Turn 10.3 - To Slay the Dragon
New
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
Audrey could see it all now, the path to victory. Crowley blows through the horn, calling forth the beast within to distract the Dragon, taking advantage of its apparent hunger and force of habit to buy her precious seconds to act. She then would prop up the Steel-tipped spear precisely where it needed to be in her web of Hama, before using the Shield to force the Dragon–confused, hungry, and distracted–to lose its footing, driving it to stumble onto the outstretched spear–the blacker-than-black tip carving through emaciated scale to pierce it's heart.
It could work–there was nothing wrong with the plan. Dragons were mighty, but they weren't renowned for being quick of thought–she had all the tools she needed, and with a single gesture, Audrey Eotenslaga could carve her name deep in the history books–seizing acclaim and recognition that no amount of time could so easily wipe away! She would be spoken of in the same breath as Jack the Giant-Killer himself! No longer would she need to fear her achievements being forgotten–her hard work being thrown aside in favor of those who had the fortune to be born as men–those who truly had the right to dominate history.
All it would take was three heartbeats, and Audrey Eotenslaga would never be forgotten, and never set aside.
" I don't want you throwing your life away if it turns out a Dragon just showed up in a cave a few weeks ago, understood?"
What was she thinking?
Audrey Eotenslaga froze as the words of Sir Vieux rang through her mind. That moment of hesitation was the only thing required for her instincts to catch up and remind her that This is a Dragon. Could she say that she genuinely understood every variable involved here? She had yet to grasp the powers of that chariot for instance–and the laurel crown upon its horn… She knew it had a measure of magic–but could she confirm it was genuinely irrelevant?
Audrey was about to risk the lives of hundreds–if not thousands of her people! To do something she was explicitly told not to do!
Given the thread to work on, her mind spins into further second and third-order consequences. The Knights on the front would have to react quickly to contain the Dragon–but they were already making a show of things, which meant the eyes of the Danes were upon them. To then turn around and show weakness would invite assault! The Dragon would be impossible to hide, and the war would begin on the spot!
What happens if she succeeds then? She… Gains the 'Glory' and 'Honor' of being one who would happily defy her teachers and the will of her King for secular treasures and glory. She was still a Squire for goodness sake! A precocious one of exceptional talent–mind you–but still an apprentice Knight! What was she even going to do with the sort of prizes the King would be obligated to reward her?
She was no heathen warmain–who was gifted power for doing insane things and telling people the tale. She was to be a Knight of Wessex! the span of centuries was hers to claim as she pleased! Power? Glory? Recognition? They were inevitable as long as she walked the right path! She was a Guardian of the Faith! Not some thuggish brute solely interested in her enrichment!
Audrey Eotenslaga closed her eyes, breathing deeply as she steadied the roiling storm that was her heart and soul. This was a test from God, was it not? He wished to see if Audrey had grown beyond the callow impulses of youth and into a true champion.
She had very nearly failed it, the Deadly Sin of Superbia had almost driven her into being an instrument of Satan.
But nearly was not the same as Truly!
" Then, so be it." Audrey steeled herself and turned away–even as her heart screamed in protest at the missed opportunity. " We will leave this place–this challenge is a matter for our superiors."
Crowley met her gaze, and nodded, alighting on her shoulder to keep watch, gifting her comfort as she grappled with the Devil's wicked temptation.
But evil could not linger where the Light of God shone–and in turning aside from her personal glory for the sake of a higher cause, driving the Devil to cower behind her–Audrey Eotenslaga felt the Grace within her grow brighter still.
This was the right path–and she was a fool for not seeing it when she did. But that was okay, even the holiest men and women must be tested from time to time.
Audrey Eotenslaga had never met a test she could not pass with flair and aplomb!
0~0~0
With the looming threat of the Fort identified, and its hoard left untampered with–nothing prevented Audrey from departing the Dragon's Lair–and taking up Bradamante's reins once more, she rode down the trail she had blazed. There were magical trinkets she and the other Squires had been issued–to call attention in a crisis by sending up a beacon of warning. Employing it here and now though would be reckless–so close to the border, it would all but scream the importance of what she had discovered.
