OK, she's qualified, if we didn't already know.

One wonders if Talos' actions triggered Laird's or the other way round. And if the next instalment will reveal the answer.

Those two impertinent knights are not what Cora needs! And the Pillsbury Priest of Arkay is worse than useless.

Barefoot Witch indeed! I’m at all sure that is an insult, but there is little doubt that Cora’s detractors intend it as such. Yet, she perseveres. In fact, I can see a time in her realm when folks start intentionally stuttering to emulate what is becoming her very own and effective leadership style. Sort of like the oft cited, but unproven, story of the Castilian lisp.

The image of her running with skirts hiked up, mighty great sword thumping her rump, was a joy to read!

Nice segment on the castle’s defenses. I see Wallace did not neglect Cora’s castle engineering training. I love that he is still very much a presence – in a good and inspirational way.

It feels like the enemy is at the gate. Of course, it is unclear at this point under which banner they march, and even which side of the gate harbors the true enemy.

Oooh! So Laird is... leaving. We hope (?). Or maybe going to try and fight off Talos' troops. Or maybe going to try to rebel. Let's see! In the meanwhile, Broc continues to be disgusting and I ever-so-strongly hope that Cora punts him off a cliff to the Talosians. :/ IDK, I just see him as the sort who'd backstab Cora when she's not expecting it once he works out she is not going to submit to his Manly Authority ™, or try to force her to submit. In the meantime, I was expecting something like Talos' offer, but... man. He killed her father, brother and husband, and now he wants her to be his ally? I expect Cora to agree in the end, because it's best for her and best for her people and she's a very sensible sort, but talk about galling!

I also love the line about the crick gate. Oh, Cora.

And yep, I am quite keen to see a stuttering character! I... will admit that my first reaction when you mentioned Cora's stutter was to cringe, because you seemed to be going the "she stuttered due to shyness/lack of confidence but then she gained confidence and it went away/someone taught her an easy way to manage it and now she doesn't stutter anymore" route. I see these a lot in fiction, and it's frustrating because it doesn't reflect how a stutter actually works in real life *and* creates pernicious stereotypes that dog the footsteps of those of us who do stutter. So I'm glad to see that instead, you seem to be implying that she learned techniques to control it, but they take some degree of concentration and if she's stressed or distracted or very emotional the stutter crops up again. That's pretty much my experience of what successful speech therapy looks like (not that it ever stayed successful for me /o\), so it comes across as her having learned a technique that works for her instead of her having found the Magical Cure ™ which only exists in fiction. And there are really far too few realistic stuttering characters out there.

Anyway! Your installments continue to be awesome, and I am looking forward to how things develop.

@SageRose: Yes, Sir Laird and Onchu are now in open rebellion against Lady Cora. Sir Broc isn't that far behind, but he's a sly one (or thinks he is) and will bide his time. There will be more Titus Alorius coming up! I loved him in Destri's Interregnum and thought I would borrow him here. He is not yet Captain, but will be by the end of the story! I'm glad that you liked Cora's stutter. She's so competent, but when people meet her at first, they don't see the woman for that impediment.

@BamBam: So you liked how Lady Cora stood up to the mighty, awe-inspiring General Talos, the ULTIMATE DRAGONBORN OF ALL TIME AND ALL UNIVERSES!!! It makes me very happy because if they are going to have respect for each other, they have to see each other as equals. Talos didn't come to this meeting unprepared, as we have seen. And Lady Cora may be barefooted, but she certainly isn't flatfooted!

@McB: Onchu is one of those characters that could easily be thrown away, but we will see later (much later) that he has his own agenda. But not without some humor at his expense!

@ghastley: I hope it will be clarified that Laird's actions are in response to the news that the Legion is surrounding Cardonaccum. I rather see him as a rat, and we know what rats do when the ship begins to sink. Not that I have anything against rats, mind you - they're intelligent, cunning and sly, highly adaptable and extremely sociable under the right circumstances. But the circumstances aren't ideal for Laird, so we are seeing the worst a rat can be.

@Acadian: Pillsbury Priest of Arkay indeed! This priest is one heck of a hypocrite, if you ask me - preaching about Arkay's balance but failing to balance his calorie intake with his calories burned! Yes, the term Barefoot Witch can be used in a derogatory manner, but Lady Cora chooses to ignore any such implications. She has learned the hard way not to be ashamed, as we will see in a few more chapters (say, about a month from now). Even though Wallace dies at the very beginning of this story, he casts a very long shadow over Lady Cora's life just because of the kind of man he was. Though theirs was an arranged marriage, I really wanted to show the sort of man Lady Cora fell passionately in love with. Not to worry, she will fall in love again, but the next Mr. Right will have size 11EEE shoes to fill!

@Kaz: I think you are quite right about Sir Broc - he is the backstabbing sort when he doesn't get his way. We will find out in a few months just how much so. Yes, I wanted to start the story off with a quandary - does she trust this man General Talos or not? Galling? Maybe. But practical? Yes, just what I would expect of both.

I'm quite surprised that the line about the crick gate got so many people's attention. It really shows how smart she is, and how quickly she put her access to Wallace's library to good use. I can only imagine Wallace's pride and delight when she pointed out that sole weakness to him and suggested a solution to a problem not yet recognize. I feel that was the moment when he knew he had made the right choice in marrying her in spite of the age difference and her background.

Better yet, I am happy that several people have commented on Lady Cora's stuttering. It is fairly common, and I know many very intelligent folks suffer from it. It is one of those things that gets in the way of living life to the fullest. I love writing characters who must deal with issues like this. If you remember, Julian is an alcoholic and an addict who started her story with debilitating injuries. The injuries healed, but not her addiction. It is still there. And Lady Cora is not the first stutterer I've written - she is the second. It's a challenge to write her dialogue, but it gets easier because I can hear her voice (and see her speak) so clearly. So Kaz and SubRosa, don't worry, Lady Cora will always stutter. It will be worse at times, and it will be almost invisible at other times. I have a coworker who stutters, and he is incredibly intelligent and smart and funny and just a nice guy all around. We started working at the Apple Store at the same time, so we have that basis to our friendship. He has been kind enough to share his experiences and struggles with his stuttering so I can write Lady Cora more realistically. It is thanks to him that her speech impediment just leaps off the page.

