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Let's Go....

Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2019 4:41 am
by Kriztina
A lot has happened since she had to cancel her trip out of town. The bandits had not been around lately since the capture of one of their own. Kollin has been working hard on the bandits and he has some things going on in the Landing with soldiers that has had her own busy as well. For that reason, she continued to delay her trip. However, it has been far too long now. She needed to start getting back in the thick of things. The town needed her to get back to work and not worrying about things that didn’t directly affect them, per say. Kollin and Kory had things under control. Kriztina saw no reason why she couldn’t take troops with her still and go on her trip. She sent a messenger out to get Kartur so she could discuss it with him.

Kriztina had time to sit down, answer a few messages she had received and drink some hot cocoa while waiting for Kartur to come to the house. She was in the middle of sipping on some cocoa when her grandson knocked on the door, “Lady Kriztina, you asked for me?.”

She chuckled, “Get yourself in here, Kartur. When nobody else is around, I’m your grandmother. Come sit, I want to talk to you.

Kartur sat down after getting a cup of cocoa for himself as well, checking for some cookies as well. He found two and brought them to the table offering her one after sitting down. “Alright grandma, what’s up?

After they finished their cookies and cocoa in silence, Kriztina sat back in her seat. “I want to get my trip back on track. What do you need to make that happen?

He sighed heavily, “We don’t have the manpower right now to have a proper entourage for your trip. It would take some time to have everyone back in order to do so.

A loud growl came from deep in Kriztina’s throat, “Why is it going to take such a large entourage? I’ve gone through these streets previously with just your grandfather and myself for many years. How is it different now?

Kartur tipped his head to the side, “Really grandma? You are the Duchess. You are a political figure within the town and for the city of Devardec. You answer to the King. Yes, you need to have this protective detail for your own safety. That is how things are different.

She slapped her hand down on the table, “Yes, I am all those things, but I am also a former GM of the Knights. I am a trainer of Knights and have taught the majority of those that are in charge of the guards here in the Landing. Your grandfather and I taught you in fact. So I think I can handle myself with a smaller group of guards for this trip. It’s not like we are going into uncharted territory. We are going to visit the outside areas of the Landing. That which has expanded outside of the gated limits. Make it happen. Soon. Understood?

Dropping his head feeling defeated, he simply asked, “Is that an order, my lady?

Her brow raised noticing the official wording, though the tone was one of defeat. “If it must be, yes. I need to get this done. I can’t wait any longer. I must find out what or who is out there. I need to know if there is anything out there that can be sold within the city that will help increase our profits. We have been rather sufficient in making the funds that were passed to the city by the Lady Skeezer long ago last this long, but they will not last forever. Do you understand?

Kartur stood up, taking her cup with his and putting them down to be washed later. “I understand. I will work on getting together what troops I can to make this trip happen. I do not expect Kory to be happy about this either, but I will let him know it is your orders.

A soft smile crossed her face as she stood up, walking over to him before he left. “Thank you. I have every faith that you will do everything you can to keep me safe. Who could do that better than you?” She winked at him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Thinking about what she said, Kartur stopped at the open door and replied, “Grandpa,” then left to get busy with his task.

Re: Let's Go....

Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2019 4:44 am
by Kriztina
Kartur left the house and one of the guards outside got his horse ready for him. In the handoff, Kartur informed the man, “I’m going to the barracks to talk to the Commander. Make sure the Duchess is safe until I return.

The guard saluted and said, “Yessir.

As Kartur was leaving on his horse, he considered going to Devardec and telling his grandfather what was going on instead. Then he thought, his orders were to protect the Duchess and right now, that meant getting to the barracks and talking to Commander Kory. While he was there, though, he would send a message to his grandfather and let him know what was going on. He would handle her being mad at him later.

His ride while thinking was fast and steady, the crowd of people in the town moving to one side as he made his ride. They were used to the steady stream of horse riders going through and making way for them. The riders, however, were always courteous to the pedestrians.

Upon arrival, a private took his horse’s reins and saluted the lieutenant. Inside the barracks, he saw soldiers going from place to place, a mixture of Landing and Devardec guards. Once he arrived at the Commander’s door he knocked a couple times and waited for a voice from beyond to tell him it was ok to enter. He wanted several minutes but heard nothing. He tried a second time with the same response. Lowly he growled and stopped the next passing Landing guard. “Do you know where the Commander is?

The guard stammered slightly but responded, “Yes..yessir...he’s at the training room observing.

Very well. I’ll go there to find him. You may go.” Quickly the guard retreated, continuing on his way. He watched the man leave, then turned and went out to find the Commander.

Re: Let's Go....

Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2019 4:45 am
by Kriztina
At the training grounds, troops were in groups. Some were with shield and sword sparring, others were on horseback practicing their jousting. Another group was out of their armor practicing their hand to hand combat. Commander Kory was on his pegasus giving commands to different instructors. His eye was wandering from person to person, watching everyone individually. Critique was given on technique, how to better make a swing or block a hit, keeping the tip of the lance up just right or trying to predict the next move of the opponent and making their own next move from that expectation.

