Subject: R: The Bath
Posted by:Astalder On: 08/11/00 10:39 PM
Tannisbury Militia Captain

In making his rounds seeing everyone is at their posts and that all is going well, Astalder happens by the guest quarters when he hears a lot of commotion near a bathing chamber. He makes his way to the source and tries to push his way into the room through a small crowd. He shouts... "Everyone, be quiet." All eyes look at the young man, then the serving girl on the floor and then at Gynger... sitting in the tub holding a wet towel up to her chin, blushing. Astalder steps forward. He kneels down and touches the girl, she moans. He looks at the young man and asks... "What happened here?"

He stands back up. The young man looks at Gynger and replies... "I don't know, milord. I was sitting in the other room trying to unlock the small chest when I heard a scream. I jumped up from the chair and came running in here. I heard the girl saying... 'She's dead, she's dead'. I heard some water splashing, then the girl screamed again. Next thing I know, I'm catching her as she falls." He looks over to Gynger and continues... "Milady Gynger told me to lay her down and I did. Then all of you came running in."   Astalder looks at Gynger. He smiles and asks... "M'lady Gynger, do you know what happend?" The girl on the floor moans and mutters... "She's dead, dead." Gynger shakes her head -No- and says... "No, m'lord Astalder. I was in this tub with my head under the water when I heard the first scream. I looked up out of the water and she screams again. I don't know what she was screaming at."   Astalder smiles as he looks at her in the tub with the wet towel over her. He looks at all the people in the room... "I think I know what happened folks. I want all of you to go out so lady Gynger can finish her bath. I'll need a woman to stay in here with me until the girl wakes up. Send another serving girl in here to finish helping with whatever needs to be done."   The people file out, talking amongst themselves, wonder what happened. Astalder thanks the young man for his help. The young man looks at Gynger, smiles, bows and walks out, closing the door.

A woman kneels down next to the girl and holds her hand, patting it, trying to waken her. Astalder checks on her again. She moves her head a bit and one hand. He looks at Gynger... "Have you figured out what happened?" "I think so, m'lord." She says cautiously. "She must have thought that I had drowned since my head was under the water and when I picked up my head and looked at her she must have thought I was a demon or something terrible." "Yes, that's what I am thinking also." he replies.   We hear a knock on the door, it opens and another serving girl comes in. She sees the girl on the floor and the irons. She picks the irons up, walks to the fire and puts them on the grate to heat again. The girl on the floor sits up slowly and looks around. She sees Gynger and asks her... "You aren't dead?" "No, I'm very much alive" She answers. She sighs with relief, gets up a bit shakily, walks over to the pile of dirty clothes on the floor, picks them up and puts them in a basket. "I'll wash these later and return them to you." she says. She then walks over and talks quietly with the other girl.   "Well, I guess I'll be going since I'm not needed here anymore." Astalder says. Gynger looks at him, sighs and quietly says... "I'm not doing very well at staying unobstrusive, am I. Thank you for you help m'lord." He mentions to Mary and Maisie to be careful and try to tend the lady Gynger without stirring up so much attention. He smiles and bows in her direction, then he and the woman leave.

Subject: The Box
Posted by:FawnWiz On: 08/12/00 12:08 AM
Tannisbury Wizardess

 ::sets the plate of food down on the table and Seanessy sets the mug of milk beside it.:: "We did that pretty good didn't we?" FawnRe says, smiling at Seanessy. "Yes Aunty Fawn," Seanessy replies, "Cooky was nice to let us bring it all the way here."she grins wide at her accomplishment. "Now Gynger will be able to eat." FawnRe adds. ::The door opens and Lady Gynger steps in.:: "Lady Gynger, you are just in time, your plate is over on the table." FawnRe smiles. "And I brought the milk" Seanessy says proudly. Thank you Lady Gynger for letting me show cooky the pretty vail," she grinned. "she thought I looked very special" Seanessy curtsies to Gynger and takes the vail and replaces it in the trunk. Lady Gynger bends down and hugs Seanessy, "You are quite welcome and cooky is certainly right, you do look very special.  As Gynger goes to sit down, FawnWiz notices that the young boy is still trying to figure out how to open the box. Seanessy has walked over by him and is standing very still watching him.

