Chamberlain Roleplays: The Conquest of Kazan

Roleplay from Catherine Chamberlain

She stood on the weathered wood, lookig to both sides, the normally tranquil harbour now bustled with the requisitioned boats from all along the coast. The banners of all of the coastal ports were evident, Oroya, Pucallpa, and ofcourse Juaziero. Among them were some of the smuggler fleet, insinuating themselves at unexpected speed across the peninsula.

She had hoped to approach Kazan quietly, to catch the foul get of Obsidia in their whore houses and dens, but her fleet would be far too obvious for such a landing, and the greedy fat lords would force their vassals to fight for their unjust and undeserving masters.

There was a buzz of anticipation on the boat, her men, set about their wopons, tightening bow strings and checking the fletchers works on their arrows. She was the only woman amongst them, 100 all told, with the scouts and healers, and all following her orders. She had never found the company of soldiers difficult; she had journeyed now so long with many of them, she felt closer to them in some ways than to some of her family.

What would he family think of her. By her age har mother had already birthed her two eldest brothers. She had attended finishing school, she was bred to be a wife and mother. But now... now her body was so accustomed to the reassuring weight of her battle armour, she felt uncomfortable in her gowns, no matter how pretty her ladies might say she appeared. Her hands were not soft and smooth like her mothers, she had many small scars from bouts and from battle. Her sister-in-law thought her to be sapphic, however untrue, it did not change the musing for her as to what man would want a woman such as she who presumed to lead not only her own men, but those of the army to war.

The sun was setting over the bay, the sky blood red, the fleet would soon be embraced by the night, and tomorrow, tomorrow may be a defining point for the future of her homeland. But for now, surrounded by her family of men, with an entire army within less than half of a mile of where she stood, she had strangely, never felt so alone.

Roleplay from Vessol Mithridates

The barge lurched and swayed in-sync with Kronogos Vessol's stomach.

To his side, Captain Aegis"By Ora..no wonder the Obsidian Islanders are so surly and unkempt. Whenever they wish to go anywhere they must also lose their breakfast.." An uneasy laugh reverberated throughout the massive hold.

"It's the largest and most luxurious barge in the northern seas", the shipper had told him as he inspected it at the tiny commercial docks in Juazeiro. Kronogos Vessol doubted that last claim, but the first claim seemed to ring true. Normally this cargo hold would be used to ship grain or livestock, now it carried over a hundred armored men. Here they were arrayed in formation in front of him, steel clad with banded plate armor covering them from head to toes. The light cast a shadow to obscure their faces beneath their helmets, creating the illusion of an army of faceless statues. Not many statues though would be able to use a spear as deadly as they had been trained, or block a blow with their thick rounded shield that bore the White Tree on a black background.

Kronogos Vessol was not one for grand speeches and oratory. This wouldn't be necessary though with his men. Under those helmets he knew that each one was grim-faced and ready to kill. These men were raised and trained in Juazeiro, Salta and Pucallpa. All regions which were devastated by Perdan and the treacherous Obsidian Islanders. They came from diverse backgrounds and different tribes. Some had lost homes, others had lost loved ones. They shared one thing in common though, the desire to spill the blood of those who had attacked Nivemus.

Kronogos Vessol desired the same thing.

After second Kazan battle.

Roleplay from Malakai Wolf

A calm wind, all the Nivemus troops praied for, and Ora answered. Malakai smiled. When the arrows started to fly, the enemy charged, a moment of silence came when all witnessed what would take an endless time to decide if it was an epic moment of braveness, or an epic moment of foolishness. Lady Snowe, daughter to the hnored Vasilif of Nivemus, met the thickest part of the enemy charge, with only her Captain by her side. Malakai estimated at least a hundred horses.... and then they ran over the Lady. Cries of surprise came from all men in the range units. Silence fell again in the formations. Perhaps Lady Snowe knew the odds were so close, she decided to give the men inspiration. Malakai took a bow himself and started to let arrows fly, none fell around the area where Lady Snowe was last seen.

