Fort Nilocres relaim
Michael James Watson
Taking to the skies laden with provender, the Kolvir Weyr leaves the Bayle's Estate behind. Flying over the vale that hugs the north of Kolvir. The land below stretches between the mountain range and the great Forest of Arden, not being part of either. Isolated dots represent farmsteads and well traveled roads. Rives flow out of the forest to make a river that meanders sometimes north and sometime south. Duncan leans back to speak into Alex's ear, and other friendly touches, and says, “Officially this is called Eric's Vale. He has an estate north of Bayle's called Taigh làidir. A fine place. The region grows a lot of tobacco as well as a lot of cherries and apricots. A huge amount of grapes that the Bayle's use. The region is known famously for making the finest cigars in shadow. You've heard of the potent Whiskey of Amber? Green Gin? Well this is where the Eric's Brown Cigars come from. The estate was fought over by Arlo and his brother Derek at the beginning of the reign. So Random made it crown lands and his people now run it.” “It will be interesting seeing Marke at Nilocres. I had considered taking it for the Dragons headquarters. The rangers have had little to do with it since it is literally across a river and a few miles of land from Kolvir. That makes it pretty far from any Ranger posts but we ride through the vale sometimes when coming to the city. As you know the main Amber Road, the Jeweled Road comes across Arden and goes to the sea below Ober. Eric's Vale has always been sort of forgotten. Eric didn't spend much time there either.” In time the flight sees the castle standing in the center of a field by a river. It looks uninhabited and overgrown, as if the locals try to stay away from a haunted house. Settlements dot the region a few miles south and west. A road sees regular traffic. What looks like a county fair in progress across the river. A crumbling bridge looks 30 meters wide in front of the keep. Circling the castle its clear some people live indoors. The center courtyard looks active but not crowded. The area around the castle is overgrown but on close inspection looks mildly tended. Small garden plots and small patches of grain. Trees in great profusion as if an orchard lost control. A scent of cherry is in the air. Coming down people shriek in fear making way and room. Duncan signals to land but avoid landing in gardens or grain fields. Inside the castle land Duncan and the dragons with Mark and his family. From the balconies of the second floor about 100 people gaze in shock and wonder.
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex listens to Duncan his explaininh of Eric's Vale. Looking down she nods. "Hmm perhaps a nice place to somewhere build a cabin. If it is not visited often." She holds Duncan thightly. Not that she is afraid to fall off but flying on the back of a dragon is a good excuse as any to hold your lover thight. When nearing the Fort Alex tries to assess the situation. Seeing it is lived in and actually sort of tended a slight frown. She had not expected this. She didn't know what she had expected but not immediatly this. When landing she looks at Marke to take point on this. They are just there to help out, fight or just intimidate, either way the call is Marke's to make. She nods to him showing they are ready for whatever. "Marke it is your show so to say. Your command. How do you wish to do this?" Alex slides of the back of the dragon since those around watching are to much in shock and awe anyway.
Michael James Watson
Marke slides from the dragon's back and walk to the front gate. He waves to the people urging them to follow. He walks out into the area in front of the castle. Dragons on the roofs. Dragons in the fields. Seeing the dragons not attacking, and this being Amber after all, the people start converging on the castle front.
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex nods to Marke and follows him. She calls her three Pseudodragons with her. Having her bow ready to grab though she leaves it on her shoulder not wanting to walk up with a weapon in hand as that and the presense of the dragons can give a wrong impression. She stands close enough to Marke to help out in a pinch but stands behind him so it is clear who is in command.
Michael James Watson
The people look uncertain but a few elders walk forward. Marke turns to the frame of the gate. Taking a parchment, with warrant, he sticks it to the frame with a knife. The people see Duncan, a known face and start walking to him. Marke says loudly, "It I I you will speak to. I am Lord Marke of Nilocres. The Fief of Nilocres has been returned to me and I shall be bringing my people here. " The elders look at Duncan, "Lord Warden, who is this? " Duncan approaches, "Filin, isn't it? This fief has belonged to Lord Marke for centuries. He has now returned to claim it. " The elder starts to speak but Marke steps in front of him, "You are citizens of Amber and I am your new lord. We will be bringing people from the realms of shadow to join the Rangers of Arden. Our headquarters will be here. You people have lived without a liege for centuries but you are people of Amber and will adjust easily enough. Mr. Filin, you seem elderly, which in Amber tells me much. Tell your people that they will find me an accommodating liege. Tell the people to send me the local leaders so I may tell them my needs. My people will not dislodge you from your dwellings but they must learn who their betters are. Let it be known that any man, woman, or child in the Vale that if they wish to leave they may take all their possessions, goods, animals, and provender. I shall give them each a belt with a silvered dagger, a pouch with 1000 Silver wings, a woolen cloak cloak, and a pair of shoes. . One month from this day I expect anyone remaining to present themselves to me, my sheriff, or my Messengers at Arms to render their fealty. Any that refuse shall be punished. Have I made myself clear, Mr. Filin?"