Subject: R: The Box
Posted by:Seanessy Laorte On: 08/12/00 02:26 PM
The Little Lady of Tannisbury

 Once the veil is safely put away Seanessy looks up at Gynger in awe. She is certainly one of the most beautiful and exotic looking women she had seen in her young life. Accepting the hug, Seanessy takes in the wonderful fragrance that the bath oil left behind. "You smell nice," she says as she smiles up at Gynger.  Happy to see that the lady is settling down to eat her meal, she moves closer to the boy who has resumed his attempt to open the box. He sighs in frustration and leans back from it trying to think of any other combination of pressures he hadn't already tried. Seanessy smiles to herself, thinking the boy is very silly for not being able to sense the latch. It seems so simple to her.  Tapping the boy on the shoulder, she whispers to him briefly then reaches out to the chest running her small hands over the box then down along the sides. With a click, the small chest is unlocked and the lid is pushed back to reveal the treasures within.

Subject: R: A walk in the woods
Posted by:QuiGon On: 08/12/00 05:52 PM
Squire to Giantkiller

Voices could be heard from the road, faint at first, then clearer as they drew nearer.   "No sign of the boy here."   "I don't like it. The messenger's dead and you can't tell me the boy has the smarts to out smart you."   There was a long silence before the first voice replied. "Sarge, how do we stop a spirit?"   Sarge snorted. "You know I forbid that talk. That's the problem with you fools, you're all superstitious."   "Things are getting uncanny," the 'rustic fool' answered. "These woods, the dead messenger. It's not reg'lar."   "I don't care if it's regular or not. We follow orders and right now our orders are to find and destroy the message. Understood?"   "Yes."   Sarge grunted. "Spirits. You rustics have lively imaginations. I've never heard such nonsense. Now look for tracks."    So at least four searhed for the message. Would any of them have something to lose if the message reach Lord Ian?   "Sarge! I got something. Looks like a footprint in the mud."   "Sharp eyes."   Trees shifted around me in the gently wafting mist like shapes of armed solders. Branches grabbed at me like swords. Should I make a run for it? Remembering too well the black-shafted arrows protruding from the messenger's back.   Trying to outrun them would be fatal. Unsheathing my saber, just in case.   "I can't figure out which way the boy went."   "Think like a boy. Shouldn't be too hard -- he would take the easiest route."   Their voices faded down the road. Heaving a sigh of relief and placing my saber back into it's rightful place.   The driving rain changed to a drizzle. It fell away layers like veils to reveal the approach of a mounted figure. The rider was much like one of a spirit rider, gauzy and indistinct in the fog, molded of mist, insubstantial as air. The tall white stallion faded in and out of the fog.    Beware of the Undead........    As the rider neared, his form sharpened. No ghost he was, and his demeanor didn't suggest he was undead. He sat erect in the saddle. He stared at QuiGon with one intense eye, the other covered by a patch.   The man halted the stallion's movement with a twitch of the reins. QuiGon watched him through his hood.   The leather of the saddle creaked as he leaned forward. His eye searhed him. "My men seem to believe you are some sort of spirit." saying the voice roughened by a lifetime of shouting commands. "Who is beneath the hood?'   "I see you are of the flesh. Though one messager is dead, another carries on the mission. If you don't wish to shed your earthly flesh, I suggest you hand over the message you carry."   The man raised a bow and I imagined the socket beneath the patch widening."My governor is most displeased by this."   QuiGon remained still.   "I see."   The man stiffened, the whip going limp in his hand his eye wide open. "Where.....?" His eye darting about. "Where are you?"   Looking at my arm. It was there like a faint shadow, but definitely transparent. It has worked. The force invisibly did work, just like my father had said. He had told me that vey few had this gift and thought that I might have this.   The shackles of indecision fell away. Running down the stream and letting instinct guide him, the greyness in my eyes lacking enough contrast to distinguish rocks from water. An eternity passed before I reached the gate to the castle.    I will enter some day. But now is too soon. I must lay the groundwork.    Entering the castle to find my way to the council chambers. I find Lord Ian and Giantkiller.   Lord Ian raised an eyebrow. "You must be Squire QuiGon."   "Yes M'lord." Bowing down onto one knee.   "You may arise." "I have a message for you M'Lord." handing it to him, I go stand beside and a little behind Giantkiller.
 

