The Tax Assessor (Alan)
It is not anything that you ever contemplated having to do but the Chancellor, Ecco Macchinario expects you to do a tax assessment in the Claux area. Under the Foixian tax system the realm is divided into small units called manors (with or more often without a manor house). Each of these was theoretically expected to produce a surplus of around three hundred Gilden Pezzi per annum in kind or coin. A tithe of 30 went to the church of Eru and 60 to the suzerain in land tax. Further taxes could be levied in time of war, on the marriage of the Kings eldest daughter, on the accession of a new overlord and heriots when ownership of the manor changed hands. There were also ancient ‘traditional obligations’ and the late usurper had invented many new ones of these to wring money and goods out of the people. Ecco has told you that whilst the bulk of the suzerains have sworn fealty and paid heriots ‘where possible’ Bara is in a poor state financially. Upon the appointing of Uhtred Longuard as the new Bishop of Charles most of the ecclesiastical establishments have paid their heriots ‘where possible’. This has been done with great reluctance as the church has never had to pay heriots before. However they knew that after her imprisonment and threat of burning at the hands of the Church, Princess Maudette was likely to be harsh with defaulters! Maudette was keen to be light on the taxation affecting the common people on one hand but on the other she was spending large amounts on her coronation and the tournament to follow. Much of this money was borrowed from the Ombardi Bank at interest, despite the church usury laws. Maudette had got around this by outlawing Church Law in Bara.
According to the records the Claux area had sixteen manors each providing thirty Gilden Pezzi worth of produce for the Royal Seneschal of Bara as over suzerain. Unfortunately twelve years ago a Hun raid had devastated the area with many people being killed or carried off as slaves. It was alleged that the Quince Trees for which the area was renowned had been poisoned. By eight years ago the number of viable manors had crept up to three all owned by the area Tax collector Sir Christopher Lambert. The late Basylt Devisage had sent spies there, only one of whom had returned. He, the Chapman Nerd, had another mission but he had said that the countryside there appeared to be flourishing. Being sent back to quantify this remark more accurately, he was never seen again. Outlaws were believed to be responsible according to Sir Christopher. He himself had dutifully sworn allegiance to Maudette two moons ago with the rest. He is a younger son of Sir Bertrand Lambert owner of the Airvault castle. Airvault is the principal fortress guarding the Bara/Limura border. Sir Bertrand Lambert now in his seventies was one of ‘Ye Twelve Doughty Knights of Renown’ the heroes of your youth! Alas the Master Chirurgeon Walter has reported that he is now senile.
The Chancellor Ecco suspects Sir Christopher of withholding taxes, for several years. Also the Parish Church of Claux has not paid its 2,000 Gilden Pezzi heriots nor given any reason for not doing so. The appointment of the Vicar is in the hands of the Lambert family and Barnabus the current incumbent is probably related in some way to them. Clearly these matters must be cleared up and you are keen to get away from the court for a few days. The other courtiers are constantly quarrelling over utterly trivial matters concerning the coming festivities and you want to escape from that. You have now obtained permission from Princess Maudette to go but Dame Melusine Denigre has lumbered you with Lady Sabine Flaneur as a chaperone! A chaperone! That you, Morgana Lefey the only woman in Bara legally entitled to bear a sword, one who had slain over two score enemies with it and travelled over half Morval Earth should need a chaperone is ridiculous! By Melusine’s account you had Lady Abigail Clove as your duenna during all your travels! Two of the laid waste manors are part of Lady Sabine’s dower estate. Lady Sabine is a very comely woman married to Sir Engeurard Flaneur who twenty-three years older is dying of the dropsy. There are several potential suitors hovering around Sabine including Fier Feuille one of your squires. He has been besotted with her from when she lived in Valles before she was married. Melusine has banned you from having him near Sabine. You plan for him to lead a second detachment. Another suitor of hers from the past was Sir Leon Perdieu who owned two of the wasted manors. Sir Leon was banished from the Kingdom of Foix for insulting Queen Bettrys six years ago, so these manors technically must belong to Princess Maudette now. Sir Leon was an agent of Basylt’s operating in Perigord at the time of Verreric. His present whereabouts are unknown. Of the other waste manors, two belong to Claux Vicarage and three to absentee suzerains.