After the battle, only the sound of the wind blowed......... "hunt them like animals, do not bring heads, do not bury them, i hope they come back as undead so we can kill them again" was the only order given by Malakai.

After Perdan force withdrawal from Kazan with OI trying to TO Kazan back from Nivemus

Letter from Sylvus Alumaani

Oooohhh! My head! My lords and ladies, whilst carrying out my vigilant protection of our port, it appears I was taken unaware in one of the local taverns, I suspect that I was poisoned but my hearty constitution prevented any real damage although I appear to be aboard a flotilla without a pretty face in sight! Can anyone advise upon my situation? Sylvus Alumaani Baron of Pedrera

Roleplay from Brock Ketchum

Upon boarding the ferry to Kazan region. Brock looks at Baron Sylvus and shakes his head smilingly. Then he turns to address the ferry mates:

Look like we will need to keep more wine from Baron Sylvus reach. All hands, listen up!

No more wine for Baron Sylvus not even under pain of death. Let him dry up his last mug, there will be no more.

Hold on, what we have here? More wine barrels. Who give him more wine?

Roleplay from Catherine Chamberlain

They were basically untried, a worthy group of men, but one minor skirmish and now they were set to defend the soverignty of Nivemus at Kazan. There were still a few of her old hands, assisting the green horns to oil their leathers and tighten their bows for maximum efficacy and range. She heard the songs of war from the barges and ferries surrounding her, but could only think to herself how could she prepare them better, what training could she give archers at sea?

Looking to Lords Ketchum and Alumanni's ferry she smiled to herself.

"Dekmar, call the men starboard side, Lord Ketchum presents target for them!"

She smiled pulling back her own bow and loosing an arrow at the bobbing lane of barrels trailing the ferry.

Roleplay from Andrew Pucker

"Captain Reinhard! We fight at dawn. Ensure the Kilts are salty, seething and psychotic when we hit the beach. Though we were busy fighting dead souls and creatures from the bushes, we missed the previous battle in Kazan by a farting breeze.

   _with a scowl and a growl_* Not this time.

Let us restore our honor and earn our reputation amongst our fellow Army of Nivemus. We are to be positioned front most and deployed in line formation. With might, and bravery, and Kilts flying through the blood soaked mist of dawn!!!"

CR: "Yes sir! Andrew sir! YES SIR!"

After Nivemus battle with OI at Kazan where Nivemus army stands victorious

Roleplay from Sylvus Alumaani

"By the Gods Ingwald, my head hurts..." Sylvus sat on his bunk addressing his captain, his head sagged to his chest and his body shivered with the occasional retch as his stomach fought to release it's contents. "Yes Sir, you took a couple of knocks there but nothing too serious, we did well."

Sylvus raised his head slightly, cocked to one side, only one eye opened as he attempted to prevent the searing pain from escaping through the other. "I have a hangover you dip, not a wound and it's all your fault. If I had the energy to slap you about the head then I would be doing just that...what the hell was it you were forcing me to drink?" "Never in my life have I consumed such a small amount of liquid to such devastating effect, by the gods man I can still taste it when I puke!".

"Yes sir, that drink would be known as the 'Ashford Lady' M'lord, and I will admit that they are truly vicious, much like the women to who they refer I think".

Sylvus raised his head a little higher, "The nobility you mean? Yes there are a few whom I would consider just such..." "Erm no m'lord, not the nobility" interrupted Ingwald, "The, er, other 'ladies' of Ashforth sir, using the term loosely m'lord, the er, 'ladies of the night' as it were..."

Sylvus looked confused but a moment later his features shifted and a look of alarm spread across his face as he launched himself toward his bedpan, he screamed as his stomach attempted to displace itself into the pot but only spittle dribbled into the pan. "The reason they call it that, in case you was wondering M'lord, is that er, its nice going in...but burns like coming out." He looked down at his lord, sprawled on the floor with his britches tangled around his ankles and his head beside the half full bedpan and tried to hide a smile. "But of course you have first hand experience of that right sir? Can I get you anything M'lord?".

