested a stylized ceramic tea set, were a handful of youthful eastern monks whose robes were tattered and worn from a long and difficult journey. At the place of honor sat the monk whose robes were more elaborate than his peers, though still very beaten and tattered. He was youthful, but significantly older than his comrades, his skin hardened by extreme climates, and his eyes slightly weary. They twinkled a bit as he looked up at the shinobi and smiled. He rose, bowed ever so slightly to his brethren and motioned them all off except for the messenger who escorted Fuuma Kotaro. The sagely looking old messenger then stepped forward to greet his now-risen brother and then, to the surprise of Kotaro, the stately monk removed his ornate kesa and handed it to the monk who had been escorting the shinobi. The older monk then bowed to his brother and turned to face Kotaro with a deep and reverant bow.

"Things are not always as they appear to be, Fuuma-dono. You, being a shinobi should be quite aware of that. I am Mao Hiroto, of the Yamabushi Mao, last of the Mao clan and sensei to the youthful and inexperienced religious brothers which met you upon your entrance. Welcome to our humble soon-to-be home."

The monk continued to speak as his double assisted him in affixing the ornate kesa about his neck and torso. "Your Shogun," he replied to the unspoken question he read from Kotaro's face, "is wise indeed to have seen through my ruse. However, with these Jovians about, one cannot be too careful. Yes, he must be truly wise to have seen through my ruse and therefore did not eschew me off into some waiting area while he was instructing you and your fellow generals. Yes, wise your Shogun must be as not to reveal my nature so that I could freely discuss with you the plans on our journey back to here, which will make things move much more quickly as I am already prepared to enact it. I am pleased that everything I had come to hear of Tatsamura-senpai were quite true." Hiroto smiled brightly. "Come, sit, have some tea. We may begin discussing the fortifications your Shogun described to us."

The pale monk was motioned off, to which he respectfully obliged, and Hiroto graciously motioned Fuuma Kotaro toward the small table and cushions.

[Kotaro]

Kotaro sat seiza on the cushion provided to him. It was surprisingly soft and very comfortable, as though he was sitting on semi-solid air. He got down to business.


"I'm sure the Shogun described our situation to you, being the comprehensive man that my lord is. Now, to the matter at hand. If I may be frank, your settlement is about as well-defended as a henhouse. How trained are your pupils in combat? That is the first step. If we get attacked as we are building our defenses, our constructions are worthless."

[Mao Hiroto]

Hiroto listened to Kotaro as he glided over to a small tray which rested upon a stone at the location of the shrine. He gently picked it up and wafted it through the incense three times muttering something under his breath. He then turned and walked to the table, and bowing slightly to Kotaro sat seiza upon the zabuton cushion. Hiroto then opened the box and began to produce the various tools needed to serve the thin tea which was stewing when they came in, cleaning each with a small white cloth and presenting them to Kotaro for his examination.

"Yes," Hiroto said as he continued through all the gestures of bon temae ceremony, "defense of our new home will be of utmost importance. My youthful brothers are early along their training, so it may take many months for them to be capable of such a task on their own..."

Occassionally through the important conversation, Hiroto would interrupt himself with the ceremonial utterances as he prepared the tea. Normally such a conversation would wait, however there was little time to waste these days, even for something as important as tea. He proceeded, "Based on the intelligence we have gathered, I believe that the Jovian threat combined with this new warband's presence will foster enough support from the tribal lords of the Northern Steppes, and perhaps even the Dragoon knights, to help secure our presence as we construct a more fortified encampment. Once we are defended, training will come much easier and thereby our fortifications will strengthen as well."

Hiroto paused again, passing the tea bowl to Kotaro with an utterance and a bow. "I shall give you full command of the 20 monks who are battle ready to join with your shinobi. I shall travel with my assistant to meet with the various tribes of the land. If the gods favor us, I shall return within the month with more forces to secure our position here."