The story so far: Lady Cora her knights of her decision to release Talos back to his troops. They reacted pretty much as expected, Laird and Onchu (the Pillsbury Priest of Arkay - thanks Acadian!) with overt outrage, Broc with more covert slyness, and Rodric with unwavering support. Their rather spirited discussion is cut short by the news that the Legion is on the move.

****************************
Chapter Ten

“Not here,” I glanced around at the men ranged along the parapet.

Robert understood. “Through here,” he opened the door into the gate tower for me. Inside, the tower chamber was empty at the moment, benches overturned in the rush to man the walls. Soft light fell into the room from slot windows that overlooked the approach to the castle. I moved to one of those beams of light and turned to face Robert, letting my skirts fall to the floor.

The castellan stood in the light from the adjacent slit and regarded me silently. I took a deep breath and decided to take the plunge. “Robert, have you told anyone of what was s- said in the study this morning?”

His brows rose at the question. “Of course not, milady!” His exclamation did much to ease my worry. “Lord Wallace trusted me for my discretion, and I wish you would trust me for the same reason.”

“I know my husband t- trusted you deeply,” I kept my voice even. “H- he also trusted Sir Laird and Onchu, and you can see how much value that has for me now th- that I stand alone.”

“Stand alone?” Robert repeated. He shook his shaggy head furiously. “Never! Not as long as I live!” His scowl softened and he turned to peer through the slot window. I kept my eyes on his profile. “I see your point, milady,” he said finally. “But I’ll have you know that Lord Wallace swore me to your service when I came back from Skyrim two years ago.”

I stared at him. “Milord d- did what?”

He glanced sidelong at me. “Milord knew you would survive him. He wanted to be certain you had the support you needed, especially against Sir Laird and Onchu. They were against the marriage from the beginning. It was the only time he disregarded their advice.” He turned his gaze back outward, but not before I saw a slight glimmer in his eyes. “He felt they would oust you once he was gone, and he was afraid of what would happen to Cardonaccum if that happened.”

For several long breaths I considered Robert. He’s always been at my side since he came back. Other than Wallace, he’s the one man I trust the most. Even more than Niall. So why doubt him now, when I most need him? “Very well, R- Robert,” I sighed. “I’m glad to have you as my s- support.” I stepped toward him and laid my hand on his forearm. “And I’m glad of your discretion. Now I need your advice.”

Robert turned to face me, the pale light turning his eyes into sapphire as he gazed down at me. “What is it?”

“Sir Laird, h- how best to handle him,” I said. “C- can I afford to lose him? His men? I’m afraid I’ve alienated h- him just now.”

“What happened?” Robert asked. “What was said in Sir Rodric’s room?”

I told him all of it. He was silent, his eyes distant, as he listened. When I finished, he sighed. “So it’s Sir Broc, too? I never did like that young man.” He focused on me and turned brisk. “Well, you did nothing to alienate Sir Laird or Onchu - they were already set against you. They were just biding their time, especially as you bore no heir to milord.” He placed one large hand on the edge of the slot window and braced himself on it, gazing outward again. “Sir Laird needs to realize that not all women are easily manipulated like his wife Edine, or his mother. Not all women are vacuous and ignorant of more serious matters. He does need to be reminded that it was a woman who led the overthrow of the Ayleids in Cyrodiil, a woman who rules in Sentinel, and in many other places besides. Ach, but he’s stubborn!” He shook his head bemusedly.

“So his departure from C- Cardonaccum is inevitable?” I asked. “Nothing to do with what I said or how I said it?”

“I wasn’t there,” Robert shrugged. “So I can’t really say for certain. But I can speak to Sir Rodric when things are a little calmer, and get his side of things. He isn’t the brightest knife in the drawer,” his wry glance made me chuckle before I could stifle it, “but he is an excellent judge of character, and another good man you can trust as well.”

“Is he discreet?” I asked.

Robert ran his fingers through his beard thoughtfully. “For the most part, yes,” he said finally. “But in the heat of the moment, he may let slip something better left unsaid.” He nodded to himself as if making an unspoken decision. “I’ll speak to Sir Rodric, then I’ll be better able to answer your question. But knowing Sir Laird as I do, I don’t doubt that his mind was already made up before you spoke to him. He has his heart set on the Cardonaccum seat, and will seek to achieve it one way or another.” His gaze flickered at the ruby pommel protruding above my left shoulder. “’Tis a wise decision to take Thistlethorn,” he added. “Else Sir Laird could claim it, and the right to rule in Lord Wallace’s place.”

“H- he would dare, wouldn’t he?” I gritted my teeth at the thought. “I c- couldn’t bring Cirsium, though.”

“I think Thistlethorn’s the more important emblem,” Robert responded. I nodded and moved back to the window. I tried to peer out, but couldn’t see much more than the road below the castle. “Let’s go up top, milady,” Robert added. “You can see more from up there.”

He went up the ladder first. I tucked my skirts into the lower end of the baldric where it attached to Thistlethorn’s scabbard and followed. Robert lent me his hand at the top and steadied me on the tower roof until I had my bearings.

He was right, the view was much more expansive. Not only could I see the road with the little stream beside it below the castle, but also the upland moors behind us. The foothills of the Wrothgarians marched along our left shoulder a few miles away, and on our right, the land gradually sloped away to the slightest hint of a deep blue on the western horizon. In the woods lining the dean below, I could see glimmers of sun on steel among the bare branches of late fall. More appeared along the slopes of the foothills, and I could see the bright red splashes of the Legion banners.

“How far away are they?” I asked.

“About five miles off,” Robert replied. He pointed out the trees edging the western side of the steep-sided valley. “They’ve got some men up there on the heights.”

“Where is the opposite end?” I turned in place, scanning the horizon to the west.

“The line runs from there,” he indicated the steel shimmers in the trees along the western rim of the dean, “down along the road,” he waved his hand toward where the path disappeared around a bend in the narrow valley, “and up the east side in the foothills there,” he pointed out the movement along the lower slopes of the mountain range to our left. His indicating finger stopped at a point north of the castle, where our little crick came down out of the hills.

