The Stone Crab, the General of the North Legions, the Lord Asfarix makes his arrival in the Palace grounds well known. Riding atop a large stallion, the mountainous man arrives with quite the contingent of retainers and guardsmen. All of his men ride horses as well, four are decked out in the livery of the North Legions, Lion Company, two more wear the colors of the House Asfarix. He too is dressed in his finest uniform, his full medals, and ribbons proudly displayed. His father sword rests at his side. The group rides into the courtyard clattering with shod hooves and clanking arms and armor.
You paged Eiriel with 'Figured you might ride in with me?'.
Anhadet has left.

[Eiriel(#8095)] With the Lord Asfarix's men ride two Karatri guardsmen and the lady Eiriel Karatri. She looks distracted as she maneuvers her small bay mare beside Akuun's stallion, fussing with the arrangement of her hair.

[Adssar(#3074)] 
Waiting at the top of the stairs at the front of the palace is the Prince Adssar. His healing process has progressed amazingly well under the care of the Royal Healer, though some scarring has still occurred. He waits, somewhat impatiently, at the top of the rise, waiting for the others to draw near.

[Perizan(#67)] Perizan snaps briskly to attention as Akuun Asfarix rides into view, and salutes the nation's most powerful general. "Lord Asfarix," he intones, in a rather loud voice, informing all present of the general's arrival.

Akuun leans over to his bride-to-be, "Stop fussing." With that he takes hold of her reigns to help her dismount only moments after he himself swings down from the stallion he rides. His shoulder square he tugs on the reigns of the bay mare, and it gives up any hope of moving further along the road. Holding the reigns he turns to Perizan and returns the salute, "Captain Perizan.", he replys. With his eyes scanning up the stairs he notices the prince waiting and motions for Eiriel to hurry it up and dismount.
[Perizan(#67)] "General Asfarix, I `bring so rather disturbing news," he says, his tone onversational. "Though your annihilation of the ancient quarter to our former Master was glorious, it has failed to uproot all enemies from our midst."

[Eiriel(#8095)] "It's not right," Eiriel murmurs, but leaves it to dismount, hopping to the ground lightly and taking her husband-to-be's arm. Her hair looks fine, hardly out of place. She then looks to her brother and smiles fondly at him. "Perizan. I'm sure it can wait a moment."

[Adssar(#3074)] 
From the top of the small rise, Adssar gives a short bow to the Lord Asfarix. "Welcome, Lord Asfarix, General. My father will be prepared for you in short time." His previous joviality is missing from the undertones of his voice. He reaches behind him to pull open one of the ornate palace doors. His voice takes on a tone of formality, "The meeting shall be within the formal chambers, straight ahead." He gives the others with the general little in the way of attention, except for a slight pulling at one of the corners of his mouth when Eiriel speaks.

Akuun takes Perizan's sister's arm and gives the Captain of the Guard a nod. "I had fear that would happen, the agents of the darkness always find a shadow to hide in." He leads his fiance toward the open door, and gives a low, respectful bow to the Prince whom he helped to save from certain death. "We await you arrive within Prince Adssar." He continues up the stairs into the main hall. His tone lower he speaks with Perizan. "I have been busy putting my house in order, but those things are settled now. Let us speak of this Captain."

[Eiriel(#8095)] Offering a polite little curtsey to Adssar along with a warm smile, Eiriel then allows Akuun to lead her through the door, holding up her skits with her free hand as they climb the stairs.

[Perizan(#67)] Perizan spares a short glance for her sister at the 'it can wait' comment, and then bows as the Prince departs. "Simply put, there are far too many enemies within this city, and the good King has not furnished me with the tools I will require to police this city. I have heard stories of rogue warriors, within your very honor guard. Imposters, they say, whose motives are unknown. Now, as you know," here Perizan barely is able to surpress his ire, "I was unable to witness these events, as I performed the ever so vital role of guarding a closed door. I do not intend to be left in the dark again."

Akuun continues into the grand hall of the palace, Eiriel on his arm. The Captain of the Guard following close on the other side. Behind come one 2 of his men, the Asfarix House Guard move silently behind, while the Lion Company Soliders stand with the horses. "Now do not degrudge your roll Captain Perizan, had the insurgents been given a chance to flee they would have swarmed that gate and tried to break into the Palace Grounds." He takes a visual note of Perizan's missing ribbon. "I have noticed however that our King's resources are thin, what with the pirate troubles, the war in Yuw escallating, and the need for skilled men in Yaskar. Just the other day I had my men down at Victory Square repairing the flagstone there." He pauses as a group of courtiers pass by the others quickly down the hall. "Perhaps I can be of aid?"