Subject: R: R: The Box
Posted by:Gynger On: 08/14/00 04:17 AM

I walk into the guest room and see FawnWiz and Seanessy are already there. There is food on the table also. My stomach grumbles quietly, reminding me that I am hungry.   "Lady Gynger, you are just in time, your plate is over on the table." FawnWiz smiles.   "And I brought the milk" Seanessy says proudly as she curtsies. "Thank you Lady Gynger for letting me show cooky the pretty veil," she grins. "she thought I looked very special" Seanessy puts the vail back into the trunk. She looks up at me with awe in her eyes.   I bend down with a smile and give her a hug... "You are quite welcome little one, and cooky is certainly right, you do look very special."   Seanessy sniffs and says... "You smell nice." I smile at her, give her another hug and say... "Thank you very much Seanessy." My stomach grumbles again, this time a bit louder. Seanessy grins real big, I chuckle and smile as I say to her... "I guess I had better go eat before my stomach gets any louder."   As I walk over to the table, I hear a sigh come from the young man. Seanessy walks over near him as I sit down and start to eat. I watch as he keeps trying to figure out how to unlock the chest. He leans back in the chair, sighing with frustration. Seanessy taps the young man on the shoulder, whispers something to him, reaches out her hands to the chest and a few moments later the lid is opened.   I hear their cries of distress when they look into the chest. They both say to me... "It's empty." They turn sad, disappointed faces towards me. "Are you sure it's empty?" I ask them. They both look back into the chest. Seanessy puts one hand inside and feels around, then brings it back out... empty. The young man carefully picks up the chest, turns it upside down and gently shakes it. Nothing come out. They turn disappointed faces towards me again... "I don't understand this." says the puzzled young man. "The chest is too heavy for there to be nothing inside it."   "Bring it to me please." I ask him. He picks up the chest and walks over to me, Seanessy walking beside him. He sets it near me on the table. I look inside... it's empty. FawnWiz comes over and looks also. She looks down at Seanessy and says... "I guess the surprise is on us. An empty chest. Lady Gynger never said there was anything in it."   I look at each of them, then ask the young man... "Please tell me your name." He looks at me and says with a bow... "It is Taliesin, milady." "What do you think of your treat, Taliesin?" I ask him. "I must admit to my disappointment, but as milady FawnWiz has said... 'you didn't say there was anything in it.' " Then he adds with a twinkle in his eye... "I did get my treat tho... I was able to come to your aide when you had a surprise in your bathing chamber. I don't think too many men can say that."   I smile at him... "No, there aren't very many men who've had that honor, but then, those that have are honorable gentlemen and wouldn't talk about it." Taliesin nods his head slightly, smiles and reassures me... "I am honorable and a gentleman. I won't mention it again." I see his eyes smile and say to me... 'I can still remember it tho.' I wink at him, then look at the empty chest and then at Seanessy. Her face looks so sad and disappointed. "Your day had a nice treat also didn't it?" I ask her. She looks at me, a smile brightens her face as she nods he head. "Yes, you let me wear your vail and show it to cooky." I smile as I say... "She thought you were beautiful in it and so do I."   I close the lid and move my fingers over the carvings. I reopen it... "Oh my! I thought it was empty." Both Seanessy and Taliesin look inside the chest and gasp. FawnWiz looks at me as I carefully take out some sheathed daggers and small throwing knives. I lay them on the table. Only the hilts and sheaths can be seen. Some of the sheaths have fancy designs on them, and others are plain. Some of the hilts have jewels, pretty stones, paintings or carvings on them, a few are plain.   Seanessy's eyes widen at the sight of them. She puts her hands behind her back so she won't touch them. Taliesin looks in awe at them... "How did you do it? The chest was empty. We all saw it was so." Seanessy looks at FawnWiz and says... "Magic. It was magic." I nod my head in agreement. "Yes, it is a sort of magic. I've had each of my chests blessed with a special blessing. If anyone but me opens them, they will appear to be empty. If I open them... their contents will be revealed. I usually wear one on a long belt. Would you two like to choose one for me?" Taliesin looks at them, then at Seanessy... "You choose it milady Seanessy."