"Water..." croaked Sylvus "...and a report on the battle". "We did well M'lord" he shifted uncomfortably on his feet reflecting that he had never delivered a report to a half naked, prone man, with his head in a pot, "We killed and wounded around 160 of them sir, we lost 6 ourselves and 7 wounded. We 'did in' around 12 of them for every one of us sir, a proper slaughter, you should be proud sir, we all should."

Sylvus allowed a second or two for the words to sink in before he spoke, slowly pushing himself to his knees, he paused, unsure as to whether he could make it upright he stayed on all fours and turned his head, "Did the lady Catherine see our performance?" A tentative smile touching his lips. "I believe she did M'lord, she sees everything. Good tactician that one, keen eye and judgement, I believe I even saw her watching you at one point, you looking all dashing and whatnot, fighting off them two islanders, very impressive sir! Pity if she came here now seeing you like this sir, specially as the OI will be coming at us again shortly. Chances are she will be checking on everyone very shortly M'lord...".

Sylvus sprang to his feet, though the room span as he did so and a fresh splash of pain rinsed his brow. "Lets not stand about Ingwald, we have a battle to fight, pass me my armour and lets get about it!" Ingwald smiled inwardly and passed his Lords breastplate to him as he attempted to keep his eyes to the ground in fear of betraying his manipulation. "Not that one you fool, its brutish and battered! Pass me my ceremonial plate, today I will look like a god on the field as I dance through my enemies and all who watch me will be in awe of me, let us give the ladies something to gasp at!" "M'lord, they'll gasp when your gutted as a pike tears right through that thing, you need protection not..." "Poppy Cock Ingwald! " interrupted Sylvus, "The ceremonial plate! I have an audience to please!" ignoring Ingwalds protestations his mind drifted to the Lady Catherine and her swoons as he danced his death around the field of battle this evening. He would show her just how magnificent he truly was.

Letter from Brock Ketchum

A good battle. After much review with Marshal Catherine, we done pretty well. We stopped their TO, slaughter two third of their mobile force and wounded a couple of nobles. Now we can focus on the remaining of their force. By Ora blessing, we will hold mightily here in Kazan. Baron Sylvus, here one barrel of wine to celebrate the victory. My men keep one of the good barrels for themselves instead of throwing it away for target practice on ferry earlier. Brock Ketchum Stratarchos of Nivemus Earl of Juazeiro

Letter from Sylvus Alumaani

My Thanks to you my friend but I think I shall refrain from wine for a little longer and I have nothing suitable to where whilst enjoying it. It would appear that my finest clothes were hastily packed into 3 empty wine barrels and were jettisoned from our ferry, of the one barrel my men recovered, my silk brocade shirts appear to have arrow holes in them...let us hope there is plunder aplenty or I will die of embarressment in this peasant garb soon. Sylvus Alumaani Baron of Pedrera

Roleplay from Catherine Chamberlain

"I am sorry to trouble you at this time your Majesty." Catherine had spoken often with the Kronogos in her capacity as Marshal and Arithagan, but now, regarding him in his bed, broad bare chest, bandaged at the left shoulder, his modesty secured only by the clean white sheet pulled to his waist, she felt oddly embarassed. She bowed her head cheeks flushing red. The princess noted Catherine's pause with a snort of disdain.

Catherine had known Snowe for many years, indeed Kristina had attended finishing school with her. They had always shared a cordial relationship, but there was a gulf between them socially. The Mithridates' were an old family, and with 'old money'. Her own family had risen by marriage and alliegance from gamekeepers and squires to the modest holdings they now possessed. The age of money still had far reaching impacts in some areas of society.

Her eyes lingered on the bare chest of her King. Looking at her own bloodied leathers she wished she had changed.