[Kotaro]

Kotaro sipped the tea, nodding. The liquid was just hot enough to be soothing as it flowed down his throat.

"Very well. I shall remain here to supervise the training of your yamabushi. Hopefully, we will have them at least ready to defend the area until you return, at which point we can begin construction on your defenses."

He set the tea down. "Which of your monks are well-trained enough to be considered worthy sensei? I doubt many of my men are, but there are a few who have already passed their tests."

[Mao Hiroto]

Hiroto sipped his own tea and smiled. "The 20 who are of age I consider battle worthy. They have served the Mao well on this long journey for our survival. They shall fight with honor and are not too young to die with honor. The five who are still children, though possibly ready to fight with honor, are too young to die without creating far too much grief. They must remain out of any fray that develops at all costs."

Hiroto's smile turned to a more pensive face at the thought of such gravity as he also sat his tea down. "Though we should not fear the worst, but rather hope for the best. These mountains are treacherous, I suggest spending most of your time here learning the land, as it shall provide you defense as of 1000 men." He smiled again.

[Sir Nichtmar]

Nichtmar looks to Greybeard, "I don't know your plans, but we are headed to their viking ship. I will slaughter them."

His eyes dark, a shadow of evil coats him and he welcomes it. He mounts his horse.

"Men, lets ride!"

[Kotaro]

Kotaro bows his head. "I thank you, Hiroto-senpai. I will take these men and scout the area. If what you say is true, then we have a distinct advantage."

The shinobi sets the tea down and stands. "Thank you for the tea. I shall report back to you by the end of the week." Bowing, he leaves the tent to assemble his shinobi to scout and the monks as guides.

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Storm was a day out of the mountains and decided to stop. He dismounted and took off his armor, took out of the shinobi clothes he had been given from his daimyo, and changed into them. He then mounted again and was off.
By the time he reached the mountains it was almost the end of twilight. He got off his horse then whistled into the night. Almost instantly three shinobi appeared right before him. Another appeared behind him, ninja-to at his throat *the one who walked up to him looked him right in the eye* who are you and what do you want? *Storm calmly said* I am Fuuma Akaruri Arashi; I have come on the command of the Shogun Tatsamura Masamune to redeem command of the shinobi here in the mountain and a status report of the Jovians. *The one who spoke to Storm then said* you lie; we did not receive any report of anyone coming here. He's a spy kill him now. *Storm then dropped the ground and legsweeped the man behind him. Storm then pulled out his katana and then switched places with the ninja behind him. The hand guard of the katana showing the symbol of Fuuma. Storm then pulled off his mask so they could see his face. The one who gave the order then gave the order to halt to the other two who were going to attack* you are of the Fuuma Clan. *The three of them bowed before Storm* we are sorry we did believe you my lord. With the Jovians advancing on our position we do not trust many people. Please forgive us. *Storm ordered them to rise.* I am one you do not bow to; I simply follow the orders of our Shogun and Daimyo as do you. *Storm then followed the shinobi to the camp they had in the mountains.
When Storm arrived he had expected to see more than there was.* Where are the rest of your men? I expected there to be more than this handful. *The main shinobi turned to look at the surprised look on his face* you are still a beginner in the ways of shinobi, and the first rule about shinobi is that you do not judge the appearance but by the skill the show on the field. *Storm nodded* Very well what’s the situation, and what might your name be my friend? *The ninja answered* The name is ShiShi, and our friends the Jovians are fairly quiet lately. We don't know what they are doing but there is busy work going on behind the walls of the city. *Storm then seemed anxious* Very well, keep me posted. *With that Storm went to go find a space to set up his tent.
*The next couple of days were very quiet. No one had come their way. Not Jovian, not merchants, nobody. Then one day everything went abrupt. Storm was awoken from a very peaceful sleep. ShiShi had run into his tent* Arashi-san! Wake up! The gates are opening! The Jovians are coming! *Storm sat up and readied himself in a very fast manner.* Very well I am on my way. *Storm picked up his chain shirt and put it on under his clothes. He had met up with all the shinobi who were watching the gate slowly open.* What in the Abyss… *Out of the gates came machines of war, beasts of all various shapes and sizes, then behind them the disciplined and well organized Jovians bearing the flag of their empire. Storm turned to ShiShi* Alright, ShiShi, make their trip here one to be remembered because it’s obvious that they are going to wage war and I bet their first stop it Kyuden Tatsamura. Have the men ready the traps that we made and I will ride to the other camps and inform them of the threat. Once your traps are sprung, retreat to the camps behind us and then make for the castle. *With that Storm went to go pack his things and then mount his horse* I now ride to the castle and inform Okami-dono. May the gods be with you ShiShi. *With that Storm was off. Storm informed the camps as he rode through of the threat and then made a hard sprint to the castle. It was noon when he reached the castle. He ran into the castle and quickly found Okami Arashi* Okami-dono! The Jovians are coming and in mass. I think that we should evacuate everyone to Mittelmarch because this wasn’t a patrol. It was an army.