 
Subject: R: R: R: The Box
Posted by:Seanessy Laorte On: 08/14/00 10:29 PM
The Little Lady of Tannisbury

 As the lid of the box opened, Seanessy peered inside expecting to find a wonderful treasure. Instead, the box was empty. When prompted by Gynger to look again, she place a chubby little hand within, tracing the walls and bottom of the box then confirmed it was indeed empty. For one so young, disappointment was difficult to mask. Taliesin delivered the box to Gynger as she requested, Seanessy trailing a little behind, still showing her disappointment. As she asked each of the children if they had received a treat that day, sadness was replaced with smiles as they were reminded of what they had been given.  Gynger closed the box, then with a deft movement of her hands, reopened it. Seanessy watched the process carefully, reassuring herself that she had done it all correctly. This time, however, when the box was opened, it was not empty. Light danced off the several jeweled hilts of the daggers and throwing knives that were removed from the previously empty box. The children gasped in awe, and Taliesin asked how it could be so. But Seanessy knew. She had seen magic similar to this used on her parents' private boxes and chests. "It's magic," she said with wide eyes. The two listened as Gynger told them about how the boxes were especially blessed so that only she would reveal what was truly inside.  She took each item carefully from the box and laid them side by side upon the table. Seanessy dutifully placed her hands behind her back as she had been taught when sharp objects were within her reach. It always helped to remind her not to touch. Each of the knives and daggers were distinct in their own way. Some of the sheaths were intricately painted, while some were plain. Jewels winked in the light from several of the hilts, while others were adorned with stones, and painted runes. When Gynger asked if they would like to choose one for her to wear, Taliesin glanced at them, and then to Seanessy's delight deferred to her selection.  Seanessy studied each carefully, as carefully as she could without touching them. Each was very beautiful. However it was the simplest one that truly caught her eye. The hilt was of a highly polished mithril, though no jewel or stone or rune adorned the hilt. The sheath carried a very simple design painted around the edge of the leather, with one small design in the center. Looking to Fawn for permission to move her hands from their place of safety, Seanessy waited for a nod, then stretched her arm across the table until it was several inches above the one of her choice. "I choose this one, Lady Gynger," she said with a clear tone of decision. After indicating her selection, she returned her hand to its place of safety behind her back. Taliesin looked at Seanessy in puzzlement. "Why did you choose that one, Milady Seanessy?" he asked. The others are much more beautiful. Seanessy smiled up at him and said, "'Cuz I think there might be a surprise on it. Inside like the box had a surprise inside. Inside where it is sharp." Both children looked toward Gynger for confirmation.

Subject: Badges?! We don't need no..
Posted by:Murtano Laorte On: 08/15/00 12:51 PM
Lord of Tannisbury
Badges?! We don't need no stinkin' badges! Vamanos!
   Striding forth from the keep, Murtano Laorte, Lord of Tannisbury, smiles at the force assembled. Firmly in his element now, he assumes command of the military end of the assault. He approaches Felena on Silvermyst, and grabs Legend's pommel and vaults into the saddle.  "COMPANY, ATTENTION!", he cries over the murmers as he walks Legend out in front of the assemblage to address the troops. Whispered voices echo the thoughts of all as an old familiar hilt rides at his hip, summoned to his aid in a time of need.  "We ride forth this day, not to confront an enemy of this realm. We ride forth to confront an enemy of this planet, this world, all that we hold dear. Left unchecked this scourge upon the land will defile and destroy all that is good. Many of you have heard or guessed, the enemy we face is the undead."  Letting the vileness of the word sink in to their thoughts for a moment he continues, "We have the forces, we have the power, and we have the experience to defeat this foe. I'll not waste time on pretty words and eloquent speeches. It's time to chew tannis root and take names, and I'm all out of tannis root."  Drawing forth the eldritch blade, Daemonbane howls with awesome power. Forged to fight the daemons and creatures of the outer planes, it hums in anticipation of sending the vile undead back to the Negative Plane. Riding along the length of the companies assembled, he holds the sword high inspiring his troops, finally returning to trot up beside his wife. Nodding to her briefly, and then looking to the knights and friends assembled, grinning to Raven with a twinkle in his eye, he says nothing but is answered by each he looks to with a confidant nod, smile, or grin.  "COMPANY, MOVE OUT!", he cries as he leads the march toward the glade in the forest that the Forest Lord Eldamari had prepared. They wind their way down through the town amid well wishes, flowers thrown, and blessings by those left behind. The short trip to the glade is passed as all come to their own peace within themselves, setting their mettle for the battles to come, and checking equipment one last time.  As the column approaches the glade of pine trees, Eldamari is seen standing to the side of the entrance. "The blessings of the forest and the lives of the land go with you Murtano, I shall be watching." That said he enchants each as they pass, that submit, to a protection versus those of the negative plane.  Slowly they ride forth, and as each enter the glade of aromatic pine, simultaneously they ride from a similar glade at the edge of Winterbrook. As they arrive, each has their senses assaulted by the carnage and the desolation that awaits in the lands of Winterbrook. The very air reeks of evil, and the stench of death hangs heavily upon the land.  Scowling upon seeing this Murtano takes hold of his wife's hand and squeezes gently, "I vow this wrong shall be righted."  As the final members of the company come through, the commands to assemble in fighting groups are issued and the companies form. Soon after the army moves warily across the lands, and upon cresting each rise reveals more horrors upon the forces of good.  Finally the castle of Winterbrook is in sight, and as it should be, Murt spies a forward observer riding flat out into the castle to report their arrival. Moving slowly down the last slope, they arrive at the gates as they are met by Lord Ian and Giantkiller.  Dismounting, Murtano grips each of their hands in turn and voices greetings.  "I hope we've not arrived to late Ian, somehow I don't think so...", he quips looking out at the lands.