“So there’s nothing to stop them from c- completely surrounding us,” I said. “This is what General Talos meant when he said we didn’t have t- time.”

“So even though you let him go, they’re still moving against us,” Robert murmured quietly. I hid my flinch at his mild rebuke.

“General Talos has read the s- same books I have,” I answered. “‘- by assuming a defensive posture, strength will be more than adequate, whereas in offensive actions it would be inadequate.'” Bemusement flickered through Robert’s eyes. “We do not h- have the numbers he does, but we have the defensive c- configurations right here,” I laid my hands on the rough stone of the tower parapet. “He knows it will c- cost him more to try and take Cardonaccum from us.”

“True,” Robert nodded in agreement. I peered over the edge of the walls at the deep moat that completely surrounded the castle. Here where the bailey walls approached the edge of the bluffs, the moat pressed close to the stone foundations. The drawbridge was drawn up, severing the road below from the castle gates. When the moat was dry, the crick flowed out from the castle beneath the drawbridge and crossed the ditch to the stone-reinforced outer bank. A small culvert at the base of the moat let the crick flow out. However, even that was closed off, effectively damming the outflow from the spring. The stone above it stopped just below the top of the adjacent bank, providing a place for the water to spill over and prevent the moat from flooding the castle.

Already I could see water accumulating in the ditch, though it had not yet reached the spillover point. “That was good thinking on your part, to s- start filling the moat, Robert.”

“Aye, I’m certain the legionaries would think twice about trying to swim with their tin suits on!” He turned and indicated the walls to either side of the paired gate towers and those surrounding the donjon. “All of our thistlemen are at their stations, and Enrick has already called up every watch of his men that are able to fight.” Now he turned to me. “I would suggest you determine the chain of command here. It’s been so long since Cardonaccum was besieged -“

“Yes, of course,” I answered. “Where is Enrick?”

“I asked him to join me above the gates,” Robert walked to the parapet facing the opposing gate tower. He glanced over the edge. “Yes, he’s waiting for me.” He turned back to me. “Shall we head down?”

“Yes, of course, Robert.” I moved back to the open trapdoor. “After you.”

“Naturally,” Robert let himself through the trapdoor. Going down the slanted ladder was easier than climbing up, and I didn’t need his assistance at the bottom. We went out onto the stone arch over the gates together.

Captain Enrick turned as we approached him. His face beneath his helm was grim as he nodded courteously to me. “Milady.”

“I understand you answered t- to Lord Wallace in the field,” I said to him. He nodded silently. “That makes you more or less equal in rank t- to Robert, no?” Again a curt nod. “But the donjon and bailey of C- Cardonaccum is Robert’s responsibility. And he has more experience in combat than I do.” I paused, my gaze on Enrick.

“I understand, milady,” he said after a moment. “Concerning the defense of the castle, you want me to report to Robert, and to take orders from him.”

“And no one else but myself,” I finished, pleased with his understanding of the situation. “I am th- the only person with the authority to c- counteract Robert’s orders.”

“Understood,” Enrick responded, nodding deferentially to Robert. I could see the slightest hint of doubt in his eyes as he returned his gaze to me.

“I trust Robert implicitly,” I smiled up at the experienced captain. “And I know better than to t- tell him how to do his job. I doubt that I’ll have to c- contravene his orders, Captain.”

Relief moved through Enrick’s eyes at my words, and he permitted himself a small smile. “As you will, milady.” He bowed to me and turned to Robert. “My men are at your disposal, Robert Whitearm.”

“Good,” Robert clasped Enrick’s shoulder firmly. “How many do you have available?”

“A little more than one hundred,” Enrick answered.

Robert tipped his head back as he muttered to himself. “Let’s see, I have fifty on the walls - there’s room for -“ He dropped his gaze back to Enrick. “Put half of your men up on the walls - have them man the north bailey and tell my thistlemen to fall back to the east and west walls.”

“And the rest, sir?” Enrick straightened up beneath Robert’s hand, ready to move.

“Hold them in the bailey proper as reserve.”

“Yes sir!” Enrick’s response was as smartly executed as his departure. As he left, another figure appeared from the western gate tower.

I recognized Captain Padriac as he approached me. When he paused a few feet away, I nodded at him.

“Sir Rodric ordered me to place his men at your disposal, milady.” He seemed wary, and I sensed that he doubted my ability to lead fighting men through a siege.

“I shall have to th- thank him,” I answered. “I will place you under Robert’s command. He is in charge of the defense of C- Cardonaccum.” As with Enrick, I saw relief in Padriac’s stoic face and hid my smile. I turned back to Robert. “I shall leave you to get back to work, Robert. R- remember, I trust you.”

“As I you, milady,” Robert bowed to me. With a final nod to Captain Padriac, I turned and returned to the eastern gate tower.

When I saw your comment about 11EEE shoes all I could think were hex color codes. Goddess I am such a nerd...

I see Wallace expected this to happen. Well, except for the complication of Talos I am sure. He obviously put his trust in the right man, in the form of Robert, not to mention his distrust in Laird as well.

You gave us a nice description of the area surrounding Cardonaccum, and the distant approach of Talos' army. It also makes it even more clear why Talos wants the castle. It is in a key position, one he will need if he is going to conquer and hold eastern High Rock.

And finally it is good to see Lady Cora putting things in order and preparing the defense of the castle after the treachery of Laird and Broc was revealed.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Sep 8 2013, 07:15 PM

I like that Robert...He's a good man that one...Yes... ...

Proper brilliance...I loved the way that he effectively re-made his pledge to protect Cora, though this time to her face... ...*Applauds that man*...

Loved the way that the two Captains' initial worries faded when they realised that it was essentially Robert in charge...That was cool...

I do really like Cora...She's epic!...

Loved the description of the land around the place...And that whole thing with the moat...So vivid...Makes me wish I was there... ...Well, to visit...Years after the fighting...Now that it's in the hands of the National Trust™... ...

Nah, truly beautiful sounding place... ...

Amazing stuff...

Love it!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

So Cora's established that she's in charge of strategy, and she's delegated the tactical to Robert. An appropriate disposition, that lets her concentrate on playing chess with Talos.

One hopes that Laird will find himself trapped in between, with Broc at his side.

