[Ansteorra] Dire News from western Ansteorra

[Dragonetti]

Unto my Right Wellbeloved and Noble Cousin Kainin Tepesa, Baron of Bonwicke,
defender of the virtuous, stalwart protector of the Western region, do I,
Baron Armand Dragonetti send greetings:

Your Excellency, your words convey both ominous portent and hopeful
opportunity. Long has it been since Master Airaklee knew a full night's
sleep. I grieve for him. The efforts of my own agents have be fruitless and
no hopeful reports had been returned with which to console my good friend.
Your news is heartily received, and I have already sent word of your message
to Master Airaklee. Woe to those who dare stand between he and his fair
lady. In addition, I shall send word to all former Arthurians to
reconstitute this valiant company of years ago, to join with me on the road
to Mendershaim.

Please extend my compliments to Lord Tristan, for his report would seem to
confirm the rumors that have reached my ears. It has been suggested that
Captain Ruspoli's widow appears similar in countenance to that of one of the
fairest in Ansteorra. It is said, that her mania has grown beyond that of
mere vengeance untoward Master Airaklee. Some suggest that this Dark Lady
further desires to squelch all that is beautiful within the land. Prior
reports seem to suggest that Ruspoli's widow is a student of the dark arts
and her beauty is....unnatural, which she uses to beguile those in her
employ. 

Such vanity and jealousy would seem supported by Lord Tristan's witness of
"numerous" noble ladies of the court being held captive. I fear not only for
Baroness Ceinwen's safety, but also for all that is beautiful in the
kingdom, but most especially the noble ladies in your lands. I am sending my
own guardsmen in advance of the Arthurians, to relieve the burden on Lord
Tristan and your guard. I strongly advise that the bulk of your guard return
to Bonwicke and take special care to protect Your fair lady. Her Excellency
Orianna's beauty is well known throughout the land, and if this rumor about
the Dark Lady's vanity is true, Her Excellency of Bonwicke is surely in
peril, a seemingly irresistible target. I fear for Her safety and will
muster my forces with haste to assist you. 

Be on your guard, but be encouraged. The folly of Ruspoli will soon be at an
end.

In the service of kingdom and crown, I remain,
Baron Armand Dragonetti
Lord Elfsea




 

> From: HE Kainin Tepesa
> 
> Unto their Excellencies of the Barony of Elfsea, Armand 
> Dragonetti & Ameline duBois, from the Barony of Bonwicke and 
> the lands of the West, on this the 18th day before Kalends of 
> September and the morn of the Feast of the Assumption of 
> Mary; I, Kainin Tepesa, Baron of Bonwicke bring you ill tidings.
> 
> As is known to you, one of your stalwart kinsmen, Master 
> Airaklee Wolf, was instrumental in the defeat, not yet a year 
> ago, of my longtime enemy, Captain Carados Ruspoli. 
> 
> The craven scoundrel Ruspoli, through great treachery, took 
> hold of Master Airaklee's gentle lady Baroness Ceinwen ferch 
> Rhuel and used her as a means to enlist the armies of Master 
> Airaklee to his own dark cause.
> This availed him not, for the might of Ansteorra is great and 
> those that came to my call soon smashed the dark horde and 
> sent them running like the curs they are. Master Airaklee 
> seized the chance of this rout to personally capture the 
> villain Ruspoli so that he might meet the Crown's justice. 
> Master Airaklee then set out, with his valiant warriors, in 
> search of his dear lady.
> 
> Now a year later, that search continues and it is of this 
> cause that I write to you this day. It seems that my enemy 
> left behind a widow, a lady warrior in her own right, and she 
> has taken up his black mantle. She has vowed vengeance upon 
> he that captured her husband and brought him to be judged.
> 
> Long have a suspected that the Widow Ruspoli holds Baroness 
> Ceinwen captive, and I have sent my guardsmen throughout the 
> lands of western Ansteorra seeking the dark lady and her 
> captive. At long last, diligence has prevailed, and a report 
> has come to me in the early hours of this morning that holds 
> both dire news and great hope.
> 
> The Captain of my Guard, Lord Tristan, did see with his own 
> eyes a force, robed in black, with a woman at their head. He 
> followed them at a distance and marked well their number and 
> strength. In his scouting, he also made note of a wheelhouse 
> with barred widows and under heavy guard. When the army did 
> stop for the night, the wheelhouse was opened and he did 
> witness those within. They were ladies of the court all, 
> bound and chained, and among their number was one that bears 
> the visage of Baroness Ceinwen.
> 
> I pray that you send your fastest messengers that they may 
> find Master Airaklee and bring him this news. My guardsmen 
> continue to follow the black army, as I marshal my forces and 
> rally those of the west, and they can be found on the road to 
> the Shire of Mendersham, between their lands and those of the 
> Shire of Crossrode Keep. Beseech Master Airaklee to make 
> haste, that we may meet this dark army and ensure the safety 
> of his lady wife.
> 
> In service to Christ and Crown
> Kainin Tepesa
> Baron of Bonwicke