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> Cardonaccum, The beauty of a thistle.
haute ecole rider
post Jun 30 2013, 06:15 PM
Post #1


Master
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Joined: 16-March 10
From: The place where the Witchhorses play



A/N: Hello all. This is a story I began writing for NaNoWriMo in 2011. Now that Julian has finished telling her story, Cora is impatient to take her turn. So without further ado, I will allow her to introduce herself and begin her story. Hopefully it won't be as long in the telling as Julian's. It is not as epic, nor does it have sweeping consequences, but as I see it, without Cora we would not have Julian's story at all.

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Chapter One

“Milady!” The lean form darted through the tall panels, the storm following hard on his heels. The doorkeepers struggled to close the doors against the pelting rain. For a moment, I could not see the courier’s face against the lightning flashes that limned his figure.

Finally he halted before me, bedraggled and breathless. Rain dripped from his sodden clothes, and plastered his black hair to his forehead. As my vision readjusted to the torches that lit the main hall of the donjon, I could recognize the young man. I stepped away from my comfortable chair and nodded at Jannet, who turned and disappeared in the direction of the kitchens.

“Please sit down, Tavish,” I took the courier’s cloak and removed it from his shoulders. He reached for it reflexively, but I shook my head at him as Siné took the fabric from me and draped it near the fire to dry. I led him to my chair. He resisted briefly, but exhaustion enforced my quiet command, and he fell onto the soft cushion with a groan.

“I h- have n- news,” he met my gaze as I picked up the wine flagon and poured the mulled liquid into my goblet. I handed it to him with forced calmness. Around us gathered the thistlemen who had remained behind to defend the donjon, and those of our crofters who sought refuge from the oncoming winter in our snug shelter.

“I’m sure you do,” I answered quietly, gesturing for him to drink. “But partake of the wine first. You are shivering so much all of us can hear your teeth chattering!”

Jannet returned with more of the heated wine and warm blankets. She set the flagon down on the warming table beside the fire and turned to wrap the dry wool around Tavish’s shaking shoulders. He gulped at the goblet gratefully and snuggled deeper into the blankets before speaking again.

“Milord is at the Bluestone Tower,” the courier cradled the wine in both hands, seeking to warm his fingers against its heat. “The Colovian forces are there.”

“Who arrived first?” Robert Whitearm, the burly castellan, shouldered his way through the growing crowd to take his place at my right shoulder.

“Milord did,” Tavish responded. “But before he could take the high ground across the river, the Legions arrived. They possess the bluffs.”

I could see the dismay in Robert’s stony face as he absorbed the implications. From my own studies in milord’s library, I understood that Wallace had just lost the first battle. It would be far more difficult to take on the foe from downhill.

“How many are there?” Robert continued his line of questioning after a moment. Tavish met his gaze unhappily.

“There were three thousand there when I left,” he muttered into his wine. “Five cohorts worth. With more on the way.”

“Damnation!” Robert’s barely suppressed explosion lifted his heavy mustache away from his lips. I shook my head warningly at him. He fell silent, grumbling to himself like a cranky bear roused too early from his winter sleep.

“How are milord’s men?” I turned back to Tavish. He smiled bravely at me.

“They are in good spirits, m’lady,” he lifted the goblet at me. “The stores are full with provisions and arms, and their blades are keen.”

“Does milord require anything from us?” He shook my head at my question.

“M’lord asks that you see to the donjon.” His gaze shifted to Robert. “keep the men alert, and the crofters safe. Winter comes, and promises to be harsh this year.”

“Thank you, Tavish,” I murmured, then turned to Robert. “Please send the patrol out one more time, to try and bring in the rest of the crofters. Things will be very hard for them this winter.”

“You know how they don’t want to leave their livestock,” Robert began. I drew myself up to my fullest height, though the top of my head still fell short of his broad shoulders.

“Then we must find room for all their livestock within the bailey,” I answered. “With so many men away, it’s the only way to keep them safe with the limited manpower we have.”

“Yes, m’lady,” Robert inclined his head in gruff acquiescence. He turned and stalked through the throng, shouting over their gathered heads for his lieutenant. I searched the surrounding faces. A lean man with a hatchet face stepped forward and bowed to me.

“Niall,” I said to the steward, “please see Tavish settled into the thistlemen’s dormitory. Get those wet clothes off of him before he catches bloodlung. And feed him something hot and filling before he falls asleep.”

“As you will, milady,” Niall inclined his upper body again and motioned for Tavish to follow him.

“No,” Tavish rose unsteadily to his feet. “I have a message for m’lady’s ears only.” He turned to me. “Please let me say it before you send me away.”

