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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 23, 2014 6:17:43 GMT
The giants had been invited to the manner great hall, which was built large enough that the giants didn't need to duck. Chairs had been provided which were comfortable for them, but the long wooden table was rather low. There was no fire in the great fireplace, because of the summer heat, but double doors on both ends were open allowing for a cool breeze to draft through the hall. The table was set for lunch, with roast chickens, fresh rosemary bread, oranges picked off the stem that mourning, candied almonds and of course Elonese wine.
Chello curtsied with all grace, "It's a honor to meet you," she said demurely. In the presence of her husband, Chello was content to let him take the lead. At least for as long as it would take for Azlyn to stick his big foot in his mouth. "This is my lord husband and King, Azlyn Christallo," she said, giving him an elegant wave of her hand and stepping back.
He bowed, but his manner was rather fast and exaggerated, as if he were impatient to have the formalities done with. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Thane Gudrik. My wife and indeed the most of the town only had good things to say after you visit last harvest. I hope your endeavor into the Waistlands was successful." He turned his smile on the Jarl, "And of course its an honor to host the Jarl of the Jotun in my castle. It was good of you to come to lunch, please have a seat."
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Post by Vaklu on Nov 23, 2014 6:35:54 GMT
The giants to their seats. Gudrik gave the king a wry smile. "It went well enough, though we had a small problem with our supplies." The gaints only ate or drank after they'd seen the King or Queen consume some of the same course. "We found in particular the wine in particular didn't agree with my men." The air was thick with the tension from the three male giants. Gudrik and Tholarg in particular watched the royal couple's reactions.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 23, 2014 6:48:01 GMT
Neither of the Christallos hesitated in eating or drinking anything, but Chello did notice the hesitation on the part of the giants, as well as the serious aloofness they held and the growing tension in the room. Something was wrong. She sensed that the giants seem to hold some kind of offense, but she wasn't sure exactly what it could be. She was listening and watching them as carefully as they were eyeing the humans and frowned in slight puzzlement as Gudrik brought up the wine.
If Azlyn noticed tension in the room, he acted as if he hadn't, though he did seem a little concerned by the news. "The wine? Was it a bad batch? Elonese wine doesn't usually spoil, but then we don't usually cart it over the Wastelands. I hope your didn't run short of drink because of it."
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Post by Vaklu on Nov 23, 2014 12:14:30 GMT
"A bad batch? You might call it that." The surprise from the royal couple made Gudrik more sure of his suspicions. "It was poisoned. It killed over 500 of my warriors, slowly. Who was in charge of providing the wine for my expedition?" The question was calm and polite but the edge of menace was unmistakable.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 23, 2014 18:17:57 GMT
On hearing the facts both Chello and Azlyn were indeed shocked as well as horrified. Despite that fact that they'd had no idea that the wine had been poisoned, they were still responsible. Elon had been host to Gudrik and his men and the traditions of hospitality were a very deep part of Elonese culture. It'd been their wine and resulted from the trust the Jotun had in Elon. Whoever was really had poisoned the wine, figuratively the slow and painful death of 500 giants fell upon their shoulders.
Chello uttered a small word too quite to be caught by the others and Azlyn's jaw had dropped. "This... This cant be true," he said, but he didn't really doubt Gudrik, he just wanted to. As he and Chello exchanged looks they both could guess what must have happened.
"Elymilak," Chello said quietly and Azlyn bit his lip. He'd never liked his uncle much, but he was family- Family by marriage anyway. Elymilak had married his father's sister and until Prince Chohnny had been born, Lard Sarvo's son, Alan, had been Azlyn's heir.
"Lord Sarvo owns the vineyards," the king said hesitantly, "But he's a powerful man in this country. Did you bring any proof with you, any of the barrels still under his seal?"
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Post by Vaklu on Nov 23, 2014 18:39:21 GMT
"I have the barrels themselves but all the wine was consumed by the warriors who I'd given it to as a reward for their deeds in battle. But our healers confirmed that it was poison and the only common factor was the wine." Gudrik didn't give a damn how powerful the man was. " I remember him well enough, the drunk. Perhaps I should have given him his duel that night."
Jarl Tholarg spoke next. "You have a master of spies I'm sure. We want all those who had a hand in this. Unharmed, they'll face Jotun justice for this. I honestly don't care what their standing is in your lands. Even though this was done without your blessing I would be within my rights to declare blood-feud. My brother seems to think you honorable enough that you will provide us with satisfaction. When the culprits are handed over you will be their for their sentencing and you will proclaim their crimes to your people."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 23, 2014 18:54:44 GMT
Azlyn looked hesitant, but Chello spoke up confidently enough.
"I'm certain our spymaster can get a confession, a legal confession," she added when Azlyn turned a disturbed look on her, "We will hand over the culprits."