With you, you will have the ugly and badly scarred Squire Robert Fissure and Sergeant Neville. Also of course Lady Sabine, your abigail Clarisse and Sabine’s abigail Lys. Lys is a spy of Melusine’s and the real duenna in this nonsense! In the old days you would have just headed off into the wild, camping where needful but now as Marshal you have an official position to maintain. A long days march will get you to the Simonite Monastery of St. Rollo. There it will be expected that you will stay the night, as your mounts will be tired. Claux lies but eight more myles beyond. Your intention is to arrive at the Monastery as if this were so. However Squire Fier Feulle should be calling in the night with fresh mounts so you can take Claux by surprise. Fier has already left, scouting and exercising the spare horses all the way to Loup sur Thoul the most northerly point of Bara. Then he will hide in the Airvault forest West of the castle until the evening of the 11th Ninth Moon when he is to try to meet up with you.
You will be interested in the attitudes of the monks at St. Rollo. Their dispenser was rather surly when he came to pay their Three Thousand Gilden Pezzi Heriots last week. As a bona fide witch you will hardly expect to be made too welcome! Furthermore their Abbot Pacific, is a brother of the banished Sir Leon Perdieu!
Your plan therefore is first to get to St. Rollo safely bearing in mind that your abigail Clarisse falls off if you go faster than a trot. She does have an Unstirrer, a stirring spoon made from unicorn’s horn that smokes and fizzes if it touches poison and it is her duty to test anything you eat or drink. Though you bear your magic sword Taglier and wear your shimmering gown, you have left the Vinkalik and Argent your palantyte mirror behind. It is not wise to flaunt magical devices unnecessarily. Whilst in appearance going to stay the night, you will wait until Squire Fier Feulle calls with the fresh mounts. Then you will head for Sir Christopher’s Mansion, demanding entrance in Princess Maudette’s name! You will then check his tax records and when it is light tour all the manors with him!
It is seven miles to Claux how long are you prepared to wait for Squire Fier?
Two days later Morgana and Lady Sabine set out with the party. Besides their two abigails and six hobilars, came Sergeant Neville and Squire Robert Fissure. Squire Robert had served briefly with the Lawic Host in Hunara and had a horrendous scar stretching from forehead to ear to prove it. Not likely to arouse Lady Sabine’s, fancy thought Morgana. The Squire had still been recovering from the wound when the recent civil war had been fought and won. He had been idling around the court looking for something to do for the last three weeks. He rode on Morgana’s right whilst Lady Sabine did likewise on her left. So he can have his sword arm free to protect us, smiled Morgana to herself. She bore her own magic sword, Taglier in its sheath but had left her other magic items, chalice and mirror, behind. Many of Maudette’s subjects still regarded magic in the light of black witchcraft, so it was wise not to flaunt such things.
They were proceeding at a brisk trot along the stone paved way. Only Lady Sabine and Squire Robert knew that Claux was their destination but neither knew the precise nature of their mission.
“Far are the Chaotics from the river border?” Queried Squire Neville, fishing for some hint of what they were about.
“Very far indeed as regards their main forces.” Responded Morgana.
“Do we go for the quince harvest Morgana?” Asked Lady Sabine, “I had heard that Claux is famous for them.”
“The Dame Marshal is not a merchant Lady Sabine!” the squire reproved her. “Further, many of the quince trees at Claux were poisoned by the enemy years ago. The monks of St. Rollo grow the finest quinces now. I deem that we go to test out some landowner’s loyalty to her Royal Highness. Is that not so Dame Morgana?”
“Something of that sort indeed Squire Robert. Nothing to do with the quinces but I fancy it will now be their harvest time. You may use them as a reason if one is asked for. I would prefer no warning of my intent to reach Claux ahead of us.” She scowled and looked round at those behind them. Sergeant Neville led Mistress Clarisse’s docile palfrey with Sabine’s abigail, Mistress Lys, riding close on her other side. Clarisse’s face was white and her mouth open but she was still firm in her sidesaddle. Morgana had pity, “You may walk!” she called out and the whole party slowed down. Alas, speed would not be on their side in this matter. This was only the second time she had been away from Charles since the war and she was glad to see so many peasants working in the fields. On this road much of the harvest had been plundered in the name of the late usurper but some was still being gathered. Her large purple silk hennin and gown, plus her blue unicorn mount, made her a distinctive figure. Many of those on the roadside would pause to give her a cheer as she passed. Alas word of her approach was like to spread ahead of her!