And the influence of Lord Wallace continues to exert itself in ways even previously unknown to Lady Cora.

Robert is a gem here! And Cora is wise to arrange things as she has. Robert clearly has a fine tactical reputation and Cora’s well-considered endorsement of him bolsters her own authority. Seems like Cardonaccum is well prepared. Talos’ intent, as well as that of Laird and Broc, remains unclear however.

You continue to give priority to character development, even as you nicely move the story along. Very enjoyable.

’I tucked my skirts into the lower end of the baldric where it attached to Thistlethorn’s scabbard and followed.’ - - I quite liked the use of ‘baldric’ here. It is easy to overdo the use of nearly forgotten medieval terms relating to castles/weaponry/armor, but you are perfectly balancing the spice and flavor they provide vs distracting your readers with trips to the dictionary/google. Perfectly done, I say. I went through the same thought processes I expect you did when I, on several times, used the term ‘guige’ as the leather strap used to secure a shield to the back when not in use.

Wait, I'm all caught up? Impossible!

Ahem, we now have the promise of some interesting siege action. Good news for the thistlemen is that they are behind fortifications. And while this might sound rather callous, the recent losses they took on the battlefield has left more food for everyone enabling them to hold out longer. Finally, the approaching winter puts a limit on how long Talos can keep his army camped outside the castle.

The bad news is that the thistlemen aren't united and the sanctimonious priest, ole 'tis my right by blood' and the last guy whose sole argument seems to be 'ain't I handsome?' can really mess things up.

I like how Cora knows the strengths of herself and her allies and delegates accordingly. And the late lord seemed almost prescient. Given his thoughts that are now revealed, I guess he didn't move against the usurpers before because he needed their help and resources more than he could do without them at the time.

It was also interesting for me to note that the siege continued despite Talos having been left free. This could mean two things. Either he's commenced the siege anyhow for certain reasons (and I can actually think of a few), or communication lag is now working against him where he'd earlier used it as a dead man's switch.

Considering that the story takes place in a relatively low-magic environment, I'm not going to rule out communication lag setting things in motion that can't be stopped.

@SubRosa: Yes, Wallace anticipated that Lady Cora would experience resistance to the idea of her becoming Lord of Cardonaccum after his passing. Yet he chose her as his successor, though apparently he thought he had some time to make this clear to his knights. Not that it would have changed anything with Sirs Laird and Broc, or with the Pillsbury Priest of Arkay Onchu. We will see (eventually, at this posting rate!) that General Talos wants Cardonaccum (and Lady Cora) as his ally for more than just its strategic geographic location . . .

@McB: Yes, Cardonaccum sounds like it should be on the National Register of Historic Places (the U.S. version of the National Trust)! I would like to visit it with you at such a time! As for Robert, he holds a special place in my heart just for being the big, loyal, shaggy bear of a Nord that he is!

ghastley: Sir Laird will find that he is stuck between a rock and a hard place soon enough . . .

Acadian: Yes, Lady Cora has a gem in Robert our castellan. He is rock solid, dependable, reliable, and pretty smart up top as well as handy with his weapons. He continues to be her strongest support through this challenging time.

Mr. Stratocumulus: Congratulations on catching up! You should find this leisurely pace fairly easy to keep up with, even if you miss a week or two. As for why Lord Wallace didn't get rid of Sirs Laird and Broc, let's just say that politics has a way of - umm - getting in the way. As for the presence of magic in this story, it's there, but quite low-key. We will learn why Lady Cora does not use magic so much. As for General Talos moving his men in position, let's just say that he is comfortable with ambiguous situations, and is well-prepared for whichever way Lady Cora is going to jump, and he doesn't mind letting her know that he is ready for anything.

The story so far: General Talos moved his men into position to surround the castle from a distance. Lady Cora has placed Cardonaccum on siege footing to prepare for the worst. She also delegates the tactical decisions to Castellan Robert, whom Captains Enrick and Padriac both trust.

***************************************
Chapter Eleven

Siné finished her report on an encouraging note. “We’ve replaced the potions that were lost on the battlefield.” She smiled calmly at me. Eight years older than me, Siné was always quiet, yet competent as the chapel healer. She did not engage in the same bluster as Onchu, nor did she ever berate me for being born a Witch. Her manner toward me remained just the same since Wallace’s death, a minor fact that I somehow found reassuring.

“Thank you very much, Siné,” I answered. “H- how is Sir Rodric doing?”

“Being very difficult,” she replied wryly. “The idea of forced rest when we are besieged does not sit well with him.”

“I’ll th- threaten to chain him to his bed if he doesn’t follow your orders,” I offered in the same vein. She chuckled before nodding to me and walking away. I turned toward the kitchens. While headed to the kitchens to check on Machara, I had encountered Siné on her way to the cellars, where she maintained an alchemy lab and created her healing potions.

Chaos greeted me as I entered the kitchen. Machara berated two teenaged boys over their treatment of a side of mutton. She paused long enough to scold one of the girls for letting the bread burn in the oven before turning back to the amateur butchers. I eyed the meat and thought it looked acceptable, but kept silent as the burly cook wound down. When she finally released the boys back to their tasks, she cast a baleful glare around the kitchen.

Her ire disappeared when she saw me, however. Wiping her hands on her apron, she hurried up to me and bobbed a greeting. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting, milady,” she exclaimed, pushing flaxen tendrils from her flushed face with the back of her right hand. Her cheeks puffed as she blew between pursed lips. “You’d be wanting to tell me what you want for dinner, no?”

“To tell you the truth, Machara,” I had to admit, somewhat ruefully, “I’ve been somewhat remiss in my duties. I haven’t given a th- thought to eating.” I moved past her into the center of the immense chamber. “How are you feeding the fighting soldiers?”

“Hot and hearty, just the way they fight!” Machara responded as she followed me. She gestured toward the two young butchers, chopping up the mutton on a broad table scarred by past battles with cleavers. “Mutton stew with mirepoix and gravy. Siné’s recipe - fennel seeds and peony seeds ground together and simmered in strong tea to keep them awake on watch. Plenty of bread and cheese!” Her eyes shifted back to the bread ovens against the far wall. “Conny! Didn’t I tell you to stop burning the bread!”