So Bradamante galloped down the road on a tide of water–a trick copied from the Norse lad from the Winchester Tournament–only a trail of swiftly drying mud betrayed the path she had taken and the haste of her return–slowing only as Warwick loomed on the horizon. Pagan Seers undoubtedly had eyes on each of the Burhs established in Alfred's life–and she was loath to tip any spies off to what she had discovered.
Fortunately, the interior was warded from such prying eyes–and the moment she had time to breathe, she demanded a meeting with the Ealderman and Bishop.
"There's a Dragon in our territory." She reported, when the two had arrived with a basin–the rite to transfer an image of memory into clear water couldn't even genuinely be called a Prayer anymore–more the application of tools–and sure enough, the image of the sleeping Dragon. "Hibernating but as weak as it's ever likely to get."
Rothulf Waering took one short look at Audrey's stone-faced expression, then turned to the basin.
"Fuck me sideways." He spat. "You didn't wake it up, did you?"
Audrey shook her head. "I concealed my presence well, it was still sleeping like a babe when I left–I inspected its hoard as well as I could from a distance, but was careful not to move any of it. It should still be unaware that we have its location."
Rothulf nodded eagerly. "Good, good!" He bore his teeth. "You did everything exactly right!" His grin was that of a man who had just been handed a golden opportunity. "This is beyond me as well–we can't get even remotely close in strength to take that thing out before it wakes up… But that's not our job either–what do you think Jasper? This warrant giving the Old Man a call?"
The Bishop of Warwickshire was silent, pondering the findings–but nodded. "It does." He agrees. "A chance to bring down one of Satan's creatures before it can wreak havoc on God's Children? The King will assuredly act–I will perform the sending when I return to my chambers." He turned and smiled at Audrey. "Well Done Audrey Eotenslaga! Though this may not earn you any open acclaim, know that you have struck a terrific blow in the name of God and King. It will not soon be forgotten."
"Damn right, it won't." Rothulf Waering agreed. "Do you have any idea how often it is you get to catch a Dragon napping? Before it burned some towns down? I owe you a personal debt for not fucking this up on my watch. Excuse my language, Your Excellency." He bows his head towards the Bishop, who waves it off with a gesture. "We'll keep acting like nothing's happened for now though–until the King's gotten back to us on how we're going to sort this problem out. Do you think you'll be able to keep your cool and return to your patrol?"
"It shouldn't be a problem" Audrey nodded, a little ember of something still burning in her chest. "I understand the need for discretion in this matter."
Rothulf smacked his fist down onto the table with a smile. "Good ma—err, Woman, sorry." He looked a little sheepish at the mistake. "Very well done! We'll get back to you once we've sorted this out and can figure out what we're going to do about this problem–I'll start shuffling some men around in case someone starts poking around anyway, we should be able to keep a lid on this until the King can send some men to take care of the Dragon–you though? Get back to your business–we'll be in touch!"
He waved Audrey off in dismissal, as he leaned closer to the Bishop of Warwick–whispering whatever plans the Ealderman and his spiritual counterpart got up to.
Audrey still wasn't positive if this was the best move she could have made–the doubts seeking to overtake her as her role in this matter drifted to a close.
But she was still confident that God approved her deeds–and that would be enough.
0~0~0
On wings of prayer, a message flitted across the island, carried by Angels in their original purpose as Messengers.
In Winchester, aged eyes crack open–a fierce light still burning within them. Plans upon plans unfolded as this new variable was introduced. Plans once discarded were reconstructed, as an intellect that surpassed all others of the age revised schemes set in place decades in the past.
He laughed uproariously–and sent word to his attendants. It seemed that he needed to go for a little walk.
0~0~0
Days passed, and the daily routine returned to Warwick. The other Squires returned from their patrols–freeing Audrey up from her detached patrol. The other Knights weren't far behind–having had a grand old time challenging the occasional adventurer from the Danelaw and reminding them that this front was protected–and not so trivially overrun by undying Viking warriors, no matter how many times they got to keep coming back from death.
Rumor though flew faster than anything else–and some were saying that King Alfred had decided to go on a grand inspection of the burhs--one of his first public appearances in years! Traveling along the great roads of Wessex and Mercia, he touched base with his daughter, showed the flag among the people of the sister kingdoms, and generally had a grand old time reminding all and sundry that he wasn't dead yet, and even if he were to drop dead tomorrow–he had forged by now a nation fit to survive the ages.