Having started betimes they reached Copiel not long after noon. There they lunched at an Inn with the meal having been bespoke earlier. The Inn keeper and thus the whole village expected them to stay their the night! Thus Morgana hoped to delay word of their approach to St Rollo. Some myles out from Copiel the countryside grew more wild with no arable fields to be seen. They proceeded onwards at a walk. “The peasants must be very idle around here!” declared Mistress Lys.
“I heard that many hereabouts turned to outlawry rather than pay Basylt’s taxes.” Explained Squire Robert.
Morgana nodded but said “I fancy the soil here is more suited to grazing beasts than growing corn. It is sandy rather than the rich clays found nearer the Arwyn.”
“If so milady the peasants must be hiding their beasts, because I can see neither the one nor the other!” declared Mistress Lys.
“If it please Madam Marshal Maam, this tract is a hunting preserve of the Tourvey family. I came originally from one of their manors.” Said the archer Toxo. This put an end to conversation for a considerable while. Since their steeds were only walking Mistress Clarisse had no problems in staying in the saddle. Beyond the hunting preserve they passed some arable fields that were wholly overgrown and obviously abandoned. Then they came to the ruins of a small village completely deserted. Still there was no visible sign of human life from the road. The countryside was undulating and dotted with spinneys and coppices.
As the afternoon reached towards evening, the tower of the Abbey Church of St Rollo appeared.
A myle further and they heard horns blowing off to their right.
“Alas Madam Marshal that sounds like someone warning of our approach!” exclaimed Squire Robert.
“I fear you have the right of it Robert. However I was expecting it and in a way it is good to know that some fear our coming.”
Dame Morgana the arrival at St. Rollo (after hearing horns giving warning of their approach)
The Abbey of St. Rollo stood short of the river Dengle, to the west of the bridge over it. The bridge had a small palisaded guard tower to the east of which stood a poor open village. Around were some arable fields and some orchards of quince trees. The Claux taxable lands being those beyond the river.
They were greeted at the Abbey gate by the Abbot, “Welcome to our humble abode! We are ready for you to the stay here this night. Sir, our Porter will assist you stable your mounts. You come at an opportune hour for we will shortly begin our Sext Service which doubtless you will all wish to share?”
Morgana looked at her party and it was obvious that this offer was plainly unwelcome to most. However she decided that all the party should attend. It would keep them occupied until the time for dining and thus prevent unguarded chatter with the Abbey’s occupants.
Thus once the horses were safely bestowed, they all trooped into the nave of the Abbey Church. The monks filled the choir stalls under the tower but the only others present were a few elderly villagers. The service went on and on and on! The monks seemed very keen on long wailing chants. Mistress Clarisse whispered that at her Abbey, the Sext service was much shorter. They had an hour’s embroidery after it before dinner. Embroidered works being a staple of the Convent income! Eventually the service ended and they were shown to their accommodation in the Abbey hostel. This building had a kitchen and refectory (dining room) on the ground floor with four sleeping chambers upstairs. To the right of the stair was the gentlemen’s bedroom with the men servant’s bedroom next to it. To the left was the women servant’s bedroom leading into the Ladies bedroom. The abbey kitchen staff would sleep in the kitchen, the refectory was used for sleeping only when the number of travellers over filled the upstairs chambers.
When ready the party all went down to the refectory to dine. Naturally being such important personages the Abbot Pacific and his Prior Severity will dine with them. The two clerics are served by the chaplain Kros. The Ladies are served by their abigails and Squire Robert by Toxo. These servers receive the food and drinks from the abbey lay servants straight from the kitchen. The hobilars sit at the lower table unaccompanied, as in these straitened times there are few travellers.
“I hope you enjoyed our plainsong as we pride ourselves with being at the forefront of such music.” Said Prior Severity to Squire Robert. “We incline to the belief that instrumental accompaniments in fact detract from such offerings to Eru.
“It sounded well enough.” Replied Robert politely.
“Does Bishop Uhtred use instrumental music at Charles?” the Abbot asked him.
“Why I think there was the use of the psaltery, pipes and drums when last I went.” Responded Robert.
“And did you think it detracted from the chants?” demanded the Prior.
“Nay I am but a humble squire, I have no opinions on such things.”