[greybeardabbot]

At long last a smile crosses Greybeard's weathered face as a comical sight trots into view.
These noble knights, bouncing toward him on these long faces mules did his heart good to see. And more better yet, following at an easy cantor were the two men he had pinned his opes to... Brothers Millard and Maynard.

Greybeard: Peace be with you!
Knights of St. John: And also with you!

Greybeard: What's this? Roan mares? And Arabian from the looks of them?
Millard: It's not for vanity, Father, these are part of our arsonal.
Maynard: We have adopted the style of the Saracens.
Millard: Horse archers.
Greybeard: I hope that's all you've adopted from our Muslim 'Friends'.
Maynard: No, my Lord, we have also adopted thier recurved bows as well...
Greybeard: Hhhh... humm... yes... not exactly what I was going for.
Millard: We understood, my Lord... but these mares are light and fast.
Maynard: We keep outside the effective range of the enemy fighters, while picking off shot after shot from near range.
Greybeard: Hardly sporting.
Millard: Yet effective.
Maynard: True it is very irritating to those hurassed.
Greybeard: How well are you at this new skill?
Millard: I can hit a man at full gallop from 50 yards.
Greybeard: Consistantly?
Millard: Mostly
Maynard: And I can do the same... perhaps one good shot every three to five seconds.
Greybeard: This may prove a good innovation. Are you well enough to ride on or need you rest a bit?
Marshal: We are good for another hour at this pace my Lord.
Greybeard: Good. Sirs we ride south, I intend we meet up with the Shogunate, and we have a elvish spy to keep an eye on them... we may have news shortly... be weary.

Greybeard mounted his great grey warhorse... a Percheron... 16 hands at the shoulder and 2000 lbs... all mustle... gentle and intellegent... "Cagato! Con vidas!"

[Taos]

Taos knelt in the tall grass next to his steed, watching the Viking's pickets patrol the edges of their encampment. He was pleased to see that they were as organized and militaristic as his observation of their last camp's remains had indicated.

He was confident that he was unseen at this distance, the very far edge of his own eyesight. Earlier in the day, as he caught up with the marauders, he was sure they had seen him, the flat terrain making it all but impossible to stay hidden from sight during sunlight. A pair of the Vikings, more headstrong than the rest had earlier tried to go searching for him outside of the camp, but been stopped by the cooler heads of their brethren.

At his distance from the camp, he could hear nothing, but their lips were readable, and their language different, but not greatly dissimilar to the native tongue of the King in Pentwyvern. From watching the various conversations in the camp, their chief jarl or warleader was now aware that a force of some size, this land's warrior class, was likely in the area. Unfortunately, the warlord's strategies hadn't filtered down to the rank and file fighter yet, and so Taos stayed patiently waiting, perfectly still in the tall grass.