Warwick was one of many–not the first or the last to be checked–and if Audrey didn't know full well what had provoked the King to make a move like this, she'd have been completely taken in by the discussion! This was the power of a ruler who truly warranted being called "the Great"--all the eyes of the world were upon him, and he could bend that gaze to whatever purpose he desired.
She did not doubt that he had fooled the Danes, and when his procession arrived in Warwick, she was unsurprised to hear that he wished to interview the young Squires nearing the end of their training.
Naturally, Audrey, accompanied by a smugly beaming Reinauld Vieux, was the first to enter the pavilion where King Alfred reigned. And yet, it would not be until all had gone before her that she had her audience with the Great Father.
Alone, Audrey stands before the Great King of her people.
Upon a simple throne of common wood sits a man old enough to be Audrey's grandfather—had he survived the Danish raid that took his life, that is. The throne is far from crude, yet its make is nothing complex nor is it adorned by anything more than a handful of carvings. This, with the handles attached to the base, is a throne made for ease of motion for those assigned to carry it from place to place.
Alfred, King of Wessex, is a small man of advanced age. He sits with a hunch to his back and his hands collected in his lap. Heavy wrinkles ride his face as wispy white hair curls down from the simple crown adorning his brow. His body is withered and weathered with age, spots cling to his skin like barnacles do to a ship's hull.
And yet, even with the weight of age pushing him down, Alfred's eyes gleam with an obvious intelligence. A senile elder he is not, no, Alfred is a man fully in command of his wits.
He observes Audrey with a calm, calculating demeanor as she enters his tent and offers a deep bow to her lord and master. He returns the greeting with a shallow nod, as is appropriate to his station.
"Audrey Eotenslaga," Alfred's sudden words nearly knock Audrey from her feet as they yank the rug away, the rhythm of greeting and introductions cast to the wayside in favor of efficient progress. He speaks in a careful and controlled manner that still manages to warm Audrey's heart with every uttered phrase, "I have heard a great deal of your efforts these past few years and they have found me impressed. Tell me," he leans forward, fingers folding beneath his chin, "how much truth is there in the tales the bards are ever-so-eager to sing?"
Audrey swallows, caught flat-footed by the sudden pressure of King Alfred's attention. Like a weight upon her shoulders, those eyes of brilliant blue carry a patience that will not last forever. She needs to answer, and soon, "I- There are bards singing of me?"
Audrey stifles a groan and a smack of the brow as her tongue betrays her and makes her sound like a fool. Of course there are songs about her, why would any bard who heard of her glory decide against extolling it further?
"Indeed," Alfred, at least, seems to think nothing of her blunder—or perhaps he is simply taking mercy on her? Truly a man worthy of being called King! "Though," he chuckles, "I fear the bard of which I speak might take offense at being called such. He was, after all, a Danish Skald."
Audrey tenses, biting her tongue to keep her lacking knowledge under wraps. A skald is clearly nothing more than what the Danes call their men of song and dance.
"He sang of the challenges you faced, of the struggles you overcame," Alfred continues speaking, his every word stoking the fires of pride in Audrey's heart, "and of the Dragon you slew."
Audrey blinks, her traitorous tongue slipping free just long enough to make a fool of her once more, "A… A Dragon, my King? But I slew no Dragon?"
Alfred's lips curl at the corners, a twinkle shining in his gaze, "What else would you call denying the Devil's whispers? What else could overcoming the desires of the heart be named?"
"I- I don't understand." Dammit! There her tongue goes again!
Alfred's smile never wavers, "You, Audrey Eotenslaga, are capable of putting the realm before yourself. You are exactly what I am looking for in a Knight. And so," from nowhere and everywhere, a box appears in his hands, "when you are ready to enter the Fourth Decade, do so with this in the room. Only then will it open."
The box, which now sits in Audrey's hands—when did it get there?!—is a simple yet efficient design. A latch keeps it shut while a set of hinges helps it open when the time comes. Even though there is no lock on its surface, something tells Audrey that it will not open for her, or for anyone, unless she does as Alfred asks.
