The Knights of Silver

The night passes somewhat uneventfully, though the party do not sleep well. The combination of cold and constant damp fill the night with shivering and teeth chattering. In the early hours of the morning, the rain finally stops, and the skies clear. The wind falls away and the temperature drops. Soon a frost develops, coating the world with a crystal dusting, and as the dawn sun peeks through the trees, the land glitters - each blade of grass, each leaf glinting like jewels.

With their breath clouding in the air in front of them, the group struggle with stiff cold limbs to their feet, keen to get moving to try and warm up. Barely pausing to breakfast, the Unknowns slowly continue their journey towards the sun.

It is barely less than an hour later, when the group are climbing a slight rise, blinking against the early morning sun, still low in the sky, when something on the hill top ahead of them silhouette briefly against the sun. A moment later, a group of riders, most in shining silver armour with dark blue cloaks canter towards the party. They fan out as the get closer to the party, and the centre one stands up in his stirrups, looking down on the cold and bedraggled party.

"Well met!" he calls. "Hold fast in the name of the lady!"

Since there is no chance that the party could out run on foot the group of horsemen, whose mounts look fresh and well cared for, the latter seems somewhat unnecessary. But the emblem of a silver crescent moon and a star on the blue background of the cloaks, goes a long way to reassuring the party. "Silverymoon..." whispers Larz, recognising it.

The man looks expectantly at the party, the sun shinning around him almost like a halo, and for a moment, in their exhausted minds, he almost seems godly! His shield, fastened to his saddle shows the emblem of a set of scales, resting on the head of a war hammer.

"We don't usually expect to see people walking out of the wilderness from this direction...Where have you come from?!" he asks.

The other armoured men look on impassively, though the group notice that there is one who is un-armoured, wearing long dark blue robes under his cloak. He leans forward in his saddle, staring at the group as if they were a cornered rat about to turn. Clutches in his hand is a wand, held ready, just in case.

<Serena aka Archon wrote>:
> "We have come from Neverwinter on a mission of
> some importance. We must meet with your Lady
> as soon as can be arranged."

The man sits again in his saddle and removes his helm to reveal a handsome face framed by short cropped ginger hair and a goatee beard. Pointed ears show his half-elf heritage, and he leans forwards in his saddle, now seeming a little less godly, though his keen eyes and confident demeanour show a person who has the power of a god on his side. Judging by the symbol on his shield, probably Tyr.

"A mission you say?" he replies with interest. He raises one eyebrow slightly as Serena continues on.

> "But we are battle-worn and road-weary. Will
> you stay with us, and lead us unto Silverymoon?
> We do not know the best path to follow, and dangers
> may beset us yet before we reach the safety of the
> city gates."

He smiles at Serena, before widening his gaze to the whole group. "The path to Silverymoon from here is pretty easy" he says. "But let me introduce myself first. My name is Glandril Nessalir, Captain of the Knights of Silver". He gestures at the riders at his side. "These are my companions, my fellow Knights and Battle Mage."

He shifts in his saddle to point behind him. "Barely a couple of miles away lies the hunting and logging village of Quaervaar, where we spent a somewhat more comfortable night than you it seems." He is grinning as he looks back at the party, taking in their somewhat bedraggled appearance.

"There is a road leading south from there that leads direct to Silverymoon" he continues. "Once you reach the road, the journey south takes less than a day at a good march."

"We have been on patrol for five days - we are due to return to Silverymoon tomorrow..." he pauses for a moment, looking again at Serena. "Of course, for a matter of some importance, we could possibly cut short our patrol to escort you..." he pauses again, and a few of the knights shift slightly in their saddles, as if pleased by the prospect of cutting short their patrol. "Pray tell, what names do you go by and what is this mission of which you speak?" he asks.

Merrell eyes the armored men before him suspiciously. Under the folds of his cloak his left hand finds the bone wand he has wielded effectively since crossing the river in the troll moors.

His eyes then spy the blue robed man with the aromored ones. He sees the other mage has a wand at the ready as well. A smirk crosses the half-elfs face.

Making certain he has the other mages attention he bows his head slightly in greeting. Merrell's eyes then trace a line to his left hand revealing the bone wand that is there at the. He makes eye contact with the other mage again and smiles, again he bows slightly. Merrell hopes by his display his counterpart knows he is making a purely defensive statement. But he is also letting him know that their little group is not to be triffled with.

The other mage watches the party closely, spotting Merrell's actions, he narrows his eyes, watching closely. As the nod of respect, he slowly nods back, but remains vigilant.

Ceely listens with close interest the instructions given by Glandril Nessair, and considers his words. And for the first time, she takes the lead in introducing the party.

