[Alneyan]

A somewhat longer yarn for this turn; I did not write anything for the past two turns, so I have to at least sum up what happened in the meantime. I find mWithout any further ado:



The Kingdom of the Vale, Summer:

A sort of routine eventually came to the Avalonian army after their first dismal training. The soldiers were growing into an effective group instead of fighting as individuals, and they were galvanised by their victories over the barbarians. These battles turned out to be slaughters, as the enemy did not adopt any kind of discernible tactics. Instead, they charged one after the other, making them easy prey for the longbowmen waiting behind. The roars they gave while rushing to their death were certainly impressive, but they availed little, and all tribesmen were either killed or routed in a matter of minutes.

While Ilneoa rejoiced after such easy victories, she could not help having an eerie feeling about what would brought the next tide for her. Had the old ways been so forgotten that hordes of barbarians were the most threatening army of the Vale? Surely there should be something left of the past grandeur of Avalon; all these years cannot have vanished from the surface of the land so swiftly.

Her troops were nearing the Stone Sisters, these mountains used by farseers to spot enemy soldiers roaming in the Lands Beyond. As Ilneoa's army came into view, the watchmen sent word for their guard. Nearly as many men as Ilneoa had herself rushed at the commands, mostly peasants given swords and a few archers. Their blazon was the moon and the crimson blade, the symbol of the Earls of Valogda.

Silence reigned when the Virtue, Lady of the Avalon, gave her signal for “Fire at will”. A few commoners were hurt in this initial volley, but it achieved little as they were intended to be a diVersion and not an actual threat. In the meantime, the trained infantry of the Sisters' Guard came to the battlefield and started its march against the Avalonian archers. Few arrows did much damage, and the sight of several comrades dead was not enough to deter the foe.

Chaos erupted shortly afterwards as the own bodyguards of Ilneoa entered the fray, a few feet before the line made by the bowmen. This Last defence was enough to keep most of the enemy men-at-arms at bay, although a few of them managed to attack the archers themselves. While the situation was more or less under the control of Avalon, the cowardly leader of the longbowmen ordered a retreat of his troops, even if they were more than able to use their knives in close combat. Thankfully, Ilneoa's infantry was brave enough not to panic, and they were able to chase down the remains of the much weakened enemy army.

While this battle for the Stone Sisters has been a success for the Vale, Ilneoa could not tolerate such displays of insubordination within her ranks. Retribution would have to wait until the craven and his troops could be found, however. Several warriors were killed because of his behaviour, and a few more injured; this would not do, and would have to be... taken care of.

A messenger from the Fair Land broke her musings. He was a young lad, hardly more than sixteen, a squire at best; a seasoned knight should have been entrusted with the task of delivering this missive. His work done, the boy hurried away without a word, which seemed to mean he did not relinquish to be remember as the one who brought bad news. Ilneoa opened the letter, half expecting news of an upcoming disaster to reach her.

She was not disappointed. “It is my hope the present missive finds out in a good health, with the laurels of victory over your magnificent head, Ilneoa of the Lake. Alas, the tidings I bring therein are none too good.

A fortnight after your departure, the earth quivered in Avalon, an occurrence almost never heard of in our records. This earthquake happened shortly before sunset, four days after Beltaine. Many a house collapsed on itself, and most dwellings still have insecure foundations. To the best of our knowledge, nearly one thousand inhabitants were killed, most of them trapped in their own homes; the Tower Guards were hard put to bring succour to all of them.

This disaster also destroyed several granaries, and we have been facing a dearth for the past two moons. A minor riot occurred as poor commoners begged to have something to eat, but we had little food left to give them. We would believe the aftermath of the earthquake claimed the lives of another thousand people, but hopefully the famine should come to an end with next month's harvests.”

Such incompetence, Ilneoa mused. Was it not the purpose of the Castellans to handle crises without worsening their impact? But Castellan De'nalis was clearly not finished yet.

“The earthquake has also claimed the Temple to your Glory, as the sacred trees of your grove had been uprooted. Two of your servants that were singing your praises there have also disappeared; we fear the worst for their fates. Baleful omens have been spreading through the population, and some even dared to think the very essence of Earth was rejecting you and your people. Truly, this is a troubled time for the Vale.

Because of this, I had but the choice to anoint a Guide to bring faith to the population. Flacal the Lightbearer was chosen to be the receptacle of your word, and she currently stands as the High Druidess of Avalon. She has been trained at the Isle herself, and should prove to be a talented priestess at your service. Your grove has been restored to its former state, as majestic as ever I daresay.

May the Glory of Avalon be with you, O Ilneoa Princess of the Winds,
Castellan De'nalis of the City of Avalon.”

For all answer, Ilneoa teared the missive and gave curt orders to her camp followers. She would go back to Avalon through the Open Road, for pressing matters requested her attention in the city. The time of Castellans and petty lordlings was coming to an end; the Isle of Avalon would have to step out of her mists and take her place once more, the silvery hand behind the Crown of Man.