"My father needs rest, what do you want Dame Catherine," the princess prompted, pointedly using the lowest of Catherine's titles. The Kronogos censured his daughter with the briefest change in his eyes and she crossed the room to the window, looking out over the village for which she was now overseer. Snowe's worry for her father was palpable, and Catherine silently thanked Ora, that she had never had to witness or share a battlefield with her own father.

"Yes, ah... yes," she bowed her head. "Nivemus did you proud today your Majesty, the men fought valiantly, and gifted our enemies with heavy losses, their own Emperor, licks his wounds in a tent but a league from here. Preparations have been made for the defence of our territories, but I fear we have a problem, a subtle blade. An infiltrator."

Snowe spun from the window looking to the heavy wooden doors, as if she could see the guardsmen on the other side. For his part the Kronogs eyes narrowed. He moved himself with difficulty, propping himself up on his elbows. As he moved the sheet slipped a little from his thigh. Blushing anew, Catherine raised her eyes to the cieling wishing silently that she had shared her fears with Barons' Ketchum or Wolf rather than be standing as she was now in the presence of her Kronogos.

"Go on," he bade her.

"Ah... I... yes..." she could feel Snowe's gaze burning into her. "I went from camp to camp, reviewing and congratulating the troops and their commanders. I came in time to the camp of Lord Alumaani, as you know his men were magnificent today," she viewed again with her internal eye, the young Baron fighting valiantly amongst his men. "When I reached Lord Alumaani, I was conftonted with the most offensive odour. His man Ingwald, reported him as unwell but I fear it is more serious than some simple malady. I spoke to his troops, and many stated that they feared he had been poisoned by some villainous female whose name I am yet to isolate, it seems though, she goes by the title of 'The Ashforth Lady'..."

Roleplay from Malakor Wolf

Lord Malakor, you have 2 choices, try to get the fastest ship you are able to join us here in Kazan by the morrow, or return to Ashforth and join Lord Valoran in refit to be our first re-inforcements in preparation for the refits that will doubtless follow. To all of my other commrades, well done for instructing your sea captains well, we should arrive together tomorrow as planned. Stay the course, and pray for fair winds. Catherine

After reading the Marshall comment, Malakor felt scolded. Indeed he failed to depart with the main army, and would probably not be able to arrive with them. Or would him?

"Captain Liebert, make a scout of the remaining vessels for crossing, bring me the captain fo the fastest vessel available, i shall do as the Marshall commanded, we will arrive in Kazan in time or i am not a Wolf!"

After the very fast travel, the Fangs hastely move out of the boat, as the Nivemusian army is already in position, and make to position beside's Malakor Twin brother unit. During the battle, Malakor himself shot an arrow into the Obsidian Island Emperor.

"TAKE THAT, FOREVER REMEMBER THE WOLF!"

After the battle, Captain Liebert came with a fearfull aura to the medical camp the Fangs set, as most of the unit was either dead or soon to be:

"My lord, the scribes have made their statistic about battle, and i saw Marshall Catherine lpassing by some nobles camp for congratulations, and i have to be honest, your twin brother is taking the glories for wouding the Emperor of OI"

" That son of a whore! WHY DID I HAVE TO BE BORN A TWIN FROM THAT BASTARD!!!" Kronogos Vessol is wounded in Kazan battle

Roleplay from Snowe Mithridates

She sat uneasily as she lingered over the wounded frame of her father, the Kronogos of the realm. This was only the second time that she had seen him in a state like this, the first being many years ago when she was a young girl and for a very different reason.

She hated her father and yet she changed his bandages with care and gentleness. A man of honor and stature who would face the blades of a hundred enemies with a grim smile on his face, but when confronted with his own personal demons he would take to his horse and never look back.

She hated him for all the times he had left her and her mother at home in Dolmbar, Sirion as he went off to war for years. And then one day, he didn't return. A letter talking about victory against the enemy was received and how he had been awarded the region of Dale to command and would join a new realm in the ashes of the old.

