[b][center]65th of Zieliah, Year 698[/center][/b]
[b][center]Vicinity of the Dreadkeep[/b][/center]

---- Before the voting. This is the reason as to why House Jaegar was not present at the Summit.---

[i]Most stories start off with the entrance of a noble lord into a gleaming, prosperous white city. Others will start with them standing on the ramparts of their magnificent fortresses, looking over the expanse of their realm... The story of House Jaegar, however, sings a different tune. [/I]

The evening begun to envelop the mountains of the Wall in a cloaked shroud. Knights of the Holy Flame were being arrayed in a battle formation - the entire garrison of the Dreadkeep. Aptly named, the fortress stands in the part of the wall where the Gothian activity is, historically, the highest. It is largely unknown as to why this region in particular breeds so many of these demonic creatures, but most people assume that it is due to this part of the wall facing away from the sun. While the capital of Sungard in the north, also located on a part of the Wall, is almost constantly illuminated by the bright ray of the sun, the Dreadkeep is largely dark and gloomy. In fact, it is common for there to be a rotation of the Knights garrisoned or stationed there - as prolonged duty in that fortress has been seen to cause psychological depression, probably due to the distance from the Sun God's touch. 

At the head of the mounted knights sat a tall, imposing figure on top of a chest-nut colored stallion. Covered in full plate, with a golden trim detailing the armor as well as an emblazoned sun on the breast plate, the High Flame's astonishingly blue eyes scanned the hill. His helm, a masterful replica of a Jaguar's head with rubies in it's eyes was placed on the horse's saddle horn. Although the armor was exquisite in it's make and quality, it was easy to notice that this was, by far, not the first time it was donned. Dents and scratches marred the armor. Possessing a variety of beautiful sets of armor, Sigfryd actually used them in battle - which was a big contrast to some of the High Flames before him, which kept theirs in the armory. 

The rain splattered onto the lord, wetting the red hair and plastering it to his face. Even with the pouring rain, and his lithe build, Sigfryd radiated power and nobility in his posture. Inhuman howls and screeches, vicious enough to cause even the boldest of soldier's blood to freeze, resonated throughout the region, coming from somewhere beyond the hill to the north of the knights. 

A rider trotted towards him from the small force of assembled knights. Sigfryd turned to acknowledge the knight, seeing High Knight Axel Sorenstam. While most of the garrison did rotate through the Dreadkeep, this one has been keeping his position as overseer of the keep for more then two decades now. The effects of this could be seen in his chronic scowl. Sigfryd attempted to move the veteran knight to a keep in the West - but Axel refused every time, making the scouting and hunting of beastlings in these parts a sort of obsession for him - one that the young Jaegar could not understand. Perhaps it was duty to the realm - after all, there was no one in Karthia who is more qualified to deal with beastlings than Ser Sorenstam. It was Axel who informed the Sigfryd, through a letter, that Gothians were forming a fairly large group near the Dreadkeep. 

"The forces are assembled, Lord Jaegar. The Gothians are making their last stand up ahead, after that hill in a plateau formed by the mountains. They have nowhere else to go, they are trapped in there."

Sigfryd nodded his head in approval. "Excellent work, Ser Sorenstam. I am once again glad to have such an experienced warrior protecting the realm by my side. Please take position on the right flank."

Axel bowed his head before trotting his horse back to the assembled force. 

Sigfryd gazed once again to the hill ahead to see four knights, all equipped in full plate armor making their way towards him. His trusted Dawnguard. With Seven of them in all, he left the rest in different parts of Karthia as he dealt with this... Problem.

Herlek, Captain of the Dawnguard, Right hand of the High Flame, and brother in spirit to Sigfryd, approached first. A smirk was apparent on his face. 

"Sigfryd, they're trapped in there... All we need to do is charge in, they'll be cut into pieces in no time!"

The High Flame smiled back at Herlek. One of the few people in all of Karthia, if not Elyden, who could speak to Sigfryd with such familiarity. [I]These are the perks of fighting along side me since I was twelve... Not to mention saving my life during that tribe ambush up north [/I]

One of the other Dawnguards, Finn Weschler, fidgeted on his saddle, his excitement ill concealed.

"Three days of chasing these bastards around these mountains... Can't wait to run my blade through them"

Herlek trotted his horse even closer to Sigfryd, so that their conversation wouldn't be heard by others. "Sigfryd... Are you sure this was the right thing to do? The summit has been called, the Houses are in disarray. Your advice and presence would be crucial."

Lord Jaegar glanced at Herlek with annoyance, this wasn't the first time they were talking about this. Once again, certain people felt that his constant presence in any time of warfare was not needed. Herlek wanted to be sent to deal with the beastlings by himself, while Sigfryd would attend the summit. The High Flame, however, had a much different philosophy on ruling. 

 "Yes, Herlek. Our allegiance is to Kammeth, our people, and the Paragon lineage. Let the nobles of these houses bicker between themselves. Let them pick who will get which title. It is of no matter to us, Captain. What matters to me is to make sure our people are safe."

The young lord looked up at the graying sky. "I just hope whoever is made Lord Regent isn't some pompous, pagan jester. However... I doubt Roman, nor Shamgar would let it get to that."

The High Flame loosened his scabbard, putting his hand on the hilt. "Arrange yourselves among me, Dawnguard!"

He rotated his horse to face the Knights of the Holy Flame just as he unsheathed the Darkbreaker. Gleaming radiance poured out of the blade, breaking through the rain's torrent and the night's incessant attack on day. 

[b]"KNIGHTS! FOR THE GLORY OF KAMMETH, EMBRACE THE KAMTHEIN POWER THAT RUSHES THROUGH OUR VEINS! LET US BANISH THESE BEASTLINGS FROM OUR REALM, TEACH THEM THAT THEIR EXISTANCE IS AN AFFRONT TO US, OUR REALM, AND OUR FAITH!" [/b]

Encased by four of his Dawnguards, and with a stampede of charging heavy knights behind him, Sigfryd lead the force across the hill unto the Gothian beastlings.