"Well met Captain. My name is Coelacanth Seasearcher, also know as Ceely by my friends, and I am a ranger from Neverwinter. We named ourselves the Unknowns, and we are to deliver our cargo to Lady Alustriel of Silverymoon, in the name of the late mage Gaard of Neverwinter. Also, among our companions, there is one who had his love kidnapped, and taken to your fair city. We intend to help him find his better half on arrival. We were really battered during this trip, and in dire need to quickly arrive in Silverymoon, as you can imagine. Are those reasons enough to ask for the protection of the great Riders of Silverymoon?"

Glandril switches his attention from Serena to Ceely. "Well met Coelacanth", he says, saying the elven derived name with ease. "What is this cargo of which you speak?" He leans forward, intently scrutinising the party, watching how people react. "And why is it so important that Gaard of the Many Starred Cloak would send a group of adventurers such as yourselves to deliver it?"

A moment later, something Ceely had said registers, and his face hardens momentarily. "You said 'late' - Gaard is dead?"

<Serena aka Archon wrote>:
> "So we were told by the Harpells of Longsaddle," Serena
> adds, matter-of-factly. "And I -- Serena Shadoweaver --
> have no reason to disbelieve them. In fact, they --
> ahem -- suspected us of his murder. After we explained
> our mission, however, they gave us their blessing and
> sent us on our way."

Glandril sits back in his saddle, somewhat surprised at Serena's words. "I know of the Harpells," he says slowly, before allowing Serena to continue.

<Serena aka Archon continued>:
> Serena pauses to remove her helm and shake the rainwater
> out of her bedraggled coiffure. "Of course, they --
> like Lady Tessarin -- brought us into their home and
> provided hospitality before grilling us with questions."
> She smiles slyly at Captain Nessalir, waiting to see his
> reaction to her mild reprimand.

Glandril's mouth twists into a rye smile. "And I guess their homes are somewhat warmer and dryer than this one!" he says, gesturing at the open countryside around them.

<Herod aka Scott wrote>:
> After the two women are finished, not knowing what else
> to do, Herod will step forward and put his fist to his
> chest, "I am Herod, Battleguard of Tempus."

Glandril nods his head in respect to the priest.

<Lucretia aka Joe wrote>:
> "And I am Lucretia Trollcleaver." <He says with a
> nonchalant wave towards the bands leader.> <addressing
> the rest he continues> "Seems Tyr has listened to our
> calls to his name in battle...and sent us one of his
> most just knights to help us complete our journey...
> you and your companions are most certainly a sight
> for sore eyes."

The Knight of Tyr looks at Lucretia carefully, his eyes narrowing slightly
at the boastful name, before sweeping his gaze over the rest of the group.
"I'm not sure Tyr has influenced this meeting, but what you have told me so
far has a ring of truth about it." He smiles slightly, as if he has made a
small joke.

Larz speaks up. "Larz of Clan Fireforge" he says briefly, by way of
introduction.

OOC: I'll assume that the other characters also introduce themselves at this point - if you want to post what you say above and beyond your name, feel free to do so.

Introductions over, Glandril continues.

"I do not believe you are bad people", he says, "and I believe several of my companions will not complain too much if we return to Silverymoon early." As if in agreement, there are a few almost imperceptible nods and shifting in saddles from the knights on either side. He turns his gaze to Serena again, speaking to her directly. "It seems that you wish to keep your 'cargo' secret for the moment - I will respect that, and what is more, we *will* escort you and your party of 'Unknowns' to Silverymoon." He smiles again at their name.

"As I said before, we do not get many people arriving at Silverymoon from this direction, and I have a feeling that news of a group of adventurers making the journey from Neverwinter via this route will mean that you do not remain Unknown for long!" He grins for a moment, before suddenly dismounting. Leading his horse closer to Serena, he gestures towards the southeast, indicating for her to walk at his side. "I would speak with you whilst we walk," he says.

At a brief command from one of the other knights, the remaining knights goad their horses into position, Three knights riding on either side of the party, the remainder move to the rear, led by the wand wielding rider.

As the group move off, Glandril speaks with Serena. "You sound as if you have encountered many problems on your journey," he says conversationally. "Tell me of your journey. As we are cutting our patrol short a day, I would like to know of any encounters you may have had in the last day or so."