That letter lay crumpled on the ground next to her mother's deathbed. Her mother had forbade Snowe or any of the servants of informing Vessol Mithridates of her condition, a thoughtful smile lingered on her face when she said "I do not wish to distract him now when he has achieved all that he had set out to achieve." That smile haunted the dreams of Snowe since then. As she reached the age of maturity, she had left the estate at Dolmbar and marched to Nivemus, against her father's will. When she stood in front of him for the first time in years, he did not seem angry. And when she brought up her mother, he did not seem sad. He dismissed her and they did not have time alone together until now in this home overlooking Kazan.

And here she was, playing out the role of the dutiful and haughty daughter of the Kronogos. She had played it well when Marshal Catherine was here earlier. The look that woman gave her father, the look of respect and reverence, had only increased her anger.

Woken from her reverie, Snowe was caught unaware when she met her father's gaze. He had only one eye he could see out of, the other side of his face bandaged. A look of sadness and warmth emanated from that eye.

In response she tightened a fresh bandage across his thigh until a look of discomfort overtook his face. Avoiding his gaze, she stood up and walked to the window overlooking the village.

At least she'd be able to see the next battle from this miserable hut.

Roleplay from Brock Ketchum

Let rally our men. Marshal Catherine says there will be second round.

After sometime searching for his men, Brock comes to a conclusion that one of the men has deserted during the night. What a coward!

Brock wipes his sweat, realizing there is a tough task ahead. His men are still new enough, he need to raise their morale for the fight ahead. Then he turns to address his men.

"Though it is only a short time we are all together, I am proud to see all of us still here after rallying. Fight for your realm and your family. Should one of us fall tomorrow, let it be with honor and fighting spirit shown to the enemy. No matter how shattered our bows be, as long as there is one last arrow to be fire, we will fight. For Nivemus!" OI's Lord Donovan is rushing forward albeit alone against Nivemus army in Kazan

Roleplay from Sylvus Alumaani

Sylvus stood resplendent in his ornamental mail as he surveyed the battlefield whilst his captain stood beside him, looking somewhat nervous as the afternoon clouds shifted to present a clear view of the field and a small sigh of relief escaped his tight lips. "M'lord, it looks as if the enemy has abandoned the field, we are victorious..." The words landed like a wet fart in the face of Sylvus Alumaani, warrior of Nivemus and lothario of his peers, he peered into the distance and took heart in the presence of a noble departing the field..."He's mine!" squealed the young lord, I will not allow greatness to pass by me this evening!". Drawing his bow from his shoulder, Sylvus notched an arrow of Elvin origin, a gift from his cousin in Sirion. A beautifully crafted tool of death, it slid perfectly into the groove of his bow as his broad shoulders took the strain of the string..."I cannot miss..." the words sounded hollow in his mind..."I am Alumaani, the family, the warrior...our honour", his eyes closed, his target marked, he listened to his breathing as it drew wind into his lungs and expelled it, not caring of its function but falling into the rhythm of its action...exhale...release...

The arrow flew from his grasp as the thought of a perfectly formed arse flicked through his mind...who’s was it? Who knew? So many arses, so many thighs..."Well done M’lord!"

Sylvus was pulled from his reverie in time to see the Lord fall from his horse and stood agape at his fortune in such a shot...The Lord Donaovan Montague, Viscount of Gadlock and Marshal of the enemies’ forces, felled by the arrow of a randy young lord. "The gods jest daily and we can but smile..."

Roleplay from Catherine Chamberlain

War should be a simple affair. Many books had been written by the great tacticians, legendary heroes and captains had their lives relived in song, yet on its most basic level, your men with pointy sticks attacked their men with pointy sticks and whomever had the pointiest stick won the day. The battle in Kazan had once again been a tactical victory. But then they had won here before and then the nation with the pointiest stick of all had come and slaughtered her army almost to a man.