As far as I could tell, the bread the poor girl was pulling out of one of the ovens was perfectly golden. It’s just Machara’s way of getting things done. All of these people are used to her ways. “Then I’ll h- have what the men are having, Machara,” I diverted her away from her latest victim. “No need to make anything special for me.”

“But milady, all that’s so common!”

“We’re under siege, Machara,” I responded, raising my voice to be heard above the commotion. Everyone paused in their frantic activity and stared at us. Now’s the time to bond everyone together. “The most important people in this castle r- right now are those men standing up on the walls,” I continued so everyone heard me. “It’s cold and wet out there. If it isn’t raining, there’s frost falling. If the temperature drops any further, they’ll be shivering in the snow while the rest of us are t- tucked away inside this warm donjon. It’s up to all of us to support those men, for without their strong arms and brave hearts, we’ll have more important things to worry about th- than what’s an appropriate dinner for a barefoot Witch.”

“Of course, milady!” Machara exclaimed, bobbing her head in vigorous agreement. Suddenly she stopped and shot a glare around the chamber. The noise level increased as her underlings hurriedly returned to their labors.

I turned back to the cook. “An army travels on its s- stomach,” I lowered my voice so only she heard. “Feed our men so well that those Legions out there start thinking about defecting to us for your food!”

Machara giggled, a surprisingly girlish response from such a buxom woman. “That I can do, milady!”

I gave her a smile before I left her domains.

By the time I returned to the great hall, torches were being lit under Jannet’s supervision. She caught my glance across the hall and raised her brows in an unspoken question. I shook my head and continued toward the stairs to the second story.

My foot was on the first step when I became aware of a rising commotion from outside. I paused and turned toward the great doors. Are we under attack? I ran my hand across the baldric holding Thistlethorn at my back.

“Milady!” The left hand panel swung back, and a thistleman ran into the donjon. His eyes swept the great hall. “Milady?”

“Here,” I answered, leaving the stairs and moving as quickly as I could without running toward him.

“Robert wants you in the east gate tower,” the young man exclaimed. “Quickly, please?”

“What is it?” I started toward the door with the thistleman falling into step beside me.

“Wait just a minute, milady!” Jannet called from across the hall. “You’re not going out there dressed like that!”

I paused and turned back, looking down at the kirtle and cotehardie I had worn all day. “What’s wrong with th- this?” I raised my eyes to see Jannet bearing down on me with my cloak billowing in her hands.

“It’s cold out there!” She tipped her head toward the soldier next to me. “He’s wearing a cloak!”

“Yes, milady,” the thistleman’s tone took on a sheepish note. “It’s gotten colder since the noon.”

I took the heavy woolen cloak from Jannet and flung it over my shoulders, leaving the pommel of Thistlethorn exposed. Fastening it around my throat with my left hand, I nodded for the thistleman to lead on.

As I stepped onto the top of the stone stairs that led up into the donjon, I gasped as the frozen wind sliced through my cloak and set my teeth chattering. My breath was flung back into my face, leaving icy crystals on my cheeks. “C- cold?” I shivered at the thistleman. “We’re not in the Wrothgarians, damn it!”

His long stride faltered on the stairs as he glanced back at me, but he did not stop. I followed closely on his heels as we crossed the bailey. I could see the great gates ahead, thistlemen lowering the bolt home.

“What just h- happened?” I demanded. “Did we open the gates?”

“I’d best have Robert tell you,” the young soldier avoided my gaze. He led me to the base of the eastern tower and wrestled the door open. I ducked into the warm interior, lit only by braziers and torches. Within, I saw more thistlemen hunched over the flames, warming their hands. Some of them nodded to me.

The soldier who had fetched me headed for the narrow stairs leading upwards around the walls of the tower. “Be careful, milady,” he paused after the first few steps to offer me his hand for support. Gathering up my skirts, I accepted his assistance gratefully up the steep stairs.

By the time we reached the third floor, I was out of breath again. Robert turned from one of the south-facing slot windows as I approached him. I stopped at the black look on his face.

“Did Colin tell you anything?” he asked, his eyes flickering toward the thistleman.

“No, just that you would t- tell me,” I answered, gasping for breath. “But did I just s- see the gates being closed?”

“Aye,” Robert scowled, then waved me to the window. I moved forward and peered out.

The sun was now low enough in the sky that the road descended into gloom. I could see flickering torches signaling a fast-moving procession winding its way down the east side of the dean to the valley floor. “Who is th- that?” I demanded. I could just make out the shapes of armored horsemen and foot soldiers. In the rear of the train, more horsemen surrounded a woman seated sidesaddle on a white palfrey. “Is that -“

Just then the lead rider drew rein and spun his grey horse on its hocks. I recognized Sir Laird by his lean figure, angular even in plate armor. “What!” The exclamation burst from my lips as my eyes fell on the familiar emblem on his left arm. “He has C- Cirsium? How dare he?” I slammed my fist into the stone at the side of the window. Then I saw the woman again. Edine. Does he know Talos holds the road?

I backed away and spun around to stare at Robert. “Tell me how he left C- Cardonaccum,” I said coldly.

“He pulled rank on the soldiers manning the gates,” Robert answered. “They thought he had your permission to sally out with his men and strike a blow. They didn’t realize their error until his wife and sons passed them.”

“S- stupid fetcher!” I exclaimed, my fists clenching at my sides. “Does he think he c- can get past General Talos?”

“Apparently he thinks the General will give him safe passage for his family.” Robert shook his head.

“He does, does h- he?” I shook my head fiercely, my loose hair tangling in the pommel of Thistlethorn. Impatiently I pulled my locks over my right shoulder and turned back to the window. “Why would a general who ordered the s- slaughter of unarmed Bretons give safe passage t- to armed Bretons? He’ll keep th- them from passing th- through.”

“Should I send a detachment after them?” Robert asked. “Maybe we can convince Sir Laird to return.”