[Perizan(#67)] "I had not thought fighting bands of fanatics in the jungle and the wastelands would provide you with much loot, General, and I would be loathe to have you offer from your personal treasury," Perizan replies. "But perhaps it is time our families invested in the security of the nation more directly."
Akuun listens to the captain, "I was not suggesting that I empty my coffers, but provide some manpower. I have two company of men still here, under my command -- Wolf and Lion Company. These are good men, strong warriors, and extremely loyal to the Crown. They have faced counteless agents of the shadow in Tadkar, Lun'sar and Yuw. They would make for a suitable special unit here in the city." He looks at the palce artwork and finery as they reach the grand hall. "Under my direction of course."

[Eiriel(#8095)] Quietly lingering next to her future husband, listening to him discuss things with her brother, Eiriel allows her eyes to wander over the crowd, noting those who have already arrived. She practically floats on Akuun's arm as they walk along. One might even mistake her for purely ornamental.

[Perizan(#67)] Perizan is silent for awhile, considering. "I require fresh men, General, who will not depart the city when they are called away for duty. Perhaps during the interim while we train new guards, they will help, but I must insist upon full autonomy of the City Guard."

Akuun nods to Perizan, giving Eiriel a look, but her estimation isn't too far off. Many people present however take special note of the 'most talked about couple in town'. "Of course Captain, I would not think of suggeting otherwise about your command over your own men. The same can be said about mine, the chain of command must stay in tact, but do not fret Perizan, I think these companies will remain in Tenigul for some time." He gives a half grin, waiting to see what reacting this news will invoke in his soon to be Brother-in-Law. "I have orders to keep Lion and Wolf here indefinately."

[Eiriel(#8095)] "Indefinitely does not indicate forever," Eiriel points out softly, turning to look up into Akuun's face with a fond smile. "Akuun, you could aid Perizan without detracting from his role as the Captain of the City Guard. I would appreciate it if you would help my brother."

[Perizan(#67)] "Regardless, we could use the men," Perizan says with a smile. "Very well, I give you permission to police the Durnalian Quarter with your men. But, as you say, the chain of command must remain unbroken. I must keep my men in their current patrols elsewhere in the city."

The Stone Crab's feature do not change, but his tone does paying no heed to his fiance's words. (Can say this cause she's not here!) "Your permission Perizan? These men are the King's Soliders, keep that in mind Captain. The General looks over the room, "Perhaps you are unaware, but Wolf Company already has occupied the Fallen District, and the Lion have begun civil repairs in the city that are long over due. Repairs that your Guard could perhaps have handled, except my brother Cezayir tells me that they are to busy with petty crimes against the lesser nobles and at the Wharf. I shall see to it that the Durnalian District is well in hand, and perhaps that will free up some of your men to handle these other areas. Its rather disapointing to come home from a long campaign in the north to find our glorious captial is such disarray. I hope you know what you are doing Perizan."

Akuun turns his head as another military man enters the grand hall. Not giving Perizan a chance to reply he excuses himself, "Excuse me, Admiral Danaakir just arrived. I have to have a word with him." He gives Eiriel a light kiss on the cheak and moves off to talk to the Naval Officer for moment. "I won't be but a minute."

[Eiriel(#8095)] Watching Akuun wander off to talk to the Naval officer, Eiriel then looks to Perizan somewhat dubiously. She crosses her arms across her chest and frowns slightly.

[Perizan(#67)] "Do you find dead bodies in city streets? No. Has there been an attempt on the King's life during your absence? No. Might I remind you that it was -I-, Akuun, who restored order to the city, and have continued to do so. Profane abductions of the Prince are hardly within the scope of even you to prevent, with your vast legions. And let us not forget, as well, this 'Warlock', whose name would still be unknown - and the Prince unfoound - had I not dared the filth of the sewers." All this he shouts at Akuun's back as he departs.


Akuun finishes his conversation with the Admiral quickly, the two men seem to be conferming some previous conversation. A handshake and Akuun turns back to Perizan and Eiriel. "No need to shout Perizan..." He looks toward the doors where the horn outside was heard and picks up where he left off. "Actually Perizan, there was a brawl just the other day on /your/ streets, that my soiders broke up. Turns out a Bampo noble was killed in the skuffle, and while the King was not threatened anymore than normal, his son was taken captive in broad daylight, if my reports are correct, and I have no reason to doubt the High Judge on this. I think that things have begun to get dangerous here. Let us work together friend, not against. My men are here, both the Legions and Hous Asfarix, together we shall see to it that King Saloh's captial is as glorious and as proud as it should be."