An uneasy silence followed. The clerics concentrated on their food, loth to even look at the two ladies.
Morgana spoke, “Her Royal Highness Princess Maudette was pleased when your dispenser paid this Abbey’s Heriots in full so promptly!”
“Naturally we followed the guidance of Bishop Uhtred for that matter.”
“Her Royal Highness would have been even more pleased Sir Abbot, had you sworn fealty in person?”
“Alas both Prior Severity and I were indisposed at that time. We thought it the more important to pay the dues in good time. We hope by good management to repair the damage done to our finances within four years.”
“I understand that the hunnish raiders of some years back did not damage your lands?”
“No Madam, that is true. Though they fired the Holm mansion and ravaged the land over the river, they durst come no further. All our manors have paid their full Heriots!”
“Lady Sabine here owns the Holm mansion, with that of the Ware manor as part of her dowry.”
“Alas these were all wasted and the Holm mansion is but a ruin.”
“But perhaps some of the people survived and lived as best they could?”
“Nay Madam these are not my concerns. Any such people belong to the parish of Claux.”
“And thus under Bishop Uhtred for spiritual matters of course.”
“That is true. For us of the Simonite Order, we accept the guidance of Bishops on temporal matters but think for ourselves under the Monseigneur for spiritual matters.”
“Do you find Bishop Uhtred wiser than his predecessor?”
“That is not an easy question for me to answer Madam! I am aware that you yourself had some quarrel with Bishop Innocent. Alas these are strangely changed times. Was it unwise of Bishop Innocent to support his temporal ruler and lose his life doing so? Let Eru decide the rights and the wrongs of it.”
The Prior broke in, “Rumour sayeth that you go to visit Sir Christopher Lambert at Claux?”
“That is indeed my intention. I do hope he will be there to greet me?”
“We know not his whereabouts.” Commented the Abbot “He is a man who keeps to his own lands at all times. Truth to tell few travel about beyond the river, as the woods are infested with outlaws!”
“The late usurper drove many good people to desperation with his heavy taxes.” Said Morgana.
The Abbot actually looked at her, “Eru give Princess Maudette the wisdom not to do likewise. And her husband also, for one hears that she intends to wed?”
“That is her avowed intent after she has been crowned Grand Duchess.”
“On whom is her choice likely to fall do you know?” asked the Prior.
“She knows not herself. There is to be a tournament for all knights of renown, that she may choose between them.”
“And what of yourself Madam, surely your broad acres need a master to care for them?” hinted the Prior.
“I have a capable Steward knight in whom I have full trust for my lands. I am too busy serving Her Royal Highness to worry about private affairs.”
“Madam Marshal is also concerned to find the whereabouts of Sir Leon Perdieu. Although banished we have heard that he has been seen around here?” said Squire Robert.
“I can assure you that he has not been here Madam. I would know it for he is my brother!” answered the Abbot.
* * *
The meal progressed in uneasy silence for a while. Then brother cook dragged the boy Flambert into the refectory. “Reverend Abbot I saw this wretch pour the contents of this phial into one of the wine jugs!”
“Well what have you to say for yourself boy? Were you trying to poison us all?”
“Oh no Reverend Abbot. It is a potion to make virtuous people stronger.”
“Perhaps this Abbey matter could be enquired into at a later date?” suggested the Prior. “We could confine him in our cells.”
Morgana shook her head, “Since we also are at risk, I would prefer to hold an enquiry immediately Father Abbot.”
“As you wish Madam Marshal, but the boy is a lay member of the church of Eru.
“Who gave it to you?” snarled Squire Robert glaring into Flambert’s face.
“Why the good Vicar of Claux Sir.”
“I know of no evil about him Sir Squire. His name is Barnabus.” Interposed the Prior. “It may be a beneficial herb given in good faith.”
“We have only the boy’s word that the phial came from him.” Objected Squire Robert.
“Vicar Barnabus has not as yet paid the heriots for his church.” Observed Dame Morgana levelly. “With your permission Reverend Abbot we would like to test this wine. My abigail has a piece of unicorns horn especially designed for such a task?”
“Witchcraft?” exclaimed Kros the chaplain.
“Not so.” answered Clarisse. “This Unstirrer, made from the horn of Saint Fabiola’s unicorn, was blessed by the bishop of Borolon. The use of such items was authorised by Monseigneur Gerald who was given one for his own purposes. I would imagine that it is still in use at Valles.”