When Kartur reached the area, he heard the orders being given by his uncle alerting him of his exact locale. Dodging the various groups going through their practice, Kartur made his way around the grounds to where the Commander was. He snapped to attention and waited for Kory to acknowledge him. After getting a returned salute, he responded to the Commander’s question, “What brings you here? Why aren’t you with the duchess?

After taking a breath, Kartur leaned over to keep his voice down, hoping to not let anyone else around them know what was going on and told him. “The duchess told me to come let you know she is going on her trip soon. I tried to talk her out of it, explained that we didn’t have the people for her to be going at this time, but she is insistent. She informed me that she is capable of keeping watch for herself and if we didn’t want her going alone, we needed to get her a small group to get going soon. I gave in at that point. I won’t let her go alone.

Kory was grumbling under his breath as he listened, his blood pressure rising. Once his nephew stopped he turned his head to the nearest officer, “Have them continue training. Another hour should do it, switching groups periodically. I’ll watch them again in another week. I have something that just came up.
Kartur got up on the back of the pegasus with Kory, riding to the front of the building, small talk between them. In front of the Academy, the same private was waiting with Kartur’s horse ready to go. Together the two of them raced off, Kory determined to talk some sense into his mother.

Re: Let's Go....

Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2019 4:46 am
by Kriztina
They reached the house, their horse and pegasus panting from the run. Guards were doing the work they were assigned previously when Kartur left. The young man that was at the porch guarding the door came forward to take their reigns as they dismounted. With a nod, the two men went into the house to find Kriztina packing still. When she saw the boys come in she looked at Kartur and said, “I said let him know what is going on, not bring him back with you.

Before Kartur could speak, Kory stepped forward and responded to her. “He told me what you were planning and you will not be going at this time.” Kory stood with his feet part before the door, Kartur standing next to him in shock, his eyes going from his uncle to his grandmother.

Kriztina went from being happy to see them to the most evil eyed look he’d ever seen on her face before. When she spoke, her voice was a bit lower than usual and very deadpan. “Excuse me? You think you can come into MY home and tell me what I can do? I don’t think so. Let me tell you how it is. I - as the Duchess of Abram’s Landing - will be going to visit with those Landing citizens that reside outside of the walls and do what I need to do whether you send a troop of guards with me or not. I do not need or ask for your permission. I TELL you what I WILL be doing. Is that understood?

Kartur tried to step backwards as Kriztina was speaking, the wall stopping him, unable to slide behind Kory and disappear out the door. Kory stood his ground as he listened to her. When she was finally done he took a step forward, giving Kartur the chance to slide to the door in case he needed to make a run for it. He didn’t plan on watching the fireworks if she went off once again. He’d never seen her like this. With a loud exhale, Kory took another step forward and looked down at his mother who was half a foot shorter than him. “Can’t you see I’m trying to keep you safe? Do you realize that I not only have to answer to the citizens of the Landing, but to my father - your husband - if anything should happen to you under my watch. If I don’t do everything I can to protect you, not only from everything else out there, but from yourself, then I am not doing my job. Why must you fight me on this?

She listened to what he had to say and nodded, giving his words thought. “I understand all of that. However, don’t you realize that I have put off my plans for a long time now and I need to get out and do my job. I am not helpless. I’ve used a sword before, if you remember. I helped train you and everyone else in this family on how to do so. The smaller force will be sufficient and less straining on resources outside of the area. We should be able to make our trip a bit faster as well. I am not going on any formal functions that require a large showing. I’m just visiting other citizens. Can you understand this? I need your assistance in getting this job done.

Re: Let's Go....

Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2019 4:47 am
by Kriztina
Together they sat on the couch after the words were exchanged. He held her hands still going over the words she said. Finally he looked up at her with a slight nod, “Alright. I see where you are coming from. I think we both know where each other is coming from. You wouldn’t intentionally put yourself in danger for nothing. This is something you need to do for your job. You have been taking care of yourself a long time, and I need to respect that. I’m still getting used to seeing you in all the lights that you have shining down on you.” He winked at her after he said that making her laugh a little.

Since that is settled. Do you want to discuss with Kartur the best way to get this train moving and we can leave in the morning?

Softly he grumbled, “Can you at least give me two days. I want the men that I am sending to have a little notice. Let them tell their families and say their goodbyes. I know you will be out as long as it takes, be it a few days or a few weeks. Since it is so unknown, they can’t give a time frame. I also ask a little something as well.

Kriztina glared at him, her brows coming together wrinkled her forehead, “What is it?

Relax. It is nothing terrible. I just ask that you have a few younger riders with you. I want them to be runners. They can bring messages to and from so I know where you are, what’s going on. Things like that.