[Eiriel(#8095)] Sighing softly, Eiriel looks between her future husband and her brother, then resumes being almost ornamental again.

[Perizan(#67)] "Very well, Akuun, but never doubt either my intentions or my abilities as Captain of the Guard. Fire and brimstone is very difficult to defend against, and with such did Adssar's captors take him," Perizan replies, somewhat mollified.

Akuun nods, "Yes, I suppose you have little experience in such matters. It is too bad that you did not venture into Tadkar with me. Then you would know Fire and Brimstone first hand." He takes Eiriel's hand, "I can see however that our talk is waring on your sister. Perhaps another time we can speak about getting you a tour up in Tadkar, might do you some good. Not to mention give your sister a little break. I do not know how she deals with both of us, /and/ the Royal family."

[Perizan(#67)] "She is stronger than she might at first seem," Perizan says simply. "I do have one more question. That sword story has been growing bigger and bigger in the streets, about the old man who gave a shining golden sword away, and that the sword was magical? What did you have to do with this, and how did you do it?"

[Eiriel(#8095)] Smiling up quietly at Akuun, Eiriel lingers at his side, though she gives her brother another serious look.

Shaking his head Akuun denies the account. "I had nothing to do with that sword, nor the old man. I was rather busy facing The Warlock and his henchmen at the time to notice one old many among the soliders. You see, there was that small 'honor guard' that some of the houses sent. They say that the young man that gained the sword was perhaps a Bampo or a Nevendaar, one of those minor houses that came here out of the west." He looks to Eiriel for any response but continues talking. "The ghosts and ghasts did fall suddenly when their leader died, so there is no doubt that someone defeated it. However, if this mysterious old man or magical sword wielder exsisted, they did not stay long after the fight, and I certainly did not see them. However, another strange man, named Halos was there. He drove off the Walock's minion just in time."

[Perizan(#67)] "Regardless of the facts surrounding this glowing sword, General, the story has spread like wildfire. There are more variations and more interpretations than I can count, as well. One account says the sword is Elvish, of all things. And the old man is really a hero from Durnalis who wasn't dead, but wanted to give his magic sword - the sword that killed the Demon Lord, of course - to a man he thought was worthy. And nobody has the first clue who this hero is." He smirks, "I wish I knew a trick to make a sword glow golden. Perhaps they would call me their God. In all seriousness, Akuun, you as always pay more attention to the very obvious: broken pillars and befouled gardens, but do not dig into the dirt for rumors, because, frankly, you dislike them."

**** Mean While Outside ****

There is a joyful sound from the broad streets beyond the gates-- a
high, strident horn-cry that lifts the heart and inspires the soul. Or it might, in far
Durnalis across the Sea. Here, the notes of those trumpets are discordant, unmistakably
foreign.

But foreign or no, the clarion call echoes from stone and brick, and
precedes the rhythmic ringing stamp of iron-shod hooves.


Standing at the top of the stairs, Adssar looks up at the sound of the
discordant horns. He waits for the procession to appear.


Into the vast courtyard comes an orderly procession: of thirteen men, an
even twelve are lancers, accoutred in the gleaming breastplates and high helms, the gold
and the blue and the crowned Gryphon of royal Durnalis. Pennons in these colors
ripple and snap from the points of their long lances.

At the forefront of these riders, on a white warhorse of greater breadth
than the rest, a singular figure rides bare-headed and golden-haired. He is a young
man, but doughty of gaze and keen of eye; surely he commands this company.

At his signal, the foreign riders draw rein at the base of the broad
palace stair. He looks up at Adssar accordingly, his glance level, waiting.


Watching the procession with an almost fake interest, Adssar makes
mental notes about those in the group entering the courtyards. As the foreigner appoarches
the bottom of the stair rise, Adssar meets his gaze, and then, slowly, offers a deep,
formal bow."Greetings. The King, Saloh the II, welcomes you to this great province
of Akar." His voice is quite formal and just about booms across the courtyard. He
looks over the assemblage before him, "I am the Prince Adssar, sent to show you into
the King's presence." He smiles, though it seems to be forced.


At the greeting of Adssar, a fleeting glance is exchanged between the
fair-haired captain and the man at his right hand-- an older warrior, with long grey
moustaches and a solemn mien. Whatever might pass between them is swift and silent.

The young captain smiles warmly, then, vaulting down from his saddle
with the grace of one born to the task. The steps he takes two at once, bounding easily up
to Adssar,speaking as he comes. "I greet you, Adssar, Prince of this land, in the
name of Aronis II, High King of Durnalis."