“Then we will go to milord’s study,” I turned toward the stair set into the wall at the north side of the donjon. “Niall, Jannet, with us please.” I caught the breath of protest the young courier drew and shook my head at him. “Come,” I waved him ahead. He moved forward and fell in behind me obediently.

Wallace’s study sat on the second floor, at the south wall of the donjon. When we reached the entrance, I waved Tavish through, and paused in the doorway. “Niall, Jannet, wait out here. I’ll not keep you long.” They nodded their acquiescence and I closed the door before them.

In the center of the book lined room, Tavish turned uneasily toward me. “This is a message from milord,” he spoke quietly. I stepped forward so we were mere inches apart.

“Tell me.” I said softly.

“Milord says to make the donjon ready to receive wounded,” Tavish’s blue eyes grew unfocused as he recalled Wallace’s exact words. “He expects massive casualties at the blades of the Legions.”

“Does he still expect to defeat the Colovians?” I asked. Tavish looked down at me. Not quite as tall as Sir Robert, he still had height on me, as did most of the residents of Cardonaccum. “Tell me the truth,” I demanded softly.

“Yes, m’lady,” Tavish answered. “Though Sir Laird and Sir Rodric do not agree. Sir Broc sides with milord.”

Of course he would. I kept my initial response silent. “How soon?”

“As soon as their General brings up the rest of his Legions,” Tavish responded. “Milord expects tomorrow or the day after.”

So soon? I hid my dismay and nodded thoughtfully. “Anything else, Tavish?”

“That is all,” the courier ducked his head and swayed slightly. “Milord said you would understand.”

“Thank you, Tavish,” I returned to the corridor door and opened it. “Niall will see you settled for the night. Sleep well.”

“Milady,” Tavish bowed deeply to me. For a breath’s space I feared that he would pitch forward onto his face, but he recovered his balance and shuffled to the door and the waiting steward beyond. After the young man departed, I crossed the corridor to the sleeping quarters I shared with Wallace. Jannet followed me into the sitting room and closed the door behind her.

“I will make it an early night,” I said, turning for the connecting door that led to my sleeping room. “We have a long day tomorrow.”

Jannet banked the sitting-room fire and tidied up the reading table while I changed into my nightdress. She peeked into the sleeping room as I pulled the bedcovers back. “Will milady be needing anything else?”

I shook my head at the older woman. “No, thanks very much. Sleep well, Jannet.”

“You as well, milady.” She closed the door after her, and I listened to her footfalls as she crossed the sitting room to her sleeping alcove at the opposite side.

I slipped into the bed and drew up the thick pelts over my lap. Leaning back against the stead, I picked up the book resting on my nightstand. One of Wallace’s volumes, it detailed the attempts of King Vrage of Skyrim to free the Bretons of High Rock from their supposed enslavement. As I opened it to the place marked by a dark green ribbon, something landed on my feet. I looked up as the big black-striped brown moggy padded along my legs to settle beside my right hip. She curled up contentedly and began purring squeakily.

I smiled at her attitude and reached my hand down to stroke the soft fur of her back. The purring rose to thunderous proportions, and she adjusted her position slightly for better gratification. “Cinnie, let me read a bit,” I whispered to the cat. Then I returned to the book. Crossing the River Bjoulsae. I had read it once before, when I married Wallace ten years ago. I had found it difficult to understand then. Not so much now, thanks to my husband’s guidance.

“What are you doing here, Cora?” Wallace’s gentle voice reached me from the doorway of his study. I jumped guiltily and clutched the heavy book to my bosom, afraid of dropping it. The sun shone warm on my back as I turned away from the window to face him. Instead of the wrath I expected to see, his weathered face held only surprise.

“I- I was c- curious,” I stammered, bowing my head in shame. “Forgive me, milord.” I moved to return the book to its place among its brethren on one of the library shelves. In a long stride Wallace placed his sword hand on my wrist, the calluses of its palm hard against my skin.

He plucked the book from my hands and glanced at the cover.
“Crossing the River Bjoulsae?” He turned to me. “Look at me, Cora.” Hesitantly I obeyed, looking up into his lean visage. “Why are you reading a military history book? My first wife’s romances are over there.” He gestured to the opposite side of the room. I flinched at the reminder of my predecessor.

“Th- they’re n- not in- interesting.” I managed to get the words out. His grey brows rose, startled.

“Not interesting?” he repeated disbelievingly. “And this is?” He hefted the thick volume and regarded me thoughtfully. Silently I nodded. “Do you understand any of it?”

I had to shake my head. “I- it’s not e- easy, milord.”

He touched my lips. “It’s just the two of us, Cora. You don’t need to address me so formally.”