To Cleo, standing there soaking, shivering, muscles throbbing, the Knights are a complete disappointment. Seeing them turn and start riding off, Cleo just can't hide her ire one moment longer, talking loudly enough for the knights to hear, she says, "Well! Tis good to run across the galant and chivalrous Knights of Silver, who would leave drenched and road-weary ladies to trudge along in the mud, whilst they go riding bravely off! If those are the actions of "Knights", then I'd say their manners are akin to those of the trolls we just met!" Cleo's words are spoken with cutting sarcasm and disgust.

Pulling her hood up over her head again, she continues trudging on, her anger giving her a little more energy for the moment at least. So much for the Knights in her childhood story books, she thinks to herself. Oh well, it's not like I'm a harmless damsel in distress anyway. I haven't needed a Knight yet, and somehow I don't think I ever will!

At Cleo's loud comments, many of the Knights stiffen. Glandril however, turns from his conversation and stares at Cleo icily. "You asked for our protection. Not for us to ease the blisters on your feet."

He glares at Cleo witheringly. "We may be relatively close to Silverymoon, and these lands may be tamer now than the lands through which you have already passed, but we could still encounter difficulties between here and Silverymoon, and how would you expect my men to mount a charge without mounts?" His face softens a moment. "Of course, under different circumstances, your would find all my men most chivalrous" and he bows to Cleo momentarily.

Cleo tosses back her hood again and returns his glare with her own. "Kind Sir," she starts, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "We made it half way through the Troll Moors, been attacked by trolls, chased by hundreds of barbarians, encountered even more orcs, and have gotten ambushed by big hairy humanoids, and managed to survive without a single galant charge on horseback. But... if you feel you are unfit to fight on your own two feet, then by all means, stop flirting and mount up! I truly hate seeing you in this soft and defensless condition. And, under different circumstances, I wouldn't need the chivalry of your Knights in not-so-shining armor, now would I?" Glancing around at the other knights to make sure they know who she's talking about, she adds, "If they have no honor here in the wilderness, then where DO they have honor? Where does it count most, in the court or in the countryside? No, sir, I'll walk the rest of the way back to Silverymoon, and I'll do it WITH honor, thank you."

Cleo pulls her hood back up, announcing that the conversation is finished, and just walks on, her eyes locked forward.

Glandril's frown deepens at Cleo's sarcastic tones, and his face hardens at her insulting words. The other knights are like statues atop their mounts. As Cleo finishes her tirade, Glandril turns back to Serena. He opens his mouth to speak but Serena speaks first.

<Serena aka Archon wrote>:
> "Well, Captain," she begins, "In fact we have met with
> dire opponents not far from here. Just yesterday evening
> we were beset by a gang of . . . of . . . hairy beast-men."

The half elven knight closes his mouth, waiting for Serena to finish speaking.

<Serena aka Archon continued>:
> <SNIP> "Many dozens," she says. "And their leader,
> Jerek, was among the slain."

Glandril purses his lips momentarily, at the mention of the name, but says nothing as Serena continues to speak.

<Serena aka Archon continued>:
> She looks steadily at Captain Glandril Nessalir.
> "I suppose this will be good news to you. The
> depredations of the Sky Ponies and their ilk are a
> threat to all civilized peoples of the North.
> Between their losses in that battle, and the band
> we saw burned to a crisp earlier, their power in
> these parts has been reduced substantially, I would
> guess. How many warriors do you reckon the Sky Ponies
> have, anyway?"

As Serena finishes, he shakes his head slightly. "It seems I was mistaken" he says, placing a foot in his stirrup. "It seems not all your companions need or want our protection after all." He steps up and swings his leg over his steed, looking down at Cleo again. "This is still a savage frontier land, and chivalry and manners have their place" He pauses, his horse prancing a little under him, sensing his mood. "If you want to ride into Silverymoon then head towards Quaervaar where you can hitch a ride on some of the logging wagons!" He glances down at Serena, disappointment in his eyes. "I'm sorry" he says softly, moving his horse backwards a few paces, "but I think we have a patrol to finish." Nodding to the other men, he barks out an order, and the men move their horses around into a squad behind him, obviously intending to leave. The expressions of the knights are mostly hidden by their helms, though their eyes show disapproval. The mage simply frowns deeply, as if perhaps disagreeing with Glandril, but restraining himself from speaking.

<Cleo aka Dan wrote>:
> "Do you think I'd rather you pull out a chair for
> me at a comfortable Inn, or lend me your horse when
> I'm about to collapse from battle wounds and fatigue???

"Pah! exclaims Glandril, allowing his anger to get the better of him. "You have a horse already, yet no one rides it!" His voice calms. "I know you not woman, but I can see your pride and your resentment against those who would protect you." He shakes his head sadly, though Cleo doesn't notice.

He is about to say more, but closes his mouth as Milo intervenes.