 
Subject: R: Badges?! We don't need no..
Posted by:Giantklr On: 08/15/00 02:58 PM
Knight Captain of the Royal Guard - Tannisbury

 Looking first to his squire and the to Ian, Giantkiller looks on as Ian reads the note. A few moments pass and suddenly, the hairs on the back of Giantkiller's neck stand on end. The feeling was one he knew, and had never grown fond of. Magic......and for him to be able to feel it, it had to be strong. Ian looks up from the note, and his eyes meet Giantkiller's. Without any words spoken, the immediately exit the room and make their way to the courtyard.   Out in the courtyard, everyone was in a an uproar of sorts, running here and there. Upon the sight of their Lord, most if not all were calmed, and order started to prevail. Making their way towards the wall, Ian call out to the watch to report. Moments later the news comes back........a large army seemed to have came from nowhere and was advancing towards the castle.   Immediately thinking the magic he had sensed was that of the undead army, Giantkiller starts to call for his Sergeants to prepare for battle, but Ian holds out a steadying hand. Not finishing his words, Giantkiller stops as Ian calls back to watch...   "What is the nature of this army??"   Almost at once, the watch returns their answer...   "They appear to be human......and are flying the banner of Tannisbury!!"   To a man everyone within ear shot seemed to break out into cheers at this news. A look of relief crossed both Giantkiller's and Ian's face as a rider was dispatched to meet the army. Before either one had a chance to do anything else, they were standing at the gates when the army approached.....
 

Subject: R: R: Badges?! We don't need no..
Posted by:Felena On: 08/15/00 03:47 PM
Lady of Tannisbury
 The familiar humming from Daemonbane brought a sense of comfort to Felena as her husband addressed the assembled, and gave the command to move out. War was not unfamiliar to either of them, having fought side by side on many occasions. However, her homeland was at stake now...and if this evil was not stopped, she was sure that all the realm would suffer dire consequences.  As they passed through the town toward the glade, she felt the soft touch of Silvermyst's thoughts. "It has been long since last we travelled thus." She smiled, thoughts returning to her steed. "Our journey will be short, this time, old friend. We shall pass through a portal just beyond the edge of Elvenwood." Silvermyst's ears perked forward as he tossed his head, mane floating like a cloud around him. "I, of course, prefer the traditional mode of travel," he thought. Chuckling, she reached out an drew a gentle hand across his neck. "Aye...but as time is of the essence, it is not practical. I would not waste our energies on travel when Eldamari has so generously provided us a portal."  She glanced at her husband as they approached the portal, then continued through. The magics engulfed them, swirling in spirals all around them, however rather than being effected by the tumult of energy, it was as though they were moving through an invisible bubble of protection. The travelled the distance that would have taken them a weeks time...in the space of a few moments.  Nothing could have prepared her for the devestation of her homeland as they appeared on the other side of the glade just south of Winterbrook. A rage burned within her as she looked at the carnage, and as though he were reading her thoughts, she felt Murtano's steadfast touch as they paused, taking it all in. Moving through the small townships bordering the MacRorie holdings, they saw more of the same desolation.  As they crested the final hill, MacRorie Castle came into view atop the ridge that once sported fields of wildflowers. Now there was nothing left but a wasteland.  Cheers greeted them from the castle as they approached and dismounted. Felena placed Mura in charge of camp assignments with instructions to join them immediately upon finishing. She then joined her husband, greeting her eldest son with a warm hug. "I am sorry that our visit must be under such dire circumstances, my son," she said grimly as they followed Ian and Gk into the great hall.
 