Hours passed, with most of the Vikings sleeping beside their fires, and an unlucky few being kicked and prodded awake to take their turn as sentry. A few of them made superstitious gestures as a falcon screamed in the night, and the sound of wings passed overhead, as Sargent took Taos' messages back along their path of plunder.

[greybeardabbot]

While the Order of Hospitallers were taking a mandatory hold-up to rest and water the animals, a scream pierced the evening air. Greybeard recognized the sound as his falcon Sargent. His quick whistle brought the bird to him. He at once removed the velum note from Sargent’s leg. He read the message and quickly turned to speak to the messenger.

Greybeard: For the life of me I do not understand you bird. For whatever cause you condescend to serve us as a carrier of news. And yet in your pride you have never answered to anyone outside of the Aethenric… and half of them you ignore with great distain… Now here you come to this Elf as gladly as your master? Odds bodkins! These woodland folk are rare indeed. I could just as easily hate him for his uncanny charm of you, if I did not already love the devil, this Taos… Sure I must wonder if they are in part some descendent of the Nephileem?

Standing he calls out...

Greybeard: Brethren! Gather to me! We must make all speed to this place before us. My friend Taos has them located and sends us word. If we make all speed and spare not these good animals, we may reach him by the small hours. If we can, perhaps, fall upon them early in the morning.. it maybe that we may do them great harm, I think.

Pikemen! And all of you listen to me. The Viking are brutes but do not think they are unskilled. You have probably not fought anyone quite like these men for ferocity. They are wicked like the Picks, but far more skilled in battle.

I have seen Vikings at war only once before… and that was enough. When I last encountered them, they fought with the francisca, a Saxon war ax, which they can throw with great force and deadly accuracy… I don’t expect they will have changed from this. So you are aware, the effective range of these throwing axes is from 10 to 20 yards. And I’ve seen them knock men clean off their feet. Also they usually carry two or three, and if I recall correctly they will often throw them in a volley when we go to close on them… it is terrifying and they can break your shield, since ours are made of wood covered in leather, and so they may split it in half if you hold your shield square on to them…

But care nothing for this... they are only lightly armored and they do not fight as a unit, unless these men are different, we should do well as shock troupes and we have discipline and God on our side.
Mount up… we can waste no more time.

[Sir Nichtmar]

Just before Nichtmar was about to lead his men out he saw the arrival of the knights that he’s only heard about. The sight of them reminded him of Richter and then he was reminded of who he is. He became aware, Telemachus’s curse has been bleeding out of Isen’s seal .

“Men, lets rest.”

He slides off his horse. Approaching Greybeard after he welcomed his friends, he speaks in whisper with him.

“I am not exactly in control of my actions…”

Nichtmar told Greybeard of his run in with Telemachus and the dark curse that plagues his heart and the seal that Isen created. He tells him of the one leading the Vikings, that he is the one that killed his tribe.

“…so I ask of you to lead my men? I do not wish to risk their lives with my own rage.”

[greybeardabbot]

Greybeard: "There maybe somehing we can do to ride you of this curse... I prepose we substitute a blessing. There is one I know with water that can drive the most powerful of spirits from you.
We might consider this... once we are rid of these Vikings.... If you can wait. If not there is a short form we could use immediatly... but somehow I think in this case I would prefur a bit more preparation.
Anyway... the dawn comes soon, and I would be upon them moments before the suyn breaks the sky. I wish to find Toas and onsult with him, and plan our attack according to his wisdom...
He has had them under his watch and may know the lay of the land and the situation... Although I am not with out a plan of attack, if we cannot find him...
Move the army... IN SILENCE... (if Possible)... The facon leads us... it is not far by the bird's signs."

Greybeard's contingent = 17 + Taos
Nichtmar.... you lead how many?

Heldor's men number around 100 I think.

Iff they outnumber us more than 2:1... Then we must "raid and run".... provided we can catch them off thier guard... I'm somewhat doubtful that can be done with complete surprise, but somewhat hopeful we could catch them, some what, unprepared.