“I think you have the right of it Mistress. You have my permission to test the wine.”
Clarisse dipped the Unstirrer into the jug of wine. It immediately fizzed and a cloud off green smoke arose from it! “It is indeed poison of a herbal type I think!” Clarisse told them.
“What boy? Did you seek to murder your Abbot!” demanded the Prior.
“No of course not reverend Prior. The potion would have made him stronger like any devotee of Eru! The only people to have any fear of the potion would be the wicked devotees of witchcraft! Them it might harm.”
“Then it would not harm you if you drunk it?” demanded Squire Robert.
“What me drink some the Reverend Abbot’s wine?” stalled Flambert.
“It would prove your story, come drink it!”
“I am a good Eruvian!” declared the boy and drank deep from the proffered jug. “Arrgh! Arrgh! Arrgh!” he cried his eyes starting and smoke coming from his mouth. He fell retching and writhing to the floor whilst everyone stared at him. Soon his twitching ceased and the Chaplain pronounced him dead.
“I fear there is little he can tell us now.” Said the Abbot. “Brother Cook, do you and Simnel carry him to mortuary lest his presence upset the ladies.” And indeed Lady Sabine was being sick into the rushes on the floor. They none of them felt like re-starting the meal but Morgana ordered Clarisse to test all the food and drink in the building. The Abbot himself was too shaken to object to this usurpation of his authority. He sent Prior Severity to the Cellerer who returned with monks carrying a keg of barley ale for the hobilars and two large earthenware flagons of Quince wine for the high table. So eventually with the return of the cook, the meal began again. They ate in silence for a long while. Then Morgana spoke.
“Father Abbot, that young church employee of yours, from whence came he?”
“From Claux village I believe.” Answered the Prior.
“Yes.” agreed Chaplain Kros. “His sister is employed by Vicar Barnabus.” This caused the Abbot to glare at him but he said nothing.
“I shall be asking Vicar Barnabus some hard questions when I come up with him!” declared Morgana.
“Yes the boy’s allegations must be investigated but surely you will be taking Barnabus to Bishop Uhtred if the circumstances require a trial?” Blurted out the naive Kros.
“That would be only if it were a wholly spiritual matter Chaplain. At present we have the temporal possibilities of ordering attempted murder and the refusal to pay heriots. Her Royal Highness princess Maudette has decreed that such matters come to her and her deputies rather that the ecclesiastical courts. As Marshal of Bara I have full authority to deal with patent lawbreaking in a summary manner!” she rose, “Come, let our attendants dine, we shall retire to our chambers.” Just then there was the deep bong of a single bell from the Abbey and the Abbot spoke.
“That is the call to our Compline service Madam Marshal. You or any of your party are welcome to attend?”
“I think they will need all the rest they can get for tomorrow Father Abbot. It seems that there are those around here who are less than friendly to us!”
“Alas that it should be so. Eru’s will be done Madame.”
So Squire Robert, the two abigails, Kros and the kitchen staff dined whilst the rest departed.
Upstairs Morgana went over her plans in her mind again. The weather was fair so even in the dark, Squire Fier should reach the Abbey by the twenty-third hour. If he did should she ride off immediately, or wait until the monks were either at service or asleep? Dawn would begin around the seventh hour and she wished to be at Sir Christopher’s Claux hold by then. It would also be desirable to seize Vicar Barnabus at the same time, or better, before then! The problem was that none of her party had ever been to Claux before so she had no idea of the layout. She would need time for a night-time reconnaissance of the area, unless she could pick up a guide? Any guide from the Abbey was likely to lead them into a trap! Say three hours travelling plus two for reconnaissance? That left the latest time for departure as the second hour but the first would be better. The steeds would have recovered somewhat by then anyway should Squire Fier not have arrived. It was always possible that outlaws or even foreign raiders may have engaged him. Would her escort be strong enough to attack Claux hold? Only if surprise was achieved although Sergeant Neville’s training regime was raising her hobilars to a high standard. When Squire Robert and the two Abigails came up she set a hobilar on guard at the top of the stair and told everyone else to rest. The weather being clement they left the shutters of the chambers half open. They had not long got settled when the hobilars heard light thuds outside their windows, followed by creaking sounds. They seized their weapons and thus were ready when two figures appeared at the windows. “Burglars! Sergeant! Squire Sir! We have burglars!” But one had to go out into the hall along to their room to pass the message as there was no connecting door. However the two manning the windows felled three assailants and the mob backing them ran off. “We are betrayed! They are ready for us! They have killed Big Harm!” they heard from below. By the time Morgana got to her window she saw only the tail of the mob heading for the river. Going to the Hobilars room she ordered Sergeant Neville with two hobilars to go down the still standing ladders to investigate. There were two dead bodies, one being of giant size but the third man was still alive with a spear thrust through his lungs. “One is still alive, should I finish him?” called up the Sergeant. “No, we should question him. Robert find out who they were and what they were up to?” So Squire Robert descended and held his sword to the man’s throat.