Azlyn frowned some more. This was a crime that had been committed on his lands by his people. It was his duty to see that justice was done and the crimes were punished according to Elonese law. He couldn't just hand his uncle, or anyone for that matter, over to vengeful giants. "My wife means that we promise that justice will be done and I will see to it that the poisoners are punished," he said.
Chello tried not to grimace. Tholarg was right, the Jotun would be within rights to demand blood feud and a feud with the Jotun was the last thing they wanted, especially in the middle of the tournament. They needed this to go away as quickly and peaceably as possible. Nonetheless she couldn't contradict her husband in front of guests, so she only muttered a soft "Of course," which was only the slightest bit begrudging and condescending.
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Post by Vaklu on Nov 23, 2014 19:21:06 GMT
"No, we will punish them." Gudrik's tone was steel. "I'm sorry we brought something to show you. How forgetful of me. Wulfric would you be so kind." The warrior reached into the bag he'd brought with him and produced a bastard sword. At least in the giant's hands it appeared as such, in the hands of a human it would be a massivegreatsword. A beautifully adorned scabbard covered it, obviously new. The sword itself was a masterwork. "I had intended to give this to you as a sign of our friendship, but now I must add the condition that the poisoners be given over to us for punishment."
Gudrik halted for a moment as if a new consideration had occurred to him. "Or, you must punish them as poisoners according to Juton law. The punishment for which is crucifixion. Whether you hold the hammer or we do makes little difference in the end. I also request 2 thousand jiien as wer-geld for the families of my men. That need not be given now. I know there is great expense with the Tourney but I would like that money be sent to them by spring."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 23, 2014 19:54:52 GMT
Azlyn saw the sword and it nearly took his breath away. He'd never seen the his lost family heirloom, but he knew it's description. The great sword Wind Roar had been forged by the master craftsmen of old for first Christallo King to rule over Elon. By its edge many glorious victories had been won and the reputation of his house and Kingdom built.
Chello guessed what the sword was as well and looked up at Gudrik impressed. It was a clever bargaining chip, as least as far as Azlyn was concerned. The king and all his revivalists, with their heads full of glory and ideals would die to have their ancient sword returned.
Unfortunately, as much as Azlyn's dreams were awakened by the sword, in the hands of the giants, it was also a reminded of the terrible history between Elon and Jotun, of the pillaging, murder and burning that'd happened in the past. All the reason's Sarvo had to hate the Jotun, Azlyn had as well, though he'd willingly, even gladly put old bitterness and enmity aside, it wasn't completely forgotten. Also the sword represented his family's honor, which was exactly what Gudrik was asking Azlyn to sacrifice in order to possess the sword again.
He stood silent a moment looking at the sword, these thought and Gudrik's words going though his mind. The imagine of himself hammering Elymilak to a cross, as the man's own wife and sone looked on along with all of Elon came into his head and he shuttered. He could never... and handed Elymilak over to the Jotun was practically the same thing. As Gudrik said, it made little diferance who held the hammer. In the end it was Azlyn's responsibility.
"Once I have a confession. I will give you his head," Azlyn said in a deep voice, "This I promise you, as well as the 2 thousand jiien to be delivered at once, but Lord Sarvo is a citizen of Elon, bound under our laws, as well as those of the Church and Imperial State, not under the laws of Jotun. If doesn't satisfy you, Elon allows for personal satisfaction through formal duels, but I can not ... crucify anyone," his eyes lingered on the sword for another painfully regretful moment, before he looked back at Gudrik and Tholarg, "I'm sorry."
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Post by Vaklu on Nov 23, 2014 20:21:16 GMT
The blade was placed gently into Azlyns hands. "Very well, He and i shall have a duel. But his weapons will be checked for poison." Gudrik hadn't liked using the heirloom as a barginig chip but he couldn't help but like the man and his determination to stand by his beliefs. "I look forward to our meeting."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 23, 2014 20:47:23 GMT
Azlyn took the sword his mouth opening in slight surprise. He'd hadn't expected them them give him the sword, after he refused them the kind of justice they'd wanted. Pulling the blade from the sheath slightly, he saw the maker's mark carved on the base of the hilt. It was indeed the long lost sword of Elon. It was Wind Roar. For a moment Azlyn hesitated, then he closed his mouth and gave Gudrik a bow.
"I when we arrest him, I will deliver your challenge myself and so help me god, if he refuses, I'll do something a lot worse than crucifixion to his cowardly hide."
Chello sat quietly in her place. She'd been cursing Azlyn's stubbornness, but now she was rather impressed. She even felt a little proud of him, as he held both the sword of his ancestors and honer he imagined it stood for.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 24, 2014 3:16:44 GMT
It didn't take King Azlyn long to call, organize and complete the trial held against Lord Sarvo. Azlyn himself, along with a dozen of the most trusted knights of the kingdom had heard him confess his criminal intentions and do so without the slightly hint of regret. Most of the Elonese nobles were in Dovwynn for the tournament, so a full panel of peers were there to witness it.