Catherine had a creeping sense of unease, the banner of Perdan stood once again alongside the tents of the Obsidian Isles. They had been beaten soundly, twice now, yet they remained, indeed she noted the return of Cornelia Li and her female batallion, she had not even refit her troops, simply crossed the sea and returned, why would she do that when the greater force still held the battlefield.

Their Emperor lay wounded at the hands of Baron Wolf, their Marshal pinnioned by a somewhat flamboyantly brocaded Baron Alumaani, (fortunately recovered from his malady). Yet here they were. She must be missing something, something crucial.

There were times in this war that she felt very young, she prayed to Ora her naivete would not cost Nivemus once again. A wounded snake could yet bite, and the roguish Sylvus was testimony to the venom that bite could bestow.

She pushed aside 'Dekion's Treatise' coming to a decision unassisted by the long dead generals. She needed to make sure her stick was as big and pointy as she could.

"Dekmar, summon the scribe, I need to send a message to Baron Wolf."

Following Catherine's imprisonment

Instructions from a Friend

Pacing the cell, she looked for some weakness in the structure, some area that could be manipulated that she may escape. Tapping the walls produced the muffled thud that told her the walls were thick. The only light came from a tiny window high on the southern wall. She hauled her cot across to the wall, and from there reached up to the ledge of the window. She already knew it was too small to provide passage but she felt she owed it to herself to try.

She hooked her fingers onto the ledge and scrabbling with her feet against the wall drew herself, muscles burning, up into the window space. Her shoulders wedged uncomfortably in the light well. She noted dismally that the light from the window was channelled from a small opening at the end of an 8 foot shaft which narrowed as it reached toward the outside world. Suddenly aware of the noise she was making she eased herself back from the ledge and began to lower herself to the cot. As she was moving back down, she noted a rolled up piece of paper wedged into the wood of the ledge. Pulling it out with her teeth, she dropped back down onto the cot.

Settling back she unrolled the paper immediately recognising the penmanship, it read:

'No exit that way, dear'

Laughing to herself, she made a mental note to thank Lady Sandra for her helpful instructions...

Following the third conquest of Kazan

Celebrations in Kazan

She could scarce remember feeling so proud.

The battle today was heated and magnificent resulting in the situation that all of the government of the Obsidian Islands was either in custody or injured by the hands of Nivemus, with Jai Mor Dundrave wounded by Baron Alumaani, Malius Songslayer injured by Baroness Jimenez and Keran Sedgwick injured by the Wolf's Guard. She made a note to herself to contact Baron Wolf to inform him of the magnificence of his old unit in what was to be their last battle, they fell to a man in the final flurries of the Islanders offence. The Islanders had brought a force of 8 of their nobles to the fray and in total 4 now lay wounded and 1 more languished in the prisons of Nivemus. Her pride redoubled to think that her own Captain Dekmar had led her own Ora's Hope to capture Laithe Songslayer and wound Drake Dragon Master.

She looked from the reports and maps to Lord Alumaani's invitation, she had answered in haste, agreeing to join the troop leaders in celebration. Now she paused. How was it she could lead armies to war and discuss policies with Kings, yet when it came to joining the firebrand of House Alumaani for recreation, she was nervous far beyond what was natural. She had answered him in haste, comitted to a course of action that now filled her with an excited sense of dread.

Captain Ewald pushed into her reverie. "M'Lady, the High Priestess approaches." He stated breathlessly. She was used to this, her sister was beautiful, enigmatic and detached. The life ecclesiastical, had only gone further to enhance her with an aura of serenity. She had her fathers colouring, rolling ebon hair, full lips and breasts, the palest alabaster skin and dancing green eyes. After she had been touched by Ora, with the golden rivers in her hair she was even more striking. At times she actually felt uncomfortable in her own sisters company. Her presence filled the tent as she breezed through the flaps.