Again I lowered my eyes. “Yes, mi - Wallace.”

My husband set the book back on the shelf with greater ease than I had in obtaining it from its high perch. “Come, sit down a moment, Cora.” He drew me to one of a pair of leather upholstered chairs placed near the fireplace. “Why do you want to learn military history and tactics?”

I looked up at him as I took the indicated chair. He met my gaze when he had seated himself in the twin. When I didn’t answer, his brows rose. I found myself still fascinated by them. Wonderfully expressive they were, as were his stormy grey eyes. For all that he was so much older than me, by a good thirty years, Wallace was still clean-jointed, still limber and trim after years of fighting and training. Once again I saw the sadness in his gaze, the sadness that never left. Once again I renewed my private vow to dispel that private grief.

“When I sit with you and your men at dinner,” I made myself speak slowly. I didn’t stammer, and felt proud. “I want to be able to understand your conversation.”

He leaned back, his eyes steady on me. “Really? Even when their wives discuss things with you?”

I shook my head. “Talk of spinning and dyeing wool, of crocheting, of pickling and salting food for the winter doesn’t interest me.”

“They should,” he shook a callused finger chidingly at me. “The work of women are just as important as that of men. More so, even. For without their hard work, we’d be too hungry and too cold to fight!”

“And without men who know how to fight, there’d be no women to feed and clothe them!” I countered with some heat before I caught myself. My eyes sought the fire. “I’m sorry, mil - Wallace.”

“Don’t be,” Wallace’s tone turned gentle again. “Cora, are you truly interested in our conversations over dinner?”

I peeked warily at him. Unlike my guardian, who had scorned and ridiculed my interest in military tactics, Wallace seemed genuinely accepting. I nodded.

“Very well,” he set his hands on the arms of his chair. The leather-covered wood frame creaked as he pushed himself to his feet. “Then it would be wise to begin with this,” he moved back to his collection of military books and ran his finger along their spines. Finding the one he sought, he pulled it out. “This book is the first book I ever read. It will explain the basics you need to understand everything else, including
Bjoulsae.” He tapped my ambitious selection with a knuckle, then returned to the hearth with the slimmer volume. “Start with this one, and work your way up to that one. We’ll talk about it some more after you finish reading it. Understood?”

I looked at the cover of the book he handed me.
Art of War. Breathlessly, I looked up at him. He smiled, that sadness not quite disappearing, and waited for my answer. “Yes, I understand, Wallace,” I managed to whisper. He touched my cheek with his fingertips before turning and leaving me alone in his study.

“Yes, I understand, Wallace,” I whispered as my eyes refocused on the book in my lap. Cinnie picked her head up at the sound of my voice and yawned, before shifting back into sleep.

This post has been edited by haute ecole rider: Jul 1 2013, 03:03 AM


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haute ecole rider
post Sep 1 2013, 06:48 PM
Post #2


Master
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Joined: 16-March 10
From: The place where the Witchhorses play



@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! wink.gif

@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. blink.gif

@Acadian: Pillsbury Priest of Arkay indeed! tongue.gif 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.

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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.