“Can’t,” I shook my head. “I t- told him if he left th- this donjon, h- he wouldn’t be welcomed back.” Below, the flickering torches disappeared through the trees lining the valley. I closed my eyes. Edine. She’ll be caught in the middle. It won’t end well for her. I sighed. This conviction came from the same source as my nightmares. Though I possessed no magic of my own, Nirn gave me her own. My bare feet kept me in constant contact with her power, through stones and wood and dirt. Sometimes Nirn showed me possible futures, and I saw one now. “I will not ch- change my mind on the matter. He betrayed C- Cardonaccum by stealing Cirsium and leaving th- the donjon during a siege.” I turned back to Robert. “Where is Onchu?”

“He left with Sir Laird,” Robert answered.

Good riddance. We never needed that fat hypocrite here anyway. But now I have to find someone else to tend Arkay’s chapel. “R- Robert, make certain everyone knows that no one, absolutely no one, is to leave th- the donjon without your or my permission. The two of us are the only ones with the personal authority t- to open these gates, and the postern gate up on the moor.”

“As you will, milady,” Robert inclined his head.

From the shadows behind him stepped one of the other men in the shadowed room. I recognized Captain Padriac. He bowed to me, his face grim. “My pardons, milady. This is my fault.” Robert shifted toward him, lifting a hand to stop the other soldier.

“Your fault?” I repeated, meeting Padriac’s uneasy gaze. “H- how so?”

“Sir Rodric warned me that Sir Laird was likely to cause trouble,” Padriac answered. “It was my men on the gate, my men who let them through. I neglected to tell them to keep Sir Laird confined to the bailey.”

I sighed. “It isn’t your fault, C- Captain,” I said firmly. “If any one of us is at fault, it is me. I sh- should have ordered him c- confined to quarters this afternoon. Instead, I let him escape because I did not c- communicate the necessity to everyone on th- the walls.” Robert shook his head slowly until I shot him a glare. “But we h- have more important things to do th- than figure out where the blame lies,” I continued. “Sir Laird was planning to betray me and Wallace - he s- said as much to me. By Arkay, we may be better off without him h- here!”

There's a nice bit of reinforcement of the fact that she's in charge. Accepting the blame says "the buck stops at the top, and I'm at the top".

I'm a bit surprised at Laird taking the risk of leaving as a single convoy, but I suppose he only gets one chance to bluff his way out. I'd hope that he separates his group before meeting Talos, or he's forced onto the defensive.

Nice weather for it!

”. . . we’ll have more important things to worry about th- than what’s an appropriate dinner for a barefoot Witch.” - - By Mara, I was right! Barefoot Witch is now a proper term of endearment! Seriously, as word gets to the ranks of who is responsible for the high priority placed on feeding them well (and it will), the Barefoot Witch’s stock among them will soar. I know Wallace is responsible for much of Cora’a ability to lead this castle, but his strongest legacy seems to be not so much what he taught her, but how well he chose his Lady to begin with.

Wrothgarians indeed! I was reaching for my furs to stem the frosty dampness.

Uh-oh. Laird and Pillsbury are no loss, but Cirsium and Edine are! Grrr!

At least Cora had some good news from Sine. I am wondering when she will start sizing Sine up as a replacement for Onchu?

And the kitchen was fun. Not to mention set my stomach to growling, even though I ate just 3 hours ago.

“Feed our men so well that those Legions out there start thinking about defecting to us for your food!”
If they are eating hardtack with weevils (the soft spots), then that won't be too difficult!

There goes Laird. I am not surprised. My guess is that he's going to try to strike his own bargain with Talos. But I do not see T going for it. Given that Laird just left the castle, he no longer has anything to really bargain with.

He took Onchu with him? I have to agree with Cora's assessment. Good riddance to bad rubbish there. Looks like it is time Sine got that promotion...

It's a date!!... ...

*Does dance of joy while singing to himself*..."I gotta da-ate...With Haitch-Ee-Ah-are"... ... ...


Oooh 'eck!... ...While it's good that the viper is gone from the nest...*Does finger guns and winks*...Oh yeah!!...Did he take Broc with him?...Or is that snake still ready to deliver his poison?...

Yeesh...I hate it when I try to do proper sensible stuff...I just can't...

Absolutely loved all that...The trip to the kitchen was proper good...That meal sounds lovely, no wonder the Barefoot Witch would be happy to have it...Damn...It's a bit early for stew here... ...Ach, I'll go make a start on some!...

I can imagine that something bad is about to happen to the fighters who left...I just hope that Talos' men don't mistake the family for fighters...

Aaamywho...Brilliantly amazing stuff...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Sep 10 2013, 03:43 AM

What everything else said. Good reinforcement of Cora taking on her role as leader, nice showcase of the castle's activities and of course removal of two hindrances.


I do have to disagree with Subrosa though. Laird does have something to bargain with. Circium. Talos would definitely appreciate getting a bargaining item put in his hands. Of course, there is nothing stopping the general from just taking the thing by force or deceit.

But Talos returned that to Cora himself. So Laird should assume that Talos doesn't need the shield, or he'd have kept it when he first got it.

I’m interested to see what happens to Circium. I would think that Talos would haul it back to Cora if he found it in Sir Laird’s hands. Perhaps with a ‘keep track of your stuff’ quote from the book.

I enjoyed learning more about the barefoot Witch situation, particularly as it related to Edine’s possible unpleasant future. Cora’s resolve speaks well of her.

@ghastley: Yes, Lady Cora has the gumption to stand up to men three times her size and lay down the law. As we've seen earlier in the story, she has grown tremendously since she was a nervous little bride of eighteen.

@Acadian: You had mentioned earlier that people are going to start stuttering out of respect and admiration for our Lady Cora. I, on the other hand, think it would be more meaningful if women chose to go barefoot in all kinds of weather . . . Yes, I agree that Wallace's true legacy is the woman he chose to be his second wife and the one to succeed him. He saw something in her back then that no one else (including Lady Cora herself) could quite see. Makes me wonder if he had the Gift himself . . . And yes, Cora knows well the key to an army's loyalty is keeping their bellies full.

@SubRosa: Not to worry, Siné will step up and fill in for Saint Pillsbury. She is an incredibly strong character in her own right, and Lady Cora recognizes (and even leans on) that strength. We will see more of Siné not only as a healer, but also as a priest of Arkay.

@McB: As always I enjoy your comments. The addition of the gestures just makes them more fun to read! Umm, I have a taste for stew myself too - remember Grits posted the Cloud Ruler Temple Beef Stew recipe over on the cooking thread!