<Milo aka Steve wrote>:
> Milo becomes even more furious.. he looks around to
> the others for some support.. "Balnor.. somebody..
> anybody.. SHUT HER UP!"

Yvandel looks on, his face pained by the angry exchanges.

Balnor simply shrugs, "Don't look at me!" he says. "I can see her point of view! She deserves to have a ride! Hey Luc, give Cleo a turn on Thunderbolt - you're not riding him anyway!" (OOC: Haven't seen much from Balnor recently, so I thought I'd post on Mike Bellack's behalf as well.)

Blondung nods his head in agreement with Milo. "I'm surprised at you Cleo!" he says. "Save your anger for the battlefield! These men may not be offering you a gilded carriage to rest in, but at least we have a better chance of reaching Silverymoon without further bloodshed if we walk with them!"

Larz growls agreement. "There's more safety in numbers tis true, and yer not so exhausted yer can't walk woman!"

<Cleo aka Dan wrote>:
> Don't you think it's more than a little rude for
> fresh riders on fresh horses NOT to offer their
> steeds to the women and injured among us?

"How can I put this", drawls Blondung. "the sort of women who go adventuring through the wilderness are not normally renowned for being the sort who would be worried about having doors opened for them and so on!" He seems to find it somewhat amusing. "And we all have injuries to some extent!" he mutters, even though his is limited to a minor scratch from the last attack.

<Milo aka Steve continued>:
> "Sirs, " Milo calls "please accept my apology
> for the behaviour of our companion. I'll not try
> to make excuses for her, as there is no excuse
> for her behaviour, but understand that she does
> not speak on behalf of this group. Our mission
> is far too important to be ruined at this late
> stage by a verbal battle over chivalry... Please
> reconsider your decision, and continue to escort
> us to Silverymoon"

Glandril purses his lips as the large priest pleads with him, thinking. A moment later, he appears to come to a decision.

Looking down on the Priest of the Crying God, he speaks. "We will not walk with you after all, but will patrol the area instead. Hopefully we will spot any problems before they reach you"

He looks across at Cleo, raising his voice so she can still hear. "You may say we have no honour, manners or courage, but we have our duty, and your opinion about us matters not." Lowering his voice again, he nods at Milo and Serena. "If Tyr wills, you'll have a safe journey. We will do our best to clear your route."

<Merrell aka Mike wrote>:
> "I am Merrell Greenwood, humble scholar and sometimes
> mage. Please sir, I would ask that you forgive my friend
> her apparent rudeness. It has been a long hard fought
> journey for all of us. We are tired and hungry and some
> of us are hurt. Surely a warrior as yourself knows the
> fatigue that comes with battle."

Glandril nods in understanding.

<Merrell aka Mike continued>:
> "What my friend Serena has told you about your enemies
> the Sky Ponies is true. They have met with great defeat
> within the last several days, and likely will be licking
> their wounds for several weeks to come. They are in no
> condition I suspect to cause your lands much trouble,
> there by negating your reason to continue on your patrol."

Glandril mouth twists into a smile. "It is good news, but there are more dangers than barbarians or orcs in this area of the world. We have heard of recent sightings of giant kind in this area..."

<Merrell aka Mike continued>:
> "Serena also spoke true the words that Jerek their leader
> was killed in the fighting. I know this to be fact, for
> it was I that killed him."

Glandril nods to Serena. "I did not doubt your word, merely was wondering how you got to know the barbarian leader's name!"

<Serena aka Archon continued>:
> "Good Sir Knight," Serena answers, her eyes flashing,
> "Because he told it to us . . . before he died. How else?"

Glandril smiles in return, his own eyes twinkling.

<Merrell aka Mike continued>:
> "Sir our ordeal has been long and costly. Perhaps for
> the sake of fellow brothers in arms who are weary from
> the fight, you could overlook a few words of sarcasm and
> rudeness. "

<Merrell aka Mike Br wrote>
> Merrell's gaze falls on the mage with the knights. "And
> you sir, perhaps later we will meet and discuss more
> intellectual endeavours."

The mage nods, "I will look forward to that" he murmurs, a brief smile crossing his lips.

Glandril looks at Cleo, striding off ahead of the party. "I bear no grudge against her" he says sadly, returning his gaze to Merrell, Milo and Serena, "but I stand by my decision. We will patrol the area, keeping close by, but we will not actually walk with you. Once you reach Silverymoon, leave word at the gatehouse where you will be staying, and I will gladly meet with you again to show you around."

So saying, he raises his hand and gestures sharply to his men. They wheel their horses in unison, and he canters away, leading them to the south.