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haute ecole rider   Cardonaccum   Jun 30 2013, 06:15 PM
McBadgere   Brilliant!!...Love it already... :D ... S...   Jun 30 2013, 06:24 PM
SubRosa   Hello to Cora, Cinnie, and (William) Wallace! ...   Jun 30 2013, 08:50 PM
Acadian   Congrats on starting a new story! I see tha...   Jun 30 2013, 10:36 PM
ThatSkyrimGuy   This is great! Not just the story, but the fac...   Jul 1 2013, 03:35 AM
King Coin   For some reason when the kitty jumped on Cora, I w...   Jul 2 2013, 05:59 AM
haute ecole rider   @McB: Thanks for your warm welcome for my newest c...   Jul 7 2013, 06:18 PM
ThatSkyrimGuy   [b]@TheSkyMan: ... Sorry that I had to make you l...   Jul 8 2013, 11:57 PM
Acadian   How wonderful to review some of Lady Cora’s rocky ...   Jul 7 2013, 09:59 PM
SubRosa   I see Cora's first days as the lady of the hou...   Jul 7 2013, 11:42 PM
King Coin   “Not unless you want to poison everyone.” That wou...   Jul 8 2013, 01:10 AM
haute ecole rider   @Acadian: Thanks for your affirmation of my attemp...   Jul 14 2013, 06:16 PM
Acadian   We learn that Cora carries blood of the Western Re...   Jul 14 2013, 11:05 PM
ghastley   Just found this one, and I find myself going down ...   Jul 15 2013, 06:54 PM
SubRosa   So Cora's a Witchwoman of the Western Reach? N...   Jul 15 2013, 09:02 PM
Grits   I love your way of starting the story and letting ...   Jul 16 2013, 04:26 AM
ThatSkyrimGuy   Another great installment. I agree with Acadian wh...   Jul 17 2013, 01:41 PM
haute ecole rider   @Acadian: As always, I enjoyed your summation of t...   Jul 21 2013, 05:29 PM
SubRosa   I know you remarked upon it already, but I really ...   Jul 21 2013, 06:21 PM
ghastley   [i]And haggis. So she is going to torture them af...   Jul 21 2013, 09:59 PM
ThatSkyrimGuy   Cora certainly showed true strength (or an outward...   Jul 21 2013, 06:32 PM
jack cloudy   I'm not caught up till the end, but I just wan...   Jul 21 2013, 08:42 PM
Acadian   General Talos! Oh my! There’s a lot g...   Jul 21 2013, 10:08 PM
King Coin   It sounds if the wait may be over soon. I expect g...   Jul 22 2013, 02:47 AM
Grits   General Talos?! :O Oh my gosh! “And hag...   Jul 26 2013, 03:52 PM
Kazaera   Oooh! This is very interesting - I definitely ...   Jul 27 2013, 12:54 PM
haute ecole rider   @SubRosa: Thanks for your vote on my choice of ...   Jul 28 2013, 09:50 PM
ThatSkyrimGuy   This was so good, I don't know where to begin....   Jul 28 2013, 11:20 PM
McBadgere   Proper excellence!!... I absolutely love ...   Jul 29 2013, 04:59 AM
Colonel Mustard   So far, this has been an amazing read. I'm lov...   Jul 29 2013, 07:49 AM
Acadian   A fitting and well-described tribute to the fallen...   Jul 29 2013, 03:33 PM
ghastley   I was surprised to find that Wallace was a Nord at...   Jul 29 2013, 04:00 PM
SubRosa   A very intriguing beginning, as we learn that Wall...   Jul 29 2013, 11:07 PM
Grits   I particularly liked the exchange between Cora and...   Jul 30 2013, 08:15 PM
haute ecole rider   @SkyGuy: Thanks for catching that nit! I went ...   Aug 4 2013, 07:01 PM
Kazaera   Oh man. I was kind of expecting... something along...   Aug 4 2013, 07:23 PM
SubRosa   Wow, Elspeth was a knock-out! Sir Roderic...   Aug 4 2013, 08:04 PM
Colonel Mustard   The whole chapter was great, but this line...it m...   Aug 5 2013, 01:42 AM
McBadgere   *Applauds*... Ye Gods I loved that...Politics...S...   Aug 5 2013, 06:05 AM
ghastley   This tells me she knows what she's doing. And...   Aug 5 2013, 03:20 PM
Acadian   While still whirling from the funeral and ominous ...   Aug 5 2013, 03:24 PM
Captain Hammer   Well, I am all caught up, and happy that I have do...   Aug 5 2013, 04:32 PM
Grits   I like how Cora’s insecurities run through this se...   Aug 8 2013, 04:27 PM
haute ecole rider   @Kazaera: Yes, Cora's choice to withhold her o...   Aug 11 2013, 05:15 PM
SubRosa   The castle folk being on Cora's side helps. At...   Aug 11 2013, 07:24 PM
jack cloudy   Still not caught up yet. (yes, I'm slow.) Wha...   Aug 11 2013, 09:23 PM
Grits   “Exactly,” I answered. “What does he have to say t...   Aug 11 2013, 09:41 PM
McBadgere   An excellent chapter...Again!!... :D ... ...   Aug 12 2013, 12:39 PM
ghastley   The castle staff is behind her. The army is behind...   Aug 12 2013, 03:08 PM
Acadian   We can well feel the heavy mantle of responsibilit...   Aug 12 2013, 06:01 PM