@Overcast and Rainy: (can't you tell that I'm looking out the window at cold, dreary rain right now? And me in the depths of a cold!) Laird may be an idiot, but even he isn't that much of an idiot to think General Talos would deal with him. After all, the good General practically ignored Laird when they confronted each other on the steps. Actually, I see his flight from the castle as fleeing a sinking ship, and he took Cirsium because he plans on returning to claim the castle once Talos has finished off Lady Cora. The one thing he can't foresee is that Talos would treat with Lady Cora as an equal, due to his own inability to see the little woman just that way.

@Grits: Your speculation on Cirsium's fate is interesting, but I don't think Talos is in the business of running a Lost and Found. Not to worry, we will find out in upcoming weeks what happens with that shield.

The story so far: Sir Laird has taken his men and his family and departed Cardonaccum. He has stolen Cirsium out of the Chapel, likely with Onchu's assistance, as the Pillsbury Priest has also left with him. Now we learn the consequences of such a rash decision on his part.

**************************
Chapter Twelve

As Padriac murmured relieved thanks for my understanding, the trapdoor above us slammed back and a helmed head appeared in the square of sky. “Castellan!” he shouted down. “There’s trouble on the road!”

“What?” Robert darted for the ladder, fast in spite of his bulk. I turned and ran for the door that led to the top of the gate arch, Padriac on my heels.

Outside the wind was even colder than it was a few minutes ago, and scattered flakes of white struck my cheeks. I drew the cloak closer about me and stepped onto the parapet. Captain Enrick turned from his vantage point and bowed slightly in acknowledgement of my arrival. “There,” he pointed out the swirling of torches visible among the trees in the distance.

“About h- how far away are they?” I asked.

“Speed they were going?” Enrick responded. “About a mile or so. Looks like the Legions moved closer under cover.”

“If th- they blackened their steel,” I muttered, “we wouldn’t see the light flashing off of them. Damn!” I squinted, a vain attempt to see more completely through the trees. Faint shouts drifted up the valley toward us, screams and curses. My hands clenched on the wall as we listened helplessly. Finally the only sounds we could hear was hoofbeats of running horses.

“I need to speak to the th- three of you,” I said to Enrick and Padriac. I looked up at the gathering dusk. “Let’s fetch R- Robert and meet in Sir Rodric’s room immediately.”

“Yes, milady,” Enrick cast his eyes upward toward the top of the eastern gate tower. He made a signal as Padriac escorted me back into the tower.

Rodric’s Captain was silent as we walked back to the donjon. I was lost in my own thoughts and nearly stumbled on the steps leading up to the great doors. He caught my elbow and steadied me. “Be careful, milady,” he said quietly.

“Thank you, C- Captain,” I waited as he opened the door for us. “It’s all a bit overwhelming for me.”

“It is for anyone their first time,” he responded. “Combat, siege, anything.” He fell silent again as we mounted the wide staircase leading up to the second floor.

Robert and Enrick appeared a few breaths behind us while Padriac tersely reported the situation to Sir Rodric. “I doubt Laird could survive that,” the castellan commented. Enrick nodded grimly.

“Milady thinks the Legion blackened their brights - that’s how they were able to get so close unseen.” He bowed in my direction. “I have to agree that’s a reasonable assumption.”

“Which means there are others doing the same!” Robert exclaimed. “Make certain everyone manning the walls tonight know to be extra watchful, and to keep constant contact with each other.”

“Yes, sir,” Enrick responded. They turned to look at me.

I met Rodric’s gaze. “The r- reason I asked all of you to meet here is because I need your experience right now. We have a h- hard decision ahead of us.”

“What decision is that?” Rodric asked.

“I don’t know for c- certain what General Talos will do,” I began pacing. “He now has Cirsium, I doubt he’ll r- return it a second time. What will he th- think of Laird’s escape attempt?”

“Fully armed Bretons sallying out from Cardonaccum?” Enrick asked. “I suspect that he would think we intend to resist to the last man.”

“Agreed,” I nodded. “Yet another way he would see this as Sir Laird fleeing a sinking sh- ship.”

“Like the rat that he is!” Robert exclaimed, his mustache bristling.

“In either case,” Padriac rubbed his clean shaven chin thoughtfully, “General Talos will attack tonight.”

“In the dark?” Rodric exclaimed. “With no moon?”

“What better time?” Enrick countered. “The fact that his men have covered their steel to hide their approach along the road indicates that he was planning a night attack anyway. Could be Sir Laird’s resistance changed the timing for him.”

Rodric turned to me. “What of Laird’s wife Edine? Any sign of her?”

I shook my head. “I doubt that she or the ch- children will be well-treated at the hands of the Legions, especially with Laird fighting th- them.”

“We don’t know for certain if he attacked first, or they did,” Robert fingered his beard. “They may have ambushed him when they saw him coming.”

“Why?” I asked. “If th- they were sneaking up on us, would they give their position away? Especially with more of the Legions behind th- them to deal with Laird?” I shook my head. “I s- suspect Laird saw them first, and chose to attack.” By the looks on the mens’ faces, I could see that they had not thought of it themselves. “Well, all we know for certain is th- that Laird fought the Legion’s advance forces. And we all agree that General Talos is likely to attack us tonight.” I sighed, fear and worry forming a hard knot in the pit of my stomach. “Do we r- resist, or do we ask for a parley?”

The men were silent for several long breaths, avoiding each others’ gazes. They avoided mine too, as I looked from one to the next. I sighed. “I promised milord that I would take c- care of C-Cardonaccum in the event of his passing,” I said finally. “The question I am asking myself is th- this: how best to do so? If we resist, they c- can lay waste to the lands around us.” I turned to look at Rodric. “Th- that means your manor, Sir Broc’s, and Sir Laird’s will be demolished. The crops s- stored there will be lost.” I met Robert’s gaze. “And our mines up in the h- hills will be overrun. We would die free, but would it be worth it?”

The two Captains’ gazes flashed at me, then they looked away. Robert regarded me thoughtfully. “Are you proposing we surrender to General Talos?” he asked. “For certain, that too, would obliterate Cardonaccum. What’s to stop him from laying waste to the lands and enslaving its good folk?”