Pausing on the top step, the Durnalian inclines his head slightly, as to
an equal. "I am Lansel Terian de Gallard-Altaris, royal envoy of His Majesty. The
ambassador has sent word of my coming."


A slight smile breaks across his features, "A pleasure to meet you,
Royal Envoy, Lansel Terian de Gallard-Altaris." He has some slight problems pronouncing the
strange syllables in the foreign name but completes the name anyways. This comes
with a small nod of his head. "Yes, yes. We have been expecting you." He glances down
the steps to those still assembled below. "Is a portion of your entourage going to be
joining us?" He pauses for a moment before continuing. "I, for one, am interested to
speak with you. That can wait until your convience though. For now, the King awaits."


The easterner glances down to his men, and signals quickly; it is a
strange, fleeting gesture of the fingers. A pair of lancers dismount even as he did, and
as they move to join him, a smiling Lansel explains, "Two escorts will suffice, I think.
The others will remain with Collain-- I trust your men will see to their needs?"

"After all," Lansel adds with a grin, "Your king indeed awaits." And he
makes to step toward the doors of the palace.


Nodding, he wastes no time in opening the doors, allowing the
dignitaries to enter in any order that they desire.

**** Back inside ****
The throne room is filled with diplomats, courtiers, nobles, generals, admirals, and other hoity-toity folk of Tenigul and Akar. Among the prominate figures, for they stand in the center of the room, while others look on at them, is Akuun and Eiriel and Perizan. The three converse together, from time to time looking both toward the outside, and at the throne. The King has yet to arrive.

[Eiriel(#8095)] Making every effort to look mainly ornamental on the arm of Akuun Asfarix, Eiriel nevertheless comments to her brother, "Everything I know is secondhand. There were some interesting rumors in the hospital that day. Rumors from the battlefield."

Akuun replys, "Frankly Captain Perizan, rumors do little to help my soliders, unless those rumors come from my scouts. You and I have waged very different wars this last decade. Leave your rumors and your old wives gossip to just that, the old wives and drunkards." He glances at Eiriel and smiles, "Now the tonuge of a young wife however is something else entirely. You must pay extra attention to that for often they will know more than you think. Due tell dear Eiriel." Looking up on instince he gazes to the door as if awaiting the arrival of someone. The horns having been heard outside some time ago now. "If you wish Perizan, you can plow the dirt and break the old pillars, and I shall linger in the taverns listening to the drukards tell their tales."

[Perizan(#67)] "There must be some amount of truth to this golden sword story, Akuun," Perizan says quite seriously. "Some commoners say that it is a sign from the New Gods that they have chosen our next King. Even if there is no truth, we must acknowledge the power this rumor has. These are the things that I will investigate with my special cadre of guards."

Akuun nearly spits out laughing, "New Gods! Bah! The rumor shall die soon enough. This 'hero' of yours hasn't been seen since, nor, do I think will he appear again. Since he doesn't exsist, or let us hope for him that he doesn't appear. Our King Saloh would be most unhappy to hear that he is being replaced by some upstart with a golden sword." He still continues to laugh, "What do you think Eiriel?"

[Adssar(#3074)] 
After quite a wait, finally a small group appears, lead by the Prince Adssar. A courtier is walking beside him. Behind them are three more people, tough to make out beyond the pair. The courtier stops beside a pillar and rings, announcing the arrival of some important dignitary and causing a flurry of titters to echo throughout the assemblage.

Adssar takes up a position between two pillars, waiting for the noise and bustle to calm down. He looks over the court, and finally, in a loud, formal voice announces, "May I present Lansel Terian de Gallard-Altaris, Royal Envoy of His Royal Majesty, Aronis the Second, High King of Durnalis." He stumbles slightly over the foreign symbols, but does quite a bit better than he had outside.

He then steps aside, finally revealing those who stood behind him.

[Lansel(#2708)] 
Trailing behind the Akarian prince is a most unusual sight: A fair-skinned, golden-haired warrior all agleam in silver-burnished steel, a powder-blue surcoat, and mantle of blazing white. His strides are long and certain, his level gaze sure and strong, and he takes in the whole of the hall with his sapphire eyes.

A pair of armed escorts, attired in a fashion that is similar but less... grand... trail behind him. Only their golden-haired leader could be that royal envoy, the Lord Lansel, whom Prince Adssar announces.

[Eiriel(#8095)] "Truth to the rumors, yes. But I would quell these rumors about a next King," Eiriel says simply, narrowing her eyes at the thought. Her attention is immediately taken by the Princes, foreign and local.


To Be Continued...