493 - Envoys To Malahaut

Court Silchester
The mood at court was foul this year, Uther was mainly absent and Ygraine was distraught, the knights were glad when they made their way back to Salisbury.

Upon their return they were told by the Earl that he would be travelling to Malahaut on a diplomatic mission and that they would be part of his escort.

Malahaut
Sometime later and with no event the Earl and his entourage arrived and where welcomed by one of the Kings stewards. Though they were given fine quarters and food, something was not quite right and there was an underlying tension in the air. The King granted an appearance to the Earl and told him he would consider his offer of an alliance. The Earl gave the companions leave and told them to get comfortable as the process could be a long and drawn out one!!!

Over the next few days the companions noted the Earls frustration as the Kings stewards continually derailed any further meeting. When the Earl finally was granted a second appearance he returned enraged as the terms the King was offering were completely unacceptable.

This mystery of why Apres was being so unhelpful and evasive was cleared up when one of the companion’s squires discovered that not only were there other representatives here from the north, but also from the hated Saxons. There were also rumors that the treacherous Northern lords were considering an alliance with the Saxons.

The fuming Earl confronted one of the stewards on this matter and was swiftly invited to the Kings table that night.

The Earl and his escort donned their best attire and attended the feast; several of the companions were outraged to see Saxons at the Kings table. And it was only the laws of hospitality and loyalty to the Earl the held them back. Though no physical fight took place during the feast, there was a battle of words. As each side tried to outdo the other with tales of adventure, battle and victory.

After the feast the companions set about planning to drive off the Saxons, by getting them to compete in a battle of arms. The following day they intended to anger the Saxon so they would challenge them. But Sir Ferroths emotions got the better of him and he challenged the Saxon Broga to a fight the next day.

The following day both sides prepared for the melee, Broga and Sir Ferroth exchanged insults before the bout, both became impassioned. Then a bizarre twist to place Sir Ferroth started screaming and lashing about wildly then fled. His fellows called after him but he ran madly out of site. Broga looked on but he also had lost the interest in the fight, so he and his men returned to the castle.

(Ferroth fumbled and Broga failed their hate rolls)

That evening the Earl in a rage commanded them to prepare to leave and told them to leave Ferroth to his own devices.

As they journeyed back to Salisbury there was an uncomfortable quiet, with the Earl in very bad humor. Though he did not go into details his odd ranting did reveal that the terms Apres had offered were ridiculous and that the foolish King was too busy seeking peace with the treacherous Saxons.

As they continued on their path the Saxons proved their deceitful ways as they set about ambushing the Earls entourage. As soon as the Saxon moved out went the call to arms and though the Saxons had the initial advantage, their attack was soon put down.

The Earl continued back to Salisbury and arrived without further interruptions.

Winter
Winter was soon upon them and the overall mood at court had not improved, the Earl was worried and the King seemed sicker than before. Some noted that the land itself seemed pained by Uthers sickness, as the harvest was very poor this year.