The Jotun had the empty barrels, with Sarvo's mark still branded upon them, as well as testimony from a physician on the effects of the poison, which fit perfectly with the description of Cowyn that the witnesses had heard Elymilak tell Hagear himself. Lord Sarvo didn't even try to lie about is intentions.
When confronted with the accusation and the evidence, he just glared at Azlyn, the Jotun and the assembled nobles over his broken nose."I won't deny it," he spat, "I don't claim to be innocent. I only claim to be justified. Justified by the Elonese blood spilled by the Jotun over the centuries, by the crimes they committed against not only our county but every country on these shores, but the slaves standing in their markets today. These people aren't people but monsters and they deserved to die! You all know it and so should the king!"
"Enough!" shouted Azlyn, "The crimes of the past are not relevant to this matter Sarvo and the under the Empire they are void and null."
"Yes the Empire," Sarvo said, "It's got it's leash well around your neck doesn't it Azlyn?" he turned his gaze to Chello sitting by her husband's side, "Your neck and other parts."
Azlyn looked ready to pull out his sword and chop off Elymilak's head there and then, but he managed his temper with difficulty. "As King of Elon and defender of her people, I find Elymilak Sarvo guilty of the crimes accused and I condemn him to death, under the laws of the kingdom."
"However, Thane Gudrik has demanded personal satisfaction by way of a formal duel to the death. In accordance with the traditions of the land, I am willing to yield him this right, should you accept the trial of honorable combat. If you accept and are slain your sentence will be considered fulfilled and your kin will have to rights to vengeance upon Thane Gudrik, or any of his family. If he is slain by you, your will be considered acquitted with your honor intact and Thane Gudrik's family will have no right to carry out vengeance upon you, or any of your family. Do you agree to this his challenge?"
Sarvo glared over at Gudrik and tried not to tremble at the sight of him, but he'd made his mind up and, even if he hadn't, the look in Azlyn's eyes was nearly as frightening as the sight of the giant. "I agree," he said.
There was a surprised murmur from the other nobles. It was obvious that Elymilak didn't stand a chance against the giant.
Azlyn turned to Gudrik, "Thane Gudrik, do you and your people agree to the terms described?"
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Post by Vaklu on Nov 24, 2014 3:49:55 GMT
Gudrik had come to the proceedings in full armor. "I accept these terms. I request the duel be fought in the square of Saint Oleo’s Tree. So Aed may watch, as well as any who wish to attend."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 24, 2014 3:58:22 GMT
Azlyn nodded, "The place is fitting. The duel will take place in the Festival square this very day, the hour before sunset. I shall send word to the city, announcing the duel and the causes behind it, so anyone in Dovwynn who wishes may attend and observe the battle."
Chello was growing uneasy. She'd have preferred for the matter not to be dragged out into the middle of the city, especially to such an symbolic sight, but she didn't speak against her husband's decree.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 24, 2014 4:23:09 GMT
The Duel
Harvest, 819 in the year of the prophet
A battle to the death between Thane Grudrik and Lord Elymilak Sarvo over the grievance of 600 giants lethally poised by Lord Sarvo the year before. Presided over by King Azlyn Christallo of Elon and witness by many.
The festival square had already been arranged into a fighting arena for the sake of the Grand Tournament. With the Tree of Oleo at one end and the new monument of Elon looking over the square on the opposite side, there was a grand sense to the scene and the rising spectator benches along the side were packed by people who'd come to Dovwynn for the Tournament and were anxious to view this first and unexpected conflict, between the mighty Thane Gudrik Blood Dancer and Lord Elymilak Sarvo, the richest man in Elon.
Sarvo's face was already bruised and blooded by the blow Azlyn had given him derring the arrest, but it was also set with hate and determination. He knew he didn't have a snowflake's chance in hell of defeating Gudrik, but, after coming to terms with this, he was glad he was going down with a sword in his hands. Aed helping him, he was going to do his damnedest to take this monster down with him. He'd been a skilled swordsman in his youth and, while that's been nearly thirty years ago, he hoped that he still had enough skill left to make a stand for freedom and justice. Or so he tried to assure himself, in order to fight off the pure panic that was threatening to overtake him.
Damn Azlyn! The boy was nothing more than a puppet king, dancing on the strings held by the Empire and his Southern wife. If Azlyn's father were still alive, this never would have happened.
Clinging to hate and self-righteousness, Sarvo stepped forward with his family's bastard sword in hand. He knew his only chance was to out maneuver the giant. He'd have to be fast enough to dodge Gudriks blows and he'd need to strike as quickly and strategically as possible.
His plan was to hold an evasive stance, ready to dodge or roll as soon as the giant attacked. He'd try to duck inside Gudrik's wide reach immediately after a swing and cut out the tendons behind his knees, before Gudrik could bring his weapon back around. If he could manage to disable the giant, bring him to his knees, then maybe he'd have the chance to maneuver behind him and chop off his ugly head. |
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