It surprised Lady Fiona in some way, but as it turned out, House Vearin's declaration would not be the only thing of significance that shoved Lundland a few inches closer to the abyss. One way or the other, the amount of messengers arriving at the castle increased incredibly. Fiona's younger sister, Karin would jest (?) to just start building stables especially for the many men bringing her both good and bad news.

Actually, when she thought about that, calling it "moderate and horrible news" would be a statement much closer to the truth. It could be argued that the matters of Helen and her claim were more pressing, so let's start with that. Fiona received many, many letters in response to her bold decision to stand behind Helen. Many- most were negative and malicious, demanding that Fiona sold her honor for the measly price of 10000 bulli. Some were well-meaning though, but cautious. Fiona could understand not immediately rushing to openly aid Vearin, given the rather nasty political climate.

Oh, there was also one letter that was either nonsense or written in some code. Nobody knew what to do with it, so Fiona put it aside. Then there was, of course, the official letter of Marshal Ingen himself. Actually, two letters. He took the time to personally adress her and urge to follow his order. Fiona's steward, Garret Siebert, looked at her as he waited for his liege to formulate a response. He seemed to look puzzled, which caused Fiona to ask him to "Guess her answer".

He guessed correctly; the answer was no. The answer was also delivered without any vulgarities, which was incorrectly guessed.

Of course, such would not be left without consequences, and as all the other lands seemed to descend into chaos, Fiona was one day faced with grave news.

A massive army approached Goldenfields, the capital of her vassal Barleycorn's lands. The army was led by Rone and his knights, but obviously, it could become even worse. The army was marching under the banner of [i]La Famiglia de Meaux[/i], a rich and powerful banking family of the Ordained Kingdom. Fiona cursed him for selling himself out to the foreigners, but even she realized that even if they were to slay Rone, a new enemy would quickly emerge from the south. Despite this, Princess Helen was filled with furious excitement. "First the weird letters, the demands for the arrest, and now it's come to this. I should have known my dear brother wouldn't afford me any quarter! We've already tried reaching out to the other Lords. Now we shall have to see who is truly on my side. 

Let us ride, my Lady! Ride to the enemy!" 

Thus, they rode.