Subject: R: R: R: Badges?! We don't need no..
Posted by:Murtano Laorte On: 08/17/00 01:10 AM
Lord of Tannisbury
 Handing the reins to Legend to a nearby page, and placing his hand comfortably on the pommel of Daemonbane, Murtano paced alongside Ian, Giantkiller, and Felena.  Scanning the compound and observing tactical positions, armaments, war supplies, provisions of food and water, and fighting men and women. Murtano nodded to himself and clapped Giantkiller on the back with a gauntleted hand. "I see you've been busy in the time you've had, you'll have to fill us in on the details and give Fel and I your report after Lord Ian has filled us in on his information. Tis good to see you again..." With a warm smile, he let the last trail off as they entered the great hall and proceeded down the eloquent corridor towards what could only be the infamous "War Room".
 

Subject: Eye of the Storm
Posted by:Raven On: 08/17/00 05:16 PM
Wayward Son of NOR

 Marshalling an army was no small feat. The din of shouted orders, unruly mounts and clanking armor was at times, deafening. The waves of sounds began to fade away as he slipped into a familiar state of observance, his senses reaching out to those around him. "Felena..", the name came to his lips as he spotted her in the crowd. Their eyes met for a moment and he nodded with a smile, perhaps after this crisis they would have time to speak, in fact, he was counting on it.  "Well Raven", Muralla quipped, "I suppose we can find SOME use for thee." She grinned at him with a familiar look that said, "Yer in for it now....bub!"  He shook his head in mock exasperation, his flyaway black hair falling into his face. "Alrighty then, if I am to come, I shall need a horse. I retired poor ole Mermaid years ago." He looked around at all the steel shod warhorses. "And not a TANK mind ye, a runner, fast and strong." To an evesdropper his tone sounded like a command, to Muralla, she knew it to be his sort of jest. In a quieter voice he spoke, "May I ride with thee?" When she hesitated he continued, "..or at least...can you point me to a place where I might slip this one?" He slipped his pack from his back and pulled a short length of the enigmatic black chainmail Pulgrey the Blue of NOR had forged for him in Empyria. "I canna very well ride to war in me travelling clothes."  As she was about to answer a soldier approached and delivered a written message. Muralla's brow furrowed as she read the note. "Excuse me Raven...", she strode off quickly.  "Hrmmmmm....well, surely this empty stable will do." He slipped behind an empty stall, slipped out of his dusty travelling clothes and donned the lightweight mail shirt and greaves. As he was wrapping the leather bindings of his boots he felt a pair of eyes on him. He turned slowly, without sound.  A pair of feline eyes met his with a look of perterbance. "Fel's cat...she doesna seem pleased with me." Raven was about to speak when he realized why he was in the doghouse...err...cathouse...whatever. A small mouse was peeking out from behind a crack in two floorboards. The cat inched forward, tensed to pounce. Raven could see that the mouse wanted NO part of leaving it shelter. He bent down to his pack and removed the remnants of his lunch, a small piece of cheese amongst them. He placed the cheese on the floor just a couple of feet from the opening and backed up. Was that a nod of feline approval? He stopped a moment to regard the mighty, feline hunter before returning to the world of men.
 

Subject: R: Eye of the Storm
Posted by:ErdrickKE On: 08/18/00 09:22 AM
Knight and Lord Mayor of Tannisbury

  Erdrick was directly behind Murt and Felena as they rode through the town and toward the Winterbrook. All was well as it could be with the militia and state of the townsfolk, even SirOx nodded to him as they rode by, assuring he would be ready if needed.  as the all rode toward a spot in the nearby woods. He watched as Murt and Fel were swallowed up by a portal, soon to swallow him and ThunderCloud. This portal was a very secure one as they had been through many in their times. There was no disorientation and they were out of it before they had much time to think about it. The ride to Winterbrook was indeed a short one.  As they rode and saw the havoc and desecration, it was obvious this was evil in its purest form. Evil enough to remind Erdrick of his first home, castle and family that was all destroyed. The memories came back in full and the rage welled up inside. There would be and end to this evil or himself. With this force prepared in the way it was, he would have plenty of help this time at least.  Arriving at the gates of Winterbrook amidst the cheering and greetings. Erdrick dismounted and followed Murt and Fel into the castle, leaving Thundercloud in the capable hands of a page.