“If you can see a way to preserve Cardonaccum for its good folk,” Rodric added, “you can count on me to support you. If that means dealing with the daedra himself, then all I can say is do so very carefully.”

“Until then,” Enrick continued the discussion, “my thinking is to resist, if only to buy time.” He waved his hand expressively at the stone walls surrounding us. “We can hold out here for quite a long time.”

“As long as we are not betrayed from within,” I answered. “I’m not c- certain of Sir Broc’s loyalty.”

“We’ll keep a close eye on him!” Rodric growled. “Don’t worry about that upstart hedge knight!”

“Don’t insult h- his father,” I said mildly. Rodric grunted and looked away with a scowl. “S- Sir Duncan was a good man.”

A loud knocking at the door interrupted Rodric’s grudging agreement. Robert opened it to reveal a young thistleman, the same one who had fetched me earlier this afternoon. “Castellan, on the road!”

Robert did not hesitate, but shoved past the boy and disappeared, with the Captains on his heels. I glanced at Rodric, who waved me to go. I turned back to the young thistleman. “What about the r- road?” I demanded.

“A horse and rider, milady,” he answered. “We can’t quite make out who it is.”

I murmured something to Rodric and ran out after the others. The boy fell in beside me. “Wh- what is your name?” I realized that my stuttering had grown worse as the day wore on, and silently cursed my affliction.

“Calum, milady,” he panted as we crossed the great hall.

“Thank you, C- Calum!” I responded when he darted ahead of me to open the door. I ran through in time to see the bailey gates swing wide, and a horse, her white hide splashed dark, gallop through. A limp form depended from her right side, foot caught in the stirrup. As men ran to catch the panicked mount, I recognized Edine’s palfrey. The mare tossed her head and whirled, avoiding the grasping hands and trampling on the unhorsed rider. She whinnied and spun for the gate, but the thistlemen there were already closing it. Eyes wide with fear and pain, she bolted around the courtyard.

Is that man even still alive? My heart in my mouth, I ran down to the courtyard as the horse veered toward me. I whistled softly, catching her attention. When her ears tipped toward me, I began humming tunelessly, walking slowly into her path. She skidded to a stop and dropped her head against my chest. I stroked her neck, whispering soothing words to her. The pain and fear that surged into me at my touch nearly staggered me, but I kept still. When I was certain the mare was no longer panicked, I took her rein and rubbed her long nose.

Calum appeared at my side, his eyes wide in wonder. I handed him the reins and moved to the mare’s right side. The man-at-arms lay sprawled on the ground, his leather surcoat torn to rags, his mail battered into shreds. The unnatural angle of his lower leg told me his leg had broken, likely when he fell from the horse. I knelt beside him as thistlemen brought torches near.

“Someone c- cut his leg free and get the mare into a s- stall,” I ordered, my eyes on the man’s bare head. “And fetch Siné!” Blood obscured his expression, making it difficult to tell if he still lived. When I reached down to gently ease his head into a more comfortable position, I felt a soft spot above his right ear. He stirred at my touch, and his eyes cracked open through the scarlet covering his face. When his gaze met mine, he struggled to speak.

“Be quiet,” I said.”We’re getting th- the healer for you.” I undid the clasp at my throat and flung my cloak over him.

“Milady - “ his voice rasped with the agony of his extensive injuries. “Sir Laird - dead - his lady - taken -“

My jaw clenched at the news. “We s- saw,” I answered. “But be quiet. Don’t t- try to talk any more.”

“He- “ the soldier gasped, his eyes turning upwards until only the whites showed. “- help -“ His breath escaped in a guttering vapor trail. Snow flakes dropped onto his unblinking eyes as I felt his heart stop beneath my hands.

“Milady,” Robert reached down to me and plucked me up by my shoulders. “Let us take care of him.”

“H- he was one of Laird’s men,” I resisted Robert’s grip. “H- he was asking for help. J- just because h- he followed Sir Laird doesn’t -“

Robert gave me a gentle shake. “It’s too late for him,” he said softly, bending down so that only I heard him. Finally I nodded and let him lead me away, toward the donjon. He escorted me up the stone steps to the doors, then stopped me. “Milady, it’s been a very long day.” Weariness weighed his voice down, the same weariness I felt in my own bones. “You’re exhausted. Go inside, get some sleep. We’ll keep watch all night.”

I looked up at him. “Promise me you’ll s- send for me if anything ch- changes, won’t you?”

“I promise, milady,” he answered.

Storms

Jannet met me in the great hall. She pressed a steaming mug of tea into my hands and insisted that I drink it. When I had obeyed her, she led me upstairs to my sleeping quarters. Exhausted after two days and two nights without sleep, I did not protest as she took Thistlethorn from my back and laid it across the trunk at the foot of my bed, nor when she undressed me and brushed out my tangled hair. Numbly I slid beneath the sleeping pelts and curled up on my side.

Jannet fussed over me a few moments more, then blew out the candles and left me alone. As soon as the door closed after her stooped form, Cinnie leaped onto the bed and tucked herself in the curve of my belly. She kneaded the pelts slowly, rumbling softly all the while. Unlike the other night, when she had purred in contentment, tonight her presence was empathetic. I caught her up in my hands and pressed her soft body against my face. As I wept into her fur, I let her experience the entirety of the fear and worry and grief I had stifled all day.

A slant on it that I hadn't seen. Laird's defection could be seen not as division among the defenders (now resolved), but as suggesting that their position was weak. Cora needs to show that the castle is ready for a siege, so that Talos doesn't have to find that out the slow way.

The besieging troops can do economic damage to the surrounding lands, but what can the garrison inflict on them? Usually they don't have to do anything, as the problems of supplying an expeditionary force for a siege mean time is on the side of the defenders, but in this case Cora and Talos would both benefit from a swift end, and they both know that they both know it.

So Laird didn’t make it – no surprise there. Cora is right though in that Talos could certainly take it as a sign that she has made her choice by sallying knights against the Legion. Not good if that is the impression held by the General. We can almost hope here that his ‘inside information’ on the state of Cardonaccum allows him to accurately divine the truth.

I see Cora’s pretty good with critters!