Audrey looks up, to thank her King for this gift, only to freeze with eyes spread wide.
Alfred is gone, his throne with him.
A bead of sweat rolls down Audrey's brow.
0~0~0
Alfred and his party depart after touching base, moving along the road to continue their inspection. And if an ancient fort and its unlawful occupant met the sting of Steel javelins, hurled by a block of the King's Thanes–who could say?
For who dared interfere in King Alfred the Great's inspection of the nation?
0~0~0
Audrey gains +2 Grace for wrestling with the temptation of one of her besetting Sins and nonetheless doing the right thing, without expectation of any reward at all for doing so. She receives a Sealed Box from King Alfred himself, as well as his notice and recognition of her good judgment.
Make plans for the next turn with your newly increased Training and Zeal, the North Seas Invitational nears, but you still have some time yet as a Squire to sharpen your skills
[ ] Example Plan
-[ ] [Focus Action] Insert Action Choice Here
-[ ] [Secondary Action] Insert Action Choice Here
-[ ] [Secondary Action] Insert Action Choice Here
-[ ] [Chancellery] Pick one available Idea
-[ ] Training and Zeal (60 Training, 126 Zeal)
–[ ] Spend 60 Training on whatever you desire (19 at most may be spent on Feats and Shapes, at least 3 must be spent on Light Revelation or associated Prayers)
–[ ] Spend 0-126 Zeal on whatever you desire
0~0~0
AN: And so the first Adventure comes to a close, with the players--narrowly--doing the Right Thing over what personally enriches them.
This is extremely important, because you just established yourself to be worthy of Trust in the eyes of Alfred the Great--even if he's on his last legs, his successor and his advisors will hear of this, and it will open doors that otherwise might have remained closed--even disregarding the spiritual benefits of facing down your defining Sin and forcing it back.
I'm very proud of you, and so are Audrey's mentors and superiors! Needless to say, you won't regret doing the Right Thing.
The North Sea Invitational will occur the turn after this one, including the adventure to get there, and the adventure to return home. This will be your final arc as a Squire, so keep all that in mind in when you make your plans!
As always, you can donate to the Audrey Character Sheet Fund here!
https://ko-fi.com/alectaitipjar
We're just about a third of the way there! We're making great progress!
I hope you had a good time reading all of this, at least as much of a good time as I had writing it.
It could work–there was nothing wrong with the plan. Dragons were mighty, but they weren't renowned for being quick of thought–she had all the tools she needed, and with a single gesture, Audrey Eotenslaga could carve her name deep in the history books–seizing acclaim and recognition that no amount of time could so easily wipe away! She would be spoken of in the same breath as Jack the Giant-Killer himself! No longer would she need to fear her achievements being forgotten–her hard work being thrown aside in favor of those who had the fortune to be born as men–those who truly had the right to dominate history.
All it would take was three heartbeats, and Audrey Eotenslaga would never be forgotten, and never set aside.
" I don't want you throwing your life away if it turns out a Dragon just showed up in a cave a few weeks ago, understood?"
What was she thinking?
Audrey Eotenslaga froze as the words of Sir Vieux rang through her mind. That moment of hesitation was the only thing required for her instincts to catch up and remind her that This is a Dragon. Could she say that she genuinely understood every variable involved here? She had yet to grasp the powers of that chariot for instance–and the laurel crown upon its horn… She knew it had a measure of magic–but could she confirm it was genuinely irrelevant?
Audrey was about to risk the lives of hundreds–if not thousands of her people! To do something she was explicitly told not to do!
Given the thread to work on, her mind spins into further second and third-order consequences. The Knights on the front would have to react quickly to contain the Dragon–but they were already making a show of things, which meant the eyes of the Danes were upon them. To then turn around and show weakness would invite assault! The Dragon would be impossible to hide, and the war would begin on the spot!
What happens if she succeeds then? She… Gains the 'Glory' and 'Honor' of being one who would happily defy her teachers and the will of her King for secular treasures and glory. She was still a Squire for goodness sake! A precocious one of exceptional talent–mind you–but still an apprentice Knight! What was she even going to do with the sort of prizes the King would be obligated to reward her?