“Who are you and why were you attacking us?”
“I am an honest thief squire! Driven to it by Basylt Devisage’ taxes. I have a wife and six children to support.”
“I don’t believe you! Why were you attacking us?”
“We heard that there was a tax collector here and hoped to steal some of our own money back! We expected to sneak in quiet like but you were ready for us.”
“There were rather a lot of you for that and you know as well as I do that Basylt is dead! Who are you or do you wish to die nameless?”
“No Squire, my name is Charm, Chestnut Charm they call me. I was a thief in Valles but the watch got too good so I fled to the countryside. Eventually I joined these outlaws led by Humfon and Big Harm. That is Big Harm that you have killed there.”
“And the other one? He looks to be a soldier?”
“He was once. He is Blackke, Sexton of Claux.”
“From Claux! Then you were seeking to murder us all?”
“No squire no! Honest I am a thief not an assassin!”
A hobilar spoke up, “I heard of a Chestnut Charm wanted for burglary in Valles Sir!”
Morgana leant out of the window “You, thief, if you wish to stay alive, who led you on this raid, the Vicar of Claux?”
“Well now I were thinking it was Humfon and Big Harm but the Vicar Barnabus was with us. It was news he brought that had them call up the band Milady.”
“Very well, bind up his wounds Sergeant. We will leave him in the custody of the Abbot when we leave. He can deal with the bodies too. I doubt that he will be pleased that outlaws are raiding his Abbey!”
They settled down to rest once more. The monk’s Compline wailing had long ceased so they must mostly be abed. Morgana looked for the stars to judge the time but they were hidden by clouds. She pondered, there would be an hourglass in the Abbey Church so they could ring the bells for the services, that could give her the time. She rose leaving the chamber to go there when Mistress Lys called out “Madam Marshal you are not going out unattended?”
Morgana glowered but without turning her head responded, “I go to seduce the father abbot of course I need no assistance for that!”
“Madam!” gasped Lys genuinely shocked.
“Come with me if you wish Lys. Then you can ply your charms on the Prior!”
The chuckle from the hobilar on sentry duty made Lys realise she was being mocked but she followed Morgana just the same. They went out across the yard and entered the Abbey Church door. The place seemed empty but climbing some stairs they found a young monk on watch in the bell ringing chamber of the tower. He had heard their approach but was plainly terrified to find it was two women who had caught him thus alone. “Sir Monk I seek to know the time and I see that you have timing glasses to aid me?”
Relief crossed his face and he looked at the glasses “It is a quarter past the twenty-third hour Milady.”
“Who else keeps watch in the Abbey at night Sir?”
“Why, why only the porter at the gate and myself or whoever hath the bell shift Milady.”
“Then we will keep you company awhile. We have already been assailed by outlaws and who knows what else may come.” She went to peer out of the window into the darkness. The monk sat down beside his timing glasses whilst Mistress Lys scowled at him and interposed herself between him and Morgana. She was impatiently waiting for the first hour when she determined that her force should prepare to leave. However there was yet some sands to run when Squire Fier arrived with the spare steeds. She ran down to meet him “Madam Marshal I have killed the banished knight Sir Leon Perdieu. He was in his Manor of Vernon. We have left some bound prisoners there!”
“Indeed? Well I must think about that Fier. Meanwhile we must rouse our people and get them mounted.” So they collected all her force and marshalled them outside the Porter’s Gate. Sergeant Neville had, had a couple of hobilars carry Chestnut Charm to be bestowed the Porter’s Gatehouse. Morgana mounted the horse Punch.
“Squire Fier think you that word of your attack on the manor will reach Sir Christopher?”
