[center][b]The band returns.[/b][/center] --- Joachim sat atop the saddle once again, sitting like a true rider and nobleman -- straight up, chin high, chest forwards as the hores slowly strutted over towards the road that led to Stags Rest. He swayed side to side in the saddle a bit, one hand on the hilt of his blade and the other holding the reins. They had agreed to leave Atl behind in the village to begin with the reconstructing, and possibly looking for survivors, lest he give more trouble to the queen by acting savagely. [b]„I think it's safe to say this means war, the queen would never stand for an attack on [i]her[/i] people. And if she does, then we are employed by a coward. Most of the boars will rather walk away branded a mutineer or a deserter than fight for a coward. She'd be smart to answer this attack, lest she wishes to see her entire warband and guard disband. What's your say on the manner, guys?”[/b] he'd ask, enquiring about their opinions on matters. After all they were all boars, and even though they were not all equals in combat, they were definetely equals in rank. Their opinions and findings were just as valid as Joachims. Once more, they crossed the Tyne. The ground near it was muddy, and hoofprints could be found all over the place due to the travel density of this area. However it all seemed quiet now, the aftermath of the raid keeping away weary travelers and the sorts. Perhaps bandits roamed the forests too, after all Joachim had been gone for a long time so he wouldn't know about the regions problems. Not that there were bandits stupid enough to hold up a band of mercenaries, let alone the queens guard. Never the less it would be a good idea to look into that sooner or later. They rode closer to the village by the minute, and at their near-arrival the gate and portcullis were opened, the heavy Iron-oaken doors creaking as they opened. Joachim rode in and put his horse in the stables, sliding off the saddle beforehand and handing the reins to the stableboy. He raised his hand to Sikarthis, beckoning him to follow suit and come with Joachim. --- Gnarl had been busy talking to the castle guards captain, Ser Redrik 'the Fat', about their new cooperation and how to best utilize both skillsets. Well, the skillsets of the Queens Guard more or less, as the castle guards skillset was mostly eating, drinking and sleeping. However just as he was about to ask Ser Redrik to leave so he could attend to more important manners such as the defenses of the castle, Theo came in. Gnarl waved Redrik away, whom hobbled off out of the Bear's quarters. [b]„Yes, Theodore?”[/b] Gnarl said as he looked Theo in the face. The guy was a 'do it my own way' kinda guy, something Gnarl could both appreciate and become annoyed by rather easily. Gnarl sat back and listened to the report, nodding every now and then. It was short for a report but it got the point across. [b]„Right then, thanks for the report. Dismissed, soldier.”[/b] He didn't give much thought to the tournament, they had more pressing matters to attend to, but it seemed like a good idea. He thought about it for a short time and decided that if it was to happen, it would be Theodore doing the preparations for it. It was after all his idea, and Gnarl hadn't the time nor the motivation to do the job. Right as he was about to get up to go freshen up in the courtyard at the well, he was interupted once again by Joachim, who had made his way into his quarters. [b]„Hrng, blue-blood. Back from the village so soon?”[/b] he asked, noticeably annoyed by the second interuption. He eyed the two men, Joachim and Sikarthis, as he waited for their report. Joachim opened the conversation, replying straight to the point. [b]„Yes Bear, we found the village being raided under leadership of one of Ewains men, Aemon Howard. He got killed, the rest of the warband routed back to their hold. However all of us got wounded one way or another, nothing too lethal though.”[/b] Gnarl smacked his fist down on the table hard, shaking Joachim up as he didn't expect this response. An attack this early in? He'd expected the other lords to take advantage of the situation, but not so soon. Ewain was a strong lord, too. But not striking back would mean they were weak, cowards and not worthy of their titles. He got up and walked past the two, forcing his way past using his shoulder. Joachim and Sikarthis had no other option than to follow him. They were headed straight for the keep, walking across the courtyard where Joachim would glance briefly at the other soldiers to see what they'd be doing during the brief period of rest. If Gnarl was going to propose to the lady of Stags Rest what Joachim thought, they'd have no rest for the coming month. --- The door to the lady's chambers opened with a big swing, stopped only by the chamber pot behind the door. [b]„My lady, sorry for my intrusion but we've come to be under attack by the treacherous lords to the North, lord Eowen. His men and his steward, Aemon Howard, have attacked your village and slaughtered your peasantry.”[/b] His voice was loud and unfitting for speaking to a royalty, but then again, if she was royalty where was her crown.. that was probably the same motivation that lord Eowen had had when he attacked the village, as lady Isolde's power had dimished greatly as she lost the crown to her brother. [b]„We [i]cannot stand[/i] for such an act of aggression, not if we wish to seem strong in the eyes of the other lords!”[/b] Joachim and Sikarthis would be forced to stand by as Gnarl treated the lady like a mercenary would, his voice loud, powerful and aggressive in the eyes of a challenge like that of Eowen. [b]„Sikarthis, Joachim, tell your lady Isolde what you saw, that she may come to see the situation at hand here.”[/b] Joachim would step forward, to give Sikarthis a moment to think about what to say and observe the customs of this country, as Gnarl had failed to show them properly. As he stepped forward Joachim would slowly move into a bow, looking at the ground and slowly get up. [b]„My lady,”[/b] he opened, looking her straight in the eyes to bring across the urgence of the situation. [b]„We rode to Tyne's Hall, hoping to enter the inn and ask for information about the kings scouts or possible warbands of the king in the area, when we were faced with raiders. We were uncertain if it were slavers, raiders or the kings men themselves.”[/b] Joachim took the freedom and liberty to walk towards the window in the wall, pointing outside in the direction of the village, where black smoke covered the horizon. [b]„It was only after the battle we found out it were Eowen's militia, no doubt levied from his bannermen. They were lead by Aemon Howard, a brutish pig-faced knight who is said to never take no for an answer. He was.. he was Eowen's steward my lady, so he will no doubt come here looking for justice if you leave the initiative to him. I'm afraid that given the circumstances, your brother, the king of Arlon, would grant Eowen the right here, as we cannot prove that we simply defended our people. My lady, if I am so free to speak, I advice we do act one way or another, perhaps you can still appeal to your brother. Otherwise,”[/b] Joachim extended his arm towards Gnarl, bowing his head slightly. [b]„I am afraid Gnarl is right. We would seem weak and little. We have no bannermen to rally to your cause, and your only holdings are Stags Rest and the Tyne Hall. If we were to attack their main holding, we'd have to attack within the fortnight or else Eowen will be able to get his bannermen to reinforce his home. We'd be doomed.”[/b] And there was truth to his sayings, if they were to not act at all, they'd come under siege and king Godwin would not interfere because they could not prove they defended the villagers. And if they were too slow to act, Eowen would have the time needed to levy his bannermen to his side and assemble a true army. He looked at Sikarthis, waiting for him to speak about his findings, opinions and the like.