She was no heathen warmain–who was gifted power for doing insane things and telling people the tale. She was to be a Knight of Wessex! the span of centuries was hers to claim as she pleased! Power? Glory? Recognition? They were inevitable as long as she walked the right path! She was a Guardian of the Faith! Not some thuggish brute solely interested in her enrichment!
Audrey Eotenslaga closed her eyes, breathing deeply as she steadied the roiling storm that was her heart and soul. This was a test from God, was it not? He wished to see if Audrey had grown beyond the callow impulses of youth and into a true champion.
She had very nearly failed it, the Deadly Sin of Superbia had almost driven her into being an instrument of Satan.
But nearly was not the same as Truly!
" Then, so be it." Audrey steeled herself and turned away–even as her heart screamed in protest at the missed opportunity. " We will leave this place–this challenge is a matter for our superiors."
Crowley met her gaze, and nodded, alighting on her shoulder to keep watch, gifting her comfort as she grappled with the Devil's wicked temptation.
But evil could not linger where the Light of God shone–and in turning aside from her personal glory for the sake of a higher cause, driving the Devil to cower behind her–Audrey Eotenslaga felt the Grace within her grow brighter still.
This was the right path–and she was a fool for not seeing it when she did. But that was okay, even the holiest men and women must be tested from time to time.
Audrey Eotenslaga had never met a test she could not pass with flair and aplomb!
0~0~0
With the looming threat of the Fort identified, and its hoard left untampered with–nothing prevented Audrey from departing the Dragon's Lair–and taking up Bradamante's reins once more, she rode down the trail she had blazed. There were magical trinkets she and the other Squires had been issued–to call attention in a crisis by sending up a beacon of warning. Employing it here and now though would be reckless–so close to the border, it would all but scream the importance of what she had discovered.
So Bradamante galloped down the road on a tide of water–a trick copied from the Norse lad from the Winchester Tournament–only a trail of swiftly drying mud betrayed the path she had taken and the haste of her return–slowing only as Warwick loomed on the horizon. Pagan Seers undoubtedly had eyes on each of the Burhs established in Alfred's life–and she was loath to tip any spies off to what she had discovered.
Fortunately, the interior was warded from such prying eyes–and the moment she had time to breathe, she demanded a meeting with the Ealderman and Bishop.
"There's a Dragon in our territory." She reported, when the two had arrived with a basin–the rite to transfer an image of memory into clear water couldn't even genuinely be called a Prayer anymore–more the application of tools–and sure enough, the image of the sleeping Dragon. "Hibernating but as weak as it's ever likely to get."
Rothulf Waering took one short look at Audrey's stone-faced expression, then turned to the basin.
"Fuck me sideways." He spat. "You didn't wake it up, did you?"
Audrey shook her head. "I concealed my presence well, it was still sleeping like a babe when I left–I inspected its hoard as well as I could from a distance, but was careful not to move any of it. It should still be unaware that we have its location."
Rothulf nodded eagerly. "Good, good!" He bore his teeth. "You did everything exactly right!" His grin was that of a man who had just been handed a golden opportunity. "This is beyond me as well–we can't get even remotely close in strength to take that thing out before it wakes up… But that's not our job either–what do you think Jasper? This warrant giving the Old Man a call?"
The Bishop of Warwickshire was silent, pondering the findings–but nodded. "It does." He agrees. "A chance to bring down one of Satan's creatures before it can wreak havoc on God's Children? The King will assuredly act–I will perform the sending when I return to my chambers." He turned and smiled at Audrey. "Well Done Audrey Eotenslaga! Though this may not earn you any open acclaim, know that you have struck a terrific blow in the name of God and King. It will not soon be forgotten."
"Damn right, it won't." Rothulf Waering agreed. "Do you have any idea how often it is you get to catch a Dragon napping? Before it burned some towns down? I owe you a personal debt for not fucking this up on my watch. Excuse my language, Your Excellency." He bows his head towards the Bishop, who waves it off with a gesture. "We'll keep acting like nothing's happened for now though–until the King's gotten back to us on how we're going to sort this problem out. Do you think you'll be able to keep your cool and return to your patrol?"