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex watches the scene before her. Marke has every right and he doesn't seem aggressive or provoking in his words. The people don't seem directly like the folk that woild attack. She is happy Marke is reasonable and give them a time to decide and leave if they wish so. Although she doesn't mind a fight. She does mind it against civilians. That is just a bridge to far for her. She lets the rest speak and focus on what she sees. Her eyes scan the surroundings beyond the gate to the people. She doesn't expect danger but she would be a fool not to be on guard. A shock can make people dk weird things. But besides watching and lookinv out for the backs of Marke and Duncan, Alex doesn't add to the talk.
Michael James Watson
The people looks a bit confused and while being respectful to the Royals suddenly in their midst they are also concerned about the sudden drastic change in their lives. Marke walks into the castle. It seems largely deserted except for a few squaters. The locals have mainly left it along for the last thousand years. Marke gives orders and opens a trump gate to Rue Katal. His forces were waiting at the trump gate, much to the concern of the people of Rue Katal. THe army starts moving through. Marke speaks to his commanders and they start moving out of the fort, scattering the locals. He has crafters that start going over the building room by room. marking features for repair. Craters and builders go out and start examining the local area and the military starts setting up a tent city for 20,000. The locals really hate this but none of them have their farmsteads this close. A camp city develops with incredible efficiency. As if they have packed up and moved frequently. Everyone seems to know where they are supposed to set up and only the landscape and terrain differ. They center around the castle, the river, and a nearby lake. The lake is a problem though. ITs where the nearest villages are and the locals and the new arrivals start having issues. As the people start setting up Duncan takes Alex aside.. "I have a bad feeling about this.. I want Marke and his people for the Rangers but its likely to be trouble settling them. I don't want the dragons involved, or blamed, and i think maybe you and I should leave him to it. Let him solve his own problems. When he is done we can move them into the rotation as protectors of south arden but there are going to be riots and i don't want to be on the side oppressing people of Amber. What do you think?"
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex watches calmly but with a sharp eye to her surroundings. Now and then giving a half hand signal and look to Karieeena to watch a side if things escelate. When Duncan takes her asside she keeps an eye out to the people. A slow nod. She can feel the growing tension in the air. "Yeah this is not going to be going fully smoothly. I get you do not want the dragons linked with this. You brought them here and that was your promise. I think he can handle things himself now yes. He already has his people in." She nods to Karieeena and then back to Duncan. "Lets announce to Marke we are wishing him well and that he seems tk have it under control. "
Michael James Watson
Duncan nods, "You do the talking, Second. My orders are for him to come to Castle Arden within the month if its his intention to join the Rangers." He steps over and leaps dragon-back, and flys to the sky. Behind the other dragons and riders leap after him. Karieeena says, "No offense to you, but your cousin is going about this all wrong and he is too far along to stop it. See the people fading into the woods? Those people will be rebels in hours. He may not be taking their homes today but he has certainly invaded their lands"
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex nods to Duncan, "I will convey the message." Seeing them all fly up she stands and appreciates it for a moment before looking straight ahead again. An eyebrow.raises. "How is it offensive to me that my cousin is doing this wrong? Because clearly he is... or at least doing it in ways we shouldn't. Maybe he knows of those people. But yeah this is not going to be as easy. " In the meantime she walks up to where she had spotted Marke. If he is busy she waits till he is done but does stand in jis field of vision to let him knos she wants to speak to him.
Michael James Watson
He seems to be doing many things as they set up camp. As she walks up the soldiers have broughs a dozen locals to a side area. Observing it looks like two families. three of the soldiers of Belierand stand with Marke, speaking in a language Alex doesn't know. "You all have quarters established in this building. The locals avoid this place. Why are you here? " One old man steps up, "Its always been our home. My great, grandfather served here. I was raised here. We have a farm east of here we work but some of us remain here in quarters. " Marke asks, "What is your family name? " "Colper, and Fenre, Tand and Kinla." Marke smiles, "I remember a Rikard Tand. He was a child the last time i was here. " The man nods, "That's a family name. I don't know how far back it goes. " Marke says, "Good enough. Let your families know that if they wish to return to service they will be accepted. I need to know about the locals." "Sir, the Tandilig Vale has long been a place of independence. Peoples from the City, North Riding, the Green Vale, and Ober have moved here to avoid the royal hand. Many nobles have sought to seize the vale but King Random doesn't allow them to because of the Bayle's Estate and the fortification of King Eric. And of course Nilocres. " Marke says, "Well, they are on my land and the king has restored my rights to it. Go among them and find the people likely to make trouple. I sahll deal with them."
Amber Bronkhorst
When Marke is done, Alex steps up. She lools a bit concerned at the two families and the man who just got ordered to rat people out. She then smiles a light sme and looks at Marke. "Seems you have matters in hand here. Duncan will return to the Weyr, as i will return ti my duties as well. A message from the Warden. His orders are for you to come to Castle Arden wirhin a month if your intention is to join the Rangers." After that Alex thinks a mome t making sure she isn't forgetting something. Shs then nods. "I wish you well, good luck, and i am aure you have this place ij its rightful glory in no time. " A small nod and she then steps back ready to turn Nd leave
Michael James Watson
AND....SCENE!!!!