Captain Hammer   Well, I guess we didn't get to see what GENERA...   Aug 13 2013, 05:07 AM
haute ecole rider   @SubRosa: I am glad you have finally figured out t...   Aug 18 2013, 07:09 PM
SubRosa   Titus Alorius? You dug deep to get that name! ...   Aug 18 2013, 09:54 PM
McBadgere   Fair dues...Loved your version of Tiber Septim...F...   Aug 19 2013, 01:51 PM
ghastley   I'm a little surprised he showed her that ju...   Aug 19 2013, 04:43 PM
Acadian   Lady Cora struggles valiantly to maintain her comp...   Aug 19 2013, 08:01 PM
haute ecole rider   @SageRose: Thanks to Destri and his Interregnum I...   Aug 25 2013, 05:37 PM
SubRosa   Well at least Sir Rod is on the mend, that is one ...   Aug 26 2013, 02:05 AM
Captain Hammer   I barely get a free moment this past week, and you...   Aug 26 2013, 04:47 AM
McBadgere   Excellent chapter!!... :D ... Loved the w...   Aug 26 2013, 01:30 PM
ghastley   OK, she's qualified, if we didn't alrea...   Aug 26 2013, 02:53 PM
Acadian   Those two impertinent knights are not what Cora ne...   Aug 26 2013, 05:30 PM
Kazaera   Oooh! So Laird is... leaving. We hope (?). Or ...   Aug 26 2013, 05:38 PM
SubRosa   When I saw your comment about 11EEE shoes all I co...   Sep 1 2013, 07:22 PM
McBadgere   I like that Robert...He's a good man that one....   Sep 2 2013, 06:10 AM
ghastley   So Cora's established that she's in charge...   Sep 2 2013, 03:17 PM
Acadian   And the influence of Lord Wallace continues to exe...   Sep 2 2013, 05:05 PM
jack cloudy   Wait, I'm all caught up? Impossible! Ahem...   Sep 7 2013, 05:11 PM
haute ecole rider   @SubRosa: Yes, Wallace anticipated that Lady Cora...   Sep 8 2013, 06:14 PM
ghastley   There's a nice bit of reinforcement of the fac...   Sep 9 2013, 03:55 PM
Acadian   ”. . . we’ll have more important things to worry a...   Sep 9 2013, 04:39 PM
SubRosa   At least Cora had some good news from Sine. I am w...   Sep 10 2013, 01:03 AM
McBadgere   Yes, Cardonaccum sounds like it should be on the N...   Sep 10 2013, 03:42 AM
jack cloudy   What everything else said. Good reinforcement of C...   Sep 10 2013, 07:09 PM
ghastley   I do have to disagree with Subrosa though. Laird ...   Sep 10 2013, 07:13 PM
Grits   I’m interested to see what happens to Circium. I w...   Sep 12 2013, 12:43 PM
haute ecole rider   @ghastley: Yes, Lady Cora has the gumption to stan...   Sep 15 2013, 05:51 PM
ghastley   A slant on it that I hadn't seen. Laird...   Sep 16 2013, 03:22 PM
Acadian   So Laird didn’t make it – no surprise there. Cora...   Sep 16 2013, 06:46 PM
SubRosa   From the commotion the woods, I am guessing that S...   Sep 16 2013, 08:34 PM
Grits   I would tend to think that Sir Laird’s lady and c...   Sep 16 2013, 11:40 PM
McBadgere   Ooooh...Proper brilliant... D'you know...I...   Sep 17 2013, 04:35 AM
haute ecole rider   @ghastley: As usual, you have presented a good sum...   Sep 22 2013, 07:19 PM
jack cloudy   Well, I figured that Laird wanting to return later...   Sep 22 2013, 07:55 PM
SubRosa   Now that was some nightmare! Poor Cora. Someho...   Sep 22 2013, 08:10 PM
Captain Hammer   And so I am caught up again. Huzzah for a weekend ...   Sep 23 2013, 04:28 AM
Acadian   Loved your use of the same type of blade trap that...   Sep 23 2013, 11:28 AM
ghastley   Since Talos has played the card of putting himself...   Sep 23 2013, 03:27 PM
Grits   This time I saw the stranger reach the blade trap...   Sep 25 2013, 03:13 AM
haute ecole rider   @jackcloudy: You're right, the besieged won...   Sep 29 2013, 06:34 PM
SubRosa   As expected Lady Cora has encountered Talos' s...   Sep 30 2013, 01:43 AM
Colonel Mustard   I thought that this would be happening sooner or l...   Sep 30 2013, 12:28 PM
ghastley   Not that we needed any more evidence that she...   Sep 30 2013, 03:05 PM
Acadian   And the deal is done. Cora acquitted herself well...   Sep 30 2013, 07:51 PM
McBadgere   Proper loved the meeting between Lady Cora and t...   Oct 6 2013, 06:24 AM
haute ecole rider   @SageRose: I'm one of those writers who like t...   Oct 6 2013, 10:11 PM
SubRosa   I kept looking for a sweetroll during the negotiat...   Oct 7 2013, 12:59 AM
ghastley   Was the "xerox magic", as SubRosa has ca...   Oct 7 2013, 02:59 PM
Acadian   SubRosa nailed the highlights here – I fondly reme...   Oct 7 2013, 03:28 PM
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