"It shouldn't be a problem" Audrey nodded, a little ember of something still burning in her chest. "I understand the need for discretion in this matter."
Rothulf smacked his fist down onto the table with a smile. "Good ma—err, Woman, sorry." He looked a little sheepish at the mistake. "Very well done! We'll get back to you once we've sorted this out and can figure out what we're going to do about this problem–I'll start shuffling some men around in case someone starts poking around anyway, we should be able to keep a lid on this until the King can send some men to take care of the Dragon–you though? Get back to your business–we'll be in touch!"
He waved Audrey off in dismissal, as he leaned closer to the Bishop of Warwick–whispering whatever plans the Ealderman and his spiritual counterpart got up to.
Audrey still wasn't positive if this was the best move she could have made–the doubts seeking to overtake her as her role in this matter drifted to a close.
But she was still confident that God approved her deeds–and that would be enough.
0~0~0
On wings of prayer, a message flitted across the island, carried by Angels in their original purpose as Messengers.
In Winchester, aged eyes crack open–a fierce light still burning within them. Plans upon plans unfolded as this new variable was introduced. Plans once discarded were reconstructed, as an intellect that surpassed all others of the age revised schemes set in place decades in the past.
He laughed uproariously–and sent word to his attendants. It seemed that he needed to go for a little walk.
0~0~0
Days passed, and the daily routine returned to Warwick. The other Squires returned from their patrols–freeing Audrey up from her detached patrol. The other Knights weren't far behind–having had a grand old time challenging the occasional adventurer from the Danelaw and reminding them that this front was protected–and not so trivially overrun by undying Viking warriors, no matter how many times they got to keep coming back from death.
Rumor though flew faster than anything else–and some were saying that King Alfred had decided to go on a grand inspection of the burhs--one of his first public appearances in years! Traveling along the great roads of Wessex and Mercia, he touched base with his daughter, showed the flag among the people of the sister kingdoms, and generally had a grand old time reminding all and sundry that he wasn't dead yet, and even if he were to drop dead tomorrow–he had forged by now a nation fit to survive the ages.
Warwick was one of many–not the first or the last to be checked–and if Audrey didn't know full well what had provoked the King to make a move like this, she'd have been completely taken in by the discussion! This was the power of a ruler who truly warranted being called "the Great"--all the eyes of the world were upon him, and he could bend that gaze to whatever purpose he desired.
She did not doubt that he had fooled the Danes, and when his procession arrived in Warwick, she was unsurprised to hear that he wished to interview the young Squires nearing the end of their training.
Naturally, Audrey, accompanied by a smugly beaming Reinauld Vieux, was the first to enter the pavilion where King Alfred reigned. And yet, it would not be until all had gone before her that she had her audience with the Great Father.
Alone, Audrey stands before the Great King of her people.
Upon a simple throne of common wood sits a man old enough to be Audrey's grandfather—had he survived the Danish raid that took his life, that is. The throne is far from crude, yet its make is nothing complex nor is it adorned by anything more than a handful of carvings. This, with the handles attached to the base, is a throne made for ease of motion for those assigned to carry it from place to place.
Alfred, King of Wessex, is a small man of advanced age. He sits with a hunch to his back and his hands collected in his lap. Heavy wrinkles ride his face as wispy white hair curls down from the simple crown adorning his brow. His body is withered and weathered with age, spots cling to his skin like barnacles do to a ship's hull.
And yet, even with the weight of age pushing him down, Alfred's eyes gleam with an obvious intelligence. A senile elder he is not, no, Alfred is a man fully in command of his wits.
He observes Audrey with a calm, calculating demeanor as she enters his tent and offers a deep bow to her lord and master. He returns the greeting with a shallow nod, as is appropriate to his station.
"Audrey Eotenslaga," Alfred's sudden words nearly knock Audrey from her feet as they yank the rug away, the rhythm of greeting and introductions cast to the wayside in favor of efficient progress. He speaks in a careful and controlled manner that still manages to warm Audrey's heart with every uttered phrase, "I have heard a great deal of your efforts these past few years and they have found me impressed. Tell me," he leans forward, fingers folding beneath his chin, "how much truth is there in the tales the bards are ever-so-eager to sing?"