She pondered his request a moment, “Wouldn’t it be easier to use birds with these sorts of messages?

Kory pondered this idea and shrugged, “I suppose we could. However, the frost giants are known to shoot down birds to eat.

She couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “Yes, they do like to do that. They also like killing riders just for the sport of it. Regardless of which we use, it becomes a possibility. Just a matter of if you’d rather lose a couple of young riders or a couple of birds.

He harrumphed to what she said, “There is no choice there. Birds are less stressful to lose than riders. One must be sent every other day, or sooner. If I don’t hear from you for three days, we will be coming out looking for you and then there will be no question the trip is over. Understood?” Kriztina nodded as he continued talking. “I still want a rider with you. He doesn’t have to come and go daily, but he will come get us if you get into trouble and need assistance. That way we can get to you sooner than waiting on the bird. Not negotiable.

Shaking her head she patted her son’s hands, “Commander, you strike a hard bargain. For my safety and the peace of mind of the family, I will do as you request. I’m sure it will put your father’s mind at ease. Which members are coming with me?” She winked at Kory, knowing he was going to have a few family members with her on the trip.

I haven’t decided yet. Actually, Kartur and I are going to go back to the Academy and get the entire list of those that will be coming with you. Most will be your normal detail, and I’ll send one extra set of troops with you. That should be sufficient for now. Fair enough?

They both stood up and hugged in agreement, then walked to the door where Kartur waited quietly. “I will see you both soon? In two days so we can be off? I’m assuming you will be coming to see us off, if not coming with.

Kartur opened the door and held it for them as they walked out onto the porch overlooking all the men standing guard in the yard, working with the horses and taking care of the normal everyday things going on at the house. “I will come see you off, but I cannot go with you. There is too much for me to tend to here.

They all said their goodbyes and she watched the two boys head off back to the Academy. She mumbled something unintelligible as she walked back into the house to continue her preparations.

Re: Let's Go....

Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2019 4:48 am
by Kriztina
Kory and Kartur arrived back at the Academy after centering through town. Together they dismounted and went to the commander’s office. Once Kory sat down behind his desk, he picked up a quill and a piece of parchment before looking up at Kartur. “I need the names of all the men that have been assigned to the Duchess’ detail. They will all be going on this trip. I would also like to send Brendun on this trip as well.

Kartur nodded, verbally going over the list of her detail with Kory. He gave specifics of each man, rank, responsibilities, family and anything else that may prove pertinent. “I will go about telling all the men that we will be going if you’d like. Most of them are at the house now anyway. I will give them two days to get their affairs in order, then meet back at the house before dawn. They will know there is no guarantee of when they will return.

While Kartur spoke, Kory nodded a few times as he listened, agreeing to what was proposed. Once Kartur was finished, he looked up at him, “That sounds like a plan. I will go speak with Brendun. I’m sure he will have no problem in making this trip. He will be able to help you keep her in line. She can get rather stubborn. Just remember her position, not as family, but within the city and yours as well. You may be her protector, but she is your superior in all ways. She will try to offer assistance to others where she can, at times without safeguarding her own safety. Don’t stop her from doing this, but offer to do it for her so she is safe. You have to think ahead of her, or offer other solutions at least, to get things done. Always be thinking. Never let your guard down.

He smiled while listening to the commander. “I have my work cut out for me, especially on this trip of a thousand unknowns. I will do my best to keep my guard up. This is where Brendun will be most helpful.

Kory stood up and walked back around his desk, moving to stand next to Kartur. “One of the reasons I want him there. Go tell the men and prepare them. I’ll send a small troop over to aide in her protection for the next two days while they are making their arrangements. Let me know if something changes.

Kartur turned to look at Kory, snapping him a salute. “As you wish. I will see you again soon. Let me know if you need me for anything.

Together they walked out of the office and to the front of the Academy. Kory patted Kartur on the shoulder and turned in one direction. Kartur got on his horse and rode off in another thinking about what his commander said.

Slowly Kartur rode through town, watching people move about their business. The smell of fresh baked bread and pastries made him hungry again when he went by, but didn’t dare stop. He rode through the countryside and past the church till he reached the house. Upon his arrival, he went to the porch and asked the men in charge to gather all the troops so he could address everyone at once. About fifteen minutes later all of the troops on Kriztina’s detail were lined up before him. “Troops,” he considered saying men but there were a couple ladies in the ranks, “we have been tasked with another mission. The Duchess plans on making her trip outside of the town in two days. The commander and I have talked and you are all tasked to make this trip with her. You know the mission. It is the same as any other while on her detail. The big difference is the location and the need to be constantly on the watch. I want you all to go home and prepare. Questions?

The men looked at Kartur and snapped to attention, yelling in unison, “No Sir!

A slight smile crossed his face as he replied, “Dismissed! Go prepare!” He watched as the men started leaving, listening to the unintelligible chatter as they left before turning around and walking in the door.