 |
Chapter 4 |  |
It was not long before a stray travelling Mundane wandered by, following the trail through the forest from Ploeuc. Reasoning that the word would soon spread, the Magi set to, to decide upon the tale they might spin to those who might investigate. After some debate, they settled upon the traditional tale of Scholars establishing a (fortified) Herb Garden (in a Deep Forest)...
Within two days, a troupe arrived from the north, led by a striking Saxon Knight, hight Eberhardt de Colombiers, Castellan to the Lady Marta de Colombiers de Plaintel, claiming the land as that of his Lady Marta. This Saxon seemed somewhat confused, being greeted first in his native German by the Grog Beate, and then three Ladies (Magae) speaking Latin in authority over the warriors. The linguistic confusion diminished when it was realised that, in fact, he spoke good French. He took the tale of the Herb Garden, and professions of peace, and returned to his Lady Marta, the while muttering under his breath about "strange Nuns".
Seeking to follow up this visit, and improve the relations, the Magi sought to choose representatives to the Nobility. They dismissed Speculor (whose Gift is Blatant), Joach (prejudged by his Hunchback) and Saskia (despite her Gentle Gift, too Sheltered), and picked Speranda (of Noble birth, though Foreign) and Iuris Perita (French, and a respectable Quæsitor). Joach, Speranda and Saskia were not overly happy to appoint the just-arrived Quæsitor as their representative, but had no other good candidate speaking French.
Next day, a small party, with Magae Speranda and Iuris Perita, set out to visit the Lady Marta directly. Invited into the Great Hall they were quizzed on the "Nuns" and their Order, and Bandits described to her. Once disposed of the notion of "Nuns", though skeptical of the tale of scholarly Herb growing, Lady Marta seemed amenable to an accommodation with the newcomers, and did not press her claim to the lands of the Forest, but rather for allegiance and mutual support. The magi dodged the issue of allegiance but allowed that mutual support might be agreed, and swore that they had no hostile intent towards her and her lands.
Another day, and a troupe of warriors arrived from Ploeuc, their herald announcing Sir Jean de Ploeuc, "lord of these lands". They forcefully demanded explanation of trespass, payment of recompense, and immediate departure of intruders. Their talk concealed underhand manoeuvring by the horsemen, who broke into a charge intent on wreckage of the camp. Faced with imminent disaster, the Magi broke cover and cast Spells to break the morale of their attackers, who soon fled in disgrace, leaving slashed tents as their sole consequence.
After a lecture by the Quæsitor Iuris Perita on the Hermetic Code, and Interference with the Mundanes, the five Magi (members and visitors) held conference to decide some response, as word of Sorcery would spread as fast as had word of intrusion. Iuris Perita was sent in haste to inform the Lady Marta of the expanded circumstances; she seemed none too surprised at the stranger aspects of scholarship now professed by her new neighbours, organising an immediate return to the glade to see for herself. After the description of the hasty departure of Sir Jean, Lady Marta advised that Sir Jean would not rush to make public his discomposure, but would make secret plans for revenge. She herself would write some account of their arrival and the happenings to her Liege, la Duchesse de Bretagne.
Comments, feedback or problems