Audrey swallows, caught flat-footed by the sudden pressure of King Alfred's attention. Like a weight upon her shoulders, those eyes of brilliant blue carry a patience that will not last forever. She needs to answer, and soon, "I- There are bards singing of me?"
Audrey stifles a groan and a smack of the brow as her tongue betrays her and makes her sound like a fool. Of course there are songs about her, why would any bard who heard of her glory decide against extolling it further?
"Indeed," Alfred, at least, seems to think nothing of her blunder—or perhaps he is simply taking mercy on her? Truly a man worthy of being called King! "Though," he chuckles, "I fear the bard of which I speak might take offense at being called such. He was, after all, a Danish Skald."
Audrey tenses, biting her tongue to keep her lacking knowledge under wraps. A skald is clearly nothing more than what the Danes call their men of song and dance.
"He sang of the challenges you faced, of the struggles you overcame," Alfred continues speaking, his every word stoking the fires of pride in Audrey's heart, "and of the Dragon you slew."
Audrey blinks, her traitorous tongue slipping free just long enough to make a fool of her once more, "A… A Dragon, my King? But I slew no Dragon?"
Alfred's lips curl at the corners, a twinkle shining in his gaze, "What else would you call denying the Devil's whispers? What else could overcoming the desires of the heart be named?"
"I- I don't understand." Dammit! There her tongue goes again!
Alfred's smile never wavers, "You, Audrey Eotenslaga, are capable of putting the realm before yourself. You are exactly what I am looking for in a Knight. And so," from nowhere and everywhere, a box appears in his hands, "when you are ready to enter the Fourth Decade, do so with this in the room. Only then will it open."
The box, which now sits in Audrey's hands—when did it get there?!—is a simple yet efficient design. A latch keeps it shut while a set of hinges helps it open when the time comes. Even though there is no lock on its surface, something tells Audrey that it will not open for her, or for anyone, unless she does as Alfred asks.
Audrey looks up, to thank her King for this gift, only to freeze with eyes spread wide.
Alfred is gone, his throne with him.
A bead of sweat rolls down Audrey's brow.
0~0~0
Alfred and his party depart after touching base, moving along the road to continue their inspection. And if an ancient fort and its unlawful occupant met the sting of Steel javelins, hurled by a block of the King's Thanes–who could say?
For who dared interfere in King Alfred the Great's inspection of the nation?
0~0~0
Audrey gains +2 Grace for wrestling with the temptation of one of her besetting Sins and nonetheless doing the right thing, without expectation of any reward at all for doing so. She receives a Sealed Box from King Alfred himself, as well as his notice and recognition of her good judgment.
Make plans for the next turn with your newly increased Training and Zeal, the North Seas Invitational nears, but you still have some time yet as a Squire to sharpen your skills
[ ] Example Plan
-[ ] [Focus Action] Insert Action Choice Here
-[ ] [Secondary Action] Insert Action Choice Here
-[ ] [Secondary Action] Insert Action Choice Here
-[ ] [Chancellery] Pick one available Idea
-[ ] Training and Zeal (60 Training, 126 Zeal)
–[ ] Spend 60 Training on whatever you desire (19 at most may be spent on Feats and Shapes, at least 3 must be spent on Light Revelation or associated Prayers)
–[ ] Spend 0-126 Zeal on whatever you desire
0~0~0
AN: And so the first Adventure comes to a close, with the players--narrowly--doing the Right Thing over what personally enriches them.
This is extremely important, because you just established yourself to be worthy of Trust in the eyes of Alfred the Great--even if he's on his last legs, his successor and his advisors will hear of this, and it will open doors that otherwise might have remained closed--even disregarding the spiritual benefits of facing down your defining Sin and forcing it back.
I'm very proud of you, and so are Audrey's mentors and superiors! Needless to say, you won't regret doing the Right Thing.
The North Sea Invitational will occur the turn after this one, including the adventure to get there, and the adventure to return home. This will be your final arc as a Squire, so keep all that in mind in when you make your plans!
As always, you can donate to the Audrey Character Sheet Fund here!
https://ko-fi.com/alectaitipjar
We're just about a third of the way there! We're making great progress!
I hope you had a good time reading all of this, at least as much of a good time as I had writing it.
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