Taking her sisters hands she kissed her cheeks briefly: "Ora was with you today, sister, your army was magnificent." A look of mischief Catherine had not seen since their childhood crossed her sisters face. "I see you accepted Silvertongues invitation. I know you have nothing to wear."

Catherine looked with dread as 2 of the maunts her sister travelled with pulled a chest into her tent. Her sister deftly opened the lid revealing a pale blue gown. The maunts ushered Ewald from the tent and began to draw her a bath. Her sister talked incessantly and Catherines dread began to turn to horror, she stood numbly as the maunts unlaced her leather armour. In a daze she was washed , dressed, her face painted and her blonde hair taken down oiled and curled. Finished, Kristina ushered the Maunts from the tent. Finally drawing a mirror from the bottom of the chest, Kristina stood cheek to cheek with her sister looking in the glass. She had never seen herself look so like her sister.

Squeezing her hand briefly Kristina smiled warmly at her sister: "You work so hard Kate, enjoy your victories, you have earned them, and your men deserve to see your gratitude," and with that she left. Catherine felt thunderstruck.

Regarding herself in the mirror, she barely recognised the woman looking back at her. The gown was loose fitting and flattering, her hair, positively gleamed. She looked at the Chamberlain seal on the index finger of her right hand. Tonight she looked like her mothers daughter and like her sister. Tonight she looked like Kate of Dale, not Catherine of Oroya.

Looking down at Baron Alumaani's invitation again she smiled. Dekmar and Ewald would be here to escort her soon.

As Ewald and Dekmar arrived Catherine tightened the cuff of her leathers, her hair in its usual top-knot, her face clean and fresh.

Catherine of Oroya, would attend Baron Alumaani's invitation.

Catherine is named as Duchess in waiting of Kazakh mere hours before the stronghold is retaken by the forces of OI - It was a seat she never sat upon but did eventually win to bestow on another

The Duchess' Banquet

Catherine sat at the table writing, 'Duchess Catherine of Kazakh', 'Catherine, Duchess of Kazakh', no still not right. She paused her quill settling back in the chair. Nivemus had always been an interesting place, in but a short time she had risen from a fairly questionable noble pedigree to lead armies into battle, to exchange words with Kings and Emperors, and now poised to sit on the Ducal throne of Kazakh, (all being well).

Last nights festivities had been a huge honor to her and to the realm as a whole. Seeing the great and good, of Nivemus nobility united in the banqueting hall; banners of the families laid upon tables, Jimenez, Alumaani, Ketchum, Wolf, Archblane, Pucker, Gotfried, Stormblade, Valoran. The empty seat at the head of the Kell's table, a reminder of the imprisoned lord, and the crown itself, Mithridates. Princess Snowe had seemed preoccupied most of the evening, drifting at the edges of the event. She was so different now to the girl she had met on those briefest of visits to her sister at the Ladies Academy of Dolmbar, there she had been an icon, the house leader and certainly the most gifted of the students. Now she seemed somewhat diminished, always alone. Perhaps her position as princess made her remove herself, perhaps it was something else.

She wished she could relax in these circumstances, simply enjoy the festivities. Instead she found herself boring her dearest friend Malakai with discussion of strategy, as always he good-naturedly nodded appropriately, though she knew he would rather be carousing with the others. How anyone could confuse Malakai with his brother was beyond her, the distinction between the two was as plainly apparent as the difference between china and porcelain.

The Kronogos looked fevered as he stood before them. She so admired his devotion to duty. This man barely from his sick bed, standing tall and proud before the nobility of the realm. She looked askance at Lord Sylvus dressed in cloth of gold, and accessorised with innumerable serving wenches. He was like belladonna, beautiful but deadly. His speech moved her, but as he reached for his goblet with a hand no longer there, her eyes filled with tears of pride and sorrow unbidden. He was a true leader, Nivemus would not be as it was without his management. The fever had spoken and he had announced abdication, clearly these were the words of illness, or were they.

She looked back at the page 'Catherine' that would do nicely.