“It is possible Madam. In fact when we had the place a knight rode up who might even have been him. He and his companion rode away when I told him Sir Leon was dead and I claimed the place in the Princess’s name.”
“Alack! Well it cannot be helped. We must makes such haste as we can to reach him little prepared. Do you lead the column with the groom Jibbot carrying one torch, Bried shall carry another beside me in the middle and Mistress Lys shall carry a third at the rear.”
“Yes Madam Marshal, but I must give you this found on Sir Leon’s person.” He gave her a parchment scrap:
Dear Brother,
The Lady Sabine Flaneur has arrived at my Monastery with the Tax Assessor. Their escort comprises a squire, a sergeant and six hobilars. Eru be with you. Pacific Abbot
There was much food for thought here but they were marshalling for the march and must concentrate on the matter in hand. The Abbot could be questioned another time.
“Squire Fier! We have been assailed by outlaws here and there may be more who seek to do us harm! Keep a good look out as you go!”
Once assemble in twos her whole force advanced over the bridge towards Claux.
Lady Morgana Lefey Squire Robert Fissure, Sergeant Neville, Lady Sabine Flaneur, Lys, Clarisse, Archer Toxo and 5 hobilars.
Morgana Mounted on first Harold a blue unicorn then horse Punch
Leader Mo 6", Fa 6/12, TI 3 TR +5, SR +4, D-5, C-4, W-3, Ob 1.0" Me +3 +1 = +4 (Mounted +2) Taglier sword Strike +2. enemies –1 if gown shimmering. E6 I5 M3 G3 I6 L4 D4
You speak Simnith, Edin and Kharsh (P) write the Tengthin alphabet
Charm CI 2 MPU's 2 per move, max 8. Shimmer! 3+ Reverts on 0
Spells: Cling, Stranger Sensing, Inflict Revulsion, Inflict Vertigo.
Harold will attack any creature you point at on the Command "Deer!"
Unicorn Harold Mo 10", (free 11") Fa 7/14, TI 4 TR +3, SR 0 D-6, C -5, W -4. Ob 2.1"
Horse Punch Mo 9”, (Free 10”) Fa 7/14, TR 0, SR –1, D –5, C –4, W –3 Ob 1.7”
.
Squire Robert Fissure Off Mo 10"(5"), Fa 5/10 (5/10), TI 2, TR -1 (+2), SR -2 (+2), D -5 (-7), C -4 (-6), W-3 (-5), A -1 (-2), Ob 1.2 (1.0), Me +2 -2 +2 = +2 1st Rd +3 Hvy Lance st +1 Axe +2-1 = +1 st +2 B -2
Shield parry 7+ St 4 Speaks Simnith, Edin Reads Tengthin.
Sergeant Neville Rouncey Ind, Mo 11"(6"), Fa 6/12 (6/12), TI 1TR -1 (+2), SR -2 (+1), D -5 (-5), C -4 (-4), W-3 (-3), A -1 (+1), Ob 1.0 (1.3), Me +2 -0 +2 = +4 sword st 0, Shield parry 7+ St4 Tinderbox
Speaks Simnith, Edin (P) Reads Tengthin
Speaks Simnith, Edin, Reads Tengthin
Speaks Simnith, Edin, Reads Tengthin 3rd Level Magician 3 MPU per move.
If moving faster than 7” Must D10 0 falls off faster than 10” falls off on 1-.
Spells: Detect Magic, Charm Sing, Magic Bolts, Breaching Bolts, Sterilise, Odour of Sanctity, Ease Pain,
Missile deflection Zone, Shatter Glass or Pottery.
First Aid Satchel
Toxo the Archer Rouncey Fol Mo 11” (6”), Fa 6/12, TR 1, SR + 0, D-5, C-4, W -3, A +1, Ob 1.2, Me +0 -0 = 0 sword st 0 longbow 6"4+, 12" 5+, 18" 6+, 24" 7+, St -3, 10 arrows. 1 Fatigue point per shot
Hobilar Rouncey Fol Mo 11” (6”), Fa 6/12, TI 1, TR –2 (0), SR –2 (0), D-5 (-5), C –4 (-4), W –3 (-3),
A –1 (+1), Ob 1.0 (1.2), Me +1 – 1 +2 = +2 1st rd +2 st 0, shield parry 7+ St 4.
The Action in Words and pictures